From the Principals
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Dear La Entrada Community,
M-A 8th Grade Information Night at M-A:
Come learn about the academic program and offerings on Wednesday, October 21, at M-A. The night includes a Principal's welcome, small group tours lead by students and PTA volunteers, and classroom presentations by M-A teachers from core subject areas. No sign-up necessary. The program runs from 6:00 - 8:30 p.m.
M-A 8th Grade Information Night at LE:
Principal Simone Rick-Kennel and guests will meet in the Library on Thursday, October 29th, at 6:30 p.m. for an informational gathering about Menlo-Atherton High School.
Quarters/Trimesters/and Conferences:
Our fourth and fifth graders' school year is divided into three, 12-week trimesters. Our sixth through eighth graders' school year is divided into four, 9-week quarters. Because both the first quarter and first trimester are close to ending, it is time to start thinking about teacher/parent conferences.
Conferences are held during the week of November 9-13. The teachers are excited, and looking forward to spending time with you to discuss your child's progress in class. Students will be released from school at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of that week. Tuesday, November 11, is a holiday.
4th and 5th Grade Conferences: These conferences are scheduled through the individual teacher. If you have not already received communication regarding conferences; it will be coming out shortly.
6th - 8th Grade Conferences are scheduled Online! Parent/Teacher conferences will be held on November 9, 10,12, and 13. As you can imagine, with each student having up to 8 different teachers, and the teachers only having four half days for conferencing, it would be impossible to have enough time slots for every teacher to meet with every parent of the students s/he teaches. Please keep this in mind as you are scheduling your conferences. Formal grades will be mailed by October 30th. Your student's grades may help you decide if you need to schedule with a particular teacher or not. Please know that all of our teachers will make sure to meet with any parent who would like to schedule a meeting at any point during the school year. All you need to do is email or call and set up a time.
PTC Wizard is a web-based parent/teacher conference scheduling system. Parents can create and manage their conference schedules in an easy and time-efficient manner. Here is what you need to do to schedule a parent/teacher conference:
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Registration opens at 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday, October 27.
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You will first need to register and enter the names of your 6th-8th grade children.
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Follow the steps, and the program will instruct you on how to choose a child, choose a teacher and set a time for the conference.
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When you have finished scheduling, a confirmation email will be sent to you.
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Conference availability closes at 2:00 p.m. on the school day prior to the conference. For example, registration for conferences on Monday, November 9 closes at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, November 6. Registration for conferences on Thursday, November 12 closes at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 11.
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If a teacher's time slots are full, please call the office. We will maintain a wait list.
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If the online system, for any reason, does not seem to be working for you, please call the office, and Mrs. Parisi or Mrs. Stosz will assist you.
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Because space is limited, please login and cancel any conference that you will not be able to attend.If you need to cancel after registration has closed for that day, you will need to call the school office. The school office number is 650-854-3962.
Used Book Sale:
Also coming up quickly is the Used Book Fair. A huge thank you to the community for the donations and to the volunteers that have worked at organizing and pricing the books. I look forward to seeing the fair setup with the 5,000+ books Nov 9-13.
Private School Recommendations:
The season of private school applications is upon us. If your child will be applying to a private school for next year, please make sure that we have any recommendation forms or requests (that need to be filled out by a teacher or administrator) by Wednesday, December 2. Students will need to complete a brag sheet prior to their letters being written. Forms can be picked up in the counselor's office, Room 7. Most recommendation request forms this year are coming to us electronically. We are keeping a master copy of the recommendations requested and will be keeping track of the letters as they are processed. If for some reason you are applying to a school that does not use the electronic system, all forms and stamped envelopes must be given to Gina Parisi (in the main office) and she will make sure they get to the correct people. In addition to the requests for electronic letters of recommendation, each parent will have to provide the school with a transcript release request. If the school to which you are applying does not accept electronic transcripts, please provide the office with a stamped envelope that can be mailed to the school or to the company processing the school's applications. For questions or clarification, please contact Kim Witthaus, 8th grade counselor, or Gina Parisi in the front office.
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Any requests for recommendations received by Gina Parisi after December 2, 2015, are not guaranteed to be completed by the private school's published deadline.
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All Private School Recommendations are confidential and completed on a voluntary basis.
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Parents are to refrain from discussing the recommendations with the La Entrada staff.
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The Las Lomitas School District is supportive of the process by providing time for staff to complete Private School Recommendation forms submitted by the due date of December 2, 2015.
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Gina Parisi will inform parents when the Private School Recommendation forms have been processed.
Halloween:
Halloween falls on a Saturday this year, and many students are excited about the prospect of dressing up in their costume while at school. Below are our school's costume rules, as well as descriptions of our Halloween Holiday Traditions here at La Entrada.
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Halloween Costumes: Students may come dressed in their costumes to school for the day. Rules for costumes include: No masks allowed, no gory and bloody costumes (our older students need to remember that we have 9 year olds on campus), no fake weapons and costumes must follow our dress code (no mini-skirts/spaghetti straps and/or low cut tops).
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5th Grade Halloween Parade: Our 5th graders will be modeling their homemade costumes that they have been designing in this project-based math lesson. The students are challenged to design and create a costume that costs them no more than $10.00. Parents, as well as other classes on campus, come out to our blacktop to view the parade. The 5th grade parade will begin at 8:30 a.m. Again, only 5th graders march in the parade. We do not have a school wide Halloween Parade where all grades participate.
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PTA Halloween Carnival: Every year PTA volunteers work to create a fun lunch recess carnival on our blacktop and field. Please contact Jeni Mahon if you would like to lend a hand. A photo booth, hula hoops games, pumpkin seed relays and more are planned for this year's carnival.
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Classroom Halloween Celebrations: Some classrooms will coordinate with parents to plan classroom celebrations, usually involving thematic treats. We continue to request that parents keep healthy snacks in mind when creating those "ghostly nibbles" or "spidery snacks". Kids are sure to collect sufficient candy treats while trick-or-treating and we'd prefer that classroom celebrations not provide sugary drinks or snacks. All the staff thank you, in advance, for this!
I wish all students a safe and happy Halloween and once again would like to remind students to only trick-or-treat with family or friends, please don't venture door to door alone. Please bring flashlights with you when walking around your neighborhoods and always look over any candy and goodies when you get home for opened or torn bags.
Students are not allowed to bring candy caches to school following Halloween, so please talk with your child about how best to ration their lunch treats following this sugar-laden holiday! The Expect Respect Club will be happy to collect extra candies to donate to a local charity or the Military Troops.
Warm regards,
Shannon
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PTA News
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The 2015-2016 Reflections theme is 'Let Your Imagination Fly'
The arts and National PTAŽ Reflections support student success and serve as a valuable tool for engaging families and building strong partnerships in the school community. Founded in 1969, Reflections engages nearly 300,000 students and their families in arts education activities each year by encouraging students to explore the arts for fun and recognition.
REFLECT on the theme. CREATE art. BE RECOGNIZED! Pre-Kindergarten through grade 12 students are encouraged to submit original works of art in one or more of the following categories:
- Dance Choreography
- Film Production
- Literature
- Musical Composition
- Photography
- Visual Arts
Students with disabilities may receive special accommodations by entering the special artist division.
To participate, please refer to the rules for each category and fill out the entry form and return it to the office with your submission by November 5th. The Reflections Gallery and Awards Show will take place on November 19th at 6:30 p.m. in Jensen Hall. All students and parents are welcome! To volunteer for this event, please contact volunteers@laentradapta.org.
La Entrada Used Book Fair 
Now collecting books for the La Entrada Used Book Fair! Please donate your unwanted books (children's and adult) to this fantastic event. 100% of the proceeds go directly to La Entrada School and PTA funded programs. Books will be collected from October 12 through Oct 30 at both Las Lomitas and La Entrada. And don't forget to
mark your calendars for the La Entrada Used Book Fair (Nov 9th -14th). It's a great place to shop for new and like-new books for the whole family! Please, no technical or textbooks. Questions? Please contact Monica Albers.
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Las Lomitas Education Foundation
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The 2015-16 Annual Giving Campaign has launched!
and this year we have added a special boost. . .
Announcing the Giving by Grade Challenge!
The grade with the highest giving level WINS $200 per classroom for extra supplies and activities!
Donate before November 13th and help your child's grade level WIN!
Donate online now at
 Coming up very soon:
Click here, register and come out and play. . .
- 6th Annual Gentlemen's Hold'em Tournament Party - Oct 24
- 6th Annual Mother/Son Bowling - Nov 7
- "What's in a Movie?" Workshop for 6th - 8th Graders - Nov 10
If you have a Target credit card, you can enroll in TCOE and designate a school. 1% of all your purchases are donated to the school. Click here
Make sure your grandparents are connected to receive an invitation to Grandparent's Day in the Spring, and our newsletter just for them! Register them here.
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School News
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Requesting Homework Procedures
When a student is absent due to illness, it is best to focus on resting and getting well. After three days of excused absences, parents may request homework from the front office if the following methods are not sufficient:
- Check SchoolLoop for homework assignments and due dates. Check resources such as weekly or monthly assignment sheets or websites or call a friend in class to find out what work was assigned
- Call or email our front office staff by 9am on the day you wish to pick up missed homework. Requests made after 9am will not be available on the same day.
Any work provided by a teacher will be in the homework cubby box in the office after 3:00 p.m. If someone other than a parent or sibling is going to pick up the homework, please let Ms. Parisi or Mrs. Stosz know when the request for homework is made so they can be helpful.
Preferred Practice: Get make-up work from teachers upon return to school. Students are allowed two days to make up homework for each excused absence.
 Picture Make-Up Day is Monday, October 19th
Parents, you should have received your online ordering login information from our picture vendor, iClickSmiles. If you failed to receive an e-mail or hard copy with login information, please notify the LE Office.
iClickSmiles has asked parents to sign up for make-up pictures no later than Wednesday, October 14th, with the following link: iClickSmiles make-up form.
School Talent Show! 
Are you a musician? An athlete? An actor or actress? A scholar? An artist? A gymnast? Tryouts for the Annual Talent Show will be held during both lunches in room 20 during the week of November 2-6th. All potential acts are asked to perform only thirty seconds of his/her act in front of a panel of ASB student judges and Mrs. Rianda.
When selecting acts for the show, we make sure that there are at least two acts per grade level, there are a variety of different talents, and that both genders are well represented. Unfortunately, some acts will not make it into this year's show. Acts that make it into the Talent Show will be posted outside the door of room 20 on Monday, November 9th. The Talent Show will be held on Tuesday, December 8th at 6:30 p.m.
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Parent Education
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THE PARENT EDUCATION SERIES ON FACEBOOK
Now you can Like us on Facebook! The SUHSD Parent Education Series Facebook page will keep you posted about upcoming parent education events, articles on parenting, schools and education, community parent events and more!
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Community News
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Please bring your family & friends and join us in a PIZZA and PASTA FUNDRAISER for the upcoming Washington D.C. trip of our 8th graders!
Amici's East Coast Pizzeria 880 Santa Cruz Avenue
Menlo Park
Monday, November 9th
11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Dine in OR take-out
(no deliveries)
Present this flyer and Amici's will generously donate 25% of your food, beverage and GIFT CERTIFICATE purchases to help support the Washington DC trip of our 8th graders!
This fundraiser event is only valid at Amici's Menlo Park. Amici's cannot promise seating together for large groups.
 Halloween Costume Drive
Please help the families of Haven House Family Shelter have a great Halloween week, participating in their school and many other Halloween events, by donating new or gently used costumes in all sizes (infant through adult). The Girl Scout troops of Las Lomitas and La Entrada are working together with Suzanne Mitchell (LLESD Technology Director) to collect costumes at both schools. (The bins will be out at both schools from 10/7 - 10/21.)
Haven House, part of Innvision/Shelter Network, offers emergency and transitional housing for homeless families. Each night almost 100 kids (infants to teens) call the shelter home while their parents are working to move them back to permanent housing. Your donation of Halloween costumes will offer that these families can participate in the fun of the season at a very difficult time in their lives!
Any questions: contact Suzanne Mitchell. Both school sites support and encourage your support.
 Be a facilitator at M-A's Challenge Day - Be the Change!
Join us one day - Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday, October 26, 27 or 28 for this memorable workshop that helps freshmen break down barriers and create new levels of empathy and respect. This is one of the most meaningful volunteer opportunities at M-A and a great way for parents to gain insights into M-A. Volunteer facilitators lead students through games, activities and trust building exercises and are guided by a professional, trained Challenge Day leader. The time frame is 8:15 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
To volunteer, email Julie Quinlan. Please note "Challenge Day Volunteer" in your email subject line.
 Interested in being a mentor for a high school student?
The Academy program is a small school environment which targets at-risk students. During their Junior year, students may request a Community Mentor that works with them on both academic & career goals. The students career interests are widespread from law enforcement and medicine to environmental planning and video game design.
The commitment is approximately 2 hours per month, with most interactions via email and four face-to-face meetings over the course of the school year. The first meeting is scheduled for Friday, October 30, 9:00 a.m., and the program wraps up in early May.
Any questions, please email the Mentor Coordinator, Faith Velschow, or call
(650) 591-7502.
Tell Our City Council How to Make Menlo Park Truly Bike Friendly
The Menlo Park City Council is currently considering a field trial of bike lanes on El Camino Real but is not evaluating the alternative of an east-west bike connection across this highway. Re-Imagine Menlo Park, a local website/blog, invites all residents to tell our city leaders which investment in our community bike network would be most beneficial for them and their families. Please spend a few minutes to complete an online survey - whether you and you family currently ride bikes, or not - and encourage your friends and neighbors to do so, as well. Initial survey results will be published in October.
Girl Scout Information Event - Tuesday, October 27th
Is your daughter interested in Girl Scouts? Come to a parent information meeting at the Encinal Elementary School Library (195 Encinal Avenue, Atherton) on Tuesday, October 27th from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Kindergarten and first grade girls can become Daisy scouts while second and third grade girls can become Brownies. Troops will be forming at many area schools. Parents of girls all ages are encouraged to attend. For more information, email Barrie Shapiro or Michelle Carlson or call 1-800-447-4475 ext. 3018.
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Sequoia Union High School District Open Enrollment Policy:
New changes to 9th Grade Open Enrollment were approved by the Board of Trustees effective for the 2015-16 school year. Open enrollment information for the 2016-2017 school year can be viewed here.
Get to Know M-A High
School
Interested in what's going on at Menlo Atherton High School? Sign up for M-A's BearNotes to receive the weekly newsletter here.
Shadowing
A visit can be very important in helping students determine which high school will be the best fit for them. Shadowing takes place on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays from October through February. Shadowing is very popular and appointments fill fast, so sign up early to reserve your spot. Available dates are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
View and request shadow dates here.
Come and learn about Menlo-Atherton High School, Wednesday, October 21
8th Grade Information Night is a wonderful opportunity for parents and students to get to know M-A. The event begins at 6:00 p.m. with a Principal's welcome and performances by our Jazz Band and Dance Team. At 6:30 p.m. groups will rotate through various sites on campus to learn more about our excellent academic programs from our teachers. M-A students will also be on hand to share their experiences.
Campus Tours, Saturday, October 24 M-A Leadership students will lead informal campus tours, beginning at 10:00 a.m. Please meet in front of the library. The last tour is at 11:30.
Get to Know Woodside High School
Interested in what's going on at Woodside High School?
Sign up to receive the Woodside High School weekly newsletter here.
7th and 8th Grade Information Night
Wednesday, November 4 2015, 7 - 8:30 p.m.
Performing Arts Center
Come and meet the Woodside administration, teachers, counselors, support staff, and current students and parents. Learn about Woodside's academic and extra-curricular programs, and have all of your questions addressed by our staff. We look forward to seeing you and your student. No rsvp is necessary.
Shadowing We look forward to giving you a glimpse of a day in the life of Woodside High School student. The shadow program is designed for all students, including transfer students, who are interested in attending Woodside High School. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet new people; we are sure that you will find Woodside students to be friendly, welcoming, and fun. Shadowing occurs on B-days during 2nd and 4th periods, brunch, and lunch (click here for the Woodside block schedule.) The shadow program is run through the leadership class and the students in leadership are the shadow leaders. Click here to register to shadow at Woodside.
Parent Tours:
Our Parent Tours offer an intimate look at Woodside High School. Talk to the principal and a member of the administrative team, ask as many questions as you like in a small group setting, visit classes, walk through the campus during passing periods, get a sense of the friendly and academic culture of this exemplary comprehensive high school. See our website for sign ups and more information.
Be a part of a public education reform movement that prepares students for 21st century success in college, career, and life!
For more information on Summit Schools, click here.
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The Leopard's Spot is published by the La Entrada PTA as a service to the La Entrada families and community. Before submitting an article, please read our newsletter policies. To submit an item, email it to the editor at leopardsspot@llesd.org by 12:00 midnight on the Wednesday prior to the Sunday publication date. Submissions to personal email accounts are not accepted.
Submission Requirements:
- In the subject line of the email, please include the section in which you wish your item to be placed (see our newsletter policies for the list of our regular sections); for example, the subject may read "PTA News" for any item related to PTA programs.
- Send the article in the body of an original email: submission sent as Word doc or other attachment will be rejected.
- Provide a .jpg or .png attachment for all pictures and graphics.
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