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THE SLICE
A Monthly Look at the Power of LPIE
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Monthly Quote
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"Tell me and I forget, teach me and I remember, involve me and I learn."
- Ben Franklin
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Click Below to Donate
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1/29 7-8:30pm
Lafayette School District Orchestra Concert
2/3 7pm LPIE General Board Meeting 2/4 1:30pm BVE Winter Concert2/6 1:30pm
HVE 4th Grade Concert
2/26 5:30pm Springhill Science Fair 3/3 9pm LPIE General Board Meeting3/11 5:30pm HVE Science Fair3/16 7pm Lafayette School district Band Festival
3/17 7pm Lafayette School district Band Festival
3/16 7pm Lafayette School district Chorus Festival 3/18 5:30pm BVE Science Fair
3/19 4:30pm Lafayette School District Chorus Festival
3/25 5:30pm LES Science Fair 3/26 6:30pm Stanley Science Expo
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Business PIE
of the Month
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Real Estate Partners
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Platinum
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Contact LPIE
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office@lpie.org
925-299-1644
3450A Golden Gate Way Lafayette
Mailing Address:
PO Box 923
Lafayette, CA 94549
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Join Our List
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Happy New Year! Since our beginnings in 1980, LPIE has been a staunch and ardent supporter of science in our schools. In this month's Slice, we are proud to focus on the amazing ways that Lafayette teachers and LPIE instructors are delivering science instruction in the classroom.
From LPIE-delivered instruction on senses and observations in kindergarten to funding lab supplies for all science classes offered at Acalanes, students are being challenged to discover, experiment and grow every day.
Two Stanley teachers are testaments to our excellent science programming: this Fall, 6th grade science and 7th/8th grade robotics teacher Mike Meneghetti was recognized as an outstanding teacher by the Warren W. Eukel Teacher Trust; and last month, computer applications teacher Brian Connolly was recognized as the Outstanding Educator of the Year by the California League of Middle Schools. Congratulations Mr. Meneghetti and Mr. Connolly!
I hope to see you at our LPIE Power Party on Saturday, March 14th! Many thanks to Kelli Shrader and Sharon Treter for chairing this new and exciting event. Please read below for all of the details! We are accepting donations for raffle and auction items. Please contact fundraising@lpie.org if you can help!
Meredith Meade, President
Lafayette Partners in Education
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LPIE - INVESTING IN YOUR CHILD'S EDUCATION
| |  LPIE Fundraising Update
To date, parents and community members have generously donated $2M toward our fundraising goal of $2.5M and overall operating budget of $2.7M for the 2014/15 school year. We continue to work towards our goal and remind you that it is not to late to donate for this year. Thank you as always for your support.
For a reminder of what LPIE funds, please read on...
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LPIE POWER PARTY!
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The most exciting event of the year is
exploding on the scene on March 14, 2015!
Please join us for the LPIE "Power Party" - a blast of a fundraiser to support our children and local schools. You'll enjoy gourmet appetizers, dinner and drinks (open bar!) as you participate in raffles, games, and both live and silent auctions. And all this excitement will be accompanied by the live music of 80's cover band, The Accents
Event details:
Saturday, March 14, 2015
6:30-10:30pm at Temple Isaiah, Lafayette
Tickets: $100 (price increases to $130 on Feb 1!)
(As with previous events, we anticipate selling out quickly,
so get your tickets soon!)
PLEASE NOTE: Casual Cocktail Attire; Adult-only Event.
or visit our office at 3450A Golden Gate Way.
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LPIE SCIENCE FAIRS AND EVENTS
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Science Comes to Life Elementary Schools and Stanley!
Don't miss the upcoming Elementary School
LPIE Science Fairs and the Stanley Science Expo!
These creative,  educational and enriching community celebrations bring science to life for our students. Click here for project ideas and event contacts.
Guided by Desi Dikova,
LPIE Science Chair, each school event is being led by creative teams of dedicated volunteers. Our amazing LPIE Science Fair Chairs are hard at work:
We Need Your Help - We are looking for parents with science-oriented professions and hobbies, who would like to present an exhibit at the fairs. Do you have an interesting idea for a hands-on display or presentation? Do you have a collection that you would like to show? Please email Desi Dikova.
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ACALANES PARENTS - WE NEED YOU!
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Project LPIE Volunteers Needed at Acalanes
 In its second year at Acalanes, Project LPIE is a student recognition program that provides a platform for Acalanes High School students to showcase their talents and share their projects with the community.
Email Patty Gonser if you are interested in volunteering to help with this exciting event.
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STANLEY ENGINEERING/ROBOTICS NEEDS YOUR HELP!
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Spare Lego Mindstorm Parts Needed at Stanley
This is a shout out to all Lafayette parents, friends and relatives: The Engineering/Robotics classes at Stanley are looking for Lego Mindstorm robot sets or spare parts. As careful as the students have been, small parts are easily lost and can be expensive and time consuming to replace.
Email Mr. Menenghetti if you have Lego Mindstorm parts. Thank you for helping Stanley students in their engineering endeavors.
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THE POWER OF LPIE AT THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
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LPIE Funding Ignites Science for all K-5 Students!
LPIE helps foster student curiosity and the development of critical thinking skills by investing in comprehensive science instruction. With a total of $312,500 in LPIE funding for the 2014-15 school year, LPIE supports:
- Science Lab Teachers ($250,000) at each school, including Mallory Pierce and Laura Lowell at Burton Valley, Jonathan Winter at Lafayette Elementary, Adrienne Small at Happy Valley and Kate Kunnes at Springhill.
- Professional Development ($15,000) provides common core and critical thinking training, allowing science lab teachers to deliver science instruction in the lab and literacy in the classroom.
- LPIE Science Instructors ($25,270) who visit science labs, in their black LPIE aprons, to deliver LPIE science lessons that provide hands-on experiences in such disciplines as biology, chemistry, earth science, physics and more. Click for a brief description of LPIE lessons.
A visit with fifth grade students to the science lab includes an exploration of the challenges facing scientists and engineers in the aftermath of an oil spill. Using the 2010 oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico as an example, students learn about the complexities of controlling an erupting oil spill underwater. Students experiment by dipping a variety of products used to cleanup oil spills in an oil and water mixture, noting the relative effectiveness of each product. In additional, the effect on wildlife is explored when students coat feathers and 'fur' in the oil and water mixture. Students use science notebooks to record their thinking, observations, lab results, writing, sketches, models and more.
"In order for children to develop sound scientific hypothesis and ask meaningful questions, they need the opportunity to make observations. Hands-on activities in the science lab allow students to explore ideas and objects. This exploration allows the students to develop a greater understanding of the world around them." - Ms. Kunnes, Springhill Science Teacher
Working together, Science Teachers and LPIE Instructors teach hands-on/minds-on science lessons to all students (T)Kindergarten-5th grade. They coordinate and deliver up-to-date lessons that use Next Generation Science Standards and Common Core principles and cross all disciplines. While the Science Teachers lead science instruction and science literacy in the lab and the classroom, LPIE Science Instructors compliment lessons by delivering unique LPIE lessons. From exploration and investigation to observation and experimentation, the lessons bring science alive for the over 2000 elementary students, resulting in a vibrant community of learning and a strong and complementary program that integrates science and literacy.
 "Science content is no longer isolated as a hands-on lab experience. The integration of discourse, writing and reading is essential to helping students become literate in the language and practices of science. This is the intention of the Next Generation Science Standards which are embedded with connections to Common Core State Standards (CCSS) in math and
English Language Arts (ELA)." - Burton Valley Science Teacher, Mallory Pierce. In addition to providing financial support for the Science Teachers and LPIE Science Instructors at each elementary school, LPIE volunteers, supported by LPIE funding, organize the science fairs. With the elementary school science fairs just around the corner, please note the following resources for your budding scientist to get started on their project: LPIE Science Fair News and Events.
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THE POWER OF LPIE AT STANLEY MIDDLE SCHOOL
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LPIE Supporting Science Exploration at Stanley!
Science inspires a student's natural curiosity to explore, experiment, and problem-solve. In collaboration with Stanley Science Teachers, the LPIE science curriculum brings valuable hands-on experiences to Stanley students that enrich student learning. LPIE is investing over $30,000 in science support at Stanley for the 2014-15 school year ($25,270 LPIE delivered lessons and $5,000 for Stanley teacher professional development).
 From chemistry to heart dissections to microbiology, LPIE helps enrich the delivery of science at Stanley while working in collaboration with the Stanley science teachers.
"The LPIE labs provide an important "engage" and "explore" aspect to 8th grade science. Because the LPIE lessons are aligned with our curriculum, the students can continue to construct explanations of the the chemical reactions they have seen, even after the LPIE lessons are finished."
- Ms. Cyr, Stanley Science Teacher
LPIE's sixth grade science curriculum provides exceptional opportunities for students to learn about science by "doing." They continue to expand their understanding of chemistry, identifying unknown substances by evaluation and experimentation. Kids love rocks and crystals! Ask any Stanley 6th grader and they can tell you the difference between igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks which they learned hands-on by using microscopes, samples of rocks, and studying crystal formation. In harnessing electrons, students explore series and parallel circuits, electromagnets and radio waves. Have you ever seen a real heart close up? Stanley's seventh graders have. Seventh graders learn about the human circulatory system by dissecting and labeling a sheep's heart. Additionally, they work with lab partners to identify and understand the functions of the brain using a longitudinal half of a sheep brain. Seventh graders also learn the ins and outs of microbiology, using microscopes, studying and making slides, and understanding the mysteries of organisms too small to be seen. 
Can light bend? Ask a Stanley eighth grader. In eighth grade, the students analyze and explore concepts pertaining to waves, light, color and lenses. They learn about the electromagnetic spectrum, experiment with the properties of reflection and refraction, and even build a simple telescope. Will clay float and hold cargo? Eighth graders know that too, as they learn about fluids, density and buoyancy. They also know how to make a wet cell battery with salt, bleach, and water and learn about other chemical reactions.
Eighth grader Nicole E notes that "labs help you see what is happening in science, instead of just hearing or reading about it". Maya M
agrees, "hands-on labs help me understand science better."
 LPIE Science Instructors work hand-in-hand with the Stanley Teachers to provide curriculum that correlates and enhances science in the classroom. Together, they offer Stanley students a rich, interesting, and challenging opportunity to explore, investigate, use critical thinking skills, and learn science.
"LPIE programs bring Science to life for students. "Exothermic" isn't just a description of a chemical reaction, it's "hissing, smoking and squeaking" as quoted by 8th graders in Alice Cyr's class. LPIE labs punctuate science classes by dovetailing application and theory. Moreover, they are perfectly aligned with the mission of STEM-based education." - Caroline Tsuyuki, LPIE Science Instructor
 In addition to providing financial support for the LPIE Science Instructors at Stanley, LPIE volunteers, supported by LPIE funding, organize the Stanley Science Expo.
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THE POWER OF LPIE AT ACALANES HIGH SCHOOL
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LPIE Funds Equipment and Supplies for Hands-on Science Labs
The Acalanes science department has a talented teaching staff and a comprehensive list of science class offerings including Chemistry*, Biology*, Biotechnology, Environmental Science*, Geology, Physics and Physiology. LPIE is proud to support Acalanes science with over $80,000 in funding this year.  LPIE donations provide over $35,000 in funding for the lab supplies for all science classes. In addition, LPIE supports the purchase of iPads and apps used by several science classes and two additional science class sections resulting in class size reduction and additional class offerings ( over $45,000 in funding). LPIE funded supplies and technology for hands-on experimentation includes:
- Advanced Technological Tools such as Webcams and equipment such as Probeware that connects with iPads or computers to record, interpret and analyze data.
- Lab Basics such as petri dishes, agar, test kits for water quality, glassware, Bunsen burner supplies and more.
- Specialized Science Lab items like the specimens for dissection in Physiology.
Department Chair Ms. Paniagua notes, "LPIE funds allow us to purchase cutting edge technology, like Vernier probes, as well as chemicals, and even basic supplies like sugar and bleach. This financial support allows us to provide students with the most current and relevant labs and activities that we can."
In Mr. McNamara's chemistry class,  student conduct a stoichiometry lab. Casey Ccomments, "I really understand the process after I complete a lab." John Fadds, "Labs help us apply what we have learned during the lecture."
Acalanes Chemistry Teacher Mr. McNamara adds, "Hands-on labs and demonstrations are crucial to seeing and experiencing important scientific concepts. This leads to a better understanding of those concepts, thus leading to a more solid foundation of learning for the future." As Ms. Tewksbury's biology class class is studying plant cells, Olivia R notes, "first you learn from the book, but when you see it during a lab the information sticks better." Owen C adds, "Labs encourage collaboration. The teacher guides the lab, but the students learn the together. We help each other understand the process." Peyton L agrees, "lectures tell you, but hand-on labs show you." "In physiology, we run at least 7 - 10 labs using the Probeware funded by LPIE. This fabulous equipment allows students to see their heartbeat in real time, calculate their lung capacity, and observe their grip strength decrease rapidly with fatigue. This is objective, concrete data which helps students learn and understand how their bodies work within a constantly changing environment." - Ms. Heaton, Acalanes Science Teacher  
*Traditional classes and Advance Placement offered.
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LPIE Science Instructors
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Get to Know our Amazing LPIE Instructors!
 Where might you find a microbiologist, physician's assistant, elementary school teacher, research scientist, and scientists with advanced degrees in Physiology, Biophysics, Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Food and Nutrition? And where would you find scientists with lab and work experiences in biotechnology, medical diagnostics, the environment, and more, teaching students about science? Well, luckily for students of the Lafayette School District, these people can be found in their K-8 classrooms, teaching the ins-and-outs of science. They are the highly trained LPIE Instructors, passionate about science, who are helping to maintain a prestigious science-learning environment in the classrooms in Lafayette.
"The LPIE Instructors are all specially-trained and  skilled scientists and teachers that have a passion for science and for sharing their enthusiasm for science in the classroom. They have developed hands-on science curriculum to make learning science fun. LPIE Science in the classroom is one of the programs that make the Lafayette district unique," says LPIE Science Program Chair Joanne Layshock.
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SAT and ACT Prep at Acalanes - Powered by LPIE
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Method Test Prep - Funded by LPIE
Attention Acalanes students studying for the 
upcoming SAT (1/24) and ACT (3/14) tests: LPIE is providing Acalanes High School students access to Method Test Prep (MTP), an online program that helps students prepare for the SAT and ACT tests.
To create an account, click here.
- Select the "Sign Up" tab and use the Referral Code: tkn.14427664.
- Username: Student's Acalanes email address (i.e. john.smith14@auhsdschools.org)
- Password: created by the student
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Music and the Human Spirit!
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Presented by the Lamorinda Family Center
Vijay Gupta, a violinist with the LA Philharmonic and founder/director of Street Symphony, will be speaking and performing at LOPC on Sunday, February 8th. Click for details.
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Business
PIEs
of the Month |
Local businesses (many parent-owned) support our schools through LPIE sponsors and donations. Please support them!
Do you want to help support Lafayette schools and reach over 5,000 households a month with your business offer? Contact LPIE!
WELCOME OUR 2015 GOLD BUSINESS AND REAL ESTATE PARTNERS. With donations of $1,000 or more, these partners are supporting LPIE's efforts to provide our students with the excellent education our entire community demands. Thank you to all our business and real estate partners.
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TRY LAFAYETTE ACADEMY SAT/ACT PREP
CLASSES SUPPORT LPIE, TOO!
Sign up for any SAT or SAT/ACT Prep classes at $999 or $1149 during the months of December or January and the Lafayette Academy will donate $100 to LPIE in your families' name.
ACT or SAT Classes + 9 classes + 3 hours of private tutoring + 3 practice tests + Unlimited Follow-Up Support
"Our students' score improvements aren't an accident. We have had hundreds of students of ALL ability levels achieve huge score increases. We have evaluated ACT and SAT practice tests to create the best strategies and program structure for our students. Other companies talk about caring - we've proven it, over and over again. We will do whatever it takes to help your son or daughter succeed on the ACT and SAT. Give us a call."
3400 Mt. Diablo Blvd. - Lafayette, CA 94549 - (925) 284-1644
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Lafayette Partners in Education - Our Mission
To support and enrich the education of every child in the Lafayette public schools through a broad community-based effort.
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NO WARRANTY/RESPONSIBILITY. LPIE, AND ITS RESPECTIVE OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, AND AGENTS (LPIE) MAKE NO WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE WITH RESPECT TO ANY PRODUCTS OR SERVICES RELATED TO ANY VENDORS LISTED ON THIS SITE. LPIE ALSO EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY PRODUCT OR SERVICE OF ANY OF THESE VENDORS.
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