LCE News from Mrs. Blaney
December, 2018
Ringing Out 2018...
December was short but magical. Best of all were all of the wonderful holiday greetings that were shared and received. Here's to a fantastic 2019!
DECEMBER EVENTS:
Pali Mountain 6th Grade Field Trip
The sixth graders and teachers got to go to the Pali Mountain Institute in the first week of December. Students experienced Science, cabin life, team building, snow, and rain! It's one of the most memorable trips for LCE students, and I'm so glad our graduating class of 2025 got to be a part of it this year. Thank you to Mrs. Fungo, Mrs. Redecker, and Ms. Schwartz for organizing the trip!
Buddy Classes
All of our classes pair up to create cross-aged buddies. Buddy classes get together regularly to participate in activities - whether it's reading books, doing arts/crafts, or designing, the kids form bonds and truly enjoy working with each other.
Library Time
Mrs. Bahrami always selects book that she knows our students will love. She thoughtfully displays them for students to have easy access. This coming year, staff members will be sharing what we are reading with small posters, posted throughout campus, to show our students that we are lifelong readers!
5th Graders Acting as Soldiers at Valley Forge, Writing by Candlelight
https://youtu.be/MQjcS14cnFw
Making Butter Like the Pioneers
Some of our 3rd grade classes read Little House in the Big Woods and learned about pioneer life in the midwest. Students celebrated with Little House Days at the culmination of the book.
Have You Met Domicio Aguilar?
Domicio is one of our evening custodians, working along side Roger Rangel and with Jose Quinones. This team of outstanding custodians keeps our campus clean and our staff and students healthy and happy!
Spreading Holiday Cheer
Secret Santas and Elves were sneaking all around LCE this month, decorating, leaving gifts, and sharing food. The staff had so much fun trying to surprise one another! Happy Staff = Happy Students
Everything Gingerbread at LCE
Kindergarteners wrote Gingerbread plays and searched the campus for runaway gingerbread men, 1st graders wrote new versions using story board graphic organizers, 2nd graders built gingerbread houses, and even the staff hunted for missing gingerbread men this month!
Site Spelling Bee
Congratulations to Amber Zhang, Angel Song, Brandon Lee, and Alan Wu, who will represent LCE at the LCUSD District Spelling Bee on January 16! Amber and Angel were the top two spellers at our site bee. Photo Credit: Raven Flowers
Founders Day Announcements
Congratulations to parents Julie Bae, Lee Chumo, and Cathy Kleineahlbrandt, and staff members Sonik, Arutyunyan, Jennifer Crocker, and Andrea Redecker, LCE's 2018/19 Founder's Day Honorees! Photo Credit - I snapped a photo from the Outlook, so thank you to Mary Emily Myers for your original.
Kiwanis Terrific Kids
The sixth graders selected as Kiwanis Club Terrific Kids Honorees include: Brandon Lee, Gayane Khachatourian, Sarina Parks, Brendan Kuo, Amber Zhang, and Tyler Park. These students, along with their families, will be honored further at the Kiwanis luncheon on January 23. We are very proud of them!
NGSS Committee Update
LCE, PCR, and PCY Committee Members have narrowed the list of state-approved resources to the following. You can read more about each by selecting the links. An email was recently sent out that included a form you could complete if you would like to share your feedback and rank the choices. Please contact me if you did not receive that email and wish to share your views.
Accelerated Learning (STEMscopes) (K-8)
McGraw Hill School Education- California Inspire Science (K-6)
National Geographic Learning, a division of Cengage Learning (K-6)
Governing Board Update
Please visit this link to read the latest recap of the LCUSD governing board. Most recently, Dr. Tammy Jackson discussed the district's plan to address dyslexia. At the same meeting, Palm Crest's modernization plans were reviewed. The next meeting is January 15. You can also find updates on Facebook by following @LCUSDSchoolBoard.
RESOURCES:
Interesting Math Article
I'd like to share a short article from the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics called The Elusive Search for Balance, by Matt Larson. Larson presents a helpful view of the Common Core State Standards and what our teachers are striving to do every day in the classroom. Of particular interest is the following quote from the author:
"The goal of mathematics education is not complicated. We want students to know how to solve problems (procedures), know why procedures work (conceptual understanding), and know when to use mathematics (problem solving and application) while building a positive mathematics identity and sense of agency."
This year, we continue to work to use teaching strategies that have the most positive effects on students. I'll continue to share more about this in future newsletters.
Challenge Success Book Recommendation: The Happy Kid Handbook, by Katie Hurley
We have copies of this book at LCE if you'd like to start a book club, and here is the link if you wish to buy a copy for yourself. Katie Hurley, a licensed clinical social worker, offers practical parenting advice in this book and her other book, No More Mean Girls. She also has a helpful website and blog. Check it out!
Podcast for Kids
The Alien Adventures of Finn Caspian is a Sci Fi podcast for kids that may introduce a new genre for your own child(ren)! The stories are engaging and are all about 20 minutes long - perfect for a car ride, bath time, or bedtime. Remember, listening to and talking about podcasts can increase the listening skills of children. And this podcast is free and fun!
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Event Information
School Resumes
When?
Tuesday, Jan 8, 2019, 08:00 AM
Where?
4540 Encinas Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, CA, USA
Event Information
5th Grade Parents: Growth and Development Preview with Nurse Chris Henry
Mr. Henry will be showing the videos he plans to show the 5th graders and will answer parent questions. This is a parent-only event held at Paradise Canyon Elementary.
When?
Thursday, Jan 10, 2019, 06:30 PM
Where?
Paradise Canyon Elementary School, Knight Way, La Cañada Flintridge, CA, USA
Event Information
Governing Board Meeting
When?
Tuesday, Jan 15, 2019, 07:00 PM
Where?
4490 Cornishon Avenue, La Cañada Flintridge, CA, USA
Event Information
PTA General Meeting
When?
Wednesday, Jan 16, 2019, 09:00 AM
Where?
4540 Encinas Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, CA, USA
Event Information
LCE PTA Dine Out at New Moon
When?
Thursday, Jan 17, 2019, 05:00 PM
Where?
2138 Verdugo Boulevard, Montrose, CA, USA
Event Information
2nd Grade Field Trip to Discovery Cube
When?
Wednesday, Jan 16, 2019, 08:00 AM
Where?
Discovery Cube Orange County, North Main Street, Santa Ana, CA, USA
Event Information
LCUSD Spelling Bee
When?
Wednesday, Jan 16, 2019, 06:30 PM
Where?
4490 Cornishon Avenue, La Cañada Flintridge, CA, USA
Event Information
Collaboration Day for ALL Grade Levels
Minimum Day - 8:10 - 11:35
When?
Friday, Jan 18, 2019, 08:00 AM
Where?
4540 Encinas Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, CA, USA
Event Information
Reflections Reception
When?
Friday, Jan 18, 2019, 11:45 AM
Where?
4540 Encinas Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, CA, USA
Event Information
MLK Day: No School
When?
Monday, Jan 21, 2019, 08:00 AM
Where?
4540 Encinas Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, CA, USA
Event Information
Kiwanis Luncheon to Honor Terrific Kids
When?
Wednesday, Jan 23, 2019, 11:30 AM
Where?
Descanso Gardens, Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, CA, USA
Event Information
TK and Kindergarten Orientation for 2019/20 Families
When?
Thursday, Jan 24, 2019, 06:30 PM
Where?
Paradise Canyon Elementary School, Knight Way, La Cañada Flintridge, CA, USA
Event Information
Prospective Parent Tour
When?
Thursday, Jan 31, 2019, 09:00 AM
Where?
4540 Encinas Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, CA, USA
Event Information
5th Grade Growth and Development Lesson (Boys and Girls Separate)
When?
Friday, Feb 1, 2019, 01:30 PM
Where?