FROM THE PRINCIPAL – Terri Stromfeld

Famous Americans Visit Almond’s Third Grade

What do Neil Armstrong, Clara Barton Elizabeth Blackwell, Madame Curie, Walt Disney, Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, Benjamin Franklin, Babe Ruth, Orville Wright, and 59 other famous Americans have in common?  Well . . . they came to life and visited our third grade classes this week.  They were greeted by enthusiastic Almond parents, students, cameras and video recorders.   Dressed in the clothing of their time, these historic figures, portrayed by our third graders, talked about their families, their accomplishments and how they became “famous”.

          

This is a major third grade project, which enables the children to research, strengthen writing, utilize technology, enjoy oil pastels and manage time.  An essay, a “self portrait” and a 3-5 minute speech were the culminating projects of several months of in-depth planning and study. This learning opportunity certainly gets our students ready for our famous fourth grade passport report and the many oral presentations that they will be doing in the future. This is a positive and memorable learning experience for all of our third graders!

          

Wishing you and your families a wonderful Winter Recess, February 15-19. I look forward to seeing you again on Monday, February 22.  

Special thanks go to:

• ·  Our third grade teachers, Mrs. Garcia, Mrs. Uhm and Mrs. Wishnack, for preparing this project and to all of our third graders for doing a sensational job! 
• ·  Lucia Guh-Siesel for recruiting and training the many volunteers for our new, highly successful fifth grade debate sessions

 

UPCOMING DATES TO REMEMBER

• ·  Friday, February 12, 8:40am, Junior Olympics Informational Meeting
• ·  February 15-19, Winter Recess, No School
• ·  Monday, February 15, Requests for intra-district transfers due to LASD office
• ·  Sunday, February 28, 1:30 – 4:00 pm, Almond Beautification Event
• ·  Saturday, March 6, Almond’s Night at the Oscars
• ·  March 19 and 20, Sixth Grade Car Wash
• ·  Monday, March 22, Science Expo 2010 for K-4^th graders
• ·  March 22-26, Kepler’s Book Fair
• ·  Saturday, April 24, 50^th Junior Olympics

   

FROM THE PTA – Marcia Chmyz & Jean Limbach

 

High School Superintendent to Visit Almond – February 24, 7:00pm

High school may seem a long way off, but the Mountain View-Los Altos High School District is already preparing for the arrival of current Almond students.  Did you know that the enrollment at Los Altos High School is projected to grow by at least 25% in the next ten years?  In order to accommodate this growth, the district is considering a bond measure for the June 2010 ballot. 

  

Dr. Barry Groves, MVLA Superintendent, will be speaking at our February 24 PTA meeting.  He will introduce the bond measure and answer parent questions regarding the bond measure and the high school.  Please avail yourselves of this unique opportunity to find out what lies ahead for your students!    

ALMOND’S NIGHT AT THE OSCARS

With the Academy Award nominations just announced this week, we are getting even closer to our very own celebration:  Almond’s Night at the Oscars!  Be with us Saturday, March 6, 2010, from 6:30-11pm, at the Los Altos Golf and Country Club to celebrate and support our school.  

  

Wonderful items in our auction will include:

• Tim Lincecum signed bat   Tim is the first pitcher in MLB history to win the Cy Young award in his first two seasons as a pro.  This bat is priceless!
• Giants Premium Club Seats     Take me out to the ballgame—in style!  Thoroughly enjoy four (4) seats in Premium Field Club, three rows behind the First Base Dugout.
• Fore!  Enjoy a round of golf at Palo Alto Hills Golf & Country Club, a challenging 18 hole course in the midst of pine trees and lush greens.  Enjoy greens fees and cart fees for four at PAHGCC. 
• Much, much more!

Arrive at the Auction in a Limo! Raffle Tickets on Sale Now 

Want to ride to Almond’s Night at the Oscars in style? Don’t miss your chance to win one of our two donated limousines. You and your party will be picked up and taken home like true stars!  Raffle tickets cost only $10 per ticket. Buy them at the auction table at pick up or email Liz Parker.  The drawing will be held on March 1 at 3:00 pm in the front of school. Winners will be notified by email if they are not present at the drawing.  

Childcare Available during the Auction at Kids’ Place

No need to search for a babysitter!  The Kids’ Place staff will offer childcare from 6:15-11:00pm on the night of the auction.  Rates are as follows:  $35 for one child, $50 for 2 children, $70 for 3, and $12 for each additional child after three.  Children as young as three years old are permitted.  Contact Kids’ Place Director, Joshua Harmon, to register.  

ANNOUNCEMENTS 

 

Junior Olympics Informational Meeting TOMORROW 2/12… Parent Volunteers Needed!

There will be an informational meeting about this year’s 50th Junior Olympics TOMORROW on Friday, February 12 at 8:40am following morning assembly in the Multi.  Please come and learn about this wonderful event and how you can be involved.  This would be especially beneficial for parents of 4th graders who will be participating in Junior Olympics for the first time this year.  Volunteers are needed to help during PE and also on the day of the event.  For more detailed information, click here.  

Junior Olympics 2010: Save the Date!!

Attention all 4^th, 5^th and 6^th graders: please save the date for the 50^th Junior Olympics on Saturday April 24, 2010. It will be held at Mountain View High School, and you can find more information on Almond’s website.   Training starts on March 8 during PE classes.  The PE specialists have put together a blog with all the relevant information about relays. Teams this year will be posted on the blog, not at individual schools.  Please visit the PE blog for more info, and bookmark it for updates.  

Almond Beautification Event Rescheduled!

Beautification was rained out last Saturday, so we are going to give this another try!  Please join us on Sunday, February 28th from 1:30-4pm for weeding, pruning, sweeping, and general clean-up (and snacks, of course).  Contact Deby Pasturel with questions.  

Hot Lunch

Order for March through June now!  March orders must be placed by February 25^th at www.tastenutrition.com.       

Calling All Book Enthusiasts . . .

How would you like to

• browse through hundreds and hundreds of book titles?
• hear about the latest children’s and adult books?
• wield a hand-held check-out scanner and swipe credit cards?
• lug piles of books from here to there?

  If you said yes to any of the above, then you will want to volunteer at Almond’s first book fair with our new partner, Kepler’s Books and Magazines, during the week of March 22^nd.  Please contact Julie Chou for more information.  

New After-School Program Available!

Check out the all NEW Science program for the younger grades offered by Amazing Science starting March 25th. The program is designed to foster an interest and comfort with science at an early age. Kids are encouraged to ask questions and learn how to use tools like a ruler, measure liquids with a graduated cylinder, or weigh objects with a balance.  The students will explore a variety of concepts such as electricity, magnetism, solids/liquids/ gases, chemistry, botany, and insects, and will do a lot of building that incorporates physics.  If you have a child that would love to have more science in his/her day this is the program for him/her. Click here for more details.  

Almond Running Club Arrives in Mazatlan

Neither rain nor school holidays will stop our running club from making progress on its trek through Mexico!  The Almond Running Club traveled a combined 277 miles in December and January and has now arrived in Mazatlan.  Fantastic effort!  Click here to see a list of students who met milestones for December and January.  

Science Expo 2010 for K-4th Graders Coming Soon

The Science Expo 2010 for kindergarteners through 4^th graders is coming soon! Save the date on Monday, March 22^nd from 6:45-7:45 pm. It will be a fun filled evening of experiments, creations, grossness, and explosions! The Science Expo relies on parent volunteers, as we have about 30 experiment tables to set up. This is a singular, short-duration commitment and we really need lots of help! Please contact Sally Page or Kathy Strickland Hanson if you can help set up, run an experiment, and/or clean up. We also welcome any new ideas for fun scientific experiments!  

Car Wash At Almond In March!

The sixth grade will be washing (and drying!) cars at Almond on Friday, March 19th and Saturday, March 20th to raise money for sixth grade graduation events.  Please get your tickets now from any sixth grade student. We will also be selling delicious baked goods while you wait for your car. Thanks for your support.  

Talent Show

Regrettably, there will not be a talent show at Almond this year due to the lack of a director.  Consideration was given to the idea of hiring an outside organization such as Starting Arts to produce a show, but even with such an arrangement, a parent committee chair would have been necessary.  If you are interested in taking on this role next year, please contact the 2010-2011 PTA President, Jean Limbach.  

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.  

Art Docent Newsletter

Click here to view the winter edition of the Los Altos Art Docent newsletter, “The Easel”.

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

Key Dates

• ·  Wednesday, February 24 and March 3, Real Parents, Real Daughters Workshop
• ·  Tuesday, February 23, Race to Nowhere
• ·  Wednesday, February 24, Raising Confident Girls
• ·  Thursday, March 4, Getting Organized: Helping Your Child Be Successful in School
• ·  Thursday, March 25, Building Resilience in Our Youth: Raising Healthy Kids
• ·  April 12-16, Girls Leadership Institute Spring Break Day Camp

 

Real Parents, Real Daughters Workshop

This Girls Leadership Institute workshop will teach girls critical skills to improve communication skills with peers and with 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 School.  For more info or to register, click here.   

Raising Confident Girls

On February 24 from 7:00-8:30pm, Simone Marean, director of the Girls Leadership Institute, will speak to parents and teachers on teaching girls skills for success: assertive self-expression, emotional intelligence and conflict management. The event will be held at the Creekside Center, Los Altos United Methodist Church at 655 Magdalena Rd.  

Race to Nowhere

Don’t miss this documentary film on Tuesday, February 23 at 7pm at the Oshman Family Jewish Community Center, located at 3921 Fabian Way in Palo Alto. It is about our achievement-obsessed culture and the effect on young people. This is the first showing in our area and is sure to sell out so be sure to get your tickets ASAP! To purchase your ticket, please go to http://racetonowherepaloalto.eventbrite.com/  

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

Author and noted teenage organizational expert Ana Homayoun talks about why students, particularly boys, struggle with organization, and what parents can do to motivate their children to become more organized and manage their time more effectively. This event will be held March 4, 7:30pm – 8:30 p.m., in the Egan Multi-Purpose Room.  

Building Resilience in Our Youth: Raising Healthy Kids

Ken Ginsburg, M.D. will be presenting this topic on Thursday, March 25th at Gunn High School’s Spangenberg Theater in Palo Alto, 6:30pm – 8:30pm.  

Girls Leadership Institute: April Spring Break Day Camp 

When: April 12 – 16, 10:00am – 4:00pm    Where: Covington Elementary School GLI is an extraordinary spring break opportunity for girls in grades 4-6. The interactive, hands-on workshops empower girls with crucial skills to increase self-confidence and negotiate the challenges of everyday life. Girls deepen their emotional intelligence, learn about healthy relationships, and practice methods for direct communication and conflict resolution. Designed by renowned educators Rachel Simmons, author of Odd Girl Out: The Hidden Culture of Aggression in Girls, and Simone Marean, GLI offers a week of new friendships and life-changing workshops.  Click here for info and registration.       

LASD FREQUENT FLYER NEWSLETTER

www.losaltos.k12.ca.us/PDF_Files/2009_2010/School_News_02_11_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.  

   

Copyright © 2003-2009 Los Altos School District.  All rights reserved.

FROM THE PRINCIPAL – Terri Stromfeld

Amazing News . . . Almond Receives Another Award!

 

Almond School has been awarded the 2010 Cornerstone “Positive Peer Influence Award” for Santa Clara County! This is a highly competitive and prestigious award that is given annually to one elementary school that models and promotes “responsible, positive behavior” for students. Our children are being recognized as motivators and inspirers to others, while our staff and community are acknowledged for working together to develop healthy, caring and responsible children. We all know that our Almond children are bright, kind, hard-working and exceptional students, with brilliant futures. Now, though, we “officially” know that our students are the most “positive elementary school peers” in Santa Clara County!

 

Our recognition stems from our school and community working together to try to make sure that all children feel valued. Our Cornerstone student group, led by 6th grade teacher Amy Shelley, has developed monthly student self-esteem building activities for all children. Second grade teacher Tammy Reilly leads our student council and collaborates with Amy to bring positive activities to our campus. Our Cornerstone ABC program, led by Barbara Carroll and Heather Quigley, brings 25 parent readers monthly into our classrooms to read life skill books. Similarly, our Cornerstone staff committee, which includes Lisa Schubert, Sarah Hall, Tammy Reilly, Anna Uhm, Annie Daggett, Laura Bence and Amy Shelley, plans monthly positive all-inclusive activities for our staff.

 

We will formally receive our award on March 25 at a breakfast at the Fairmont Hotel in San Jose. Soon we will be receiving our award banner to hang in front of our school. This banner will remind us daily of our commitment to ensure that all of our children receive an exceptional education in a positive and supportive school environment. Congratulations to our entire community!

 

Fall 2010 Kindergarten Parent Information Night    On Thursday, January 28 from 7-8pm in the Almond multi, we will have our Parent Information Evening. We welcome our new 2010-2011 kindergarten parents and promise a great overview of our program, classroom and teachers.    

FROM THE PTA – Marcia Chmyz & Jean Limbach

Take 2 minutes to improve California’s education system!   An initiative has been proposed which would amend the California Constitution so that special taxes for local school districts, commonly known as parcel taxes, can be approved by a 55% vote of the qualified electors. (Current law requires a 2/3 vote to pass.) This initiative, known as the Local Control of Local Classrooms Funding Act, would let communities raise operating funds for their local schools with a 55% “yes” vote. Were this initiative to make it onto the November 2010 ballot and pass, it could help LASD immeasurably in future parcel tax elections.

 

The initiative has been registered with the California State Attorney General, and signatures are being collected now in order to qualify the initiative for the November 2010 ballot. Visit www.ImprovedSchoolFunding.com to learn more and to add your signature. Thank you!  

UPCOMING DATES TO REMEMBER

• • Friday, January 22, Spirit Day – Dress Alike Day!
• • Monday, January 25, Proposal deadline for Science Fair
• • Thursday, January 28, 7:00 pm, Kindergarten Information Night
• • Saturday, February 6, 9:30am-12pm, Beautification Event
• • Monday, February 15, Requests for intra-district transfers due to LASD office

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Almond Science Fair 2010

  A reminder that the proposal deadline for the Science Fair is January 25, and completed projects are due April 5. Click here to access detailed instructions and forms for the Science Fair.

 

Important: We have an immediate need for “scientist” parents who can review proposals and guide our young 5th and 6th grade science enthusiasts with their projects. For more information or to sign up as a volunteer, please contact Science Fair Co-Chairs, Priya Dharan or Stephanie Friend.

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.

Place Hot Lunch Orders for February Now!

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

Almond’s Night at the Oscars

The last fundraiser of the school year, “Almond’s Night at the Oscars” is happening Saturday, March 6th, 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.

Winter Session of After-School Programs Underway!

  The winter session of the after-school programs has just begun. Visit the Almond website for details on the various programs being offered. Each program has the vendor website and a flyer with the details for Almond. If you have trouble accessing the information or have any questions regarding the programs, please feel free to email Durga Kalavagunta. Starting February 4th, we have an all-new science program offered by Amazing Science. The program’s mission is to foster an interest in and comfort with science at an early age, and to enrich the science experience for young people. The class encourages children to ask questions, and teaches them skills such as how to use scientific tools, measure liquids with graduated cylinders, and weigh objects with balances. Students will study a variety of subjects such as electricity, magnetism, solids/liquids/gasses, chemistry, botany, insects, and do a lot of building that incorporates physics. If you have a child who would love to have more science in his or her day, then this is the program for him/her. Click here for more details.

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

• • Wednesday, February 3, 10, 24 and March 3, Girls Leadership Institute Workshop
• • Thursday, March 25, Building Resilience in Our Youth: Raising Healthy Kids

Girls Leadership Institute Workshop at Almond

    This is a workshop for mothers and daughters to help with social skills and empowering girls. Note that it is targeted at 2nd and 3rd 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.

Building Resilience in Our Youth: Raising Healthy Kids  

Ken Ginsburg, M.D. will be presenting this topic on Thursday, March 25th at Gunn High School’s Spangenberg Theater in Palo Alto, 6:30pm – 8:30pm.

LASD FREQUENT FLYER NEWSLETTER  

www.losaltos.k12.ca.us/PDF_Files/2009_2010/School_News_01_21_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. Copyright © 2003-2009 Los Altos School District. All rights reserved.

FROM THE PRINCIPAL – Terri Stromfeld

A New Award for Almond   

The California Business for Education Excellence Association (CBEE) has recognized Almond School for “outstanding success in raising student academic achievement” and experiencing impressive growth in student achievement in reading and math. The 2009 Honor Roll includes 1,304 California public elementary, middle and high schools that have been recognized by California’s business community for having demonstrated consistent high student academic achievement and progress toward closing achievement gaps among all their students.  “These schools are the bright spots of hope in efforts to raise student academic achievement and close persistent achievement gaps,” said Kirk Clark, executive director of CBEE. “By highlighting them, recognizing their achievement and giving them a voice we hope other schools can learn from these proven practices . . . and we can begin to take their success to scale throughout the state.”   This honor is a tribute to our dedicated and talented staff and parents working together to bring out the very best in our students.  Soon we’ll be displaying our award banner.   Congratulations!

  

Cornerstone Highlights

Last Friday, our student Cornerstone group, led by sixth grade teacher, Amy Shelley, hosted games for our grades 1-6 children in the multi during lunch.  Roughly 400 of our children enjoyed dancing, playing cooperative games to music and cheering each other to victory.   The purpose of the event was to promote our Cornerstone “positive school climate” theme, which emphasizes standing up for others, including others and making sure that each and every child feels valued. 

  

Many of our children have asked me if we could have more special activities during lunch, such as a weekly board game club or other activities such as origami, jewelry making, and basketball.  Please consider sharing your talents with our students during lunch.  If you are interested in leading a lunchtime activity, please contact me.  You will have an enthusiastic audience!

  

The Cornerstone students will be collecting money for the schools and orphanages in Haiti due to the earthquake.  Donations will be accepted in the classrooms from 1/14 –1/27.

  

Long Weekend

As you know, we will not have school on Monday, 1/18 and Tuesday 1/19.  Monday is the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday, and on our Tuesday Staff Development Day our teachers will be enjoying specialized training in mathematics and analyzing student work in writing.  We wish you a wonderful four-day weekend ahead!

 

Gentle & Important Reminder 

For safety reasons, we expect our students who are not involved in school-sponsored activities to go home directly after school and not play on our school campus after school.  While we have supervision at 8:15am, during recess, and at lunch, we do not have supervision after school.   Additionally, we ask that parents of our primary students greet their students in front of the school in order to minimize disruption to our upper grade classes that are still in session.  Thank you in advance for helping us to make sure that our students are safe and learning at high levels during all parts of our school day.    

UPCOMING DATES TO REMEMBER

• ·  Monday and Tuesday, January 18-19, MLK Jr. Holiday, No School
• ·  Wednesday, January 20, 8:30 am, PTA meeting in the Multi
• ·  Thursday, January 21, 3:30-5:30pm, MVLA Green School Summit
• ·  Friday, January 22, Spirit Day – Twin Day!
• ·  Monday, January 25, Proposal deadline for Science Fair
• ·  Thursday, January 28, 7:00 pm, Kindergarten Information Night
• ·  Monday, February 15, Requests for intra-district transfers due

 

  

ANNOUNCEMENTS 

Almond Science Fair 2010 A reminder that the proposal deadline for the Science Fair is January 25^th and completed projects are due April 5. Click here to access detailed instructions and forms for the Science Fair on the Almond website.

  

Important: We have an immediate need for “scientist” parents who can review proposals and guide our young 5th and 6th grade science enthusiasts with their projects. For more information or to sign up as a volunteer, please contact Science Fair Co-Chairs, Priya Dharan or Stephanie Friend.  

Almond Community Yahoo Group

Are you looking for recommendations for a piano teacher or a plumber?  Are you hoping to borrow a costume for Colonial Day?  Try posting your question on the Almond Community Yahoo Group!  The group is open only to Almond parents, and is a great way to reach many parents at once. Think of it as a virtual blacktop!  Click here to learn more.  

What’s going on in front of the school??

The City of Los Altos, in an effort to improve routes used by children to get to school, is using state grant funds to install a new crosswalk on Almond Avenue.  In addition to the new crosswalk, there will also be radar feedback speed limit signs (similar to the ones on Springer) and flashing pedestrian lights in the street (similar to the ones on San Antonio).  The Almond Ave improvements are part of a larger city-wide project that will improve pedestrian safety at various sites throughout the city.  For more information, including conceptual plans and drawings, see the “State SR2S Project” section on the Los Altos City website.   

Kindergarten Information Night – January 28, 7:00pm

Parents of incoming kindergartners are cordially invited to an informational meeting in the Almond Multi on Thursday, January 28 at 7:00pm.  To be eligible for enrollment in kindergarten for 2010-2011, a child must be five years old on or before December 2, 2010. Registration packets will be distributed at the meeting.  

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!  

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.    

MVLA Green School Summit

Come be inspired by students, who will be presenting their ideas at the first local Green School Summit on Thursday, January 21st from 3:30pm to 5:30pm in the Eagle Theater at Los Altos High School.

  

Students from our K-12 schools will be spotlighting unique Green Actions and Activities that can be implemented at your school campus or at home to Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle, as well as Organic Gardening projects.  An exhibit and display board section will add to the event. Find convenient local drop off locations for recycling batteries, wire hangers, and those pesky packaging peanuts! Be impressed by the sometimes surprising things made from recycled materials – socks made from recycled coke bottles!?!  For more information, email sybilcramer@mac.com or call (650) 940-4650.

   

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

Key Dates

• ·  Wednesday, January 20, What Boys Need
• ·  Wednesday, February 3, 10, 24 and March 3, Girls Leadership Institute Workshop
• ·  Thursday, March 25, Building Resilience in Our Youth: Raising Healthy Kids

 

What Boys Need

Featuring speaker Dr. Jerry Shapiro, this talk will explore new issues for boys and offer solutions to common problems that boys face. It takes place on Wednesday January 20, from 7:00-8:30pm at Creekside Center at the Los Altos United Methodist Church at 655 Magdalena Ave.

Girls Leadership Institute Workshop at Almond

This is a workshop for mothers and daughters to help with social skills and empowering girls. Note that this is targeted to 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.   

Building Resilience in Our Youth: Raising Healthy Kids

Ken Ginsburg, M.D. will be presenting this topic on Thursday, March 25th at Gunn High School’s Spangenberg Theater in Palo Alto, 6:30pm – 8:30pm.  

  

LASD FREQUENT FLYER NEWSLETTER

www.losaltos.k12.ca.us/PDF_Files/2009_2010/School_News_01_14_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.      Copyright © 2003-2009 Los Altos School District.  All rights reserved.

FROM THE PRINCIPAL – Terri Stromfeld

Welcome Back! After listening to vacation highlights and seeing lots of bright eyes and smiles, I see that our students had a fabulous break and are ready to be back at school. We have our “standard” activities continuing this month, including Wednesday am chorus and after school enrichment activities. This month we also have some Cornerstone events planned including cooperative games at lunch in the multi tomorrow and a student survey to learn more about how our children feel at school.  In addition to providing a challenging curriculum in a positive school climate, we want to make sure that we continue to focus on key aspects of our Cornerstone program, including the importance of kindness, respect and valuing others  for their unique talents.

 

Now that we’re back in the “swing of things”, I have outlined a few parking lot rule reminders, to ensure that our students are safe. Please follow these “reminder” rules:

 

• Enter the parking lot nearest the YMCA building. There are 2 lanes. The lane nearest the curb is the drop off/pick up lane. The other lane is the traffic flow through lane. Students cannot be dropped off or picked up from the traffic flow through lane.

 

• Drop off AM: You may drop off your child at the yellow curbside in the morning. The yellow curb extends from the kinder gate to the end of the office building. The red curb is not the drop off zone. Be prepared to move ahead as you get directions from the crossing guard or safety patrol.

 

• Pick-up in PM: Pull up as far as you can along the curb without blocking the crosswalk. You must stay in your car. If you must leave your car, you must go and find a parking space or park on the street.

  

• Row 1 Parking Lot: These are the parking spaces nearest the school with spaces designated for staff. You may drop off or pick up your child from this area. Pull all the way forward to the end of the row while dropping off or waiting in this area.

 

• Row 2 Parking Lot: These are the spaces nearest the street, with spots available to the general public. There is no drop off or pick up from this area.

 

Please consider the following:

 

If you need extra time to say goodbye or you want to watch your child walk toward their classroom, please park. Do not go around slower drop off cars to cross over the flow through lanes to the drop off lane. Patience is key. Check your side mirror before entering the flow though lane from the drop off lane.

  

Thank you for continuing to work with us to make sure that our precious students are safe at all times. I wish you and your families the greatest amounts of happiness and good health in this New Year!

  

Information for Incoming 2010 Egan Seventh Graders:

Orientation and Tours for Parents – meet in the Egan Library

• Wednesday, 1/27, 9:30-10:30am
• Thursday, 1/28, 1:30-2:30pm
• Tuesday, 3/30, 1:30-2:30pm
• Wednesday, 3/31, 9:30-10:30am

 

Evening Parent Orientation (no tour):

• Wednesday, 3/31, 7:00pm in the Egan Library 

 

Orientation and Tour for Sixth Graders

• Friday, 4/30, 8:30-9:40am in the Egan Multi

 

 

UPCOMING DATES TO REMEMBER

• Monday, January 11, Science Fair Kickoff Assembly
• Monday and Tuesday, January 18-19, MLK Jr. Holiday, No School
• Wednesday, January 20, 8:30 am, PTA meeting
• Thursday, January 21, 3:30-5:30pm, MVLA Green School Summit
• Friday, January 22, Spirit Day- Twin Day!
• Monday, January 25, Proposal deadline for Science Fair
• Thursday, January 28, 7:00 pm, Kindergarten Information Night

 

  

ANNOUNCEMENTS 

Kindergarten Information Night – January 28, 7:00pm

Parents of incoming kindergartners are cordially invited to an informational meeting in the Almond Multi on Thursday, January 28 at 7:00pm.  To be eligible for enrollment in kindergarten for 2010-2011, a child must be five years old on or before December 2, 2010. Registration packets will be distributed at the meeting.  

Almond Science Fair 2010 Kickoff Assembly Monday, January 11

We invite all 5th and 6th graders to the Science Fair Kickoff Assembly next Monday, Jan. 11th, at 9:10am in the Multi. Mad Science will be here to amaze and entertain you with a spectacular science-themed show! Come ready to sign up, either as individuals or as groups, to participate in the April 5th-6th Science Fair. The proposal deadline is January 25^th  and completed projects are due April 5. Click here to access detailed instructions and forms for the Science Fair on the Almond website.

  

Important: We have an immediate need for “scientist” parents who can review proposals and guide our young 5th and 6th grade science enthusiasts with their projects. For more information or to sign up as a volunteer, please contact Science Fair Co-Chairs, Priya Dharan or Stephanie Friend.  

Wizard of Oz Auditions Underway

Auditions for this year’s play, The Wizard of Oz, are now underway. Auditions are open to all 3rd-6^th graders.  For more information, please contact Lisa Call.  

MVLA Green School Summit

Come be inspired by students, who will be presenting their ideas at the first local Green School Summit in Los Altos on Thursday, January 21st from 3:30pm to 5:30pm.

  

Students from our K-12 schools will be spotlighting unique Green Actions and Activities that can be implemented at your school campus or at home to Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle, as well as Organic Gardening projects.

  

An exhibit and display board section will add to the event. Find convenient local drop off locations for recycling batteries, wire hangers, and those pesky packaging peanuts! Be impressed by the sometimes surprising things made from recycled materials – socks made from recycled coke bottles!?!

  

The Green School Summit will be held in the Eagle Theater at Los Altos High School on Thursday, January 21 from 3:30-5:30. For more information contact sybilcramer@mac.com or call (650) 940-4650.  

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!  Let the sixth grade do it for you.  We will be washing cars at Almond on Friday, March 19th and Saturday, March 20th to raise money to fund sixth grade activities.  Please save the dates!  Pre-sold tickets will be available beginning in February. Thank you so much for your support.  

ScholarKids Is Back This Summer!

ScholarKids is a high energy, intellectually stimulating, summer enrichment program for incoming 5^th-8^th graders.  ScholarKids will be held at Egan Junior High from June 14th – July 9th. If you have questions, please email ScholarKids or call 408-203-9946.  Please visit our website for information and a list of classes.  Online registration begins February 1st!  

Los Altos KidzAdventures Returns This Summer!

Los Altos KidzAdventures (LAKA) is returning to the Los Altos School District at Santa Rita School, June 14 – July 10. Classes are designed and taught by credentialed teachers for incoming 1^st – 4^th graders.  This year, a new class for entering Kindergarten students, Skills for Kindergarten, is being offered.  Program offerings include some great classes back by popular demand (Outrageous Outdoor Games, Awesome Art, etc.) and several new additions (Drama, Puppetry, Young Chefs, etc.). Registration is open now.  Go to the LAKA website for class selections and information. Questions? Contact Niki Mitchell.    

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

 

Key Dates

• Tuesday, January 12, NurtureShock: New Thinking About Children
• Thursday, March 25, Building Resilience in Our Youth: Raising Healthy Kids

  

NurtureShock: New Thinking About Children

Join Po Bronson on Tuesday, January 12th for an interesting talk at Los Altos High School Theater, from 7pm – 9pm.  

Building Resilience in Our Youth: Raising Healthy Kids

Ken Ginsburg, M.D. will be presenting this topic on Thursday, March 25th at Gunn High School’s Spangenberg Theater in Palo Alto, 6:30pm – 8:30pm.    

LASD FREQUENT FLYER NEWSLETTER

www.losaltos.k12.ca.us/PDF_Files/2009_2010/School_News_01_07_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.      Copyright © 2003-2009 Los Altos School District.  All rights reserved.

FROM THE PRINCIPAL – Terri Stromfeld

 

Our last school week of 2009 has been filled with new learning and enhanced with the festivities of the holiday season.  We began our week learning that we had one of the most successful Toy and Pajama drives ever at Almond School!  Yesterday we enjoyed a concert featuring over 125 of our students.  Led by chorus director Lisa Call and pianist Joe Chan, our students heartily sang festive songs of the holiday season. The tones and talents of our children sparkled as a large audience of admirers smiled and sang along to some popular songs.

 

Tomorrow we’re in for another treat.  Our grades 4-6 students will perform in our music concert.  These children enjoy weekly instruction in music, digital technology, art and drama because of your generous donations to the Los Altos Education Foundation.   Developing an appreciation of the arts is an important component to a child’s education.  Thank you for giving to the Foundation so that our children can enjoy the special treasures of an arts education.

  

As we look ahead into the New Year, please know that we welcome volunteers to tutor in our new after school homework center on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning in January.    Please contact Vanessa Jordan if interested. 

  

Winding up 2009, I thank you, our community for your ongoing generosity of time, money and talent. With the New Year, we will continue to work together to bring our children to higher levels of excellence, as we shape them to become adults with choices, opportunities, and significant leadership roles.

 

Happy Holidays to all of you!

 

Special thanks go to:

 

 ·   Jane Bohrer for her amazing background work supporting our chorus for so many years! 

    

UPCOMING DATES TO REMEMBER

·  Friday, December 18, Upper Grade Holiday Concert, Almond Multi,1:00pm

 

·  Friday, December 18, Holiday Parents’ Night Out, Almond Kids’ Place

 

·  Tuesday, January 5, School resumes!

 

   

ANNOUNCEMENTS 

Hot Lunch Orders for January Due NOW!

LAST DAY TO ORDER HOT LUNCH FOR JANUARY IS TOMORROW, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18TH!  Please, click here and order today. Thank you for making the first part of the year such a success.  Keep ordering!!!  

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 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!  

Last chance to be a STAR!

Do you want to be a STAR?  Simply purchase a “Walk of Fame Star” for $20 to support Almond.  These stars will be personalized with your family’s name and hung at the auction in March.  For your convenience, the “Walk of Fame Stars” will be sold before the 1:00pm Holiday Concert on Friday, December 18^th.      

Almond Science Fair 2010: April 5 and 6

This year, the Science Fair is open to 5th and 6th graders. Participation is optional and students can work independently or in groups of up to three. Proposal Deadline is Jan. 25th. Completed Projects are due Monday April 5th, before school. There will be awards for the best projects in each grade! Community Night is Tuesday, April 6th from 6-8pm.  Click here to access detailed instructions and forms for the Science Fair on the Almond website.

  

This is a parent-driven event and we seek parent volunteers to help with the various tasks. For more information or to sign up as a volunteer, please contact Science Fair Co-Chairs, Priya Dharan or Stephanie Friend.  

The Los Altos Art Docent Program

The Los Altos Art Docent has been serving our district for 40 years! Now is your chance to join the Los Altos Docent Program for the 2010-2011 year! The only requirement is a keen interest in art and a desire to share it with the children. To find out more, contact Nan Bajka at (650) 947-1195, read our latest newsletter, or check out our website.                                                            

Almond Running Club

The Almond Running Club is continuing on its journey through Mexico, traveling from Hermosillo, Sonora to Los Mochis which is in the state of Sinaloa.  For the month of November there were 228 participants and they covered 262 miles!  Fantastic effort! Click here for a list of students who met milestones for the month.  

Register Now for Winter Session of After-School Programs

Sign up for the winter session of the after-school programs NOW! Classes start the first week of January 2010. Click here to check out the calendar on the Almond website.  Here are some programs that might interest your kids:

 

Science Club for 1st-3rd grade Want more science for your kids. Here’s an all new after-school science club starting in January 2010 offered by Amazing Science. This is a hands-on, fun science class designed to enrich current class lessons and to foster an interest in science. Focus will be on learning science using every day things one can find at home, recycled material, and science equipment.  Each week will focus on specific scientific principles.

  

Mandarin OneWorld Mandarin offers Level I program to students who have little or no prior Mandarin knowledge. Students will learn daily applicable topics in a student-focused interactive style through dialogs, skits, games, riddles or songs. At end of the session, students would be comfortable in a Chinese speaking environment, be able to greet people, introduce himself/herself and family members, be able to count numbers, to talk about favorite foods and fruits and more…

 

Fun Afterschool Math Would you like for your child to have extra time learning math in a way that is challenging and fun? Or do you want to take the fear out of math for them? Help your child learn to their full potential while developing their love of learning! In Fun Afterschool Math, children work with Stanford undergrads who make learning fun and are great role models. Children are placed into small groups based on what they know and what they need to learn next, which is good for both for children who seek to explore new or challenging topics, and for children who need to strengthen their knowledge of math fundamentals. Children normally work in groups of 3-8 children per instructor and use an international math curriculum.  

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

In January, Almond School will start participating in the “Cavity Nesters Recovery Program”, sponsored by the Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society. In an effort to restore nesting sites for bluebirds and other cavity nesters, we will be installing three nest boxes on the school grounds. Once a week, a team of interested students will monitor each box and record any bird nesting activity. At the end of the season this information will be filed with a state-wide data base. If you are interested in being a part of this exciting activity, please contact Kathy Strickland Hanson. Look for more information in early January, and meanwhile you can read more about the program here.  

ScholarKids Is Back This Summer!

ScholarKids is a high energy, intellectually stimulating, summer enrichment program for incoming 5^th-8^th graders.  ScholarKids will be held at Egan Junior High from June 14th – July 9th. If you have questions, please email ScholarKids or call 408-203-9946.  Please visit our website for information and a list of classes.  Online registration begins February 1st!  

Los Altos KidzAdventures Returns This Summer!

Los Altos KidzAdventures (LAKA) is returning to the Los Altos School District at Santa Rita School, June 14 – July 10. Classes are designed and taught by credentialed teachers for incoming 1^st – 4^th graders.  This year, a new class for entering Kindergarten students, Skills for Kindergarten, is being offered.  Program offerings include some great classes back by popular demand (Outrageous Outdoor Games, Awesome Art, etc.) and several new additions (Drama, Puppetry, Young Chefs, etc.). Registration is open now.  Go to the LAKA website for class selections and information. Questions? Contact Niki Mitchell.    

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

 

Key Dates

·  Tuesday, January 12, NurtureShock: New Thinking About Children

 

·  Thursday, March 25, Building Resilience in Our Youth: Raising Healthy Kids    

NurtureShock: New Thinking About Children

Join Po Bronson on Tuesday, January 12th for an interesting talk at Los Altos High School Theater, from 7pm – 9pm.  

Building Resilience in Our Youth: Raising Healthy Kids

Ken Ginsburg, M.D. will be presenting this topic on Thursday, March 25th at Gunn High School’s Spangenberg Theater in Palo Alto, 6:30pm – 8:30pm.    

LASD FREQUENT FLYER NEWSLETTER

www.losaltos.k12.ca.us/PDF_Files/2009_2010/School_News_12_17_2009.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.  

   

Copyright © 2003-2009 Los Altos School District.  All rights reserved.

FROM THE PRINCIPAL – Terri Stromfeld

Tis’ the season for parties and late nights

Hurrying to shop and put up your lights

Waking up late and hurrying to school

But please don’t forget all of our traffic rules!!!

 

Here are a few reminders:

 

- Slow Down!  The speed limit is 5 mph in the carpool lanes and parking lot.

- Pull all the way forward as far as you can before dropping off.

- Have the children ready to exit the car (backpacks in hand and good-byes said).

- Make sure that your children exit the car on the curb side.

- Be courteous to other drivers – allow those turning left into the carpool lanes a chance to merge into the curb lane.

- Take a deep breath and relax!  Being late for school or work is not the end of the world, but an accident can be if a child is involved.

 

Have a wonderful and safe holiday season!

   

FROM THE STUDENT COUNCIL – Tammy Reilly

Thank you for all your donations towards the water bottle fundraiser last year. The money that we raised along with the student council funds was to go towards the bike cage covers. However, due to various reasons, we were unable to install the bike cage covers. Because of this, we will be purchasing new sports equipment for the students from the money raised from the water bottle fundraiser. Thank you again for all of your contributions!  

 

UPCOMING DATES TO REMEMBER

• December 7-11, Almond’s Holiday Toy and Pajama Drive
• Friday, December 11, Spirit Day. Wear your PJ’s!
• Friday, December 11, Egan Holiday Faire, 7:30am-12:30pm
• Wednesday, December 16, Almond Chorus Concert, 7:30pm
• Friday, December 18, Upper Grade Holiday Concert, 1:00pm

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS 

Almond’s Holiday Toy and Pajama Drive, December 7-11

The Almond School Student Council will be sponsoring a Holiday Toy and Pajama Drive for the Community Services Agency (CSA) in Mountain View.  Please help make the holiday brighter for those in need by bringing new toys and pajamas to school.  These items can be placed in the bins in the school office or the classrooms.

 

Items of greatest need include new toys and new games for children of all ages and new pajamas for all ages up to 16.

 

Thank you for caring and sharing!

 

 

Almond Chess Club Update

Almond Chess Club is ending with great success! The club is wrapping up the first session of the year with a chess tournament on December 16th.

 

A new Chess Club session will begin soon, Wednesday Jan 6th, our first week back from holiday vacation. Chess Club meets after school in the Almond Multi. We’re hoping to see many new faces join the Chess Club to learn the basics and history of chess. We are also hoping to see returning students continue with their proficiency.  Almond Chess is taught by a USCF certified Chess Coach and also a former Chess Master.

 

Sign up today! You may pick up forms in the Almond office, or click here.

 

 

CSMA Art Club Afterschool Programs

Art Club Afterschool programs by the Community School of Music and Art will be offered in the spring at Almond School.  Classes are available for 1^st-3^rd graders (click here) and 4^th-6^th graders (click here).  

 

Local Teen Author to Visit Almond

Students will attend a special assembly on Friday Dec. 11 for a brief presentation by teen author Ketaki Shriram. Ketaki is the author of Sorceress of the Himalayas, an action-packed fantasy adventure book she completed when she was just 13.  

Her published book is available on Amazon.com and at some local booksellers. Lower grades will see Ketaki speak at 1pm and upper grades at 1:45pm. A limited number of signed copies will be available after the assembly for the discounted price of $12. To pre-order, send an email to Kathy Bonte and send your child to the assembly with the correct change or a check made out to Almond School PTA. We will be selling any remaining books after both assemblies are over. 

 

For more about Ketaki, visit www.sorceressofthehimalayas.com.  

 

 

Egan School Holiday Faire

The Egan School Holiday Faire will be Friday, December 11th from 7:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.  Come shop for the holidays!  

 

Egan School seventh and eighth grade students sell homemade crafts, gift items and foods.  The Faire raises funds for the school library and teaches students entrepreneurism.  The Holiday Faire will be held at Egan School, 100 W. Portola Ave, Los Altos.  For more information, visit the Egan website.

 

 

Shop Locally to Support Almond and LAEF!

When you buy stylish Tiny Prints holiday cards, announcements and invitations at Birch in downtown Los Altos, 5% of your purchase will be donated to your school’s PTA and 10% will be donated to LAEF.  By placing your order in person at Birch, you’re able to instantly print a proof, receive personalized service and pick up your order at Birch within 48 hours without shipping charges.  You will also receive a card good for 10% off your next purchase at Birch!  Birch is located at 357 Main Street, Los Altos and Tiny Prints is located in Mountain View.  Offer expires Dec. 31, 2009.  Click here to see a sample.

 

 

LASD FREQUENT FLYER NEWSLETTER

www.losaltos.k12.ca.us/PDF_Files/2009_2010/School_News_12_03_2009.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.  

  

Copyright © 2003-2009 Los Altos School District.  All rights reserved.

FROM THE PRINCIPAL – Terri Stromfeld

I wish you and your families a Thanksgiving that is fun, festive and filled with family and great foods.   We have so much to celebrate and appreciate!

 

Last week, our community participated once again in the Sharing and Caring Food Drive.  As a community of students, parents and staff, we again demonstrated that we are generous and kind.  Campaigns such as food drives provide an opportunity to remind our children of the greater messages of giving and caring for one another.

 

Earlier this month, several parents led debates inside our fifth grade classrooms.  The debates, centered around the social studies unit, gave our children the chance to improve their communication skills and see issues from varying perspectives.  The children told me that they enjoyed the debates and taking on a variety of leadership roles.

 

PE teacher Zeke Martin invites all of our grades 4-6 children to join him on the blacktop on Monday, 11/23 and Tuesday, 11/24 from 10am until 12 noon.  If your children are available, please bring them to Almond for some exercise, games and fun.

 

Special thanks go to:

• PTA Chair, Ann Warmoth, and staff members Tammy Reilly, Venny Hoekstra and Scott Eaton for their work on the food drive.

 

 

UPCOMING DATES TO REMEMBER

• ·  Friday, November 20, Last day to place December hot lunch orders
• ·  November 23-24, optional 4-6^th grade fun with PE teacher, Mr. Martin, on Almond blacktop, 10-12pm
• ·  November 23-27, Thanksgiving Break, No school
• ·  Sunday, November 30, 6:00pm, Festival of Lights Parade in downtown Los Altos             (Look for the Almond Eagle mascot behind the new train float!)

 

 ANNOUNCEMENTS 

Hot Lunch Orders for December Due Tomorrow!

Place Hot Lunch orders for DECEMBER by Friday, November 20th.  January and February will remain open.

 

PTA Membership Cards Are Here!

Show that you’re a proud PTA Member by picking up your PTA Membership Card at the November PTA meeting or by contacting Mary-Sonja Beasley.

 

With the information on the back of the card, you can receive discounts at Barnes & Noble.com (5%), the Hewlett-Packard Academy Store, Medic-Alert, Met Life Auto & Home Insurance, “One Cause” Capital One Visa, Sharp Electronics, Southwest Airlines Vacation Packages, and T-Mobile.   

 

Not a PTA member yet?  No problem – contact Mary-Sonja Beasley (650 948-4026) to get started!  

 

Almond Running Club Travels to Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico!

For the month of October, the Almond Running Club had 264 participants and traveled 464 miles. With this tremendous effort, the running Club has now traveled from the West Rim of the Grand Canyon to Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico!. Way to go, Almond Runners!

 

To see the list of participants who achieved milestones for the month of October, click here.  

 

Box Tops for Education

While you’re doing your shopping, baking and entertaining this holiday season don’t forget to check all your grocery items for “Box Tops for Education” coupons.  Edward the Eagle, in the Almond office, is anxiously awaiting all your coupons.  Just locate, clip and bring on in.  Every coupon helps!

 

 

Calling all CITRUS TREE owners in the Almond District!!

Do you have a citrus tree that produces more fruit than you can consume?  Do you end up wasting some or all of your tree’s harvest every year?  Maybe your neighbor is not up to the job of harvesting all the fruit that their citrus trees produce?  If so, the Almond Community Service Group would like to help.

 

This February, the Almond Community Service Group is going to be working with Village Harvest to pick fruit from citrus trees in Los Altos.  The fruit will then be donated to our local food bank in Mountain View.  Last year about 50 Almond students and parents spent one Saturday morning in February harvesting fruit for Village Harvest. The event was a success and we will be doing the same event this year.  However, we would like to try to keep it even more local this time and harvest the fruit from trees located right in our own backyards – literally.

 

If you would like to sign up citrus trees to be harvested in February, please contact Mary Carp or Chris Cummins.

 

 

LASD FREQUENT FLYER NEWSLETTER

www.losaltos.k12.ca.us/PDF_Files/2009_2010/School_News_11_19_2009.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.

FROM THE PRINCIPAL – Terri Stromfeld

We have had another busy week with some exciting visitors!  The “bat lady” visited our first grade classes, while the Statue of Liberty visited our kindergarten classes. In years to come, the children will remember these special visitors!

 

Our teachers are spending a lot of time and energy on the implementation of our new mathematics program.  At all grade levels, they are doing an outstanding job.  The depth and complexity of mathematics and student discussions I have observed has been impressive.  Walking into the classes, I see children enthusiastically engaged in learning and in-depth lessons that include a rich vocabulary, technology, and time to reflect, question and practice. In this new language-based program, our children are fully engaged and express their findings in writing. Our teachers are making sure that our students are not just number crunchers, but that they understand, apply and express the important math skills they learn.  Please join me in thanking our teachers for their dedication and diligence with our new math program!  We are also grateful to our parents for helping and, of course, proud of our students for their many successes to date.  

Special thanks go to:

·       Parent volunteers who held another successful LAEF phoneathon to raise funds to support programs at Almond School:  Laura Fisher, Kim Gavenman, Denise Geschke, Bin Hu, Jean Limbach, Karen Melchior, Pam Smith, Rob Smith, and Janine Wulfsohn.

 

·       Chris and Nancy Webb for chairing our Halloween Carnival, and to the many volunteers who helped staff it.  Our children (and staff and parents!) had great fun playing games, eating good foods, decorating cookies and buttons and marveling at others’ costumes.  We appreciate all of our helpers!    

FROM THE PTA – Marcia Chmyz & Jean Limbach

Math Curriculum Information Available Online

If you were unable to attend the recent District Information night on the new K-5 math curriculum, the information has been posted on the district web site.  Available information includes an overview of the program, FAQ, and answers to the questions that were asked by parents at each of the school’s information nights.   

 

UPCOMING DATES TO REMEMBER

· Saturday, November 7, Los Altos Special Education PTA Family Movie Night

· November 9-13, Caring and Sharing Food Drive  

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS 

Please Turn In Your Walkabout Pledge Monies NOW

If you have not yet turned in your Walkabout pledge monies, please do so!  Volunteers are working diligently to tally the totals and determine the students’ awards before the final Walkabout assembly.  Please get those pledges to the box in the office now!  If you have questions, contact Gaye Heck.  

 

Too Much Leftover Halloween Candy?

Wondering what to do with it? Almond Community Service Group is going to start collecting your candy (that is in good shape – of course) to send it abroad to our troops! We also need to collect $money$ to help pay for the shipping costs.

Could you please leave a $1 for every candy donation to be sent? We will have a big bag in the front office for collection next week, November 9-13.

 

Along with the candy, we would love to send HOLIDAY CARDS made by our Almond children to brighten the soldiers’ spirits! On Monday, November 9th and Friday, November 13th we will have paper, markers and crayons out at lunch time so that children can make cards to be sent to the troops. 

 

Almond’s Sharing and Caring Food Drive, November 9-13

The Student Council will be sponsoring a Sharing and Caring Food Drive for the Community Services Agency in Mountain View from Monday, November 9 through Friday, November 13.

 

Please help make the holiday brighter for those in need by bringing food donations to school.  Simply look for a bag in the classroom, or a large bin in the school office. The items of greatest need include: pasta, rice, beans, macaroni and cheese, cereal, canned soups, canned tomato sauce, trail mix, boxes of fruit juices, granola bars, stuffing mix, peanut butter and jelly, canned vegetables, canned fruit, and canned tuna.

 

On Friday, November 13 at 8:30 am, 8 to 10 parents are needed to help transport the donated food from Almond to the Community Services Agency in Mountain View.  If you are available to help, please contact Ann Warmoth.  For more information, click here. 

 

Los Altos Special Education PTA Invites Your Family to a Night at the Movies!

What: Over the Hedge (2006) – A scheming raccoon learns a lesson about family.

When: November 7th 2009, Saturday at 6:30pm

Where: Covington Elementary School, Multi-room

www.losaltossepta.org

 

One more chance to order AlmondWear before the holidays!

You’ve seen everyone with their cool new AlmondWear items, and now you wish you had ordered some (or some more!). Well, you have one more chance. On-line ordering will be up for ONE WEEK from November 5 – Friday, November 13. Just follow the link on the Almond web site or click here. Password: SWEATSHIRT.

 

Please note that the sweatshirts, sweatpants and sweatshirt hoodies reportedly all run VERY small in the child sizes. The new Bella cap-sleeved T-shirts run small in both the girls’ and adult sizes. The girls’ sizes are cut for a snug fit and the adult sizes are cut for junior figures, so ladies will want to go up one or two sizes. Please take this into account when ordering.  Questions? Contact Kathy Bonte.

 

Calling all CITRUS TREE owners in the Almond District!!

Do you have a citrus tree that produces more fruit than you can consume?  Do you end up wasting some or all of your tree’s harvest every year?  Maybe your neighbor is not up to the job of harvesting all the fruit that their citrus trees produce?  If so, the Almond Community Service Group would like to help.

 

This February, the Almond Community Service Group is going to be working with Village Harvest to pick fruit from citrus trees in Los Altos.  The fruit will then be donated to our local food bank in Mountain View.  Last year about 50 Almond students and parents spent one Saturday morning in February harvesting fruit for Village Harvest. The event was a success and we will be doing the same event this year.  However, we would like to try to keep it even more local this time and harvest the fruit from trees located right in our own backyards – literally.

 

If you would like to sign up citrus trees to be harvested in February, please contact Mary Carp or Chris Cummins.  

 

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

 

Key Dates

·  Wednesday, November 18, Help Your Kids Stay Safe Online, Almond Multi, 7-9pm

 

Help Your Kids Stay Safe Online

This Kidpower Parent Workshop will help parents teach their kids internet safety information such as setting and respecting boundaries, using effective stranger safety habits, and acting responsibly while respecting others. It will be held on Wednesday, November 18 from 7-9pm in the Almond multi.  Click here for more information.  

  

LASD FREQUENT FLYER NEWSLETTER

www.losaltos.k12.ca.us/PDF_Files/2009_2010/School_News_11_05_2009.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.      Copyright © 2003-2009 Los Altos School District.  All rights reserved.