Dear Almond Families,

Not only does December continue to be a month of learning for our students, but also a time for celebrations. Last night fifty-four of our very own Almond Singers from grades 2-6 were here to celebrate the season with their Winter concert showcase. This event brought together students and their families in celebration of each other and the holidays through the joy of singing.  Almond alumna from Egan and Los Altos High school joined in on a couple of songs (we were all blown away by their poise, maturity and beautiful singing!), which really completed the community feel of the night. Personally, my heart was full of love and pride for all our kiddos, past and present. Thank you, Margaret Barnett, for directing our singers!

We can also celebrate that we have more Almond Winter concerts coming up! Our 4-6 graders will be sharing their musical selections next Monday at 1pm in the multi. And our TK-3^rd graders will debuting their singing on Wednesday, December 19 at 1 and 2pm. Hope you can join us for these events!

We would also like to share that Mrs. Samantha Nguyen, 1^st grade teacher and 15-year veteran of Almond school, just received her certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. This certification “was designed to develop, retain and recognize accomplished teachers and to generate ongoing improvement in schools nationwide. It is the most respected professional certification available in K-12 education.” Please join us in celebrating Mrs. Nguyen. We are so lucky to have her here as part of our Almond community teaching the most precious little people in your life: your children.

Here's to the many celebrations of December!

Raquel

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Evening PTA general meeting:

Come to the next PTA meeting on Wednesday, December 12, at 7:00pm in the Multi!  We will be reviewing income generated by the Walkathon, Halloween Carnival and Fall Book Fair, and discussing upcoming events like Bookwave Blast and Principal Coffee.  If you always wanted to come to the meetings but couldn't because of work schedule conflicts, this is your chance to see what you've been missing.  Here is the agenda for the meeting,  hope to see you there.

Tis the season to spread Holiday cheer

On December 19th the PTA Staff Appreciation Committee is hosting a holiday cookie event for the teachers and staff at Almond.  In order to have enough cookies, we need each class to provide 6 dozen cookies (or classes can provide more!)  Our goal is to have at least 132 dozen cookies for our wonderful teachers and staff members.   For more details and to sign up, please go to Holiday Cookie Exchange, Sign up or contact Rachel May (rmags21@gmail.com) or Peipei Pollman (yupeipei@gmail.com)

Please click here and find some cookie type ideas

Thank you!

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LAEF - Your Donation Can be Doubled!

We've raised $2.5 million so far, but still have $1 million to go to fund our grant to our school district this school year. Now is a great time to donate to LAEF because we have a new challenge match. Four generous anonymous donors will match every dollar donated before December 31st, up to a total of $30,000. Your donation can be doubled if you give now!

The suggested donation is $1,200 per student or $150/month, but donations of any amount are greatly appreciated. Donate online, or text "LAEF" to 50155 to donate.

Learn how your student is benefitting from LAEF this school year.

LASD Winter Music Concerts

We hope you'll enjoy the sounds of the season coming from our LASD Winter Music Concerts. Your contributions to LAEF make these concerts possible.

Elementary school concerts are at 1 pm in the school multi.

Almond - Monday, Dec 10

Gardner Bullis - Tuesday, Dec 11

Loyola - Wednesday, Dec 12

Covington - Monday, Dec 17

Springer - Tuesday, Dec 18

Santa Rita - Wednesday, Dec 19

Oak - Friday, Dec 21

ArtPop
Mountain View's very own artisan holiday market, ArtPop, is back for another year, in a new downtown location at 275 Castro Street. Locally made gifts for everyone on your list. Saturday, Dec. 8 is Shop for Our Schools Day, where artisans will donate 15% of sales to the three local school foundations–MVLA, LAEF and MVEF.  Support our schools by shopping on Dec 8.

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Become a LIVING CLASSROOM docent... share your love of nature with kids!

Do you like connecting kids with nature and teaching them where our food comes from?  Want to make a difference for our planet and promote environmental stewardship?  If so, please consider becoming a Living Classroom docent!  Living Classroom is looking for docents to help deliver hands-on garden-based lessons to the students of the Los Altos School District.  No experience necessary as we provide all the training needed!  Our Winter Docent Training will take place at the Los Altos School District iLearn Studio (201 Covington Road, Los Altos) from 9-Noon on Mondays 12/3, 12/10, and 12/17.  Apprentice-style training also available for those who cannot attend Monday morning trainings.  Please spread the word and bring a friend! Click HERE to view our docent training flyer.

Questions? Email us at livingclassroom@lasdschools.org or call (650) 947-1103.  For more information about Living Classroom, please visit our website at www.living-classroom.org.

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Principal Coffee - December 14th

At the Principal Coffee next Friday, 12/14, we will have Christine Case-Lo, the chairperson from SELPA 1 CAC, come speak.  This local organization is a group of people dedicated to raising awareness and education on special needs issues in our community.  She will present information about the resources, parent education tools and support groups that they offer. Please join us on December 14^th at 8:30.

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