ALMOND THURSDAY WORD
April 20, 2017

UPCOMING DATES TO REMEMBER

• Friday, 4/21
  • Sport Outfit Spirit Day
  • International Feast (Multi, 6pm)
• Saturday, 4/22 - Almond Community Service Meal Packaging Event
• Monday, 4/24 - Grade 3 CAASPP Testing (CAT ELA)
• Tuesday, 4/25
  • Grade 4, 5, 6 CAASPP Testing (CAT ELA)
  • Almond Singers Spring Concert (Multi, 7pm)
• Wednesday, 4/26
  • Grades 4, 5, 6 CAASPP Testing (PT Math)
  • Families from China arrive in PM @ Los Altos
• Thursday, 4/27 - Students from China Attend Almond
• Friday, 4/28 - Students from China Attend Almond
• Saturday, 4/29 - LASD Junior Olympics (MVHS, 8am - 4pm)
• Sunday, 4/30 - Students from China go to San Francisco Excursion
• Monday, 5/1
  • Grade 5 CAASPP Testing (Science)
  • Students from China return to China
• Friday, 5/5 - Grade 3 CAASPP Testing (PT Math)
• Saturday, 5/6 - Rummage Sale
• Tuesday, 5/9 - Grades 3 thru 6 CAASPP Testing (PT ELA Part 1)
• Wednesday, 5/10 - Grades 3 thru 6 CAASPP Testing (PT ELA Part 2)
• Thursday, 5/11 - LASD Spring Concert Gr. 4-6 (12:45pm, Multi)
• Friday, 5/12
  • Grades 3 thru 6 CAASPP Testing (CAT Math)
  • 6th Grade Girls Basketball Tournament (3:45pm, Blach)
• Friday, 5/19 - 6th Grade Boys Basketball Tournament (3:45pm, Blach)

CAASPP stands for CA Assessment for Student Performance & Progress
CAT stands for computer adaptive test.
PT stands for performance task.
After administering the interim assessments this week, we adjusted the schedule to add time for the ELA performance task because it requires a substantial amount of writing and we wanted to spread it over two days.  The changes are noted in red above.

SCHOOL MESSAGE

...from Mrs. Benadom

His name is Felix.  He’s a first grader.  He has blonde hair and has recently been dawning a Stanford cap.  His voice is a delightful melody full of sweet tones.  He’s curious.  His stride includes joyful bounces and his smile communicates warmth and openness.  He’s from Sweden and has friends who are from all over the world.  Language is never a barrier when he plays.  He’s welcoming and loving.

This week, Felix held up a drawing [see this Tweet] to me and said, “Mrs. Benadom, what do you see?” With utter amusement at his excitement, I responded, “Felix, I see two things.”  The wonder evident in his pleasure, that I saw what he saw, was precious.  He exclaimed, “YES!!!! A duck and a rabbit.”  We talked about which was which and for Felix, regardless of the orientation of the image, he saw both each time.  I shared that for me when the ears were to the left, that looked more like a rabbit.  When they were to the right, I could better visualize the duck’s beak.

Felix was my teacher this week.  He reminded me that perspective is critical and personal to each of us.  Sometimes we can get locked into a way of looking at something.  Sometimes our past affects what we see.  Sometimes we need hear someone else’s perspective to inform our own.

On Tuesday evening, my learning was extended at the school coffee titled, “Supporting Your Child’s Gender Journey.”  Kristin Clouser, Almond’s school psychologist, did a tremendous job in sharing information about the evolution of the construct of gender.  In the presentation, astrophysicist Neil DeGrasse Tyson explains, “I think that once you learn language the language shapes how you think more than your thoughts shape what language does.  It takes a very creative person to start inventing words for thoughts that they had for which no words applied.”

Not only was the content of the evening relevant and applicable to today’s youth, we had some superstars from our own community participate.  Thank you so much to Cade Maw, Mark Tanner, and their amazing mom, Dr. Jill Hagenkord.  Here is a link to thepresentation and a Tweet capturing their glory.

My learning for the week is not yet complete…

I am really looking forward to tomorrow night’s International Festival.  One of our incredible 4th graders, Sophie, stopped and chatted with me this morning as she walked her bike past the front of school.  With a smile from ear to ear that held a deep sense of pride, she announced this will be her 3rd International Feast and that her family is bringing an Austrian pasta called spaetzle.  My mouth is already watering!  I can’t wait to try all the treats.

What I am most looking forward to though - is reconnecting.  Chatting with children and their families.  Listening to stories of how they found their way to Los Altos.  In essence, broadening my life perspective by learning more about those I am blessed to know.

PTA & SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS - NEW

LAEF’s in the final S-T-R-E-T-C-H
As we gear up to celebrate 50+ years of physical education and community spirit with Junior Olympics on April 29th, LAEF is also in the final stretch to meet our $3.7M fundraising goal. Therefore, we are requesting your partnership by making a donation or requesting a corporate match before Friday, the 28th to help us cross the finish line. Please give online today at www.LAEFonline.org or bring a check to the school office this week.

An Exciting LASD STEM Update
Launched four years ago with seed funding from LAEF, the STEM program is now recognized nationally for its well-integrated student-centered projects.  New in 2016-17, LASD expanded the elementary robotics program to now include 2nd-5th graders.  Some of the robots students are creating include a Bristlebot using a small motor, a Jitterbug run by solar energy, an Innovativebot and an Ambot with four motors and a breadboard. Exciting! Your donations to LAEF fund our outstanding team of STEM teachers and district STEM Coordinator this school year.

SCHOOL SUPPLIES FOR 2017-2018

• It's time to order school supplies for next year!  Almond Elementary is now available for ordering online at School-Pak.  Go to https://www.schoolpak.com/catalog/almond-elementary and quickly and easily order school supplies for next year.  Order by June 10th for DISCOUNTED PRICE and FREE school delivery, or order by July 12th for home delivery (shipping charges apply).
• School-Pak is the simple way to shop for school supplies.  You'll enjoy brand name products you know and trust, pre-packaged kits that meet teacher approved lists, and easy payment options.
• Please email Deidre Caldbeck at dhollars@gmail.com if you have any questions.

JUNIOR OLYMPICS GRADES 4-6

• Junior Olympics is less than 2 weeks away!  As you probably know, the event is scheduled on Saturday, April 29th from 8am - 4pm at Mountain View High School.  The kids have been working hard training during PE and are very excited for the day to arrive.  
• Like so many other events that happen in our amazing school district, Junior Olympics would not be possible without all the parent help that goes into it.  JO is planned by a district committee comprised of volunteer representatives from each elementary school and lead by a LASD PE specialist.  Each school is responsible for running an event (Almond's event is Long Jump) and several district-wide duties (i.e. security, program, food, etc) as well staffing the school booths.  All parents of participating students are asked to contribute some time to make this wonderful event a success.  
• Please sign up for a volunteer shift HERE.
• Please let us know if you have any questions.  Thanks so much!  Kirsten, Vicky & Suzanne

21st ANNUAL BOB CELESTE 6TH GRADE BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT

• The 21st annual Bob Celeste 6th grade basketball tournament for the girl's will take place on Friday May 12th and the boy's tournament will take place on Friday May the 19th. Both tournaments will be held at Blach School.  The tournament will start no later than 3:45 and end at 7:45.  The two schools with the best records will play in the championship round from 7:45 - 8:15.
• Mr. Core will take sign-ups for the teams through PE.  We need to have at least 8 players on the roster.  If we can't get at least 8 players we can have 5th graders (we have done this twice over all the years) fill in the roster.  There is no limit to how many players a school can have.  

STUDENT COUNCIL

• Please help us continue to support the homeless by donating to our coin drive! There is a box in the office, as well as your child's room. The class that raised the most money for the month of March was... Mrs. Burke's Class! Make sure to donate so we can reach our goal of $2,750! The Student council has also been asking for money during school events such as the STEM EXPO, thank you too all who donated. So far, our school has raised $1,900! Way to go Eagles!
• Two Fridays ago was Sports Day. Unfortunately the Student Council Forgot to remind everyone before Friday, so many students forgot. We have decide to host another Sports Day this upcoming Friday, April 21st. Show your sporty spirit by wearing clothing from a sport or team of your choice.

PTA & SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS - REPEATED

YEARBOOK

• We hope that everyone had a great Spring Break!!
• If you haven’t done so already, it’s time to order your copy of the 2016-17 Yearbook!  (Yearbooks were *not* ordered during the Back-to-School Registration, so you need to do it now!)
• There are 2 easy ways to reserve your copy:
• (1) Order online and pay by credit card - go to this link:  https://almondpta.squarespace.com/yearbook/order
• (2) Fill out a Paper Form and pay by check or cash.  Paper forms are available in the school office.
• Yearbooks will be delivered to the classrooms in early June and quantities are limited, so order your copy now!
• Email Leon with any questions (leonyao.pta@gmail.com)
• Thanks, Fintan McCabe & Leon Yao (Yearbook Committee)

INTERNATIONAL CUISINE, TAIKO DRUMMERS, MEXICAN DANCERS/MUSIC AND IRISH CHILDREN'S DANCES

• Please join fellow Almond families this upcoming Friday evening from 6-8 pm for Almond's 4th Annual International Feast/Potluck.  It’s a fun casual way to mingle with fellow families, meet new families, sample various ethnic cuisines, optional hand's on activity and just enjoy a casual Friday evening with fellow Almond families - all the while enjoying some new ethnic performances.  In line with last year's Chinese Lion dance and Contemporary Dance Performance - which were amazing, this year we have an amazing line up of Taiko Drummers, Mexican Dances and an Irish Children's Dance performance!
• Date: Friday April 21st
• Time: 6:00-8:00 pm (we will end at 8 pm sharp)
• What do you need to do:
  • Bring a dish to share - there are starters, entrées or dessert options galore and you just need to make enough for 10-12 servings. Please no nuts! If you can bring an index card with the main ingredients of the dish!
  • Also if your child (or you would like to highlight a talent please consider sharing it with a friendly audience! Please contact Lori Sevcik (loriandshea@me.com) or Marcsi Kratochwill (mkratochwill@yahoo.com) to signup to perform!
  • And if you desire - dress in some swag from your country or your favorite country!
  • Questions or any new ideas please talk to one of the ladies noted below or email Seema Chavan (bhimsee@yahoo.com).
• Thank you -  Seema Chavan, Julie Watson, Marcsi Kratochwill, Amy Heath, Lori Heath and Jen Walker

FEW SPOTS REMAINING - ALMOND COMMUNITY SERVICE EVENT: RISE AGAINST HUNGER (April 22nd) - Signup Required

• WE have a few spots remaining for the Community Service event of the year - we hope to see both returning as well as new families at this really fun but truly giving back family oriented community service event!
• Back by popular demand, Almond Community Services is pleased to bring back our largest hands on community service event of the year - Rise Against Hunger (riseagainsthunger.org) on Saturday, April 22 (10 am to noon). Last year over 85 Almond participants joined together in the Almond Multi to bag over 14,000 meals - a truly successful and memorable event.
• We are able to bring back this hands on community service event through the generous donation of our local real estate broker (and Almond Parent) Tim Anderson of Alain Pinel Realtors. We truly appreciate Tim's generous donation, which allows us to bring a family focused community service activity, where our families (of all ages) will be able to bag 10,000 meals, to Almond.
• Rise Against Hunger is a wonderful nonprofit organization with the mission of ending world hunger. The Rise Against Hunger event will last about 2 hours (10 am to 12 pm) and is for the entire family (last year we had kids as young as 4 years to adults helping). It's an extremely fun and hands-on event - where participants work in teams at different stations, forming an assembly line and packaging meals of healthy dry staples (including vitamins packet, soy mix, rice and dried vegetables, etc. provided by Rise Against Hunger). Staff from Rise Against Hunger will provide an overview of its program, as well as educate our families about world hunger and how the meals that will be prepared make a difference by supporting school feeding programs, orphanages, and crisis relief around the globe. You can watch a great short video to get a better idea of what the event entails.
• Space is limited and on a first come, first serve basis. Please email Seema Chavan at bhimsee@yahoo.com with your name, number of participants, and contact email by April 7th. In addition, if you would like to make a tax deductible donation in support of this amazing organization (thereby we can pack even more meals on the 22nd!), please send a donation through PayPal (bhimsee@yahoo.com).
• Thank you and we look forwarding to seeing you at the event!