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Bobcat Strong Tracker

February 7, 2025

Bobcat StrongTracker February 7, 2025

BE KIND. BE STRONG. BE WELL. - TOGETHER!

Having trouble reading this email? Just click anywhere on the content below or visit our website at www.santaritaschool.org and go to the bottom of the website to find this newsletter!


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Our Mission

At Santa Rita Elementary School, we foster curious, motivated learners who reach their highest potential in a supportive community that appreciates diversity.

SAVE THE DATE

February 12th - 6th grade Orchestras perform at Strictly Strings concert - Los Altos High School 7-8 pm

February 14th - Read-a-Thon Kick-off

February 14th - Junior Olympics Kick-off Assembly

February 26th - Santa Rita’s STEM Expo 5:30-6:30pm

March 7th - Bobcat Bash

March 29th - Santa Rita Family Picnic



LASD 2024-2025 Calendar

LASD 2025-2026 Calendar NEW!

Reporting Attendance: Santa Rita Student Attendance

Santa Rita Website: https://www.santaritaschool.org/santaritaes

Check out what Mrs. English's 4th graders have been up to!

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They are studying the Gold Rush and after researching the three routes to get to California, they brainstormed the benefits and drawbacks of each route. Next, they held a debate to argue which route was the best while rebutting the reasons the other groups stated as benefits.

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They enjoyed the story "How do You Spell Unfair? " read by Ms. Williams kicking off Black History Month!

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Our second graders created their very own reading scrapbooks in their regular reading notebooks. Inside they shared favorite books, books they want to read, favorite characters, and how they feel about reading. Awesome work readers!

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LETTER FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Dear Santa Rita Families,

Teachers, Mr. Morris and Mr. Hazelton, along with eleven of their students shared a presentation with the LASD Board that took us into a 6th grade classroom at Santa Rita, where young writers are discovering their voices in remarkable ways! This presentation gave us a glimpse into how this innovative writing program is transforming students into confident authors. Our 6th graders stole the show, sharing with Trustees the tools they use to create and innovate.


Picture this: A classroom buzzing with creativity, where students aren't just writing – they're building a community of authors. Armed with personalized checklists and thoughtful outlines, these young writers are mastering their craft step by step. What makes this program truly special is the way students support each other!


Within this vibrant writing community, students take on multiple roles that enrich their learning experience. They transform into thoughtful reviewers, providing meaningful feedback that helps their peers grow, while maintaining detailed portfolios that showcase their own journey as writers. Each student embarks on a personal development path, setting ambitious goals and celebrating milestones along the way. Through daily reflection and deep thinking exercises, they develop not just their writing skills, but also their ability to analyze, evaluate, and continuously improve their work.


The magic happens when you see students gathered in pairs, discussing their work with the confidence of professional editors. They're not just learning to write – they're developing skills that will last a lifetime. Seeing how this program creates a space where every student feels safe to share their voice, take creative risks, and grow as both writers and individuals makes our hearts swell with pride.


Please check out this wonderful video of their presentation.

LASD Spelling Bee

We are excited to share an opportunity for 4th-6th grade students to participate in an upcoming Spelling Bee! 4th-6th grade students from all 7 elementary schools are invited to participate in the Bee.


The Bee will be held in the Gardner Bullis multi at 3:30 pm on Monday, February 24th. The winner and runner-up will continue to the Santa Clara County Spelling Bee on Saturday, March 8th (9 am-12 pm). If you register, please ensure that your student is available on March 8th if they place. The turnaround time is very tight- the names and information of the winner and runner-up are due to the county by Tuesday, February 25th, so please ensure your availability before registering.


Please use this link to register for the LASD Spelling Bee by Wednesday, February 12. The attached file includes a sample word list for the Bee. This word list may be expanded to meet the needs of the competition.

Vacation Planning

Please double check the new 2025-2026 school year calendar to ensure your child is not missing school.

Junior Olypmics Kick Off

Next Friday we will hold our Junior Olympics kick off assembly. Did you know that Junior Olympics training for our 4-6th grade students is just around the corner? If you have never attended or don’t know what Junior Olympics is, it can be described as an “annual, fun-filled, all inclusive, inter-school track meet that celebrates over 60 years of physical education in Los Altos School District. Fourth, fifth, and sixth graders from all seven district elementary schools compete in both traditional and nontraditional track and field events.” You can also read more about it in this article in the Los Altos Town Crier. This year, Junior Olympics will take place on Saturday, April 26th, at Mountain View High School. We hope to see you there helping to cheer on our Santa Rita Bobcats!


Let’s Go, Bobcats!

Denise Khalid

Let’s Go, Bobcats!

Denise Khalid

Principal

BOBCAT STRONG NEWS

Registration NOW open for The Lion King Jr. - 5 SPOTS LEFT!

Only 5 spots left!


Attention, students, and families! We are thrilled to announce that registration is now open for our upcoming production of The Lion King Jr.!


The Lion King Jr. follows Simba, a young cub who must embrace his responsibilities and destiny as king. Along the way, he encounters beloved characters like Nala, Timon, and Pumbaa. To reclaim his throne and save the Pridelands, Simba must find his inner strength and face his evil Uncle Scar. Featuring classic songs from the 1994 film, including "Hakuna Matata" and "Can You Feel the Love Tonight," along with additional Broadway songs.


Important Details:

Who: Open to the first 40 students in grades 3 - 6

Rehearsals: Mondays, Tuesdays, & Wednesdays after school

Shows: May 9th, 10th, and 11th

How to Register: Sign up through THIS LINK



Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this unforgettable show! We can’t wait to see the Santa Rita students shine on stage!

Hearing Screenings

Hearing screening will be done at Santa Rita School for all Kindergarten, 2nd, 5th grades on Tuesday, February 11. If your child has a known hearing loss please notify the Health Services Staff (lasdnurses@lasdschools.org) before the day of the screening. The district nurses will mail a referral form and contact parents of students who do not pass hearing screening.

When to Keep Your Child Home From School

To prevent the spread of illness, we ask that families review the Sick Child Policy to determine when to keep their child home from school.

With sincere thanks and gratitude, we recognize our Honor Roll of Realty 2025 sponsors who’ve contributed almost $119,000 this school year to support public education in the Los Altos School District (LASD) and Mountain View-Los Altos High School District (MVLA) by partnering with their respective foundations — the Los Altos Educational Foundation (LAEF) and the MVLA High School Foundation.

Find out which realtors are supporting our schools this year.


We still need to raise $215K to fund our schools this year.

If you have yet to give this year, donate to LAEF today and help support teachers and essential programs at your student’s school, and submit for a corporate match if it’s available to you. Gifts of any amount are appreciated and make a difference.

Sixth Grade Parents - Egan Junior High Volunteer Opportunities

Hello Parents of Sixth Grade Bobcats! Would you like to continue to be involved with school events as your child enters Egan Junior High? There are many fun and interesting chair positions available. Whether you have a bit more time to take on a year-long position (eg. Webmaster, Volunteer Chair) or want to help with specific events (eg. Holiday Faire, Viking Showcase), we will find a great fit for you! These positions are a great way to remain connected as your child becomes more independent in Junior High! Please fill out this Google form to express your interest. Thank you, future Vikings!

Join us to support our students this school year!

DONATE or PLEDGE to LAEF today.

Denise Khalid
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