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PTA News
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It was great to see so many of you at Parent Information Night!
If you have to yet signed up for the PTA, please click on the link below to sign up. Your membership dollars fund the many wonderful programs that our children enjoy. Sign
up today!
This is also where you order your copy of the coveted school district Student Directory and Memory Book!
Sign up to volunteer! Children love to see their parents involved with school. There are opportunities for every level of time commitment and many jobs that can be done from home as well. Click here to learn more about opportunities that leverage your talent and enthusiasm. Right now we are particularly in need of Hot Lunch volunteers.
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PTA VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE!
Thank you everyone who stopped by the PTA Coffee & Volunteer Fair last week. We had a great turnout of returning and new families. Thank you to Pookie Stern for providing all the refreshments.
If you were not able to join us for the Volunteer Fair, there are still many volunteer opportunities available! Simply sign up online at www.laslomitaspta.org/volunteer Please sign up by Monday, September 2nd.
The following programs require a lot of volunteers to run successfully. PLEASE SIGN UP! Pancake Breakfast - Pancake Breakfast is right around the corner: Saturday, Sept. 21st, 8:30-10:30am! We need volunteers to Set-up, Cook Pancakes, Serve, and Clean-up. Don't miss this fun Las Lomitas event! Contact is Susie Gostyla sgostyla@gmail.com.
Hot Food - The hot food program relies entirely on parent volunteers for serving lunch, so please consider signing up! Volunteering for hot lunch is an excellent way to be involved with the PTA, see your children at lunch time, have a great time with friends and get to know other parents. We are in need of volunteers Monday thru Friday from 11:45 to 12:30 once a week or every other week, please contact Christina Baszucki christina@baszucki.com
Green Campus - We have an amazing program that is not only educational for the kids but great for our environment. Consider volunteering for Green Campus and spend time with your children during lunchtime. Contact is Marie Klein mariesummers@live.com
Memory Book - Help capture your child's year at school! Volunteer to photograph children and teachers throughout the year or create your child's class page for the school yearbook. Contact is Andrea Jasper laslomitasmemorybook@gmail.com
Art Notecards - Note cards featuring your student's original artwork are produced each Fall with teacher cooperation to raise funds to enrich visual and performing arts. Volunteering with Art Notecards is a fun and easy opportunity to work with the teacher and kids in your child's classroom. Contact is Tissha Brumm tsbrumm@gmail.com
Pamela Stang
PTA Volunteer Coordinator
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We are excited to announce that the Apple for the Classroom program will be available online September 3, 2013.
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.
To view the lists, please visit our website.
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.
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Holiday Workshop Planning MeetingWednesday, September 25, Cano Hall: 9:00 a.m.
It's that time again! Calling all parents! Would you like to help with the Holiday Workshop? Do you have an idea for a craft that our kids would enjoy? Perhaps, be a table lead? Come join us at our opening meeting to prepare for this fun event. If you have a craft, bring a sample to share. Please feel free to contact us if you have questions or want to lead a craft table but are unable to attend the planning meeting. Sign up to volunteer to help with this fun day via the PTA website. Save the Date: The Holiday Workshop - Wednesday, December 4. Contacts: Kristina Valentine (kristinavalentine@yahoo.com) or Josie Tang (jatangmd@yahoo.com).
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Earn money for the school with Box Tops for Education 
It's time to start collecting and submitting box tops! Please remember to collect box top coupons found on many favorite brands, such as Betty Crocker, Nature Valley, Kleenex, Huggies, Ziplock, Avery and so many more. If you haven't already, please submit your box tops in a small bag to the office with your student's name and room number on it.. (There is a cereal box at the counter for you to drop them). We will have a drawing during the school year for those who turn their box tops in. 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 for supporting Las Lomitas!
Judy Nayebi
Boxtops for Education Chair
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Las Lomitas Hot Lunch Program The Las Lomitas Hot Lunch Program began last week. Hot lunch is available for children in grades 1-3. Kindergartners do not participate in the hot lunch program. Choicelunch will continue to provide our hot lunch program. They will be offering new and improved meals this year with additional fruit and veggies, a simple snack and more earth friendly packaging. We look forward to working with them as they are a great way to give our children a hot nourishing lunch! If your family had a Choicelunch account last year, you do not need to re-register as your child or children will be automatically moved up a grade and placed in the proper class. If you would like to add a student to your account, make changes to your existing information, or create a new account, please visit their website. If needed, the Las Lomitas registration code is "Atherton".
The hot lunch program is run solely by parent volunteers and is an excellent way to be involved with the PTA, see your children at lunch time, and have a great time getting to know other parents! We are in need of volunteers every day, especially Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, so if you can help for one hour once per week or every other week, from 11:50-12:50, please contact Ozge Goker at ozgegoker@yahoo.com or Christina Baszucki at Christina@baszucki.com. You can also sign up online here.
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Las Lomitas Education Foundation
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The kids are in class (whew!) and fall is here. Now's the time to add a few important to-dos to your back to school list!
 Renew or register your Safeway or other grocery cards with escrip here. Our grocery stores will donate to our schools every time you shop!
Shopping online? Make llefshopping.com your starting point! By clicking through to other retailers (Amazon!) from our website, a percentage of your total purchase will be donated to our schools at no cost to you. Bookmark us!
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
Are we having fun yet? We are if we're at a fall party with our friends and neighbors! There are still spaces available in some fantastic upcoming parties for parents and kids alike! Click here, register and come out and play.
Coming up in the next few weeks for adults: - Mexican Fiesta Progressive in University Heights - Sept. 14
- 3rd Annual Ladies Tennis Round Robin - Sept. 22
- 7th Annual Camino a los Cerros Progressive - Sept. 28
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From the Principal
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Dear Las Lomitas Families,
This week I'd like to introduce you to our new faculty members:
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Carolyn James is our new second grade teacher. Carolyn received her Bachelor's and Master's degrees at UC San Diego. In addition to her Multiple Subject Credential, she holds a single-subject Science Credential. Carolyn taught 6th grade science and has experience in kindergarten-fourth grades. She very happy to be teaching at the primary level at Las Lomitas, and especially enjoys teaching alongside her UC classmate, Becca Holland.
- Elise Gelb is teaching 3rd grade. Elise previously taught 2nd and 3rd grades in San Jose in Moreland School District. She received her Bachelor's and Master's degrees at UC Davis. Elise served as a BSTA coach mentoring new teachers through their first two years in the classroom. Elise grew up in Redwood City and her husband teaches at Woodside High School. She is pleased to be able to teach so close to her family and friends.
- Stacy Olson is also teaching 3rd grade. She received her Bachelor's degree at UC Santa Barbara and Master's degree at USC. Stacy taught 5th grade in Ross School District prior to coming to Las Lomitas. She is very enthusiastic about technology and how it supports learning in the classroom. Stacy also grew up locally and tutored at La Entrada where her mother, Nancy Olson, teaches.
- Natalie Dowd-Abal is our Strategies Pre-School Teacher. She was taught in a special education preschool in Redwood City prior to her assignment at Las Lomitas. She received her Bachelor's degree at San Francisco State and is a certified Behavior Intensive Case Manager. Natalie has experience working with students with a wide range of disabilities. She will be taking maternity leave soon, but will return after the winter break to finish the year with us. Debbie Cullinane will fill in for her during her leave. Debbie was our long-term substitute in the Pre-School last year.
Please welcome these talented educators to Las Lomitas and be sure to introduce yourself if you see them on campus.
Las Lomitas will be officially part of School Loop beginning September 30th. This home/school communication system was introduced at La Entrada last year. Parents will be able to access teachers' websites, documents and student attendance information. Some teachers have completed their School Loop pages already. These pages can be accessed at our llesd.org website. Others, including the school home page, are still "under construction". We will send you information about how to log-in and access the full School Loop system in a few weeks.
Finally, I'd like to put out an all call for parent volunteers to help with our Hot Food program. We especially need volunteers for Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. The PTA provides this program as a convenience for families. Please contact Ozge Goker at ozgegoker@yahoo.com to sign up. Help us keep this program viable at Las Lomitas!
Until next time,
Sue Sartor
Principal
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From the Assistant Principal
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Dear Las Lomitas Families, First, I would like to take the time to personally welcome you all back to the 2013-14 school year. Hopefully by now you have had the opportunity to review the attached Las Lomitas Behavior Matrix with your child(ren). I wanted to take some time to familiarize you with the matrix and provide information on how and why it was developed. Please click here to link to the Behavior Matrix. Las Lomitas has three rules: - Be responsible
- Be safe
- Be respectful
The rules are simple and few in number by design, but the meaning of these rules for Kinder-Third Graders can be ambiguous. The fact that these three rules overlap each other makes it even more difficult to differentiate what they mean and, more importantly for our students, what they look like in different situations. The matrix is not an end all be all in regards to behavior at Las Lomitas. To create one that encompasses all areas of the school and includes all examples of expected behavior would be a daunting task and one that would not neatly fit on a wall let alone a sheet of paper. It is however designed to be a springboard for conversation about expected behavior at Las Lomitas and a living document that can be added to as situations arise. The matrix was developed after the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) model created by the US Department of Education. The key word here is POSITIVE, which is why the expectations are stated as what to do as opposed to what not to do. In a nutshell, PBIS is a "decision making framework that guides selection, integration, and implementation of the best evidence-based academic and behavioral practices for improving important academic and behavior outcomes for all students." I invite you to click on the link to get more information if you are interested. The matrix is just one part of the system and an important bond between communicating behavior expectations, concerns and celebrations between school and home.  If you haven't already, then please take some time to review the matrix with your child(ren). Last week, there was a behavior assembly for students in grades 1-3 where the matrix and school rules were discussed. Mrs. Sartor and I also visited individual Kindergarten classrooms to share with them the matrix and rules, as well as our "microwave." The teachers have also discussed the matrix with their students to emphasize expected behavior at Las Lomitas. I encourage you to continue the conversation at home and to create a column for HOME. What does it look like to be Responsible, Safe and Respectful at home? Remember to phrase the expectations in positive language to describe what they should do and not what they shouldn't do. In a world of "NO" we need to remember to tell our kids what they can do. Think about parking in San Francisco and how sometimes it would be easier if the city would tell you when you could park. To a great year, Alain Camou Assistant Principal |
School News
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ATTENTION SECOND SESSION PARENTS We need your help to ensure a quiet learning environment for all students. Second session does not begin until 10:15 a.m. when morning recess begins. Please do not arrive on campus, or drop your student off prior to 10:15 a.m. There is no supervision for students between 9:00 and 10:15 a.m.. Early arrival at the flagpole is noisy and disruptive to classes in session. We appreciate your cooperation to make Las Lomitas a place where safety and learning come first. ******************************************  A reminder from the health office: If your child will require medication to be given and/or stored at school, please bring it in the original container with a completed Medication Authorization form to the Las Lomitas school office. Important: a new form must be completed annually in order for us to administer medication (prescription or over the counter) at school. ****************************************** We have Student Accident and Sickness Coverage insurance forms for the 2013-14 school year in the Parent Corner of the school office. |
| Las Lomitas League | |
Registration for Fall 2013 LLL before/after-school classes closes on Labor Day - September 2nd at 11:59 p.m. If you are still interested to register for a class, there are still some spots left, hurry do so before registration closes.
Please note that classes start the week of September 9th and we no longer accept late registrations. The only LLL class that will accept students after registration closes is Chorus. Parents can arrange for their child to preview the class and register by September 20th. Please contact the instructor Pam Donkin pam@pamdonkin.com directly to arrange for a preview.
For parents who have registered for an LLL class, here are 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 September 9th
- 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.
- If your child attends CCLC, please inform CCLC directly of the LLL classes that your child is enrolled in so that CCLC can remind your child when it is time to walk over for their LLL class and your child does not miss any LLL classes. The school or LLL is not responsible for informing CCLC of the classes you have enrolled your child in.
- CCLC has informed that they will only walk Kindergarteners to and from LLL classes. CCLC will no longer escort 1st-3rd graders to and from LLL classes. 1st-3rd graders will have to walk to LLL classes and back to CCLC on their own. If you have any questions on any of the above procedures, please contact the Director of CCLC, Ruby Alter directly at RAlter@cclc.com
- 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.
- 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.
VOLUNTEER! The Las Lomitas League is in need of a registrar (or registrars). This is a great way to volunteer on your own time. The registrar sets up the online registration for classes and sports, answers questions and provides reports as needed. All work can be done at home. Board meetings are held once per month in the evenings. If interested, please contact Maureen Goode at goode4all@gmail.com
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Community News
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Girl Scout Trail Ride Saturday September 14, 2013 @ Webb Ranch. Drop off 1:15 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Pick-up 4:00 - 4:15 p.m. Single riders ok, but volunteer ratios apply. Nut-free snack and participation badge provided. Price contingent on number of riders but will be under $52. Advance registration. No walk-ins. Open to registered Girl Scouts ages 7 and up. Contact Ginny Rader Ginnyrad@me.com for more information.
Classroom Volunteers Needed in East Palo Alto - An Hour a Week Could Change a Student's Life We are looking for parents willing to volunteer in a K-4 classroom this school year. Assist teachers with tutoring and individualized instruction much like you may have done in your own child's classroom, but these classes have no parents helping...no PTA. The schools are located in East Palo Alto and East Menlo Park. It's one hour per week with training starting September 6th. Our organization coordinates everything. To learn more about us, visit us here. Have questions or want to sign up? Contact Carolyn Blatman at CBlatman@aol.comAlpine Strikers FC - Pre-Competitive Soccer ProgramsAlpine Strikers FC is a competitive soccer club based in Menlo Park, Atherton, Portola Valley and Woodside - devoted to player development of the community's future soccer players! The fall season has started and there is still room in the pre-competitive programs for preschoolers and kindergarteners. If your child is excited about soccer and wants to develop soccer fundamentals in a fun-filled environment, please visit our website to register or find out more.
NJB Winter Basketball registration is now open on our website. Our focus is on skills-based instruction, personal growth, and positive competition for kids from 1st through 8th grades in MP, Atherton, PV, Woodside, or EPA. The season runs from November through February.
Portola Valley Theatre Conservatory (PVTC) offers imaginative, challenging THEATRE CLASSES this fall! PVTC's classes are open to students of all skill level, novice to experienced in Pre-K through high school. In addition to teaching acting skills, these classes build self-confidence and encourage collaboration with peers. Each week, students learn about theatre through well-loved theatre games and creative acting exercises. Students also rehearse a short play that is performed at the end of our 8-week session for family and friends. One of the highlights of the performance, in addition to the fact that all students get lines, is using simple costumes, props, & lighting, and performing the play on a real stage. Our fall theme is "Folktales, Myths, and Legends," so all of our short plays will center on classic stories of adventure and heroism. Thursday classes begin Sept. 5. All other classes begin the week of Sept. 9. Register online here. Questions? Email info@pvtc-ca.org Cub Scout 2013-14 registration Interested in Cub Scouts at Las Lomitas? Pack 222 will hold our annual 'Ice Cream Social', a fun, activity filled kickoff event for all 1st-5th grade boys on September 15. See how far your son can shoot our water Balloon Catapult! Come from 1-3 pm at Oak Knoll Elementary School. A new den for Las Lomitas 1st graders will be forming and we'd love to meet your son. If you have further questions, please email Tobias Freccia, tobias@fiarde.com, or visit the Pack 222 website.
Studio Rincon Youth Dance and Yoga Classes on Alameda in Menlo Park. Youth classes start the week of September 9th. Signup here! Preballet, ballet, tap and hip-hop all in a fun and positive atmosphere after school. Classes for ages 3-Teen. View the youth schedule here. |
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Newsletter Submissions
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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;
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The Lion's Roar is distributed via email every Monday. Printed copies are available in the school office, or the newsletter archives may be viewed online. If you have trouble receiving the Lion's Roar, please ensure your email reader or service is not blocking the Lion's Roar because it is a group distribution. To change your email address, please click 'Update Profile/Email Address' below. Thank you!
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The Lion's Roar 