Superintendent Newsletter

April 2023

LASD to Expand Computer Science Program

Next year, all of our LASD students will receive even more instructional time in our expanded Computer Science program. All schools will be adding Computer Science lessons to Transitional Kindergarten through 6th grade, in addition to more elective courses at the junior high level to accommodate increased student demand. Adding more computer science instruction will deepen student understanding of programming.

LASD was an early adopter of computer science education as one of the first public schools in California to create units of study in this important field. Our computer science program is essential for our students' success as it helps them develop relevant and critical skills needed for future success.

In TK-6th grade next year, students will receive an additional trimester of weekly lessons. The lessons will include: networks and how they work; an understanding and the complexities of artificial intelligence; design thinking and building with coding concepts; and more lessons in how to use computer hardware. Our teachers use the PRIMM model in designing these lessons so students will:

Predict: look at code and predict what will happen when it runs
Run: running the code
Investigate: make changes to values and see how it changes
Modify: modify the code for a better outcome
Make: creating a capstone project at end of a computer science unit

In junior high school, students also use the PRIMM model to solve problems and explore more complex solutions. To support the increased student demand, we will add more computer science electives at Egan and Blach.

Stay tuned for more information in the Fall!

Introducing The LASD Experience

LASD has a new podcast called The LASD Experience, hosted by Sandra McGonagle, Superintendent, and Greg Drummond, Director of Teaching and Learning. In this podcast, we showcase the rich and inclusive learning experiences that students engage in every day in LASD schools.

You can listen to the first episode here, or find it wherever you get your podcasts.

Join us as we explore a variety of topics, from innovative teaching methods to student-led initiatives, all designed to help students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Many episodes feature interviews with LASD educators, students, and community members, who share their insights and experiences on how LASD is creating a positive impact in the lives of students.

Whether you're a parent, educator, or simply interested in learning more about education and the future of learning, this podcast is for you. Tune in to The LASD Learning Experience and discover how LASD is setting a standard for excellence in education.

Reminder: LASD Community Celebration on Sunday, May 7 at 4pm!

Join Us on May 7 to Celebrate Our Excellent Neighborhood Schools!

The Los Altos School District (LASD) and the Los Altos Educational Foundation (LAEF) are partnering to host the LASD Community Festival to celebrate our nine outstanding neighborhood schools, all of which have received California Distinguished School awards!

Additionally, the event will thank the community for 40 years of supporting our excellent schools through LAEF.

Who: Everyone is welcome– LASD families, incoming families, LASD personnel and trustees, former LAEF and LASD board members, neighbors, and the community.

What: Food trucks with food for purchase, games, activities and fun for all!

When: Sunday, May 7, 4-7pm

Where: Covington Elementary School blacktop and play area

For information about the festival, visit www.LAEFonline.org/Festival. No donor or school district funds will be used for this event.

LAEF has supported our LASD schools over 40 years by raising funds to sustain and enrich LASD’s excellent educational program beyond what public funding provides. LAEF works closely with each school’s PTA to bridge the funding gap and ensure a superior education for all children at their individual campuses.

Since its founding in 1982, LAEF has raised over $56M in support of LASD. LAEF funding provides essential teachers and staff for STEM, Wellness, Literacy, and the Arts. Each year, LAEF continues to raise money to keep our schools strong.