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Thursday Word November 2nd

ALMOND THURSDAY WORD
November 2, 2017

UPCOMING DATES TO REMEMBER

Thursday, 11/9, District English Language Advisory Committee (LASD Board Room @ District Office, 9-10:30am)
Friday, 11/10, NO SCHOOL
Monday, 11/13, Report Cards Emailed Home by 5pm
Tuesday, 11/14, AMC8 Math Exam for Interested 5th/6th Graders (3:15pm, STEM Maker Space)
Monday, 11/20, PARENT CONFERENCES, No School
Tuesday, 11/21, PARENT CONFERENCES, No School
Wednesday - Friday, 11/22 - 11/24, THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY, No School
Thursday, 11/30, School Coffee re: Evidence of Learning (8:45am, Multi)
Thursday, 12/7, Kindergarten / New Parent Info Night for Prospective Families (7pm, Multi & Classrooms)
Monday, 12/11, LASD Music Concert Gr. 4-6 (1pm, Multi)
Wednesday, 12/13, PTA General Meeting (8:30am, Multi)
Thursday, 12/14, School Coffee re: Math Problem of the Month & Number Talks (8:45am, Multi)
Monday, 12/18, December Vacation Starts
Tuesday, 1/2, School Resumes

SCHOOL MESSAGE

In approximately two weeks, first trimester standards based report cards will be emailed home. This will provide families with an update on student progress in relation to a variety of academic areas. Here is information regarding the LASD Mastery Rubric. You can also find the LASD Curriculum Guides here.

About a week later, parent conferences will be underway. The intended focus of this time together is to engage in conversation about your child’s strengths and areas of need. A child’s evidence of learning will encompass multiple measures that include assessments, student work, and teacher observation.

One piece that may be included is the baseline data from the iReady Diagnostic administered in late August, early September of 2017 for students in grade 1-6. Some questions have arisen regarding a change in level from the end of the prior year to the start of this new year. In some cases, some students had scale scores that went down. Here is a table that includes the scale scores denoted for each grade level (columns) and then subdivided into ability levels (rows). As you follow an ability level across a row, you can see changes in the range from one grade level to another. When a student took the diagnostic at the end of last year, their performance was compared within that prior grade level range. When a student took the diagnostic at the beginning of this year, the psychometrics adjust to the new grade level range. In other words, one cannot compare the score of last year to this year. That is why we consider the data collected in August/September BASELINE data for this year. Students will be taking the diagnostic again in January. This will provide a viable update in regards to progress per this one measure.

PTA & SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS - NEW

UPDATE ON THE SOLAR PROJECT AFFECTING THE PARKING LOT
Due to delays with paperwork at the state architect’s office, the next phase of construction (drilling and pouring concrete) is postponed until the week of November 13. We still expect to complete construction by the December 31 deadline.

AMC8 MATH - TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 14TH, 3:15pm

The AMC 8 is a 25-question, 40-minute, multiple choice examination in middle school mathematics designed to promote the development of problem-solving skills. The AMC 8 provides an opportunity for middle school students to develop positive attitudes towards analytical thinking and mathematics that can assist in future careers. Students apply classroom skills to unique problem-solving challenges in a low-stress and friendly environment.
Almond School will proctor the annual exam in the STEM Maker Space at 3:15pm for any interested 5th or 6th graders. If your child is interested, please reply to this email with your child’s name and ensure that they present themselves to the STEM Maker Space at 3:15pm on Tuesday, 11/14.

DAILY PLAYGROUND SUPERVISION FILLED - What does this mean?

We have an interested parent who will become employed by the district to fill this position. Thank you PTA for covering this cost.
Once we are set up, Almond students and their younger siblings who are accompanied WITH parents will be permitted to play in the Kindergarten playground area.
After the first dismissal, any students who are waiting for parents will be required to sit in a designated area while supervised by this staff member.
Within 10 minutes of the last dismissal, all students and parents are expected to vacate the campus.

STUDENT COUNCIL

Next week we are having our first Student Council Rep Meeting! If your child is a class rep for grades 3-6, they will need to bring paper and pencil to our meeting next Tuesday at lunch.
Also, on Thursday, November 16th, we will have our first spirit day! I can’t tell you what it is yet, but here are some hints: It’s an original, easy, fun, a favorite, and sometimes crazy and colorful. Come back next week for the next Thursday Word Blurb by the Student Council of Almond to learn more about our first spirit day!

AUCTION ITEMS STILL AVAILABLE

Thanks to everyone who participated in the silent auction at the Spook-a-thon last Friday. And a special thank you to the generous families who have donated parties and items to the auction.
We still have several available slots for planned adult and kid parties. You can review and sign up for any remaining auction items here or on the sign-up sheets in the rotunda (on the whiteboard).
For those of you who signed up and/or won items, you will be receiving an invoice from us shortly, as well as instructions on how to pick up your "won" item(s). For those who signed up for parties, the event hosts will be reaching out to you soon.
Thanks again for supporting the Almond PTA. If you have any questions, please email Stefanie Friedland.

ANNUAL ALMOND PUMPKIN CARVING & DECORATING CONTEST WINNERS - CONGRATULATIONS
Silliest: Maria Krupina
Spookiest: Justin Goins
Crowd Favorite: Brayan Hernandez
Best Use of Pumpkins: Amelle Badey
Thanks to everyone who participated in the fun this year! Every entry was fabulous, spooky and truly delightful.

PTA: TWO EASY PEASY POMEGRANATE SQUEEZY WAYS TO HELP

Smile - If you shop on Amazon, earn FREE money for the Almond PTA almost every time you shop! Just visit AmazonSmile (http://smile.amazon.com), and select “989 Almond Elementary PTA” for Almond to receive 0.5% from your eligible purchases. Purchases at amazon.com or the mobile app are NOT eligible for charity, so remember each time to shop with a smile on smile.amazon.com. You can also enter the Smile portal from the Almond website or to make it even simpler, add a smile.amazon.com shortcut and/or bookmark on your phone.
Collect – BoxTop4education coupons are on the packaging of hundreds of products that you probably use every day.Get the kiddos involved today! They can cut the BoxTops off the box, collect them in a baggie and send them to the Office! Some BoxTop products: Cheerios, Annie’s products, Gogurt, Green Giant veggies, Ziploc, Hefty, SCOTT. For a list of more BoxTop products, go here. Pomegranates are not included.

BOOKWAVE

Bookwave booklets will be going home tomorrow, Friday, 11/3. The due date will be Friday, January 12, 2017.
If parents are still interested in purchasing a booklet, please contact Lily at alexandlily@gmail.com it will be $15 payable to Almond PTA. For more info on Bookwave, as well as tips and tricks in "effortlessly" completing this project, go to https://www.almondschool.org/Almondes/Portal/214-Bookwave
Bookwave Blast will be some time in early to mid March in 2018. We have a few amazing speakers in the creative storytelling space we are choosing from for our special guest that night.

WALKATHON DONATIONS STILL AVAILABLE

Thank you so much to everyone who was able to come out and support the students at last Friday's Walk-a-thon! While it was tricky to reschedule and difficult for many parents to join during a school day, it was wonderful to see every student able to participate!
Everyone walked with such enthusiasm!
If you didn't have a chance to donate on behalf of your child, the sponsor site will remain open for the remainder of this week. Donate here.

LAEF: $50K Challenge Match Deadline is around the corner
It’s not too late for every dollar you give to LAEF to get doubled by our Board of Directors! There are matching funds still available, but we need you to donate by 11/17. The suggested donation is $1,200 per student, and every gift in any amount will help us meet our $3.7M goal. To learn more, pledge or donate, go to LAEFonline.org.

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

SUPPORT PUPPY POUND RESCUE
Hi Almond families! We are girl scout troop 61016. We are here today to talk about doing a puppy food drive for the puppies at puppy pound rescue. There will be a collection in the office. ”Taste of The Wild” is preferred, but all donations are also appreciated. We will be collecting November 1 - 15. There will also be cash donation boxes in every classroom to help puppies with medical needs. Thanks for helping!!! - Troop 61016

One Dollar for Life invites you to a fundraiser at Chef Chu’s! 15% of your total order (dine-in or takeout) will be donated to ODFL.
Date: Monday, November 13, 2017
Time: 11:00am-9:30pm Reservations are recommended for large groups
Every dollar donated will go directly to support a project. This year we are building projects in: Zambia; Kenya; India; Nicaragua; Nepal; and South Africa.
We build Bigger People and a Better World. It’s Working!
You MUST present this flyer when paying for ODFL to receive the donation!!

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

Egor Antonov, 10/26/17, Owning learning. Moving to a spot where he could concentrate during a reading lesson!
Ashley Avidan, 10/31/17, Owning learning. Ashley was ready to learn and prepared for the next activity without being asked. :-)
Nancy Chen, 10/31/17, Owning learning. Nancy was prepared and ready to learn without being asked! :-)
Alex Crosby, 10/27/17, Solving problems, Owning learning. During a number talk, Alex shared a strategy and explained that he wasn't 100% sure of it, but said he wanted to try it anyway! It worked and the whole class was able to learn from the strategy and his growth mindset.
Sam Jensen, 10/27/17, Owning learning . Participated in school coffee to help explain the use of NGSS and science notebooks in our class. He also listened to the other teachers and parents discuss!
Ava DePristo, 10/26/17, Owning learning. Moving to a spot where she could focus during Reading.
Emma Guillory, 10/30/17, Solving problems, Owning learning, Always making good choices, Respecting self and others. You are helpful, thoughtful, and try your best on assignments.
Aleksey Krupin, 11/1/17, Always making good choices, Respecting self and others. Yay Aleksey! Aleksey was so kind to another student by helping him with a math activity and organizing his desk. :-)
Gissel Plantillas, 10/25/17, Owning learning. She is using bold words and ellipses in her free choice writing (what we are working on in Writer's Workshop).
Brian Rancano Ramos, 10/25/17, Solving problems, Owning learning, Always making good choices, Respecting self and others. He always has a great and positive attitude about learning and trying new things!
Tanya Robles, 10/26/17, Owning learning. From Mrs. Powell: Putting forth effort on a challenging math problem.
Seona Sheth, 10/27/17, Owning learning. Participated in school coffee to help explain the use of NGSS and science notebooks in our class. She also listened and paid close attention to the other teachers and parents discuss!
Eli Tung, 11/1/17, Solving problems, Always making good choices, Respecting self and others. Eli did a super job keeping a small problem small, and used respectful words in doing so. :-)
Alden Wang, 11/1/17, Always making good choices. Alden was so helpful in cleaning the lunch tables without being asked. :-)

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
Copyright © 2003-2016 Los Altos School District. All rights reserved.

ALMOND THURSDAY WORD
November 2, 2017

UPCOMING DATES TO REMEMBER

Thursday, 11/9, District English Language Advisory Committee (LASD Board Room @ District Office, 9-10:30am)
Friday, 11/10, NO SCHOOL
Monday, 11/13, Report Cards Emailed Home by 5pm
Tuesday, 11/14, AMC8 Math Exam for Interested 5th/6th Graders (3:15pm, STEM Maker Space)
Monday, 11/20, PARENT CONFERENCES, No School
Tuesday, 11/21, PARENT CONFERENCES, No School
Wednesday - Friday, 11/22 - 11/24, THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY, No School
Thursday, 11/30, School Coffee re: Evidence of Learning (8:45am, Multi)
Thursday, 12/7, Kindergarten / New Parent Info Night for Prospective Families (7pm, Multi & Classrooms)
Monday, 12/11, LASD Music Concert Gr. 4-6 (1pm, Multi)
Wednesday, 12/13, PTA General Meeting (8:30am, Multi)
Thursday, 12/14, School Coffee re: Math Problem of the Month & Number Talks (8:45am, Multi)
Monday, 12/18, December Vacation Starts
Tuesday, 1/2, School Resumes

SCHOOL MESSAGE

PTA & SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS - NEW

AMC8 MATH - TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 14TH, 3:15pm

The AMC 8 is a 25-question, 40-minute, multiple choice examination in middle school mathematics designed to promote the development of problem-solving skills. The AMC 8 provides an opportunity for middle school students to develop positive attitudes towards analytical thinking and mathematics that can assist in future careers. Students apply classroom skills to unique problem-solving challenges in a low-stress and friendly environment.
Almond School will proctor the annual exam in the STEM Maker Space at 3:15pm for any interested 5th or 6th graders. If your child is interested, please reply to this email with your child’s name and ensure that they present themselves to the STEM Maker Space at 3:15pm on Tuesday, 11/14.

DAILY PLAYGROUND SUPERVISION FILLED - What does this mean?

We have an interested parent who will become employed by the district to fill this position. Thank you PTA for covering this cost.
Once we are set up, Almond students and their younger siblings who are accompanied WITH parents will be permitted to play in the Kindergarten playground area.
After the first dismissal, any students who are waiting for parents will be required to sit in a designated area while supervised by this staff member.
Within 10 minutes of the last dismissal, all students and parents are expected to vacate the campus.

STUDENT COUNCIL

Next week we are having our first Student Council Rep Meeting! If your child is a class rep for grades 3-6, they will need to bring paper and pencil to our meeting next Tuesday at lunch.
Also, on Thursday, November 16th, we will have our first spirit day! I can’t tell you what it is yet, but here are some hints: It’s an original, easy, fun, a favorite, and sometimes crazy and colorful. Come back next week for the next Thursday Word Blurb by the Student Council of Almond to learn more about our first spirit day!

AUCTION ITEMS STILL AVAILABLE

Thanks to everyone who participated in the silent auction at the Spook-a-thon last Friday. And a special thank you to the generous families who have donated parties and items to the auction.
We still have several available slots for planned adult and kid parties. You can review and sign up for any remaining auction items here or on the sign-up sheets in the rotunda (on the whiteboard).
For those of you who signed up and/or won items, you will be receiving an invoice from us shortly, as well as instructions on how to pick up your "won" item(s). For those who signed up for parties, the event hosts will be reaching out to you soon.
Thanks again for supporting the Almond PTA. If you have any questions, please email Stefanie Friedland.

PTA: TWO EASY PEASY POMEGRANATE SQUEEZY WAYS TO HELP

Smile - If you shop on Amazon, earn FREE money for the Almond PTA almost every time you shop! Just visit AmazonSmile (http://smile.amazon.com), and select “989 Almond Elementary PTA” for Almond to receive 0.5% from your eligible purchases. Purchases at amazon.com or the mobile app are NOT eligible for charity, so remember each time to shop with a smile on smile.amazon.com. You can also enter the Smile portal from the Almond website or to make it even simpler, add a smile.amazon.com shortcut and/or bookmark on your phone.
Collect – BoxTop4education coupons are on the packaging of hundreds of products that you probably use every day.Get the kiddos involved today! They can cut the BoxTops off the box, collect them in a baggie and send them to the Office! Some BoxTop products: Cheerios, Annie’s products, Gogurt, Green Giant veggies, Ziploc, Hefty, SCOTT. For a list of more BoxTop products, go here. Pomegranates are not included.

BOOKWAVE

Bookwave booklets will be going home tomorrow, Friday, 11/3. The due date will be Friday, January 12, 2017.
If parents are still interested in purchasing a booklet, please contact Lily at alexandlily@gmail.com it will be $15 payable to Almond PTA. For more info on Bookwave, as well as tips and tricks in "effortlessly" completing this project, go to https://www.almondschool.org/Almondes/Portal/214-Bookwave
Bookwave Blast will be some time in early to mid March in 2018. We have a few amazing speakers in the creative storytelling space we are choosing from for our special guest that night.

WALKATHON DONATIONS STILL AVAILABLE

Thank you so much to everyone who was able to come out and support the students at last Friday's Walk-a-thon! While it was tricky to reschedule and difficult for many parents to join during a school day, it was wonderful to see every student able to participate!
Everyone walked with such enthusiasm!
If you didn't have a chance to donate on behalf of your child, the sponsor site will remain open for the remainder of this week. Donate here.

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

Egor Antonov, 10/26/17, Owning learning. Moving to a spot where he could concentrate during a reading lesson!
Ashley Avidan, 10/31/17, Owning learning. Ashley was ready to learn and prepared for the next activity without being asked. :-)
Nancy Chen, 10/31/17, Owning learning. Nancy was prepared and ready to learn without being asked! :-)
Alex Crosby, 10/27/17, Solving problems, Owning learning. During a number talk, Alex shared a strategy and explained that he wasn't 100% sure of it, but said he wanted to try it anyway! It worked and the whole class was able to learn from the strategy and his growth mindset.
Sam Jensen, 10/27/17, Owning learning . Participated in school coffee to help explain the use of NGSS and science notebooks in our class. He also listened to the other teachers and parents discuss!
Ava DePristo, 10/26/17, Owning learning. Moving to a spot where she could focus during Reading.
Emma Guillory, 10/30/17, Solving problems, Owning learning, Always making good choices, Respecting self and others. You are helpful, thoughtful, and try your best on assignments.
Aleksey Krupin, 11/1/17, Always making good choices, Respecting self and others. Yay Aleksey! Aleksey was so kind to another student by helping him with a math activity and organizing his desk. :-)
Gissel Plantillas, 10/25/17, Owning learning. She is using bold words and ellipses in her free choice writing (what we are working on in Writer's Workshop).
Brian Rancano Ramos, 10/25/17, Solving problems, Owning learning, Always making good choices, Respecting self and others. He always has a great and positive attitude about learning and trying new things!
Tanya Robles, 10/26/17, Owning learning. From Mrs. Powell: Putting forth effort on a challenging math problem.
Seona Sheth, 10/27/17, Owning learning. Participated in school coffee to help explain the use of NGSS and science notebooks in our class. She also listened and paid close attention to the other teachers and parents discuss!
Eli Tung, 11/1/17, Solving problems, Always making good choices, Respecting self and others. Eli did a super job keeping a small problem small, and used respectful words in doing so. :-)
Alden Wang, 11/1/17, Always making good choices. Alden was so helpful in cleaning the lunch tables without being asked. :-)

Thursday Word October 26th

ALMOND THURSDAY WORD
October 26, 2017

UPCOMING DATES TO REMEMBER

Friday, 10/27, SPOOK-A-THON, Walkathon smooshed with the Halloween Carnival
- 8:05 - 8:30am Drop off pumpkins at the Rotunda for Pumpkin Carving Contest.
- 1:30 - 2:45pm Walkathon on the grassy field
  - Start time and length will vary by grade level but all will walk during this time
  - Families are welcome to come cheer on walkers / runners (only students and staff will be permitted on the track)
- 2:25 - 3:00pm School dismissed on NORMAL Schedule. Go home, don your costume.
- 3:30 - 5:30pm Halloween Carnival & Pumpkin Carving Awards on the blacktop.
- 3:45 - 5:15pm Silent Auction in the middle of the blacktop.
Thursday, 11/2, ELAC Meeting (8:45am, ELD Room)
Friday, 11/10, NO SCHOOL
Monday, 11/20, PARENT CONFERENCES, No School
Tuesday, 11/21, PARENT CONFERENCES, No School
Wednesday - Friday, 11/22 - 11/24, THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY, No School
Thursday, 11/30, School Coffee re: Evidence of Learning (8:45am, Multi)

SCHOOL MESSAGE

“As you walk down the fairway of life you must smell the roses, for you only get to play one round.” - Ben Hogan (for those who aren’t golfers, he’s one of the great ones)

Let’s pause for a moment and recognize some of the beautiful roses among us.

This past Monday evening, staff and student representatives from Almond shared the great work happening at our school with the Los Altos School Board and District Administrative Team.
- Tanya Robles and Sam Cousins (guided by Ms. Aubrey and Mr. Stuart) did a beautiful job of explaining the structure of Integrated Studies, what they’ve learned, and why they consider it beneficial. The bravery of our entire 6th grade team to take risks, hold themselves together through the challenges that come with innovations, enduring support of one another, and their endless commitment to students has led us this year to a deeper, more authentic experience of learning.
- Liv Weiner, Sophie Brauer, Ziana Merchant, and Trisha Shetty highlighted the brain growth benefits that come through firing synapses as students work through math problem solving that pushes the brain beyond simple computation skills. They were confident, animated in their delivery, and shined brightly. Mrs. Better, Mrs. Burke, and Ms. Pasket are empowering all of their 5th grade students to become passionate and mindful leaders.
- On behalf of all 4th grade teachers, Jakeson Howze (supported by Mrs. Wishnack) premiered his SeeSaw video in which he shared his plan to save Slide City from natural disasters. This tool is creating a channel between home and school where student progress can come alive!
- On behalf of all 3rd grade teachers and through a video made by Sophia Liniger, Katarina Smith, Sarah Tressler, and Stephanie Yen-Ko - Mrs. Hall explained Problem of the Month (POM) which is being led by our very own Mrs. Leach.
- A charming group of 1st graders (Ethan Bao, Bradley Bocking, Sam Friedland, Kyle Hiltgen, Maddy Lee, Marianne Liu, Divisha Mathur, Sophia May, Daniel Sopapunta, and Yvonne Tung) shared their class’ journey in writing and performing their own song with Mrs. Eldridge, to the tune of “We Will, We Will, Rock You.” Of course, they offered an encore performance in front of the LASD Board.
Tomorrow, our school community is coming together for the rescheduled Walkathon and our annual Halloween Carnival. The moment we knew the original Walkathon was to be postponed, three amazing human beings mobilized into action to develop a plan for moving forward. They have done the unimaginable to make all the necessary arrangements for tomorrow. While these parent leaders have many volunteers with whom they are working, these three fierce women have expended COUNTLESS hours preparing. Barbara Daniels, Amy Heath, and Suzanne Jensen - you are an inspiration, you are role models, you are extraordinary. Thank you for all of your selflessness in service of our community.

PTA & SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS - NEW

Almond Spook-a-thon

The Spook-a-thon kicks off on Friday at 1:30pm on the field with the walkathon. Make sure your child wears his/her walkathon shirt to school on Friday! You can still sponsor your child. Use this site to sponsor a child, and encourage them to reach their walkathon goals.
The Halloween Carnival and Silent Auction take place together after school on Friday. The Halloween Carnival is from 3:30-5:30pm, with the Silent auction open from 3:45-5:15pm. Take a sneak peek at the silent auction items here.
Remember to show your spooky spirit by entering your pumpkin in the pumpkin carving contest! Drop off entries at the rotunda before school on Friday.
Check your volunteer slot or sign up here.

JOB OPPORTUNITY - DAILY PLAYGROUND SUPERVISION 2:15 - 3:15PM

The Almond Rotunda has become quite rambunctious between the first dismissal and last dismissal as younger siblings wait for older siblings after a whole day of school. Rather than fight against the energy that is determined to find its way out of little ones through tag, chasing, and more…, we’re going to embrace it and relocate it. The PTA has generously paid for an hour of a yard duty employee to support children whose parents are present to wait in the kinder play area, while those without parent supervision will be ushered to a designated waiting area. Now all we need is a person to do this. We’ve asked all of our current non-teacher staff and no one is available. Please spread the word, we need someone from 2:15 - 3:15pm daily to support this effort.

Volunteers Needed for Teacher Appreciation Lunch
The PTA Staff Appreciation Committee organizes a teacher luncheon each year during the November parent/teacher conferences. Teachers and staff can quickly pop into the staff room for a warm lunch in between their conferences on Monday, November 20. In order to host this lunch, we rely on parent volunteers to provide soups, sides, desserts and drinks. If you are able to contribute, please sign up here: Sign-Up - November Soup Parent / Teacher Conference. Contact Lynn Kostow or Andrea Bocking with any questions.

LAEF: Thank You!
The LAEF Phonathon was a big success with 61 parents, LASD staff, and volunteers calling LASD families. We are grateful to those of you who have donated this school year. Your support is making a difference for all our TK-8 students by funding STEM, arts, literacy, wellness, and personalized learning.

LAEF: $50K Challenge Match Deadline is around the corner
It’s not too late for every dollar you give to LAEF to get doubled by our Board of Directors! There are matching funds still available, but we need you to donate by 11/17. The suggested donation is $1,200 per student, and every gift in any amount will help us meet our $3.7M goal. To learn more, pledge or donate, go to LAEFonline.org.

STUDENT COUNCIL
The 2017-2018 Student Council Officers would like to introduce themselves to the Almond Community and share their vision for the year ahead.

President: My name is Kobe Messy and I am your President! My vision for this school year is to make this school a more healthy environment.
Vice President: My name is Jimmy Flynn and I am your Vice President! My vision for this amazing school is to focus on a clean campus!
Secretary: Hi, I am Sophie Brauer, and I am Almond’s Secretary. I have a vision for our school. My vision is to keep our school informed.
Service Coordinators: Hi Almond! My name’s Paula Casares, and I’m one of your service coordinators. Hi, I am Sophie Tressler and I’m another of the Service Coordinators. Our dream and vision for our school is making our community a better place.
Spirit Captains: HEY ALMOND!!! My name is Julia Walker, and I am Lola Bacchi, we are YOUR Spirit Captains! Our vision is to raise school spirit!

The English Learner Advisory Committee Needs You!

We are having our first ELAC meeting of the year on Thursday morning, 11/2 at 8:45 in the ELD room right after the morning assembly.
What is ELAC? The English Learner Advisory Committee offers suggestions to strengthen the school’s English Language Learner program.
Who is ELAC? ELAC is you! As an Almond parent, your feedback and ideas are essential to helping us improve the way we support our English Learners and their families.
Please bring your ideas and questions to next Thursday’s meeting. See you there!

Almond Community Service Event - Ecumenical Hunger Program Food Pantry Volunteer Event!

Join us to help fill Emergency Food boxes, sort cans, and stock shelves in the food Pantry at the Ecumenical Hunger Program (EHP). EHP is an independent, non-profit organization that provides food, clothing, household essentials, support and advocacy to the needy in their local community. Limited spots available - First come, first served.
- When: Thursday, November 9th, 3:30pm to 4:30pm
- Where: Ecumenical Hunger Program, 2411 Pulgas Avenue, East Palo Alto
- RSVP: Email Polly (polly@beau-coup.com) with # of people attending
- Deadline to RSVP: Wednesday, November 1st
- NOTE: Adult Supervision required - this is NOT a drop-off event.
Please email Seema Chavan (bhimsee@yahoo.com) or Polly Liu (polly@beau-coup.com) with any questions.
We look forward to another wonderful event! - Almond Community Service

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

Ryan Alaghbash, 10/24/17, Owning learning, Always making good choices. Ryan participated well in math and showed enthusiasm while learning. :)
Ryan Alaghbash, 10/25/17, Owning learning. SOAR from Mrs. Powell: on task and organized with Guest teacher.
Liliana Aliashvili, 10/25/17, Owning learning. SOAR from Mrs. Powell: on task and organized with Guest teacher.
Sonia Borodavko, 10/25/17, Owning learning. SOAR from Mrs. Powell: on task and organized with Guest teacher.
Esmeralda Calderon, 10/25/17, Owning learning. SOAR from Mrs. Powell: on task and organized with Guest teacher.
Sarah Clark, 10/20/17, Owning learning. Picked up something and put it away without asking.
Juan Diaz, 10/25/17, Owning learning. SOAR from Mrs. Powell: on task and organized with Guest teacher.
Katie Empedocles, 10/10/17, Always making good choices, Respecting self and others. Being kind to others and putting our best effort into your work!
Juliana Enos, 10/25/17, Owning learning. SOAR from Mrs. Powell: on task and organized with Guest teacher.
Christopher Flynn, 10/24/17, Owning learning. SOAR from Mrs. Powell: on task and organized with Guest teacher.
Yahir Gonzalez Herrera, 10/25/17, Owning learning. SOAR from Mrs. Powell: on task and organized with Guest teacher.
Natalie Hiltgen, 10/26/17, Always making good choices, Respecting self and others. You are so kind to others. You willingly help others. Thanks for your contagious spirit. You are an awesome classmate to others.
Phoenix Holmkvist, 10/24/17, Owning learning. Phoenix did a great job focusing in math and stayed on task as she worked. :)
Phoenix Holmkvist, 10/25/17, Owning learning. SOAR from Mrs. Powell: on task and organized with Guest teacher.
Karen Izaguirre, 10/25/17, Owning learning. SOAR from Mrs. Powell: on task and organized with Guest teacher.
Misael Lopez Ortiz, 10/24/17, Owning learning, Always making good choices. Misael did an awesome job in math participating and focusing. He didn't let others distract him and was engaged the whole time! :)
Misael Lopez Ortiz, 10/25/17, Owning learning. SOAR from Mrs. Powell: on task and organized with Guest teacher.
Drew Mauss, 10/25/17, Owning learning. SOAR from Mrs. Powell: on task and organized with Guest teacher.
Nate Mauss, 10/25/17, Owning learning. SOAR from Mrs. Powell: on task and organized with Guest teacher.
Cory Medeiros, 10/23/17. Always making good choices , Respecting self and others. Cory is always making good choices and is so encouraging towards others. Keep up the great work, Cory! :)
Ziana Merchant, 10/26/17, Solving problems, Owning learning, Always making good choices, Respecting self and others. Ziana is an active participant and always willing to lend a hand. She is an excellent role model to her peers. <3 Mrs. Better
Syri Messy, 10/16/17, Solving problems, Always making good choices, Respecting self and others. You always come to class with a contagious smile on your face and a wonderful attitude towards others. Thank you for all the help you extend to others.
Daniel Pham, 10/18/17,Solving problems, Owning learning, Always making good choices , Respecting self and others. You ignored a friend that was distracting you and found a different spot to sit so you could focus.
Julia Walker, 10/26/17, Solving problems, Owning learning, Always making good choices , Respecting self and others. Julia actively participates in all of her classes. She is a budding leader, and an excellent role model to her peers. <3 Mrs. Better
Yuta Watanabe, 10/26/17, Owning learning. You are such a hard worker. Your growth mindset towards learning English shines through. Keep up the great work!
Siwoo Yun, 10/25/17, Owning learning. SOAR from Mrs. Powell: on task and organized with Guest teacher.

https://www.peachjar.com/index.php?a=28&b=138&region=53999

Almond Elementary School Website

Thursday Word October 19th

ALMOND THURSDAY WORD
October 19, 2017

UPCOMING DATES TO REMEMBER

Thursday, 10/19, Minimum Day (12:15pm Dismissal)
Thursday, 10/26, School Coffee re: New Generation Science Standards (8:45am, Multi)
Friday, 10/27, SPOOK-A-THON, Walkathon smooshed with the Halloween Carnival
- 8:05 - 8:30am Drop off pumpkins at the Rotunda for Pumpkin Carving Contest.
- 1:30 - 2:45pm Walkathon on the grassy field
  - Start time and length will vary by grade level but all will walk during this time
  - Families are welcome to join in
- 2:25 - 3:00pm School dismissed on NORMAL Schedule. Go home, don your costume.
- 3:30 - 5:30pm Halloween Carnival & Pumpkin Carving Awards on the blacktop.
- 3:45 - 5:15pm Silent Auction in the middle of the blacktop.

SCHOOL MESSAGE

The parking lot is being prepped for Monday’s, 10/23 Solar Parking Lot Project; RESERVED spots have been demarcated.

RESERVED spots are for:

Traveling LASD staff who venture from school to school and have very little time to get from one place to another
LAEF volunteers from the Art Docent and Living Classroom programs who have tons of materials to transport for lessons
Auction winners who paid money to support our school and for the benefit of having a spot available to them every day, throughout the day
Persons with valid handicap parking identifiers
Almond staff who work on site

Unfortunately, for eight weeks, there will not be a single spot available for school families to utilize. Many Almond staff members will be parking in the neighborhood and will have tags provided by LASD to support local law enforcement who will be monitoring activity in the streets. Families - Please DO NOT park in any spot in the parking lot while the solar project is underway.

Why must we even bother to send this message? Because currently, reserved and staff spots are not respected by some members of our community. When you see a spot that says staff and you park in that spot, even for 15 minutes, you create a situation where a staff member pulls into their workplace and cannot find a place to situate their vehicle and must then circulate and find alternate options. When you park in the reserved spot of a family who contributed a sizable financial donation to not only benefit our school, but to also allow for the convenience of an in and out spot, you are essentially communicating that their generosity is not of value.

Almond staff will be monitoring the parking lot during arrival time, ensuring that any spot occupied is occupied by someone with an official tag that is being provided by LASD. If a car without a tag is located in a spot, announcements will be made to have that individual move their car immediately, and if necessary, parking enforcement will be contacted.

Thank you to the many members of our community who heed by these guidelines and support an effective atmosphere of mutual respect in our parking lot on a daily basis.

PTA & SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS - NEW

LAEF: HELP SUPPORT OUR TEACHERS

The Los Altos Educational Foundation (LAEF) provides funding for our teachers and staff in the areas of STEM, arts, literacy, wellness and personalized learning. The Foundation’s biggest fundraiser, the Phonathon, is coming up on October 24th and 25th and we are asking for every family to participate in two ways:

First, please make sure you donate or pledge before Oct 20 and save our volunteers a phone call. Our goal is to increase our participation rate this year by 5% so please participate at whatever level is meaningful to your family. If you’re a first-time donor or if you increase your gift to LAEF this year, it will be doubled by the LAEF’s Board of Directors, up to $50,000.
Second, join LASD Superintendent Jeff Baier, teachers and staff, LAEF board members and other parents at the LAEF Phonathon for some food, fun and phoning! Click here to volunteer at the LAEF Phonathon and don’t forget to bring a friend too! The more calls we make, the more funding we can raise to support our teachers.

SPACE AVAILABLE AT 49er YOUTH CAMP @ Loyola!!!

The 49ers Youth Football team will be traveling to Bay Areas Schools and Loyola was selected as one of the schools!!! This one day camp is open to both boys and girls between the ages of 7-14 years old. The camp consists of fun, non-contact football drills, pep talks emphasizing important values that can be learned from playing sports and learn about proper hydration. This FREE, one day, 90-minute session is limited to a max of 200 kids (first children with completed waivers, will be accepted).
Date: Thursday, October 26
Time: 3:00- 4:45pm
Where: Loyola Grass Fields
Cost: Free
Requirement: Completed Waivers must be submitted by October 23rd in Loyola PTA folder in the office labeled “49er Youth Camp” or emailed to cpacheco@cisco.com
Signup: http://bit.ly/loyola49ers
Please note that it is an early dismissal day (1:25pm for 1-2^nd & 1:45pm for 3-6^th grade) for Loyola and there will be no adult supervision on campus between 1:45pm- 3pm (event start time).
We hope your children will join us for this one-time special event!
Ash Mehta & Cathy Pacheco

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

Ryan Alaghbash, 10/16/17, Respecting self and others. Ryan showed kindness to another student by helping him understand directions.
Kyle Anderson, 10/12/17, Owning learning. Helped clean up room after indoor lunch.
Matthew Ballabio, 10/16/17, Respecting self and others. Matthew took initiative to help another student by helping him understand directions.
Jeff Chen, 10/6/17, Solving problems, Respecting self and others. Leading a class discussion on respect. <3 Mrs. Better
Aiden Cuppett, 10/11/17, Always making good choices. Showing compassion and kindness to a 2nd grader who was hurt on the playground.
Jagger Heath, 10/6/17, Solving problems, Respecting self and others. Leading a class discussion on respect. <3 Mrs. Better
Ryan Jaiswal, 10/12/17, Owning learning. Helped clean up room after indoor lunch.
Milly Jones, 10/12/17, Respecting self and others. For always working with a great respect for her classmates and groupmates. Milly is the embodiment of true partnership. She is always positive and willing to work with all her peers.
Rohan Kim, 10/12/17, Owning learning. Helped clean up room after indoor lunch.
Parker Lee, 10/12/17, Owning learning. Helped clean up room after indoor lunch.
Cole Massey, 10/12/17, Always making good choices. Helping a friend during indoor lunch recess. Mrs. Burke :-)
Drew Mauss, 10/19/17, Always making good choices. Drew has been working hard on making great choices these past two weeks.
David Morales, 10/16/17, Always making good choices. For making great choices during our field trip.
Ashkon Raissinia, 10/11/17, Always making good choices. Showing compassion and kindness to a 2nd grader who was hurt on the playground.
Ashkon Raissinia, 10/18/17, Solving problems. For helping pick up materials that had fallen on the floor, for Max, whose hand is in a cast.
Leigh Reed, 10/17/17, Owning learning. Leigh is actively seeking to make sense of and deepening her knowledge of math. She is unafraid of tackling difficult math problems.
Daisy Sanders, 10/11/17, Always making good choices. Honesty and integrity.
Arhan Schulze, 10/6/17, 10/6/17, Solving problems, Respecting self and others. Leading a class discussion on respect. <3 Mrs. Better
Trisha Shetty, 10/12/17, Owning learning. Keeping her debate group on task. Mrs. Burke :-)
Finley Stuart, 10/12/17, Owning learning. Helped clean up room after indoor lunch.
Siwoo Yun, 10/19/17, Owning learning. Siwoo has been working hard on learning English at home using Rosetta Stone since summer time.

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

Girl Scout Bake and Jamba Juice Sale for Hurricane Victims - October 24th

Almond Girl Scouts will be selling baked goods and Jamba Juice Tuesday October 24th after school in the Rotunda

Funds will go to Girl Scout Councils impacted by Hurricane Harvey and Irma for rebuilding Girl Scout facilities and supporting girls in impacted troops through Girl Scouts

All baked goods will be $1.00 and 10 oz Jamba Juices will be on sale for $3.00

Thursday Word October 12th

ALMOND THURSDAY WORD
October 12, 2017

UPCOMING DATES TO REMEMBER

Friday, 10/13 - Thursday, 10/19 - Scholastic Book Fair
~~Saturday, 10/14 -~~ ~~Walkathon~~ Postponed
Wednesday, 10/18 - School Site Council (Library @ 3:10pm)
Thursday, 10/19 - Minimum Day (12:15pm Dismissal)
Thursday, 10/26 - School Coffee re: New Generation Science Standards (8:45am, Multi)
Friday, 10/27 - Halloween Carnival (3:30pm - 5:30pm, Blacktop)

SCHOOL MESSAGE

SENT EARLIER TODAY…

Greetings Almond Families,

Due to the projection of unprecedented, unhealthy air quality for the next several days in the Bay Area, the Walk-a-thon scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 14th has been postponed. The health of our students, as well as staff, volunteers & participants must be first and foremost.

The fires in the North Bay are proving to be historical in their impact. We've cheered students in the past through both extreme heat and chilly rain. However, the already poor air quality is projected to worsen significantly for the next few days.

The Almond PTA is coordinating with other district PTAs to research options for rescheduling this fun, important community-building and fundraising event. We are looking at future Saturdays and are willing to be creative. Stay tuned for details.

I want to thank our event chairs and all the parents who have prepared t-shirts, medals, food and the course itself. So much time and energy has been invested. Your children may be disappointed - please reassure them that we will celebrate a successful event together - soon!

While postponing this annual family event is not what we were hoping, we need to keep all of our community members' health and wellness in mind. We are saddened by this inconvenience, but we are fortunate to not be contending with potentially catastrophic losses like our friends and family in the North Bay. We have been moved to support so many suffering in disaster zones recently - this is close to home.

A group of Almond parents are considering how we might utilize the time that was already set aside on Saturday to organize a relief effort to help families up north who are facing tremendous hardships. Once a concrete plan is in place, we will communicate it to you in the event you’d like to participate.

Thank you for your understanding. Please look for future information about the rescheduling of our Walk-a-thon.

Sincerely,
Erika Benadom

PTA & SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS - NEW

WALKING, WHEELING, & CARPOOLING

Please join with other families in our community to promote walking, wheeling, and carpooling in groups to Almond! If you are interested, you can help us create these groups by sending us information about your interest using the following forms.
- Carpooling to School
- Biking/Walking Groups to School
You can also email Cheryl Branson directly with questions.

LAEF: PHONATHON ON THE WAY!

The LAEF Phonathon is coming! Join the fun and help LAEF raise over $500,000
Our annual phonathon is coming up Tuesday and Wednesday, October 24 & 25. It’s a fantastic opportunity to build community spirit and educate families about the essential staff and programs LAEF funds. Last year, our volunteers called over 1200 families.
Sign up to help out at LAEFonline.org
Save Us a Call! Make your donation or pledge today at LAEFonline.org so we won’t call you during our phonathon. Our 2017-18 goal is $3.7M & 100% participation from all LASD Families.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR TEACHER APPRECIATION LUNCH

The PTA Staff Appreciation Committee organizes a teacher luncheon each year during the November parent/teacher conferences. Teachers and staff can quickly pop into the staff room for a warm lunch in between their conferences on Monday, November 20. In order to host this lunch, we rely on parent volunteers to provide soups, sides, desserts and drinks. If you are able to contribute, please sign up here: Sign-Up - November Soup Parent / Teacher Conference. Contact Lynn Kostow or Andrea Bocking with any questions.

PROJECT CORNERSTONE OCTOBER MESSAGE

This month’s ABC book (for 1st through 5th graders), “Giraffes Can’t Dance” by Giles Andreae tells the story of Gerald the giraffe who is able to dance to his own tune when he gets some encouraging words from an unlikely friend. This book is all about Personal Power! We gain personal power when we focus on the thousands of wonderful gifts and talents we have and can develop in ourselves. Positive personal power prevents us from hurting other people’s feelings and helps us avoid being the victim of hurtful behavior. And when someone isn’t kind to you, remember that you get to CHOOSE how to react. You can use your lid and tap into your Positive Power to know that you CAN do it!
Kindergarteners will hear "Join In and Play" this month, with lessons about how to get along, being a good sport, and cooperating. The book also talks about being a friend, how to make a friend, and playing together.
Sixth graders will read and discuss a chapter from Middle School Confidential by Annie Fox, M.Ed. The lesson this month will focus on learning to distinguish between friends: "real vs. the other kind" and discussing what to do when a friendship isn't working out.
Please contact Almond co-leads Mona ElNaggar (monayousuf05@gmail.com) or Jen Walker (jenswalker5@gmail.com) with any questions.

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

Arisa Angspatt, 10/11, Solving problems, Always making good choices, Respecting self and others. You have a positive attitude, you are creative, and you are always willing to help others.
Leslie Cesareo, 9/28/17, Owning learning, Always making good choices. Leslie demonstrates a growth mindset, always working hard to improve and making sure she has what she needs in order to succeed. Mr. Stuart and Ms. Aubrey
Amelia Eskilsson, 9/28/17, Owning learning, Always making good choices. Amelia owns her learning and works hard to overcome a language barrier and completes high quality work. In only one month, Amelia has made amazing growth! Mr. Stuart and Ms. Aubrey
Emmanuel Esquivel Pena, 10/11/17, Solving problems, Owning learning. You remember to put a finger space between words and work hard to hear all of the sounds when spelling a word.
Andy Palant, 10/11/17, Owning learning, Always making good choices. You are responsible about finishing your work. You are enthusiastic and willing to try new ideas.
Dragos Popescu, 9/28/17, Respecting self and others. Dragos is respectful and helps his peers whenever they drop things or need help during a transition. Mr. Stuart and Ms. Aubrey
Anthony Tam, 10/10/17, Always making good choices, Respecting self and others. Anthony always helps out his table group, getting their computers and backpacks for them without being asked.
Yuta Tokusei, 9/18/17, Owning learning. Yuta was proactive in making up work when he was gone for a few days. He checked the home work calendar. Mr. Stuart and Ms. Aubrey

ALMOND THURSDAY WORD
October 12, 2017

UPCOMING DATES TO REMEMBER

Friday, 10/13 - Thursday, 10/19 - Scholastic Book Fair
~~Saturday, 10/14 -~~ ~~Walkathon~~ Postponed
Wednesday, 10/18 - School Site Council (Library @ 3:10pm)
Thursday, 10/19 - Minimum Day (12:15pm Dismissal)
Thursday, 10/26 - School Coffee re: New Generation Science Standards (8:45am, Multi)
Friday, 10/27 - Halloween Carnival (3:30pm - 5:30pm, Blacktop)

SCHOOL MESSAGE

SENT EARLIER TODAY…

PTA & SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS - NEW

WALKING, WHEELING, & CARPOOLING

Please join with other families in our community to promote walking, wheeling, and carpooling in groups to Almond! If you are interested, you can help us create these groups by sending us information about your interest using the following forms.
- Carpooling to School
- Biking/Walking Groups to School
You can also email Cheryl Branson directly with questions.

LAEF: PHONATHON ON THE WAY!

The LAEF Phonathon is coming! Join the fun and help LAEF raise over $500,000
Our annual phonathon is coming up Tuesday and Wednesday, October 24 & 25. It’s a fantastic opportunity to build community spirit and educate families about the essential staff and programs LAEF funds. Last year, our volunteers called over 1200 families.
Sign up to help out at LAEFonline.org
Save Us a Call! Make your donation or pledge today at LAEFonline.org so we won’t call you during our phonathon. Our 2017-18 goal is $3.7M & 100% participation from all LASD Families.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR TEACHER APPRECIATION LUNCH

The PTA Staff Appreciation Committee organizes a teacher luncheon each year during the November parent/teacher conferences. Teachers and staff can quickly pop into the staff room for a warm lunch in between their conferences on Monday, November 20. In order to host this lunch, we rely on parent volunteers to provide soups, sides, desserts and drinks. If you are able to contribute, please sign up here: Sign-Up - November Soup Parent / Teacher Conference. Contact Lynn Kostow or Andrea Bocking with any questions.

PROJECT CORNERSTONE OCTOBER MESSAGE

This month’s ABC book (for 1st through 5th graders), “Giraffes Can’t Dance” by Giles Andreae tells the story of Gerald the giraffe who is able to dance to his own tune when he gets some encouraging words from an unlikely friend. This book is all about Personal Power! We gain personal power when we focus on the thousands of wonderful gifts and talents we have and can develop in ourselves. Positive personal power prevents us from hurting other people’s feelings and helps us avoid being the victim of hurtful behavior. And when someone isn’t kind to you, remember that you get to CHOOSE how to react. You can use your lid and tap into your Positive Power to know that you CAN do it!
Kindergarteners will hear "Join In and Play" this month, with lessons about how to get along, being a good sport, and cooperating. The book also talks about being a friend, how to make a friend, and playing together.
Sixth graders will read and discuss a chapter from Middle School Confidential by Annie Fox, M.Ed. The lesson this month will focus on learning to distinguish between friends: "real vs. the other kind" and discussing what to do when a friendship isn't working out.
Please contact Almond co-leads Mona ElNaggar (monayousuf05@gmail.com) or Jen Walker (jenswalker5@gmail.com) with any questions.

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

Arisa Angspatt, 10/11, Solving problems, Always making good choices, Respecting self and others. You have a positive attitude, you are creative, and you are always willing to help others.
Leslie Cesareo, 9/28/17, Owning learning, Always making good choices. Leslie demonstrates a growth mindset, always working hard to improve and making sure she has what she needs in order to succeed. Mr. Stuart and Ms. Aubrey
Amelia Eskilsson, 9/28/17, Owning learning, Always making good choices. Amelia owns her learning and works hard to overcome a language barrier and completes high quality work. In only one month, Amelia has made amazing growth! Mr. Stuart and Ms. Aubrey
Emmanuel Esquivel Pena, 10/11/17, Solving problems, Owning learning. You remember to put a finger space between words and work hard to hear all of the sounds when spelling a word.
Andy Palant, 10/11/17, Owning learning, Always making good choices. You are responsible about finishing your work. You are enthusiastic and willing to try new ideas.
Dragos Popescu, 9/28/17, Respecting self and others. Dragos is respectful and helps his peers whenever they drop things or need help during a transition. Mr. Stuart and Ms. Aubrey
Anthony Tam, 10/10/17, Always making good choices, Respecting self and others. Anthony always helps out his table group, getting their computers and backpacks for them without being asked.
Yuta Tokusei, 9/18/17, Owning learning. Yuta was proactive in making up work when he was gone for a few days. He checked the home work calendar. Mr. Stuart and Ms. Aubrey

Thursday Word October 5th

ALMOND THURSDAY WORD
October 5, 2017

UPCOMING DATES TO REMEMBER

Friday, 10/13 - Thursday, 10/19 - Scholastic Book Fair
Wednesday, 10/18 - School Site Council (Library @ 3:10pm)
Saturday, 10/14 - Walkathon (Blacktop, 9am - 1:30pm)

SCHOOL MESSAGE

A number of parents and some staff have expressed safety concerns regarding our parking lot and drive through. This is only going to become more complex once the Solar Project begins. We are begging for cooperation from our parents/guardians and students with the following things.

PARENTS & GUARDIANS

Be alert, patient, and considerate of others in the drive through (that is the area in the front of school with two lanes where you may drop off and pick up your children) and the parking lot.
Do not get out of your car in the drive through. Not to walk your child to class. Not to quickly drop something off in the office. Not even to get your child out of their seat. If you need assistance getting your child out of the car, pull your car all the way past the crosswalk and in the morning a safety patrol volunteer will help you.
Please do not stop your car and chat with friends while you are in the drive through. This causes a traffic backup on Almond and it is frustrating to your fellow community members.
While it is wonderful if children arrive on time, regardless, we will always greet them with a “We’re glad you made it. Have a great day.” Please do not create a stressful atmosphere for yourself, your family, and our community by rushing and stressing out to get to school. If you are struggling regularly with arriving on time, it would be lovely if you could reflect on how to adjust your routine to address this.

STUDENTS

If you arrive before 8:15am, you MUST wait in the front rotunda. Not by the bike cages. Not near the dumpster. Not in the Living Garden. In the front rotunda. Why? Because LASD maintenance vehicles have the right of passage onto our blacktop until 8:15am in order to clean our campus and make repairs to support our school. We will also have some staff parking behind the multi during the solar construction and we do not want anyone to get hurt.

PTA & SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS - NEW

SOLAR PROJECT SUPPORT: Here Comes the Sun!

Solar panel construction comes to our parking lot on Monday 10/23.
In preparation, please join our campaign to reduce car traffic through our parking lot. Walk! Bike! Carpool!
Over the next two weeks, each class will collect and post its commute statistics, as we work to increase the number of kids using these methods to get to school. A little friendly classroom rivalry never hurts.
GreenTown Los Altos has partnered with the school district to help motivate kids to go green. They will throw our whole school a pizza party at the end of the year if we can keep up the momentum and achieve a 50% carpool/bike/walk rate! (We're close to that already - just a few percentage points could make the difference.)
Expect to see us in the traffic circle next week promoting carpooling and asking drivers to pledge at least 2 days a week to the carpool effort. We will be helping interested families network.

WALKATHON & SILENT AUCTION - OCTOBER 14

The Almond Walkathon is just over a week away! Please be sure to register your child to avoid registration lines the morning of the walkathon. T-shirts will be distributed next week, and we will be selling a limited number of t-shirts starting Wednesday, October 11.
The Walkathon is a parent-run event, and needs the help of many parents to make it a successful day. We still have many open volunteer slots; sign up here to help out on the day!
The Silent Auction is still collecting donations - please consider donating event tickets, vacation packages or hosting a party. We already have many great donations from our generous families and local businesses. Check out the list of items to bid on here before the auction.

ALMOND BAKERS
The PTA's Almond Hospitality is volunteer parent bakers for the various school events (BookFair, Walkathon, Carnival, Junior Olympics, Graduation, Kinder Orientation) throughout the year. Some items are sold to fundraise and others are for reception purposes. Please join in this great tradition of helping the PTA and signup to bake cookies or another yummy treat for the upcoming Walkathon here.

VISION SCREENING
The District Nurses will be doing vision screening, both near and far, at ALMOND SCHOOL for all Kindergarten, 2nd, and 5^th grades on October 30th, 2017. If your child has glasses or contacts, please make sure that they wear them to school on the day of the screening. The nurse will mail a referral form to the parents of students who do not pass the vision screening.

PTA YEARBOOK COMMITTEE CHAIR NEEDED

We need a volunteer to take or secure photos of students in many activities throughout the year and official school photos; organize into yearbook using a software; add original artwork, messaging to pages to customize; organize delivery before the end of the school year.
If we don't find a Yearbook Chair we won't have a yearbook this year.
Please contact Rachel Harnish, rachelharnish@yahoo.com, Almond PTA President.

FALL BOOK FAIR

The Book Fair is coming next week! Please join us for the Grand Opening Coffee on Friday, October 13 at 8:30am. The Fair will be open October 13 - 19 (Friday and Monday through Wednesday, 8:15am-3:45pm , Thursday, 8:15am – 12:45pm, and during the Walkathon on Saturday, 9am-2pm). You can also order online from October 6th to October 19th at http://www.scholastic.com/bf/almondelementaryschool
The Almond PTA uses funds raised from the Book Fair to purchase books for teacher classrooms and the school library.
Want to see the kids during the Book Fair? Consider volunteering for a shift or two here or contact Marcsi Elovson at mkratochwill@yahoo.com.
If you have any questions, please contact Marcsi Elovson at mkratochwill@yahoo.com or Joy Yu at jungmin.yu@gmail.com.

LAEF: HELP SUPPORT OUR TEACHERS

The Los Altos Educational Foundation (LAEF) provides funding for our staff in the areas of Art, Literacy, STEM, Wellness and Personalized Learning. The Foundation’s biggest fundraiser, the phonathon, is coming up on October 24th and we are asking for every family to participate in two ways:
- First, please make sure you donate or pledge before 10/20 and saving volunteers a phone call. Our goal is to increase our participation rate this year by 5% so please participate at whatever level is meaningful to your family.
- Second, join Superintendent Jeff Baier, teachers and staff, LAEF Board Members and other parents at the phonathon for some food, fun and phoning! Click here to volunteer and don’t forget to bring a friend too!

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

Yasmine Aceituno, 9/29/17, Always making good choices during book clubs engaging in conversations and providing positive feedback. Mrs. Burke :-)
Matthew Ballabio, 10/2/17, Respecting self and others. Helped teach a new student baseball skills.
Eason Dong, 10/2/17, Always making good choices. Helping with play equipment.
Mrs. Eldridge’s Entire Class, 10/5/17, For writing and performing our SOAR song! For using teamwork and problem solving skills.
Alex Elovson, 10/4/17, Owning learning. Always tries his best on assignments, listens attentively.
Chloe Pasket, 10/4/17, Always making good choices. Helpful, thoughtful, has a positive attitude.
Lily Sabharwal, 10/4/17, Owning learning. Remembers and practices the new skills she learns in class.
Kendra Sims, 9/29/17, Respecting self and others. Using positive words to give feedback during Book Club. Mrs. Burke :-)
Jiawei Tang, 10/2/17, Always making good choices. Helping with play equipment.

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

Parent Education / Involvement Opportunities:

10/09- Monday- 7 to 9pm, Let’s Talk: 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., New, temporary location: 190 Arbuelo Way, Los Altos (free, walk-in)
10/10- Tuesday- 7pm, walk-in Parent Chat for parents/caregivers of youth w/mental health issues. Free, anonymous, peer-to-peer support, at Los Altos Library, 13 South San Antonio Road
10/12- Thursday- 7 to 9pm, Why Parents Matter More Than Peers with Dr Gabor Mate, Mountain View High School Spartan Theatre, 3535 Truman Avenue, Mountain View, eventbrite.com
10/18- Wednesday- 11am to 1, Anxiety and Mood Disorder Support and Info Group at Parents Helping Parents, http://www.php.com/node/41657/view

ALMOND THURSDAY WORD
October 5, 2017

UPCOMING DATES TO REMEMBER

Friday, 10/13 - Thursday, 10/19 - Scholastic Book Fair
Wednesday, 10/18 - School Site Council (Library @ 3:10pm)
Saturday, 10/14 - Walkathon (Blacktop, 9am - 1:30pm)

SCHOOL MESSAGE

PARENTS & GUARDIANS

Be alert, patient, and considerate of others in the drive through (that is the area in the front of school with two lanes where you may drop off and pick up your children) and the parking lot.
Do not get out of your car in the drive through. Not to walk your child to class. Not to quickly drop something off in the office. Not even to get your child out of their seat. If you need assistance getting your child out of the car, pull your car all the way past the crosswalk and in the morning a safety patrol volunteer will help you.
Please do not stop your car and chat with friends while you are in the drive through. This causes a traffic backup on Almond and it is frustrating to your fellow community members.
While it is wonderful if children arrive on time, regardless, we will always greet them with a “We’re glad you made it. Have a great day.” Please do not create a stressful atmosphere for yourself, your family, and our community by rushing and stressing out to get to school. If you are struggling regularly with arriving on time, it would be lovely if you could reflect on how to adjust your routine to address this.

STUDENTS

If you arrive before 8:15am, you MUST wait in the front rotunda. Not by the bike cages. Not near the dumpster. Not in the Living Garden. In the front rotunda. Why? Because LASD maintenance vehicles have the right of passage onto our blacktop until 8:15am in order to clean our campus and make repairs to support our school. We will also have some staff parking behind the multi during the solar construction and we do not want anyone to get hurt.

PTA & SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS - NEW

SOLAR PROJECT SUPPORT: Here Comes the Sun!

Solar panel construction comes to our parking lot on Monday 10/23.
In preparation, please join our campaign to reduce car traffic through our parking lot. Walk! Bike! Carpool!
Over the next two weeks, each class will collect and post its commute statistics, as we work to increase the number of kids using these methods to get to school. A little friendly classroom rivalry never hurts.
GreenTown Los Altos has partnered with the school district to help motivate kids to go green. They will throw our whole school a pizza party at the end of the year if we can keep up the momentum and achieve a 50% carpool/bike/walk rate! (We're close to that already - just a few percentage points could make the difference.)
Expect to see us in the traffic circle next week promoting carpooling and asking drivers to pledge at least 2 days a week to the carpool effort. We will be helping interested families network.

WALKATHON & SILENT AUCTION - OCTOBER 14

The Almond Walkathon is just over a week away! Please be sure to register your child to avoid registration lines the morning of the walkathon. T-shirts will be distributed next week, and we will be selling a limited number of t-shirts starting Wednesday, October 11.
The Walkathon is a parent-run event, and needs the help of many parents to make it a successful day. We still have many open volunteer slots; sign up here to help out on the day!
The Silent Auction is still collecting donations - please consider donating event tickets, vacation packages or hosting a party. We already have many great donations from our generous families and local businesses. Check out the list of items to bid on here before the auction.

PTA YEARBOOK COMMITTEE CHAIR NEEDED

We need a volunteer to take or secure photos of students in many activities throughout the year and official school photos; organize into yearbook using a software; add original artwork, messaging to pages to customize; organize delivery before the end of the school year.
If we don't find a Yearbook Chair we won't have a yearbook this year.
Please contact Rachel Harnish, rachelharnish@yahoo.com, Almond PTA President.

FALL BOOK FAIR

The Book Fair is coming next week! Please join us for the Grand Opening Coffee on Friday, October 13 at 8:30am. The Fair will be open October 13 - 19 (Friday and Monday through Wednesday, 8:15am-3:45pm , Thursday, 8:15am – 12:45pm, and during the Walkathon on Saturday, 9am-2pm). You can also order online from October 6th to October 19th at http://www.scholastic.com/bf/almondelementaryschool
The Almond PTA uses funds raised from the Book Fair to purchase books for teacher classrooms and the school library.
Want to see the kids during the Book Fair? Consider volunteering for a shift or two here or contact Marcsi Elovson at mkratochwill@yahoo.com.
If you have any questions, please contact Marcsi Elovson at mkratochwill@yahoo.com or Joy Yu at jungmin.yu@gmail.com.

LAEF: HELP SUPPORT OUR TEACHERS

The Los Altos Educational Foundation (LAEF) provides funding for our staff in the areas of Art, Literacy, STEM, Wellness and Personalized Learning. The Foundation’s biggest fundraiser, the phonathon, is coming up on October 24th and we are asking for every family to participate in two ways:
- First, please make sure you donate or pledge before 10/20 and saving volunteers a phone call. Our goal is to increase our participation rate this year by 5% so please participate at whatever level is meaningful to your family.
- Second, join Superintendent Jeff Baier, teachers and staff, LAEF Board Members and other parents at the phonathon for some food, fun and phoning! Click here to volunteer and don’t forget to bring a friend too!

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

Yasmine Aceituno, 9/29/17, Always making good choices during book clubs engaging in conversations and providing positive feedback. Mrs. Burke :-)
Matthew Ballabio, 10/2/17, Respecting self and others. Helped teach a new student baseball skills.
Eason Dong, 10/2/17, Always making good choices. Helping with play equipment.
Mrs. Eldridge’s Entire Class, 10/5/17, For writing and performing our SOAR song! For using teamwork and problem solving skills.
Alex Elovson, 10/4/17, Owning learning. Always tries his best on assignments, listens attentively.
Chloe Pasket, 10/4/17, Always making good choices. Helpful, thoughtful, has a positive attitude.
Lily Sabharwal, 10/4/17, Owning learning. Remembers and practices the new skills she learns in class.
Kendra Sims, 9/29/17, Respecting self and others. Using positive words to give feedback during Book Club. Mrs. Burke :-)
Jiawei Tang, 10/2/17, Always making good choices. Helping with play equipment.

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

Parent Education / Involvement Opportunities:

10/09- Monday- 7 to 9pm, Let’s Talk: 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., New, temporary location: 190 Arbuelo Way, Los Altos (free, walk-in)
10/10- Tuesday- 7pm, walk-in Parent Chat for parents/caregivers of youth w/mental health issues. Free, anonymous, peer-to-peer support, at Los Altos Library, 13 South San Antonio Road
10/12- Thursday- 7 to 9pm, Why Parents Matter More Than Peers with Dr Gabor Mate, Mountain View High School Spartan Theatre, 3535 Truman Avenue, Mountain View, eventbrite.com
10/18- Wednesday- 11am to 1, Anxiety and Mood Disorder Support and Info Group at Parents Helping Parents, http://www.php.com/node/41657/view

Thursday Word September 28th

ALMOND THURSDAY WORD
September 28, 2017

UPCOMING DATES TO REMEMBER

Friday, 10/13 - Thursday, 10/19 - Scholastic Book Fair
Wednesday, 10/4 - International Walk to School Day
Wednesday, 10/18 - School Site Council (Library @ 3:10pm)
Saturday, 10/14 - Walkathon (Blacktop, 9am - 1:30pm)
Monday, 10/23 - TENTATIVE Solar Panel Construction Begins

SCHOOL MESSAGE

At this morning’s School Coffee, Jill Croft (Almond’s Literacy IST - Instructional Support Teacher) and six students from Mrs. Better’s class, shared information about Reader’s Workshop.

A balanced literacy program contains the following components:

Interactive read alouds and discussions
Guided and independent reading
Shared reading
Writing about reading
Oral and visual communication
Technological communication
Writing
Phonics / spelling patterns / word study (i.e. vocabulary)

Almond teachers - teach students. They do not teach Reader’s Workshop. One of the tools that they will use in building literacy skills with their students this year will be Reader’s Workshop. It is one structure that provides a framework to incorporate many of the components that develop effective readers, writers, speakers, and listeners.

The Reading Workshop model contains a variety of instructional strategies. Mini-lessons jump start the session to deliver direct, explicit instruction around an identified class need. While students read books of their choice independently, teachers may conference with different students to check in on fluency, comprehension, and book selection. Teachers might also identify small groups of students who need further instruction around a particular need. A teacher selected book, called an anchor text, might be read aloud over several weeks to students as a means to focus on particular reading skills. In the upper grades (3-6), students may participate in book clubs. Reader’s Workshop notebooks are utilized to assist students in digging deeper into their text and to ensure they are developing the necessary skills to write about what they’re reading.

We very much appreciated the thoughtful questions that arose from our parent community this morning. Some have been paraphrased below.

Q: Is there a balance between kids choosing their own books and the teacher making certain selections?
A: Yes. We understand that if children do not receive some guidance, they might select books that do not grow them as readers but instead keep them stagnant. The anchor text that is read together as a class is identified through the Reader’s Workshop curriculum. This book will be the same in each unit and within the grade level. The books that students read during independent time will be ones they choose. A teacher will confer with students to help determine if the book is appropriately challenging them. In addition, if a child appears to become stuck reading a series in a particular genre, the teacher would likely assist them in exploring other options. Finally, book talk books are being pulled from a collection that was ordered through our district. Teachers may or may not give students choice in their selection. It will depend on the circumstance, but will be balanced.

Q: Are students limited to reading books at a specific level?
A: No. The levels are determined through the F&P assessment. This one measure provides information about a child’s “instructional” level (A-Z). Some teachers have leveled their classroom libraries into baskets that have the letters identified. Other teachers have organized their books into genres and the books themselves have the letters indicated on them. This leveling system is intended to guide students in selecting books within a range...not just “that” letter. If a child shows interest in reading a book at a higher level as a result of the content, as long as the child doesn’t become frustrated or disheartened with navigating through the text, a child will not be prevented from reading a book in which they are interested in.

Q: Do all students know their levels? When will we, the parents, know them?
A: As a staff, we agreed to share out the F&P Levels with parents at the November Conferences so that we could provide a context around this singular data point. During the coffee, it became apparent that we do not have a consistent practice around how we communicate this information to students. We will be discussing this as a staff in the upcoming weeks. We DO NOT WANT students walking around thinking, “I am a level G.” Instead, the language we would like to encourage is, “My current instructional level in reading is near the ‘G’ range.” We will be certain to calibrate around these ideas and couple them with our heavy efforts in Growth Mindset work to ensure healthy self perceptions around reading.

Q: My child shared that one of the books their class started to read in book club contained content that was too mature for their age range. What is being done to safeguard against this?
A: We do have book club sets from the publisher that range from Level A (kindergarten) to Level Z (8th grade). Through this experience, we learned that some of the X, Y, Z books might contain mature content. As a result, we will be looking through these levels and identifying which books may fall into this category. We will be explicit in communicating this with families and their students so that if they wish not to read these books, they will be able to make that decision.

Q: When will children be taught “how” to read? Will there be intentional work around vocabulary development?
A: Reader’s Workshop is just one structure that will be utilized to foster a love of reading. In grades K-3, Almond is implementing another tool to support the teaching of phonics instruction - PhonoGraphix. Our teachers just completed the training on this strategy. This will be taught during WINN time because we do not want to reteach the alphabet’s letters and sounds to those who already know them, and we want to ensure we teach critical spelling patterns to those still needing this instruction. In grades 4-6, students have different rates of fluency (how smoothly they read) and comprehension (what they understand from the text). This can at times be hindered through a struggle with vocabulary. While research has proven that traditional vocabulary tests do not actually grow vocabulary, our state standards still emphasize the need to learn about prefixes, suffixes, root words and more. This will take place during word study time and will likely take place outside of the Reader’s Workshop structure.

Q: My 6th grader says they’re not doing Reader’s Workshop.
A: That is correct. The 6th graders began this school year with a Writer’s Workshop unit. They have been using the mini-lesson structure, drafting, revising, publishing (and more) to develop personal narratives. They are completing this unit in the next few weeks and will then engage in a Reader’s Workshop unit next. They will alternate between reading and writing throughout the year.

Q: Is every teacher and grade level then doing both Reader’s and Writer’s Workshop?
A: No. District wide, we are all working together to implement the Reader’s Workshop structure into our instruction around literacy. All teachers will be teaching writing, because it is a Common Core State Standard (CCSS). Some teachers have elected to incorporate Writer’s Workshop as well. This is where the art vs. the science of teaching comes in. In order to meet the many varying needs of students, teachers utilize a variety of practices to ensure students get what they need.

Q: My child is assigned homework to respond to their reading that doesn’t get marked. Is this to be expected?
A: Homework is a topic that elicits a wide range of perspectives from families. Some parents would prefer that there not be any homework, while some believe their children do not receive enough. When we do assign homework, we do so with the following things in mind. It should be able to be accomplished independently and should be reinforcing already learned information. If a child cannot complete their homework accordingly, then that will inform the teacher that additional instruction is needed. Some homework may be graded, other homework might not. If a teacher were to give feedback on every single output a student produces, they would not have adequate time to spend designing the learning. Therefore teachers are often strategic in identifying work on which feedback will be provided. If an assignment is for practice, that might not get marked up by the teacher. However, if a teacher is working with students on finalizing a writing piece associated with their reading, they will then likely provide specific guidance or feedback.

If you have a questions or concerns about Reader’s Workshop or literacy instruction, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your teacher.

PTA & SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS - NEW

INTERNATIONAL WALK TO SCHOOL DAY

Save the date and go green!
The International Walk to School Day is next week: Wednesday 10/4 from 8-8:30am. Walk, roll, or bike to school along Almond Avenue and enjoy bagels and juice in the Rotunda when you arrive...if I get volunteers to help.* The Los Altos Police Department, the LAHS Marching Band, and the Almond Eagle will be joining us. The band will play a quick concert on the Blacktop at 8:15am. Wear your favorite Almond Shirt and show your school pride. Hope to see you on foot and on bike on the way to school!
*Please contact cheryl.branson@gmail.com if you can help volunteer anytime between 7 and 8:30 on 10/4.

PTA YEARBOOK COMMITTEE CHAIR NEEDED

We need a volunteer to take or secure photos of students in many activities throughout the year and official school photos; organize into yearbook using a software; add original artwork, messaging to pages to customize; organize delivery before the end of the school year.

If we don't find a Yearbook Chair we won't have a yearbook this year.
Please contact Rachel Harnish, rachelharnish@yahoo.com, Almond PTA President.

WALKATHON & SILENT AUCTION

The Walkathon (with Silent Auction and Book Fair) is Saturday, October 14 - be sure to register your child for a fun day of walking, eating, reading & bidding! Volunteer your time to help make the day a success - sign up here.
The Silent Auction is still collecting donations - please consider donating event tickets, vacation packages or hosting a party.
Read more about the walkathon and silent auction here.

LAEF: WE’VE RAISED $1 MILLION!

Thanks to the 555 amazing and generous LASD families who have contributed to LAEF this school year and helped us reach this important milestone. We’re off to a great start!
Our goal is to raise $3.7 Million to support STEM, arts, literacy, wellness and personalized learning now through June 2018.
Every TK-8^th grade student in LASD is benefitting from LAEF-funded programs, and that’s why we strive for 100% parent participation. The suggested donation per student is $1,200 (or $120 per month for 10 months). Every gift in any amount is appreciated. Learn more & make your tax-deductible donation today at www.laefonline.org.

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

Nirelle DeWitt, 9/26/17, Owning learning. Perseverance--works hard on assignments until they are complete.
Julia Fung, 9/25/17, Always making good choices, Respecting self and others. Went above and beyond cleaning the classroom during jobs time, making sure everything was clean and ready for the next day! <3 Miss Pasket
Everly Kraska, 9/26/17, Owning learning. Rereading to smooth out your voice.
Tommy Lee, 9/26/17, Owning learning. Creative, and focuses on assignments.
Madison Louie, 9/15/17, Always making good choices. Madison always sets a good example for others.
Sonya Novikova, 9/25/17, Always making good choices, Respecting self and others. Went above and beyond cleaning the classroom during jobs time, making sure everything was clean and ready for the next day! <3 Miss Pasket
Leonardo Romero Fernandez, 9/26/17, Owning learning, Always making good choices. Raised his hand patiently.
Fisher Sirey, 9/21/17, Respecting self and others. Being a good friend and a helpful classmate. <3 Mrs. Better

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

Why Parents Matter More Than Peers: Restoring A Healthy Balance in Adult-Child Relationships

Dr. Gabor Maté, M.D., is highly sought after internationally for his expertise on a range of wellness topics including ADHD, stress, childhood development, and addiction. Rather than offering quick-fix solutions to these complex issues, Dr. Maté weaves together scientific research, case histories, and his own insights as an experienced physician to present a broad perspective that enlightens and empowers parents seeking stronger, more meaningful connection with their children.
Thursday, October 12, 2017, 7:00 pm at Mountain View High School Spartan Theatre.
Registration and information link : https://mvla2017-gabormate.eventbrite.com
Due to the generosity of our sponsors, admission is free.

SELPA 1 CAC Parent Education Panel with Special Education Administrators!

Wed. October 18, 2017, 7–9 PM, Santa Rita Elementary
- Special Education Director/Administration Panel Staff from the Special Education Departments from Los Altos SD (Jennifer Keicher, Director), Mountain View Whisman SD (Gary Johnson, Director), Mountain View Los Altos High SD (Kara Oettinger, Program Specialist) and Palo Alto Unified SD (Jennifer Baker, School Psychologist) will participate in a moderated panel discussion about issues in special education and respond to questions. A great way for new families to learn more! If you have questions now to start the evening, please submit them toselpa1cacinfo@gmail.com
Mon. October 9, 2017, 7 PM-9PM, 190 Arbuelo Way, Los Altos 94022
- 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.
Tue. October 10, 2017, 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.

WANT TO SUBMIT SOMETHING TO THE THURSDAY WORD?

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

ALMOND THURSDAY WORD
September 28, 2017

UPCOMING DATES TO REMEMBER

Friday, 10/13 - Thursday, 10/19 - Scholastic Book Fair
Wednesday, 10/4 - International Walk to School Day
Wednesday, 10/18 - School Site Council (Library @ 3:10pm)
Saturday, 10/14 - Walkathon (Blacktop, 9am - 1:30pm)
Monday, 10/23 - TENTATIVE Solar Panel Construction Begins

SCHOOL MESSAGE

At this morning’s School Coffee, Jill Croft (Almond’s Literacy IST - Instructional Support Teacher) and six students from Mrs. Better’s class, shared information about Reader’s Workshop.

A balanced literacy program contains the following components:

Interactive read alouds and discussions
Guided and independent reading
Shared reading
Writing about reading
Oral and visual communication
Technological communication
Writing
Phonics / spelling patterns / word study (i.e. vocabulary)

We very much appreciated the thoughtful questions that arose from our parent community this morning. Some have been paraphrased below.

If you have a questions or concerns about Reader’s Workshop or literacy instruction, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your teacher.

PTA & SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS - NEW

INTERNATIONAL WALK TO SCHOOL DAY

Save the date and go green!
The International Walk to School Day is next week: Wednesday 10/4 from 8-8:30am. Walk, roll, or bike to school along Almond Avenue and enjoy bagels and juice in the Rotunda when you arrive...if I get volunteers to help.* The Los Altos Police Department, the LAHS Marching Band, and the Almond Eagle will be joining us. The band will play a quick concert on the Blacktop at 8:15am. Wear your favorite Almond Shirt and show your school pride. Hope to see you on foot and on bike on the way to school!
*Please contact cheryl.branson@gmail.com if you can help volunteer anytime between 7 and 8:30 on 10/4.

PTA YEARBOOK COMMITTEE CHAIR NEEDED

We need a volunteer to take or secure photos of students in many activities throughout the year and official school photos; organize into yearbook using a software; add original artwork, messaging to pages to customize; organize delivery before the end of the school year.

If we don't find a Yearbook Chair we won't have a yearbook this year.
Please contact Rachel Harnish, rachelharnish@yahoo.com, Almond PTA President.

WALKATHON & SILENT AUCTION

The Walkathon (with Silent Auction and Book Fair) is Saturday, October 14 - be sure to register your child for a fun day of walking, eating, reading & bidding! Volunteer your time to help make the day a success - sign up here.
The Silent Auction is still collecting donations - please consider donating event tickets, vacation packages or hosting a party.
Read more about the walkathon and silent auction here.

LAEF: WE’VE RAISED $1 MILLION!

Thanks to the 555 amazing and generous LASD families who have contributed to LAEF this school year and helped us reach this important milestone. We’re off to a great start!
Our goal is to raise $3.7 Million to support STEM, arts, literacy, wellness and personalized learning now through June 2018.
Every TK-8^th grade student in LASD is benefitting from LAEF-funded programs, and that’s why we strive for 100% parent participation. The suggested donation per student is $1,200 (or $120 per month for 10 months). Every gift in any amount is appreciated. Learn more & make your tax-deductible donation today at www.laefonline.org.

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

Nirelle DeWitt, 9/26/17, Owning learning. Perseverance--works hard on assignments until they are complete.
Julia Fung, 9/25/17, Always making good choices, Respecting self and others. Went above and beyond cleaning the classroom during jobs time, making sure everything was clean and ready for the next day! <3 Miss Pasket
Everly Kraska, 9/26/17, Owning learning. Rereading to smooth out your voice.
Tommy Lee, 9/26/17, Owning learning. Creative, and focuses on assignments.
Madison Louie, 9/15/17, Always making good choices. Madison always sets a good example for others.
Sonya Novikova, 9/25/17, Always making good choices, Respecting self and others. Went above and beyond cleaning the classroom during jobs time, making sure everything was clean and ready for the next day! <3 Miss Pasket
Leonardo Romero Fernandez, 9/26/17, Owning learning, Always making good choices. Raised his hand patiently.
Fisher Sirey, 9/21/17, Respecting self and others. Being a good friend and a helpful classmate. <3 Mrs. Better

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

Why Parents Matter More Than Peers: Restoring A Healthy Balance in Adult-Child Relationships

Dr. Gabor Maté, M.D., is highly sought after internationally for his expertise on a range of wellness topics including ADHD, stress, childhood development, and addiction. Rather than offering quick-fix solutions to these complex issues, Dr. Maté weaves together scientific research, case histories, and his own insights as an experienced physician to present a broad perspective that enlightens and empowers parents seeking stronger, more meaningful connection with their children.
Thursday, October 12, 2017, 7:00 pm at Mountain View High School Spartan Theatre.
Registration and information link : https://mvla2017-gabormate.eventbrite.com
Due to the generosity of our sponsors, admission is free.

SELPA 1 CAC Parent Education Panel with Special Education Administrators!

Wed. October 18, 2017, 7–9 PM, Santa Rita Elementary
- Special Education Director/Administration Panel Staff from the Special Education Departments from Los Altos SD (Jennifer Keicher, Director), Mountain View Whisman SD (Gary Johnson, Director), Mountain View Los Altos High SD (Kara Oettinger, Program Specialist) and Palo Alto Unified SD (Jennifer Baker, School Psychologist) will participate in a moderated panel discussion about issues in special education and respond to questions. A great way for new families to learn more! If you have questions now to start the evening, please submit them toselpa1cacinfo@gmail.com
Mon. October 9, 2017, 7 PM-9PM, 190 Arbuelo Way, Los Altos 94022
- 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.
Tue. October 10, 2017, 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.

WANT TO SUBMIT SOMETHING TO THE THURSDAY WORD?

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

Thursday Word September 21st

ALMOND THURSDAY WORD
September 21, 2017

UPCOMING DATES TO REMEMBER

Wednesday, 9/20 - PTA General Meeting (Multi @ 8:30am)
Thursday, 9/28 - School Coffee re: Literacy (Multi @ 8:45am)
Friday, 9/22 - LASD Staff Development Day, No School
October - Solar Panels in Parking Lot Project Begins
Friday, 10/13 - Friday, 10/20 - Scholastic Book Fair
Wednesday, 10/4 - International Walk to School Day
Wednesday, 10/18 - School Site Council (Library @ 3:10pm)
Saturday, 10/14 - Walkathon (Blacktop, 9am - 1:30pm)

SCHOOL MESSAGE

In order to bring our Almond mission and vision to life, the Almond staff has renewed its pledge to honor the following Collective Commitments.

Put the needs of students first.
Cultivate a culture of inclusive acceptance where students feel safe and welcome so they may thrive.
Think school-wide. We are Almond teachers, not teachers of certain grades or classes.
Collaborate by sharing ideas and resources to best support each other.
Use instructional strategies to work towards personalized learning goals.
Assess regularly with common assessments and use the data to help drive student learning.
Stay positive, professional, and respectful.
Have a growth mindset by being flexible and learning together.
Embed SEL (Social Emotional Learning).
Challenge ALL students.

These promises manifest throughout each day as teachers work together as a team. While students are placed in homerooms, through our Thursday Early Release Collaboration days, we work intentionally to create a grade level team and school wide team mentality. The progress of a learner does not simply belong to the homeroom teacher, it is the collective responsibility of our entire staff.

At times homerooms may work together where teachers co-teach. Through WIIN & TIG, students may spend time in other classrooms to further certain skills, understandings, and content.

We are eager to partner with our parent community in this effort to foster a WE mentality. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s homeroom teacher, or Erika Benadom (Almond Principal), with your reflections and thoughts.

PTA & SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS - NEW

INTERNATIONAL WALK TO SCHOOL DAY

The International Walk to School Day is coming up in a few weeks: Wednesday 10/4 from 8-8:30am. Walk, roll, or bike to school along Almond Avenue and enjoy bagels and juice in the Rotunda when you arrive. The Los Altos Police Department, the LAHS Marching Band, and the Almond Eagle will be joining us. The band will play a quick concert on the Blacktop at 8:15am. Wear your favorite Almond Shirt and show your school pride. Hope to see you on foot and on bike on the way to school!
**Please contact Cheryl Branson at cheryl.branson@gmail.com if you can help volunteer anywhere between 7 and 8:30 on 10/4, the day of the event.**

WALKATHON & SILENT AUCTION

The Walkathon is Saturday, October 14 - with walking, food, silent auction & book fair.
Donate to the Walkathon Silent Auction by hosting a party (adult parties or child parties), donating event tickets or your vacation home. Read more about the walkathon and silent auction here.

LAEF: FOR EVERY CHILD IN EVERY GRADE IN ALL LASD SCHOOLS!
Did you know that your donation to LAEF supports STEM, arts, literacy, wellness and personalized learning NOW through June 2018? Here are some ways elementary students benefit from LAEF this school year.

Literacy aides in 1st and 2nd grade
STEM and computer science teachers
Librarians and certified PE instructors
Plus music and art!

Every TK-8^th grade student in LASD will benefit from LAEF-funded programs, and that’s why our goal is 100% parent participation. The suggested donation per student is $1,200 (or $120 per month for 10 months). Every gift in any amount is appreciated.
Learn more & make a donation today at www.laefonline.org.

ABC (Asset Building Champion) Reading/ Project Cornerstone

The ABC program, which is part of a county wide initiative called Project Cornerstone, is off to its 9th year at Almond. This social emotional curriculum brings parent volunteers into every classroom each month to read a book, have a discussion about the main themes, and lead an activity to reinforce certain developmental assets, which are the skills children need to be successful. These books are used to share concepts of caring, interpersonal competence, personal power, empathy, and integrity just to name a few. Check out our page on the school’s website for more information: (http://losaltos.cyberschool.com/Almondes/5731-ABC-Program.html)
This month, 1^st - 5^th graders are reading Friends to the End for Kids by Bradley Trevor Grieve. The goal of this lesson is to help all students learn how to respect each other and develop interpersonal skills for getting along with classmates and friends. Ask your child to define for you what an UPstander is and what characteristics they look for in a friend.
The Kindergarteners are starting the year with Have You Filled A Bucket Today? A Guide to Daily Happiness for Kids by Carol McCloud. This book uses the image of a bucket to represent our need to be filled with positive, caring words every day. When we are kind to each other, we create warm fuzzies that fill our friends’ and classmates’ buckets (ie their internal well of positive/happy feelings), as well as our own! The book also discusses bucket dippers, whose negative behavior removes warm fuzzies from other people’s buckets and makes them feel sad. The lesson’s goal is to help students intentionally choose to fill their classmates’ buckets with kindness in order to treat each other with respect. Ask your child how they chose to fill buckets at school.
For more information about the ABC program, please contact Jen Walker (jenswalker5@gmail.com) or Mona ElNaggar at (monayousuf05@gmail.com)

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

Alison Bolanos-Diaz, 9/20/17, Always making good choices. Excellent class participation and respectful listening. :-)
Sophie Brauer, 9/19/17, Solving problems, Owning learning, Always making good choices. Sophie is a role model for her peers. <3 Mrs. Better
Samantha Cermeno Garcia, 9/19/17, 9/19/17, Solving problems, Always making good choices. Samantha helped to clean up her learning space after peers left it a mess.
Chloe Chan, 9/20,17, Solving problems, Always making good choices. Adapts well to change. Thanks for your flexibility!
Kayla Chin, 9/19/17, Owning learning. Kayla is a Khan Academy rock star! She has already completed the 5th Grade Math Mission. <3 Mrs. Better
Jacqueline Cordero, 9/19/17, Owning learning, Always making good choices. Jacqueline comes prepared to class and always puts forth her best effort. Mr. Stuart & Ms. Aubrey
Connor Daniel, 9/20/17, Always making good choices, Respecting self and others. Connnor is respectful of school and classroom rules. He makes great choices!
Ava DePristo, 9/19/17, Always making good choices. She cleaned up trash without her teacher asking.
Buzz Hidalgo, 9/19/17, Always making good choices. Buzz helped to clean up her learning space after peers left it a mess. Mr. Stuart & Ms. Aubrey
Kavi Jain, 9/18/17, Solving problems, Kavi picked up trash from the classroom floor.
Mark Molchanov, 9/20/17, Always making good choices. Excellent at following directions at the rug.
Sophia May, 9/20/17, Always making good choices. She is a respectful listener! :-)
Carson Middleton, 9/14/17, Always making good choices. Knowing expectations and taking initiative to move on to next activities based on expectations.
Rachael Minshull, 9/19/17, Owning learning, Always making good choices. Rachael comes to class prepared to learn, puts forth her best effort, and contributes to the learning of others. Mr. Stuart & Ms. Aubrey
Caitlin Phillips, 9/19/17, Owning learning, Always making good choices. Caitlin comes ready to learn every day and makes good choices by participating in group conversations and helping others learn. Mr. Stuart & Ms. Aubrey
Yvonne Tung, 9/20/17, Always making good choices. Respectfully listens at the rug and walks quietly in line.

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

Please join us for our September SELPA 1 CAC Parent Education event.
Challenges of Dyslexia, Wed Sep 20, 7-9 PM, Santa Rita Elementary, Los Altos
Join Lindamood-Bell Center Director, Leila MacCurrach, for a conversation about how intensive instruction that builds the imagery-language foundation can enable students of all backgrounds and prior diagnoses to learn to read and comprehend to their potential. Lindamood-Bell's intensive, one-to- one, process-based instruction has been used to strengthen the sensory-cognitive functions needed for reading and comprehension. The method has been proven successful for individuals with learning challenges, including dyslexia, hyperlexia, ADHD, and ASD.

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

Thursday Word September 14th

ALMOND THURSDAY WORD
September 14, 2017

UPCOMING DATES TO REMEMBER

Wednesday, 9/20 - PTA General Meeting (Multi @ 8:30am)
Thursday, 9/28 - School Coffee re: Literacy (Multi @ 8:45am)
Friday, 9/22 - LASD Staff Development Day, No School
October - Solar Panels in Parking Lot Project Begins
Friday, 10/13 - Friday, 10/20 - Scholastic Book Fair
Wednesday, 10/14 - International Walk to School Day
Wednesday, 10/18 - School Site Council (Library @ 3:10pm)
Saturday, 10/14 - Walkathon (Blacktop, 9am - 1:30pm)

SCHOOL MESSAGE

In a few communications this year, we have shared a version of THIS document with you. It’s termed “Almond’s Golden Circle,” adopted from Simon Sinek’s work that emphasizes WHAT, HOW, WHY. It synthesizes what we believe are effective, proven practices to optimize learning. Through experience, we know that when students participate in instruction that balances exposure to diverse ability levels, while also carving out time to focus on specific needs, ALL children thrive.

Each student is part of a grade level homeroom. These homerooms were designed to create a classroom environment rich in diversity. For the last five weeks we have been focusing on establishing a strong sense of community in these base camps. Teachers and students have been developing strong relationships that will carry them through a year full of adventure.

In the next few weeks, each grade level will begin concentrated (or targeted) instruction during which students will receive support or extension on a specific area of need/mastery in language arts and/or mathematics. For the past two years we have called this “regrouping.”

Why not call it the same thing this year?

When using the term “regroup,” the focus is on rearranging students. When referring to this practice as concentrated (or targeted) instruction, the focus rightfully remains on the learning that will be achieved. The words that grown ups use in naming, often has little worth to children. Therefore we are going to use terms that support those we serve, our students.

Grades K thru 3:
W.I.N.N. - (pronounced “win”) - What I Need Now - Meeting the specific needs that a particular group of student share at a particular time around literacy and/or math.

Grades 4 thru 6:
T.I.G - (pronounced “tig”) - Targeted Instruction Groups - Meeting the specific needs that a particular group of students share at a particular time around literacy and/or math.

Why has it taken Almond over a month to get this going this year?

We learned last year that we need three things to be in place before supporting learners with WINN / TIG. 1) Strong homeroom foundations must be secured. 2) Effective communication to students and families must be in place about how we will be working together as a school staff. 3) Crystal clear clarity must exist in the needs and strengths of each student to effective determine how to target this focused instruction.

All of these groups will be fluid. This means that the support or extension that a child might need around one unit or topic of learning, might be different than the next. Each grade level will also have a slightly different approach or configuration to their WINN / TIG time. We will be closely monitoring the growth of all students through classroom assessments.

The Almond staff is committed to excellence. Your children’s success in learning is our primary concern. Not only do we want them to succeed in mastering the fundamentals around literacy and mathematics, we also want them to become deep thinkers who are able to articulate their ideas. Above all else, we want students to develop into remarkable human beings who are full of joy and able to contribute positively to the world.

Please look for a message in your homeroom/grade level teacher’s Friday email blast around specific start dates for WINN / TIG and for additional details.

PTA & SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS - NEW

PTA BACK TO SCHOOL REGISTRATION REMINDER
Of 396 families, 263 have completed this process - that’s a 66% completion rate. This is better than last week, but I still believe we can do way better than this. Please remember to do your Almond PTA Back to School registration available at this link Back To School • Page - Almond Elementary School. It is the best way to sign-up for the PTA, which is only $15. It is also the easiest way to sign-up for Bookwave, Birthday Book Club and buy discounted Spring Gala tickets. This is different than the Los Altos School District's InfoSnap registration that you completed.

ALMOND WALKATHON & SILENT AUCTION - OCTOBER 14
The Walkathon site is now live. Use this site to order t-shirts, register your child and sponsor your child. The site can also be shared to have friends and family sponsor your child in the walkathon. T-shirt orders are due by Sunday, September 17. Volunteers are an important part of making the walkathon a success. Please sign up here to volunteer. Also, please consider donating to the silent auction. Read more about the walkathon here.

SCHOOL SITE COUNCIL (SSC)
We had our first meeting yesterday, in the library, at 3:10pm. Here is the agenda that include the topics that were covered. Our next meeting is Wednesday, October 18th, at 3:10pm, in the library.

FROM MRS. SCHUBERT
Do you have any pony beads that your children have outgrown? TKers loves using these beads to strengthen their fine motor skills. If you have any extra beads taking up space in your house please bring them to room 2 or to the Almond Office. Thank you so much!

Literacy aides in 1st and 2nd grade
STEM and computer science teachers
Librarians and certified PE instructors
Plus music and art!

Every TK-8^th grade student in LASD will benefit from LAEF-funded programs, and that’s why our goal is 100% parent participation. The suggested donation per student is $1,200 (or $120 per month for 10 months). Every gift in any amount is appreciated. Learn more & make a donation today atwww.laefonline.org.

PTA & SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS - REPEATED

[None at this time.]

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

Natalie De La Cruz, 9/13/17, Solving problems. For finding an innovative solution to a classroom job crisis.
Kavi Jain, 9/13/17, Always making good choices, Respecting self and others. Kavi is respectful on the carpet and in line. He makes great choices!
Dylan Kim, 9/7/17, Always making good choices.
Sarah Larson, 9/7/17, Always making good choices.
David Morales, 9/13/17, Respecting self and others. For sharing his privilege with another student.
Tanya Robles, 9/12/17, Owning learning. Asked for post-its to keep track of her thinking during reading and made tabs in her notebook to help her stay organized.
Elliott Song, 9/11/17, Owning learning. Elliott is demonstrating perseverance and determination this year! He is also becoming more flexible and handling transitions with ease.
Dmitrii Titov, 9/11/17, Solving problems, Owning learning. Dmitrii designed an excellent PE game, presented it to the class, and participated in an exemplary way!

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

CAMP OPPORTUNITY

Looking for a great day camp when school is closed on Friday, 9/22? Check out Cool Coyote Kids Camp (for ages 5-11) for a fun outdoor adventure camp.

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
Copyright © 2003-2016 Los Altos School District. All rights reserved.

Thursday Word September 7th

ALMOND THURSDAY WORD
September 7, 2017

UPCOMING DATES TO REMEMBER

Monday, 9/11 - Extended Day begins for TK/K
- Transitional Kinder, M/T/W/F = 8:45am – 2:45pm, Th = 8:45am - 1:30pm
- Kindergarten, M/T/W/F = 8:30am – 2:30pm, Th = 8:30am - 1:15pm
Wednesday, 9/13 - School Site Council (Library @ 3:10pm)
Monday, 9/18 - Solar Panels in Parking Lot Project Begins
Wednesday, 9/20 - PTA General Meeting (Multi @ 8:30am)
Thursday, 9/28 - School Coffee (Multi @ 8:45am)
Friday, 9/22 - LASD Staff Development Day, No School
Saturday, 10/14 - Walkathon

SCHOOL MESSAGE

In “Our How’s and Why’s” document shared with you earlier this school year, the following was detailed in one particular section.

Student Feedback
Learners who receive clear guidance regarding their progress know how to focus their efforts going forward.
…
•Multiple Measures - no one assessment will ever tell us everything we need to know about a child, thus we incorporate several to provide a comprehensive picture [of mastery and learning needs].

We will be using the data results from various assessments to inform our design of learning for all children.

Grades K - 1: ESGI (Educational Software for Guiding Instruction), An early literacy and math assessment that is administered one to one and recorded digitally.
Grades K - 6: F&P (Fountas & PInnell), A one to one reading assessment during which students read a passage to determine fluency and answer questions to gauge comprehension. The levels range from A - Z.
Grades 2 - 6: iReady ELA / Math, A diagnostic computer adaptive assessment to monitor progress throughout the year.

ESGI and F&P results will be shared at parent conferences in November.

iReady printouts will be sent home with students on Friday, 9/15. Please note that this first administration of iReady is intended to set a baseline. It cannot be compared to the end of last year’s results. In the prior year, your child was at a different grade level and measured on different grade level standards. Comparing last year to this year is comparing apples to oranges. The next administration of iReady will be during January.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s teacher, or Mrs. Benadom, regarding any questions about how we utilize data to support the design of instruction.

PTA & SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS - NEW

ONLY 60% COMPLETE - PTA BACK TO SCHOOL REGISTRATION
Of 396 families, 238 have completed this process - that’s a 60% completion rate. This is better than last week, but I still believe we can do way better than this. Please remember to do your Almond PTA Back to School registration available at THIS link before end of day on 9/20. This is different than the Los Altos School District's InfoSnap registration that you completed.

BIRTHDAY BOOK CLUB PTA CHAIR STILL NEEDED
This person works with the school librarian to coordinate the purchase and delivery of grade appropriate books to the students whose parents have opted to participate. The books are donated to the Almond library on behalf of the child's parents. Book selection is made by the school librarian.

READER’S WORKSHOP NEEDS YOU!!!
Across LASD our teachers are engaging students in Reader’s Workshop to create an enriching learning experience for children around literacy. As part of this initiative, LASD purchased books for our classrooms and our library. Jill Croft, Almond’s Literacy IST, needs some help to get these resources into the hands of kids and teachers. This is the help needed:

Level and label books that are on the stage for grades K-3 (any day will work)- requires a quick 10 minute training
Label books in the library (Friday mornings are best but can arrange for another day if necessary)

If you can lend a hand, please contact Jill directly at jcroft@lasdschools.org.

LAEF: For EVERY child in EVERY grade in ALL LASD Schools!
Did you know that your donation to LAEF supports STEM, arts, literacy, wellness and personalized learning NOW through June 2018? Here are some ways elementary students benefit from LAEF this school year: Literacy aides in 1st and 2nd grade, STEM and computer science teachers, Librarians and certified PE instructors, Plus music and art! Every TK-8^th grade student in LASD will benefit from LAEF-funded programs, and that’s why our goal is 100% parent participation. The suggested donation per student is $1,200 (or $120 per month for 10 months). Every gift in any amount is appreciated. Learn more & make your tax-deductible donation today at www.laefonline.org.

PTA & SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS - REPEATED

NOON DUTY @ ALMOND!
We’re currently leveraging the support of our kinder aides on the grade 1 - 6 blacktop at lunch until extended day starts on 9/11. This has afforded us added grown ups to support the safety of students. We will be operating on bare bones if we don’t find some able bodies to support supervision at lunch. I’ve tapped the high school - no luck. If any of you are able to lend an hour, even once a week, we’d love to have your assistance in supervising lunch activities from 11:55pm to 12:55pm. Please contact Mrs. Benadom if you’re interested.

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

Bradley Bocking, 9/1, Owning learning, Doing an excellent job working with his partner during Reader's Workshop.
Grace Chang, 9/6, Owning learning, Grace tries to solve problems for herself, and when she needs support she seeks help from the teacher and makes sure she has what she needs in order to learn.
Zoey Chong, 9/6, Solving problems, Picking up classmates' trash.
Aidan Cuppett, 9/6, Always making good choices, Aidan transitions quietly between classes and works hard, making the most of class time.
Paul Gao, 8/24, Always making good choices, Respectful learning at the rug.
Henry Heit, 8/28, Always making good choices, Helping a new student get adjusted to Almond. :)
Kyle Hiltgen, 8/28, Always making good choices, Respectful learning at the rug.
Shiori Komatsubara, 8/24, Solving problems, Helping a student who was feeling sad.
Angel Oregon, 8/23, Respecting self and others, This student shared his preferred reading spot and chair with other students, so that everyone could experience the different learning environment options in class.
Daisy Sanders, 9/6, Respecting self and others, Always being polite and kind to peers.
Daniel Sopapunta, 9/1, Owning learning, Focus on rereading to make his voice smoother.
Hayden Tang, 9/7, Solving problems, Owning learning, Going above and beyond with her classroom job. Hayden is setting the bar high for all "Absent Advocates" in Room 23. <3 Mrs. Better
Yvonne Tung, 9/1, Owning learning, Always remembers to use good reading habits in Reader's Workshop.
Zachary Wang, 9/5, Owning learning, Always making good choices, Respecting self and others, Zachary is always ready to learn and listen. He helps others in the class and is respectful!

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

PARENT EDUCATION RE: SPECIAL EDUCATION
The Community Advisory Committee for SELPA 1 (Special Education Local Plan Area) is offering a variety of parent education and support for all learners. For more information, please visit their website at : http://www.selpa1cac.org/

**Almond Kindergarten Daisy Girl Scout Troop**

If you daughter in interested in making new friends, exploring the natural world, and having fun, we'd love to have her join our new troop!
Parent Information Night: Thursday Sept 7th 7-8pm Almond Multi-Purpose Room
Come learn what scouting is all about! This is an adult-only meeting.
RSVP: Meredith Hiltgen, Almond Girl Scout School Manager, meredith@hiltgen.com; 408.887.3242, Service Unit 608 / Girl Scouts of Northern CA

AN OPPORTUNITY TO LEND A HAND - Disaster and First Responder Awareness

When: Sunday, 9/10/2017 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Where: Schultz Cultural Arts Hall
Bring your family to this special and unique day as we remember 9/11. We will work together on hands-on projects that will be donated to people living in emergency shelters, such as those hit by Hurricane Harvey, and prepare thank you packs for First Responders in our area to show our appreciation for all that they do.
https://paloaltojcc.org/Events/day-of-remembrance

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

Thursday Word August 31st

ALMOND THURSDAY WORD
August 31, 2017

UPCOMING DATES TO REMEMBER

Thursday, 8/31
- Back to School Night
  - 6:00pm - 6:40pm Classroom Visits (4-6)
    6:45pm - 7:00pm School Message in Multi (standing, no seats)
    7:05pm - 7:45pm Classroom Visits (TK-3)
Friday, 9/1
- Minimum Day
  - TK & Gr. 1-6 Dismissal @ 12:15pm
  - Kinder @ 12pm
Monday, 9/4 - Holiday, No School
Monday, 9/11 - Extended Day begins for TK/K
- Transitional Kinder, M/T/W/F = 8:45am – 2:45pm, Th = 8:45am - 1:30pm
- Kindergarten, M/T/W/F = 8:30am – 2:30pm, Th = 8:30am - 1:15pm
Wednesday, 9/13 - School Site Council (Library @ 3:10pm)
Wednesday, 9/20 - PTA General Meeting (Multi @ 8:30am)
Thursday, 9/28 - School Coffee (Multi @ 8:45am)
Friday, 9/22 - LASD Staff Development Day, No School
Saturday, 10/14 - Walkathon

SCHOOL MESSAGE

On September 18th, a very large portion of our parking lot will be inaccessible to make way for the solar panel project. There will be one row of parking that remains. Each spot in that row will be reserved for the following: nurse, handicap, auction winners, Art Docents, Living Classroom, Hot Lunch, traveling math & music teacher, and very few open staff spaces. There will be no parent parking.

We appreciate how inconvenient this is. We appreciate that this will add a bit of travel time to everyone’s morning routine. We appreciate that this is not ideal.

Our Almond staff has been preparing its own game plan for parking because none of us will have reserved spots and there will likely only be 3-5 spaces available for the ~50 of us to share. We’re scoping our neighborhood parking. We’ve reached out to families who live nearby to ask if we can borrow driveway parking for the 8 weeks of construction. And, we’re exploring carpool options.

It’s important that you begin thinking through your plan as well. If you live within walking distance, please consider walking during this project. If you live within biking distance, please consider biking. If you have friends that live near school, please inquire if they have driveway parking available for drop off and pick up.

Starting on Tuesday, 9/5, we will be gathering information in our homerooms regarding how each student got to school. We will be offering incentives each week for the top three classes with the highest "Walk or Wheel" percentages.

We recognize the challenge this inconvenience presents to all. We hope it also affords an opportunity to build some new relationships, practice our abilities to be flexible and patient...all for the ultimate purpose making this a greener world through Solar Energy.

PTA & SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS - NEW

DESPERATELY SEEKING HOT LUNCH VENDOR LIAISON - So that our hot lunch program can continue...

We are still in need of a Hot Lunch Vendor Liaison to stock lunchroom supplies, hang weekly menu signs, and to communicate with Pasta Market on the menu and any issues that arise. If we do not have a volunteer by 9/7, we will discontinue offering hot lunch for the next ordering session.
Please contact Rachel Harnish to serve in this capacity and keep Hot Lunch available to students.

ALMOND SINGERS STARTS SOON
Almond Singers, under the direction of Mrs. Margaret Barnett, will have their first rehearsal Tuesday September 5th from 7:30am to 8:15am, in the Multi. If you'd like your student to become an Almond Singer, please sign-up through Back to School registration (BTS) or contact Sandrine Steciw atsandy94025@yahoo.com.

STILL REQUIRED - PTA BACK TO SCHOOL REGISTRATION - DEADLINE EXTENDED TO 9/20
Of 395 families, only 190 have completed this process, that’s a 48% completion rate. We can do better than that! Please remember to do your Almond PTA Back to School registration available at THIS link. This is different than the Los Altos School District's InfoSnap registration that you completed.

PTA WALKATHON SILENT AUCTION CHAIR STILL NEEDED
Support needed to secure donations of items and parties for auction; set-up and run silent auction during the Walkathon event on 10/14/17 on the blacktop at Almond school. Please contact Rachel Harnish if interested.

THE ALMOND PTA NEEDS YOU - 165 members so far this year of 395 families, 41%. Let’s increase our participation!
The Almond Parent Teacher Association (PTA) welcomes you to the 2017-2018 school year and invites you to join our PTA. You can join via the online back to school process (click here) or pick up a PTA membership form in the Almond School Office. Your PTA membership includes discounts at Legoland, Aquarium of the Pacific, California Academy of Sciences, Google Express and more. By joining you will:

Support your child by bringing parents and teachers together to promote the education, health, safety and well-being of Almond students.
Support our teachers. The PTA coordinates room parents and classroom volunteers, and it pays for classroom supplies and instructional materials.
Support Almond families. The PTA publishes the Almond School Directory and organizes fun family events such as the Ice Cream Social, Walkabout, Science Fair, STEM Expo, International Feast, and the Halloween Carnival.
Support enrichment opportunities at Almond School. The PTA contributes to the Living Classroom Program, the Art Docent Program, and funds the Primary Grade Music Program.

For more information about joining the Almond PTA, please contact Alix Apfelberg, PTA Membership Chair (alix_apfelberg@yhahoo.com, 650-245-6445)

Almond Walkathon - Save the Date
This year's walkathon is Saturday, October 14, 2017. It will be a fun day with music, silent auction, food, and, of course, walking. Please watch this space for a link to register, order t-shirts, pledge donations and volunteer. Please consider donating something for the silent auction (contact Stefanie Seinfeld). For all other walkathon questions, please contact Barbara or Suzanne.

PTA & SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS - REPEATED

AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS

Are you looking for interesting programs after school right here at Almond?
Take a look at the options we offer including Sports, Technology, Design, Art and Music
*NEW* offerings this Fall –Interior Design, Martial Arts, Jr Chefs Cooking, Lacrosse and Gymnastics. We also have a new Tennis offering.
It’s simple to sign up! Go to the After School Programs schedule on the Almond website.
Please contact Jennel Massey with any questions. Also if you missed the end of year Survey and have feedback on how we can continue to improve the after school offerings, please complete it HERE!

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

**Almond Kindergarten Daisy Girl Scout Troop**

If you daughter in interested in making new friends, exploring the natural world, and having fun, we'd love to have her join our new troop!
Parent Information Night: Thursday Sept 7th 7-8pm Almond Multi-Purpose Room
Come learn what scouting is all about! This is an adult-only meeting.
RSVP: Meredith Hiltgen, Almond Girl Scout School Manager, meredith@hiltgen.com; 408.887.3242, Service Unit 608 / Girl Scouts of Northern CA

AN OPPORTUNITY TO LEND A HAND - Disaster and First Responder Awareness

When: Sunday, 9/10/2017 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Where: Schultz Cultural Arts Hall
Bring your family to this special and unique day as we remember 9/11. We will work together on hands-on projects that will be donated to people living in emergency shelters, such as those hit by Hurricane Harvey, and prepare thank you packs for First Responders in our area to show our appreciation for all that they do.
https://paloaltojcc.org/Events/day-of-remembrance

WANT TO SUBMIT SOMETHING TO THE THURSDAY WORD?

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