Much more than a sign, more significant than an Early Release day, and more profound than a visiting celebrity...

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again.  There is something VERY special about this community.  Our children amaze me on a daily basis.  They are enthusiastic about their learning; inquisitive, complex thinkers, problem solvers, opinionated, leaders.  Our staff is passionate about student learning; inquisitive, complex thinkers, problem solvers, opinionated, leaders.  Our parents are committed to supporting their children’s learning; inquisitive, complex thinkers, problem solvers, opinionated, leaders.

A GINORMOUS thank you to our 6th Grade Class of 2015 and to Lee Tavrow for the beautiful sign at the back of our campus that has finally been installed.  You MUST walk, ride, or drive by it.  It’s a work of art.  A beautiful eagle, made out of mosaic tiles, has its talons clenched on the “o” in Almond and is soaring into the sky.  The eagle’s majestic glory can also be seen from the back of the sign.  We will be adding a bench in the coming weeks.  Thank you also to Blanche Media, Laura Teksler, and David Watson for your efforts in bringing this vision to fruition.  Each of you is what makes Almond an amazing community.

Last night, the following Almond/LASD staff attended the Early Release Information Meeting at 6pm:  Lisa Schubert, Sarah Hall, Beth Leach, Joann Martinez, Jenny Wishnack, Kelsey Greene, Allison Aubrey, Annie Daggett, Laura Ohlund, Jasen Stuart, Kristin Clouser, and Sandra McGonagle (Assistant Superintendent of Instruction).  Many other staff members had hoped to be there but couldn’t due to personal commitments with their families.  Our staff is UNITED, COHESIVE, and COLLECTIVELY COMMITTED to designing learning to the edges of each and every child’s abilities and interests.

Almond and Loyola Elementary will both be piloting early release days on Thursdays for the 2016-17 school year.  Both schools will have the same bell schedule.  Both schools will partner with their PTA and YMCA to coordinate child care opportunities to address the early release on Thursdays.  For families to whom this presents a “financial” hardship, we will have an option in place to ensure children have a safe and productive place to spend their time.

Here is the presentation from last night and the bell schedule for next year.

Finally, thank you to the Lahdesmaki Family for making it possible for Joshua Ledet to perform at our school tomorrow morning.  We are so excited to have a celebrity joining the Almond’s Got Talent segment.  You are ALL invited to attend.

I extent to all of you a heartfelt thank you again for your magnificence!  I feel truly blessed to be part of this community.