From the Foundation
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Mark your calendars...The annual Spring Auction and "Party of the Year" will be held on May 16th!It's the biggest community event of the year, and we hope to see YOU there! Look for more details to follow in the coming weeks. 
We know you have the goods and ideas to make this auction GREAT! Thank you in advance for your help and support. Please DONATE NOW!
You can donate now by visiting www.llef.org/auction and clicking the "Donate Items" button on the left side of the page.
Need ideas for ways to help? Think sports tickets, getaways vacation homes, special experiences, fine wine, kid or parent parties, gifts, dinners, collectibles...
Don't have anything to donate? Consider underwriting items that we can't get for free. We are here to help - don't hesitate to email us at auction@llef.org
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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 18th. 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, please don't hesitate to contact PTA parents at sciencewonders@llpta.org. Hope to see you there! Our Read-a-thon was a huge success! Over 300,000 minutes were read school-wide! All grade levels exceeded their goals and celebrated last Friday with a popcorn party. Cheryl Cho-Phan was a super PTA coordinator supported by a crew of volunteers to assist with counting minutes, keeping the graphs updated, dressing as Roary and serving popcorn. Congratulations to all of the Las Lomitas readers and thank you to all of those who encouraged and sponsored this event. The funds raised during this event go directly into the classrooms to enrich your child's learning experience. At last week's Morning with the Principal, Kathy Ruwe presented information about our social skills program, Second Step and I provided background about our school-wide school climate initiatives including the Principal's Book Club. Parent information about Second Step can be found on line by asking your classroom teacher for the access code. Below is a list of Book Club titles that you may want to check out and read with your child at home. Finally, as mentioned in last week's article, I will accept letters regarding student placement for the 2015-2016 school year until April 15, 2015. If you have critical information about your student, please send a letter to the classroom teacher or to me. Any letters arriving after this date may not be considered unless there are significant extenuating circumstances. Thank you for your cooperation. Until next time,
Sue Sartor Principal Book Club Titles 2011-2012 2013-2014 Have You Filled Your Bucket Today? Whoever You Are Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon When Sophie was Angry...Really, Really Angry... ONE Enemy Pie Miss Rumphius My Secret Bully 2012-2013 2014-2015 How Full is Your Bucket? Filling Buckets from A-Z Simon's Hook The Empty Pot Say Something How Do I Stand in Your Shoes? The Recess Queen Giraffes Can't Dance (will be read in April/May) 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 |
Kindergarten Roundup Volunteers Needed! 
This is a high-visibility, fun, and fast volunteer opportunity!
Please consider volunteering on Friday, May 1 from 9:00-11:45 a.m. Join us as we welcome incoming kindergarteners and their parents into the Las Lomitas family. This may be the first experience many of these new families will have with Las Lomitas. With your help we can make this first touch point very special and present a well-rounded view of all of the many programs we have to offer as well as the amazing volunteer spirit they can soon become a part of.
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.
Read-A-Thon Final Results and Thank you!
Congratulations to all of our readers! The 2015 Read-A-Thon was a great success. Las Lomitas students read an amazing 449,115 minutes over 28 days! Each grade met its reading goal and enjoyed a Popcorn Celebration on Feb 27th!
Thank you to all of the students who participated and to the family and friends who offered their generous support. We raised over $23,000 to fund school-wide programs and provide our teachers with classroom funds.
The Read-A-Thon Committee was a fabulous team that deserves much thanks: Katie Boland, Silvana Chang, Shirley Chiu, Julie Herlihy, Janet Jennings, Deborah Levine, Carrie Littlefield, Heather Sederquist, Jean Shen, Hilary Stevenson, and Deb Vogt
In addition, many thanks also go out to:
Our Webmasters: Pratchi Shah and Sladana Veijkovic, for managing the Read-A-Thon website and online database.
Additional Parent Volunteers: Julie Blocker, Julie Carr, David Kelsey, Jen Le, and Maggie Oren
PTA Treasurer: Sarah Chai
Library Staff: Janice Franco, Bonnie Thielemann
Office Staff: Carol Clark, Monica Salas
Storytime Readers: Natalie Abal, Kim Butler, Carol Hedges, Janet Holbrook, Martha Lampert, Linda McGhee, Shelly Moran, and Claire O'Connor
Lastly, hats off to Principal Sartor and Vice-Principal Camou for their support and for their creative talent dressing up as Mystery Book Characters each Friday!
With gratitude,
Cheryl Cho-Phan
Read-A-Thon Lead
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.
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From the Health Office
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Dear Parents,
Las Lomitas School will be having our annual State required Hearing and Vision Screening on March 27 and March 30th.Certified school nurse contractors conduct the screening.Screening is done on all Kindergartners, all second graders,students new to the district and special education students. Students that have been referred by their teacher or by parent request will also be screened.
Hearing
Students are tested using the School Audiometry Manual and the screeners follow the California Code of Regulations
If there is evidence of pathology (i.e a visible problem with outer ear or complaints of pain) a verbal and written referral for medical evaluation is made to the parents that same day.
If a student passes screening, no further testing is necessary and it is recorded on the child's record.
If a student does not pass initial screening, a second screening threshold test is performed at school no less than 2 weeks later to confirm screening failure.
If the student does not pass the second screening, a written notification is sent to parents with the test results and a recommendation is made for audiological evaluation. Vision Students are screened using the Snellen chart.After screening, if the visual acuity results are not within normal limits, a written recommendation for eye examination with a vision specialist will be sent home to the parent. If you have any questions about the screening process, please call the office at 854-5900 to speak with the school nurse.
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Lost and Found
|  Our Lost and Found is, once again, taking over the office! We will be donating it Thursday, March 12 and we need your help. When you come for your conference, please, please, PLEASE stop by the office and have at look at our collection. You might find something that looks familiar. Thank you.
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Grandparents' Day
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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. 
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Las Lomitas League
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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.
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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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Registration for the AMA Softball 2015 season is extended through March 1st. AMA Softball is a community softball league for girls ages 5-12. The season runs from late February through early June and focuses on learning the game and having fun. Teams are set up by school, so recruit your friends! For league information and online registration, please visit http://amasoftball.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
Classroom Volunteers Needed Next School Year - Sign up Now All Students Matter is expanding to support grades K-4 at Willow Oaks School in Menlo Park. We need parents willing to volunteer beginning in September to sign up now. Assist teachers in the classroom with individualized instruction much like you may have done in your own child's school. These classes have no parents helping...no PTA. In the Ravenswood district, 62% are below grade level in reading and 53% are below grade level in math - our volunteers make a difference for these kids. It's one hour per week and our organization provides orientation/training and coordinates everything. To learn more about us, visit www.allstudentsmatter.org. Have questions or want to sign up? Contact Carolyn Blatman at CBlatman@aol.com.
Parenting Teens & Young Adults Speaker Series :: Who's in Charge? - Join Dr. Martha Cravens in her final presentation as she explores practical tools you can put to use immediately through her interactive workshops and discusses how to handle responsibility and accountability with a teen/young adult. The focus is on helping parents move from frustration to feeling empowered about their relationship with their child. And, yes, even have some fun! The event has free admission and will be held at Bethany on Thursday, March 19 from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. For additional information, visit bethany-mp.org/speakerseries . Contact Linda at 650-854-5897 with any questions.
Two World Premieres and the Return of a Legend! Celebrating its eighth season, Menlowe Ballet returns to the stage with  Rapture March 27-29 at the Menlo-Atherton Performing Arts Center. With great anticipation, the company brings two stunning new works to the stage: a soulful thrill-ride, Bru's Sweet, by Reginald Ray-Savage, Artistic Director of Savage Jazz Dance Company and Artistic Director Michael Lowe's alluring neo-classical ballet, Playing Love, exploring relationships and the facets of love. Tickets may be purchased at www.menloweballet.org, or by calling 800-595-4TIX (4849). To see a one-minute video of highlights from last season, click here: https://vimeo.com/116913390.
We very much look forward to seeing you at Rapture.....
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Summer Camps
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LAS LOMITAS SUMMER PROGRAM: Incoming Kindergarten through 4th graders  will learn about the rich culture, creatures, geography, and history of South America. This hands-on enrichment program spans 4 weeks, June 22 to July 17 from 9:00 to 1:00, at Las Lomitas School. Registration forms are available in the school office or by contacting Barbara Fong at llsp@me.com.
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Panthers "All Sports" Camp is back for another exciting 2015 summer. The link to the Panthers Camp website is www.pantherscamppv.com.
- 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
Please let me know if you have any questions ( danflahavan@gmail.com).
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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 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Menlo Park Riekes Center Summer Camps 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
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Kindergarten/Preschool Vacation Camps at Toddle Flexible Playcare:
*Summer Camps  *Spring Break
*School In-Service Days
*Earth- and kid-friendly facility, organic snacks
* Flexible Playcare and programming year-round for children ages 2 through kindergarten
Visit www.toddle.org for more information and to register. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Summer Programs at Littlest Angels Preschool Join us for enrichment and fun at Camp Learn-A-Lot, the Summer Program at Littlest Angels Preschool in Menlo Park. Our camps are three weeks long and each offers an exciting theme. Each of our three sessions offer your little one the opportunity to experience theme-related vocabulary words and facts, music, science, pretend play, creative art experiences, cooking, counting, and color, shape and letter recognition. Children must be two (2) years old by May 1, 2014 in order to enroll. The Pre-K class is for 4/5 year old children who have not yet attended Kindergarten. For camp dates and additional information, please visit our website at www.bethany-mp.org/summer2015. Please contact the Preschool Office with questions or to schedule a tour (preschool@bethany-mp.org or 650-854-4973).
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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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The Lion's Roar 
