 Las Lomitas Education Foundation | |
GRANDPARENTS' DAY - SAVE THE DATE
Grandparents from Las Lomitas school
are invited to join us for the...
Annual Grandparents' Day
May 27, 2016
9:00am to 12:00pm
The Las Lomitas Education Foundation is looking for people like YOU!
Want to get more INVOLVED? Are you ready to do something VITALLY IMPORTANT? Do you want to meet other dedicated and talented people, and work together on projects that are HIGHLY REWARDING and FUN? The Foundation's annual gift is the second largest source of revenue for our School District, and is absolutely essential to the high quality education delivered in our schools. The Foundation needs many people like you to fulfill its mission every year. It is OUR TURN to carry on the 30-YEAR LEGACY of our Foundation.
|
|
From the Principal
|
Dear Las Lomitas Families,
April is almost here and we are on the fast track! There are so many exciting activities planned in the next several weeks, be sure to keep a close eye on the Lion's Roar and website calendar so you don't miss out on anything!
Third-to-fourth grade transition activities start on Wednesday, April 13, when a panel of expert students, teachers and administrators come to third grade classes to share information and answer questions. On Thursday, April 14, parents are invited to attend a presentation at La Entrada to learn more. On Friday, April 15, all third grade students will travel to La Entrada for a tour. The third and fourth grade teachers work collaboratively to ease the transition "jitters" for both students and parents.
Incoming Kindergarten students will enjoy the Round-Up on April 29. If you know families with children who will be eligible for kindergarten in the fall, encourage them to register their child in the office and attend this event. There is a parent orientation scheduled for the evening of April 28 in Cano Hall. Our Kindergarten teachers have prepared a wonderful, detailed presentation. I look forward to meeting some of our new incoming class of students on April 29th!
We just celebrated the Music Informances in Mrs. Lampert's class which is always a treat. With that event and many of the upcoming celebrations we have from now to the end of the year, I want to remind parents to park in appropriate stalls. Please do not park in stalls marked with STAFF. We already do not have enough stalls for every employee on the campus and when parents take these spots it creates an issue for employees. All stalls not marked with STAFF are open for parent parking, otherwise you may need to park on neighborhood streets and take the short walk onto campus.
 Congratulations to Jack E. who was Principal for the Day on Friday. Jack got the inside scoop on what it is like to have a calendar filled with meetings, library readings, email and classroom visitations. We met with a number of important members of the Las Lomitas staff including custodians, Director of Technology and a visit to the Faculty Room to see where staff come together for lunch and collaboration. If you are interested in having your child be Principal for the Day, keep an eye out for it and all other Teacher Treasures you can bid on at the upcoming LLEF Auction. The staff at Las Lomitas put together an extensive menu of unique opportunities for your children. As you can see, there is never a dull moment at Las Lomitas! Thank you to all of you who help making all of these events and activities possible. Until next time, Alain Camou Principal
|
|
PTA News
|
Kindergarten Round-up Volunteers Needed
This is a high-visibility, fun, and fast volunteer opportunity!
Please consider volunteering on Friday, April 29 from 9:00a.m. - noon. Join us as we welcome incoming kindergarteners and their parents into the Las Lomitas family. This may be the first experience many of these families will have with Las Lomitas, and with your help, we can present a well-rounded view of the many programs we have to offer, as well as the amazing volunteer spirit they can soon become a part of.
to volunteer.
PTA Webmaster/Application Developer
The PTA is looking for parents interested in getting involved with the PTA in a very flexible role in the Webmaster/Application developer team for the Las Lomitas PTA website. Tasks will range from maintaining the Las Lomitas PTA webpages, program-specific web forms and applications. He/she will work with the current webmaster and application developer. A good understanding of HTML and basic web technologies is a plus, but training will be provided.
This is a great opportunity for parents with limited time availability since the hours are flexible and all work can be done at home (2-3 hours per month as needed for programs).
PTA Executive Board Positions
Dear Parents, Your time and talent are essential ingredients in making our school truly outstanding. We hope upon returning to campus after break, that you think about how you can support your child, his/her classroom, and the entire school. We are actively recruiting for the PTA Executive Board this month. We hope that you will consider joining other parents and contribute whatever you can to our school. If you are interested in learning more about a specific role on the PTA Executive Board, please reach out to us at parliamentarian@llesd.org You have as much to gain as you have to give by volunteering. Take it from us! Please join us! Artis Montague & Helen Ungerman Co-Parliamentarians 2015-16
NOW ACCEPTING ORDERS FOR THE 2015-2016 LAS LOMITAS MEMORY BOOK Please take a minute to visit the PTA web site to order your child a copy of the 2015-2016 Las Lomitas Memory book. The cost is $25/book and payment is accepted via Paypal. You are able to order multiple copies if you have more then one child at Las Lomitas. Please note that no orders have been taken to date. The online ordering period for Memory Book's is February 22nd-April 21st. All orders are fulfilled through your child's teacher, typically the last few days of school in June. Students will have a chance to get their copy signed by friends and staff at that time. While we always order extra copies and make those available for sale the last two days of school at the Flagpole, we encourage you to order online since last year we completely sold out.
|
|
Report from the Nominating Committee
|
The Nominating Committee has met and discussed individuals from our community who are eligible candidates from the 2016-2017 term of office. On behalf of the nominating committee, the following slate of officers for the association is presented for consideration:
| President
| Anca Rusu
|
| 1st VP
| Adrianne Wonnacott
|
| 2nd VP, Volunteer Coordinator
| Diane Bradley
|
| 3rd VP, Hot Food Board Chair
| Corinne Burke
|
| 4th VP, Technology
| Prachi Shah, Shawn Matloub, and TBD
|
| Secretary
| Brian Lee
|
| Treasurer
| Ian Edwards
|
| Parliamentarian
| Maggie Oren
|
We are currently looking for one additional person to help with website updates. If you are interested, please contact webmaster@llpta.org.
The Hot Food Program Day Chairs have also been confirmed and are as follows:
Monday - Heather Caelius & Christine Orr Tuesday - Helen Ungerman Wednesday - Adrianne Wonnacott Thursday - Josie Tang Friday - Sarah Supple and Sarah Chai
If you are interested in helping out next year with Hot Food, please email hotfood@llpta.org to get in touch with the day chair of your choosing.
For any other PTA volunteer opportunities as seen on the PTA website, please contact volunteer@llpta.org Thank you PARENTS for keeping our PTA going strong. So many of our programs have reached a level of excellence because of your contributions, whether it be your time, talent or treasure. We look forward to a fantastic 2016-17 school year!
Artis Montague & Helen Ungerman Co-Parliamentarians
Join Us to Vote in Our Officers-at the Dutch Goose! Tuesday, April 19th at 6:00pm We need a quorum of members to make it official. Voting will be a brief formality and then it's an opportunity to visit with friends-please join us!
|
|
Las Lomitas League News
|
For parents who have registered for an Las Lomitas League class, here are some general reminders:- Please report your child's absence from a Las Lomitas League class or sport by
contacting the Las Lomitas League instructor directly. The school office is not involved in
absence reporting for Las Lomitas League classes. - Please be punctual to pick up your child after a Las Lomitas League class or sport at the
designated class location, and not at the flagpole. If someone else is picking up your
child, please let the Las Lomitas League instructor know in advance and with written
notice with the name and contact number of the adult authorized to pick up your child.
The Las Lomitas League instructors cannot stay late to supervise your child. If parents
are repeatedly late, the student may not be able to continue in the class. - If you have any questions about a specific class, please refer to the Las Lomitas League
website (http://laslomitasleague.com/), and contact the appropriate Las Lomitas League
Vice President. The Vice Presidents for this year are:
|
|
Science Wonders
|
Calling All Las Lomitas Students
Science Wonders:
Student Science Fair Exhibition 2016 
6:00 - 8:00 PM - Wednesday, April 20 Cano Hall, Las Lomitas Elementary School
For more information (2015 pdf) visit:
What is Science Wonders? Science Wonders is a science fair event to encourage your children to be inquisitive about the world around them, as well as an opportunity to have FUN while sharing the joy of discovery with the school community. 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 to your question (hint: there are many great books in the Las Lomitas Library and on websites listed in the Student and Parent Guide at the URL above).
Step 3: Write down your ideas and develop a plan to present your "science 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 or on weekends/spring break. 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? Yes! Everyone is welcome to come to the event and view all the creative ideas that Las Lomitas students bring to life at Science Wonders.
How do I sign up? In order to help us coordinate, send an RSVP email to Scott & Dawn Smithson at sciencewonders@llpta.org by April 1. Please include the student's name, grade and teacher in your RSVP. Thank you!
|
|
Parents of Third Graders
|
Save these dates regarding 4th grade orientation to La Entrada!
As you are well aware, third graders will be off to La Entrada in the fall! Several activities have been organized to address questions that you and your child may have about their "new" school. In an effort to make the transition to La Entrada comfortable for everyone, we invite you to attend the following events: ORIENTATION FOR PARENTS OF THIRD GRADERS - Thursday, April 14th All parents are invited to an orientation session on Thursday, April 14th from 6:30 - 7:30 PM in the La Entrada Library. Shannon Potts, Principal and La Entrada staff will provide information about LE and the 4th grade program in particular, so that your transition will be smooth and comfortable. The evening will allow ample time for your questions. Refreshments will be served. Please Note: This evening is for parents only. Students will visit La Entrada for their own special orientation the next day. THIRD GRADE VISIT TO LA ENTRADA - Friday, April 15th On Friday morning, April 15th, third graders will take a field trip to La Entrada. The students will already have corresponded with 4th graders via a pen pal program. They will get to meet their pen pal and participate in an orientation planned by La Entrada staff and students to help your child become more comfortable and excited about his/her new school. LA ENTRADA OPEN HOUSE - Thursday, May 19th La Entrada teachers will hold Open House in their classrooms on Thursday, May 19th beginning at 6:30 PM. Incoming 4th graders and their families are welcome to attend this event. It's a great opportunity to meet the fourth grade teachers: Mrs. Mylod, Room 41, Mrs. Behrens, Room 43, Ms. Bicknell, Rm 44, Ms. Carter, Room 70, Ms. Fordham, Room 71, Ms. Cummins, Room 72, Mrs. Nixon, Room 62 and Ms. Logie, Room 64. (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
|
|
Parents Needed for our District English Language Advisory Committee (DELAC)
| | Is your student someone who speaks a language other than English?
Are you interested in learning more about how our district plans English Language instruction for children at all grade levels?
Care to share with this group some useful tips that parents new to the American school system would benefit from due to your personal experience?
Please consider joining our monthly meetings! They are fun and a great way to learn more about our school system.
|
|
Hearing and Vision Screening
|
Dear Parents,
Las Lomitas School will be having our annual State required Hearing and Vision Screening March 28-30th. 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. VisionStudents are screened for distance using the Snellen chart.A near vision screening will also be conducted this year. 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.
|
|
Community News
|
Informational Coffee on Monday, April 18 for All Students Matter
If you've wondered what All Students Matter is all about, then please join other local parents who are already volunteering with us in the classroom of K-4th grade students to learn more. We invite you for coffee and refreshments while you hear about how you can make a true difference in the life of students in east Menlo Park and East Palo Alto by volunteering for an hour a week. Monday, April 18 at 10:00 am at a home in Menlo Park. Please contact to Jeanette Kennedy at jkc_kennedy@yahoo.com to RSVP. jkc_kennedy@yahoo.com.
Studio Rincon Spring Youth Dance Classes
Studio Rincon on Alameda in Menlo Park- Spring session of youth dance classes start the week of March 21st. Classes M-F after school. Preballet, ballet & 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! Signup here- http://studiorincon.com/schedule-youth.php
Announcing Open Enrollment for the 2016-17 school year at Ladera Community Church Preschool!
LCCP welcomes all children aged 2 to 5 years old. It is a fully licensed, NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) accredited preschool that maintains low child-to-teacher ratios. It offers a play-based curriculum without religious content. Currently LCCP has a couple spaces available in all classes: 2s, 3s, and Pre-K. Please call or visit our website for more information.
Phone: 650-854-2997
|
|
Summer Programs
|
Las Lomitas Summer Program
Registration forms for the Las Lomitas Summer Program will be available on Monday, February 1, 2016. They will also be sent home to our current students in our Monday envelope that day. The theme this year will be AUSTRALIA and the dates are June 20 to July 15. Register early to avoid disappointment!
I hope all of you enjoyed a fantastic year in 2015 and are off to a great start for 2016. Panthers
"All Sports" Camp is back for another exciting 2016 summer. For more information regarding camp as well as registering, the link to the Panthers Camp website is
- Session 1: June 13-16
- Session 2: June 20-23
- Session 3: June 27-30
- Session 4: July 5-8
In order to register, please click on the following link: https://thriva.activenetwork.com/
If you register before 3/1/16, you will get the early bird special. Please let me know if you have any questions: danflahavan@gmail.com
If your child has outgrown camp and will be entering 8th grade, they have an opportunity to build leadership skills as a Junior Counselor in Training (JCIT). I will be sending out more information regarding this soon.
I look forward to another great summer with your kids at Panthers Camp.
3rd Annual Kelly Coding and Creation Camps, Summer 2016
 Join Parker Kelly, the tech teacher for 16 years, for an exciting, educational experience at La Entrada's Mac lab this summer! In each 1-week session, students will learn programming, 3D design/printing and other multimedia skills in a fun, self-paced environment. Participants will learn from an experienced teacher (23 years) who has an MA in Instructional Technology. Each class will start with fun activities that cover essential computer science concepts using a mixture of visual block programming and coding, all while making fun animations, and video games. In addition, students will get hands-on experience designing 3D models and then print their creation with a 3D printer. As a culminating activity, the class will record a video in a broadcast studio environment that will show off their week at camp. Participants can enroll in 1, 2, 3 or ALL 4 sessions if they want! Choose from one or more of the following sessions: June 13-17, June 20-24, June 27-July 1 and July 11-15. Each day starts at 8:30 am and ends at 3:30pm. The camps are open to students entering 4th, 5th and 6th grade in the fall. Click here for more details and to register.
Coach Tim's Sports Camp will again take place at Las Lomitas this summer. There are 4 one week sessions beginning the week of June 13. Some of the activities are softball, soccer, broomball, ultimate frisbee and arts and crafts. We have flyers in the school office or go to tbowler@sbcglobal.net for more information.
There are flyers in the office about Summer Reading Skills classes offered at Hillview Community Center being sponsored by the City of Los Altos. Classes are for children entering Kindergarten through entering 11th graders. For more information or to register call 1-800-903-0162.
JEFF ARONS' YOUTH SUMMER TENNIS CAMPS AT SACRED HEART SCHOOLS BEGINNING JUNE 13TH Jeff Arons is the director of tennis for Sacred Heart Schools. His coaching experiences include founding/directing the East Palo Alto Tennis and Tutoring Program and coaching a Wimbledon doubles champion. |
|
|
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!
|
|
