We have a great offering of events for the adults, too! Tickets are still available to most of our in demand parties...be sure to look online and buy your tickets now!

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We are excited that this year Las Lomitas will be hosting Grandparent's Day on this Friday - May 23rd.

We hope that you have mailed the invitations to your children's grandparents so that they can RSVP and join the festivities. You can also RSVP for them by clicking here, or going to www.llef.org and clicking on the Grandparent's Day icon on the left side. The RSVP deadline is the end of April, or when we reach 450 grandparents, which ever is earlier. Because space is strictly limited and because each grandparent has his or her own schedule for the day, grandparents must register online to attend the event.

We sincerely regret that Grandparent's Day is limited to grandparents only; however, parents, nannies, aunts, uncles and family friends are welcome to participate by volunteering for the event. We could really use your help to make the event a success!

Hurry and sign-up to volunteer today - it will be a fun and exciting morning, with wonderful memories in the making! Click here to volunteer now.

From the Principal

Dear Las Lomitas Families,

Last week's Dance Festival was wonderful! Hats off to the Linda McGhee, Carol Hedges and Kaitlyn Chernikov for coordinating and teaching all the dances, including the teachers' "Happy Dance". It was one to remember!

As we head toward summer, I get a lot of questions about supporting learning during the vacation. The following is an excerpt from an article by Mary Mastain, former member of the International Reading Associations' Parents and Reading Committee. I hope you will reflect on her "checklist" and consider how you may be able to incorporate opportunities for learning at home.

A Parent's Checklist

How many of these things do you do to encourage your child to listen, speak, write and read?

I take time to talk with my child every day.
I take time to listen to my child and answer his or her countless questions.
I sing and/or recite rhymes to my child.
I read something (newspaper, magazine, book) every day, showing my child that reading is important.
My child and I have library cards (the best of all credit cards).
I take my child to the library regularly. We both select books to read by ourselves and aloud together at home.
Together we look at books and magazines, each of us talking about what we see and read.
I ask my child to tell me a story or to describe something he or she has done or seen.
I often write down what my child tells me and read back the "story" exactly as it was dictated to me.
My child has his or her own bookshelf (or a box or a drawer) to hold books.
I take time to read aloud to my child each day as often as my child will listen to me, or asks me to read to him or her, and I encourage all members of my family to do the same.
My child watches carefully selected television programs, and I limit screen time so there is at least equal time for reading.
I praise my child's efforts and accomplishments so that he or she will have self-confidence and zest for new learning experiences.

I look forward to seeing you all at Open House on Thursday and your grandparents here at school on Friday!

Until next time,

Sue Sartor

PTA News

Tuesday, May 27 is Parent Note Day!

Las Lomitas parents are invited to bring some notes to express gratitude to our teaching and non-teaching staffs. When we asked the staff what made them feel most appreciated, they specifically mentioned sincere notes from parents. The note collection box will be placed in the office from Monday, May 19 until the morning of Tuesday, May 27. The notes will be sorted and delivered on the 27th.

As with all of our appreciation events, this is not limited to your one classroom teacher. Please express your thanks to anyone on the staff who has made a difference to you.

In addition, we will have some treats in the staff lounge that day. If you would like to help with some treats, please email Kristine Westerlind at kjwesterlind@yahoo.com.

For any other questions or suggestions, feel free to contact either Kristine Westerlind (kjwesterlind@yahoo.com) or JungEun Lee (lee.jungeun@gmail.com).

Grandparents' Day Schedule

PLEASE NOTE THE SPECIAL SCHEDULE FOR GRANDPARENTS' DAY, FRIDAY, MAY 23RD

All Kindergartners attend school 9:00 a.m. - 12:20 p.m.

All first, second and third graders attend school 9:00 a.m. - 2:05 p.m.

School News

Information about Attendance

Students 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.

Parents of Third Graders

LA ENTRADA OPEN HOUSE - Tuesday, May 20th

La Entrada teachers will hold Open House in their classrooms on Tuesday, May 20th beginning at 6:30 p.m. Incoming 4^th graders and their families are welcome to attend this event. It's a great opportunity to meet the fourth grade teachers: Ms. Goldman, Room 30, Ms. Cummins, Room 31, Mrs. Rivers, Room 40, Mrs. Montalvo, Room 41 Ms. Thelen, Rm 32 and Mrs. Behrens, Room 43, Ms. Bicknell, Rm 44. (NOTE: Next year's teacher assignments have not been determined as of this date.)

Questions? Call Kathy Ruwe, school counselor at Las Lomitas ext. 267

Water Pollution Presentation by Brownie Troop 61718

Please join Brownie Troop #61718 to learn about the importance of water and ways to protect this precious resource. Troop members will be at the flagpole the morning of May 21 to present on keeping our water and food chain clean. The girls promise to educate and inspire you to love water and hope you will join them in making a water promise.

Keepsakes provided to the first 300 participants who join the girls with pledges to help save or conserve our water! Join us!

Sequoia Union Bond

PLEASE JOIN THE LAS LOMITAS PTA IN SUPPORT OF "CITIZENS FOR SEQUOIA UNION HIGH SCHOOL - YES ON A" - The Sequoia Union High School District has a bond up for vote on the Tuesday, June 3 election. The district's great high schools have drawn families to its communities, causing a surge in student enrollment. Enrollment has increased by 20% over the last 12 years and is expected to grow another 20% in the next 7 years. Measure A will provide additional classrooms and labs, as well as updated technology to help the district continue its excellent academic programs as student enrollment grows. Please visit the Yes on A website at www.greatsequoiahighschools.org to learn about Measure A and how you can help. If you have additional questions about Yes on A, please email Jennifer Le at jenfle@gmail.com.

Business Partners

Business Partners are sponsors of the Las Lomitas Education Foundation. These announcements are not endorsements from the Las Lomitas PTA.

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

Welcome to SOLID! Our organization was co-founded by a parent at Las Lomitas, and we arecommitted to our mission to help build a SOLID foundation for schools. We design and sell great t-shirts and each time you buy a SOLID tee - we will donate 28.5% of the sales to Las Lomitas Elementary School.

Please check out our website. You can support Las Lomitas NOW by purchasing a SOLID tee directly from our site!

Like us on Facebook
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Summer Camp at Champions

When school's out, fantastic fun is in!
Kids want to have fun this summer, so give them six exciting camps to keep them active and engaged. Want to know more? Life will truly be a zoo during Animal Antics, where kids will learn about animals, and even exercise like them. Your child will learn all about color, textures and lines while learning about famous artists when we hold an Art Expo. By digging into Ancient Egypt, children will enjoy dressing like mummies and building pyramids. Splish Splash sports will keep them cool and active in a water-based, non-swimming environment. Our Wilderness 101 theme will teach children basic survival skills. Not only will your child have a new learning experience, they'll be having a fantastic time while making new friends! Las Lomitas Champions summer camp will run from June 23^rd to July 18^th Preschool (9am-2pm) and School-age (1pm-6pm). Full day camp (8am-6pm) available at Nixon Champions. Contact Ruby at (650) 233-1860 or visit our website.

Community News & Events

Please enjoy this information on various offerings in our community. These announcements are not endorsements from the Las Lomitas PTA.

Creative Arts for Young Children is offering art classes with an Ancient Egypt theme this spring. Everything from clay pyramids to drawing hieroglyphics will be explored. Classes are for children from 3 years to 8th graders and are Weds - Sat afternoons and Saturday mornings too. To register, contact Cindy at 851-1700 ext 200 or register online.

Circle of Friends Preschool Looking for a great little preschool in the Las Lomitas neighborhood? Come see our developmental, play-based program where children have opportunities to create, explore, problem solve, learn skills and concepts, and integrate knowledge in a hands on supportive environment. 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. For more information, please email cofpreschool@gmail.com, call Debbie 650-854-2468 or visit us online.

Paws To Read

Children's Summer Reading 2014

June 9 - August 9

Readers are winners at the Menlo Park Library! Read at least 5 books, and submit a special project (diorama, report, drawing, collage, sculpture, etc.) about your favorite book, and you will win a FREE BOOK, plus a few surprises, AND be entered in a raffle to win one of many special prizes. Additionally, join us for our special summer events! For more information, call us at (650)330-2530. Stay tuned! Our new website will be adding summer reading information soon a

Leave Your Paw Print on the Library! Summer Mural Art Project

Wednesdays June 25, July 2, July 16 and July 23 - 10:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

Join art instructor Betsy Halaby to create a 3-D animal menagerie to decorate the library!

AYSO Region 109 Menlo Park - Atherton Soccer
Registration for fall soccer begins online at midnight on May 1. All children born between August 1, 1995 and January 31, 2010 are eligible for our recreational league. Returning players can complete registration online; new players must come to walk-in registration on Saturday, May 10 or May 17 from 10 am to 1 pm at Hillview Middle School, 1100 Elder Avenue. For more information, visit our website or email registrar@mpsoccer.org

Alpine Strikers FC Tryouts for Fall 2014
Want fun competitive soccer for the fall? Join the Alpine Strikers FC!!! High quality professional coaching and fun play in local league games. Tryouts for all age groups, 6 years old and up, will be starting the week of May 13th. Please visit us online for more information and registration.

Studio Rincon Youth Dance Classes

Studio Rincon on Alameda in Menlo Park- Winter/Spring session of youth dance classes started 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.

AYSO Region 25 (Portola Valley, Woodside, La Honda)

SIGN UP NOW FOR AYSO FALL SOCCER FUN!

For boys and girls ages 4-14. Register online April 1 - May 31

Fees: $175 until June 1 (U8 and up); $125 Kinder (U6) $225 late registration. For questions please contact Don Yates at r25regcom@gmail.com or 650-851-2690. K-League plays Wednesdays or Thursdays at Ormondale (subject to change); U7-U10 games Saturdays in Portola Valley and Woodside; U12-U14 Saturdays.

PLAYFWD Community 3 or 5K Walk and Run

Date: Saturday, May 31, 2014, 9:00 a.m.

Location: Foothill College, Los Altos

We have launched a new campaign and we need your participation to help support education and kids. Join us and support our cause! Walk, play and have fun with family and friends. 100% of funding raised supports school programs for education and sports worldwide. Great prizes for 1. Best Costumes 2. Highest Group Participation 3. Highest Fundraisers. Use discount code for LAS LOMITAS participants only: laslomitas. Register here!

Summer Programs/Camps

Please enjoy this information on local area summer camp. These announcements are not endorsements from the Las Lomitas PTA.

LAS LOMITAS SUMMER PROGRAM: Incoming kindergarten through 4th graders will learn about our 49th state of Alaska and the Arctic. This enrichment program spans 4 weeks, from 9:00 to 1:00, June 23 to July 18 at Las Lomitas School. Registration forms can be found in the school office or by contacting Barbara Fong at llsp@me.com.

Join us for Jeff Arons' Summer Tennis Camp at Sacred Heart. Morning camps are for beginning/intermediate players to develop their skills while afternoon camps are geared to improving match play performance. Camps are Mondays through Fridays, 9:00 a.m. - noon and 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. for first through twelfth graders. The ten one week sessions begin June 9 and end August 15.
Email jeffaronstennis@gmail.com or visit us online.

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!

SUMMER DANCE CAMPS at Studio Rincon - Dance Camps are scheduled and ready for online sign ups for ages 3-Teen. Six different camps to choose from- with amazingly talented and fun instructors. All Camps are offered in the afternoon, providing a healthy snack and a lot of fun. Conveniently located close the home at 3536 Alameda de las Pulgas! Online

sign ups now open!

Summer Youth Swim Team
Menlo Mavericks offers two opportunities for youth swimmers this summer at Burgess and Belle Haven Pools. Join Menlo Mavericks at Burgess now and enjoy the benefits of a year-round swim team with daily practices, USA Swim meets and monthly clinics. Coach Aaron is also pleased to announce a summer-only swim team starting June 16 at Belle Haven Pool for levels 1-3. Three practices a week with participation in summer recreational meets. More information available online.

Mavericks Youth Water Polo
Menlo Mavericks Water Polo offers two year-round teams for girls and boys under 12 and under 14. Three practices a week throughout the summer, with fun summer league tournaments. Join today! More information available online.

Panthers "All Sports" Camp is back for another exciting 2014 summer. For more details, here is my website . Session 1 (June 16-19) is filling quickly with only 10 spaces left and session 2 is sold-out. Sessions 3 (June 30-July 3) and 4 (July 7-10) have space available. In order to register, please click here. Contact Dan Flahavan with 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.

Summer Math Camp, Mathitude, presents a Fun & Exciting MATH game experience that will

change the way your children will think about Math! This camp is not a 'pencil and paper'

camp. Instead, it's a massive game the children play all

week. Children will rotate between stations, guided by trained counselors. Stations include the Design Center, Math Arcade, Treasure Hunting and 007 Secret Agent. The children roll the dice, or draw a card, to determine their math task (based on interest and level). Each task attempted and/or solved will earn tokens the children redeem for prizes at our Gift Shop. For entering grades 2 - 8 (all levels welcome). Visit our website to learn more and register!

Young Outliers, a Silicon Valley summer camp, will be held at JLS Middle School in Palo Alto for children ages 9-13. Email info@YoungOutliers.com or call 650-417-3008 for more information.

La Entrada Coding and 3D Printing Camp

Are you going to be a 4^th, 5^th, or 6^th grader next year? Do you want to learn what it takes to computer program in a fun and supportive way? Then look no further and join La Entrada's Coding Camp, hosted by Mr. Parker Kelly, La Entrada's technology teacher. With over 20 years of teaching experience, 14 as the technology teacher at La Entrada, he will guide you, over a two week period, as we explore a variety of different programming languages and resources as well as some fun multimedia projects. First off, participants will receive hands-on practice using a variety of addicting, age appropriate, tools and online resources to learn about coding. In addition, students will get a chance to explore powerful media manipulation tools such as Photoshop CS6, a broadcasting studio, Garageband, iMovie, Autodesk 3D software and our newly purchased Makerbot 3D printer in our brand new iMac lab. Enrollment is limited to the first 16 students per 2 week session so do not delay in registering. Here are the specifics:

Where: La Entrada Middle School, iMac lab, 2200 Sharon Rd., Menlo Park CA

Who: Students entering 4^th, 5^th, or 6^th grade in the fall of 2014

When: Choose between two 2-week sessions OR take both!

� Session 1: June 16-27, 2014, 8:30 a.m. - noon

� Session 2: July 7-18, 2014, 8:30 a.m. - noon

Cost: $600 per 2 week session, $1100 for both sessions

For additional information, here is a link to the flyer and here is the link to registration. There are still plenty of spots available. Don't delay, signup today!

Camp Edmo and Camp EdTech Are Back In Palo Alto

Hosted At Palo Verde Elementary!

First Time Campers Use Code: FIRSTNEWS14 When You Enroll for $50 off!

Camp Edmo for Pre-K-entering 4th grade, helps kids build curiosity, confidence and kindness. Our Arts & Science, Animation and Nature sessions are designed by Edventure More in partnership with the California Academy of Sciences, Children's Creativity Museum and MOCHA. Voted Best Bay Area Camp and Educational Support Program 2009-2013by BayAreaParent! Every week includes Costume Day, Wacky Water Day, Family Friday and The Edmo Vibe Game.

Camp EdTech teaches pre-teens and teens entering 5^th - 8^th grade how to create their own apps, circuitry, video games, digital movies, photographs, and animations. Taught by industry pros and designed by Edventure More in partnership with the Children's Creativity Museum, the Bay Area's premier digital arts museum. Voted Best Bay Area Technology Camp 2013by BayAreaParent! Every week includes a specialized digital media theme, camper challenges, outdoor recreation, life skills building and end-of-the-week movie premiers and gallery showings.

Join the fun and Rock the Edmo and EdTech Vibe! To learn more about Summer 2014 sessions and to enroll, visit the Edmo and EdTech websites or call 415.282.MORE (6673). Multi-Week, Sibling and Refer-a-friend discounts too.

Alpine Strikers Summer Camp It is not too soon to register for any Alpine Strikers summer camp sessions. The camp is for 6 to 10 year old kids excited about soccer. All are welcome. Our professional coaching staff group the kids according to individual skill levels and ages to guaranteed a positive, child focused and high energy experience. Registration is now open online.

Ohlone Art Camp

Established 1997

REMEMBER MY 3 RULES:

* HAVE FUN * SLOW DOWN * NO ERASERS ALLOWED BECAUSE THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A MISTAKE IN ART!

Ohlone Art Camp started in June 1997 at Ohlone Elementary School but moved to my backyard studio during remodeling at the school in 2001. I kept the name "Ohlone Art Camp" because I am sure that Ohlone Indians once lived in my neighborhood; I have found arrowheads, bones, and seashells in my yard!

I believe in running a low-key, calm, and fun camp. We create beautiful silk paintings, learn embroidery, mosaics, mask making and more. I believe that there are no mistakes in art..if they want to paint a pink bluebird, it's fine with me!

I have two wonderful dogs, Sugar and Ruby, a beautiful orange corn snake named Willy, and two Chinese Silkie chickens, Lucy and Sophie. The vegetable garden is always in state of planting and young hands are welcome to help!

If your child wants to do some reading, they are welcome to find a spot and do so. We will discuss one new word per day and find interesting subjects of conversation which in the past have ranged from King Tutankhamun to travels in Shanghai!

Open for ages 5 and up and attendance is recommended for children who can maintain concentration on their projects. Monday-Friday, $250 (9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.) $500 (9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.). For more information, visit us online or call Kristen Johnson (650) 493-4383 or (650) 799-0832 or email graffikdezine@comcast.net.

BIG FUN WRITING with LISA MITZEL: A dynamic instructor in Menlo Park, Lisa is a published writer, speaker, an NCAA National Champion gymnast, and a former coach at Stanford University. With an MFA in Writing, Lisa offers Writing Camps, Workshops, and Tutoring for your child or teenager. Look at June and July dates for fun, skill development, and personal attention - Essays and Creative Writing. Contact Lisa at heymitz@gmail.com or 650-279-0680, or visit us online.

Summer Writing Workshops - QWERTY Education Services is offering a two-week, small group (3-5 students) writing workshop for students looking to improve their writing.

The class, Young Writers Workshop: Express Yourself, is appropriate for rising 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th grade students. The class is taught for one hour per day over a two week period, Monday thru Thursday each week (8 sessions), and there are two sessions (Early Summer ($520): June 16^th- June 26^th, Mid-Summer ($600): July 7^th- July 17^th). More information available online. There is also a $50 referral bonus to any family that signs up and then refers additional students or siblings that sign up. Contact QWERTY: (650)326-8484, info@qwertyed.com.

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;

For past issues, visit the PTA Newsletter archive.

Donna Hall
Lion's Roar Editor

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!