| School News | |
Dear Las Lomitas Families,
Now that kindergarten tours and registration have begun, several parents have asked how we create classes for the next academic school year. This article outlines our placement process.
In May the faculty spends three afternoons putting together the following year's classes. Each grade level team makes up the classes for the next grade. The Placement Committee members place incoming Kindergarten students into classes.
The teachers work carefully to create classrooms that are evenly balanced in terms of:
- Gender
- Sessions (K-2)
- Academics - high, medium and low performing students
- Special needs - students who work with our many specialists such as Language Lab, Speech & Language, Resource Program, Reading Recovery, Reading Groups and Math Lab.
- Health and other special factors
Teachers' names are not assigned until after the class configurations are complete.
In order to maintain balance in class size we often have multi-graded classes. This year we have a K/1st and a 2nd/3rd multi-grade class. We also have job shares on our campus. This is when two teachers decide to co-teach a single class. Multi-grade and job share classes are of the same high caliber as all other classes. These classes are formed using the same process described above.
In August, the teachers on the Placement Committee volunteer to come in to review and finalize class lists with me to accommodate students who have enrolled or moved away over the summer.
We put tremendous effort into creating balanced classes to best meet the needs of all our students. We are continually refining the process and are proud of our results.
If you have important information about your child's placement for next year, please let the classroom teacher know, or submit that information to me in writing before May 1, 2013.
Any placement information received after this date may not be considered due to our
placement schedule.
Until next time,
Sue Sartor
Principal
|
| PTA News |
Report your Read-A-Thon minutes today!
Go to the PTA/Read-A-Thon website here!
A new year brings new wishes, so now is a good time to look at the teachers' Apple for the
 Classroom wish lists again. Your support can make a real difference, so please consider picking an apple today.
The Apple for the Classroom program is a way for parents to support their children's teachers directly. All the teachers and specialists at Las Lomitas have been invited to create a "wish list" of items that would help to further enrich their classrooms. Wishes may include art supplies, gift cards, books, or donations toward a special activity or field trip.
Once at the site, select the list you want to view. This is where you can then "pick an apple" -- teachers' lists are divided into two sections, so you can choose to bring an item directly to the classroom or you can choose to make a donation via PayPal. All donations are tax deductible.
Feedback is appreciated. Please contact Julie Chandik (jrchandik@gmail.com) with questions or comments about the Apple for the Classroom program. For questions about the Apple for the Classroom website, please contact webmaster@laslomitaspta.org.
Thank you for supporting our teachers and enriching your children's experience at Las Lomitas.
Box Tops for Education
It's time to start collecting and submitting box tops. We will be having a drawing at the end of February for those that have submitted box tops. If you haven't already, please submit your box tops in a small plastic bag to the office with your student's name and room number on it.. (There is a cereal box attached to the side of the counter across from the lost and found). We will have a drawing on February 26th so please turn them in before then. Don't forget that your everyday online purchases can also help Las Lomitas. Visit the box top web page and designate Las Lomitas as the school you wish to support. Then, every time you shop online, as long as you enter through the Box Tops web page, a percentage of your purchase will be credited to our school.
Thank you!
Judy Nayebi
Boxtops for Education Chair
LOOKING FOR A FEW GOOD MEN AND WOMEN!
Thank you to those of you who have already self-nominated for placement on the PTA board! If you're not ready to join us yourself, but know someone else who'd make a valuable asset to the board, please feel free to nominate them. We'll be happy to follow up on your recommendation!
Join us and learn first hand what happens at Las Lomitas. The PTA is looking for board members for the 2013-2014 academic year. Many of these positions require very little commitment of your time. Below is a list of our Las Lomitas PTA Executive Board positions. Please drop us an email and let us know if you're interested or would like to learn more. We'd love to have you on board!
- President - Christy Chin is slated to be the 2013-2014 PTA President
- 1st Vice President - This position requires a 2-3 year commitment. The first year is spent planning school assemblies and learning the ropes of the President position. The second year is the Presidency and third Parliamentarian
- Volunteer Coordinator - Helps with staffing all the PTA committees and organizes recruiting at the PTA General Meeting in August
- Hot Food Board Chair - Typically filled by one of this year's Hot Food Day Chairpersons
- Membership VP - Responsible for marketing, recruitment and reporting of PTA general membership
- Secretary - Takes and publishes PTA Board meeting minutes and coordinates communication with Room Parents
- Treasurer - processes receipts and payments, produces monthly reports for PTA Board meetings, files annual tax returns
- Past President/Parliamentarian - filled by current year's PTA President or other designee
|
| Las Lomitas Education Foundation | |
HELP US EARN $80,000: DONATE BY JANUARY 31st!
We are so close: 77% of families have donated to the Foundation already! Our schools will get an additional $80,000 if 80% of all parents participate in the giving campaign by January 31st. For those who haven't given yet, please don't delay -- your donation, of any amount, will make a significant difference to our kids.
Donate here.
Thank you to our donors the week of 1/15/2013 - 1/21/2013!
Michael Banks and Jennifer Tatko, Lisa Cesario and Roger De Lusignan, Ian Clazie and Kirsty Baker, Damon and Cynthia Gage, Michael and Kristin Galvin, Victor Garcia, Gregg and Kelly Holzrichter, Cynthia and Michael Jessup, Joydeep and Danae Kamdar, Walter and Grace Leclerc, James Lim and Colleen McDonough, Ricardo and Elisa Maldonado, Jim and Kim Marshall, Casey McGlynn, Tom and Lisa Newton, Dorrian Porter and Stephany Ayotte, Frank Scioscia and Karen Zack, Rainey Sealey, Hakan Sipor and Agnieszka Chojnacka, John Thipphawong and Amy Harber, Raphelle Gabriel-Toth and Gabor Toth, Wanmo and Linda Wong, Sam and Jane Worden
 Buying Valentine's Day cards, flowers, or gifts? Visit LLEF Shopping first! Whether you're making cards, ordering flowers, or choosing just the right presents for your loved ones, remember to start your online Valentine's Day shopping here. A portion of every purchase turns into a donation for our schools! Participating vendors include Tiny Prints, Minted, 1800flowers, Amazon, Red Envelope, and many more. Happy Valentine's Day from the Las Lomitas Education Foundation! Winter Events
Act now...there are a few spots remaining for the following upcoming Events & Adventures:
- Indian Cooking Class and Dinner Party (for parents) - Saturday, February 2
- Chinese New Year Party in Old Shanghai (for parents) - Friday, February 8
- Ice, Ice Baby!!! Skating for the Entire Family - Sunday, February 10
- La Entrada Kids Care at San Francisco City Academy -Take Two - Wednesday, March 13
For event descriptions, pricing and to buy E&A tickets now go here.
|
| Las Lomitas League |
Registration for Winter/ Spring Classes LLL before/after-school classes has closed. The only LLL class that is still accepting students is LLL Chorus. Parents have until February 15th to preview the class and register. Please contact the instructor Pam Donkin (pam@pamdonkin.com) directly to arrange for a preview.
Please note that classes start this week. For parents who have registered for an LLL class, here is some important information to take note of:
- You will receive a welcome email from your LLL instructor before the end of this week requesting for the dismissal instruction form to be completed. It is mandatory that parents email the completed dismissal instruction form directly to the LLL instructor before class starts. All LLL classes start week of January 28th.
- Please provide your Las Lomitas classroom teacher with your child's dismissal plan so she knows your child needs to go to the LLL class or sport on a given day. Without written instructions stating otherwise, your child will be sent to the flagpole, bus or CCLC as usual.
- Please report your child's absence from a LLL class or sport by contacting the LLL instructor directly. The school office is not involved in absence reporting for LLL classes.
- Please be punctual to pick up your child after a LLL class or sport at the designated class location, and not at the flagpole. If you are going to be late, please let the LLL instructor know in advance and with written notice with the name and contact number of the adult authorised to pick your child up. The LLL instructors cannot stay late to supervise your child. If parents are repeatedly late, the student may not be able to continue in the class as a possible consequence.
- For parents who have registered on a wait list, you will only be notified via email IF a space becomes available - we appreciate your understanding that admittance is not guaranteed.
For more information, please refer to our FAQ on our website.
For a weekly reference on LLL classes taking place, please refer to our online LLL calendar. |
Crosswalk Safety
|
CROSSWALK SAFETY TIPS Safety comes first at Las Lomitas. Please take a few minutes to review these safety tips for using the crosswalk in front of the school and the crosswalk across Camino al Lago. With everyone's cooperation, we can be sure that our students are safe at arrival and dismissal time. - ALWAYS use the crosswalkS! Be a role model for the children, even when tempted to cut across the drive-through or loading lanes. Remember, evenwhen you are alone, other children may be watching your example.
- LOOK BOTH WAYS before crossing! Cars may not see you - watch for them.
- Drivers, approach the crosswalk area slowly! Be especially cautious if you are in the drive-through lane. You must stop at the crosswalk between Camino al Lago and the school sidewalk.
- DRIVERS, CHECK TO SEE IF THE CROSSWALK IS CLEAR of students and parents before driving forward.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation. |
DELAC Meeting
|
DELAC (District English Language Advisory Committee) invites you to a DELAC Meeting and Technology Night Thursday, February 7 at La Entrada. The meeting is at 6:00 p.m. in the library and the technology presentation is at 7:00 p.m. in the computer lab. For questions and to RSVP, please contact ELD teacher Lesli Leong at Las Lomitas lleong@llesd.org or (650) 854-5900 ext. 219.
|
Lost and Found
|
The Lost and Found will be donated January 31, 2013. Please come in and have a look!
|
| Business Partners | |
These programs are not supported by or affiliated with the La Entrada School or the La Entrada PTA.
Creative Art For Young Children
@ Portola Valley Town Center WINTER SESSION 2013 JAN. 9 - MAR. 23 (no classes Feb. 20 - 23)
Teacher: Jeannie Goldman (650) 851-1914
To register contact the Portola Valley Town Hall (650) 851-1700, Cindy or Teresa (ext. 200) or register online. Youth Dance Classes at Studio Rincon on Alameda in Menlo Park. Preballet, ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, advance hip hop, breakin' & poppin'- all in a fun and positive atmosphere after school. Classes for ages 4-Teen. View the youth schedule here.
|
|
Community News
|
These programs are not supported by or affiliated with the Las Lomitas Elementary School or the Las Lomitas PTA.
Help East Palo Alto 3rd Graders with Reading
Please join All Students Matter volunteers "adopt" third grade students who desperately need help reading. If you are interested, we will start February 4th. We will commit one to two days a week (Tuesdays and/or Thursdays) from 12:40 - 2:00 p.m. at Brentwood Academy. The third grade teachers will welcome us and guide us through this focused effort. The program will last 10 weeks and will allow you to develop strong ties with third grade students struggling with reading. To volunteer, call or email Carolyn Blatman at cblatman@AOL.com or (650) 269-5354.
Tuesday, January 29th from 7:00 - 9:30 p.m. - Carol Dweck, Ph.D.
The Friends of the Menlo Park Library present Mindset: An Evening for Parents with Stanford Psychology Professor and Author Carol Dweck at the Hillview Performing Arts Center, 1100 Elder Avenue, Menlo Park. Space is limited and registration is required
Winter and Spring Camp Menlo: Open for registration!
Winter and Spring Camp Menlo sessions offer professional swim instruction at Burgess Pool in a fun-filled camp format for all levels, ages 5-10. Daily level appropriate instruction provided by our excellent team of Menlo Swim School instructors in lessons with a 4:1 ratio. Out of the pool, campers enjoy various group games and activities that encourage self-confidence, growth, teamwork, and fun. Camp available Friday, February 15, February 18-22, March 25-29, and April 1-5. Register today here.
Carillon Preschool is excited to announce that we are accepting applications for our 2013-2014 school year! We offer a 3's program 2 days per week, 4's program 3 days per week and a Young 5's program 4 days per week. All programs are half day, developmentally appropriate and play-based but uniquely designed as building blocks toward Kindergarten readiness. The campus is beautiful, And we aim to incorporate our natural environment into all of our programs. For more information or to schedule a visit, contact Lynn Sowers at (650) 529-1335 or email us at carillonpreschool@ccpvw.org Baseball and Softball Registration for 2013 Spring Alpine/West Menlo Little League and AMA Softball is now open. Details can be found on our website here.
Jeff Arons' Spring Tennis Program at Sacred Heart begins February 1st. Visit the website for more information. Menlo Park Library News The library is offering a free Mandarin/English Bilingual Storytime every Thursday at 10:15 a.m. for children ages 5 and under. Activities include stories, songs,and finger plays. Adults are requested to accompany their children.
Panthers Camp - Summer 2013 Panthers Camp is an "All Sports" camp held at Corte Madera School and directed by Dan Flahavan during the 2013 summer. For more information visit the Panthers Camp website. If you are interested in registering, please click this link. Please contact Dan Flahavan if you have any questions (dflahavan@pvsd.net).
We are currently conducting a research study at Stanford University on emotion regulation and reactivity among children with and without an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). We are recruiting children with ASD and typically developing children (ie. children without a diagnosis of ADD, ADHD, Asperger's, ASD, or any other psychiatric illness) between the ages of 8 and 21. The study consists of up to 4 sessions and participants will be reimbursed $30 for each session and an additional $30 if the online components (questionnaires and a daily emotion journal) are completed. The total potential cash reimbursement is up to $160. US Citizens only (must have social security number to receive payment). Please contact us at aserr.samson@stanford.edu if you are interested in having your child participate. For general information about participant rights, contact (866) 680-2906.
|
|
Newsletter Submissions
|
The Lion's Roar is published by the Las Lomitas PTA as a service to the Las Lomitas families and community. Before submitting an article, please read our newsletter policies.
To submit an item, email Carol Clark (cclark@llesd.org) by 12 noon on the Wednesday prior to the Monday publication date.
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;
- DO NOT send the article as an attachment but in the body of the email: submissions sent as a Word doc will be rejected;
- Clearly indicate the title of your submission;
- DO NOT send flyers but provide a link to them;
- DO NOT send pictures but provide a link to them;
|
|
|
The Lion's Roar 
