The Lion's Roar  
The Las Lomitas PTA Newsletter  
                                                               
 Week of February 9, 2015
   
In This Issue
From the Foundation
From the Principal
PTA News
Grandparents' Day
Have You Updated Your Technologies?
Las Lomitas League
Business Partners
Community News
Summer Camps
Newsletter Submissions
Join Our Mailing List!
Quick Links

 Calendar

 

This Week:   

  • Wed Feb 11 - School Bd. Mtg. - LE MUR 7:00 p.m.

Coming Soon:

  • Feb 16 - 20 - NO SCHOOL - Presidents' Week 
  • Wed Feb 25 - PTA General Mtg and Morning with the Principal Cano Hall 9:00 a.m.
  • Mar 9-12 - Parent/Teacher Conferences - MINIMUM DAYS (all students attend school 9:00 - 12:20)
  • Mar 11 - School Bd. Mtg. - LE MUR 7:00 p.m.
  • Mar 13 - No School
  • Mar 18 - Science Wonders - Cano Hall - 6:00 p.m.

Save the Date: 

  •  Apr 28 - Incoming Kindergarten Parent Orientation Evening - 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. - Cano Hall
  • May 1 - Kindergarten Round-Up - 10:15 - noon

 

REMINDER:  ARTICLES FOR THE LION'S ROAR THE WEEK OF FEBRUARY 23 ARE DUE BY NOON THIS WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11.  THANK YOU IN ADVANCE!   

From the Foundation
    
   foundation logo  





Good news!  We reached the 80% family participation level, and earned the $50,000 Participation Challenge Grant!


 

THANK YOU to all recent donors who helped us earn the grant.

 

Of course, our ultimate participation goal is 100% of all District Families.  So if you haven't yet made your donation, there is still time to make a difference for your child next year.

 

 PLEASE DONATE NOW.

Thank you for investing in your children's education.

 

In appreciation,

The Parent Volunteers of the Las Lomitas Education Foundation


Corporate Matching Gifts 
 
Inquire about your employer's matching gifts program to increase your donation to the District. Our Matching Gifts Coordinator  can help you determine if your company will match your contribution.
 



 
 

Join or Update eScrip - It's as easy as 1, 2, 3! 

 

 

1. Visit http://www.eScrip.com  

 

2. Register or renew your Safeway Club Card and credit cards at the eScrip website and then designate Las Lomitas Education Foundation (Group ID# 125673324)

 

3. Start Shopping!
From the Principal

Dear Las Lomitas Families,

 

As you know from Superintendent Cesario's announcement last week, I plan to retire at the end of June. I feel so very fortunate to have been part of such an excellent educational community for the past twenty-six years. I look forward to spending time traveling, working in my garden and spending time with my family. Being a district resident, I will continue to be a strong supporter of this district.

 

We will keep you informed as we move through the selection process for my replacement. Meanwhile, I will continue in my role as Principal and it will be business as usual until the end of the year. Thank you for your support and encouragement over the years.

 

Until next time,

Sue Sartor

Principal

 

 

Session Requests for 2015-2016 ~ 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 began taking requests on January 1, 2015. You may email her at ssartor@llesd.org. Your requests will be placed on a wait list in the order received.

 

New family requests are not accepted until February 1, 2015, 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.

 

REMINDER:  All current Ladera kindergarten students will be moved to second session in first grade.  You must submit a request in order to be eligible to be placed in first session for the 2015-2016 school year.   

 

Kindergarten/New Student Registration

 

Kindergarten registration is now open.  You may come to the office to initiate the process between 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.  Please see the website for details.  If you wish to be placed in first session next year,  you must put that request in writing to Mrs. Sartor.  She will begin taking requests on February 1, 2015 at 10:00 p.m.  You may email her at ssartor@llesd.org.  Your requests will be placed on a wait list in the order received. 

PTA News

  

 

Calling all Las Lomitas Students!

 

Science Wonders:

 

Student Science Fair Exhibition 2015                                             

6:00 - 8:00 PM - Wednesday, March 18

Cano Hall, Las Lomitas Elementary School

For more information visit:

laslomitaspta.org/programs/sciencewonders

 

What is Science Wonders? 

Science Wonders is a science fair event to encourage your children to be inquisitive about the world around them. Most importantly, this is an opportunity to have FUN while sharing the joy of discovery with your children.  

 

Where do we start?

Step 1: Ask a question! Think of something that excites or interests you.

Step 2: Think of how you can find an answer (hint: there are many great books on hold in the Las Lomitas Library and on websites listed in the packet).

Step 3:  Write or draw what you saw.

Step 4: Decide the best way to present your "wonder" to your schoolmates.

 

Will my child's project be judged?  This is a recreational, voluntary activity, designed to be NON-COMPETITIVE and child-driven. Please do this activity with your child after their schoolwork assignments. There will be no judging or class merit for participation, but each child will receive a certificate for completing a science fair project.

 

Can we still come if we don't participate this year?

Of course! Everyone is welcome to come to the event and view all the other projects.  

 

 

How do I sign up? Although not required, an RSVP to Scott & Dawn Smithson at  sciencewonders@llpta.org by March 1 would be appreciated for coordination purposes.

 

 

 

applelogo                                         

The Apple for the Classroom program provides a way for  

parents to support their children's classrooms directly. All  

the teachers and specialists at Las Lomitas have been

invited to create a "wish list" of items that will help to

further enrich their classrooms. You can fulfill teachers'  

wishes by bringing an item to the school office or by  

donating via PayPal toward a special item of your  

choosing. Thank you for supporting our teachers!

 

Please click here to choose a gift for your favorite teacher(s)! 



PTA Application Developer

We are looking for the next year application developer for the Las Lomitas PTA website. He/she will be in charge of maintaining the Las Lomitas PTA  program-specific forms and applications, which are linked to the PTA website.

Sample Tasks:

  • Use Zoho Creator's drag & drop tools to update and test payment forms and reports
  • Edit text for application instructions, email confirmation messages, etc as needed
  • Generate/export reports for committee chairs as needed
  • Edit custom application scripting if application changes are required

 

Recommended Skills:

  • Proficent in intro-level programming (conditional statements, loops, functions, arrays)

Great for a working parents as the hours are flexible and all work can be done at

home (3-5 hours per month as needed for programs). Especially calling for the

Kindergarten and 1st grade parents.  Please sign up on the PTA website for this very

important role.

Grandparents' Day

Grandparents' Day is Coming to La Entrada Friday, April 10th!

This year Grandparents' Day is for La Entrada students (grades 4-8) and their grandparents.  This is a wonderful opportunity for the grandparents to visit their grandchildren at school and will include musical performances, art and technology showcases, tours of the campus, classroom time with their grandchildren and lunch together.  It's one of the best community events of the year and we hope the grandparents can join us.  The event is on Friday, April 10th from 10am - 1pm.  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!   Registration is now open so feel free to register your child's grandparents directly.   If you have any questions or would like to volunteer, please email gpday@llef.org.



Have You Updated Your Technologies?

Updated Your Home Technologies?

We can utilize any of these early model technologies that you may have upgraded: ipods, mp3 players, ipod shuffles or minis, kindles, tablets or ipads. With your donations your k-5 classrooms could create reading/listening centers and curriculum-support learning centers. We're happy to give your retired devices a new home! :)  Contact Suzanne Mitchell  at smitchell@llesd.org  for more information, or "drop off" at La Entrada Technology Office. Thank You.

Las Lomitas League




The first week of classes is complete.
If you need to cancel a class, you can receive a 90% refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start of the 2nd class. For further information visit the League website and choose Las Lomitas under the classes tab at http://laslomitasleague.com
 
Are you interested in Las Lomitas' After-school Sports and Classes?  Then 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! Co-coordinators for next year's Las Lomitas classes are needed. It's a perfect opportunity for you and a friend! The Las Lomitas League (LLL) is a parent-led, non-profit organization and we are expanding our board of directors. Contact Maureen Goode to learn more.

 
 
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
Community News




Jeff Arons' Spring Tennis Program
at Sacred Heart begins February 2nd.  There are classes for adults and juniors  Visit our website at www.jeffaronstennis.com or email jeffaronstennis@gmail.com

Legends Baseball - Holiday Camps & Clinics!
Specialized holiday camps and clinics so your child can stay busy and active during the upcoming school holidays! Whether you're a beginner or all-star, experienced and enthusiastic Legends coaches ensure your child is learning new skills while have a Legendary day off! 
What: Legends Baseball Holiday Camps & Clinics!
Where: Burgess Little League Field - 701 Laurel St, Menlo Park 
When: Feb 16th (Presidents' Day), Feb 17-20 (Presidents' Week), April 20-24th (Spring Break)  
Cost: $75-$85/day 
Ages: 6-12 all skill levels
Questions?: Call David: 650.387.4427 or Email: info@menloparklegends.com 
More Info/Website: www.menloparklegends.com   
 
Studio Rincon Winter Youth Dance Sing ups are Open 
Studio Rincon on Alameda in Menlo Park- Winter dance signups are now open!  Classes begin the week of 1/5/2015.  Signup  here-  http://studiorincon.com/schedule-youth.php  Preballet, pre-tap, ballet & hip hop are all taught in a fun and positive atmosphere after school for ages 3-Teen.  Now offering additional classes at Alpine Hills Tennis & Swimming Club in Portola Valley.  Classes lead up to the annual end if year show at Woodside HS PAC! www.studiorincon.com

  

Ragazzi Boys Chorus' Music and Movement class open
Register Now; Mondays 4:15-5pm, Feb. 2 - May 11, 178 Clinton St, Redwood City
Ragazzi Boys Chorus' engaging Orff-Schulwerk-based class for active young boys is now open. It's a great option for boys not quite old enough for Ragazzi's main program. This class is tailored for boys ages 5-7 with little or no previous musical experience. A child-developmental approach fosters boys' creativity and curiosity. Students explore rhythm games, channel their energy through music learning and learn concepts they can apply in any musical setting.  $260 for 13 weeks; early-bird and sibling discounts. Contact ragazzi@ragazzi.org , 650-342-8785. Register & more info at http://ragazzi.org/program/music-movement/

Riekes Center Valentine's Day Open House:

February 12, 2015

6-7 pm refreshments served

7-8:30 pm music performance

The Riekes Center 

3455 Edison Way

Menlo Park, CA  94025

Questions? info@riekes.org 
 


Summer Camps

Panthers 
"All Sports" Camp  is back for another exciting 2015 summer.  The link to the Panthers Camp website is www.pantherscamppv.com

2015 Panthers Camp
  • Session 1: June 15-18
  • Session 2: June 22-25
  • Session 3: June 29 - July 2
  • Session 4: July 6-9
In order to register, please click on the following link: https://thriva.activenetwork.com/Reg4/Form.aspx?IDTD=6807577&RF=11510011

If you register before 2/15/14, you will get the early bird special.  Please let me know if you have any questions (danflahavan@gmail.com).  Do not hesitate to forward this email to others who may be interested in attending.  

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Kelly Coding and Creation Camps, 2015                                       

Who: Incoming 4th, 5th, and 6th Graders, Fall 2015
Where: La Entrada Middle School, 2200 Sharon Rd., Menlo Park CA 94025
When: Session 1, 6/15-26 and/or Session 2, 7/6-17. M-F, 8:30-12
Cost: $675 per two-week session, $1200 for both sessions.

Build programming and digital skills in a fun, self-paced environment. Each 2-week camp will demystify programming concepts in a fun environment that does not overwhelm students with syntax and scary results. Participants will also get hands-on experience using: 

Contact: Parker Kelly, La Entrada Middle School Technology Teacher

Registration: http://goo.gl/kxETjS

  

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Menlo Park Riekes Center Summer Camps: Early Bird Summer Camp Discount ends February 20th

 

Weeklong day and overnight camps throughout the summer

Ages: 6-18

http://riekes.org/summer/ 

Please call 650 364-2509 or email info@riekes.org 

 

Summer Camp list includes:

Advanced Rock Camp, AFCANA ADVENTURE: Athletic Fitness, Creative Arts, Nature Awareness

AFCANA: Athletic Fitness, Creative Arts, Nature Awareness, Electronic Music, 

Leadership, Mountains to Sea Santa Cruz, Nature Explorers at Huddart Park, Photography Camp,

Plant Lore and Magic at Huddart Park, Surf Camp, Teen Rock Camp, Youth Rock, Youth Video Camp

  

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The Legends Baseball Experience Camp!

 

The Legends Baseball Experience is a one of a kind summer camp coached by the players and coaches of the nationally recognized Menlo Park Legends collegiate team. Our infamous 5:1 camper to coach ratio, combined with our innovative coaching program, creates a positive learning environment to develop new skills and build confidence while having tons of fun!  Sign up for the Dugout Experience aftercamp program and your child will be a batboy, participate in between innings activities and hang out in the Legends dugout as they watch their coaches play in a real live game. After all, its more than a camp - its an EXPERIENCE!

 

Dates: Camps start June 15th and runs all summer long!                           

 

 

Location: Flood Park in Menlo Park & Kennedy School in Redwood City

Ages: 6-12 all skill levels welcome!

Cost: $300 (Early bird pricing available until March 15th)

Questions: Email info@menloparklegends.com or call David at 650.387.4427

More info: http://www.menloparklegends.com

Sign up: https://legendsbaseball.campbrainregistration.com 

 
 

 


Newsletter Submissions

To submit an item, email Carol Clark (cclark@llesd.org) 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!