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April 06, 2018

ALMOND THURSDAY WORD
April 5, 2018

UPCOMING DATES TO REMEMBER

  • 4/9 - 4/13, Spring Break - NO SCHOOL
  • Wednesday, 4/18
    • PTA General Meeting (8:30am, Multi)
    • English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC) Meeting (8:30am, ELD Room)
  • Thursday, 4/19, District English Language Advisory Committee, DELAC, (9am-10:30am, District Office iLearn Studio, 201 Covington Rd.)
  • Friday, 4/20
    • School Coffee re: Safety (8:30am, STEM Lab)
    • Smartphone & Communication Workshop (6:30pm - 8pm, Library)
  • Tuesday, 4/24, Almond Singer Concert (7pm, Multi)
  • Saturday, 4/28, LASD Junior Olympics (8am-4pm, Mountain View High)
  • Tuesday, 5/8, LASD Gr. 4-6 Music Concert (1pm, Multi)
  • Thursday, 5/10
    • Mulan Musical (Cantonese Cast Call @ 3:30pm, Performance @ 4:30pm)
    • Mulan Musical (Mandarin Cast Call @ 6pm, Performance @ 7pm)
  • Friday, 5/11
    • Mulan Musical (Mandarin Cast Call @ 3:30pm, Performance @ 4:30pm)
    • Mulan Musical (Cantonese Cast Call @ 6pm, Performance @ 7pm)
  • Saturday, 5/12
    • Mulan Musical (Cantonese Cast Call @ 11:30am, Performance @ 12:30pm)
    • Mulan Musical (Mandarin Cast Call @ 2pm, Performance @ 3pm)
  • 5/14 - 5/18, 6th Graders at Science Camp
  • Friday, 5/18
    • Fifth Grade Colonial Day
    • School Coffee re: TBD (8:30am, STEM Lab)
  • Saturday, 5/19, Los Altos Pet Parade
  • Wednesday, 5/23, PTA General Meeting (8:30am, Multi)
  • Thursday, 5/24, Open House (6pm - 7pm)
  • Friday, 5/25, Minimum Day - Dismissal at 12:15pm
  • Monday, 5/28, Holiday - NO SCHOOL
  • Tuesday, 5/29, 4th Grade Instrument Quest (5pm - 7pm, Covington Multi)
  • Wednesday, 5/30, 4th Grade Instrument Quest (5pm - 7pm, Covington Multi)
  • Friday, 6/1, Minimum Day - Dismissal at 12:15pm
  • Tuesday, 6/5
    • TK/K CSMA Parent Concert (1pm, Multi)
    • Gr. 1 - 3 CSMA Parent Concert (2pm, Multi)
  • Thursday, 6/7
    • Last Day of School
    • Morning Assembly (8:30am, Multi)
    • 6th Grade Promotion (8:45am doors open for seating, 9:00am ceremony begins)
    • Minimum Day Dismissal - 12:15pm

PRINCIPAL MESSAGE

Every year, students in grades 3 through 6 participate in statewide standardized testing called CAlifornia Assessment of Student Performance Progress (CAASPP).  This measure is designed to provide schools/districts with information about student learning so that we can reflect on our instructional programs.  This also provides parents with a data point to examine in relation to how your child is performing statewide.

There are two parts to the CAASPP that apply to all grade 3 - 6 students; the Computer Adaptive Test (CAT), and the Performance Task (PT).  Both assessments are administered via a computer and unlimited time is provided to all students.  The former changes and adjusts as a student answers questions.  The count of questions will be unique to each test taker.  The second assessment usually involves questions in which students need to apply knowledge after analyzing a variety of source information.  

While we want children to try their very best on these assessments so that we capture a single accurate snapshot of their mastery, it’s very important that students not become overly stressed by this experience.  Over the past few years I have counseled students who were under the impression they would not matriculate to the next grade level if they didn’t do well, or that they wouldn’t be accepted to a college of their preference if their results were below their expectations.  Neither of these misconceptions have any validity.  Please help us in reassuring to your children that this single test only gives us a peek at what they know.  It’s a glance that we value, but one that we hold aside all the other information we have about each and every child.

Here is the tentative schedule.  Please help us by making certain your child is present on the days below, that get they a good night’s rest, that they eat a nutritious breakfast, and bring a healthy snack to sustain them throughout the day.

  • Monday, 4/16 through Friday, 4/20 - CAASPP Training Test
  • Tuesday, 4/24, 12:55pm - CAST Science 5th Grade
  • Wednesday, 4/25, 8:45am, 10:45am - CAT ELA Grade 3-6
  • Thursday, 4/26, 8:45am, 10:45am - PT ELA  Grade 3-6
  • Wednesday, 5/2, 8:45am, 10:45am - PT Math  Grade 3-6
  • Thursday, 5/3, 10:45am, 12:55pm, CAT Math Grade 3-6
  • Monday, 5/7 through Friday, 5/11 - Make Ups
  • Monday, 5/14 through Friday, 5/18 - Make Ups

PTA & SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS - NEW

SUMMER SCHOOL
This year’s camp is called Challenger Camp.  It is a literacy intervention program for students struggling with reading.  This year’s summer program will be very targeted and different than the past.  It will provide intervention to 125 students district wide.  This is a significant change in the count of students being served.  Invitations will be sent out in several rounds and includes very specific criteria that includes iReady scores, SBAC, F&P data, and various other demographic indicators.  We have been contacted by many families who have typically participated in past years.  Again, there are 125 spots for approximately 5,000ish students in all of LASD.  Students with the greatest need for support in the area of reading will be those who receive invitations to participate.

LAEF:  Double your Donation
LAEF still needs to raise $329,548 between now and April 27th to fully fund our 2017-18 grant to LASD, which will be presented to the school district at Junior Olympics.  Every dollar you give by April 27th will be matched by The John and Liane Davila Foundation, up to $10,000.  They have generously offered this challenge to inspire you to help us reach our goal of 100% participation from every LASD family. Let's all work together and fully fund teachers and staff for STEM, arts, literacy, wellness, and personalized learning for the 2017-18 school year. If you have yet to donate, now’s the time!   Donate at www.laefonline.org or drop off a check in your school office.

LAEF:  #MarchMatching
If you've made a donation to LAEF this school year, thank you! Be sure to take the next step and request a company match, if you have not done so already. Request your match now and, if your company is in our #MarchMatching tournament, your match might help them win!  We appreciate matches from all companies, whether they are in the tournament or not! All contributions to LAEF will help us reach our goal of $3.7M.

LAEF:  Follow us on Facebook and Twitter @LAEFonline

ALMOND SINGERS
Congratulations to our Almond Singers Chorus, who performed at the LASD Choral Showcase last week at Blach Middle School. [See Tweet.] Over 250 students in choirs from elementary and middle schools across the Los Altos School District, and from Bullis Charter School, came together to perform individually and as a large group chorus. The Almond Singers performed a rousing rendition of 'Play Ball/Take Me Out to the Ballgame' to thunderous applause! Way to go Almond Singers! The Almond Singers Spring Chorus Concerts will be held on Tuesday, April 24, 2018 at 8:45am (for the school) and 7pm (for families and friends) in the Almond Multi.

PROJECT CORNERSTONE FOR APRIL

  • This month, the ABC readers in grades 1-5 will present the book Sebastian's Roller Skates. This book touches on the idea of sparks and how we can build resilience to help us when we face challenges in life. The lesson will focus on changing mud thoughts (self-out downs that imply a challenge is permanent/unsolvable, such as "I'm not good at softball") into clear thoughts (focuses on the positive and how you can make a situation better, such as "I didn't hit the softball in today's game, but if I keep practicing, I'll connect with the ball next time").
  • This month’s 6th grade lesson will focus on the power of words and the dangers of gossip and spreading rumors. The goals of the lesson are to recognize the power of words to do tremendous good as well as harm, demonstrate that everyone has the power to be UPstanders to stop gossip and rumors and give the kids strategies of what they can do or say when they hear mixed messages and unkind words about others.
  • In Kindergarten, they will read the ABC book Reach Out and Give by Cheri J. Meiners. This book talks about being compassionate and generous to others. It empowers children to understand that their special skills can make important contributions to their family, school and neighborhood.
  • Please contact Almond co-leads Mona ElNaggar (monayousuf05@gmail.com) or Jen Walker (jenswalker5@gmail.com) with any questions about the Project Cornerstone program.

LASD NURSES:  Pertussis Booster for Students in 6th grade
Students currently in 6th grade must have proof of a Tdap or Dtap (Pertussis or Whooping Cough) booster given after their 7th birthday in order to begin 7th grade in August of 2018. Please provide a copy of your child’s immunization record to your school office as soon as possible!

LASD MUSIC - 4TH GRADE INSTRUMENT QUEST

  • In preparation for choosing a musical instrument to play in 5th grade, the LASD Music Department will be hosting two nights of “Instrument Quest.” Your child will see and be able to try out every instrument we offer in our Band (flute, clarinet, trumpet, trombone) and Orchestra (violin, viola, cello) programs.
  • This is a great opportunity to see which instrument best suits your child. Parents are welcome to ask questions and to meet the LASD Music teachers.
  • Come on either evening between the hours of 5pm-7pm.  4th grade students will be making instrument selections in their homeroom classes at the end of May.

REPEATED ANNOUNCEMENTS

ATTENTION PTA MEMBERS - BOARD POSITION OPEN FOR 2018-19
Your PTA is in need of a Few Good Board Members for the 2018-1019 school year!  We are currently in search of parents to fill the following Board positions:

  • Treasurer - Use quickbooks to keep all the financial records of the PTA, prepare and disperse payments, prepare and reports a Financial report at every General and Board meeting of the previous month's financial activities, remit dues and some copies of taxes, financials LAMV PTA council, prepare for and deliver tax information to our accountant to file taxes,
  • Financial Secretary- Receive and deposit all monies.  Work with treasurer to ensure all receipts and records are accurate.

If you would like to learn more about these positions please contact the Chair of the Nominating Committee Stephanie Ballabio, sballabio@gmail.com or Marcsi Elovson mkratochwill@yahoo.com.

Almond Smartphones and Communications Workshop April 20  6:30 - 8:00 pm in the Library
The TechBridgers Club run by Los Altos High School students will be offering a Smartphone and Communications Workshop on Friday, April 20th from 6:30 to 8:00 pm in the school library.  We will teach parents how to use your smartphone to check your child’s grades and homework assignments, connect to school website, use Google Translate and check your email.  Light refreshments and child care will be provided. Please register here by April 16th.  Questions? Please contact Jessica Mountz at jmountz@lasdschools.org

[en Español]
Almond Smartphones and Communications Workshop Viernes, el 20 de Abril 6:30 - 8:00 pm En la Biblioteca
El Club TechBridgers dirigido por los estudiantes de la Escuela Secundaria Los Altos ofrecerá un taller de teléfonos inteligentes y comunicaciones el viernes 20 de abril de 6:30 a 8:00 pm en la biblioteca de la escuela. Les enseñaremos a los padres a usar su teléfono inteligente para conectarse al sitio web de la escuela y los programas de su hijo, usar Google Translate y consultar su correo electrónico. Se proporciona una comida ligera y cuidado de niños. Por favor regístrese aquí antes del 16 de abril. ¿Preguntas? Por favor, póngase en contacto con Jessica Mountz en jmountz@lasdschools.org

READY PLAYER ONE MOVIE FUNDRAISER: AVAILABLE MARCH 29 - APRIL 1

  •  The 6th graders are fundraising with a Filmraiser to the movie READY PLAYER ONE. The 6th graders will earn $1.00 for the North Bay Fire Victims from every ticket purchased for movies showing March 29 - April 1.
  • TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW! Click this link and $1.00 from every ticket to READY PLAYER ONE purchased for movies showing March 29 - April 1 supports Almond Elementary School's 6th Grade North Bay Fire Victims fundraising.
  • PLEASE NOTE: You will purchase tickets through the Atom web site, not Fandango. This custom link to Atom tracks our sales, but you will not see any information about the schools or causes that FilmRaiser supports.
  • If you would like to post or share the ticket link with friends and family throughout the US that benefits Almond Elementary School's 6th Grade fundraiser, please use: https://www.atomtickets.com/promotions/ready-player-one-filmraiser-school-rebate-terms?ref=PLAYER21004
  • Thanks in advance for your support!  Almond 6th Graders

YEARBOOK PICTURES NEEDED
If you have pictures that you would like to submit of your children, please look for the correct category below and select the link to upload.  If you don't see a category, please submit under "General Almond Pictures.”  Things to keep in mind: Need pictures that are NOT blurry - higher the resolution the better.  Pictures that have clear faces do best.

ATTENTION 6TH GRADE PARENTS

  • Each year, there is a slideshow during the 6th grade Promotion event highlighting our amazing kids and their time at Almond. I am working on the yearbook and slideshow right now and could use a few more photos as I want to make sure *ALL your* children are included in the slideshow.
  • Here is my ask:
    • Send me your good pics from K-6th grade of your class
    • Group and individual photos are welcome
    • School events only — on campus, field trips, Jr. Olympics, class parties/projects, etc
    • Deadline — We appreciate if you can upload any photos as soon as possibLe.
      • Monday 4/16 for the 6th Grade Yearbook Extension pages
      • Monday 5/21 for the Graduation Promotion slideshow
  • Upload your photos to these links:  Please drop your children's photos into these folders according to his/her years in school.
  • You can check out the photos uploaded so far by clicking "Done" (top right corner) from the page linked above. Please feel free to forward the link to anyone who might have photos, but not be on this list.
  • I know that everyone is super busy right now. Thank you in advance for taking some time to send in photos - I am hoping to showcase all the kids in the slideshow.
  • If you have any questions at all, please email me <tvsatam@gmail.com>.

FUN AND HANDS-ON COMMUNITY SERVICES EVENT - RSVP REQUIRED

  • Please join us in the multi on Saturday, March 31st, from 9:30am to 10:30am to make comfort bags for foster children!  We will fill pillowcases with stuffed toys, books, socks, games, etc. and make personalized name tags and cards for each foster kid.
  • In order to fill 50+ comfort bags, we need your help Almond Families!
  • There are three ways to help and you have till March 21st:
    • 1) Sign up here to donate an item (or more!)
    • 2) Sign up here to make a complete comfort bag for a specific child.  
    • 3) Paypal Cash - If you would prefer to donate cash and have us shop, please Paypal your cash donation to Seema at bhimsee@yahoo.com.
  • RSVP Required for Event
    • To RSVP for the comfort bag making event, please email Polly at polly@beau-coup.com with number of attendees.  Space is limited so please RSVP as soon as you are able.  

ATTENTION 4th • 5th • 6th GRADERS - THE 58TH LASD JUNIOR OLYMPICS IS COMING!

  • Saturday, April 28, 2017 /  8am-4pm  /  Mountain View High School
  • The LASD Junior Olympics Committee has already been working hard to make Junior Olympics 2018 a day to remember.  Please mark your calendars for Saturday, April 28th for a fun-filled day at Mountain View High School.  It will begin with the 1320 yd run at 8:00am, followed by opening ceremonies at 9 am.  From about 9:30-1:30 will be most of the track and field events.  (listed below).  You won't want to miss the very popular Mascot Mania which takes place around 1:30pm.  The day ends at roughly 3:45 with the dash finals, hurdle finals and the relay races.  Bring the whole family but please leave your pets at home.  There will be lunch, snacks and drinks for sale AND plenty of opportunities for you to volunteer your time to make this day extra special for your child!
  • General Information
    • Every 4th, 5th and 6th grader in Los Altos School District is invited to participate in the 57th Annual Junior Olympics! This event brings together the seven LASD elementary schools for a friendly track & field competition, in which everyone is encouraged to strive for their personal best and cheer on their classmates as they compete. More information and important Junior Olympics dates available atlasdjo.com.
    • Save the dates!
    • We Need Your Help Training our Young Athletes! Click 2018 Almond JO PE Training Volunteers to sign up.  

S.O.A.R. CELEBRATIONS
(listed alphabetically by last name)

  • Ryan Apfelberg, 4/4/418, Owning learning, Respecting self and others. You are a rock star! Thanks for inspiring others to won their learning. :-)
  • Chloe Caldbeck, 4/4/18, Owning learning. Way to go! You have achieved mastery in your addition, subtraction, multiplication and division facts! :-)
  • Esmeralda Calderon, 4/4/18, Respecting self and others. You are now making good choices and following directions the first time you are asked. Way to grow! :-)
  • Adam Daniels, 4/4/18, Always making good choices. During personal development, you made independent, on-task choices. Way to go! :-)
  • Juan Diaz, 4/4/18, Owning learning. You are working hard and growing your brain--you are now reading at a level P. Keep up the great work! :-)
  • Daniel Grier, 3/30/18, Owning learning. Daniel has been learning to read and asked his parents to give him a 40-word spelling list! And he wrote the numbers 1-40 too!
  • Natalie Guibault, 4/2/18, Respecting self and others. Listening respectfully during music class! :-)
  • Cooper Han, 4/2/18, Owning learning. Cooper mastered his 5th grade math mission on Khan Academy! :-) Mrs. Better
  • Emmett Heath, 3/20/18, Solving problems, Owning learning, Respecting self and others. Worked cooperatively and responsively to complete a STEM project.
  • Sophia Hu, 4/4/18, Owning learning. I love to read your stories and informational texts. You are a very creative writer! Keep up the great work! :-)
  • Claire Jackson, 3/30/18, Respecting self and others. Listening to directions during art! :-)
  • Joshua Lopez Aguirre, 3/20/18, Solving problems, Owning learning, Respecting self and others. Worked cooperatively and responsively to complete a STEM project.
  • Brennan Sandora, 4/4/418, Always making good choices. During personal development, you made independent, on-task choices. Way to go! :-)
  • Simha Saraswati, 3/30/18, Respecting self and others. Listening respectfully to directions! :-)

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

SELPA 1 CAC Steering Committee Meeting
Monday, April 16, 9:30-11, Los Altos School District Office, 201 Covington Rd
Come on and help us finalize Parent Education selections and plan for next year. SELPA 1 CAC helps families of students receiving special education services and educates the public about disabilities and inclusion.

Taking Care of You: Mindfulness and Parenting with Challenges by Dr. Linda Lotspeich, Child Psychiatrist and Clinical Professor
Wed. Apr. 18, 2018, 7-9PM, Santa Rita Elementary School, 700 Los Altos Rd, Los Altos
Parenting a child with disabilities can lead to difficult emotions and stress. The practice of mindfulness, including meditation, can reduce stress, improve self-esteem and allow you to better manage these emotions. Learn to move from coping to living a more meaningful life in the present moment, while still planning for the future.

Parent Chat
Tue. Apr. 10, 2018, 7PM-8:30PM, Los Altos Library
Are you concerned about the emotional well being of your child? Come to Parent Chat, peer to peer support for parents of teens. Hosted by the Mental Health Subcommittee of SELPA 1 CAC.

Let's Talk
Mon. Apr. 16, 2018, 7PM-9PM,Los Altos Library
A chance to ask questions and share ideas, resources, and support with other parents of students with IEPs, 504s, learning differences, mental health challenges, etc. All are welcome, participants must respect confidentiality.

Reunión del Comité Directivo de SELPA 1 CAC 
Lunes, 16 de abril, 9: 30-11, Oficina del Distrito Escolar de Los Altos, 201 Covington Rd
Venga y ayúdenos a finalizar las selecciones y el plan de educación para padres para el próximo año.SELPA 1 CAC ayuda a familias de estudiantes que reciben servicios de educación especial y educa al público sobre discapacidades e inclusión.

Cuidando de Usted: A tención y Crianza con Desafíos con la Dr. Linda Lotspeich, Psiquiatra infantil y Profesora clínica
Miércoles, Abril 18 2018,  7-9 PM Escuela Primaria Santa Rita
La crianza de un niño con discapacidades puede conducir emociones difíciles y estres. La practica de atención plena, incluyendo la meditación, puede reducir estrés, mejorar el auto estima y permitirle mejor manejar estas emociones. Aprende vivir de afrontamientos a una vida mas significativa en el momento presente, mientras sigue planeando para el futuro.

Platica Para Padres
Martes, Abr 10 2018, 7-8:30 PM, Biblioteca de Los Altos, 13 S. San Antonio Road
Le preocupa el bienestar emocional de su hijo(a)? 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.

Vamos a Platicar
Lunes, Abr 16, 2018 7-9PM,  Biblioteca de Los Altos, 13 S. San Antonio Road
Una oportunidad para preguntas y compartir ideas, recursos, y apoyo de otros padres con estudiantes de PEIs, 504s,  diferencias de aprendizaje, retos de salud mental, etc. Todos son bienvenidos, los participantes deben respetar confidencialidad.

The 17th Annual Los Altos Hills Pathways Run/Walk

  • Saturday, May 5, 2018 – 9 AM, NOTE: New date – 1st Saturday in May
  • For $10 off, use Discount Code “homerun”
  • Come out for the 17th Annual Los Altos Hills Pathways Run/Walk, and make Los Altos Hills Pathways your home run!
  • This year we are holding the event one week earlier than the normal scheduled weekend and it will be held on Saturday May 5th, 2018.
  • This year's event will enjoy a special Cinco de Mayo theme so wear your favorite festive running attire.  Free sombreros for interested participants will available at packet pickup and race day while supplies last.
  • This fun annual event begins at the Westwind Community Barn, runs through the Byrne Preserve and extends into the Los Altos Hills Pathways system.  The run features a hilly and challenging 5K and 10K Pathways Run/Walk and a 1-Mile Fun Run. Special comfy Home Run race shirts will be provided along with finisher medals to those who register. To register, volunteer, or for more race information, contact Sarah Robustelli 650-947-2518, srobustelli@losaltoshills.ca.gov or visit the event website at www.lahpathwaysrun.org.
  • New this year are “Team” registrations so that your family or group of friends can all register as a team to compete and compare your race results and registration numbers with other team members or other teams!
  • Date: Saturday May 5, 2018

WANT TO SUBMIT SOMETHING TO THE THURSDAY WORD?
Send announcements to us at AlmondThursdayWord@lasdschools.org by 12:00pm Monday, for that week's Word. Keep your announcements brief and, if applicable, send a PDF version of any flyer or additional information to be posted on the website.
Quick Links…
School & Community News now found via Peachjar:
https://www.peachjar.com/index.php?a=28&b=138&region=53999
Almond Elementary School Website
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