Dear Almond Families:

These past few days have been a whirlwind of holiday celebrations and concerts, and it all brings me so much joy. The students are so enthusiastic about their accomplishments and the upcoming two-week recess!

Here are my wishes for all of you:

I hope you take the time to relax and enjoy your young people. They are treasures, and will not always be little.

I hope you have old family traditions that bring you joy, and that you find new ones, too.

I hope you are able to spend time with friends and family, and that you find new ways to engage with them to keep those relationships fresh and fun.

I hope you come back in January in good health, refreshed and recharged, ready for the new year!

Here’s to us all,

~Raquel

----------

LAEF News

Happy Holidays from LAEF! Warm wishes to you and your family.

LAEF has pledged to raise $3.5 Million in 2018-19 to bring essential programs to all students in the Los Altos School District. For each elementary school, LAEF funds teachers and staff for art, music, library, computer science, STEM, PE, and literacy aides for grades 1 & 2. LAEF is also a co-sponsor of the MVLA Parent Education Speaker Series.

Your Donation Can be Doubled

We still need to raise $800,000 to meet our goal of $3.5 million. Now is a great time to make your tax-deductible donation to LAEF because we have a 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.

Two Weeks Left for Corporate Matching in 2018

Did you know that in the 2017-18 school year, LAEF received $667,000 in corporate matching funds? With less than 20 days until the end of the tax year, now is the time to submit a matching request to your company. Find out if your company matches, and how to request a company match at LAEFonline.org/donate.

LASD Winter Music Concerts

We hope you enjoyed the sounds of the season coming from our LASD Winter Music Concert for the 4th-6th grade students earlier this week. Your contributions to LAEF make this concert possible.

-------------

Almond Drama Program News

The Almond Drama Program is excited to announce that enrollment is open for our Spring production of “The Lion King"

Students in Grades 3-6 are encouraged to sign up for this wonderful experience as enrollment is limited to the first 90 students.

Story: The Lion King is the story of a young lion prince living in the flourishing African Pride Lands. Born into the royal family, precocious cub Simba spends his days exploring the sprawling savanna grasslands and idolizing his kingly father, Mufasa, while youthfully shirking the responsibility his position in life requires. When an unthinkable tragedy, orchestrated by Simba’s wicked uncle, Scar, takes his father’s life, Simba flees the Pride Lands, leaving his loss and the life he knew behind. Eventually companioned by two hilarious and unlikely friends, Simba starts anew. But when weight of responsibility and a desperate plea from the now ravaged Pride Lands come to find the adult prince, Simba must take on a formidable enemy, and fulfill his destiny to be king.

Start Date:                      Wednesday, January 30, 2019

Grades:                           3-6

Rehearsal Days/Times:  Wednesday from 3pm - 5pm  and Thursday from 1:45 - 3:45pm

                                      Additional/extended rehearsals May 6-10

Performances:               May 9-11, 2019

Enrollment DUE date:    January 23, 2019

To participate:

1. Complete this registration form (one per child).

2. For each child participating, write a $150 check made out to "Almond PTA"  with your child's name in the memo.

3. Drop the check off in the box labeled "Almond Drama Program" in the school office.

If you have any questions please email Luisa Smith or Christi Crosby.

-----------

Please take a look at the Winter After School Programs schedule to sign up for enrichment activities for your students. We have many new offerings to keep your kids busy! (Please note: the Karate program has moved from Thursdays to Tuesdays--apologies from your school secretary for not having this change made on the website earlier!)

-----------

PTA Request

As the holiday season is upon us, please remember the Almond PTA for your holiday and end-of-year giving plans. Donating to the Almond PTA will not only leverage your year-end tax deductions but also help support Almond’s legacy of providing our students with innovative tools and programs. Please click here for an easy way to make a 100% tax deductible contribution.

----------