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Springer Star, 09/01/2011
| Springer Star Newsletter September 1, 2011 |
| In This Issue |
News and Announcements Time and Talent Student Activities |
News and Announcements |
Back to School Process—Are you REALLY done? There are three action items to complete for the Back to School process:
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| You are cordially invited to the first PTA Meeting (9/7, 7:00 pm): The first PTA meeting of the 2011–2012 school year is on Wednesday, September 7, at 7 pm in the Springer Staff room. This meeting is one of the most important of the year as we will vote to approve the PTA goals, programs, and budget for the 2011–2012 school year. Join us and let us know what you want for your school. |
| Khan Academy Information Meeting On Thursday, September 29 at 8:45am, Springer will host a Khan Academy Coffee. This meeting will provide information, and answer questions, about the Khan Academy math program that will be used to supplement instruction in all 5th and 6th grade classes this year. Khan Academy, together with Los Altos School District, has been receiving national attention because of its innovative approach to math instruction. Alyssa Gallagher, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, will be our guest speaker, informing us about this exciting new tool to further our students’ engagement and knowledge of mathematics. While this meeting is designed with 5th and 6th grade parents in mind, all parents are invited to attend. This event is in lieu of the September “Coffee with the Principal”. The meeting will be held in the multi. |
| What's a Laptop Cart? Our apologies! The printed PTA newsletter distributed two weeks ago mentioned the possible purchase of a new "laptop cart" for approximately $35,000, but gave no description of it. A laptop cart is a sturdy, secure, rolling, metal cabinet that stores and charges a set of 30 laptop computers. The cart under discussion includes the 30 Apple MacBook computers as well. |
| And lastly, Office Hours: we'll be there! Find co-presidents Kelly Toshach and Brooke Schiller, as well as other PTA board members, at Starbucks in the Safeway Shopping Center every Friday from 9:00–10:00 am. This is a great opportunity to get to know more about the PTA at Springer School, ask questions, express interests, voice concerns, and brainstorm new ideas and solutions. So head over after drop-off and let us know what's on your mind. If you can’t make it to Starbucks though, no worries! Catch us on campus or send an email to SpringerPTA@gmail.com. We look forward to chatting with you. |
| LASD Healthy Schools Act The Healthy Schools Act of 2002 was signed into law in September 2000 and requires that all schools provide parents or guardians of students with annual written notification of expected pesticide use on school sites. This notification will identify the active ingredient or ingredients in each pesticide product and will include the internet address (http://www.cdpr.ca.gov) for further information on pesticides and their alternatives. Parents or guardians will receive 24 hour prior notification from the school site by email of individual pesticide applications at the school site. If you have any questions, please direct them to Los Altos School District, Maintenance Department at 650/559.8855 or email maintenancedept@lasdschools.org |
| THE SPRINGER GARDEN: Nature Zone Spiced It Up! The tomatoes are growing nicely in the garden, so Nature Zone hosted a fresh salsa tasting last Wednesday. Close to 75 students took the poll, tasting fresh red salsa, fresh green tomato salsa, and store-bought fresh salsa on tortilla chips. They voted on the chalkboard tally and the green salsa won, followed by the red, and then the store-bought. We had a great time! Please remind your children not to pick items in the garden so that we can use them for our activities. If you'd like to join us for the fun, we're there on Wednesdays at lunchtime. Contact Kathy Stiles or Denise Massone if you have any questions. |
| Picture Day is coming! September 21st, 2011 – see the flyer for more details. |
Time and Talent |
| Ooops! Here's the correct link for the Volunteer Interests and Availability Form. Share your time and talents with Springer! Springer volunteers are key in supporting our children’s education and the school community. We are always looking for more people to help out, and we have fun and rewarding jobs for all interests and time constraints! This year we hope to have an entry for every Springer family. Tell us about your interests and availability, and help us to make the most of our collected talents! |
| Living Classroom Program Hosting Information Sessions The Living Classroom Program, LASD’s hands-on, garden-based science program is hosting a second informational meeting for anyone interested in learning more about this innovative program and how to get involved. Volunteers are needed to help provide engaging lessons to our kids. No experience necessary. Join us Wednesday, September 7, 9 – 10 a.m., Springer School multi purpose room. For more information, contact Mike Sanderson at 947-1103 or at msanderson@lasdschools.org. Also visit the Living Classroom website at: www.lasdk8.org/garden/living_classroom_website/index.html. |
| Student Activities |
| Springer Singers Springer Singers is a great way to get your kids singing and dancing with their Springer friends. The chorus is open to Springer kids in grades 1-6 and will practice on Tuesdays, after school until 3:30. The first practice will be in late September. Applications are available in the office. Completed applications and payment are due by September 20. |
| Mandarin Chinese Language After School Program for grades 1-4 This program has been developed specifically for children by Yan Shi, a Springer parent! The class is designed as an introduction to the Mandarin language and will be offered to students in grades 1 – 4. New registration deadline: we will accept registration until September 9th. Tuesdays and Thursdays, September 13 – November 8, in the Springer library. Grades 1-3: 2:30-3:30 pm Grade 4 : 2:45-3:30 pm Tuition costs: $320 ($20 per class: includes materials) See the Flyer for more details. |
| Calling all 5th grade Webelos Scouts and potential Boy Scouts! Interested in hanging out with with other boys, honing your skills in lots of different areas? Service projects? Overnight camping with activities like archery, hiking, swimming, games, crafts, treasure hunts? Campfires, and competitions? Den 1 Webelos is inviting new recruits to join them in their preparation to move up to the next level of Boy Scouts. There will be plenty of opportunities for exploration and fun! Starts in Sept. Date TBD. Contact Karen Arnett 650-892-7683; karengowest [at] aol.com |
| FIRST™ LEGO® League Do you want to build robots and have fun with your friends? To get involved, organize an FLL team with a group of friends, sign up to get your robot kit, and get ready for awesome fun. Los Altos Robotics hosts the Los Altos FLL Tournament, a popular qualifying event for the Northern California state tournament. Last year, 24 Los Altos area teams with over 120 local students participated. Team Registration is open now at www.FirstLegoLeague.org. For more information, visit www.FirstLegoLeague.org, www.LosAltosRobotics.org, or see the flyer. |
| Academic Chess at Springer When: Thursdays Time: 2:30pm to 3:30pm Dates: 9/15, 9/22, 9/29, 10/6, 10/13, 10/20, 10/27, 11/3, 11/10, 11/17 Curriculum is designed to fit the needs of all levels. Continuing and new students are welcome. See flyer for more details |
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4/28/25 8:14 PM