From the Principal
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Dear Las Lomitas Families,
This week's article is filled with tidbits of information. First of all, be sure that Science Wonders
is on your calendar for March 19th. All students are encouraged to wonder and learn about something that interests them. This is one of my favorite events at Las Lomitas. It is a joy to see the students' displays and hear them talk about what they learned. If you have questions or need ideas, contact our wonderful PTA Coordinator, Diana Sunshine, at
sunshine@onderdonk.net. Hope to see you there! At last month's School Site Council meeting, I shared information about our district-wide effort to coordinate emergency/disaster plans. Parents wanted me to share some important points with the rest of you:
- We are working closely with Atherton police and County Safety coordinators to ensure that our plans are sound and we are prepared to respond to varying possible scenarios.
- If you arrive on campus and find no one in the halls and doors locked, please leave immediately and call the office to see if it is safe to enter. We may be running a drill, or we may actually be in a shelter-in-place or lockdown situation. We will not respond to knocks on doors if we are in a drill.
- If we should be in a situation where we need to release students (severe earthquake, etc.), the perimeter of the campus will be secured and all parents should enter from the Cano Hall gate area only. You should proceed to the blacktop where you will see our Student Release Area. Please be patient. I assure you that your children will be safe and that we will release them to you as quickly as we can.
- We will use Global Connect, our emergency communication system, to alert you when necessary. It is important that you keep cell phone numbers and emails current. Go to InfoSnap to update your information.
Las Lomitas has an exceptional recycling and composting program. When we started this program six years ago, we reduced trash from 7 large bags per day to one. Today, with the cooperation of Choice Lunch, we have reduced trash to less than one-third bag of trash per day! We couldn't do this without the support of our wonderful Green Team parent volunteers. These remarkable people help the students sort the trash. Although it is not very glamorous, it has a tremendous impact on our environment and the students' education about conservation. We currently are short on volunteers. If you have an hour per week to help out, come on by between 12:20 and 1:00 p.m. Please consider joining us in making a difference!
As you know, the teachers are focused on learning about the California Common Core Standards and starting to implement an enhanced writing program. All of this takes time for teachers to meet, discuss, learn and plan together. As a result, there will be days when the teachers are out of the classroom to focus on these important initiatives. Teachers make sure that the substitutes have clear plans to carry on instruction in the classroom. District staff has worked diligently this past year to recruit and interview substitutes in order to have quality education continue in the teacher's absence. Your children directly benefit from the time teachers spend collaborating together.
Finally, just a reminder that I will accept letters for consideration regarding student placement
for the 2014-15 school year until May 2, 2014. If you have critical information about your student, please get your letter to the classroom teacher of me right away.
Until next time,
Sue Sartor
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PTA News
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Read-A-Thon Final Results and Thank you!
Congratulations to all of our readers! The 2014 Read-A-Thon was a fantastic success. Las Lomitas students read a grand total of 434,312 minutes over 28 days! 621 popcorn kernels were awarded for students meeting Milestone Minutes. 67 Book Reviews were posted in our Library. Each grade met its goal and enjoyed a Popcorn Celebration on Feb. 28th. Thank you to all the students who participated and to the family and friends who offered their generous support. We raised $24,000 to fund wonderful programs for our students and to support our teachers with classroom funds. Some of the programs you help support are listed in the graph below.
It's not too late to turn in your minutes and donations. Your contribution goes a long way in supporting classroom/program and school-wide needs as shown below! Go to www.laslomitaspta.org/readathon or drop off a contribution to the school office today!
The Read-A-Thon Committee is a fabulous team that deserves much thanks: Julie Blocker, Melissa Cardinale, Silvana Chang, Katya Chen, Kelly Clugage, Marcie Farano, Janet Jennings, Brooke Kvingedal, Julie Herlihy, Deborah Levine, Carrie Littlefield, Elaine McDonald, Sanaz Mirkhani, and Hilary Stevenson.
Many thanks also go out to:
Our Webmaster: Sladana Veljkovic, for managing the Read-A-Thon website and online database.
Additional Parent Volunteers: Yolanda Berry, Alexa Estrada, David Kelsey, Manprit Lalia, Cheryl Pan, Heather Sederquist, and Neil Weintraut
Library Staff: Barbara Torres, Bonnie Thielemann
Storytime Readers: Carol Hedges, Janet Holbrook, Martha Lampert, Lesli Leong, Linda McGhee, Shelly Moran, Claire O'Connor, and Kathy Ruwe
Lastly, hats off to Principal Sartor and Vice-Principal Camou for their support and for dressing up as Mystery Book Characters each Friday!
With gratitude,
Cheryl Cho-Phan
Read-A-Thon Chairperson
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 What does your child "wonder"? It's time for ScienceWonders!
ScienceWonders is the Las Lomitas version of a Science Fair. The completely voluntary, non-competitive event is open to any Las Lomitas student. To participate, students should think of a question (I wonder...), look for an answer by experimenting or researching (I did...), and create a display with their findings (I learned...) to share with their friends and families.The displays will be presented in Cano Hall on Wednesday, March 19 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. More information can be found online and the packet here. You may register online now. If you have any questions, please contact Diana Sunshine at sunshine@onderdonk.net
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liLas Lomitas Education Foundation
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The Las Lomitas Education Foundation invites grandparents of the
children in Kindergarten through 3rd Grade to
2014 Grandparents' Day At
Las Lomitas Elementary School
Friday, May 23rd
Check-in begins: 9:00 a.m.
Program: 9:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Visit www.llef.org to sign up online
The morning will include music and PE presentations, a student art exhibit, and classroom time with grandchildren.
We sincerely regret that we only have space for 450 people, so this event is for Grandparents only. Parents, nannies and friends are welcome to participate by volunteering for the event!
Because space is limited, you must register online in order to attend this event. Please email GPDay@llef.org if you have any questions or would like to volunteer.
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Help make this our best auction ever by donating an item, service, or event
We are seeking your support through donated items. Your generous gift of an auction item will help support our schools high quality teachers, small class sizes and enhanced curriculum. The opportunities are endless here are some suggestions:
- Tickets (sports, concerts, theater, etc.)
- Travel (vacation homes, airline tickets, local getaways, etc.)
- One-of-a-kind events or getaway sponsors
- Parent or kid party hosts
- Behind-the-scenes experiences(host one where you work or with an organization you support)
- Gift certificates from local businesses
If you're not sure what to donate, we can help! Email us at auction@llef.org
http://www.llef.org/auction
Please support our schools and donate today
Excellence is built one donation at a time
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School News
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Music Informances are coming up! 
Please come watch your child's music informance. This is an opportunity to see what we're working on in music class.
Music informances are scheduled for the week of March 31-April 4 in room 37.
Your child's specific time is listed on the music website. Click on the following link and then take time to look around the new music website.
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You have all been so patient and persistent. Guess what? Fun Friday is BACK! This Friday, March 7, come on out to the field for some FUN! Mr. Oren and other parent volunteers will be there to help kick it off. We hope to see many of you out there. Mr. Camou and the Fun Friday Crew
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 u 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, 2014. Any placement information received after this date may not be
considered due to our placement schedule.
Until next time,
Sue Sartor
Principal
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Information about AttendanceStudents are expected to be at school unless they are ill, or if the parent reports that they will miss school due to an unavoidable family matter (funeral/wedding) or medical appointment.
 Education Code Section 48260 defines a student as truant if he/she has an "unexcused absence of more than 30 minutes on three (3) different days or more." If your child is regularly late to school, or misses school due to travel, he/she will be considered truant. If an absence is not reported to the school on the day of the absence, it is also considered unexcused, even if the child is sick.
Students who have good attendance records consistently do better in school! Please help us keep our student attendance high by taking family vacations during our scheduled holiday breaks.
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Registration Information for 2014-2015
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KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION for 2014 - 2015 INFORMATION:
Kindergarten registration for children who will turn age five on or before September 1, 2014 opened on Monday, January 6, 2014. If you are planning to send your child to Las Lomitas in the fall, please register as soon as possible. Thank you.
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Next Year Session Requests - Returning Families ONLY
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Session Requests for 2014-2015 ~ RETURNING FAMILIES ONLY
If you have a
current kindergarten or first grade student and wish to move to first session next year, you must put that request in writing to Mrs.Sartor. She will begin taking requests by letter or email starting at 10:00 p.m., January 1, 2014. You may email her at ssartor@llesd.org. No requests will be honored prior to this date and time. Your requests will be placed on a wait list in order received. New family requests are not accepted until February 1, 2014, allowing our returning families to have priority on the wait list. If you are on this year's wait list, you must make a new request for next year. We do not "roll over" the list from year to year. Please call Mrs.Sartor if you have any questions about the session request process. |
Stanford Studies Seek Participants
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AUTISM RESEARCHERS at the Stanford University School of Medicine are recruiting twins for an investigation of the role of genetics in shaping the autistic brain. The team is seeking same-sex twin pairs aged 3 to 14. Study subjects can be identical or non-identical twins. In addition to a non-invasive MRI scan, all subjects will also receive standard cognitive and IQ assessments, as well as a battery of diagnostic tests for autism. To obtain more information or volunteer for the trial, contact the study coordinator, Sue Cleveland, at (650) 723-7809 or cleve@stanford.edu.
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CHILDREN WITH ASPERGERS OR HIGH FUNCTIONING AUTISM NEEDED FOR STANFORD STUDIES: Do you have a child age 7-12 with high functioning autism or Asperger's Syndrome who would like to participate in a Stanford brain study about how the brain processes auditory or mathematical information?
The Stanford Brain Development Project is also seeking typically developing children within the age range of 7-12 for these studies. Participants must be right-handed, verbal, without braces, and able to complete several testing sessions and an MRI.
Visit our website or more information and to fill out a participation form, email braindevelopment@stanford.edu or call Leslie at 650-736-0128.
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STANFORD BRAIN DEVELOPMENT STUDY - Brain Imaging Research on Learning in Children
Do you have a child who likes to play puzzles, math games, or memory games? If so, join the Stanford Brain Development Project, and help us understand how children learn information!
We are seeking children who are right handed, ages 7-12, without a learning or attention disability, and without braces.
Visit our website for more information and to fill out a participation form, email braindevelopment@stanford.edu, or call Leslie at 650-736-0128.
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EMOTION REGULATION AND AUTISM - The Stanford Psychophysiology Lab is recruiting children and young adults ages 8-22 with ASD, ADHA or typically developing controls for a large scale research project investigation emotion reactivity and regulation among children and adolescents. For more information contact Dr. Andrea Samson and her research assistants at aserr.samson@stanford.edu or call (650) 353-5777.
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FLYERS ARE AVAILABLE IN THE LAS LOMITAS SCHOOL OFFICE FOR ALL OF THE ABOVE.
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Business Partners
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 Nice Lice Advice - 75% of the mothers who bring their children into Honeycombers also have lice. My four daughters had lice twice, but I never got them, even though the girls were sleeping with me from time to time and we snuggled at bedtime. We've asked our customers and it seems like the most likely culprit in those cases where the mom gets lice is sharing combs or brushes. It seems so easy to just grab your brush from your purse and run it through your little one's head... but try to resist the urge. Keep your brush, comb and hair accessories high up out of children's reach, and invest in a brush for each child. Even if lice does come into your life, hopefully it will skip you. Brought to you by Honeycombers Lice Advice & Treatment Salon in downtown Menlo Park. Come by to purchase all-natural lice prevention and treatment products to treat your children for lice yourself at home. Or call 1.888.863.2005 to book an appointment to have your children checked, and if needed, treated for lice by our friendly Combers. We offer appointments 7 days a week in our bright, clean salon or in the privacy of your own home. Honeycombers - The Sweetest Way to be Treated
Champions Preschool and Pre-K @ Las Lomitas  Champions at Las Lomitas is currently enrolling in our Preschool, Pre-K, Before and After School Programs. Our center is open from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Contact Ruby at 650-233-1860 to schedule a visit or get information about which program best meets your family's needs. Visit our website.
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Community News
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SPRING BREAK LEGOŽ CAMP ( April 14 - April 18) @ Oak Knoll Elementary Grades K-5.
BrainVyne - Providers of LEGOŽ education: Each day includes LEGOŽ build and play with LEGOŽ Zoom and LEGOŽ robotics models as well as favorite camp activities- games, art, sports. 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Post camp till 6:00 pm for an extra fee. Register by the day or sign up for entire week at a discounted price. Register Now!
AMA Softball Registration now open!
Girls from K-7th grade are invited to join us for the 2014 AMA Softball season. Everyone plays and teams are organized by schools. Volunteers are always welcome, especially coaches. Register today!
Encore Lacrosse is excited to host the most FUNdamental lacrosse camp for introductory and intermediate players! Sign up to play the "fastest sport on two feet!" No previous experience is needed for beginners as safe soft balls are used, and lacrosse sticks can be purchased ($30) and delivered at camp. Equipment rentals are available for the intermediate division. For more information visit here or e-mail at info@EncoreLacrosse.com.
Creighton School of Wrestling
Now at Sports House, Redwood City! Come get CREIGHTONTRAINED by two-time National Champion and Wrestling Hall of Fame Coach Braumon Creighton! Spring wrestling classes are available for ages 8-18, and all skill levels are welcome. We offer training for beginning through advanced wrestlers on Mondays and/or Wednesdays starting March 10. Register now! Summer camps will be posted soon.
Studio Rincon Youth Dance Classes
Studio Rincon on Alameda in Menlo Park- Winter/Spring session of youth dance classes start the 1st week of March. Signup here. Pre-ballet, ballet, tap & hip hop are all taught in a fun and positive atmosphere after school for ages 3-Teen. Classes lead up to the annual end if year show at Woodside HS PAC! View the youth schedule online.
Jeannie Goldman, instructor for Creative Art for Young Children, is offering winter classes for children 3 yrs. to 5th grade, January 8 - April 5 at the Portola Valley Town Center. The Winter session begins with white animals, snowy backgrounds and snowflakes! For more info, go to their website or call Cindy, 851-1700 ext. 200, to register. Jeff Arons' Spring Tennis Program begins February 1st at Sacred Heart. The programs are for adults and juniors. For more information, please go to our website or email jeffaronstennis@gmail.com. Junior All Terrain Runners (Jr-ATR) Join us for an exciting new program for kids age 7-14! Through our fun, non-competitive curriculum, kids will work on all aspects of movement using confidence (obstacle) courses, core & strength work, and running. Visit us online. Mavericks Youth Water Polo Menlo Swim and Sport welcomes Brenda Villa, the most decorated female water polo player ever, as the new Head of Mavericks Water Polo. Girls and Boys 12U and 14U teams forming now, register today!
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Summer Programs/Camps
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Registration flyers for the Las Lomitas Summer Program are available in the school office. The program runs June 23 to July 18, Mondays through Fridays, 9-1. The theme this year is Alaska and the Arctic. Join us for this exciting enrichment program!
Camp Menlo Summer Camp
Camp Menlo Summer Camp registration is now open for camps starting June 2, including our award-winning Camp Menlo Aquatics camp for kids age 4.5-9, Jr Lifeguard for age 9-14, Tennis and Swim for age 7-14, Performance Swim for age 9-18, and two Water Polo camps for beginners and more experienced players. Register before January 31 and save $25 on 5-day summer camps!
Panthers "All Sports" Camp is back for another exciting 2014 summer. Located at Corte Madera School in Portola Valley, Panthers Camp has been thriving in the bay area for the past 20 years. We look forward to working with your kids this summer. Our primary focus is building confidence & inspiring a passion for a variety of movement skills. For more information, here is the link to the Panthers Camp website. In order to register, please visit here. If you register before 3/1/14, you will get the early bird special. Please let me know if you have any questions (danflahavan@gmail.com). I look forward to another great summer with your kids at Panthers Camp.
Captivating Dance by Nona Summer Dance Camp: Learn/improve dance techniques for Hip Hop, Jazz, Lyrical/Contemporary, Tap, Ballet, and more! Additional fun activities included throughout the week. For advanced campers only - a different special guest choreographer will teach a master class during one day of each weeklong session!
Ages: boys and girls 4-17 Location: 1923 Menalto Times: M - F 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (Beginning/intermediate); 10:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. (Advanced) Sessions: June 16 - July 28 Fees: $385/week (family and multi week discount available) Contact: is again offering several camps this summer. There are flyers in the Las Lomitas School office. Visit our website or call 1-800-854-3684.
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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 
