Almond Thursday Word

Posted Date: 08/27/26 (06:19 PM)

August 27th, 2026

Together, LASD Education Partners fund the resources and opportunities that turn an ordinary education into an LASD Education! Learn more at LASDEducationPartners.org

Important dates

August

8/24-8/28- LAEF Rally Week

September

09/4- Almond Minimum Day - 12:15 dismissal

09/7- No School- Labor Day

09/14 & 9/15- Picture Day

Useful Links

Almond Google Calendar

Los Altos Educational Foundation - Donate here.

Classroom Parent

PTA Website

Dear Almond families,

We were excited to have Dr. Blake Brandes join our students today for a fun and engaging Kindness (TK-2nd grade) and Digital Citizenship (3rd-5th grade) presentation. Dr. Brandes is a TEDx speaker, America’s Got Talent contestant, and Marshall Scholar who has spoken to more than 500,000 students around the world. During the presentation, our students learned valuable skills to help them be safe, smart, and kind at school and online!

For TK-2 families, you can ask your child about the power of "Yet," which reminds them to be kind to themselves and others when they haven't learned how to do something... YET!

For 3-5 families, you can ask your child how technology could help their chances of achieving their biggest goals in life, and what kinds of behaviors online might be a challenge to reaching those goals.

For additional resources to help families navigate healthy tech habits, we invite you to come to Dr. Brandes's parent presentation at Almond on Dec. 1 from 6-7pm.

In the meantime, Common Sense Media (www.commonsensemedia.org) and Harvard's Center for Digital Thriving (https://digitalthriving.gse.harvard.edu) provide helpful information and guidance on navigating an ever-changing technology landscape.

Here’s to partnering together to help our Eagles grow into kind, confident, and responsible citizens—both in our community and in the digital world!

Raquel

New Volunteer Authorization Process

Beginning this school year, LASD is introducing a new Volunteer Authorization Process that provides one consistent system for all school volunteers. The new process builds on procedures already in place for certain volunteer roles and aligns with updated California law and district policy.

To make the process as simple as possible, volunteers are grouped into three levels based on the type of volunteer work they perform. Most classroom volunteers who are always under the supervision of an LASD staff member will complete a straightforward application and tuberculosis (TB) risk assessment or testing.

Volunteers who may work independently with students or transport students will complete additional requirements appropriate to those roles.

A new Volunteer webpage is now available and includes:

An overview of the three volunteer levels
Information about whether you are considered a visitor or a volunteer
Step-by-step instructions for each volunteer level
Links to all required forms and resources

To provide families with plenty of time to complete the new requirements, volunteers will have until December 30, 2026, to complete the authorization process.

Sneak peek of the week

PTA News

Help Shape Our Almond Community—Join the PTA!

Thank you so much to the families who have already registered for this school year!

Our PTA brings to life the events and support that enrich our kids' experience at Almond, and everyone is welcome to get involved.

Join Online: Head to Classroom Parent to complete your registration (one membership covers your whole family).
Kickoff Meeting: Join us for our first meeting on Wednesday, September 23 at 8:45 AM in the Multi.

It’s a great way to connect with other parents and stay in the loop. We hope to see you there!

🎤 Almond Parent Night on Digital Citizenship has been rescheduled to December 1st.

Almond Community Day at the San Jose Giants - Sunday, August 30 at 1pm ⚾

Join fellow Almond families on Sunday, August 30, at 1:00 p.m. as we cheer on the San Jose Giants. Whether you're reconnecting with friends after summer break, meeting new families, or simply looking for a fun afternoon out, we hope you'll join us for this special Almond community event.

If you're new to Almond this year, we'd especially love to see you there! It's a relaxed, fun way to meet other families and start making connections before the school year gets into full swing.

If you plan to attend, please be sure to purchase your tickets using the link below. Tickets purchased through our dedicated link earn a donation back to Almond, so every ticket helps support our school community. Each ticket is $12 plus a $3 online purchase fee for a total of $15 per ticket.

🎟️ Purchase your tickets here: https://mlb.tickets.com/schedule/?agency=MILB_MPV&orgid=56749#/sales_group_code;salesGroupId=13640

Code: ALMOND Seats in Section E

We have added more tickets to our block - let me know if the block is sold out and we can see about adding more!

🧥 Back-To-School Gear

Almond Spirit Wear is on sale now! Get something for the whole family! Almond Spirit Store up to 35% off until 9/7! Look for the flyer in your student’s Friday Folder. Almond PTA receives a portion of the proceeds.

LAEF News

What a FUN-tastic Rally Day!! Thank you to everyone who joined us with such enthusiasm and school spirit. Seeing our LASD community come together like that is exactly what makes our schools special.

Huge thanks to every family who has already given to LAEF this school year. Your donation helps LAEF fund Specialized Teachers & Staff and Instructional Programs & Materials at your school that turn an ordinary education into a LASD Education.

If you haven't donated yet, here’s how you can partner with us:

Complete the LASD Back to School process at LASDEducationPartners.org

Step 1: Donate to LAEF
Step 2: Join and donate to the PTA for each school your children attend

Let's come together and invest in a high-quality, well-rounded education for every LASD student.

Living Classroom

Living Classroom Docent Training

9:30am-12:30pm Mondays 8/31-10/19*

Los Altos School District iLearn Studio

201 Covington Road, Los Altos CA 94024

Do you like to connect kids with nature? Living Classroom is seeking volunteers to teach our fun nature-based lessons and help care for our school gardens. No experience necessary as we teach you everything you need to know. Please join us from 9:30am-12:30pm on Mondays 8/31-10/19* at the LASD iLearn Studio to train to become a volunteer docent (*no training on 9/7 - Labor Day). If Mondays don't work for you, please ask about our apprentice-style training option. If you are interested in helping to care for your school garden, please contact Living Classroom Garden Manager, Sandi Elefant. For questions or to RSVP for docent training, please email us at livingclassroom@lasdschools.org or call (650) 947-1103. Check us out at LivingClassroomLASD.org!

LASD Universal Meals Program

Students may bring their own lunch to school, however, no outside food/vendors will be allowed on campus, including deliveries from outside vendors

(i.e. DoorDash or similar service or parent drop off of local food vendors).

August

FROM THE OFFICE

ATTENDANCE NOTES:

ABSENCES: If your child is going to be absent, make sure to fill out the new Attendance absence form before 9:00 or by calling 650-917-5454. If your child is going to be absent for more than five days, then an independent study program must be implemented before departure and returned upon return.

LATE ARRIVALS: stop by the office to check in before going to the classroom.

EARLY PICK UPS: fill out the new Attendance absence form or CALL 650-917-5454 and come into the office to check out.

Please let both your teacher & the office know if you are planning to pick up children early.
It will take longer to check out your child during recess (10:10-10:30am) and lunch (12-12:45pm) because we have to locate your child on the playground. Please try to avoid these times by coming before or after recess & lunch.

OFFICE NOTES:

NO dogs allowed on campus
Any volunteers or visitors to LASD schools are required to check in at the front office
FORGOTTEN ITEMS: if you must bring a forgotten item to school, please drop it off to the office and we will deliver it to the classroom. This includes forgotten lunches from home too!