A Week of Celebrations

Wednesday, May 6th, marked National Teacher Appreciation Day.  This is a day for us to pause and reflect on the contributions of our entire team (both teachers and support staff).  On a daily basis I marvel at the incredibleness of our teachers, office/support staff, custodian and teaching assistants.  Each and every one of these individuals goes above and beyond to make Almond an amazing place.  What I most treasure about the Almond staff is how much they truly love our children and each other.  THANK YOU for having giving hearts, open minds, willing attitudes and souls that face outwards to others.

Our PTA honored us with an amazing luncheon that transformed our lounge into a beachside patio.  We were able to visit together and nourish our stomachs with delicious treats prepared by our parents.  THANK YOU so much to our parent volunteers for showering us with constant love and support.  We are very blessed to be part of this incredible community.

This week, Lisa Call was also celebrated - as the Almond Teacher of the Year.  LASD rolled out a new process in which staffs select a teacher at every site who exemplifies excellence in supporting student learning, collaborating with peers, serving as a site and district leader, and in continuing his/her own personal growth.  Lisa not only works tirelessly to innovate instruction in her classroom, but she also coordinates the Almond School Drama Program and Chorus.  Her talents sweep far and wide!  Congratulations Lisa – you are precious to Almond.

Today, our 4th thru 6th graders performed at the LASD music concert.  Their hard work over the last few weeks paid off and they filled our multi with music and song that showcased their talent.  Through this program, students gain valuable skills in reading a non-alphabet language, learning the pacing and rhythm of music, commitment to practicing and mastering a piece, synchronizing their individual instrument (that includes the voices of our singers), and overcoming their jitters to perform in front of an audience.  Thank you LAEF for supporting the education of the “whole child” by funding our music program.  We are grateful for the guidance provided by our district music team:  John Beeman, Corrie Dunn, Brianna Jorgensen, and Eliza Masters.

Finally, on Sunday, mothers across our nation will be pampered with love from their families.  Moms, you are the first teachers of your children.  From you, your children have learned how to smile, listen, love, give, and care.  As I watch you interact with your little ones (and some big – although they’ll always be little to me) during arrival and dismissal, I appreciate the bond you’ve fostered over all these years.  As you are celebrated, take a moment to look at your children and allow their amazingness to serve as a reminder of how remarkable you are.  HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!

*On a side note, many of you have inquired about the trees that are missing in our parking lot.  I miss them too!  They were big, beautiful, and have left a gaping hole.  However, they had massive pinecones that destroyed someone’s windshield and in order to ensure the safety of our children, and adults, we moved forward in removing them.  We thank them for the shade they offered, the oxygen they generated and know that they’ve been transformed into something that will continue to serve others.