Dear LASD families,
Welcome to the start of another fantastic school year!  I look forward to greeting your children this week as they reconnect with friends and meet new teachers.  The LASD team of teachers, principals and staff is thrilled to embark on a new, year-long journey of learning with your kids.  We have hired some incredible new teachers to guide them on that journey.  We also welcome new principals at Springer, Almond, Oak and Loyola.

Summer Literacy Training for Teachers
One reason our students excel is that LASD is committed to ensuring our teachers use the most innovative and effective teaching methods.  Over the summer, teachers were busy with many hours of professional learning in the area of literacy education. Literacy is more than just knowing how to read and write.  It is the ability to identify, understand, create and communicate in all subject areas.  Our teachers learned to approach literacy instruction student-by-student to assess progress, provide additional support and present new challenges.
 
Educational Collaboration
LASD students excel due to supportive learning communities with a collaborative team of professional teachers, educational coaches and committed principals. To this end, our teachers will continue to meet weekly this year to collaborate, design curriculum, evaluate student progress and ensure your child learns the necessary concepts for success.
 
Partnering with Our Families
The strong partnerships we build with parents are key to providing a world-class education for every child.  Your child’s teacher, principal and I encourage you to communicate with us as often as you like if you have questions, concerns, or exciting stories to share about what your child’s learning.  To kick off the year and continue building our partnership, please join us at your child’s school for Back-to-School Night.  Please check your school’s website for information.
 
A Note on Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
You may have noticed a little construction over the summer in our parking lots. LASD received a grant from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District to fund Electric Vehicle charging stations in conjunction with our parking lot to promote emissions free transportation for a better environment.  During the school day, the parking spaces are available for electric and conventional vehicles alike.  After school hours, the community may use the spaces for a nominal cost, providing funds that will support our educational programs.
 
10th Site Update
The 10th Site Task Force will hold its fourth meeting on Monday, August 27, at 5:00pm in the District Office iLearn Studio (201 Covington Road, Los Altos).  The task force is charged with understanding and analyzing the myriad issues and factors that must be considered to determine how the district can best use the 10th site.  Its work shall culminate in a report to the Los Altos School District Board of Trustees outlining robust data and its analysis of the educational and community benefits of each potential option along with recommendations.  The meeting is open to the public and community input will be taken at the beginning of the meeting.  If you are unable to attend the meeting but would like to share your point of view, email me with your comments at jbaier@lasdschools.org.