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Dear Almond Families:
Much learning, joy and enthusiasm is afoot on the Almond campus these days! Our drama production of The Lion King has begun. We had over 70 students audition yesterday in the multi and we cannot wait for practice to begin! Thank you to Christi Crosby for coordinating the drama production this year.
Yesterday at our PTA general meeting, Mrs. Burke’s 5th grade students joined us to explain their thinking in math, utilizing a problem-solving approach to investigating math concepts called Problem of the Month (POM). During the POM investigation, “each problem is divided into five levels of difficulty, Level A (primary) through Level E (high school), to allow access and scaffolding for students into different aspects of the problem and to stretch students to go deeper into mathematical complexity.” Our students work in collaborative teams to solve the problem, beginning with Level A, and stretch their conceptual knowledge by working through the levels. They create a poster in the process, showing examples and illustrations of their thinking and then share out their thinking by taking turns presenting to each other. Many Almond students across the grade levels work on Problem of the Month every month; you can read more about the POM approach here. THANK YOU to Mrs. Burke and the students in her class for taking time out of their busy schedule to share with us at the PTA meeting. We plan to have students presenting at every PTA general meeting from now until the end of the year. Here is a schedule if you would like to join us!
Here’s to happy, engaged kiddos,
~Raquel
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STEM EXPO is coming!! Sign up Now!!
MORE THAN A SCIENCE FAIR!! On April 9, 2019, Almond will hold LASD’s Annual STEM EXPO. The EXPO invites students in grades K-6 to participate by engaging in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) projects.
Students will have an opportunity to design hands-on projects while exploring just how fun STEM can be!
This event lends itself to a myriad of learning experiences as students engage in inquiry, engineering, and experimentation in a wide range of STEM categories including:
Rube Goldberg, Invention, Environmental Innovation, Reverse Engineering, Robotics, Scientific Inquiry and Wearable Design.
Ultimately, students get the chance to showcase their STEM work in a fun and unique venue, with learning opportunities for the entire family.
Check out the website at www.tinyurl.com/LASDStemExpo to find out more! Be sure to click on the Almond link to get school specific information and to sign up.
Sign ups end March 8, 2019.
If you have any questions please email Ricky Hu, Almond STEM IST at rhu@lasdschools.org
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Strictly Strings Concert
Please join us in celebrating our 6th grade String Students! This will be a combined performance of string students from Almond, Covington, Gardner and Santa Rita. They will have a great opportunity to perform on a big stage with a large orchestra. The concert starts at 7:00pm on Thurs, Feb 14 at Los Altos High School, Eagle Theater.
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Living Classroom Event--You Can Help Save the Monarch Butterfly!
When: Monday - February 4th, 2019 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Where: Los Altos School District - iLearn Studio (201 Covington Road, Los Altos 94024)
RSVP: livingclassroom@lasdschools.org
We are excited to announce this special presentation with guest speaker and Monarch Butterfly expert, Eleanor Laney.
Learn About:
‣ Life cycle of the Monarch Butterfly
‣ Migration patterns east and west of the Rockies
‣ Why numbers have diminished since 1990
‣ Learn what you can do to help reverse the decline & invite the Monarch Butterfly back to your home
About Eleanor:
With a Degree in History from Stanford University, Eleanor went on to earn her Associates Degree in Environmental Horticulture and Landscape Design from Foothill College. She specializes in creating designs that help customers install four - season pollinator gardens. In 2013, Eleanor acted as Conservation Chairman of the Garden Club of Palo Alto and assisted in creating an environmental project “Monarch Migration Revival” to address the threatened butterfly. Through this project, they propagated over 2,000 native Milkweed and distributed them to over 1,000 gardeners in the SF Peninsula. Eleanor traveled to the UNESCO World Heritage Overwintering site of 146 Million Monarch Butterflies in the mountains of Michoacán, Mexico. Through her experiences, education and pure passion, Eleanor is excited to share her knowledge on how our efforts can revive the Monarch Butterfly.
Please click here for the event flyer.
-------------
Emergency Preparedness
The City of Los Altos has a new and exciting Community & Emergency Preparedness Grants program! This is a great opportunity for Los Altos residents to secure grant funding for projects which support building connections with neighbors or improving emergency preparedness. The City will fund as many grants and projects as possible within our $20,000 grant budget, from as many neighborhoods as possible. Please visit www.losaltosca.gov/cepg for more information.
Applications are due by 9:00 am on Monday February 11th at Los Altos City Hall.
Tonight, Egan will host a Family Emergency Preparedness Workshop.
Santa Clara County Fire Dept. has prepared a special presentation for us including emergency preparedness kits at home, emergency family communications plans, evacuation planning, and more. LASD has info about their emergency preparedness, and info about resources in the community will be shared. Tonight: Jan 31, 7:00 – 9:00 pm, Egan gym
Questions? ahepenstal@losaltosca.gov
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Parent Education Speaker: Raising Resilient Kids in a Stressful World
MVLA Parent Education Speaker Series presents an evening with Katie Hurley: Raising Resilient Kids in a Stressful World
RESCHEDULED DATE/LOCATION: Wednesday, February 13 - 7:00-9:00 PM MVHS Spartan Theater, 3535 Truman Ave., Mountain View, CA
In a world that runs on stress, pressure, and competition, it can be difficult to build resilience in children. Katie Hurley, LCSW, gives parents the tools they need to:
● identify and understand the obstacles their kids face
● enable their kids to learn how to cope with setbacks
● equip their kids to bounce back from stress.
By understanding how children internalize stress and pressure and learning how to empower kids to work through the ups and downs of childhood and adolescence, parents can raise kids who lead with confidence, compassion, and empathy.
Katie Hurley, LCSW, is a child and adolescent psychotherapist, parenting expert, and writer. She is the founder of “Girls Can!” empowerment groups for girls between ages 5-11. Hurley is the author of No More Mean Girls (2018) and The Happy Kid Handbook. Her work can be found in The Washington Post, PBS Parents, and US News and World Report, among other media. She practices psychotherapy in the Los Angeles area and earned her BA in psychology and women’s studies from Boston College followed by her MSW from the University of Pennsylvania. She splits her time between Los Angeles, California, and coastal Connecticut with her husband and two children.
Register for this free event at https://mvla2018-19-katiehurley2.eventbrite.com. Spanish translation will be available. Please indicate on Eventbrite when registering.
Sponsored by Los Altos Educational Foundation (LAEF), MVLA High School Foundation, Mountain View Educational Foundation (MVEF), and Los Altos-Mountain View PTA Council.
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Do you love STEM, Literacy, Wellness, and Arts? Show your love by completing your donation to LAEF! Let’s raise the final $400K to reach our goal of $3.5M for this school year!
The timing is just right because we have a $15K Challenge Match from The John and Liane Davila Foundation and an anonymous LASD family to DOUBLE all donations made by February 28th.
It couldn't be easier: Donate online or text "LAEF" to 50155 to donate. As always, our goal is 100% participation from all LASD families.
Save Us a Call
On February 12th, we'll have a winter phonathon. If you have not donated this school year, donate now, and we'll take you off our call list.
STEM in Every Grade
Find out what our students are learning in STEM this school year. Check out new photos of kids in action, watch a video, and learn about exciting projects. Your donation to LAEF supports the LASD STEM program and more.
---------------
From the Office
When to Keep Your Child Home from School
Sometimes it is difficult, especially early in the morning, to know whether or not to send your child to school. The following guidelines are indications that you should keep him/her home. In this way, you are helping to control the spread of colds, flu, and other contagious illnesses.
Please keep your child at home when he/she has any of the following symptoms:
-
Fever or Chills
-
Nausea, Vomiting or Diarrhea
-
Sore throat, trouble swallowing, coughing, wheezing, sneezing, and/or runny nose
-
Unusually red, crusted or burning eyes
-
Head lice
You need to keep your child home until he/she has been symptom-free without medication for 24 hours.
Please call the attendance line if your student is going to be absent for any reason: 650-917-5454.
Also, NOTIFY THE OFFICE IMMEDIATELY if your child is exposed to or contracts chicken pox, mumps, measles or whooping cough (pertussis). 650-917-5400
Want to submit something to our newsletter? Please send your blurb to almondthursdayword@lasdschools.org by Tuesday for consideration for the following Thursday.
Dear Almond Families:
Much learning, joy and enthusiasm is afoot on the Almond campus these days! Our drama production of The Lion King has begun. We had over 70 students audition yesterday in the multi and we cannot wait for practice to begin! Thank you to Christi Crosby for coordinating the drama production this year.
Yesterday at our PTA general meeting, Mrs. Burke’s 5th grade students joined us to explain their thinking in math, utilizing a problem-solving approach to investigating math concepts called Problem of the Month (POM). During the POM investigation, “each problem is divided into five levels of difficulty, Level A (primary) through Level E (high school), to allow access and scaffolding for students into different aspects of the problem and to stretch students to go deeper into mathematical complexity.” Our students work in collaborative teams to solve the problem, beginning with Level A, and stretch their conceptual knowledge by working through the levels. They create a poster in the process, showing examples and illustrations of their thinking and then share out their thinking by taking turns presenting to each other. Many Almond students across the grade levels work on Problem of the Month every month; you can read more about the POM approach here. THANK YOU to Mrs. Burke and the students in her class for taking time out of their busy schedule to share with us at the PTA meeting. We plan to have students presenting at every PTA general meeting from now until the end of the year. Here is a schedule if you would like to join us!
Here’s to happy, engaged kiddos,
~Raquel
-----------
STEM EXPO is coming!! Sign up Now!!
MORE THAN A SCIENCE FAIR!! On April 9, 2019, Almond will hold LASD’s Annual STEM EXPO. The EXPO invites students in grades K-6 to participate by engaging in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) projects.
Students will have an opportunity to design hands-on projects while exploring just how fun STEM can be!
This event lends itself to a myriad of learning experiences as students engage in inquiry, engineering, and experimentation in a wide range of STEM categories including:
Rube Goldberg, Invention, Environmental Innovation, Reverse Engineering, Robotics, Scientific Inquiry and Wearable Design.
Ultimately, students get the chance to showcase their STEM work in a fun and unique venue, with learning opportunities for the entire family.
Check out the website at www.tinyurl.com/LASDStemExpo to find out more! Be sure to click on the Almond link to get school specific information and to sign up.
Sign ups end March 8, 2019.
If you have any questions please email Ricky Hu, Almond STEM IST at rhu@lasdschools.org
------------
Strictly Strings Concert
Please join us in celebrating our 6th grade String Students! This will be a combined performance of string students from Almond, Covington, Gardner and Santa Rita. They will have a great opportunity to perform on a big stage with a large orchestra. The concert starts at 7:00pm on Thurs, Feb 14 at Los Altos High School, Eagle Theater.
-------------
Living Classroom Event--You Can Help Save the Monarch Butterfly!
When: Monday - February 4th, 2019 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Where: Los Altos School District - iLearn Studio (201 Covington Road, Los Altos 94024)
RSVP: livingclassroom@lasdschools.org
We are excited to announce this special presentation with guest speaker and Monarch Butterfly expert, Eleanor Laney.
Learn About:
‣ Life cycle of the Monarch Butterfly
‣ Migration patterns east and west of the Rockies
‣ Why numbers have diminished since 1990
‣ Learn what you can do to help reverse the decline & invite the Monarch Butterfly back to your home
About Eleanor:
With a Degree in History from Stanford University, Eleanor went on to earn her Associates Degree in Environmental Horticulture and Landscape Design from Foothill College. She specializes in creating designs that help customers install four - season pollinator gardens. In 2013, Eleanor acted as Conservation Chairman of the Garden Club of Palo Alto and assisted in creating an environmental project “Monarch Migration Revival” to address the threatened butterfly. Through this project, they propagated over 2,000 native Milkweed and distributed them to over 1,000 gardeners in the SF Peninsula. Eleanor traveled to the UNESCO World Heritage Overwintering site of 146 Million Monarch Butterflies in the mountains of Michoacán, Mexico. Through her experiences, education and pure passion, Eleanor is excited to share her knowledge on how our efforts can revive the Monarch Butterfly.
Please click here for the event flyer.
-------------
Emergency Preparedness
The City of Los Altos has a new and exciting Community & Emergency Preparedness Grants program! This is a great opportunity for Los Altos residents to secure grant funding for projects which support building connections with neighbors or improving emergency preparedness. The City will fund as many grants and projects as possible within our $20,000 grant budget, from as many neighborhoods as possible. Please visit www.losaltosca.gov/cepg for more information.
Applications are due by 9:00 am on Monday February 11th at Los Altos City Hall.
Tonight, Egan will host a Family Emergency Preparedness Workshop.
Santa Clara County Fire Dept. has prepared a special presentation for us including emergency preparedness kits at home, emergency family communications plans, evacuation planning, and more. LASD has info about their emergency preparedness, and info about resources in the community will be shared. Tonight: Jan 31, 7:00 – 9:00 pm, Egan gym
Questions? ahepenstal@losaltosca.gov
------------
Parent Education Speaker: Raising Resilient Kids in a Stressful World
MVLA Parent Education Speaker Series presents an evening with Katie Hurley: Raising Resilient Kids in a Stressful World
RESCHEDULED DATE/LOCATION: Wednesday, February 13 - 7:00-9:00 PM MVHS Spartan Theater, 3535 Truman Ave., Mountain View, CA
In a world that runs on stress, pressure, and competition, it can be difficult to build resilience in children. Katie Hurley, LCSW, gives parents the tools they need to:
● identify and understand the obstacles their kids face
● enable their kids to learn how to cope with setbacks
● equip their kids to bounce back from stress.
By understanding how children internalize stress and pressure and learning how to empower kids to work through the ups and downs of childhood and adolescence, parents can raise kids who lead with confidence, compassion, and empathy.
Katie Hurley, LCSW, is a child and adolescent psychotherapist, parenting expert, and writer. She is the founder of “Girls Can!” empowerment groups for girls between ages 5-11. Hurley is the author of No More Mean Girls (2018) and The Happy Kid Handbook. Her work can be found in The Washington Post, PBS Parents, and US News and World Report, among other media. She practices psychotherapy in the Los Angeles area and earned her BA in psychology and women’s studies from Boston College followed by her MSW from the University of Pennsylvania. She splits her time between Los Angeles, California, and coastal Connecticut with her husband and two children.
Register for this free event at https://mvla2018-19-katiehurley2.eventbrite.com. Spanish translation will be available. Please indicate on Eventbrite when registering.
Sponsored by Los Altos Educational Foundation (LAEF), MVLA High School Foundation, Mountain View Educational Foundation (MVEF), and Los Altos-Mountain View PTA Council.
--------------
Do you love STEM, Literacy, Wellness, and Arts? Show your love by completing your donation to LAEF! Let’s raise the final $400K to reach our goal of $3.5M for this school year!
The timing is just right because we have a $15K Challenge Match from The John and Liane Davila Foundation and an anonymous LASD family to DOUBLE all donations made by February 28th.
It couldn't be easier: Donate online or text "LAEF" to 50155 to donate. As always, our goal is 100% participation from all LASD families.
Save Us a Call
On February 12th, we'll have a winter phonathon. If you have not donated this school year, donate now, and we'll take you off our call list.
STEM in Every Grade
Find out what our students are learning in STEM this school year. Check out new photos of kids in action, watch a video, and learn about exciting projects. Your donation to LAEF supports the LASD STEM program and more.
---------------
From the Office
When to Keep Your Child Home from School
Sometimes it is difficult, especially early in the morning, to know whether or not to send your child to school. The following guidelines are indications that you should keep him/her home. In this way, you are helping to control the spread of colds, flu, and other contagious illnesses.
Please keep your child at home when he/she has any of the following symptoms:
-
Fever or Chills
-
Nausea, Vomiting or Diarrhea
-
Sore throat, trouble swallowing, coughing, wheezing, sneezing, and/or runny nose
-
Unusually red, crusted or burning eyes
-
Head lice
You need to keep your child home until he/she has been symptom-free without medication for 24 hours.
Please call the attendance line if your student is going to be absent for any reason: 650-917-5454.
Also, NOTIFY THE OFFICE IMMEDIATELY if your child is exposed to or contracts chicken pox, mumps, measles or whooping cough (pertussis). 650-917-5400
Want to submit something to our newsletter? Please send your blurb to almondthursdayword@lasdschools.org by Tuesday for consideration for the following Thursday.
Dear Almond Families:
This past Tuesday I attended a screening of the documentary “Angst” at the Eagle theater at Los Altos High School. The film brings to light the challenges that school kids face when they are weighed down by constant or recurrent anxiety. As I watched I thought about the children in my life--my students at Almond and my own children.
During the rainy morning commute this week, my four year old son began asking questions about our cat Loki, who passed away of old age at the end of November. Questions turned to tears, and tears turned into a very emotional conversation (on both our parts) about what happens when we die. I am glad that he was verbalizing his fears in thoughts and questions instead of holding all those big feelings in. I wondered if his anxiety about Loki could explain his less than stellar behavior at preschool the day before and his tummy ache at home? Was he already feeling anxious and trying to work through the questions going on in his head?
Sometimes anxiety shows up in tears, tummy aches and questions (like in my young son). Other times, severe anxiety is manifested as school refusal, acting out in class, aggression and work avoidance. On a neurological level, anxiety causes our brain to be “highjacked” by our amygdala (the emotional part of our brain that regulates the flight or fight response) and we no longer have access to our short term memories or have the ability to learn. As you can imagine, when students feel this way at school, not only does it affect their feelings of well-being but also prevents them from learning.
We want all of our children to feel equipped with tools to overcome their fears, dream big and pursue their passions. Mindfulness is one of the tools that many of our teachers use to help students quell their anxiety. There are some great resources that you could try using at home to practice mindfulness, too, like Headspace. This New York times article also has some great strategies for parents about practicing mindfulness with kids.
Anxiety is tough, but our kids are lucky to live in a time in which we know more than ever about what anxiety is and how to help.
Here’s to awareness, and mindful living!
Raquel
-------------
From the Walkathon: Adult parties available, and some kid activities too!
Happy New Year, Almond Community! 2019 brings lots of opportunities to socialize with the parent community! Almond families are hosting a variety of adult parties and experiences, as well as activities for our kids. See a full list below of events available in the Walkathon Silent Auction catalog at the link here: https://almondschool.schoolauction.net/auction2018/catalog
As a reminder - all ticket sales fund important PTA programs and are tax deductible!
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Strictly Strings Concert
6th Grade Orchestra Students from Almond, Covington, Gardner Bullis and Santa Rita will be featured in a performance with Egan and Los Altos High School Orchestras. Come to see the progression of string students from elementary to high school. It is a free concert, everyone is invited!
Thursday, Feb. 14th - 7:00 PM - Los Altos High School Eagle Theatre
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35th Annual Margaret Thompson Historical Essay Contest, for 3rd-6th graders
2019 Theme: "Inspired by Juana!"
The Los Altos Historical Commission and the Los Altos History Museum are co-sponsoring the 35th annual Margaret Thompson Historical Essay Contest, open to third- through sixth-graders who live in the area and/or attend local schools.
The current exhibit at the Los Altos History Museum is "Inspired by Juana: La Dona de la Frontera (the Lady of the Frontier)". This exhibit tells the story of Juana Briones, a dynamic 19th century woman who owned several businesses, many parcels of land, and was a talented businesswoman. She was also a traditional healer and an advocate for the rights of her family and friends in what is now Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Palo Alto, San Jose and San Francisco. The story of Juana Briones is a tale of a resilient spirit, an inventive imagination, and business know-how - the hallmarks for Silicon Valley.
Visit the "Inspired by Juana" exhibit at the Los Altos History Museum or research on your own about the life of this important local historical figure. Think about Juana as a businessperson, a healer (herbalist), and an advocate for her personal rights, as well as those of her large family. Consider how Juana was able to have a relationship with people of all groups and nationalities, different religions, and customs.
The deadline to submit essays is March 8. Public school students should submit their entries to Los Altos School District teachers. For the detailed essay prompt, click here. For the essay rubric, click here. For the cover sheet, click here.
For more information, visit losaltoshistory.org.
------------
News from our ELAC
We will be holding our second ELAC (English Language Advisory Committee) meeting of the year next Thursday, January 24, at 8:30 in the ELD room.
This second meeting is an ACTION meeting. We would like input and feedback from you regarding some important school matters. ELAC is for everyone and we especially want to see parents of students who are just learning English, who have been learning English for a while, who are almost proficient and who have exited the English learner program.
During this meeting we will discuss:
– ELPAC practice tests: general information will be provided followed by a Q&A.
– School Climate goals: we would like your feedback around playground rules and the student SOAR ticket incentives.
We would love to hear your feedback and input so please join us!
------------
Upcoming Message from Curriculum and Instruction Department regarding Math Changes
Please be on the lookout for an email from Sandra McGonagle, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, on Friday regarding an update to proposed junior high school math course changes. The LASD administrative team has decided to extend the window of planning and teacher training prior to making the proposed changes. More information can be found in the email coming Friday.
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LASD Preschool Openings
The LASD Preschool Collaborative Program currently has openings for typically developing peer role models for the 2018-19 school year.
We are looking for children with strong speech/language, pre-academic, social/emotional, self-help and motor skills.
We have an AM class that runs 8:15-11:15 MTWF and 8:15-10:30 TH and a PM class that runs 12:00-3:00 MTWF and 11:15-1:30 TH.
We will do a screening to see if your child is a good fit for the program. This will be scheduled in the
next upcoming weeks.
Important notes/requirements at a glance:
-Must be 3-5 years old
-Program is located on the Covington Elementary camps by Champions, LAPP, and Stepping Stones
-No fees- It is free!
-Being able to attend 5 days a week M-F is preferred
-Class is a mix of children with special needs and children without special needs
-Must have/had some type of group experience (e.g. Mommy and me class, swim class, gymboree, music together, preschool/daycare etc).
-----------
LAEF News
We recognize 55 families that donated in the last week of December and helped us reach our $3 million milestone. Thank you! We are well on our way to raising $3.5 million for this school year to fund teachers for STEM, Wellness, Literacy, and Arts.
If you have yet to give, help us finish the job and donate online, or text "LAEF" to 50155 to donate. The suggested donation is $1200 per student, but your donation of any amount would be greatly appreciated.
If you are interested or have further questions- please email me at kchang@lasdschools.org or give me a call at 650-947-1171.
Dear Almond Families:
Happy New Year! I hope you had a restful and relaxing Winter break. I always find the time away to be a great opportunity to reflect on the work that has been done and what is yet to be accomplished. The turn of the year always brings with it renewed energy for new and on-going projects. Looking at the calendar from January to June, there are many exciting events coming up from the STEM Expo to the Junior Olympics to Family Science Night, and more! I look forward to our continued partnership together in the months to come.
Parent Education Event
LASD is excited to invite you to an excellent parent education event geared towards 6th grade and junior high parents. LASD is partnering with MVLA, Mountain View Whisman and CHAC to host a special event screening of the documentary Angst followed by a panel discussion with local mental health and medical experts.
When: January 15 (Tuesday) 6:30-8:30 P.M.
Where: Los Altos High School, Eagle Theater
201 Almond Ave, Los Altos, CA
How do I register: https://mvla2018-19-angstfilm.
Space is limited, so please register early!
The event flyer with more information is included here! You are welcome to bring your 6th, 7th or 8th grade students.
Angst is an IndieFlix Original, documentary designed to raise awareness around anxiety. The film includes interviews with kids, teens, educators, experts, parents and a very special interview with Michael Phelps. The goal specifically is to help people identify and understand the symptoms of anxiety and encourage them to reach out for help. Angst screens in schools, communities and theaters around the world. The film and corresponding materials provide tools, resources and above all, hope.
More information on this documentary can be found on their website:
Anxiety is the precursor to so many mental health challenges. By opening a dialogue and normalizing (not trivializing) anxiety we can help our youth, each other and ourselves.
Spread the word. Believe change is possible. The purpose of this screening is to talk about this universal issue, share personal stories, and provide resources and tools.
I sincerely hope that you will join us at this timely and informative event on an issue that impacts our youth.
Let us join together as a community to build a network of support around our children and help them thrive.
Traffic Information
We’ve recently had some close calls in the parking lot, so I’d like to take this opportunity to share the protocol for parking, pick-up and drop-off.
-
When driving through the pick up lane, pull as far forward as possible and please stay in your car (please do not leave your car unattended to drop off or pick up your child).
-
You are welcome to park your car in a space and walk with your children in the morning or to meet your children after school.
-
Once you drop off your children, please proceed out of the parking lot. Traffic needs to continue to flow to avoid back-ups on neighboring streets.
-
If children need assistance getting out of the car, it is best to park in a parking space and then walk them over. In the drop off lane, parents should not get out of their cars to assist children as it clogs the lane.
-
Thank you so much for helping to keep all of our students safe!
The safety of our students, staff and families is of utmost importance. Please slow down, leave yourself ample time to get where you are going, and be super cautious in our parking lot. We are thankful for your diligence!
Here’s to a fabulous 2019!
Raquel
--------------
Family Science Night is on Wednesday, March 6th from 6:30-8pm. Volunteers arrive around 5:30pm. We will provide pizza and cookies!
My name is Dharti Dhami. Melissa Bryant is leading the Family Science night event and I am the Volunteer Coordinator for the event this year. Thanks for signing up to volunteer during Back to School Registration, at the Back to School Coffee, or for helping us last year!
For those of you who are new to Almond/Family Science night:
What is Family Science Night?
An amazing night of science exploration at Almond School! 25+ stations for children TK-6th grade to interact with everything from robotics to anatomy!
- Navigate through a laser maze
- Create amazing lego structures with Kidizens
- Program a robot
- Make slime that glows and your own flavored lip balm
- Observe bats, bees, anatomy of various body parts and much more !
More details on the final selection of science stations, signups for the stations and other volunteering opportunities on the day of the event to come in February.
Also, we would GREATLY appreciate help with Supplies Coordination for the event. You would help us catalog the supply needs for the different science stations (we will help with the details), order it and get reimbursed.
If you can help or have ideas for hands on stations, please contact Melissa or me at dharti@gmail.com and mbryantneal@yahoo.com. Looking forward to working with you!
Thanks in advance and Happy New Year!
Dharti Dhami & Melissa Bryant
----------------------
Almond Community Services: New and Gently Used Book Drive Benefitting Paradise Elementary School Classroom Libraries
Happy New Year! Almond Community Services Group is starting off the year with a short (1 week only) but well deserving and much needed Book Drive. As Paradise Unified School District is working hard to find classroom spaces for its students and teachers who were displaced by the Camp Fire, we are hoping to help Paradise Elementary School teachers who lost classroom libraries of hundreds of grade-level appropriate books during that fire. We are looking for book donations that are appropriate for kinder through 6th grade! These can be early readers, chapter books, non-fiction books or favorite read-aloud children's books. We all have books our kids have outgrown or won't read again (think of the space you can create in those shelves!). :-)
A fellow parent, Luisa Smith, flagged this amazing opportunity for Almond School to help another elementary school in a very simple but impactful way. Almond Community Services will be collecting books in the front office starting Thursday January 10th through Wednesday January 16th. The books will be delivered to Paradise on the 17th. Please consider donating NEW OR GENTLY USED books - your donations will be provided to Paradise teachers to choose from for their in class libraries - to help these new classrooms feel familiar and safe to its students. If you have any questions please contact Seema Chavan (bhimsee@yahoo.com).
Thank you,
Polly Liu and Seema Chavan
Almond Community Services Committee
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Author Event
Our collaboration with Kepler's Books in Menlo Park brings us opportunities to host children's authors from time to time. Next Thursday, 1/17, we will have Yoon Ha Lee visit our school. He will be talking to our 4th through 6th grade students about his new book Dragon Pearl and the writing process. This book is a sci-fi adventure with some Korean mythology in the mix. For a review of the book, click here.
If you are interested in ordering this book and having it autographed by the author, please stop by the office for an order form, which is due TOMORROW, 1/11/19. Thank you to Ms. Carla, our wonderful librarian, for coordinating this visit!
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LAEF
We've cleared $3 million! ... well on our way to raising $3.5 million for this school year! Thank you to everyone who has donated to help us reach this milestone!
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
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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.
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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:
Grades: 3-6
Rehearsal Days/Times: Wednesday from 3pm - 5pm and Thursday from 1:45 - 3:45pm
Performances: May 9-11, 2019
Enrollment DUE date: January 23, 2019
To participate:
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Complete this registration form (one per child).
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For each child participating, write a $150 check made out to "Almond PTA" with your child's name in the memo.
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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.
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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!)
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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.
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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-3rd 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, 1st 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.
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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 14th at 8:30.
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Dear Almond Families,
This upcoming week (December 3-9th) is Computer Science Education Week, a week dedicated to showing students the importance of computer science education. During this same week four years ago,code.org started the Hour of Code initiative to increase coding across the country. This has now expanded across the world. Thanks to funding from LAEF, every LASD student has the opportunity to learn to code through the STEM and CSTEM program. See more at https://www.lasdschools.org/
Next week students will continue to learn more about computer science in their classrooms including some special visits from the coding experts at Google who have graciously volunteered to come and code with our kids throughout the week!
If you would like to know more about this initiative, you can watch this 2-minute video on the Hour of Code initiative: https://youtu.be/KsOIlDT145A
Here’s to our budding coders!
Raquel
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LAEF News
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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Almond Singers Winter Holiday Concert
Almond Elementary students, parents, and friends are cordially invited to attend The Almond Singers Winter Holiday Concert on Wednesday, December 5, 2018 at 7pm in the Multi. Almond Singers' members (who are students in grades 2-6) will delight you with their performances of both traditional and contemporary holiday songs. (There will be a morning concert at school on Tuesday, December 4 at 8:45am for students and staff only). Happy Holidays!
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PTA General Meeting - Please Note Different Time
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.
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Community Service
Holiday Wish Drive - Please Grant a Wish this Season! (Volunteer Opportunity)
Almond Community Services is pleased to host for its 4th year, a Holiday Wish Drive on behalf of Family Giving Tree (FGT). This is an Almond favorite and our most popular event every year! FGT is a charitable organization dedicated to inspiring underserved children and individuals throughout the Bay Area. For over 25 years, FGT has fulfilled over 1.3 million holiday wishes and is looking to fulfill the holiday wishes of over 75,000 local children, special need adults and seniors this holiday season. For more information on Family Giving Tree please visit www.FamilyGivingTree.org.
How to Participate?
Fulfill a Holiday Wish: Consider signing up to fulfill a holiday wish. It's easy and a great way to get your kids involved. Look through the holiday wishes with your children and select one or two wishes to fulfill (please note gifts should range between $25-$40). Gift donations are due before December 6th and can either be dropped off to Almond's front office (box marked Family Giving Tree) or can be dropped to Seema Chavan's home (658 Spargur Drive). Please sign up here: Family Giving Tree Gift List
If you don't have time to select a gift or want us to fulfill wishes for your - please PayPal your donation to Seema at bhimsee@yahoo.com and note Family Giving Tree.
Volunteer at the Warehouse Event: We have secured 50 spots this year for some fun, hands-on volunteering at the FGT Warehouse on Sunday, December 16th, from 3-5pm. Come join us to help sort, wrap and prepare wishes for giving. All ages are welcome but please note this is not a drop off event and parent chaperones are required. Also we ask that for each child participating, please sign up for to fulfill a wish. Signups are on a first come first serve basis (they go fast so please RSVP as soon as you’re able) by emailing polly@beau-coup.com and she will confirm your attendance. We will send a follow up email with directions (warehouse is in Sunnyvale) and other specifics.
Thank you Almond for helping to fulfill wishes this holiday season!!
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From LASD Health Services
Sometimes it is difficult, especially early in the morning, to know whether or not to send your child to school. The following guidelines are indications that you should keep him/her home. In this way, you are helping to control the spread of colds, flu, and other contagious illnesses.
Keep your child at home when he/she has any of the following symptoms:
- Fever Chills
- Vomiting, Diarrhea or Nausea
- Sore throat or trouble swallowing
- Coughing, sneezing, and/or runny nose
- Rash or unusual sores or spots
- Headache
- Generalized muscle aches and pains
- Wheezing or trouble breathing
- Unusually red, crusted or burning eyes
- Head lice
You need to keep your child home until he/she has been symptom-free without medication for 24 hours.
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Living Classroom Docents Needed!
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.
Dear Almond Families,
Conferences are upon us! November 19 and 20 are designated conference days. Like all good conversations, parent–teacher conferences are opportunities for both parties to talk and listen. The conference is a time for you to learn about your child’s progress and engagement in school. This should focus on the whole child including both academic progress, and how your child connects with his/her peers and participates in our school community. This is also a time for the teacher to learn about what your child is like at home. Be sure to bring a list of questions that you would like to ask the teacher. Follow up after the conference by writing down the things that you and the teacher will each do to support your child. We all look forward to seeing you during these two very important days.
The parent-teacher partnership is a critical component of your child's school experience. Thank you for making time to meet with your child's teacher. Parents and staff working together is a critical combination for our students’ success!
Please join me tomorrow morning for this year’s first Principal Coffee. The theme of this week’s get-together is Literacy.
Here’s to fresh air during Thanksgiving break!
Raquel
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Camp Fire Relief Opportunities
As we get daily updates on the fires in Northern and Southern California and with that news of family/friends who have been impacted by these fires, we think of how much worse it is for the communities devastated by fire. True to Almond's spirit of community service, we are holding a donation drive as well as providing information on other ways to help fire victims.
Donate Cash/Gift Cards:
Almond Community Services will be collecting monetary donations. We will use your donations to purchase the top-requested gifts cards (Target, Walmart, Safeway, Costco, Bed Bath and Beyond, Trader Joes, etc.). We have heard from numerous organizations that donating gift cards is the most effective way to help because fire victims can buy exactly what they need. We will make sure the gift cards are delivered to the North Valley Community Foundation, a great organization that’s working directly to help fire victims of Paradise and the local community. Please PayPal donations to bhimsee@yahoo.com. We will accept donations through Wednesday, November 21.
Donate Supplies:
In addition, if you would like to make a donation of supplies, a Gardner Bullis Parent (Taryn Merkley) is collecting supplies for her father to drive them up TOMORROW, Friday, to Red Cross shelters near Paradise (where her parents and siblings have all been volunteering). Specifically, they are requesting the following items:
- NEW items such as warm bedding, pillows, clothing, toys, winter outerwear, etc
- Backpacks and bags in good condition for evacuees to keep their items in
If you drop these items off at the Egan office by noon TOMORROW, Cheryl Branson will make sure they get to Taryn.
More Resources:
This Mercury News article has provided links to allow for easy donations to Camp Fire victims, via organizations helping them directly. Some links are provided below:
- Red Cross (specifically for Camp Fire victims) (or text CAWILDFIRES to 90999 to make a $10 donation to the Red Cross through AT&T)
- http://www.nvcf.org/
- Caring Choices
- The Salvation Army: Del Oro Division
- United Way of Northern California Relief Fund: To donate, text BUTTEFIRE to 91999.
GoFundMe has created a roundup of campaigns to raise money for victims.
- Wells Fargo customers can make donations to the Red Cross at ATMs through Nov. 27. The bank says 100 percent of contributions will be sent to the American Red Cross.
- Tri Counties Bank Camp Fire Fund 2018 account (based in Chico), from which all funds will be distributed to people in need through local nonprofit emergency relief agencies directly, according to a press release. The organizations include United Way of Northern California, Salvation Army, Northern Valley Catholic Social Services.
- Butte Humane Society in Chico Helping Animals. donations accepted online, though not specific to Camp Fire victims
- North Valley Animal Disaster Group Financial donations are most critical and can be made on the Facebook page.
If you have any questions please contact Seema Chavan or Polly Liu.
Thank you Almond!
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Holiday Wish Drive
Holiday Wish Drive - Please Grant a Wish this Season! (Volunteer Opportunity)
Almond Community Services is pleased to host for its 4th year, a Holiday Wish Drive on behalf of Family Giving Tree (FGT). This is an Almond favorite and our most popular event every year! FGT is a charitable organization dedicated to inspiring underserved childrenand individuals throughout the bay area. For over 25 years, FGT has fulfilled over 1.3 million holiday wishes and is looking to fulfill the holiday wishes of over 75,000 local children, special need adults and seniors this holiday season. For more information on Family Giving Tree please visit www.FamilyGivingTree.
How to Participate?
Fulfill a Holiday Wish: Consider signing up to fulfill a holiday wish. It's easy and a great way to get your kids involved. Look through the holiday wishes with your children and select one or two wishes to fulfill (please note gifts should range between $25-$40). Gift donations are due before December 6th and can either be dropped off to Almond's front office (box marked Family Giving Tree) or can be dropped to Seema Chavan's home (658 Spargur Drive). Please sign up here: Family Giving Tree Gift List.
If you don't have time to select a gift or want us to fulfill wishes for your - please PayPal your donation to Seema at bhimsee@yahoo.com and note Family Giving Tree.
Volunteer at the Warehouse Event: We have secured 50 spots this year for some fun, hands-on volunteering at the FGT Warehouse on Sunday, December 16th, from 3-5pm. Come join us to help sort, wrap and prepare wishes for giving. All ages are welcome but please note this is not a drop off event and parent chaperones are required. Also we ask that for each child participating, please sign up for to fulfill a wish. Signups are on a first come first serve basis (they go fast so please RSVP as soon as you’re able) by emailing Polly Liu and she will confirm your attendance. We will send a follow up email with directions (warehouse is in Sunnyvale) and other specifics.
Thank you Almond for helping to fulfill wishes this holiday season!!
Almond Community Service
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LAEF
We have a Challenge Match!
We've raised $2.2 million so far, but still have $1.3 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.Three generous anonymous donors will match every dollar donated before December 31st, up to a total of $25,000. Your donation will 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.
Coming Soon: Free Seminar Co-sponsored by LAEF!
Raising Resilient Kids in a Stressful World
by Katie Hurley, L.C.S.W.
Thursday, November 29, 2018 - 7:00 - 9:00 pm Los Altos High School,
Eagle Theater 201 Almond Ave, Los Altos, CA, Spanish Translation Available. Register Now.
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Almond Yearbook
Hi Everyone,
We have already had a few big events and would love to gather your pictures for the yearbook.
To submit pictures, please go to:
https://www.almondschool.org/
You will find a number of categories, pick the appropriate one and upload your pictures! Very easy to do from your phone as well. I start building pages as events happen so if you already have some great pictures of the following, please upload right away:
- 1st Day of School
- Walkabout
- Halloween Carnival
I will send out additional reminders as events happen at school.
Thanks for helping me make the yearbook as special as possible for our school!
Liz Bacchi
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Want to post an Announcement in the Thursday Word? If you have an announcement to include in the Thursday Word, please send it to AlmondThursdayWord@
Dear Almond Families:
When my son Silas was 2 and a half, he spent the summer immersed in the story of the Three Little Pigs. I found myself retelling the story over and over again. And over again. At the playground: Three Little Pigs. On the camping trip: Three Little Pigs. It was a 3LP summer. He thrived on the predictability of the story and delighted in squealing about and calling the Big Bad Wolf “naughty” whenever he was mentioned. One day, I changed the story and the Big Bad Wolf ended up eating the first little pig on his way to the second little pig’s house (an alternate version of the story). Silas was furious with the change and quickly improvised a new character, a monster, that gobbled up the Big Bad Wolf. A wrong needed to be righted and that was the end of that.
Even though our littlest ones like Silas can't yet decode words, they are still readers and engage in reading behaviors from a very young age. He might not have been able to name it, but Silas knew the story had a beginning, a middle, and an ending, like all good stories do. And he was learning to interact with a text in a way that was meaningful for him. That's what we want for all readers--to learn the skills needed to read any text with authentic engagement. Thinking back on Silas’ behavior now makes me think of what we want for all students, to think like and see themselves as readers. After hearing books read aloud, we want all students to be able to retell the main details of the story (thinking within the text); we want students to feel strongly about what they read and express their opinions about characters (thinking beyond the text); and when they don’t like the way a story is going, we want them to feel empowered to know that they can think like an author and reshape a part of the story to provide alternative endings and storylines (thinking about the text).
At Almond, what strategies and skills are all students learning to help them think like readers and authors? How are we nurturing each student’s passion for self-expression through writing and reading? Please join on me on Friday, November 16th at 8:45 for our first Principal coffee this year to chat about the literacy program here at Almond School that supports all student readers and writers.
Here’s to all of our readers and writers,
Raquel
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UPCOMING DATES
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Mon, Nov. 12, Holiday—NO SCHOOL
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Wed, Nov. 14, PTA Board Meeting, 8:35 in Conference Room
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Thurs, Nov. 15, DELAC meeting, 9:00, iLearn Studio, District Office
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Fri, Nov. 16, Principal Coffee, 8:45,
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Mon and Tues, Nov. 19-20, Parent/Teacher conferences, NO SCHOOL
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Wed-Fri, Nov. 21-23, Holidays, NO SCHOOL
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Teacher Conferences: Do you or your spouse need help translating?
Almond New Family Ambassadors and Translators are happy to help you - just get in touch!
Would you be able to help translate for our families that speak other languages? If you are able to help, please contact zsofip@hotmail.com to be added to our list of available translators. We appreciate your assistance!
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NEWS FROM LAEF
LASD STEM and Math ISTs (Instructional Support Teachers), and LASD Art Docent leadership recently attended CA STEAM Symposium 2018, along with 3,000 STEAM educators from across California. Recognized as a leader in STEAM education, our LASD team led five professional learning presentations to inspire high-quality Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math instruction for all California students. LAEF is proud to support LASD’s outstanding STEM ISTs and Art Docent Director. We congratulate you for your leadership at this important statewide symposium.
Help fund Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math instruction at your school by donating to LAEF at www.laefonline.org/donate, or text your donation to LAEF at 50155. The suggested amount is $1,200 per student or $120/month. Donations of any amount are greatly appreciated.
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Traffic Safety!
Please take extra caution when driving your students to school. We have had a few close calls with pedestrians, bicyclists and cars, and we do want to ensure the safety of all of our students and adults. To avoid being in a rush each morning, please leave your home a few minutes earlier. And as always, thank you for all you do for our everyone’s safety and well-being.
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Selpa 1 CAC
SELPA 1 CAC is a group of people dedicated to raising awareness and education on special needs issues in our community. “SELPA” stands for Special Education Local Plan Area, and “CAC” stands for Community Advisory Committee. Our SELPA is made up of four school districts: Los Altos, Mountain View-Whisman, Mountain View Los Altos High, and Palo Alto Unified.
You are invited to these upcoming SELPA 1 CAC events!
1) Parent Coffees
2) Parent Chat - support group for parents of teens with mental health challenges
3) Ability Awareness week at Bubb
4) December General Meeting
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1) Parent Coffees for Special Education and Learning Challenges will be held at Theuerkauf Elementary on 11/9 at 8:45, and at Egan Junior High on 11/14 at 9. SELPA 1 CAC will be presenting at Springer PTA meeting on 11/8 at 7:30 pm.
Cafés para padres para la educación especial y los desafíos de aprendizaje se llevarán a cabo en Theuerkauf Elementary el 11/9 a las 8:45, y en Egan Junior High el 11/14 a las 9. SELPA 1 CAC presentará en la reunión de Springer PTA el 11/8 a las 7:30 pm.
2) We are happy to announce the return of Parent Chat!
Parent Chat: Peer to Peer Support For Parents of Teens 14+
Come join a support group hosted by the Mental Health Subcommittee of SELPA 1 CAC
7:00-8:30PM, second Tuesday of every month
Los Altos Library Orchard Room , 13 S. San Antonio Road, Los Altos
Plática Para Padres: Apoyo de colega a colega para padres con jóvenes de 14+
Venga a unirse a un grupo de apoyo organizado por el Subcomité de Salud Mental de SELPA 1 CAC
7:00-8:30PM, segundo Martes de cada mes
Los Altos Library Orchard Room,13 S. San Antonio Road, Los Altos
3) Ability Awareness is coming to Bubb Elementary in Mountain View and we need your help!
If you already have training in Ability Awareness activities, would like to get the training or would like to read for a classroom, we need YOU to help make Ability Awareness Week at Bubb a glowing success for the kids!
Reading for K, 2, 3rd grade can occur throughout the week of 11/13 (or beyond if necessary). The hands on activities for grades 1, 4 and 5 occur on Friday 11/16 from 8 am to 12:20. Training to help out in the hands-on activities occurs on Wednesday 11/7 at 8:15 am and Wednesday 11/14 at 9:15 am. Please let us know ASAP if you are able to help. It is a fantastic program that is so much fun to participate in.
Ability Awareness está llegando a Bubb Elementary en Mountain View y necesitamos su ayuda.
Si ya tiene capacitación en actividades de Conciencia de Habilidad, le gustaría recibir la capacitación o le gustaría leer en un salón de clases, ¡necesitamos que USTED ayude a que la Semana de Conciencia de Habilidad en Bubb sea un gran éxito para los niños!
Lectura para K, 2, 3er grado puede ocurrir durante la semana del 11/13 (o más si es necesario). Las actividades prácticas para los grados 1, 4 y 5 ocurren el viernes 11/16 de 8 am a 12:20. El entrenamiento para ayudar en las actividades prácticas ocurre el miércoles 11/7 a las 8:15 am y el miércoles 11/14 a las 9:15 am. Por favor, háganos saber lo antes posible si puede ayudar. Es un programa fantástico en el que es muy divertido participar.
4)SELPA 1 CAC's December General meeting will be Thursday, 12/6 at 9:30 am at MVLA District Board Room 1299 Bryant Street, Mountain View.
La reunión general de diciembre de SELPA 1 CAC será el jueves 12/6 a las 9:30 am en MVLA District Board Room 1299 Bryant Street, Mountain View.
Dear Almond Families,
I couldn’t be more proud of our creative students! I am happy to share that today during the Cardboard Challenge Exhibition, we showcased student inventions that were the result of creativity, critical thinking and collaboration over the past month. During morning recess, the multi was buzzing with students demonstrating their projects, or trying out others. I observed problem-solving, patience, complimenting and pure joy.
The goal of the Cardboard Challenge was to inspire the students to be creative, to use their expanding brains to plan a unique invention (often with a partner), and to use simple materials to make it come together. Critical thinking, engineering, math, collaboration, and satisfaction with a project well done—we couldn’t have asked for a better outcome.
Thank you to all of the families for donating cardboard, taking time at home to encourage your children and supporting this community-wide event.
Tomorrow is the Walkathon wrap-up assembly, at 8:30. Please come share the excitement and success of our top walkers and all the students who participated in last month’s big fundraiser!
Here’s to a fantastic November,
Raquel
UPCOMING DATES
- Thurs, Nov. 8, ELAC meeting, 8:30-9:30
- Mon, Nov. 12, Holiday—NO SCHOOL
- Wed, Nov. 14, PTA Board Meeting, 8:35 in Conference Room
- Thurs, Nov. 15, DELAC meeting, 9:00, iLearn Studio, District Office
- Fri, Nov. 16, Principal Coffee, 8:35
- Mon and Tues, Nov. 19-20, Parent/Teacher conferences, NO SCHOOL
- Wed-Fri, Nov. 21-23, Holidays, NO SCHOOL
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Almond's Annual - Halloween Candy Drive and New Black Sock Collection!
Don't know what to do with all that Halloween Candy that your kids collected or you just didn't hand out? Please consider donating it to the Halloween Candy Drive at Almond Elementary School! Almond Community Services is conducting its annual candy drive - to help YOU get rid of all the candy and to help OUR TROOPS nearby! And new this year - we are collecting New Black Socks (kids or adults) which will be handed out as part of theBurrito Project Socktober (in Oakland) - so please consider dropping off a pair of socks or two or three along with your candies!
Candy Drive: From November 1st through November 9th (to give you the weekend to have the kids count and then forget their loot!), please bring in your wrapped candies and drop it in the marked box in the main office. All candy donated will be picked up by a local Military Unit through our partnership with Operation Care and Comfort (a non-profit organization) to be used for care packages, local military events, etc. Please note that all donations will be used for our local military professionals and sent abroad. Last year we collected over 300 lbs of candy and are hoping to reach the same! For more information on Operation Care and Comfort please visit their website (www.occ-usa.org).
Black Sock Drive: Please consider donating NEW black socks as well when you drop off your candy....a group of local families are participating in the Burrito Project in Oakland and will take all sock donations to Oakland for distribution to those in need. Socks are one of those items that are desperately in need especially as the weather turns chillier. Why Black? Because it’s Halloween (and they don't show dirt as much).
If you have any questions please contact Seema Chavan or Polly Liu.
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Teacher Conferences: Do you or your spouse need help translating?
Almond New Family Ambassadors and Translators are happy to help you - just get in touch!
Would you be able to help translate for our families that speak other languages? If you are able to help, please contact zsofip@hotmail.com to be added to our list of available translators. We appreciate your assistance!
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LAEF UPDATE:
A 5th grader at Springer recently shared what she enjoys about LAEF funded programs:
Art - I love drawing. It's one of my favorite subjects.
STEM - I like STEM because it's "hands on."
Wellness - I like getting out there with my friends and taking a mental break.
Literacy - I really like creative writing because I can take the story on any turns I want.
We’ve raised $2 million, but still need another $1.5 million to fully fund teachers and staff this school year. If you've made a pledge during our Phonathon, or have yet to donate, visit
www.laefonline.org/donate, or text your donation to LAEF at 50155. The suggested amount is $1,200 per student or $120/month. Donations of any amount are greatly appreciated.
Watch this 2-minute video to find out all the programs LAEF is supporting at your child’s school.
Learn more about why our local public schools need your financial support.
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ENGLISH LANGUAGE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
We are having our first ELAC meeting of the year on Thursday morning, Nov. 8, at 8:30 in the ELD room.
What is ELAC? ELAC is a committee that offers suggestions to strengthen the school’s English Language Learner program.
Who is ELAC? ELAC is you! As a parent of a student learning English, your feedback and ideas are essential to helping us improve the way we support our English Learners and their families.
During this first meeting we will discuss:
– How are ELLs identified and tested?
– What does Almond’s ELD program currently look like?
– How is Almond helping new families feel included and informed?
Please attend to learn more details about the program and offer suggestions for welcoming new families. Change begins with you, so if you have great ideas please come to share them on Thursday!
Jessica Mountz and Raquel Matteroli
Would you like to get involved with our English language learners at the District level? If so, please attend our first DELAC meeting on Thursday, Nov. 15, at 9:00 at the iLearn studio at the District Office.
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PROJECT CORNERSTONE
Grades: 1st-5th:
November's ABC book, Say Something by Peggy Moss, makes us think about the power we have to support and include every student at our school. It is a call to action for all of us to move from the role of bystander to the integrity-rich role of UPstander. The goals of this lesson include:
- recognizing that UPstanders are asset champions
- They stand up to bully behaviors and advocate for targets.
- UPstanders know and practice tools that support and include everyone in real word face to face situations, as well as online in the digital world.
6th Grade:
Our 6th grade students are continuing the discussion in Middle School Confidential: Real Friends vs. The Other Kind, by Annie Fox. This month the focus is on problem solving friendship dilemmas and practicing how to make a genuine apology when one is required to mend a friendship.
Key take aways from the lesson:
- When you sense something isn't right with a friend, do something about it.
- Conflicts will come up in any friendship and who started the fight isn't as important as how you work together to make peace.
- A genuine apology is specific, accepts responsibility, tries to make amends, and asks for forgiveness.
Kindergarten:
The kinder students are reading Talk and Work it Out by Cheri Meiners which focuses on peaceful conflict resolution. The kids will learn specific tools to resolve conflicts and get along. Accepting and respecting someone else's position is also taught.
If you have any questions about Project Cornerstone or the ABC Reading program, don't hesitate to reach out to us. Thanks as always for your support.
Lily Wang, Katie Liniger, Sue Jones & Jen Walker
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Dear Almond Families,
Tomorrow afternoon is a favorite Almond tradition: our Halloween carnival! Through the use of smoke, mirrors and cobwebs, Almond has been transformed into a spooky school! Please remember that the students are not allowed to wear their costumes during the day, but I can’t wait to see them in their creative get-ups starting at 3:30! This is not a drop-off event, so please be sure to stay with your kiddos for the afternoon.
We hope to see everyone there for this community-building event! Thank you to all of the volunteers who have made this happen for our ghosts and goblins.
Here’s to a fun, spooky time!
Raquel
UPCOMING DATES
- Tomorrow, Fri, Oct. 26, Halloween Carnival! 3:30-5:30
- Thurs, Nov. 1, Cardboard Challenge Exhibit
- Thurs, Nov. 8, ELAC meeting, 8:30-9:30
- Mon, Nov. 12, Holiday—NO SCHOOL
- Wed, Nov. 14, PTA Board Meeting, 8:35 in Conference Room
- Fri, Nov. 15, Principal Coffee, 8:35
- Fri, Nov. 15, DELAC meeting, 9:00
- Mon and Tues, Nov. 19-20, Parent/Teacher conferences, NO SCHOOL
- Wed-Fri, Nov. 21-23, Holidays, NO SCHOOL
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Boo! Come one, come all to the Almond PTA Halloween Carnival
We’ll have all the favorites: Games, decorations, music, food, pumpkin-carving contest and the ever-popular Cupcake Walk. The kids love it, and the proceeds benefit our school. This is not a drop-off event. The carnival is run by student and parent volunteers, so please sign up to volunteer here. Parent costumes are optional, but always add to the fun! For questions about the Halloween Carnival, please contact Anita Schulze, Halloween Carnival
We are still short on volunteers (especially serving food), please sign up for a shift or two here . All spots are now open to all parents regardless whose class your kids go to. This is a great opportunity to see all the kids and be involved with what is going on at school. Any questions? Email Mkratochwill@yahoo.com.
Almond's Pumpkin Decorating Contest
~Enter if you dare~
Please drop off your decorated pumpkin before school in the Rotunda near the Multi BEFORE school tomorrow, Friday October 26th!!
Prizes will be awarded for:
Spookiest
Silliest
Crowd Favorite
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LAEF
We’ve raised $2 million, but need another $1.5 million to fully fund this school year. If you’ve made a pledge during our Phonathon, or have yet to donate, visit LAEF donation, or text your donation to LAEF at 50155. The suggested amount is $1,200 per student or $120/month. Donations of any amount are greatly appreciated.
Did you know the Art Docent program has recently developed new engaging projects that integrate more fully with classroom learning and STEM activities? Your contributions to LAEF help fund excellent art lessons for every grade level.
Watch this 2-minute video to find out exactly what LAEF will support at your child’s school this year.
Learn more about why our local public schools need your financial support.
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Almond Directory
If you would like your family to be included in this year’s printed directory, you must enter your information byOctober 31 through this link: Fourleaf (this link is also on our school website). Your username is your email address, and if you have forgotten your password, just click “forgot password” and follow the instructions. We are getting ready to print the directories soon!
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