After School Mandarin Immersion Program Enrollment for 2019-20 Begins

Due to growing demand and an interest in expanding the program for local students, LACS launched a partnership with the Los Altos School District (LASD) to relocate from its former home at the Hillview Community Center in Los Altos to all seven of the district's elementary schools.

Enrollment for the 2019-20 Los Altos Chinese School After School Mandarin Immersion program will be open on a first come, first served basis until May 3, 2019.  Los Altos School District students receive enrollment priority.

We’re thrilled about adding this top-quality program to our array of after school options for our students and parents.  Children not only learn to speak, read and write Mandarin, but they also participate in engaging activities like music and art, which supports the whole child and their academic success,” said Jeffrey Baier, Los Altos School District Superintendent.

We are so proud to partner with the best schools in our area to make our successful Mandarin immersion program more accessible to local children.  We promote children’s educational success through our passion for teaching and commitment to building our students’ confidence through creative activities and enrichment courses.  That is why our students excel in Mandarin in our local high schools,”  said Jane Bai, Principal of the Los Altos Chinese School.

By relocating the program to each elementary school in LASD, the Chinese school also eliminates the need for transportation.  Now, students leave their classroom at the end of the school day—even on short days—and go directly to the LACS classroom at their elementary school.  The immersion program ends at 6pm, 5 days per week, offering a great after school learning opportunity.

The program has already started operating at Almond Elementary, where Principal Raquel Matteroli explains it is a huge success.  “Current LACS students and parents are thrilled. There is a lot of buzz among our students, who I overhear frequently telling friends what they’re learning at LACS and how much fun they have in the program,” Mrs. Matteroli said.

For more information about enrollment and tuition, please visit Los Altos Chinese School at http://www.losaltoschinese.school/.

Los Altos School District Partners with the Los Altos Chinese School
for After School Mandarin Immersion Program

The Los Altos School District (LASD) is thrilled to announce a new partnership with the Los Altos Chinese School to provide after school Mandarin immersion at all of our elementary schools.

The Los Altos Chinese School is an established and successful program, that has been located at the Hillview Community Center in Los Altos since 2014.  Now, due to increased demand, the program will operate from each of our LASD elementary schools.  This move not only expands availability for the popular program, but it eliminates the need for student transportation, providing an easy alternative for students and parents.

The Mandarin program is aligned with the school schedule, beginning at the end of the school day (even on short days) and ending at 6pm, 5 days per week.  More than just a language program, students are engaged in fun activities that build their language skills through art, dance, music and more.

The program will roll out this February through May at each of our elementary schools. There are only a few spaces available for interested students this school year.  Enrollment for the 2019-20 school year begins February 25.  

Spaces are available on a first come, first served basis and Los Altos School District students will be given priority.  Stay tuned next week for additional enrollment information for the 2019-20 school year.

For more information about the school’s program, tuition and enrollment please visit Los Altos Chinese School website or call 650.564.4183.

Los Altos School District is asking for staff, family and student input in our first annual communication survey. Click here to take the survey now through February 26 at 5pm.

The survey results will help guide our efforts to improve communication practices and ensure everyone has the information they need to help our students succeed. The survey also provides you with an opportunity to share what you value most about our schools and where you see opportunities to improve.  

Thank you for lending your voice and opinions to this effort as we partner with you to provide an excellent education to all of our students. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts!

Click here to get started.

Challenge Day Inspires Students at Blach Junior High

In January, a group of one hundred Blach 7th and 8th graders participated in a day-long, powerful program called Challenge Day.  The program builds skills and confidence in students and educators to help them build a positive, compassionate and inclusive school community.

“Research shows that students who feel welcomed, included and respected by peers, teachers and administrators thrive academically, socially and emotionally,” said Bhavna Narula, Blach Principal.  “That is why Challenge Day is an essential program at Blach, contributing to our strong, welcoming student community that supports excellent academic achievement.”

Students were nominated by their team of teachers to participate in the program due to their leadership potential, kindness towards others, positive and inclusive peer interactions and an overall constructive contribution to the Blach community. A truly community event, teachers and parents volunteered as chaperones to learn along with the students.

“Challenge Day provided an important avenue to connect with students in deep, thoughtful ways.  One student told us that he felt ‘awakened.’  I believe we all felt awakened to a new commitment to cherish what we have, to go after our dreams and to show gratitude and care for our loved ones.  As a group, the students, parents, and staff bonded over shared experiences that were fun, emotionally meaningful and, at times, challenging,” said Hana Meckler, a staff chaperone.

“I am still awestruck by how quickly the students were able to absorb and act upon the message of kindness, compassion and inclusivity. I was impressed by how thoughtful and articulate they were in expressing themselves, in putting words to their most challenging emotions and voicing their intentions in how they would like to be the change they wish to see in the world,” said April Buchheit, parent chaperone.

The Challenge Day program is so successful because it goes beyond traditional anti-bullying efforts, building empathy and inspiring a school-wide movement of positive change.  For more information visit www.challengeday.org.

The Los Altos School District Collaborative Preschool Accepting New Students  

A unique model for early education, the Los Altos School District Collaborative preschool teaches all students—regardless of ability or disability—using the 1st Five and California Preschool Learning Foundations best practices and curriculum.  The school admits children with disabilities as well as children who are typically developing, who play and learn together in a welcoming and supportive classroom that prepares them for success in Kindergarten.
 
“Preschool is a foundational educational experience that not only teaches children how to learn, but how to navigate their world socially, be empathetic and participate as a key partner in a classroom community.  Our preschool students learn how to work and play inclusively with their peers, a key to future success in our diverse world,” explains Katherine Chang, the preschool teacher.
 
Collaborative preschool students attend a ½ day program (AM or PM class) 5 days per week, which is tuition-free.  Currently, the school is seeking typical peers for the 2018-19 school year who are at least 3 years old, have prior playgroup or preschool experience, and have age appropriate language and social skills.
 
The preschool’s activities are thoughtfully and creatively adapted so that all children participate and learn together. All children’s developmental goals are integrated into daily routines for Kindergarten preparedness.
 
“Collaborative preschools help children grow and develop together, share experiences and form lasting friendships.  Our students become aware of differences and similarities, developing a sense that everyone, regardless of abilities or disabilities, makes an important contribution to the world around us,” Chang said.
 
For more information about our collaborative preschool, please contact Katherine Chang at (650) 947-1171 or kchang@lasdschools.org.

LASD is excited to invite you to an excellent parent education event geared towards 6th grade and junior high parents. LASD is partnering with MVLA, Mountain View Whisman and CHAC to host a special event screening of the documentary Angst followed by a panel discussion with local mental health and medical experts.

Here are the event details:
When: January 15 (Tuesday) 6:30-8:30 P.M.
Where: Los Altos High School, Eagle Theater
             201 Almond Ave, Los Altos, CA
How do I register: https://mvla2018-19-angstfilm.eventbrite.com
                               Space is limited-please register early!

The event flyer with more information is included here!   You are welcome to bring your 6th, 7th or 8th grade student.

Angst is an IndieFlix Original, documentary designed to raise awareness around anxiety. The film includes interviews with kids, teens, educators, experts, parents and a very special interview with Michael Phelps.  The goal specifically is to help people identify and understand the symptoms of anxiety and encourage them to reach out for help. Angst screens in schools, communities and theaters around the world. The film and corresponding materials provide tools, resources and above all, hope.

More information on this documentary can be found on their website:
https://angstmovie.com/

Anxiety is the precursor to so many mental health challenges. By opening a dialogue and normalizing (not trivializing) anxiety we can help our youth, each other and ourselves.

Spread the word. Believe change is possible. The purpose of this screening is to talk about this universal issue, share personal stories, and provide resources and tools.

I sincerely hope that you will join us at this timely and informative event on an issue that impacts our youth.

Let us join together as a community to build a network of support around our children and help them thrive.

Dear Los Altos School District Families,
Perseverance is a quality our school community models for its students because it is the foundation for continuous learning, growth and achievement.  I’m reminded of this core belief today as I share very exciting news.
 
Mountain View City Council Unanimous Vote Paves Way for New School
Tuesday night, the Mountain View City Council unanimously voted to enter into a Joint Use Agreement with the Los Altos School District--a final step towards the purchase of a new school site in the North of El Camino neighborhood.  Through collaboration, innovative thinking and perseverance on the part of the City and our school district, we will build a new school, recreational facilities and 2-acre park for local residents for decades to come.  Read more about the vote here.

Since 2012, we worked with our community to achieve the best solution to resolve our school site sharing issues and future student enrollment growth.  Community-led committees, task forces and surveys recommended that we acquire a new site to protect our small schools and academic excellence for all students.  Read more about this community-driven process here.

I would like to personally thank the City of Mountain View, our Los Altos Board of Trustees and our community for their hard work in achieving this huge victory for local children.  
 
Three of Our Teachers Earn National Board Certification
Qualified and dedicated teachers are a primary reason that Los Altos School District is among the top performing districts in the state.  To consistently improve teaching and learning in our classrooms, we invest heavily in professional development for our educational staff.

This month, three of our educators attained one of the most prestigious recognitions in the field:  National Board Certification.  Congratulations to Santa Rita 6th grade teacher Natalie Cannon, Almond 1st grade teacher Samantha Nguyen and Shelby Regner, Oak Literacy Instructional Support Teacher, who worked tirelessly for this notable achievement.  Read the full story.
 
Your Donations to LAEF Make a Difference
Thanks to our community for your donations to the Los Altos Educational Foundation.  Your contributions support the educational programs that inspire a passion for learning and perseverance in our students.  LAEF needs to raise an additional $800,000 to fully fund the educational programs it supports for this school year, including PE, library, junior high electives, mental health counselors, music, STEM, art and computer science.  If you haven’t had the opportunity to make your donation yet, please donate today!
 
Congratulations to Los Altos School District Board Members
On Monday, December 10, our newly elected Board member, Vaishali Sirkay, was sworn in and Jessica Speiser became our Board President.  We feel fortunate for their dedication to our students and schools, and look forward to their leadership in the years ahead.

Three Los Altos School District Teachers Earn
National Board Certification

Qualified and dedicated teachers are a primary reason that Los Altos School District (LASD) is among the top performing districts in the state.  To consistently improve teaching and learning in our classrooms, we invest heavily in professional development for our educational staff. Our support for professional learning opportunities allows our educators to participate and succeed in the rigorous programs that improve student success in the classroom.  

This month, three of our educators attained one of the most prestigious recognition in the field:  National Board Certification.  Santa Rita 6th grade teacher Natalie Cannon, Almond 1st grade teacher Samantha Nguyen and Shelby Regner an Oak Literacy Instructional Support Teacher worked tirelessly for this notable achievement.
 
National Board Certification develops and recognizes talented teachers.  More importantly, it improves student achievement by training an elite cadre of educators focused on educational outcomes and improvement.
 
“The National Board Certification is a voluntary professional development opportunity.  Teachers deeply reflect on their own practice and focus on each students’ learning,” said Erin Green, Director of Student and Staff Services at LASD.  

LASD encourages its teachers to embark on the one to three-year rigorous process of certification by paying for all support courses and exams, as well as providing release days for the additional time needed to build portfolios, prepare for exams and complete other components of the program.  As an added incentive, teachers who obtain their certification and maintain it receive a $5,000 annual stipend for the life of their certification.
 
“Decades of research shows that this analytical and self-reflective approach to teaching and learning improves student success.  We’re seeing that in our classrooms, which is why we support our teachers through their certification process,” Green explained.  

“Education is a living and changing experience with new students every year.  Teachers benefit from slowing down their routines and strategies to solidify what is working well and to introduce new research-based practices,” said Shelby Regner.  “Allowing myself to be supported by my community and working with others to impact our students’ learning has been the greatest reward in the process.”

For more information on National Board Certification, please visit https://www.nbpts.org.

Mountain View City Council and Los Altos School District
Move Forward on 10th Site

Tuesday night, the Mountain View City Council voted unanimously to approve a joint use agreement to finalize a collaborative deal to purchase 9.5 acres for a school, park and recreational facilities in the North of El Camino neighborhood.  The landmark partnership will build a shared community asset, including a school, park and recreational facilities in the North of El Camino neighborhood.

“We have all worked hard to get here and to ensure that this project meets the needs of all of our residents.  Let’s move forward tonight, approve the agreement and build this project.  This is a huge win-win for our communities,” Los Altos Board President, Jessica Speiser, stated before the Council took its vote.

Through a unique and collaborative funding plan, the school district would purchase the property and sell development rights to offset the cost of land by up to $79 million.  In addition to creating this Transfer of Development Rights program, the City of Mountain View will also contribute to $23 million towards the project in park in-lieu funding in exchange for joint use of recreational facilities.  

With thousands of homes to be constructed in the next 10 years and a rapidly growing student population in the North of El Camino area of the district, the Los Altos School District Board of Trustees determined that the new school must serve children in the North of El Camino neighborhood.

“The reason for this decision is clear.  As you can see, the North of El Camino area of our district has a very high concentration of students and is growing rapidly, but has no school to serve it.  We will build a school to serve the neighborhood’s students,” Speiser explained.

To shape the plan to address the ongoing issue of school site sharing and enrollment growth in the northern portion of the district, Los Altos School District engaged in a multi-year process to determine the best solution to address its school facilities needs.  First, the district sought public input that determined a 10th school was the best solution.  Community-led committees then reviewed and analyzed every possible piece of property for acquisition.  Through committees, task forces and surveys, the district sought public opinion regarding the type of school to site on the property.
 
“The Board has worked tirelessly over the last several years to resolve our long term facilities needs and protect academic excellence for all students.  It has been a challenging and complicated process.  We collaborated with the City of Mountain View and put our heads together to meet the needs of all of our constituents.  I’m proud of our work in achieving this huge win-win for our kids,” said Superintendent, Jeffrey Baier.  

Blach and Egan Holiday Faires
Showcase Student Entrepreneurship and Creativity

On Friday, December 7, Blach and Egan 7th and 8th graders put their creativity and entrepreneurial spirits to work at the school Holiday Faires.  

Although participation is voluntary, the majority of students at both schools participate in the annual event.  Students work individually or in groups to generate ideas, design their products, create business plans, and make unique display booths to market their handcrafted wares at the Holiday Faire.

“The event encourages our students to get out of their comfort zones and challenge themselves to develop effective business plans and sales pitches, which are very persuasive.  I always leave the faire with dozens of special, unique gifts and treats for family and friends,” explained Bhavna Narula, Principal at Blach Junior High.

The event not only invites the community to participate, but also gives back to the school.  Much of the proceeds and registration fees are donated to Blach and Egan to support libraries, school events and educational resources.    

“It takes perseverance and creativity to make a product to sell for the Holiday Faire,” explains Keith Rocha, Principal at Egan.  “Students have the freedom to generate their own ideas and create a product they feel will be marketable to the clientele.  It’s an exciting and very rewarding process that helps build entrepreneurial skills, teamwork and risk-taking, which are essential skills for high school, college and future careers.”