Bobcat Strong News Tracker
September 9, 2021
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SANTA RITA AT-A-GLANCE
9/14 - School Picture Day
9/17 - Bobcat Strong Parent Meeting (virtual)
9/17 - Bobcat Spirit Day (make sure to fill out your Bobcat Strong Registration for a special surprise! https://bit.ly/bobcatreg
9/24 - Staff Development- NO SCHOOL
9/30 - English Learners and New Families Meeting 6:00 - 7:30pm Santa Rita blacktop
BOBCAT STRONG REGISTRATION: Please make sure to fill out your Bobcat Strong Registration Information (https://bit.ly/bobcatreg) so we have your most up-to-date information!
Letter from your Principal
Once again our community stepped up this week and helped with yard duty. We were short on a few days and within minutes of asking many parents volunteered their time to come help and keep our students safe at lunchtime. Thank you again!
Don’t forget, next week we have Picture Day on theTuesday the 14th. Remember to fill out the order forms.
Thank you also to LAEF for all of the hard work they put into raising money to keep our special programs going throughout LASD and specifically Santa Rita. Our wonderful Mrs. Garvin and PE are funded by LAEF as well as many others.
Please be sure to read and sign up.
COVID-19 Testing at Our School
You may have received a message from Superintendent Baier last week about a new COVID-19 testing program for all of our schools. We have partnered with Concentric by Ginkgo to provide a voluntary and free testing program for all students from Transitional Kindergarten through 8th grade. For more information on the Concentric program click here.
Concentric is providing a two-phase testing program for our schools for those who volunteer to participate:
Weekly pooled testing for TK-8th grade students
Follow-up testing if a pooled test result is positive
Testing Keeps Students in School
Asymptomatic testing and follow-up testing for school-based exposures to COVID-19 are essential to keeping our students in school due to the new school-based K-12 modified quarantine protocols from the California Department of Public Health. The new protocols allow students who have been exposed to COVID-19, but who are asymptomatic, to remain in school as long as they have two negative COVID 19 tests. This program will provide free testing at our school site to make testing convenient and allow your student to continue to come to school if they are well. Your student can only participate in the testing program if you have completed the online consent form per the instructions below.
To make this program a success, we need your help.
Here are the basics of the program.
The voluntary testing program is scheduled to begin this month, and we strongly encourage all students to participate to help keep our schools safe and open.
For your student to participate in the program, you must provide consent. To do so, please fill out this online consent form by September 9. You may also opt in to the program at any time during the school year.
To access the form for our school, please enter this access code: LASD-SANTARITA
Finally, enter your student’s information, and you’re done!
Note: If you need to provide consent for more than one student, please complete the process once for each student.
**If your student tested positive for COVID-19 within the last three months, please do not have them participate in this program.** They could produce a positive test result, which would make our results inaccurate.
Participating students will self-administer their weekly pool test at school using a short nasal swab. The samples will be collected together and tested as a group, so no individual test results will be provided to families.
If there is a positive case identified in the pool, Concentric will administer individual antigen tests to impacted students and staff. Please note: only students who have a completed Concentric consent form on file for the pooled testing program will be able to be tested on our campuses when a positive case is identified from the pooled testing program, which is one reason we urge you to complete the consent form for your child at this time.
Last year, we worked with Concentric on a very successful pilot program for our 6th, 7th and 8th grade classes. There were no positive pooled tests last year, which provided a greater sense of security for all students, staff and families. The program is part of our aggressive efforts to ensure the health and safety of all students, staff and families.
Thank you to everyone for looking out for all of our community.
Better Together, Go Bobcats!
Kelly Rafferty
CALENDAR
9/14 - School Picture Day
9/17 - Bobcat Strong Parent Meeting (virtual)
9/17 - Bobcat Spirit Day (make sure to fill out your Bobcat Strong Registration for a special surprise! https://bit.ly/bobcatreg
9/24 - Staff Development - NO SCHOOL
9/30 - English Learners and New Families Meeting 6:00 - 7:30pm Santa Rita blacktop
10/23 - Witches’ Delight is BACK - stay tuned for more!!
BOBCAT STRONG
Bobcat Strong Registration:
Please make sure to fill out your Bobcat Strong Registration Information (https://bit.ly/bobcatreg) so we have your most up-to-date information! Because of You we are able to provide all the wonderful programs and technology to our Bobcats - fill out by September 17th for a chance at awesome prizes!
English Learners and New Families Meeting, Thursday, September 30 from 6:00 - 7:30 pm on Blacktop
Our first English Learners and New Families meeting will be held on Thursday, September 30 from 6:00 - 7:30 pm on Santa Rita's blacktop. Come and meet our team of English Learner teachers, Family Engagement Coordinator. Learn more about our English Learner programs and curriculum, community resources for families, free enrichment classes, and more. We will set up a few tents on the blacktop so you can check out the materials and ask questions.
Pizza dinner will be served. All are welcome. Please RSVP at https://tinyurl.com/ELACFallEvite so we can prepare enough food for everyone.
More information
Questions? Email Alice Lee at joy268@hotmail.com
Reunión de estudiantes de inglés y nuevas familias 30 de septiembre,
6:00 - 7:30 pm en Blacktop
Nuestra primera reunión de Estudiantes de inglés y nuevas familias se llevará a cabo el jueves 30 de septiembre de 6:00 a 7:30 pm en el asfalto de Santa Rita. Venga y conozca a nuestro equipo de maestros aprendices de inglés, Coordinador de participación familiar. Obtenga más información sobre nuestros programas y currículo para estudiantes de inglés, recursos comunitarios para familias, clases gratuitas de enriquecimiento y más. Instalaremos algunas carpas en el asfalto para que pueda consultar los materiales y hacer preguntas.
Se servirá cena de pizza. Todos son bienvenidos. Confirme su asistencia en https://tinyurl.com/ELACFallEvite para que podamos preparar suficiente comida para todos.
¿Preguntas? Envíe un correo electrónico a Alice Lee a joy268@hotmail.com
Yard Duty
LOVE LOS ALTOS:
THANK YOU to all the families who’ve already contributed to LAEF this school year. We appreciate your support early in the school year!
Our annual LAEF Phonathon is coming up on September 28th and 29th. If you haven't yet made a donation to LAEF, please Donate or Pledge to LAEF today and Save Us a Call!
Our goal is to raise $2.8M to fund teachers and staff for STEM, Wellness, Literacy, and Arts, including mental health counselors and a wide variety of electives for junior high students. Your student and every elementary and junior high school student will benefit.
LAEF helps fill the gap in school funding from federal, state, and local sources and is the only way for parents to fund LASD teaching staff in our district.
LAEF is also a co-sponsor of the 2021-22 MVLA Parent Education Speaker Series.
Learn More and Donate or Pledge to LAEF Today to Support Teachers at Your School!
What's New
AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS
FREE Virtual Reading Tutoring Program (K-3rd Grade):
Teen Tutors is an organization run by Los Altos High School students to connect young readers with high school tutors! Our Read to Me program features tutors who read to students one-on-one to strengthen their reading comprehension & listening skills. As the students grow more comfortable, they can choose to read themselves with tutor assistance as needed. Virtual Read to Me sessions will be available on Saturdays from 10:30 am-11:15 am and 11:15 am-12 pm. Please register your child here: https://tinyurl.com/K3rdReading
For more information about our program, please visit www.teentutorslahs.wixsite.com/lahs or email teentutorslahs@gmail.com with any questions.
Programa gratuito de tutoría virtual de lectura (K-3rd Grado):
Teen Tutors es una organización dirigida por los estudiantes de Los Altos para conectar a los lectores jóvenes con tutores de la escuela secundaria. Nuestro programa Read to Me ofrece tutores que leen a los estudiantes de uno en uno para fortalecer su comprensión de lectura y sus habilidades de escucha. A medida que los estudiantes se sientan más cómodos, pueden optar por leerse a sí mismos con ayuda de un tutor según sea necesario. Las sesiones virtuales de Read to Me estarán disponibles los sábados de 10:30am a 11:15am y de 11:15am a 12pm. Registre a su hijo aquí: https://tinyurl.com/K3rdReading
Para obtener más información sobre nuestro programa, visite www.teentutorslahs.wixsite.com/lahs o envíe un correo electrónico a teentutorslahs@gmail.com con cualquier pregunta.
AFTER SCHOOL ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES
Parents, looking for some great after school enrichment activities?! The following programs will be offered at Santa Rita...click on the links for e-flyers:
Mondays - Science Made Fun, After School Hoops;
Tuesdays - Easy Spanish;
Wednesdays - Run for Fun;
Thursdays - Lunchtime Chess Club;
Fridays - After School Tennis;
Plus, LASD Flag Football. (see below)
Mathletes and Speak Debate will be offered on-line, for Fall.
Check the school website under Enrichment activities for schedule, more info, and registration links. After School Activities • Page - Santa Rita Elementary School (santaritaschool.org)
MVLA PARENT EDUCATION LECTURE SERIES
MVLA Parent Ed Speaker Series is pleased to announce our September lectures with New York Times columnist Ron Lieber, who will be speaking about money matters as they relate to college financing and kids of all ages. Join us for our first two online events of the season!
The Price You Pay for College: An Entirely New Roadmap
Tuesday, September 28, 2021 - 7:00 - 9:00pm | Live Online
Audience: High School parents, students, teachers, and counselors
Register: Register for this free event
Books: Purchase online from Books, Inc.
More Information: Click HERE
The Opposite of Spoiled: Raising Kids Who Are Grounded, Generous and Smart About Money
Thursday, September 30, 2021 - 7:00 - 9:00pm | Live Online
Audience: K-12 school parents, students, teachers, and counselors
Register: Register for this free event
Books: Purchase online from Books, Inc.
More Information: Click HERE
Living Classroom
Living Classroom is in need of volunteers to teach our fun, hands-on lessons and help care for our school gardens. No experience or green thumb necessary as we teach you everything you need to know! Join a community of people who enjoy connecting kids with nature and teaching them where their food comes from. The suggested time commitment is only 6 hours a month and you get to participate in fun volunteer enrichment activities such as nature hikes, garden tours, educational workshops, talks, and more! Living Classroom is a great way to act locally to help care for our planet and nurture our future environmental stewards! Get involved today!
Join us in-person for our upcoming Fall Docent Training!
Living Classroom Fall Docent Training
Mondays 9-Noon
9/13-10/11
LASD iLearn Studio (masks required)
201 Covington Road, Los Altos
-or-
email for information on joining us virtually
Please RSVP to livingclassroom@lasdschools.org
Questions? Contact us at (650) 947-1103 or email livingclassroom@lasdschools.org
email for information on joining us virtually
Please RSVP to livingclassroom@lasdschools.org if you plan to attend.
Questions? Contact us at (650) 947-1103 or email livingclassroom@lasdschools.org
AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS
Santa Rita is super excited for the return of in-person after school programs! Here are some of the offerings:
Mondays - Science Made Fun, After School Hoops;
Tuesdays - Easy Spanish;
Wednesdays - Run for Fun;
Thursdays - Lunchtime Chess Club;
Fridays - Coach Ken Soccer, After School Tennis;
Plus, LASD Flag Football. Mathletes and Speak Debate will be offered on-line, for Fall.
Check the school website under Enrichment activities for schedule, more info, and registration links. After School Activities • Page - Santa Rita Elementary School (santaritaschool.org)
FLAG FOOTBALL
Calling all 3rd-6th graders! LASD Flag Football is back on!
Please sign up for our only school sport. Each school in LASD has a 3rd/4th grade team and a 5/6th grade COED team.
We compete against the other schools in the district after school and the season culminates in a district-wide tournament at Foothill College. It is a lot of fun, and even the teachers stay to watch the games!
No experience necessary and it’s a no-cut sport.
Please sign up here: http://www.asa-lasd-flagleague.com/
FREE ONLINE CODING CLASSES (4TH - 6TH GRADE)
Trained local high school students from the Computer Engineers of the Next Generation are hosting free coding classes on Zoom in Scratch, JavaScript and Python
Dates: Wednesdays, September 1 - October 6, 2021
Time: 4:15 - 5:45 pm PST (NEW TIME)
No. of Weeks: 6
Format: Zoom online classes
Cost: Free
Registration Links:
4th grade - Scratch (Beginning/Intermediate/Advanced)
5th grade - JavaScript (Beginning/Intermediate/Advanced)
6th grade - Python (Beginning/Intermediate/Advanced)
Students will be put into different breakout rooms according to their levels.
Registration deadline: 12:00 noon on Saturday, August 28, 2021 or when class is full.
Computer Engineers of the Next Generation (CENG) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization with the mission to inspire underrepresented minorities to pursue Computer Science. For more information, please check out our website at cengclass.org. Questions? Please contact cengclass@gmail.com
Free Virtual Reading Tutoring Program (K-3rd Grade):
Teen Tutors is an organization run by Los Altos High School students to connect young readers with high school tutors! Our Read to Me program features tutors who read to students one-on-one to strengthen their reading comprehension & listening skills. As the students grow more comfortable, they can choose to read themselves with tutor assistance as needed. Virtual Read to Me sessions will be available on Saturdays from 10:30 am-11:15 am and 11:15 am-12 pm. Please register your child here: https://tinyurl.com/K3rdReading
For more information about our program, please visit www.teentutorslahs.wixsite.com/lahs or email teentutorslahs@gmail.com with any questions.
Programa gratuito de tutoría virtual de lectura (K-3rd Grado):
Teen Tutors es una organización dirigida por los estudiantes de Los Altos para conectar a los lectores jóvenes con tutores de la escuela secundaria. Nuestro programa Read to Me ofrece tutores que leen a los estudiantes de uno en uno para fortalecer su comprensión de lectura y sus habilidades de escucha. A medida que los estudiantes se sientan más cómodos, pueden optar por leerse a sí mismos con ayuda de un tutor según sea necesario. Las sesiones virtuales de Read to Me estarán disponibles los sábados de 10:30am a 11:15am y de 11:15am a 12pm. Registre a su hijo aquí: https://tinyurl.com/K3rdReading
Thank you!
Santa Rita School
Email: krafferty@lasdschools.org
Website: https://www.santaritaschool.org
Location: 700 Los Altos Avenue, Los Altos, CA, USA
Phone: (650)559-1600
Facebook: santaritaPTA
Twitter: @BobcatsSR
