The Lion's Roar  
The Las Lomitas PTA Newsletter  
                                                               
 Week of September 8,  2014
   
In This Issue
From the Principal
Attention Second Session Parents
From the Foundation
Las Lomitas League
PTA News
Volunteers Needed for Hot Lunch
Pancake Breakfast- Saturday Sept 20th
Get Your Las Lomitas Spiritwear!
Arrival and Dismissal Protocol
Community News
Newsletter Submissions
Join Our Mailing List!
Quick Links

 Calendar

 

This Week:  

  • Wed Sept 10: Morning with the Principal - 9:00 a.m. - Cano Hall 

Coming Soon:  

  • Sat Sept 20: Pancake Breakfast at 8:30 am Please plan to volunteer and/or attend. This is a great community event you will not want to miss!
  • Tue Sept 23: Student Picture Day

 

From the Principal


Dear Las Lomitas Families,

 

The first Morning with the Principal is scheduled for this Wednesday, September 10th at 9:00 in Cano Hall. I will share information about the opening of school and answer questions. Topics include an update on our focus areas this year: Writing Workshop, technology, math pilot and facilities planning. I'll also discuss our Buddy Bench and ongoing efforts to provide a positive school climate. Everyone is welcome! I hope to see you there!

 

Are you prepared for an emergency? At Las Lomitas we have many systems in place to ensure the safety of your child during an emergency. We have drills to practice what to do in case of a fire, earthquake or cause to shelter-in-place. We also have district-wide communication systems to notify you immediately if needed. However, we can only reach you if the contact information we have is correct. Please, notify the school if you change email or phone numbers during the year. Be sure your child knows who you have authorized to pick them up if you aren't available. Children are instructed to not go home with someone without your permission. An emergency is already a confusing situation. Let's set this confusion aside now! Finally, be sure the adults who are emergency contacts know that they are listed and may be called. Safety is our number one priority. Thank you for your support and cooperation.

 

Continuing along with the safety theme, thank you to everyone who signs in at the office when arriving on campus. All visitors are expected to wear a name badge if they are going to be on campus other than going to the office ~ even if you are here for just a short time. You will be stopped and asked to return to the office if you do not have the badge visible during school hours. You do not need to sign in if you are on campus after hours, even on the minimum days.

 

Thank you to all of you who have joined the PTA! The PTA provides a wide variety of special activities for the students. With all the busy-ness of the first few weeks of school you may not have taken the time to join the PTA. If that's the case, simply go to www.laslomitaspta.org and sign up. While you are there, look at the many options for volunteering. There is something for everyone! I hope to see you at the first PTA event, the Pancake Breakfast, on September 20th. It's sure to be a great time for all.

 

For those of you who may not know, every Friday is "Spirit Day" at Las Lomitas. Be sure to wear your red and white! If you are interested in purchasing spirit wear, go to www.laslomitaspta.org. They have quite a selection!

 

Until next time,
Sue

 

 

Attention Second Session Parents

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 when morning recess begins. Please do not arrive on campus or drop your student off prior to 10:15. There is no supervision for students between 9:00 and 10:15.

 

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.

From the Foundation


Welcome Dinner for Kindergarten Parents! 

 

Attention all Kindergarten Parents!

 

Please join us to meet and get to know other kindergarten parents at Las Lomitas!  We will have fun conversation and a casual buffet dinner with parents as well as school and District leaders. 

 

When:  Thursday, September 18 from 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Where:  The home of Leslie and Charlie King

 

Special Guests include:

Sue Sartor, Las Lomitas School Principal

Lisa Cesario, Las Lomitas School District Superintendent


Please RSVP by emailing [email protected] or here

  

 

We hope to see you there!  

 

Tickets Still Available to These Fantastic LLEF Events!  

 

5th Annual Gentlemen's Hold'em Tournament Party 

September 20, 2014 at 7:00 pm

 

 

 




4th Annual Ladies Round Robin Tennis

Friday, September 26 from 10am - 2pm at Alpine Hills Tennis Club


 

 

 

 

Father-Daughter "Sweetheart" Dance

  • Friday, October 17, 2014 from 7:00-9:00 pm at Jensen Hall at La Entrada

  

 

 

 

*****VOLUNTEERS NEEDED to help with the Dance!  Please contact [email protected] to get involved.

 

It is so much fun to be with the Dads and Daughters on their special night. Thanks in advance! ***** 

 

http://www.llef.org

 

 

 

Las Lomitas League 

Las Lomitas League



Fall Sports and Classes begin this week!  All information, including how to contact your child's instructors, can be found on our website at http://laslomitasleague.com. If you need to withdraw from a class, you have until 24 hours before the second class to notify the registrar at [email protected] . Cancellations are refunded at 90% of the class or sport fee, and there are no refunds after the withdrawal deadline.

PTA News
PTA VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE!

Thank you everyone who stopped by the PTA Coffee & Volunteer Fair the first day of school.  We had a great turnout of returning and new families. Thank you to Pookie Stern for providing all the refreshments and wonderful treats.

If you were not able to join us for the Volunteer Fair, there are still many volunteer opportunities available and several of our committees need more help to run successfully.  Simply sign up online at www.laslomitaspta.org/volunteer by Friday, September 5th.

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. 20th, 8:30-10:30am! We need volunteers to Set-up, Cook Pancakes, Serve, and Clean-up. Don't miss this fun Las Lomitas event! Please contact [email protected] to volunteer.

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 to help compost.  Please sign up on our invitation page on Volunteer Spot.

Picture Day - Help the kids look their best for fall photos.  Volunteer for 2 hr shifts.  Individual pictures will be taken on Sept 23rd and class pictures on Jan 28th.

Fun Fridays - Help organize and run games with the kids during lunch recess the first Friday of each month.  Fun Fridays are a great way to interact directly with the kids and see first hand
playground fun!

Book Fair -
Encourage reading by promoting the fair, creating, running and closing our annual book store at Cano Hall.  Choose from a variety of fun jobs and meet lots of new friends by volunteering for 2-3 hr shifts.  Set up is at 5:00 pm on October 24th.  Fair runs through Nov 1.

Website - Help
 with the Las Lomitas PTA website.  Volunteer work can be done at home 1 hr/wk. 

Feel free to contact me at [email protected] with any questions. Have a wonderful week of school!

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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 at http://www.laslomitaspta.org/programs/apple 

 

Once at the site, select the list you want to view. 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.

  

Thank you for supporting our teachers and enriching your children's experience at Las Lomitas..


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Holiday Workshop Planning Meeting                                           

Wednesday, September 24, Science Room: 9:00am

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 3 
Contacts: Kristina Valentine & Josie Tang ([email protected])

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Box Tops for Education 
 
boxtops Please remember to clip, collect, and submit box top coupons found on many favorite brands such as Betty Crocker, Nature Valley, Kleenex, Huggies, Ziploc, and so many more. Las Lomitas earns 10 cents for each box top submitted, and these really add up! Box tops can be turned in any time to the cereal box in the Las Lomitas office. Write your student's name and room number on the bag containing the box tops to be eligible for our prize drawing which will be held in mid October.

Thank you for supporting our school!

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Please start SAVING your books to donate for the La Entrada Used Book Fair.  LE Book Fair Logo We will be collecting books in October at Las Lomitas and La Entrada for the November Book Fair.  100% of the proceeds help La Entrada School and PTA.  Please contact Monica Albers ([email protected]) with any questions. 
Volunteers Needed for Hot Lunch

Choicelunch 

   

Without your help, We will have to cancel the Hot Lunch program!

PARENTS, we can't do this without you - Whether you have children enjoying Hot Lunch or not, we need your help! If we don't double the amount of volunteers for hot lunch, the school will have to cancel the program.

Volunteering for hot lunch is only an hour commitment from 11:40-12:40, and you can sign up to help weekly, every other week, once a month or as an on-call sub. Volunteering for hot lunch is one of the easiest ways to help the school, and it also gives you a chance to see your child and get to know the other students and volunteers. This is a fun job to do with friends, make new friends, and enjoy what is incredible about Las Lomitas... THE COMMUNITY! Our most urgent needs are for Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.

For questions about volunteering for hot lunch, please contact Heather Caelius at [email protected].
Pancake Breakfast- Saturday, September 20th
pancakesoutreachPlease support your school and join us for our annual Las Lomitas Pancake Breakfast Saturday, September 20, 8:30 - 10:30.  Featuring live entertainment from Fur, Scales and Tales, as well as coffee and espresso drinks from Nespresso.  Tickets are $6 per person in advance, or $8 at the door.  Outreach is available for this event.  Contact Alain Camou at 650-854-5900 ext. 269.  Don't miss this delicious and fun community building event!  Click here to sign up.

We need volunteers!  If interested, please contact [email protected].
Get Your Las Lomitas Spiritwear!

Fridays at Las Lomitas are Spirit Days! So wear red or get your Las Lomitas Spirit Wear online at www.cafepress.com/laslomitaselementary. Also look for the Spirit Wear table at the upcoming Pancake Breakfast on September 20th. Don't forget to bring cash or checks. Credit cards accepted online.

 

Arrival and Dismissal Protocol

LAS LOMITAS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Arrival and Dismissal Protocol

 

Safety comes first at Las Lomitas. The streets in our neighborhood, including Camino al Lago, are very congested during arrival and dismissal times, especially on Wednesdays and minimum days.   Please take a few minutes to review these safety tips. With everyone's cooperation, we can be sure that our students are safe and help traffic move smoothly.

 

Thank you in advance for your cooperation. Please share this information with others who will bring or pick up your child from school. We appreciate everyone's courtesy and patience in the parking area, on Camino al Lago and surrounding streets at arrival and dismissal times.

 

Sue Sartor, Principal

 

AT ALL TIMES

  • PLEASE BE PATIENT and RESPECTFUL; everyone is working hard to get students in and out of school safely.
  • TURN OFF YOUR CELLPHONE!
  • PLEASE DRIVE SLOWLY and PAY ATTENTION, even on neighboring streets. Our students are young and not easily seen.
  • PARK IN DESIGNATED PARKING SPACES; please honor the no parkingsigns and only use the handicapped parking spaces if you have a placard. Do not block neighbors' driveways - please model courteous behavior.  Do not park in staff spaces before 9:00 a.m.
  • LEAVE PETS AT HOME. Even the cutest puppy can cause more congestion and possible frighten a student.
  • WRITTEN PERMISSION IS REQUIRED FOR A CHANGE IN DISMISSAL; emails are not always read in time.  Be sure the note arrives to school and is given to the teacher first thing in the morning.

 

ARRIVING BY CAR

 

  • BE READY TO UNLOAD; have backpacks ready so the line doesn't back up.
  • ALWAYS UNLOAD CURBSIDE; please do not ever unload from drive-through lane.
  • approach the crosswalk area slowly! Be especiallycautious if you are in the drive-through lane.
  • CHECK TO SEE IF THE CROSSWALK IS CLEAR of students and parents before driving forward.

ARRIVING on FOOT or BICYCLE

 

  • ALWAYS use the crosswalk! 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.
  • WALK BICYCLES on the sidewalk; LOCK them at designated bike racks.

 

 

PICKING UP by CAR at DISMISSAL TIME

 

  • STAY IN THE PICK-UP LANE! Do not leave your car. Do not send someone to the flagpole to pick up your child and bring to the car.
  • PUT THE NAME CARD WHERE IT CAN BE CLEARLY SEEN from a distance.  Hold it up or put it on the visor.  If you do not have a name card, you will be given another one and may be asked to circle around again.
  • DRIVE SLOWLY through the drive-through lane if you are ready to go before others in front of you.

 

 

PICKING UP in PERSON at DISMISSAL TIME

 

  • KEEP THE HALLWAYS CLEAR; do not wait in the hall to meet your child.
  • KEEP THE GATE AREA CLEAR
  • USE THE CROSSWALK! Watch for teachers to help cross through traffic.
  • ONLY PICK UP AT THE FRONT GATE OF THE SCHOOL; do not park in the Champions lot or behind the school and ask students to meet you there.
  • ON WEDNESDAYS, do not come inside the gate once dismissal is in progress.  Tell the teacher assigned to the gate area your child's name and she will call your child to come meet you.  Students will be grouped by grade level in the flagpole courtyard every Wednesday and on minimum days.

Community News

Creative Art for Young Children @ Portola Valley Town Center Sept. 17- Dec. 6th
(No classes Nov. 26-29)
Calling all kids with wild imaginations! A splash of Red...a dab of Yellow...a smidgen of Orange...you have just painted an Autumn tree!  For this session the kids will find and use fall colors in all we do.Corn Husk Dolls, Paper Bag Pumpkins, robot parts shop and Robot Collages, wood sculptures of Van Gogh's Yellow House and drawn pictures of our toy Red Fire Truck.
Then to top everything off we will end with our ever famous Art Showwith the Magic Brush!
FOR MORE INFO and to reg. go online to (portolavalley.net) Reg. forms also available @ their office, 765 Portola Rd.  You can also call Cindy (650) 851-1700 ext. 200  Sign-ups start Sept. 1 P.V. residents... Sept. 15 Open Reg. 

Cub Scout 2014-15 Registration
Want to know about Cub Scouting at Las Lomitas?    All interested families with boys entering grades 1 through 4 are invited to join us at Menlo Park's Pack 222 Ice Cream Social,  Sunday September 14 from 1-3pm at Oak Knoll Elementary School. We'll have a fun, activity filled kickoff event!   See how far you can shoot the Water Balloon Catapult!   If you have further questions, please email Robert Freeman at [email protected] (this year a co-cub master and proud parent of two Cub Scouts), and you can visit the Pack 222 website at http://pack222.weebly.com 

Fall Lacrosse!!  Join us for Grizzlies Fall Ball-Sunday Afternoons September 28 - November 16th. Boys and Girls ages 5 - 15 are welcome and is open to all Peninsula towns. Fall is a great time to come out and Try Lacrosse or work on stick skills before Spring Season.  All U11 - U15 players must try out in the Fall for spring teams.  Ages 5 - young 9's do not need to try out.  See our site www.MenloAthertonLacrosse.com for more information or email us at [email protected]

Jeff Arons' fall Tennis Program at Sacred Heart begins September 3rd.  Classes are for adults and Juniors. Visit the website at www.jeffaronstennis.com or email [email protected]

Play Tennis with Player Capital!!!
Happy Fall Everyone!  We're looking forward to our fall session of group clinics starting 8/25 at Holbrook-Palmer Park in Atherton.  Here is a link to the schedule: http://www.playercapital.com/Juniors/fall-schedule-2014.php 
  
Please email [email protected] to register or to find out more!  In addition we are starting an interest list for morning classes for late birds and Wednesday classes for early dismissal.  See you on the courts!

Play Tennis this fall at Burgess Park!
Menlo Tennis Academy offers year-round weekly group tennis lessons for kids age 6-12 years, right in Burgess Park. Head Coach Jake Vu uses a dynamic style of instruction designed to keep kids engaged, while building a foundation of essential skills important to the development of youth tennis players. Classes available Monday and Wednesday, 3:45-4:35pm (Level 1) and 4:45-5:45pm (Level 2). www.menlotennisacademy.com

Menlo Mavericks Swim and Water Polo Team
Now accepting new members for year-round Menlo Park swim and water polo teams! USA Swimming-certified swim team for youth age 5-18, plus Water Polo for boys and girls, 13 and under. Practices at Burgess and Belle Haven Pools. www.menlomavericks.com

Youth Dance and Fitness at Studio Rincon - Fall Youth Dance schedule begins the week of 9/8. Youth classes from 3 years old to teen- Hip Hop, Pre-ballet, Pre-tap. Teens welcome in Yoga & Fitness classes. Studio Rincon is a Dance, Yoga and Fitness studio at 3536 Alameda de las Pulgas in Menlo Park just down the street from Las Lomitas.  Schedule and signups at www.studiorincon.com Classes are filling up fast. 
   

Newsletter Submissions

To submit an item, email Carol Clark ([email protected]) by 12 noon on the Wednesday prior to the Monday publication date.
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!