Two weeks from today we kick off the 2016-17 school year!

My summer has been one laden with significant reflection.  Some of the various topics included the notions of grit and perseverance.  I consider myself a pretty tough cookie.  I’ve run a marathon, experienced my own share of challenges...and when push comes to shove, I don’t back down from adversity.

One of our very own wonderful Almond parents shared this article with me.  It reminded me that a necessary component of resilience is the ability to rest and refuel.  So, for the very first time in my entire professional career, I honored my vacation and told folks that I would not be checking my email and to only contact me via text if it were urgent.  

I slept a ton, read several books that took me to faraway lands, traveled internationally with my family and some dear friends, and reveled in the mundane.  Seemingly tedious tasks became opportunities for quiet and meditation.  I carefully made certain every strand of silk was removed from the corn I shucked for dinner.  While folding laundry, I appreciated the fact that I didn’t have to wash my clothes in a stream with rocks or dry them on a line.  While sitting in stillness, I sent the love in my heart to those in our country and abroad who were facing sadness through loss as a result of tragedies that took place in the past months.  

This recovery period provided me with a notable sense of peace and readiness to rededicate myself to serving our students, our parents, and the Almond staff.  I look forward to seeing each of you on Wednesday, August 17th.

DETAILS REGARDING THE 2014-15 SCHOOL YEAR

STAFFING UPDATES

• Raquel Matteroli, a 2nd grade teacher last year, has taken on a new LASD position as Coordinator of Education 3.0.  She will be heading up district wide work in regards to personalizing learning through the PLC framework.  We are very excited for her and will miss her daily presence and contributions to Almond.

• Sarah Johnston will be joining the 2nd grade team of teachers.

• Sarah Koh has taken a teaching position in another district that is closer to her home.  We wish her the very best!

• We are currently in the process of hiring a 5th grade teacher for Almond.

GRADE LEVEL TEACHER LISTING

Transitional Kindergarten: Lisa Schubert

Kindergarten:  Jenny Eldridge, Leanne Kridl, Laurie Lamb

First Grade:  Sarah Hall, Samantha Nguyen

Second Grade: Rachel Doblick, Sarah Johnston, Melissa Powell

Third Grade:  Cassidy Dadigian, Caitlin Florek, Joann Martinez, Tammy Reilly

Fourth Grade: Annie Daggett, Kelsey Greene, Jenny Wishnack

Fifth Grade: Joe Chan, Laura Ohlund, [New Hire]

Sixth Grade: Allison Aubrey, Jessica Saretsky, Jasen Stuart

STEM Teacher: Beth Leach

PE Teachers: Mary Alber (TK/K), Doug Core (1-6)

ELD Teacher:  Jessica Mountz

RSP Teacher:  Diana Psyras

Speech Teacher:  Julie Chen

DISTRICT INFOSNAP – Online Registration

Please look for an email from Registrar@lasdk8.org with instructions about completing the InfoSnap Online Registration.  It is recommended that you add registrar@lasdk8.org  to your contacts to prevent the email from going into spam folders. LASD InfoSnap registration is not the same thing as the PTA Back to School System.  You must complete BOTH.

PTA BACK TO SCHOOL SYSTEM ONLINE THIS MONDAY!

Complete your family’s registration in the back to school system any time between August 8th and September 2nd.  Log in via THIS link.

SCHOOL START and END TIMES

REMINDER:  Almond will have an early release day every Thursday for the 2016-17 school year.  This starts the first week of school and continues through our final week.  HERE is the detailed schedule that you can download and print.  Below is a summary of start and end times.

Transitional Kinder, M/T/W/F = 8:45am – 2:25pm*, Th = 8:45am - 1:10pm*

Kindergarten, M/T/W/F = 8:30am – 2:25pm*, Th = 8:30am - 1:10pm*

Grades 1 & 2, M/T/W/F = 8:30am – 2:35pm*, Th = 8:30am - 1:20pm

Grades 3 thru 6, M/T/W/F = 8:30am – 2:55pm*, Th = 8:45am - 1:40pm

*From 8/17 – 9/9, TK and Kinder will dismiss at 12pm to allow students a transition period to full day as well as an opportunity for teachers to assess students and collaborate with team members to ensure your child’s success.

UPCOMING DATES

Listing

• Friday, 8/12 - Homeroom Assignment Letters

• Saturday, 8/13, 10am - New Family Orientation led by PTA

• Sunday, 8/14, 5pm - New Family Orientation led by PTA

• Tuesday, 8/16, 10:30am - TK Bear Party

• Tuesday, 8/16, 1pm - Kinder Lemonade Party

• Wednesday, 8/17 - First Day of School, Back to School Coffee (8:30am)

• Friday, 8/19, 6pm - New Family Orientation led by Principal

• Friday, 8/19, 7pm - Back to School Ice Cream Social

• 8/23 & 8/24 - Pictures Days (details to follow)

• Thursday, 9/1 - Back to School Night (details to follow)

Homeroom Assignment Letters will be emailed to you on Friday, August 12th.

Hot Lunch – We did find a parent volunteer to serve as the liaison and will therefore continue offering hot lunch in 2016-17.  Our vendor will be Pasta Market.  All entrees are in compliance with California SB12 and the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) regulations, regarding portion sizes, calories, fat content, and sugar content for elementary schools.  Registration and ordering will open on August 8th at this link [http://pastamarket.orderlunches.com]. The school password is “AES181”. The first ordering deadline will be midnight on Sunday, 8/14.

First Day of School & Back to School Coffee - Wednesday, August 17th, 8:30am

Once your child is in class, please join the PTA for coffee and snacks in the multi.  Learn about Almond events, sign up to volunteer, and catch up with friends!

New Family Orientation - Friday, August 19th, 6:00pm – 6:45pm

All families new to Almond (kindergarten and others) are invited to join Principal Benadom and the PTA for a short presentation in the multi.

Back to School Ice Cream Social   - Friday, August 19th, 7pm

All Almond families are invited to the Almond playground for FREE ice cream sundaes served by the Almond PTA.

Back to School Night – Thursday, September 1st

The time schedule will be divided by grade levels and communicated the first week of school.

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

LASD News

Almond Elementary School Website

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