Superintendent's Newsletter

You may also read the Superintendent's Newsletter on our homepage in the "Latest Headlines" section.

Last night was the first charrette of our Community Engagement Process on Facilities to seek a plan for long term facilities to house Bullis Charter School (BCS). The event was well-attended, with over 200 LASD parents, BCS parents and local residents discussing their ideas. We invite our entire community to participate in the process and welcome your voice and ideas at the next charrette on Saturday, October 5 from 9:30-11:30am in the Egan Junior High School Multipurpose Room. Please join us to envision the future of education in our community.

This week, educators from Denmark visited our schools in an effort to build a computer science program using our local schools' CSTEM program as a model. This is the second year in a row that these educational professionals have visited our schools to learn more about our program.

A pioneer in computer science education, LASD developed a program that is integrated into the curriculum across all grade levels. Computer science teaches critical problem-solving skills, in addition to fostering students’ creativity, perseverance and technical abilities.

“Computer Science for All” is the philosophy that guides the program at LASD. We integrate computer science throughout the core program at every grade level and provide opportunities for all students to create personally relevant projects using their computer science skills to make art, animation or stories and games. The LASD computer science curriculum includes group projects where possible to encourage students to build larger projects while learning collaboration skills. For more information on our innovative program, check out the video below.

The Santa Clara County Office of Education recognized two of our amazing teachers, Sarah Gerlinger and Sheena Vaidyanathan. Ms. Gerlinger, a New Teacher Mentor received a 2019 Teacher of the Year Award, an award given to local classroom teachers who demonstrate excellence in the classroom. Vaidyanathan was awarded the 2019 Texas Instruments Innovations in Teaching Award. The award honors Santa Clara County public school teachers for their outstanding contributions in the subjects of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Please join us in congratulating Ms. Gerlinger and Ms. Vaidyanathan!

The Los Altos Educational Foundation (LAEF) funds teachers and staff for STEM, Wellness, Literacy and the Arts in our schools. The Foundation’s biggest fundraiser, the Phonathon, is coming up on October 1 & 2 and we are asking for every family to participate in two ways:

1. Save our volunteers a phone call! Please donate or pledge before 9/30. Donations of any amount are welcomed and encouraged.

2. Join Superintendent Jeff Baier, principals and staff, LAEF Board Members and other parents at the Phonathon for some food, fun and phoning! Sign up here to volunteer and don’t forget to bring a friend, too! The goal is to have 8 parents from every school volunteer. Thank you!

To learn more about LAEF and how your donation supports our students’ education, check out the LAEF video.

Website: losaltosschools.org
Location: 201 Covington Road, Los Altos, CA, USA