Almond Elementary School

Positive Peer Influence Award: Cornerstone Club

Jason May — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 22:22:33 +0000

See this video of Project Cornerstone at work at Almond.

Thursday Word – April 22, 2010

marcia — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 20:50:34 +0000

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?

Thursday Word – March 25, 2010

marcia — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 15:38:12 +0000

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.

Thursday Word – March 18, 2010

marcia — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 13:37:44 +0000

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:

Intramural Sports Club, grades 1-3 and 4-6
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

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

KidPower: Parent Child Workshop

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?

Thursday Word – March 4, 2010

marcia — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 17:48:32 +0000

FROM THE PRINCIPAL – Terri Stromfeld

Almond’s Oscar Night Countdown

It’s almost here . . . the moment we’ve been waiting for . . . Almond’s Night at the Oscars is this Saturday! Get excited to mingle with friends, enjoy a delectable buffet, listen and dance to great music and bid for amazing items! There are well over 150 items waiting for your bids. Be prepared to bid high and have fun! All proceeds from our Oscar event will benefit programs and services for our children at Almond. I’m looking forward to seeing you this Saturday evening.

“Sunshine” Every Morning

Each day, rain or shine, we are greeted in front of our school with smiles and a greeting of “Good morning”. These courteous, upbeat greeters are our dear 6^th grade Safety Patrol students. Isn’t it nice to start off our days with their kind words? Please join me in thanking sixth grade teacher and Safety Patrol leader, Vanessa Jordan, for starting this program nearly 2 years ago, thereby adding this warm and friendly service to our community. Please also join me in thanking our Safety Patrol members for helping us start out each day on a positive note:

From Mrs. Daggett’s Class: Jill Campbell, Stephanie Gee, Julia Khan, Drew Kim, Ashwin Krishna, Marshall Scott

From Miss Jordan’s class: Olivia Biggs, Matthew Carroll, Tatiana Gibson, Henry Lodestro, Adam Poltrack, Lauren Quigley, Tanvi Sehgal, James Sun, Ryan Tanne, Connor Verity, Grace Zhang

From Miss Shelley’s Class: Jackson Fennell, Elise Granath, Jarod Long, Rory Maclean, Alex Tang, Eric Thiem, Melanie Tran, Alex Tseng

UPCOMING DATES TO REMEMBER

· Saturday, March 6, Almond’s Night at the Oscars
· March 8-26, Almond’s Pennies for Patients
· Friday, March 12, Almond Spirit Day – Theme is College Day!
· March 19 & 20, Sixth Grade Car Wash
· Monday, March 22, 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 25 After-School Science Program Begins
· Saturday, April 24, 50^th Junior Olympics

ALMOND’S NIGHT AT THE OSCARS

Here is one last peek at some wonderful items in our auction. To view the entire catalog, click here.

A handcrafted necklace with freshwater gray pearls, sterling beads and charms on a sterling silver plated chain
A 9”x12” fine art pastel piece, “Bluff Overlooking Wetlands”, by Timon Sloane.
Tax relief services, preparation and more for the 2011 season

FROM THE STUDENT COUNCIL – Tammy Reilly

Pennies for Patients Campaign March 8-26

The student council’s annual campaign for Pennies for Patients will be held from March 8th – 26th. The money that we raise will help fight blood cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma. Students may donate any amount of money. Please make checks payable to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Penny boxes will be delivered to classrooms on the first day of the fundraiser. Thank you for your support!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Junior Olympics Kick-Off Assembly is Around the Corner!!

Our JO Kick-Off Assembly will be during morning assembly on Friday, March 5th. Do you know where your JO t-shirt is? Dust it off, so you can show your school spirit! GO ALMOND EAGLES!

Great After-School Science Program Available!

Almond Chess Club Update

Almond Chess Club is wrapping up Session #2 with a chess tournament on March 10th. We expect friendly yet competitive play! Our final Chess Club of the school year starts on Wednesday, March 17th 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, and also to see our returning students continue with their chess proficiency. Almond Chess is taught by a USCF certified Chess Coach and a former Chess Master. We are preparing students for the Chess State Championships located in Santa Clara this April, and we hope to have another successful Almond Chess Club team attend the event. Sign up today! You may pick up forms in the Almond office, or click here.

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

4th Grade Reps: Diana Fontana (965-2837) & 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)

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

Car Wash At Almond On March 19th and 20th!

Get your tickets now! The sixth graders 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. 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.

Freiker’s One Year Birthday!

Join in the fun with a special birthday celebration before school on March 15^th, when Freiker at Almond turns 1 year old! The kids have been out pounding the pavement on foot and by bike. Now it’s time to enjoy some hot chocolate and bagels for all of the hard work. Guess the mileage that the Almond students have traveled for the last year and win a special prize! Click here to access the contest entry form, and here for party flyer. Party and contest are open to all students at Almond.

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

Key Dates

· TONIGHT, 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

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 tonight from 7:30 – 8:30 pm in the Egan Multi.

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

LASD FREQUENT FLYER NEWSLETTER

www.losaltos.k12.ca.us/PDF_Files/2009_2010/School_News_03_04_2010.PDF

WANT TO SUBMIT SOMETHING TO THE THURSDAY WORD?

Thursday Word – February 11, 2010

marcia — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 16:04:51 +0000

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

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

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?

Thursday Word – February 4, 2010

marcia — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 21:39:51 +0000

FROM THE PRINCIPAL – Terri Stromfeld

Vandalism Alert

Almond and other schools in the Los Altos School District have recently experienced several incidents of vandalism. Similar vandalism and destruction of property has also been experienced in the neighborhoods surrounding our schools. Recent incidents on school campuses have included fires being set, school gardens being damaged, alcoholic beverage bottles being broken, and graffiti being sprayed on buildings. Neighborhoods have experienced similar destruction of property, along with car break-ins and minor property thefts. In an effort to protect our schools and neighborhoods, we ask that any suspicious activity on any campus be reported immediately to the Los Altos Police at 947-2770. Please talk to your neighbors about any suspicious behavior in your neighborhood. By working together as a community, we can minimize these incidents – thereby protecting our neighborhoods and providing a safe environment for our children.

Special thanks go to:

· Our second grade teachers, Nancy Liu, Joann Martinez, Tammy Reilly, and Jill Zorn for creating the successful Heritage Potluck last Friday, and to our many parents who provided special lunch items representing their family heritage! Our second graders enjoyed learning about the traditions of their country of origin and experiencing the cultures of their classmates.

UPCOMING DATES TO REMEMBER

· Friday, February 5, Parents’ Night Out
· Saturday, February 6, 9:30am-12pm, Beautification Event
· Monday, February 15, Requests for intra-district transfers due to LASD office
· Saturday, March 6, Night at the Oscars
· Saturday, April 24, 50^th Junior Olympics

ALMOND’S NIGHT AT THE OSCARS

Wonderful items in our auction will include:

a weekend in the Wine Country at the newly constructed Westin Verasa
a week of tennis camp for your child at Fremont Hills Country Club
private horse lessons at Westwind Barn
much, much more!

It will be a night to remember! Tickets are still on sale for $65 each – contact Liz Parker or look for the auction table after school. Hope to see you all on March 6th!

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

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 children, 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

Upper Grade Lunchtime Help Needed

If you know of anyone interested in supervising our upper grade students during our 12:00-12:45pm lunch period, please contact Principal Terri Stromfeld. Pay is $15/hour and help is needed immediately.

Almond Beautification Event

Beautification Day is this Saturday from 9:30am-12:00pm. Green thumbs not required! No worries if you cannot attend the entire time – any amount of effort is appreciated! Please bring your own gardening tools, and bagels, juice and coffee will be provided. If it rains we will reschedule, and an alternate date will be published in next week’s Thursday Word. Contact Deby Pasturel with any questions.

Let’s Double Our Box Tops for Education

Almond just received a check for $300 from the Box Tops for Education program! Thanks to all of you who participate in this program by bringing in your coupons to the office. This total reflects the 3000 coupons that have been collected so far this year. Let’s try to double this for the second half of the year and get everyone involved. Before throwing out empty grocery items, check all packaging for the little pink coupon, cut out and bring into the office. It’s as easy as that. For a complete listing of participating General Mills products click here. THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!

Sixth Grade Car Wash Coming In March!

DON’T WASH THAT CAR! The sixth graders 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!

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. This year’s event will be held at Mountain View High School. For more information, click here.

Intra-district (Open Enrollment) Transfers

PARENT EDUCATION

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

Key Dates

· Wednesday, February 3, 10, 24 and March 3, Real Parents, Real Daughters Workshop
· Tuesday, February 23, Race to Nowhere
· Thursday, March 4, Getting Organized: Helping Your Child Be Successful in School
· Thursday, March 25, Building Resilience in Our Youth: Raising Healthy Kids

Real Parents, Real Daughters Workshop

Race to Nowhere

Don’t miss this documentary film showing on Tuesday, February 23 at 7pm at the Oshman Family Jewish Community Center in Palo Alto. It is about our achievement-obsessed culture and its 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, click here.

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

Ana Homayoun will be speaking on March 4, 7:30pm – 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.

LASD FREQUENT FLYER NEWSLETTER

www.losaltos.k12.ca.us/PDF_Files/2009_2010/School_News_02_04_2010.PDF

WANT TO SUBMIT SOMETHING TO THE THURSDAY WORD?

2010 Junior Olympics – Final Results!

Jason May — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 17:03:20 +0000

Junior Olympics is a wonderful, spirited tradition in the Los Altos School District. Fourth, fifth and sixth graders from all seven Los Altos elementary schools gather for a day of fun, food and good spirited competition. The day starts with an opening ceremony and Olympic procession. Student athletes proudly parade around the track carrying their school banner, wearing their school t-shirts, and marching to the lively music provided by sixth grade band members. Students compete in track and field events throughout the day. Many parents feel it is one of the most important and memorable activities their child participates in during their elementary school years.

2010 Final Results

Thursday Word – January 28, 2010

marcia — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 16:41:15 +0000

FROM THE PRINCIPAL – Terri Stromfeld

What’s New . . .

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

LAEF Survey

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

Kindergarten Informational Evening Tonight

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

UPCOMING DATES TO REMEMBER

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

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Place Hot Lunch Orders for February TODAY!

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

LAEF Car Window Clings Coming Soon

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

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

Kids’ Place Parents’ Night Out

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

Almond Beautification Event

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

Almond’s Night at the Oscars

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

Sixth Grade Car Wash Coming Soon!

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

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

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

Intra-district (Open Enrollment) Transfers

PARENT EDUCATION

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

Key Dates

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

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

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

Real Parents, Real Daughters Workshop

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

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

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

Building Resilience in Our Youth: Raising Healthy Kids

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

LASD FREQUENT FLYER NEWSLETTER

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

WANT TO SUBMIT SOMETHING TO THE THURSDAY WORD?

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

Thursday Word – January 21, 2010

marcia — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 20:47:16 +0000

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

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!

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

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