Dear Almond Families,

Our classrooms are humming with engaged learners! Thank you for sending your students to our school, on time and well-rested.

With our ever popular October 13 Walkathon quickly approaching, I wanted to let you know of a related upcoming event - our theme for this year's Walkathon will be revealed to the school during assembly next Friday, September 28.  I invite you and your family to join us at 8:30am for the theme reveal and share in the school's excitement!  It's also a good opportunity for families to learn more about the Walkathon, including important tips for the day, and ask questions at the end of assembly to the parents helping to organize the Walkathon.  A reminder to pre-register your children for the Walkathon by September 23 to ensure you get the size and quantity of themed Walkathon t-shirts you would like. 

Our teaching staff will be taking part in a district-wide Professional Learning Day tomorrow, and will be excited to share their new knowledge with your students on Monday!

Here's to a wonderful long weekend,

Raquel

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UPCOMING DATES

• Tomorrow, Friday, 9/21, NO SCHOOL
• Monday, Sept. 24, Photo Re-takes, 8:30-12
• Wednesday, Sept. 26, PTA General Meeting, 8:35, Multi
• Friday, Sept. 28, Walkathon Theme reveal at morning assembly!
• Friday, Sept. 28, Vision Screening for students in K, 2 and 5
• Wed, Oct 10, International Walk to School Day (details TBD)
• Oct 8-12, 6^th graders at Walden West
• Oct 11-17, Scholastic Book Fair
• Sat, Oct 13, Almond Walkathon and Silent Auction!

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Our biggest fundraiser of the year, The ALMOND WALKATHON, is on Saturday, October 13. It will be a day that includes a silent auction, music, food, and, of course, lots of walking. Do not miss this fun day!  

Since this is a fundraising event with proceeds going directly to our school, a donation of $75 for each child is requested, but any amount is appreciated. Many parents choose to donate a flat amount on behalf of their child, but you are also welcome to solicit donations from family and friends. If you are not able to donate at this time, you are still encouraged to register and come join the fun. 

A specially designed Walkathon t-shirt is available to pre-order on the Walkathon registration form ($10/shirt). Students are encouraged to wear this t-shirt to school the day before the Walkathon and to the Walkathon. The shirts are different each year to match the theme selected for the year, and can also be worn for various Almond spirit days throughout the year. Please register and pre-order your t-shirt(s) by September 23 to ensure you get the size and quantity of shirts desired.

Register now and we will see you on October 13!

Silent Auction

We need donations for the silent auction from our generous Almond families and local businesses. Please consider participating!

Donation ideas:

• Host an adult party with some friends
  • 80’s, Summer Solstice, Backyard BBQ, Fondue, Martini, Toga, Pool, Wine Tasting, Super Bowl, Game Night, Oscar Night, Cooking Class    
• Host a kids’ party
  • Treasure Hunt, Tea Party, Pool Party, Cookie Decorating
• Provide your professional services
  • Photography package, discount on dental work, tour of your company’s facility, catering  
• Donate your vacation home or timeshare
• Sports or special events tickets are a hit!
• Supply a bottle of wine for our wine wall ($30 value or more)

How to donate:

• Submit via donation link:  Donate Here
• Email: Email Here

Fall Book Fair

The Scholastic Book Fair will be open Thursday, October 11 though Tuesday, October 16. Purchase books and Almond will get back up to 50% of proceeds! If you would like to volunteer, or have any other questions about the Book Fair, please contact Amy Lee at atlee3@gmail.com or Young Kwon at kwonhyeyoung@gmail.com or Joy Yu at jungmin.yu@gmail.com.

Stop in during the Walkathon!

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News from LAEF

We've raised $1 Million ... well on our way to our $3.5 Million fundraising goal!

We are grateful to the families who have donated this school year.

If you have not yet donated or pledged, Save Us a Call!

Our annual LAEF Phonathon is coming up on October 2nd and 3rd. Donate or pledge today and we will remove you from our call list.

Our goal is $3.5 million and 100% participation from all of our LASD families. The suggested annual donation is $1,200 per student or $120/month per student. Every donation of any amount is appreciated.

•  Find out all the ways your child will benefit from your donation to LAEF this school year.
•  Watch this 2-minute video and learn why our local public schools need your financial support.  

Sign up now to help make calls for the LAEF Phonathon and invite your friends to join you! New volunteers are welcome. We'll teach you everything you need to know. You'll have a great time and make a difference for your school!

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Almond Community Service - Meal Packaging Event for Rise Against Hunger

Join us for a fun and hands-on community service event, great for the whole family!  We will be packing meals of dried beans, rice, vitamins and dehydrated vegetables to support Rise Against Hunger, a wonderful nonprofit organization dedicated to relieving hunger in developing countries.  

When:    Saturday, September 29th, 3:30pm to 5pm

Where:   Los Altos United Methodist Church - Creekside Center

       655 Magdalena Avenue, Los Altos

RSVP:    Please RSVP by September 25th to Polly Liu at polly@beau-coup.com and indicate number of people attending.  All ages welcome.  Please note that this is not a drop off event.  

School Site Council

If you love learning more about data, boy I have the group for you!  Specifics about how students are performing and how the staff is addressing needs is what the School Site Council addresses.  Not only do we look at data, we also plan how we address scores and communicate this to our community. More information about the School Site Council

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Community News and Events

LASD Board of Trustees Candidate Forum

The League of Women Voters candidate forum for the Los Altos School District Board of Trustees  will be held on Thursday, September 27, from 7:00-8:30p in the Orchard Room of the Los Altos Library (13 N. San Antonio Road, Los Altos).  The candidates will share their vision for the school district and answer questions from the audience.  This event will be recorded and will be available to watch following the event at www.lwvlamv.org.

This event is presented by the League of Women Voters of Los Altos Mountain View, the Los Altos Library, and the Los Altos Mountain View AAUW.  The League of Women Voters is a nonprofit organization, committed to providing voters with unbiased information which they can use to make informed choices.  The League does not support or oppose candidates for public office.

From the City of Los Altos:

El Monte Avenue Sidewalk Gap Closure Project - Public Meeting and Complete Streets Commission (CSC) Meeting on September 26, 2018

An Open House has been scheduled at the Community Chambers at City Hall on Wednesday, September 26, 2018, from 6-7pm to provide information and gather input regarding the El Monte Avenue Sidewalk Gap Closure project. This Safe Routes to School project is intended to improve pedestrian safety for the many local school children traveling along El Monte Avenue as they walk to and from school. The project limits extend between Almond Avenue to the north and Clark Avenue to the south. The project includes the addition of a five-foot wide decomposed granite pedestrian pathway with pressure treated wood header on the west side, storm drain improvements, ADA compliant curb ramps, high visibility crosswalks, and a rectangular rapid flashing beacon (RRFB) at Almond Avenue and Mills Avenue. Parking on the west side of El Monte Avenue between Almond and Higgins Avenues will be eliminated as part of this project.  

Staff and the design consultant will be available to provide information, answer questions and receive feedback at the Open House. The Complete Streets Commission (CSC) will hold its regular meeting following the Open House at 7pm. The CSC is scheduled to receive an update on the project and the public is welcome to attend to gather information and provide input on the project.

Crosswalk Intersection Improvment Projects

The City of Los Altos will soon begin street repairs throughout the city, and your commute to Almond may be affected. If you would like more information on these projects around Los Altos, please visit the City website atwww.losaltosca.gov. Look for the following project updates under City Projects on the website homepage:

“Street Resurfacing” Project TS-01001

“Street Slurry Seal” Project TS-01004

“City Alley Resurfacing” Project TS-01009

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After School Programs

Winter Fashion Accessory Design, At Almond!

Dream it, design it and then DO it with 3DKids Academy, in this all new twist on our popular fashion accessory program. We'll design and sew some cozy fleece accessories to warm up those long winter months, then throw in some jewelry making and other projects as time permits. Students will absorb lessons in design, color theory, composition, and construction techniques, including hand and machine sewing, embellishing, and more. Most importantly, we'll have fun!!!

Tuesdays, 3:00-4:30PM  Grades 2-6

January 23-April 4 (no class 2/20, 3/13)

(Supervision provided from 2:40)

$300 includes all supplies, material and instruction.

Space is limited. Sign up online at https://www.3dkids.academy/after-school-programs.html