FROM THE PRINCIPAL – Terri Stromfeld

STAR Testing:  Week of April 26

Next week, our students in grades 2-6 will be participating in the State of California’s STAR testing.  This battery of tests produces scores that the State uses to monitor the progress of students.  Almond School consistently performs extremely well on these tests and scores near the top in State rankings. Please be sure your child is in school each and every day next week for testing.  It is important that our students come to school on time after a good night’s sleep and a healthy breakfast.  Your ongoing support is truly one of the factors that make Almond School a very special place!  

Junior Olympics:  Saturday, April 24

This Saturday, beginning at 9am at Mountain View High School, our 7 elementary schools come together as one for the daylong competition.  The thrust of Jr. Olympics is for our upper grade students to have the opportunity to participate in athletic competition and to strive to achieve their personal best.  It is about teamwork, sportsmanship and excitement.  I encourage you to come out and enjoy the day!  Lower graders and their families are encouraged to attend and cheer on their schoolmates.  

Questionnaire Coming Home Today

In your child’s backpack you should find the annual “Next School Year Plan” questionnaire.   On this blue form, please fill out your school plans for your child/children for next year. This information is necessary because scheduling for 2010-2011 classes is going on now.  If you are uncertain about your family plans for next year, you can indicate this on the form. Please complete the form and return it to your child’s teacher by Friday, April 30.    

Up-stander Pledge

Our Cornerstone students have decided to take even more proactive efforts to help all students feel safe and valued.  Beginning tomorrow, and at each Monday and Friday assembly, a Cornerstone student will be reciting our new “Upstander Pledge” with all of our grades 1-6 students.  This pledge, written by members from Project Cornerstone, is as follows:

I am an UP-stander

I have the power to influence my peers.

I SAY something or DO something when you need help.

I am “there” for you.

I will help you get the help you need.

You are not alone.

I have your back.

  Our pledge is laminated, decorated by students and posted in our classrooms. Please practice saying this with your child …….so that we can be united in our efforts to make sure that our children feel safe and valued each day!   Many thanks to our Cornerstone students and to Miss Shelley for your outstanding leadership!    

UPCOMING DATES TO REMEMBER

• ·  Friday, April 23, Junior Olympics Pep Rally during morning assembly
• ·  Saturday, April 24, 50^th Junior Olympics
• ·  Week of April 26, STAR testing
• ·  Thursday, April 29 HOT LUNCH ORDERS DEADLINE www.tastenutrition.com 

   

ANNOUNCEMENTS 

Final Junior Olympics Information and Pep Rally TOMORROW!

The 50th LASD Junior Olympics will be held on Sat, April 24th, rain or shine!  Please click here for final event information, including where to park, a map of MVHS, the day’s schedule of events, etc.   Show your JO lime green school spirit one final time before the BIG DAY!  Calling all 4th, 5th, and 6th graders!  Wear your lime green Junior Olympic t-shirts on Friday, as we get ready for our traditional Junior Olympics march during morning assembly.  Get out the green hairspray . . . go crazy . . . show your school spirit!!!  

Running Club Update

The Almond Running Club has made tremendous progress on its trek through Mexico. In February and March the participants travelled 466 miles from Mazatlan to Zihuatenjo, Guerrero, Mexico, where they enjoyed time on the beach during spring break.  :)  Way to go!!  Please check out the lists to see which participants met their milestones in February and March.  

Almond Day at the San Jose Giants

Saturday May 1, 2010 at 6:00 is our 2nd annual family night for a San Jose Giants Baseball game.  The game is in San Jose at Municipal Stadium, 588 East Alma Avenue, San Jose, CA 95112.   Come watch the San Jose Giants beat the Modesto Nuts.  Tickets are $1 per seat.  Come early and join Chris Mesel as she stakes out a spot for our Almond families. Click here for more info.  

Callers Needed for Measure A Campaign – May 6th from 6:30-8:45pm

If your child will attend Los Altos High School some day, you should know that enrollment at both Los Altos & Mountain View High Schools is projected to grow by at least 25% in the next ten years!  Measure A, a bond measure on the June ballot, would help alleviate expected overcrowding and improve education without raising the current tax rate.   We need volunteers from Almond to make phone calls to educate voters and ask for support for Measure A.  You will have a script and be trained; no experience is required.  Please click here for more info, and email Marcia Chmyz to volunteer.    

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

Key Dates

• ·  Wednesday, May 5, Connecting With Your Children Everyday
• ·  Thursday, May 13, Race to Nowhere

   

Connecting With Your Children Everyday:  Building a Lifelong Relationship of Love, Trust and Respect

Come enjoy this humorous and informative program about importance of spending time with and connecting with your kids.  Learn new communication techniques to build a loving, healthy and close relationship with your child.   Family coach and motivational speaker Susan Stone Belton will present on this topic on Wednesday May 5th, 7 pm in the Almond Multipurpose Room. This free program is for parents only, please- not appropriate to bring your children.  

Race to Nowhere – May 13, 7:00pm

Don’t miss this important film by a Bay Area mother/film maker! This is a groundbreaking feature documentary examining the unintended consequences of the pressures on young people and their teachers in our achievement-obsessed education system and culture. Back by popular demand at Mountain View High School’s Spartan Theater — the first two showings sold out within days, so get your tickets now!  Click here for more info, to view the trailer, and to purchase tickets.    

LASD FREQUENT FLYER NEWSLETTER

www.losaltos.k12.ca.us/PDF_Files/2009_2010/Current_School_News.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 © 2003-2010 Los Altos School District.  All rights reserved.

FROM THE PRINCIPAL – Terri Stromfeld

Let Your Voice Be Heard: Fill Out Your Site Council Survey

If you haven’t already done so, please take the time to complete Almond’s Site Council Survey before April 9.  This is your opportunity to express your opinions regarding homework, communication, and more!  Please know that the Site Council will review the surveys and make recommendations for next year. There is always room for improvement and we value your insight. If you have trouble opening or taking the survey, please contact Janine Wulfsohn or  Tanya Maluf.  

Upper Grade Digital Art Class: Impressive!

On Thursdays, our upper grade students enjoy the digital arts class in our computer lab.  Special thanks to our talented teacher, Sheena Vaidyanathan, for introducing our students to digital art, and to you, our community, for supporting this program and others through your contributions to LAEF. Please check our students’ work on our Digital Gallery, and you will be impressed.  

Special thanks go to:

• ·  Everyone who worked so hard at the 6^th grade car wash this weekend! ! The 6^th grade car wash was a great success! Special thanks to Debbie Tanne for washing and drying all the towels on Friday night. Also, special thanks to all our patient patrons and all the students who stayed late on Saturday to make sure the final few cars got done and everything got picked up. It truly was a great Almond community event.
• ·  Sally Page and Kathy Strickland for chairing our amazing Science Expo this Monday, and to the parents who led the experiments.  This was a fun, hands-on learning opportunity.  
• ·  Julie Chou and all of our parent volunteers supporting our awesome Kepler’s Book Fair this week!  Our book fair won many compliments from our students!
• ·  The tree owners and tree harvesters who participated in the Almond Community Service Group’s Fruit Harvest last Sunday. We harvested a grand total of 102 grocery bags of fruit — over 2,000 lbs. (ONE TON!) of citrus fruit for our local food bank!  

 

UPCOMING DATES TO REMEMBER

• ·  TONIGHT March 25, Chevy’s Fundraiser for the Sixth Grade Class
• ·  Friday, March 26, Last Day for Almond’s Pennies for Patients
• ·  March 26-28, Los Altos Student Art Show
• ·  Wednesday, March 31, BookWave Blast, 6:00-8:00pm
• ·  Friday, April 2, Junior Olympic Permission/Medical Info Forms Due (4^th, 5th, 6^th grade)
• ·  Monday, April 5, Almond Science Fair
• ·  Tuesday, April 6, Community Night for Science Fair, 6:45-8:00pm
• ·  Saturday, April 24, 50^th Junior Olympics 

   

From the Student Council – Tammy Reilly

Pennies for Patients Campaign Ends March 26

Almond School’s annual campaign, Pennies for Patients ends this Friday, March 26^th! The money that we raise will help fight blood cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma. Students may donate any amount of money.  Checks can be made payable to “The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society”. Tax-deductible donations can be made online. Thank you in advance for your support!    

ANNOUNCEMENTS 

HOT LUNCH: Please Place Your Order Now!

Place your orders for April by TOMORROW Friday, March 26th.  You may also order through June and make this the last time you have to order for the year!  ORDER NOW at www.tastenutrition.com.  

BookWave Blast

Come celebrate Almond’s awesome authors and illustrators at the BookWave Blast, on Wednesday, March 31 from 6-8pm in the Almond Multi!  Nearly 100 original books will be on display.  You can meet award-winning writer Kathryn Otoshi, author of the Cornerstone favorite One.  We’ll have refreshments and give away some great raffle prizes.   

Chevy’s Dinner Day: TONIGHT Thursday, March 25

Come eat lunch or dinner, or, better yet, get take-out from Chevy’s tonight.  Chevy’s will donate 25% of each check for lunch, dinner or take-out to Almond.  You must hand the flyer to your server or to the hostess when picking up take-out.  Print the flyer and take it with you.  Donations for this event will benefit the sixth grade graduation activities and a gift to Almond. Leave the cooking to Chevy’s!  

Attention all 4th, 5th and 6th Grade Parents: Junior Olympics Volunteers Needed!

Thank you to all of the parents who have helped out with training during PE.  The first two weeks of timing the 100m went VERY smoothly.  We still have MANY more opportunities for you to become involved in this wonderful event … please consider helping out in the following areas:  

• April 23rd (day before JO): 1-4pm Set-up @ MVHS
•  
• April 24th (shifts throughout the day from 8am – 3pm):
•      General Set-Up:  Set-up tents, put up signs
•      Almond School Tent:  Meeting place for students, schedule of events
•      Long Jump Event:  Help with practice jumps, record official jumps
•      Food Tent:  Sell and serve food
•      First Aid Tent:  Medical & non-medical volunteers needed
•      General Clean-Up:  Tear down tents, pick up signs, help pick up trash

  Contact your class reps to sign up today!

• 4th Grade Reps:     Diana Fontana (947-0537) & Allison Marras (938-2689)
• 5th Grade Reps:     Martha Gomez (965-2837) & Kathleen Mitchel (559-5707)
• 6th Grade Reps:     Angelique Champagne (947-9867) & Alice Poltrack (948-1075)
• JO Co-Chairs:         Michelle Le (949-1911) & Karen Townsend (948-6265)

 

Almond Fashion Show – Saturday March 27 at 2pm

Come see the latest spring clothes from Marion Jackstons and Kids Only modeled by our Almond students.  Almond’s Spring Fling Fashion Show will be held to raise money for the PTA. Thirty-one Almond students will be featured, so come cheer on your fellow classmates.  Tickets can be purchased at the door for $5 and light refreshments will be served.  If you have questions, please contact Jen Walker.  

Los Altos Student Art Show, March 26-28

Come celebrate your child’s creativity at the Student Art Show at the Hillview Community Center! The galleries will be filled with artwork from every elementary student in the Los Altos School District. The gallery opening and reception will be on Friday from 3-5pm. On Saturday and Sunday from 10am-4pm, the galleries at Hillview will be open and free hands-on art activities will be held in the adjacent Neutra House. For more information, see the Art Show poster, the Art Docent website, or call 947-1194.   

Sixth Grade Parent Info Tours @ Egan

Here is a great chance for parents of current 6th graders to check out Egan. Tours will be offered on Tuesday, March 30 from 1:30-2:30pm and Wednesday, March 31 from 9:30-10:30am and 7-8pm.      

PARENT EDUCATION 

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

Key Dates

• ·  TODAY Thursday, March 25, Building Resilience in Our Youth: Raising Healthy Kids
• ·  April 12-16, Girls Leadership Institute Spring Break Day Camp
• ·  Saturday, April 12, KidPower: Parent Child Workshop 

   

Building Resilience in Our Youth: Raising Healthy Kids

Ken Ginsburg, M.D. will be presenting this topic tonight at Gunn High School’s Spangenberg Theater in Palo Alto, 6:30 – 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.   

KidPower: Parent Child Workshop 

On Saturday April 17th, 9am-1 pm you can learn and practice people safety skills, including self-defense. Show awareness and confidence, set clear boundaries, deal with bullying, “tell” without tattling. Target is kids age 6-12 and parents!    

LASD FREQUENT FLYER NEWSLETTER

www.losaltos.k12.ca.us/PDF_Files/2009_2010/Current_School_News.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 © 2003-2010 Los Altos School District.  All rights reserved.

FROM THE PRINCIPAL – Terri Stromfeld

Volunteer Opportunities at Lunchtime

We have students asking if we can have some more organized activities at lunch.  The children have even come up with 2 great ideas for new lunchtime clubs:

1. Intramural Sports Club, grades 1-3 and 4-6 
2. Book Club, grades 1-3 and 4-6

The clubs would meet during the 20-minute recess portion of lunch 1-3 times per week. If you are interested in leading a club, please let me know. (Of course, if you have another idea for a lunchtime activity and would like to lead one, please let me know!  Think about your many talents!)  We would like to have 2+ parents lead each club.  

Grades K-4 Science Expo: March 22, 6:45-7:45pm

Our Science Expo for grades K-4 is this coming Monday in our Multi.  There will be tornados, magnets, the ball of fear, an erupting volcano, real animal organs to poke, pepper that runs away, electricity, pH testing of your saliva, raisins that dance, and more!  We hope to see you!  

BookWave Blast: March 31, 6:00-8:00pm

Come celebrate Almond’s awesome authors and illustrators at the BookWave Blast!  Nearly 100 original books will be on display. This event will take place on Wednesday, March 31st, from 6pm-8pm in our Multi and will feature award-winning writer, Kathryn Otoshi, author of the Cornerstone favorite, One.  Refreshments and raffle prizes, too!  

Special thanks go to:

• ·  Jon Simms and Suzanne Ambiel (Egan parent) for our Freiker one-year birthday celebration. Last Monday, Jon and Suzanne brought hot chocolate and bagels for our students, in addition to reminding us of the healthy life style that the Freiker program promotes.
• ·  Bruce Campbell, for enabling our upper grade students to enjoy the SJ Jazz Orchestra and try some new brass instruments!

   

UPCOMING DATES TO REMEMBER

• ·  TODAY is a Minimum Day – 12:15pm dismissal for grades 1-6
• ·  March 19 & 20, Sixth Grade Car Wash
• ·  Monday, March 22, 6:45-7:45pm – Science Expo 2010 for K-4^th graders
• ·  March 22-26, Kepler’s Book Fair
• ·  March 24-25  Chevy’s Fundraiser for the Sixth Grade Class
• ·  March 26  Last Day for Almond’s Pennies for Patients
• ·  March 26-28  Los Altos Student Art Show
• ·  Wednesday, March 31, 6:00-8:00pm – BookWave Blast
• ·  Monday, April 5, Almond Science Fair
• ·  Tuesday, April 6, Community Night for Science Fair, 6:45-8:00pm
• ·  Saturday, April 24, 50^th Junior Olympics 
•  

 

From the Student Council – Tammy Reilly

Pennies for Patients Campaign March 8-26

Almond School’s annual campaign, Pennies for Patients runs from March 8-26th. The money that we raise will help fight blood cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma. Students may donate any amount of money.  Checks can be made payable to “The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society”. Tax-deductible donations can be made online. Thank you in advance for your support!    

ANNOUNCEMENTS 

It’s Not Too Late to Donate to LAEF!

LAEF has not yet reached our fundraising goal of $1.81M for this school year, so it’s not too late for you to help! We strive for 100% of families to participate. Donations in any amount are appreciated, with $.93 of every dollar going directly to the classroom this year. Please donate to LAEF today! You can donate online at www.laefonline.org.  

Junior Olympics T-Shirt Order Form

Are you missing your JO t-shirt or need to order a new one ‘just because?’  Please fill out and return an order form with payment to the office by TOMORROW, Friday, March 19th.  All 4th graders and new 5th and 6th graders will receive a t-shirt, compliments of the Almond PTA … no order form/payment is required.  New students will be sized during PE class.  Any questions?  Please contact Kim Elmurib.  

Great After-School Science Program Available!

Check out the terrific 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 who would love to have more science in his/her day, this is the program for him/her. Click here for more details.  

Chevy’s Lunch and Dinner Days: Wednesday and Thursday, March 24 & 25

Come eat lunch or dinner, or, better yet, get take-out from Chevy’s.  Chevy’s will donate 25% of each check for lunch, dinner or take-out to Almond.  You must hand the flyer to your server or to the hostess when picking up take-out.  Print the flyer and take it with you.  Donations for this event will benefit the sixth grade graduation activities and a gift to Almond. Leave the cooking to Chevy’s!  

This is it!! Car Wash at Almond on March 19th and 20th!

The sixth graders will be washing (and drying!) cars tomorrow and Saturday to raise money for sixth grade graduation events.  Please get your tickets now from any sixth grade student.  Tickets will also be available at the event. We will also be selling delicious baked goods while you wait for your car. Thanks for your support.  

Spring Book Fair Coming Soon

Almond’s Spring Book Fair will be held with our new community partner, Kepler’s Books of Menlo Park from March 23-26. Find out more about the exciting agenda here. Volunteers are needed to work with Kepler’s amazing staff.  Please contact Julie Chou.  

Attention all 4th, 5th and 6th Grade Parents: Junior Olympics Volunteers Needed!

It takes many volunteers to make Junior Olympics a successful event.  This year, JO will be held on Saturday, April 24th at MVHS.  It is an exciting day, where 4th, 5th, and 6th grade students from all seven Los Altos elementary schools get together for fun-spirited competition.   Please consider helping out before the event in PE class training, or on April 24 at the long jump, food booth, school tent, etc.  Click here for more info and contact your class reps to sign up today!  

• 4th Grade Reps:     Diana Fontana (947-0537) & Allison Marras (938-2689)
• 5th Grade Reps:     Martha Gomez (965-2837) & Kathleen Mitchel (559-5707)
• 6th Grade Reps:     Angelique Champagne (947-9867) & Alice Poltrack (948-1075)
• JO Co-Chairs:         Michelle Le (949-1911) & Karen Townsend (948-6265)

 

Fruit Harvest for Local Food Bank

Please come help the Almond Community Service Group on Sunday March 21, from 9am-noon.  We will be picking fruit from neighborhood trees that our Almond families or their neighbors have invited us to harvest.  We will then donate the fruit to the Mountain View Food Bank.  This is a win-win activity — the homeowners get their trees harvested and those who use the food bank get the fresh produce that they need for a healthy diet.   If you are an Almond 3rd thru 6th grader, we can use your help!!  Please join us with your parents for a morning of picking fruit trees and doing something nice for our community.  This is a great opportunity for 6th graders to fulfill their community service hours.  Please contact Chris Cummins or Mary Carp to be a part of this fun morning!  

Los Altos Student Art Show, March 26-28

Come celebrate your child’s creativity at the Student Art Show at the Hillview Community Center! The galleries will be filled with artwork from every elementary student in the Los Altos School District. The gallery opening and reception will be on Friday from 3-5pm. On Saturday and Sunday from 10am-4pm, the galleries at Hillview will be open and free hands-on art activities will be held in the adjacent Neutra House. For more information, see the Art Show poster, the Art Docent website, or call 947-1194.     

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

Key Dates

• ·  Sunday, March 21, Teenpower: Personal Safety Workshop
• ·  Thursday, March 25, Building Resilience in Our Youth: Raising Healthy Kids
• ·  April 12-16, Girls Leadership Institute Spring Break Day Camp
• ·  Saturday, April 12, KidPower: Parent Child Workshop 

   

Teenpower: Personal Safety Workshop

In this workshop, teens practice using personal safety skills to prevent, manage or leave potentially unsafe situations.  ”People Safety” skills help prevent violence and improve communication at home, in school, in the world, online…everywhere. It will be held Sunday, March 21 from 12:30-5:30, and the target is teens ages 13-17.  

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, 6:30 – 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.   

KidPower: Parent Child Workshop 

On Saturday April 17th, 9am-1 pm you can learn and practice people safety skills, including self-defense. Show awareness and confidence, set clear boundaries, deal with bullying, “tell” without tattling. Target is kids age 6-12 and parents!    

LASD FREQUENT FLYER NEWSLETTER

www.losaltos.k12.ca.us/PDF_Files/2009_2010/Current_School_News.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 © 2003-2010 Los Altos School District.  All rights reserved.

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.