1/31/12

February is almost here, Patriot Parents, and we’ve got a lot of exciting events coming up! We’re only able to make these school activities truly successful for everyone involved with YOUR help. I hope you’ll consider volunteering at one of the following upcoming events. If you’d like more information about these or other volunteer opportunities, please contact: Mrs. Stewart (Central Campus) 721-4205 or Ms. Gonzalez (Lakeside Campus) 733-7373.

Volunteer Opportunities

Central Campus

1. Friday,February 10: Student Council all-school Valentine's dance
2. Tuesday, February 14: Deliver Valentine grams
3. Friday, February 17: Science Fair judges. Need volunteers from 9am until the end (free lunch provided)
4. Monday, February 20: Put Cookie Dough packets together for delivery
5. Wednesday, February 22: Grandparents’ Day
6. Ongoing: Lending Library – Need volunteers from 4:30 to 5:30pm, one or two days a week.

Lakeside Campus

1. Monday, Feb. 13 – Friday, Feb. 17: Love of Reading Week (Talk to your child’s teacher if you are interested in reading to the classroom, or sign up at the PIO office.)
2. Wednesday,February 22: Grandparents’ Day
3. February 23-26: Rodeo Carnival over Rodeo Break

Reminder: Everyone who wishes to volunteer must have a fingerprint card on file. Fingerprints are done at the school by appointment only. Call the front desk to schedule an appointment.

As always, a great big THANK YOU for your continued support of La Paloma Academy!

Raena Janes

1/20/12

At La Paloma Academy, we’re always working to provide your children with a well-rounded education that helps them reach their full potential, not only as students, but as citizens, friends and family members. That means education at LPA goes beyond reading, writing, math and science, and includes character building and information for staying safe and healthy.

This quarter, LPA’s guidance lessons for students are focusing on safety. Kindergarten through first grade Patriots will be learning about “stranger danger,” while second through fifth graders will learn about Internet safety. I hope you’ll take some time to sit down with your kids, no matter what grades they’re in, and discuss not only the safety guidelines they learned at school, but your rules for staying safe. Let them know that they can always come to you (and/or a trusted adult that you designate) to discuss or to help handle uncomfortable or scary situations, from bullying to peer pressure and more.

Finally, just a quick reminder that the returning students enrollment form went out this week and will need to be returned this week as well. New student open enrollment begins Monday, January 23.

To a safe and happy New Year,

Raena Janes

11/22/11

Wow! Our Thanksgiving Feast turnout was FANTASTIC this year! Thank you to everyone who joined us and contributed to this wonderful day!

Thanksgiving Break will take place from November 23 – 28. I hope everyone has a great time celebrating Thanksgiving with family and friends. We are thankful for such amazing students and the terrific school year we’ve had so far.

Character Building

Once students return from Thanksgiving Break, La Paloma’s Central Campus will implement a new special program. With this character recognition program, students will be able to earn a band that they can either wear or put on their backpack. Students then can earn different charms through their academic performance and demonstration of character to put on their bands. The new program will be available for 1st – 5th graders. Please take a moment to discuss the charms your child earns and to praise them for making a positive difference in their educational experience.

The Season of Giving

Also after Thanksgiving Break, Central Campus will be reopening their Holiday Shop. The shop will be open from November 28 – December 2 during the day and late in the afternoon on Wednesday, November 30 for both students and parents.

One important note we try to remember during the holiday season: it’s a season for giving and sharing, as much as it is a season of receiving. With this in mind, both La Paloma campuses will be giving back to the Tucson community.

Our 5^th grade students will be heading up our food drive this year at the Central Campus. Students and staff put together Thanksgiving food baskets and will also put together Holiday food baskets to help families who are in need. If you’re able to contribute, we are asking parents and students to bring in food beginning Monday, November 28. The classroom that collects the most food items will get free dress down day passes, as well as a class party. Let the competition - and the season of giving - begin!

The Lakeside Campus is holding a Clothing/Toy drive, running now through December 12. You can help local families in need by donating gently used clothes and toys. December 12 – 16, our Community Closet will be open to those who wish to receive some of the donated items. Thank you in advance for your support.

Have a fun and safe Thanksgiving break!

To family and friends,

Raena Janes

11-8-11

November is here, and as the weather cools down and the holidays swiftly approach, I’ve been contemplating ways to continue enjoying quality time with the family…even with the hectic holiday season on the horizon. Below are a couple of ideas inspired by the latest La Paloma happenings. How do you and your family make time together even when things get crazy busy?

Read Together

Literacy skills are important to academic and career success. At La Paloma Academy we often stress to our students and their families the importance of nightly reading. If you have a child in Kindergarten through 3^rd grade, I hope you’ll visit our new Central Campus Lending Library, which opened November 1. The Library, established specifically for K-3rd grade students and families, will be open every Tuesday morning from 8 to 9 am. Borrowers can check out up to five books at one time. I hope you’ll feel free to utilize this resource with your children often.

Talk Together

We also encourage open parent/teacher/student communication at La Paloma, particularly at progress report time… and November means mid-quarter progress reports come home. Central parents, look for progress reports to come home on Monday, November 14. Lakeside parents, your children should bring home progress reports on Friday, November 18. If you or your child have any questions or concerns, or if you’d like to discuss your child’s progress with his or her teacher, please feel free to call or email to schedule a meeting. La Paloma teachers are always happy to discuss student progress, behavior and goals.

Remember What’s Important

In closing, with Veteran’s Day just around the corner, I’d like to offer a heartfelt “thank you” to all who have served. Veteran’s Day is November 11, and there will be no school on that day.

Also, I hope to see all of you at our Papa John's Fundraiser tonight, November 8! Flyers should have gone home last night with coupons included. Please make sure to mention LPA when ordering your food to go or having it delivered, so our school will get credit.

To continued learning,

Raena Janes