Almond Thursday Word

LASD 2025-2026 Calendar

Almond Website: www.almondschool.org

PTA Website: www.almondpta.org

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Almond Community News: PeachJar

Next week we will have a week-long break to re-energize, refresh, and connect with our loved ones during the Thanksgiving break. As I reflect on the past few months of school, I’m reminded of how fortunate we are to be learning and growing alongside one another. This month our students have been learning and practicing what gratitude means—choosing to appreciate the people and things in our lives—and their insights have been a wonderful reminder of what truly matters. Our staff and families bring energy, care, and commitment to our campus, and it shows in the way our community continually lifts each other up. Thank you for the countless ways—big and small—you contribute to making our school a place where every child feels supported and inspired. I’m grateful to share this journey with you.

The Great Thanksgiving Listen

This November, the Great Thanksgiving Listen will take place in homes and classrooms across the country — students can add their voices to the Library of Congress and take part in our national effort to collect the stories of a generation by recording an interview with a loved one. What a wonderful and authentic way to not only engage our students in developing their skills in listening and speaking but to also provide them with an opportunity to create stronger connections with family, friends and loved ones.

Here's to the power of human connection and the strength it brings to our school family!

Raquel

Our 6th graders are proud to share the launch of Sixth Sense—our new online weekly newsletter written, edited, and published by student authors. Each week, you’ll find fresh stories, class highlights, and creative features that showcase the voices of our young writers. Check it out at tinyurl.com/almondsixthsense!

LASD has partnered with Smart Social to provide free resources to parents. Use this code here to register for a free account if you haven’t already and check out the upcoming events!

• December 2, 9, or 16: Is Screen Time Pulling Your Child Away? Balancing Parental Controls & Student Privacy

• December 3: 7 Quick Tips for Healthier Screen Time: Reduce Arguments & Build Positive Digital Habits

• December 11: Roblox & Minecraft Safety Night: Understand the REAL Dangers & Guide Your Child with Confidence

• December 17: ¿El tiempo frente a la pantalla está alejando a su hijo? (Sesión en Vivo en Español) (Dec 17, 2025)

• December 18: Safe and Successful: How Teens & Families Are Using AI

Can’t make a live event? Don’t forget to check out the 450+ Easy to Search, On-Demand Resources covering apps, dangerous trends, dialogue starters, and so much more!

Google employees: Google is generously giving each employee $400 to donate to nonprofits now through November 21. Please consider supporting LAEF from your Google Giving account.

We still need to raise $590K to help fund teachers and essential programs this school year, including PE teachers, librarians, music teachers (4th-6th), the Art Docents program, the Living Classroom program, computer science support, junior high electives, and mental health counseling.

If you have yet to give this school year, donate to LAEF today and request a corporate match if it’s available to you. Gifts of any amount are appreciated and make a difference.

Learn more about the complementary roles that LAEF and the PTA fill in providing an excellent education for our students, and consider supporting both organizations.

Students may bring their own lunch to school, however, no outside food/vendors will be allowed on campus, including deliveries from outside vendors

(i.e. DoorDash or similar service or parent drop off of local food vendors).

No-Cost Meals for All Students California has become the first state to pass a universal free school meals program for all public school students. Free Breakfast and lunch will be offered at all schools, and all meals will comply with federal nutrition regulations. LASD is committed to serving the best food for our students through our vendor, Revolution Foods.

More Than Meals! Benefits for Your Student and School Completing a school meals form is crucial to school funding.

• For every student who applies and qualifies for free or reduced-price meals, the school receives more than $150 and additional money from state and federal grants. This financial support translates into increased funding for afterschool programs, technology, counseling services, and equipment for school kitchens, ensuring a better learning environment for your child.

• Families who qualify for free or reduced-cost may also be eligible for free or reduced-cost internet, free or reduced-cost summer camps, after-school child care, summer discount cards, and more! Your application helps your child and many others. Please use this website to access the application. (https://linqconnect.com/public/meal-application/new)

• To translate this website, please click on the 3 lines in the top right corner.

Independent Study Plans (ISPs)

• Each student may utilize a maximum of 15 ISP days per school year

• Parents notify office of the dates of absence as soon as possible

• All Independent Study Plans are subject to principal approval

• Work MUST be completed during the absence and returned to school the day after the ISP ends

• Parent to initiate the ISP. Please use this link: Independent Study Plans

• To initiate 1-2 day ISPs, parent to contact Ms. Martinez in the school office so she can provide the supporting documentation

ATTENDANCE NOTES:

ABSENCES: If your child is going to be absent, make sure to fill out the new Attendance absence form before 9:00 or by calling 650-917-5454. If your child is going to be absent for more than five days, then an independent study program must be implemented before departure and returned upon return.

LATE ARRIVALS: stop by the office to check in before going to the classroom.

EARLY PICK UPS: fill out the new Attendance absence form or CALL 650-917-5454 and come into the office to check out.

• Please let both your teacher & the office know if you are planning to pick up children early.
• It will take longer to check out your child during recess (10:10-10:30am) and lunch (12-12:45pm) because we have to locate your child on the playground. Please try to avoid these times by coming before or after recess & lunch.

OFFICE NOTES:

• NO dogs allowed on campus
• Any volunteers or visitors to LASD schools are required to check in at the front office
• FORGOTTEN ITEMS: if you must bring a forgotten item to school, please drop it off to the office and we will deliver it to the classroom. This includes forgotten lunches from home too!