From the Foundation
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Thank you to ALL families who contributed to the Annual Giving Campaign over the last two weeks!
Our community is making good progress towards this year's ambitious goals of $2,000 per student and 100% participation, which will combine to raise $2.8 million overall. But we still have a ways to go.... Please GIVE MORE this year - and double the increased portion of your gift with a dollar-for-dollar match from the $200,000 Challenge Grant! We are pleased to announce the WINNER of the GIVING-BY-GRADE CONTEST!
Thank you to all families who donated before October 31 to participate in the Contest!
The 4th Grade teachers will be splitting the $1,500 award among their separate classrooms in the coming weeks, to be spent on books and/or enrichment for their students. 
We are halfway through our annual giving campaign, and Donor Rolls will be coming out soon... |
From the Principal
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Dear Parents, Communities function effectively when there is clear communication. As in any community, there will be misunderstandings or disagreements. Open communication between the parties involved will quickly solve most problems. This week I'd like to share our school's practices regarding communication. Our process is described in the School Handbook (on our website). As a general rule, always start with the classroom teacher when you have questions about your child, curriculum, assignments, homework or classroom programs. The teacher may recommend that you talk with Kathy Ruwe, counselor, if you have concerns about your child's relationship with peers or a family crisis. If you still have questions, please contact me. Together, you, the teacher and I can work to come to an appropriate resolution. The Harvard Family Research Project website, www.hfrp.org, states that "parents and teachers consider communication the number one factor to increase trust. When teachers and parents are on the "same page" they can engage in more individual and concrete discussion around student progress and develop realistic goals and plans of action that are linked to student achievement (Drake 2000; James, Jurich & Estes, 2001)." This week's Parent-Teacher conferences are a perfect time to communicate about your child's needs and academic progress. I hope you find the time spent with the teacher this week to be meaningful. Another opportunity to communicate with one another is at the "Mornings/Evenings with the Principal" sessions. We had a productive meeting last week. Twelve parents joined me, Superintendent Cesario, Curriculum and Instruction Director Roden and Bond Manager Eric Holm to learn more about construction plans and understanding the Program Improvement designation. The next session is scheduled for February 25 at 9:00 a.m. in Cano Hall. There is always a selected topic for discussion, but these gatherings are also an opportunity for you to get your questions answered. Mark your calendar! Until next time,
Sue Sartor, Principal
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Parent Advisory Committee
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Parent Advisory Committee Representatives Earlier this year, we put out a request for parents to fill vacancies on our School Site Council and our District English Learner Advisory Committees. I'm pleased to announce that Sarah Supple and Christine Kiekhaefer volunteered to join Jen Le, Jun Eun Lee and Artis Montague as representatives on our School Site Council. These parents, along with teachers Anna Pong (K), Tami Bannister (1st), Colene McKeon (2nd), Heather Hower (3rd) and myself, meet five times a year to provide guidance and oversight of school programs. Our District English Learner Advisory Committee is comprised of parent representatives from both school sites to provide guidance on programs and services for English learners. Marta Vila, Clare Seo and Ingrid Abild-Pedersen represent Las Lomitas; Hanna Maula, Kanako Kawai and Alma Vadari-Kesler represent La Entrada. English Language Development teachers Nikki Montre (LL) and Mimi Sabo (LE) join me, La Entrada Assistant Principal Sonya Dineen and Curriculum and Instruction Director Deborah Roden to review and consider best practices to support our English language learners. Thank you to all of these parents who are donating their time and talent to support our students! Please feel free to contact them if you are interested in learning more about the School Site Council or District English Learner Advisory Committee. Sue Sartor, Principal |
| PTA News |
 The Las Lomitas PTA Board would like to extend our sincere thanks to all of our families for their generosity of time, talent and treasure. We are THRILLED that 488 parents registered and paid for their PTA dues ahead of the school year commencing, and because of YOUR GENEROSITY, enough money was raised at that time to feed our Outreach students hot lunch this year so that we do not need to hold a Thanksgiving Appeal this year! Lastly, and most importantly, we would like to express our gratitude to ALL volunteers, especially for their help with the Pancake Breakfast, the Book Fair and upcoming Holiday Workshop to be held on December 3. Wishing your families and friends a wonderful Thanksgiving!
The Las Lomitas PTA Executive Board
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Holiday Workshop Prep Day - Wednesday 9:00 a.m. - Cano Hall 
Parents! Please come help prep crafts in Cano Hall this Wednesday! Meet fellow Las Lomitas parents while cutting, sorting, and gluing! And get a sneak peek at this year's wonderful holiday crafts. We need your help to make this fun event a success.
Sign up to volunteer for the Holiday Workshop (Wed. Dec. 3). It's one of the best events of the year and your kids will love to see you there!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *  LAS LOMITAS BOOK FAIREarly results are in and $29,850 worth of books were sold at the Book Fair! This total includes 247 books purchased for teachers' classrooms and 20 books purchased for the library. And, thanks to our generous community $1703.27 was donated to our Outreach School, Belle Haven to purchase books from Hicklebee's. From our total sold, Las Lomitas receives 15% back in book credit to keep our school well stocked in books. Thank you to all who volunteered and purchased books at the Book Fair and made this event so successful. Sheriene Saadati and Ozge Goker Co-Chairs, Book Fair * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 
PTA VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE!
The following programs require a lot of volunteers to run successfully. PLEASE SIGN UP!
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.
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!
 Website - PTA Webmaster Volunteer Needed - CALLING ALL K and 1st grade parents!
The PTA Executive Board is looking for a webmaster for the Las Lomitas PTA website. He/she will be in charge of maintaining the Las Lomitas PTA website, excluding the program-specific web forms and applications.
Required skills: Proficient in HTML or Dreamweaver.
Flexible role great for a working parent. All work can be done at your leisure and in the comfort of your own home (2 hours per month, as needed.) Please sign up for this important role via the PTA website. Any questions, please contact Sladana Veljkovic (webmaster@llpta.org.)
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The La Entrada Used Book Fair is now OPEN!
Please join us at La Entrada for our annual Used Book Fair! With over 6,000 new & nearly-new books to choose from, we have a great selection of authors and titles for children, young adults and adults alike. 100% of the proceeds from this great event directly support La Entrada School and PTA funded programs.
Location: La Entrada MUR (across from the Office)
Hours: Monday, November 10th - 7:30am - 4pm
Tuesday, November 11th (closed for Veteran's Day)
Wednesday, November 12th - 7:30am - 4pm
Thursday, November 13th - 7:30am - 4pm
Friday, November 14th - 7:30am - 4pm
Book Prices: $1, $3, $5, $8 (cash & checks only)
To volunteer to help at the Book Fair, please go to http://vols.pt/dCqvRH.
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 WE NEED YOUR HELP!!!
We need more volunteers to assist at lunch! Recology, our waste hauler, will not haul our compost waste unless it is properly sorted. If we do not comply with their regulations, we will be forced to lose our impeccable TRASH FREE reputation. Please join in the fun (yes, sorting trash with your kids!) to help Mrs. Sartor and Mr. Camou with the small children at lunch time.
For parents who send lunch to school, please use washable containers for your children's lunch. We maintain zero trash lunches. Leftover food is to be taken home. Disposable containers will be sent home.
We are so grateful to keep the Hot Lunch program going, BUT let's not let our composting efforts go to waste. Let's keep our reputation intact and continue to be a model for all other schools in the area. Yes, we need you to help with TRASH!
Click this link to volunteer via VolunteerSpot: http://vols.pt/cWgwmo * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * HOLIDAY WORKSHOP PREP DAY - WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12 (9-NOON)  We need your help! Join us to help prepare the crafts for the Holiday Workshop! Come meet fellow Las Lomitas parents while we cut, fold, tie, and sort the materials our kids will work with to create wonderful gifts for their loved ones. Please sign up via the PTA website to volunteer for the December 3rd Holiday Workshop! It's one of the best events of the year and your children will love to see you there! Don't forget to drop off your handled paper bags!
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Cub Scout Food Drive
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 Cub Scouts Annual Food Drive for Second Harvest Food Bank !! In support of Second Harvest Food Bank, Las Lomitas Cub Scout Pack 222 is organizing a school food drive for those in need in the community. We need your help! Please bring non-perishable food between Tue Nov. 18 and Fri Nov. 21 to the SHFB bins at the flagpole. The most needed items are meals in a can (stew, chili, soup, etc.), tuna and other canned meats, peanut butter, canned fruits and vegetables, low sugar cereals, and fruit juices. All contributions go directly to Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties (http://www.shfb.org). Thanks for your support! |
Las Lomitas League News
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 Basketball season starts this week! Coaches have announced their teams and practice times. Be sure to sign the Player Behavior Contract and return it to your coach at the first practice. If you need to withdraw from basketball, you must contact the registrar at llleagueregistrar@gmail.com this week in order to receive a 90% refund of the player fee. There will be no refunds after November 16th. Have a fun season!
Go Leopards!
Join the LLL Board of Directors!
Join the team that provides enriching and fun after-school activities and sports for Las Lomitas and La Entrada students! The Las Lomitas League (LLL) is a parent-led, non-profit organization and we are expanding our board of directors. We have the following open positions:
- President-in-training - Shadow the current president and learn about the programs and responsibilities of the LLL President. Lead the board beginning in June 2015.
- Basketball Co-Director (in-training) - Work with the current directors to learn about our successful recreational basketball program. Co-lead the program in 2015-2016.
- Secretary - Take minutes at board meetings. Maintain records of board policies, actions, etc. Edit LLL articles for Spot/Roar newsletters.
- Member-at-Large - Join the LLL board to learn about our programs and help in small ways. We would like an at-large member from each school.
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Business Partners
|  QWERTY Education Services, a premier provider of education services for Menlo Park, Palo Alto and surrounding Peninsula communities for over 25 years, offers private, one-on-one tutoring services, educational testing by Licensed Educational Psychologists and a variety of custom other education services designed to help your child. Looking for multi-sensory math tutoring, help with writing, study skills support, educational testing or expert insight about how your student learns? QWERTY is here to assist. - See more at: http://www.qwertyed.com
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Community News
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Menlo Park Library presents STORYTELLING! Tales from the oral tradition - December 4 at 4 p.m. in the library's downstairs program room. Join resident tale-spinner John Weaver for hilarious tales told without a book! Fun for all ages!!
Kepler's presents Story Time with Caryn Yacowitz, Saturday, December 6 at 11:00 a.m. Come meet the author of I Know An Old Lady Who Swallowed a Dreidel.
Twas the Night Before Christmas
Presented by Dancers Repertory Theatre and Menlo Park Academy of Dance and reviewed as a "charming alternative to the Nutcracker." Performances at Woodside Performing Arts Center on Saturday December 6(4:00pm), Sunday December 7(1:00pm and 4:00pm) Saturday, December 13, (1:00pm and 4:00pm), and Sunday, December 14 (1:00pm and 4:00pm). In the spirit of the holidays, Dancers Repertory Theatre has partnered with Bay Area Firefighters Toys for Kids Drive to provide Toys and Gifts to children in need through our local communities. We hope each audience member will bring a new, unwrapped Toy to a performance to help make another child's holiday a little brighter !Tickets and more information available at www.twasthenight.org or by calling 650-323-5292. Las Lomitas student Mia P. will be dancing in the show!
Play Tennis with Player Capital!!!
Happy Fall Everyone!
We're excited to announce our full schedule of junior clinics at Holbrook-Palmer Park for the fall. The detail is available on our website: http://www.playercapital.com/Juniors. Private lessons can also be scheduled. Please email admin@playercapital.com
to register or to find out more! See you on the courts!
Alpine Strikers is a local competitive youth soccer club serving the areas of Menlo Park, Portola Valley, and Woodside. The club is holding their annual tryouts for all age groups; U8-U19. If your child is interested in soccer and would like to come out for tryouts, please click here for tryouts information and registration. We look forward to seeing you out on the field!
SportsHouse in Redwood City is holding a flag football league this winter, beginning in January. The teams play indoors. For K - 3rd graders, all players must sign up individually. This age group kicks off on Saturdays, beginning January 17. Teams play 8 weeks and the cost is $199 per child. For more information, go to http://www.sportshouseonline.com/SportsYouth/YouthFootball.htm or call 650-362-4975.
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Newsletter Submissions
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To submit an item, email Carol Clark (cclark@llesd.org) by 12 noon on the Wednesday prior to the Monday publication date.
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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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