Mountain Elementary School
September 2016
Welcome!
There are several ways that you can stay informed about what is going on at school such as through emails. Please let the office know if you are not receiving emails from the school with important events.
Another way to find information is to visit our school webpage at www.laschools.net. Choose "Mountain Elementary School" from the pull down menu on the left. Be sure an scroll down for a calendar and announcements. If you use Facebook, please like the Mountain PTA page at https://www.facebook.com/MountainElementaryPTA/?fref=ts for important announcements and upcoming events.
You will receive information from your child's teacher about classroom activities and plans. Please contact your child's teacher for more information about how each teacher will provide classroom level communications.
You can reach the office at 663-2325. The school absence line is 663-2326. It is important for you to call in each day if your child is absent so that we can ensure that everyone is safe and accounted for every day.
This is going to be our best year yet! See you at school!
Dr. Steinhaus Welcomes Students
Happy to be back!
Lockers!
Announcements from the district office:
Emergency and Weather-related Communications – LAPS is Using “School Messenger”
· School Messenger replaces E-Alert as our new Parent Communication System
· Parents or grandparents DO NOT need to sign up for School Messenger – phone numbers and email addresses are pulled from the information you submitted at registration
· School Messenger extends the ability to communicate with parents and students about inclement weather, school delays, school lock-downs, and other important information from school principals or district leadership team members
This is a Year for Bond Funding – the LAPS School Board will Schedule an Election in January
· Over the next six weeks, we will be offering school tours and saying thank you to the residents of Los Alamos and White Rock for helping fund “bricks and mortar” to remodel schools and complete major maintenance at every site in the district
· The Los Alamos and White Rock communities have a long-standing tradition of supporting top-notch, quality education for all students
· We are looking for volunteers to help get the word out; so, please let me know if you can volunteer about five hours per month over the next six months; meetings will be held in the evening
For This School Year, LAPS Has Selected the Theme “All In”
· We are all in to help students succeed
· We are all in to assure that schools are a safe place for learning
· We are all in to work closely with parents and the whole Los Alamos community
Safety Reminders
Drop off and pick up zones
Bikes and Scooters
Welcome Sergeant Chris Ross
Band 1st Lesson Night
Tuesday, Sep 6, 2016, 04:00 PM
Los Alamos Middle School, Hawk Drive, Los Alamos, NM, United States
Constitution Day Ceremony
Monday, Sep 12, 2016, 08:30 AM
Mountain Elementary School, North Road, Los Alamos, NM, United States
SPIRIT WEEK - SEPTEMBER 12 - 16
SHOW YOUR SCHOOL SPIRIT AND HELP US CELEBRATE HOMECOMING WEEK!
Monday, Sept 12 - Star Spangled Day
Wear your red, white and blue!
(This pairs with our reading of the constitution at the flag pole in the AM)
Tuesday, Sept 13 - Team Spirit Day
Favorite team jersey or uniform from kids sports teams or activities(ie. girl scouts, LAYSL soccer shirts, New England Patriots attire!!, Mountain elem. shirts, bowling league...)
Wednesday, Sept 14 - Beach Day
Hawaiian shirts, sunglasses, bermuda shorts ... with reminders about dress code and layering if it is cold.
Thursday, Sept 15 - Crazy hair day
Crazy hair...
Friday, Sept 16 - Topper Pride Day
Green and Gold!
Monday, Sep 12, 2016, 08:00 AM
Mountain Elementary School, North Road, Los Alamos, NM, United States
Los Alamos High School Homecoming Parade and Early Dismissal
ALL elementary students will be dismissed at 12:00 for Los Alamos Homecoming 2016 on Friday, September 16. Go Toppers!
Mountain students who would like to walk in the parade may join the Mountain school group.
What to Wear/Bring: Wear comfortable shoes! Wear red and black for Mountain School or green and gold for the Los Alamos Hilltoppers. A water bottle is recommended.
Where and When to Meet: Meet at 1:30 in the parking lot of the old Canyon School at the east end of Central Avenue.
What Else: Students must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Feel free to make a sign that you can carry showing your support for Mountain School or the Los Alamos Hilltoppers.
Questions? Email Kandice Favorite at k.favorite@laschools.net.
Friday, Sep 16, 2016, 12:00 PM
Los Alamos High School, Diamond Drive, Los Alamos, NM, United States
SCHOOL PICTURE DAY
Tuesday, Sep 20, 2016, 08:45 AM
Mountain Elementary School, North Road, Los Alamos, NM, United States
Family Breakfast
Friday, Sep 23, 2016, 07:30 AM
Mountain Elementary School, North Road, Los Alamos, NM, United States
Mountain Teachers
Mountain staff:
Kindergarten: Melissa Kinman, Kris Martinez, Barbara Whitaker
First Grade: Scott Johnson, Alicia Kirkland, Anna Zobay
Second Grade: Soledad Lopez, Stephanie Luscher, Kayla Richardson
Third Grade: Kim Clayton, Kandice Favorite, Jennifer Montoya
Fourth Grade: Barbara Kerley, Donna Schaefer, Lorraine Whalen
Fifth Grade: Shanda Moore, Fabian Smith, Bernadette Ziomek
Sixth Grade: Michele Altherr, Brett Hawkins, Sarah O'Brien
GATE: Ali Semanision, Zeynep Unal
Special education: Luci Best, Liz Laskey, Ellen Middleditch, Sig Wurthman, Elaine Trout
Specials:
Art: Lorri McInroy, Daisy Nichols
Library: Carissa Pittman
Music: Kelsey Cline
PE: Tony Hinojosa
HOMEWORK GUIDELINES
Mountain Elementary Homework Guidelines
This year the Los Alamos Public Schools are implementing new homework guidelines. We believe in the importance of family time, that students should have enough time to play, and in allowing students time to develop a love for reading.
1. Kindergarten through 2nd grade - No Homework
a. Daily home reading time is recommended in order to build a strong reading foundation. Each child should spend a short amount of time reading aloud or listening to someone read every day. Reading aloud to your child builds an essential foundation for literacy skills and is a wonderful way to spend time as a family.
b. Occasional home projects may be assigned to enhance classroom instruction but are optional. Some examples are All About Me posters, Me Bag, Turkey in Disguise, Kindergarten Robots, and other similar activities that foster family involvement in school topics.
2. 3rd grade - 4th grade - Minimal Homework
a. Nightly reading and practice of math facts at home is strongly recommended for building literacy skills and fluency with basic math facts. We hope that as a family you will continue to find time to read together and foster a love for reading. Children this age still enjoy listening to others read!
b. Occasional home projects will be required such as life cycle posters, book challenges, science fair, etc…
c. No homework or projects assigned on weekends or over school holidays.
3. 5th grade - 6th grade - Minimal Required Homework
a. No more than 50 minutes of regular homework on Monday – Thursdays. Homework will be used to give students the opportunity to practice skills taught at school and strengthen understanding. Homework will not introduce new skills.
(If a child is spending more than 50 minutes on homework, a parent can simply write a note on the paper that the time was up. We encourage parents to contact the teacher if they feel like the homework is taking longer than the expected amount of time on a regular basis. The teachers will also contact parents if a child is consistently unable to complete expected homework so that they can develop a plan to help the student and address individual needs)
b. Some home projects can be expected. Some examples of required home projects: Science Fair, Speech Contest, Geography Bee, Wax Museum, Book Challenges, etc...
c. No homework or projects assigned on weekends or over school holidays.
We will provide online resources and suggestions for those parents and students who would like more resources for practice at home such as Lexia, Reading Plus, IXL Math, Reflex Math, boo
TEACHER SPOTLIGHT
Anna Zobay
Hello my name is Anna Zobay. Some of you may know me from last school year as I was a Reading Interventionist at Mountain. You may also know me as a parent at Mountain. I have two sons, Quinn who will be in fourth grade and Theodore who will be in first grade. Before I worked at Mountain I was a stay at home mom and before that I was a teacher in both Pojoaque and Espanola Valley.
I grew up in New Mexico and moved around the country with my husband and boys. We settled in Los Alamos about six years ago. I love that I can call this beautiful state my home. I enjoy spending time with my husband, boys and golden retriever. I also enjoy hiking, reading, and running.
I am beyond the moon excited to be teaching first grade this year. The enthusiasm and love that first graders have for life and learning is truly inspirational. My hope is that as a teacher I can foster that love for learning in every aspect of my teaching and they can carry that admiration with them in the succeeding years.
I feel very fortunate to be a part of the Mountain family and look forward to being back in the classroom!
Stephanie Luscher
Hello! My name is Stephanie Luscher and I am very excited to be a 2nd grade teacher at Mountain Elementary School this year. I was born and raised in the beautiful state of Montana. I moved to Los Alamos in 2002 after graduating from Montana State University. Shortly after moving to New Mexico, I married my husband D.J. and gained employment at Los Alamos National Laboratory where I worked as a project coordinator for 11 years. D.J. and I have one son, Cole, who will be in 3rd grade. I left the lab in 2014 to reinstate my teaching license and recently completed a graduate program through New Mexico State University in reading disabilities. This will be my first year teaching and I am so excited. It is my mission to instill a love for learning in my students. I attempt to teach with a passion for my subject so that my students develop a desire to be life-long learners.
Smith's Community Rewards
Go to https://www.smithsfoodanddrug.com and login or register. Click on "Community" and then "Smith's Community Rewards" at the top of the webpage after you login. On the Community Rewards page go down and click on "click here" under participant.
This will take you to your account summary and you can pick "Los Alamos Public Schools Mountain Elementary" as your organization.
Please help us out and spend a few minute making sure your account is set up to donate to Mountain Elementary School! This is an important source of funding for us and helps us with school clubs and other activities that enrich our school community.
Order School TSHIRTS and spirit wear online
This year we have a new way to buy Mountain Elementary apparel. Although we will be discontinuing the sale of t-shirts at the school, families may purchase t-shirts, sweatshirts, and other Mountain Elementary gear through:
http://www.mylocker.net/new-mexico/los-alamos/mountain-elementary-school/index.html
Make sure you take advantage of the $10 off coupon code (Code: PHQ5Bd2e).
When purchasing gear, you can choose the winning logo by Demaya, the traditional Mountain School logo, or other MyLocker.net designs.
Mountain PTA
Everything we do in Mountain PTA is for the educational success, health and safety of our students. We believe that success is greatest when families feel welcome and involved and teachers feel supported and valued. When we all work together, students benefit.
First PTA meeting is on September 12, 2016 at 12:10 in the Mountain Library.
Visit the PTA webpage for important information, dates, and reminders:
You can sign up for weekly reminders on the website. These are a great way to stay informed each week.
- Show your support by becoming a PTA member.
- Volunteer a little bit or a lot.
- Help us raise funds and find sponsors.
- Be informed and have a voice.
Band and Orchestra Schedule
Mountain School
Band & Orchestra '16-'17
ORCHESTRA
Beginning: Tue. & Thurs. 11:55-12:40
Advanced: Tue. & Thurs. 12:45-1:30
in the Music Room
*Beginning students should eat lunch after Orchestra (12:40-1:10)*
*Advanced students should eat lunch before Orchestra (12:10-12:40)*
BAND
Beginning: Tue. 8:20-9:10 & Thurs. 7:30-8:20
Advanced: Tue. 7:30-8:20 & Thurs. 8:20-9:10
Tuesdays in the Music Room
Thursdays in the Gym
Clubs and Activities
Encourage your child to explore their talents and interests. Children should try new things! You never know where they will find their passion and hidden talents! A great way for your child to try new things is through school clubs and activities. Positive behavior is expected at all times. Club participants are expected to behave in a respectful, responsible, safe manner. Visit the Mountain webpage and click the "clubs" link for permission forms and more detailed information: http://www.laschools.net/domain/331
Homework Club:
Homework club for grades 2-6 will be each Tuesday and Thursday from 3:20 - 4:00. Teachers and instructional assistants will be there to help the students with their assignments and provide additional academic support.
Fitness Club:
Running/Walking Club: The running walking club is for students and families in all grades. It meets on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings from 7:30 - 8:20 on the upper-grade playground.
Strike-A-Sound:
Musical ensemble for grades 4-6 meets on Wednesday's from 12-12:15 by the crosswalk to eat lunch, then rehearses from 12:15 to 1:00 in the music room. This is a fun opportunity for students to explore music together. No skill level necessary!
Choir:
Choir is a unique opportunity for students from grades 4-6 to get together with others that like to sing! This group meets on Friday morning from 7:30 - 8:20.
Chess Club:
Day: Fridays (Beginning Friday, September 9)
Time: 7:45-8:15 am
Location: Mountain School Library
Chess Club will give students the opportunity to learn the game of chess, learn chess strategy, and practice chess skills. Students will also learn and practice chess etiquette. The club will be recreational. Students will enjoy the game of chess without participating in tournaments.
Math Counts:
MathCounts is beginning on Wednesday, September 7!
MathCounts at Mountain Elementary School is for all 5th and 6th graders with at least average math ability who want to work on extra math after school. It is a fun, extra opportunity for students to build math skills and interact with peers who have an interest in math. Students who wish can also prepare for the MathCounts competitions.
The MathCounts class will be held on Wednesday afternoon from 12:30 to 1:45 in the Mrs. Unal's classroom (Portable 1). This club is an extra opportunity outside of the school day for students to enhance math skills and does not take the place of regular math instruction within the school day.
Parents should plan to attend the first session from 12:15 to 12:30 PM on September 7th. Parents will be requested to provide contact information. Parents are also invited to attend any future classes, but are not required to do so. Parent attendance is only required at the first meeting to receive important information about the group.
MathCounts Coaches are Phuong Nguyen and Jane Lataille. The teacher sponsor for the group is Zeynep Unal.
Battle of the Books:
Contact: Carissa Pittman (c.pittman@laschools.net) - Begins in December. More information soon.
Watch for other clubs and activities coming soon including Drama Club and Robotics.
Suzuki Violin Club
There is a new club on Wednesday afternoons – the Suzuki Violin Club (SVC)!
WHAT
Suzuki violin is a method that involves teaching students to play by ear. It relies on the same principles used to learn how to speak when very young: listen; repeat; say (or play) it yourself. This method does not require students to learn how to read music – yet. Instead it focuses on technique and ear/listening development. Students who start with this method generally become extremely good players.
An integral part of the plan is parent or care-giver involvement. Parents are encouraged to get a violin and learn with their child but must at least attend SVC with their child in order to follow through at home.
WHO
SVC is open to all aged elementary children but is primarily geared towards younger children (K – 3). LAPS and home-schooled students are welcome. Class size is limited to 8 children. Classes are taught by me, Michelle Rosette, the new orchestra teacher in town. I have years of experience and certification and have taught all over the world – including Manhattan School of Music. Here at LAPS I teach at Aspen, Barranca, Mountain and LAHS.
WHY
Numerous studies have shown that children who begin to play an instrument at a young age do better academically later in life. Music early in life greatly stimulates all areas of the brain. Also, with stringed instruments, in order to truly gain mastery of the instrument, starting at a young age is ideal.
WHERE
At this time the classes will be held at Mountain School. Once the LAHS music wing and Smith auditorium renovations are completed, we will move to that location, probably some time next year.
WHEN
To start there will be two classes, 30 minutes each, one starting at 1:45 and the other at 2:15. First weekly class is 9/14/16 and last class is 5/31/17. We will have one concert in the spring, date and time to be determined.
HOW MUCH
SVC charges a nominal fee - $15/month or $135 for the school year. Please make checks payable to LAPS but in the memo write “SVC”. Student will also need a violin of appropriate size. The best small violins I have seen come from Robertson and Son’s Violin Shop in Albuquerque. The monthly rental rates are reasonable and instruments arrive in the mail very quickly. There are other options in town and in Santa Fe but I have not seen small violins from those shops. And, parents should also purchase Suzuki Violin Book 1 with the CD (available on Amazon).
If interested, please contact me at m.rosette@laschools.net ASAP as class size is limited to 8.
Thanks for your time J
Michelle
Wednesday, Sep 14, 2016, 01:45 PM
Aspen Elementary School, 33rd Street, Los Alamos, NM, United States
Mark Your Calendars:
Annual FUNd Run - Wednesday, October 19, 2016
9 - 10 am K-3rd grades
10:20 am-11:30 am 4-6th grades
Urban Park in Mountain School Neighborhood
HALLOWEEN CARNIVAL - Saturday, October 15 from 4:00 - 7:00
We need lots of volunteers to make these events a success.
October 26 & 27 & 28, 2016 - Fall Parent Conferences - early release at 12:00 on Wednesday, October 26. NO SCHOOL for all elementary students on Thursday and Friday, October 27-28.