Thursday Word – January 28, 2010

FROM THE PRINCIPAL – Terri Stromfeld

What’s New . . .

• Congratulations to our Student Council and Cornerstone students for collecting over $3,500 to date to help families in Haiti.  We will continue to collect donations until tomorrow.  Thank you, parents, for helping us teach our children about the importance of making a positive difference in the lives of others.
• Our K-3 students have completed sessions of dance and art, and this week they began their six-week study of music.  The music program will include learning about rhythm, reading notes, and exploring music from different cultures.  After music they will have a session of theatre.  Many thanks to our generous PTA for funding this program and thereby allowing our children to explore the arts and discover new talents.
• Our fifth grade students enjoyed a formal debate this week that centered around John Smith and the colonists.  The debate was one of several that fifth graders will be participating in this year, each of which ties directly to a social studies unit.  This new debate program, led by Durga Kalavagunta and Yabo Lin, is yet another example of parents helping to broaden our children’s studies and open new perspectives.  

 

LAEF Survey

Los Altos Educational Foundation is conducting a parent survey that will continue through February 4. Our periodic parent surveys are important because they are the only formal feedback mechanism through which parents from across all District schools can let LAEF know which educational enrichment programs you want LAEF to support. Using the results from this year’s survey, LAEF Grant-making Committee will determine LAEF’s 2010-11 grant and then work with District leadership to ensure that the programs parents value most are offered next year. Please take the time to participate in the survey to make sure your voice is heard!   

Kindergarten Informational Evening Tonight

Parents of preschool children who will be attending the LASD next fall have an opportunity to learn more about our kindergarten program.  Our Almond informational meeting will be this evening, January 28 at 7pm in the Multi.  The evening will include presentations by the principal, kindergarten teachers and a visit to the kindergarten classrooms.  Registration packets will be handed out at the meeting.  The kindergarten registration period runs from 2/1-2/12.  

UPCOMING DATES TO REMEMBER

• ·  Thursday, January 28, Hot Lunch orders for February due today!
• ·  Thursday, January 28, 7:00 pm, Kindergarten Information Night
• ·  Friday, February 5, Parents’ Night Out
• ·  Saturday, February 6, 9:30am-12pm, Beautification Event
• ·  Monday, February 15, Requests for intra-district transfers due to LASD office

   

ANNOUNCEMENTS 

Place Hot Lunch Orders for February TODAY!

Hot Lunch orders for FEBRUARY must be placed by TODAY, Thursday, January 28th.  No exceptions! Place your orders now at www.tastenutrition.com.  

LAEF Car Window Clings Coming Soon

LAEF car window clings will be sent home on February 11.  They will be given to all our donors as a thank you and as a way to promote LAEF awareness in the larger community in advance of our spring community campaign. Spread the word about LAEF in the community by displaying your car window cling!  Goodies will be randomly given to cars displaying their clings in the school parking lot.  Don’t miss out! 

  

It’s never too late to show your support for LAEF and our schools.  We strive for 100%  participation.  Have you donated yet? Contribute online here.  

Kids’ Place Parents’ Night Out

It is time for another Kids’ Place Parents’ Night Out. The Kids’ Place staff offers child care to provide parents an opportunity to have a night off while we play games, watch movies, and have dinner with your children. The next event will be Friday, February 5th from 6:30-10:30pm. Kids’ Place will provide dinner (usually pizza), snacks, games, a movie (G-rated), and a fun time for the children. Rates are as follows: 1 Child – $25, 2 – $40, 3 – $60, and $10 for each additional child after three. Children as young as three are permitted. Stop by or call (650) 941-8102 to sign up. For more information, contact Kids’ Place Director, Joshua Harmon.   

Almond Beautification Event

Calling all volunteers!  We need you!  Almond will be holding its second Beautification Event on Saturday, February 6th from 9:30am-12pm.  We will be weeding, pruning, and sprucing up the gardens.  Green thumbs not required!  Refreshments provided, but please bring your own gardening tools, including pruning shears, trowels, and shovels. Sixth graders can earn up to 2.5 hours community service credit (depending on hours worked), but must be accompanied by an adult.  Please contact Deby Pasturel with questions.  

Almond’s Night at the Oscars

The last fundraiser of the school year, “Almond’s Night at the Oscars” is happening Saturday, March 6^th, 2010 at the Los Altos Golf & Country Club. Tickets are available for $65 per person by contacting Liz Parker.  This promises to be a spectacular evening to support Almond!  

Sixth Grade Car Wash Coming Soon!

DON’T WASH THAT CAR! The sixth grade will be washing (and drying!) cars at Almond on Friday, March 19th from 3:30-6:00pm and Saturday, March 20th from 10am-2pm to raise money to fund sixth grade activities.  Please save the dates!  Pre-sold tickets will be available beginning in February. We will also be selling delicious baked goods during the event. Thanks!  

Calling all 4th, 5th and 6th grade Almond Birders!

Almond School is getting ready to set up our bird nest boxes provided by the Audubon Society’s “Cavity Nesters Recovery Program”. If you want to learn more about this fun program, come to a short presentation on Saturday Jan. 30th at 10:00 am. We will learn about the birds we are trying to attract, and how to monitor the boxes during the nesting season. Once a week during lunch recess, a team of students will monitor each box and record any activity. If you want to come to the talk or sign up as a student monitor, please contact Kathy Strickland Hanson. Click here for more info.    

Intra-district (Open Enrollment) Transfers

The Los Altos School District has a policy of Open Enrollment that permits students living within district boundaries to attend a school other than their neighborhood school, subject to space availability. Requests for an intra-district transfer must be submitted to the District Office by February 15. An intra-district transfer approval in grades K-6 is in effect for one school year.  Intra-district requests must be submitted annually and approval will be based on space available at the requested school. To access the complete policy #5116.1, go to “Board Policies and Administrative Regulations” at the bottom of the LASD site.  Transfer request forms are available at the District Office. Contact the Superintendent’s Office (650-947-1152) for more information.    

PARENT EDUCATION 

http://www.almond.losaltos.k12.ca.us/parent/parent_ed.php

 

Key Dates

• ·  January 28, Navigating the Emotions of Tweens and Teens 
• ·  Wednesday, February 3, 10, 24 and March 3, Real Parents, Real Daughters Workshop
• ·  Thursday, March 4, Getting Organized: Helping Your Child Be Successful in School
• ·  Thursday, March 25, Building Resilience in Our Youth: Raising Healthy Kids

 

The Tween/Teen Years: Navigating the Emotions of Tweens and Teens

Laura Kastner, PhD, will be speaking on January 28, 7:00pm at the Crystal Springs Uplands School, Hillsborough.  Fee: $20 at the door.  Click for more info.  

Real Parents, Real Daughters Workshop

This Girls Leadership Institute workshop will teach girls critical skills to improve communication skills with peers and family, and will empower them to speak up with courage and honesty. Note that it is targeted at 2^nd and 3^rd grade girls and their parents.  The workshops will be held on Wednesdays, Feb 3, 10, 24 and March 3, from 6:00- 7:30pm right here at Almond Elementary School.  For more info or to register, click here.   

I Left My Homework on My Printer – Getting Organized: Helping Your Child Be Successful in School

Ana Homayoun will be speaking on March 4, 7:30 – 8:30 pm in the Egan Multi.  

Building Resilience in Our Youth: Raising Healthy Kids

Ken Ginsburg, M.D. will speak on Thursday, March 25th at Gunn High School’s Spangenberg Theater, 6:30pm – 8:30pm.      

LASD FREQUENT FLYER NEWSLETTER

www.losaltos.k12.ca.us/PDF_Files/2009_2010/School_News_01_28_2010.PDF

        

WANT TO SUBMIT SOMETHING TO THE THURSDAY WORD?

Send announcements to us at almond.thursdayword@gmail.com by 1:00pm Monday, for that week’s Word. Keep your announcements brief and, if applicable, send a PDF version of any flyer or additional information to be posted on the website.

 

For more information about Almond Elementary School visit www.almondschool.org.  

   

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