School News
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 Calling all 8th grade parents...
Graduation is coming and we need your help! 8th grade parents plan and organize the graduation party, for all graduating 8th graders, which takes place at school following the ceremony on June 8th.
Please join us, Friday, January 22nd at 11:00 a.m. in the MUR to kick-off the planning.
At this meeting we will fill all the committee chairs (see below for a list) and pick a theme so bring your creative ideas (Pinterest has some great ones) and get ready to have fun! Please don't share with your kids, the graduation party theme is always a highly guarded secret and a fun surprise for the graduates when they see the room for the first time! If you cannot make the meeting on the 22nd, but would still like to be involved, please contact Kelly Holzrichter. There are a lot of jobs that can be done at home and, realizing we are all busy, most of the work can be done via email with only a few in-person meetings.
Committee Chairs: Number of people are in parenthesis although any job could be done solo or with a partner.
Decorations (2) Entertainment (1) Party Food (2) Memory Wall (2) Volunteer Coordinator (1) Ceremony (1) - includes decorations and reception Fundraising (2) Pool Party (1)
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PTA News
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Sign Up for the La Entrada Geo Bee Contest!
All La Entrada students, grades 4 - 8, are invited to participate in the La Entrada Geo Bee. Our top 10 finalists will receive a cool drawstring backpack, the top two finalists will receive t-shirts, and the winner will take a qualifying test for a chance to compete at the National level! Join us for some fun and share your passion and knowledge of geography!
Geo Bee Contest Date and Time: Thursday, January 28th, 3:00 - 5:00 p.m., in Jensen Hall
La Entrada Science Fair -
February 3-5
Students - Get ready for the Science Fair! The Science Fair is a fun event that allows you to work in groups with your friends, to experiment and to present your ideas. This self-driven project gives you the opportunity to be creative and think out of the box. Start imagining what you would like to discover and with which friends you would like to work. Please register your project by emailing Diana Sunshine.
Parents - The La Entrada Science Fair prepares kids for complex projects with team work. The Science Fair process includes posing questions, problem-solving, experimentation and communication. These are all skills all our children need to be successful in our ever-changing world. The Science Fair is a fun way to start mastering these skills. Please encourage your child to participate. You can find a more information about projects and how to's at www.sciencebuddies.org.
All 6th - 8th grade finalists will go to the San Mateo County Science Fair. The finalist from the San Mateo County Science Fair will go to the California State Science Fair. In the past, La Entrada students have been selected to participate in the California State Science Fair - a very prestigious commendation.
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From the Principal
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We hope you had a restful three days off and are up and ready for 2nd semester. If you have any questions about your schedule please stop by room 7 or the front office.
Announcements
Thinking of which language to take next year? 7 reasons to consider Mandarin: 1. Mandarin Chinese is the official language of China, Taiwan, and Singapore. It is the mother tongue for billions of people, making it the most widely spoken language in the world.Learn to speak Mandarin and you can speak with billions of people around the world. Speaking Mandarin is an asset and will open new doors for students. 2. Mandarin can be found amongst very rich and diverse cultures: With more than five thousand of years of history, Chinese culture is endlessly fascinating. Whether your interests are in history, architecture, music, or cuisine, knowing Mandarin will enrich your understanding of Chinese culture. 3. Fast growing Chinese economy: China is the second largest economy in the world and one of largest trading partners of the United States. Many US companies do business in China and have long-term investments there. People who speak Mandarin have a huge advantage in tapping into the Chinese market. It is much easier to develop all-important relationships if you can speak Mandarin. 4. Importance for your career: Speaking Chinese gives you an edge when competing for some job positions, or brings you more customers/clients. Many international businesses prefer to hire people who speak more than one language, especially Mandarin Chinese. 5. La Entrada Mandarin classes can prepare students for high school: Both Woodside and MA High School have Mandarin programs. Learning Mandarin in La Entrada Middle School will give students a solid foundation and prepare them well for studying Mandarin in high school. 6.Qualified Mandarin teacher: Mandarin Chinese is our teacher's native language. She taught in middle and high schools for eight years in China. She has three years experience teaching Mandarin in public and private schools in California, including elementary and middle schools. 7. Well-developed Mandarin program in La Entrada Middle School: the program will help students develop listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills on Mandarin language. Students will learn and practice these skills based on daily life, as well as learn about Chinese culture and traditions. The classes use the simplified Chinese characters and teach students Pinyin, a tool to guide students pronounce Chinese characters. Instructional strategies include projects, activities, discussion, film/video, and textbook/workbook activities. After three-year of Mandarin classes at La Entrada, students will be able to reach level 2 in a high school Mandarin program. In Need of iPad Assistance? Make sure and suggest your child visit the school's Tech Ease program. Any 6th, 7th or 8th grader can come by Ms. Mitchell's office during Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday lunch recess for support from our student run Tech Ease support team. Tech Ease has been on campus now for over two years and consists of middle school student IT volunteers who have been trained by our Director of Technology, Suzanne Mitchell. Questions about apps, broken iPads or any other related needs will be answered. Warmly, Shannon
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Las Lomitas League
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Spring registration is now open and closes this Friday, January 22nd at 11:59 p.m. Detailed class descriptions are on our website. Classes for Spring include Chess, Creative Dramatics, Jazz Dance, Let's Make a Movie, Play in a Box and more.
TENNISTennis coaches wanted: The La Entrada League Tennis program is in need of two coaches to instruct varsity and junior varsity teams. The season begins in March and runs into early May. Each team would practice twice per week and have a match against neighboring schools. A stipend is attached. For more information, email Tim Goode.
TRACK Registration is now open for the La Entrada track team. Student-athletes are invited to learn and compete in sprints, distance events, long jump, high jump, shot put, discus and javelin.
Practices being April 11 and continue every Mon/Wed from April 11 through May 18. It's from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. at the Menlo-Atherton High School track. Run faster! Jump higher! Join LE track and field.
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Las Lomitas Education Foundation
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We are so grateful for the support of a majority of our District Families. Thank you to all who have contributed! If you have not yet given, the time to give is NOW. Our schools and our students need your support. Please make your impact, show your commitment, and do your part - every gift of any size matters. Help us reach our 80% participation goal.
Please take a few minutes and make your contribution TODAY. We need all donations by January 31, 2016. It is important to know that the
Las Lomitas School Board meets in early February to determine next year's budget.
The Foundation must commit to an annual gift amount that the Board can count on, and that we can deliver.
NOW is the time we determine the number of teachers and extracurricular classes that we can support next year.
What could be more important than investing in your child's education?
We need your help today. Please click here to
Inquire about your employer's matching gifts program to increase your donation to the District. Our Matching Gifts Coordinator can help you determine if your company will match your contribution.
Join or Update eScrip - It's as easy as 1, 2, 3!
- Visit http://www.eScrip.com
- Register or renew credit cards at the eScrip website and then designate Las Lomitas Education Foundation (Group ID# 125673324)
- Start Shopping!
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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!
LA ENTRADA PARENT EDUCATION SERIES
"Conflict-Free Techniques for Motivating Your Child" - with Eran Magen, PhD, The Center for Supportive Relationships
Tuesday, February 23, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
La Entrada School, Multi-Purpose Room (MUR)
2200 Sharon Road, Menlo Park
Tired of feeling like you're battling your child to do the right thing? In this highly interactive 90-minute workshop, you will learn and practice conflict-free techniques for boosting your child's motivation and cooperation. Reduce your own parenting stress while enjoying a stronger, more cooperative relationship with your teen or pre-teen.
Eran Magen, Ph.D., is the founder and scientific director of the Center for Supportive Relationships, which provides relational skills training for school districts, higher education institutions, healthcare professionals, and private corporations. Dr. Magen received his MA in education and PhD in psychology from Stanford University, completed post-doctoral training in population health as a Robert Wood Johnson Health & Society Scholar, and served as the research director of the department of Counseling and Psychological Services at the University of Pennsylvania.
LE Parent Education Series events are free and open to parents, students, faculty/staff, and community members. This event is sponsored by the La Entrada PTA.
Questions? Email Charlene Margot, M.A., Founding Director, La Entrada Parent Education Series, or call (650) 868-0590.
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Spring Sports |
Listings below are one time postings only in lieu of a separate Spring Sports Spot edition. The Spot is not accepting additional spring sports listings at this time.
Calling all Baseball and Softball players!
Alpine/West Menlo Little League and Softball is open for registration for ballplayers aged 4 to 13. We're looking to teach young players, give parents opportunities to hone their coaching skills and provide (paying) jobs for kids interested in youth umpiring. Little League Baseball and Softball offers a combination of fun and competitive play in a community-centric environment unparalleled in youth sports. Come join the fun. Registration closes on January 21st for players ages 8-13, so sign up at alpinelittleleague.com as soon as possible!
JEFF ARONS' SPRING TENNIS PROGRAM AT SACRED HEART SCHOOLS
Beginning February 1st
Classes for Adults and Juniors
Jeff Arons is the director of tennis for Sacred Heart Schools. His coaching experiences include founding/directing the East Palo Alto Tennis and Tutoring Program and coaching a Wimbledon doubles champion.
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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. Open enrollment closes Friday, February 19, 2016 at 4:00 p.m.. There are no late exceptions.
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.
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.
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. one morning tour is still available. Thursday, Thursday, February 11 from 8:30 - 10:00 a.m. See our website to sign up and obtain 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.
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