LAKESIDE NEWS

 

From our July issue

Lakeside Athletes Honored
Kathy McKinney, PE Specialist

The Lakeside community’s commitment to build and maintain a strong physical education program is yielding impressive results. This year, more than one-third of Lakeside’s graduating class earned the Presidential Physical Fitness Award. To receive this prestigious award, students must score in the 85th percentile or higher in five fitness tests that measure upper-body and abdominal strength, endurance, flexibility, and agility. Another nine students reached the national award level, scoring in the 50th percentile or higher in five tests.

I’ve seen a notable improvement in student fitness. In the first year of the program, one fifth-grader achieved the fitness award. That number has grown steadily every year. The students show a will and commitment to improve their fitness and strive for their personal best.

Presidential award recipients are Shannon Jimenez, Alina Korfike, Tony Moller, Giulianne Pate, Jasmine Phelps, Dylan Plane, Taylor Royan, and Mitchell Schwager.

National award recipients are Ali Barker, Alisa Dimick, Claire Farmer, Callie Glenn, Lexi Groen, Naomi Herman, Kai Nelson, Tony Rodriguez, and Antoine Savelli.

Also honored were the top two runners from each class. Lakeside students ran a total of 1,502 miles in P.E. classes and noon jogging this year. Congratulations to these dedicated runners:

Kindergarten:  Apollo Rowe, 13.8 miles; Isabella DeMeo, 14.4 miles

First grade:  Stone Castro, 16.1 miles; Christopher Hillegas, 20 miles

Second/third grade:  Rowan Bayard, 21.6 miles; Will Liddle, 24.3 miles

Third/fourth grade:  Amelia Dunn, 18.3 miles; Lydia Savelli, 20.9 miles

Fifth grade:  Mitchell Schwager, 27.3 miles; Quinton Hickey, 45 miles

 

 

From our June issue

Lakeside School

Rachel McBrayer

InnVision shelter drive

Lakeside PTA partnered with Mountain School to collect much-needed items for InnVision, Silicon Valley’s largest provider of housing and services and at-risk families and individuals. My children and I were lucky enough to be part of the caravan delivering the donated items to the shelter. We helped unload several carloads of items such as diapers, clothes, and toys that InnVision will use in their child-care facility. Our donations were much appreciated, and we look forward to helping out again.

 

Kindergarten Mother’s Day celebration

Mothers, grandmothers, and even a dad were treated to a beautiful Mother’s Day celebration. The event kicked off with the kindergartners singing as they held large, colorful tissue flowers to form a tunnel under which guests promenaded. Upon entering the garden, guests took their seats in a semicircle around the May Day pole. The children’s faces glowed with pride as they recited a collection of poems. Everyone joined in to wrap the May Day pole. A delectable strawberry shortcake followed. Seconds and thirds were available. Everyone left clutching handmade gifts, thankful to be part of such a loving event. Thank you, Kathy and Nadara, for your dedication to our children.

 

End-of-school events

The end of school is quickly approaching, and we have many fun activities planned to say farewell to the school year. We are pairing our staff-appreciation luncheon with the school talent show on Wednesday, May 28, so not only will the staff partake of a lovely meal but they will also enjoy home-grown entertainment.

Spirit Week will, of course, be a roaring success. What better way to say goodbye to a school year than to wear funny clothes, play games, and eat delicious end-of-year barbecue. For those students who still have energy left, the party will continue on June 18 at The Jungle indoor-play area. Lakeside students and their families will enjoy free admission to celebrate a “job well done.”

 

 

From our May issue

Lakeside School

Rachel McBrayer

 

Walk-a-Thon

The dew still clung to the grass as little feet made their way around the track. Laughter and joy filled the air as each child paused to have shirts marked with each completed lap, earning money to support their PE and music programs. Parents, teachers, and children reveled in the ever-flowing energy, as each new classroom of children took its turn. By the end the children had logged a staggering 377 miles.

Our walk-a-thon was made possible by the hard work of the Lakeside PTA walk-a-thon team. Thank you to the firefighters from the Redwood Estates station, Hope Services, and Iron Man Max Selleck who were there to lend supportive hands and encouraging voices. We want to offer special thanks to the Johsens family for their guidance. Without their dedication and the generous support from families, friends, and the community, we would not be able to fully fund our enrichment programs.

We would like to thank all the event sponsors: Los Gatos Chapter of Lions Club; Helm of Sun Valley; Vreman Scientific Instruments and Services; Ridge Medical, Inc.; Diane Crawford of Intero Real Estate; Nancy and Jill Cole of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage; Lori Orgish of Prudential California Realty; San Jose Camera and Video; The Wilson Veterinary Hospital; Berger Lewis Accountancy Corp.; the Lenihan family; the Schwager family; Forest Springs Ranch; Salon Aura; Lunardi’s Markets; West Coast Designz; Trader Joe’s; Sara Bell, Realtor, Schwarzbach Associates; Ethan Edgar Construction; Tom and Scott Harris of Coldwell Banker; Teri Hope, owner of Los Gatos Coffee Roasting Company; Mountain Mike’s Pizza; Justin Gee, balloon twister; and West Valley Pop Warner.

If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation to help fund our enrichment programs, or find other ways to help Lakeside school, call Principal Bob Chrisman at 408-354-2372.

 

Annual Family Auction

You are invited to attend the Lakeside Foundation Annual Family Auction on Saturday, May 17, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the school. Enjoy live music and a tasty barbecue.  Children will love the bounce house and games. Adults will enjoy meandering through the plant sale in our school garden and bidding on an array of fabulous items in silent and live auctions. This family-friendly event benefits our PE and music and arts programs. Hope to see you there.

 

From our March issue

Lakeside News
Sunny Neverman

The mountain community was once again wowed by Lakeside Elementary’s annual winter program. After hours of practice and loads of parent volunteer efforts, the cherished event came off without a hitch.

This year’s theme was international. Dancing and music from every continent, except Antarctica, graced the community- center stage.

The performance started off with the kindergarten’s beautiful interpretation of mariposas (Spanish for butterflies). Sung in Spanish and gracefully executed, the K’s proved that youth is no barrier to perfection.

The first-graders impressed us with their ability to sing a beautiful Chinese folk song in Chinese. This was followed by a riveting ribbon dance visually enhanced by the gorgeous multicolored satin tunics worn by the entire class.

The second/third-grade class represented North America with a stirring enactment of Ohlone Indian life. A catchy Native-American song, accompanied by a complement of drums, completed their performance.

The third/fourth-grade class, representing Europe, surprised us with a brief but charming musical depicting the life of Johann Sebastian Bach. The educational, professional, and romantic history of this great composer was revealed by a cast that was clearly having lots of fun.

And last, the fifth-grade class performed a rousing African song and dance, and then topped off the evening with a Lakeside tradition as they performed an English folk dance from the fifteenth century. This dance, the Sword Dance, is performed annually at Lakeside and is a fifth-grade rite of passage. With carefully executed steps and the clapping of sticks, the students skillfully wove their sticks (swords) into perfect stars and displayed them to the audience. A visiting friend in the audience, originally from England, was delighted and surprised to see this traditional Morris dance enacted here in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

The evening, despite the torrential rains, was delightful. The students were very proud of their performances. Delicious cookies, juice, and coffee were served. Special thanks to music teacher Kristin Allen for sharing her talents with Lakeside, to the teachers and staff, and to the parents who gave their support to this program.

From our February issue

Lakeside News
Sunny Neverman

After missing last year’s concert due to an influenza outbreak at the Terraces, Lakeside returned to the retirement home to perform their annual concert. Music instructor Kristen provided the musical accompaniment and led the students through a wonderful collection of traditional and contemporary holiday music.

Wendy O’Meara Nominated for Hoffman Award.

Lakeside dance instructor Wendy O’Meara has been nominated for the 2008 Glenn W. Hoffmann Exemplary Program Award in the category of Visual and Performing Arts. This award, provided annually by the Santa Clara County School Boards Association, recognizes exemplary achievement by local educators. Wendy was nominated by Bob Chrisman, Superintendent/Principal of Lakeside School.

Lakeside Maintenance Workers Tackle Heavy Tasks

While students and teachers enjoyed the winter holidays, district maintenance workers completed some major projects. District facilities director Smitty Ewing drew up the plan for work both inside and outside the Black Road campus. Projects included stripping and waxing all hard floor surfaces, rebuilding the outdoor play structure, and laying over 600 feet of PVC pipe.

Lakeside Walk-a-thon.

Lakeside’s annual Walk-a-thon fundraiser will be held on Friday, March 14. Students will begin their search for sponsors in February. Lakeside is looking for local businesses interested in exchanging sponsorship for advertising on the official Lakeside Walk-a-thon T-shirt. Each contestant receives a tick mark on their T-shirt for every lap walked or run. The tick marks are counted and the total is written on the shirt. These shirts are worn proudly and often. Is there a better way to advertise confidence in Lakeside students’ walking ability than with your company name on their T-shirts? For information on sponsorship, call Donna Johsens at 408-395-0337.

Fencing Lessons at Lakeside.

Here on Black Road a small, but growing number of students are, enjoying fencing lessons. Instructor Valerie Rosenblatt owner of the Elite Musketeers Fencing Club in Menlo Park, lives in Los Gatos and comes to Lakeside on Friday afternoons to provide training. Classes will begin again in mid-February and are open to all interested first- through eighth-grade students. The classes are not limited to the Lakeside community. Email Valerie Rosenblatt at valerie@emfc.net for information.

Annual Family Fun Day and Auction.

Join fellow mountain residents at on Saturday, May 17, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy games and activities for all ages plus fabulous food. Last year the former food service director at Mountain Winery directed the grill crew. For further information, call 408-354-2372.

 

From our January issue

Lakeside News
Sunny Neverman

Lakeside Elementary’s Age of Sail project was a huge success again this year. Heather Wingfield’s fifth-grade class enjoyed this cherished rite of passage coupled with unprecedented beautiful weather.

Each year the fifth-grade class spends months preparing for twenty-four hours of living history aboard a nineteenth-century ship. The students learned about rigging, 24-hour time, nautical-bell time, cooking, knot tying, swabbing, and much more. Combining social studies, science, math, and the arts, this integrated educational experience is said to make men and women out of Lakeside’s senior students.

Fifth-grader, Callie Glenn, mate of the deck-hand crew, said that she was prepared for the rigor of nineteenth-century sailing because her older sister, a Lakeside graduate, had told her how hard it would be. "The hardest part was carrying over 100 pounds of rope from the dock to the deck of the ship. We couldn’t let the rope touch the ground or carry it above our shoulders."

There was plenty of fun, too. Callie and her crew enjoyed their night-watch shift from 10 p.m. until midnight. "It was cold and I had to make sure the deck hands were awake and standing for the whole two hours," said Callie. Other participants stated that this task was less fun during the colder, wee hours of the morning.

This class was made possible by the dedication of the Lakeside staff and the parent volunteers. Thank you to everyone who made this an incredible and unforgettable experience.

From our December issue

Lakeside Elementary School
Sunny Neverman

After weeks of anticipation, Halloween arrived and Lakeside celebrated in style. As the fog rolled in, one of the year’s most cherished holidays, the annual Halloween parade, followed by parties and plays. Ghouls, goblins, witches, and vampires made up the majority of the terror contingency but were joined this year by a local phantom, Sudden Oak Death. Fifth-grade teacher Heather Wingfield frightened all, but especially those with a soft spot for local flora, with her startling depiction of an oak on the skids. With one limb, in this case Heather’s right arm, covered in dead leaves, we all knew that the rest of her glossy green foliage was soon to follow. Luckily, many princesses, cheerleaders, and super-heroes were available to lighten the mood.

Local history and physical fitness intertwined when Lisa Orcut’s second- and third-grade classes took a hike, guided by P.E. teacher Kathy McKinney. The class went to the south portal of the Summit tunnel in the Santa Cruz Mountains. The train tunnel was the longest tunnel used by the South Pacific Coast Railroad and later the Southern Pacific Railroad to provide train service through the mountains between San Jose and Santa Cruz. "The children were fascinated by the steep hike to the old tunnel. Nic Bullen summed up the trip, "The train tunnel was awesome and muddy and I didn’t even touch any poison oak."

 

From our November issue

Concert Series

2007-2008

Bob Chrisman

The third season of the Into the Woods for Performing Arts concert series is underway. Concerts are held at the Community Center, 19621 Black Road, 1.5 miles west of Highway 17. Admission is $15 for adults; students fifth grade and below are free.

Upcoming Concerts

Hans York. Saturday, January 5, 7 to 9 p.m.

Back for his third visit to Lakeside, York plays awesome original acoustic music. Visit www.hansyork.com.

 

The Into the Woods for Performing Arts series at Lakeside is a child-friendly, tobacco- and alcohol-free venue.

 

From our October issue

Lakeside School
Sunny Neverman

The first day of Lakeside’s 2007-2008 school year started with mostly happy faces, warm greetings from last years’ friends and teachers, and our typically beautiful California weather. After some beginning-of-the-year announcements and organization of the students by class, the Lakeside community pledged allegiance to the flag, pledged to work on punctuality, and started the business of having a wonderful school year.

I say mostly happy faces because there are always the new students and the latest crop of kindergartners who feel, understandably, a little apprehensive. Lakeside gained 25 new students this year. The Lakeside community extends a warm welcome to all the new students and their families. We look forward to getting to know you.

Musician Joe Craven at Lakeside

Musician Joe Craven did a one-day residency with Lakeside students on Friday, September 21. The day culminated with a performance from Craven and our students. Joe Craven is a musician and educator dedicated to finding and honoring the creative energy in everyone. He is an advocate of the folk arts, and he makes and plays instruments from varied and eclectic materials. Joe is an actor, storyteller, motivational speaker, and an amazing talent who has played with many musicians including Jerry Garcia. His music and sound effects can be found on many recordings, including some Grammy-nominated projects.

Harvest Fair

Lakeside will have a Harvest Fair on Saturday, October 20, from noon to 3 p.m. This annual event run by the Lakeside Foundation Committee raises funds for our music and physical education programs, as well as new teaching materials for other educational needs. There will be crafts and activities for children, a moon bounce, a chili contest, a baking contest, and crafts for sale. Do you have a chili worthy of entry? Or perhaps a family-favorite baked good you know is a winner? Are you a local artist or craftsperson that would love to sell your wares at a fun family event? We are looking for you. Call Amy Miljevich at 408-395-4119, or email marasavo@yahoo.com.

 

From our September issue

Lakeside
Into the Woods for Performing Arts Concert Series
2007-2008

Bob Chrisman

Joe is back. Joe Craven will be playing at the Lakeside Community Center on Friday, September 21. Joe’s visit is a part of the third season of the Into the Woods for Performing Arts concert series. He was last here in August 2005. The Community Center is located at 19621 Black Road, 1.5 miles west of Highway 17. The evening will begin at 6 p.m. Admission is $15 for adults; students fifth grade and below are free.

Additional performances in the series:

High Tone Sinners

Friday, October 12, 7 to 9 p.m.

This incredible five-piece blue grass ensemble played at the Lakeside School 125th anniversary celebration.

Blues Cadillac

Friday, November 16, 7 to 9 p.m.

Here is blues like it used to be, powerful and straight ahead, with great vocals and musicianship. Check them out at www.bluescadillac.com.

Hans York

Saturday, January 5, 7 to 9 p.m.

Back for his third visit to Lakeside, he plays awesome original acoustic music. Visit www.hansyork.com.

Joe Craven will conduct a one-day instrumental residency for Lakeside School students on Friday, September 21. Joe believes music is as much a basic life skill as language, and that all people can learn to sing in tune, keep a beat, and participate confidently in music-making. The day will consist of breakout sessions for each grade level, including students from the Los Gatos-Saratoga Parent Observation Nursery. Students will demonstrate a variety of musical pieces they have learned at the opening of the evening concert at 6 p.m.The Into the Woods for Performing Arts series at Lakeside is a child-friendly, tobacco- and alcohol-free venue.

 

From our July issue

Lakeside School Promotion
Fifth-grade Commencement

Susan Ady

Marissa Tippets won the Student of the Year Award.

Fifth-Grade Commencement

Ian Berkstresser

Naomi Cantu

Amanda Charbonneau

Alexandra Hunsinger

Benjamin Hunsinger

Katherine Hunsinger

Sarah Johnson

Parker Johsens

Evan Krause

Andrew Lloyd

T.J. Orcutt

Aleksandra Radchenko

Ariadne Rowe

Marissa Tippets

Tina Truong

Robert Walker

Shane Williams

Logan Wilson

Isaiah Winters

 

From our June issue

Lakeside School
Sunny Neverman

Fifth-graders explore the age of sail

We hear a lot today about the need for integrated educational experiences. Teaching subjects in isolation from standardized texts competes poorly with today’s media-rich, interactive, technological environment. Of course, those of us who can remember life before the web, cable, and VCRs/DVDs may be thinking, "Hmmmm, school subjects taught separately from books wasn’t working for me either."

The Lakeside staff works hard to make the educational experience as rich, integrated, and "hands on" as possible. A shining example of this is the fifth grade Age of Sail project. For weeks students study maritime history as living history that culminates with an overnight stay on a nineteenth-century ship.

Social studies, science, math, and the arts come together as the children imagine what it was like in 1906, just after the San Francisco earthquake. The experienced sailors have abandoned their ships in the harbor to search through the rubble for family and friends. The ships must sail to Oregon, however, to pick up lumber to repair the city. "Green hands" or inexperienced sailors (fifth-graders enter stage right) are hired to do the job. Each boy student creates a character developing his (because all the sailors were men or boys) personal history and personality.

The green hands learn how to tie knots, make a Bosun’s chair (a block and tackle chair that can be raised and lowered), raise and lower a dory, understand the rigging, understand 24-hour time and bell time, and cook for a nineteenth century ship’s crew.After weeks of preparation, the guidance of their teacher, Mrs. Heather Wingfield, and the assistance of five or six dedicated parent volunteers, the green hands are shipworthy.

After touring the maritime museum, the students climb aboard the ship in San Francisco’s harbor and get into character. The green hands are assigned specific jobs. All hands take turns doing a silent two-hour night watch on a very cold night. After 24 hours of turn-of-the-century life, the green hands become fifth-graders again. They have a better understanding of many things, with a better appreciation for how good their lives are in 2007. Homework and elementary school don’t look so tough.

But the living history doesn’t stop here. Next, each fifth-grader will become a famous American. They will write their character’s biography, develop the biography into a speech, get into costume, and become a "wax statue" of this American. The statues will remain frozen in Madame Wingfield’s Wax Museum until tapped by an interested Lakeside tourist. Then they will come alive and be an interactive history lesson. I am sure they will remember this better than anything read in their textbooks.

 

 

From our May issue
Lakeside Elementary News
Sunny Neverman

Lakeside is a gem of a school. It has a dedicated community of staff, students, and parents who work together to create a wonderful educational environment. Many of its qualities go unrecognized, however, even by those who attend. Did you know that approximately 42 percent of Lakeside’s energy comes from the sun?

Two years ago Lakeside installed 112 solar panels that drive four 6000-watt inverters. The resulting energy savings to date is nearly $9,500. While this move toward renewable energy benefits the Lakeside finances, it also benefits the planet. According to Lakeside facilities manager Smitty Ewing, the 66,000 kilowatt hours of clean electricity produced by our solar field has spared the planet from 76 tons of carbon emissions.

The solar panels are installed on the Lakeside Community Center and provide power to the entire campus. In fact, during the months of August and September, the Lakeside meter actually runs backward and provides clean energy to the grid. Lakeside receives credits for the surplus kilowatt hours, which Pacific Gas and Electric applies to the months with greater energy consumption.

Remember to thank Lakeside for helping to keep our air clean and, perhaps, for helping to power you this summer.

Walk-A-Thon Results

The 2007 results are in. The students at Lakeside walked an unprecedented 2,448 laps this year, exceeding last year’s total by 288 laps. In addition to the fun, the exercise, and the fundraising that beat last year’s record, the students were inspired by an unusual challenge.

Principal Bob Chrisman promised to reward surpassing last year’s record with the shaving of his recently grown beard and mustache. Sure enough, the Monday after the Walk-A-Thon, Chrisman, publicly, and to the sound of many giggles and squeals, shaved off his whiskers. This is just another example of the great lengths the Lakeside educators take to inspire students.

The grand total walked by the students, staff, volunteers, and one exceptional dog (that I just happen to own) was 2927 laps, equaling just under 366 miles. To date the school has received $7,157 in pledges and donations and the promise of more. We are on our way to the most successful Walk-A-Thon ever.

Calling all 2007/2008 Kindergarteners

If you have a potential kindergartener residing in the Lakeside School District, call Lakeside at 408-354-2372 to let the office know so they can place your family on the mailing list. Also, if you know of a family with a child eligible to enter Lakeside’s kindergarten program this fall, ask them to call us.

 

From our April issue

Lakeside News

Sunny Neverman

Our electronic recycling fundraiser was a big success. It helped get rid of unwanted and unutilized electronics that were sitting around in people’s homes and businesses. It also prevented potentially harmful chemicals and elements from polluting our environment. By facilitating the responsible disposal of electronics our school earned $1,615.60 for the PTA. We collected 8,078 pounds of CRTs and 7,684 pounds of other e-waste. "We filled an entire semi," reflected the awestruck Anne Plane, mother of two Lakeside students.

Lakeside would like to thank the mountain community for their support and participation. It is support like this that helps to make the Santa Cruz Mountains such a wonderful place to live.

 

Garden party

On that same weekend other Lakeside community members spent a productive Saturday battling weeds and overgrowth on the Lakeside grounds. What better way to get ready for spring than to get your hands in the dirt and clean up your community? Trees were trimmed, and garden beds were cleaned and weeded. Special thanks go to the Lakeside staff for extending their weekly commitment an extra day for school beautification and fundraising.

Calling 2007/2008 kindergarteners

Do you have a potential kindergartener in the Lakeside School District? If yes, please mark your calendars for the kindergarten screening on April 17. If your child will be entering kindergarten next fall, call Lakeside at 408-354-2372 to be placed on the mailing list. Also, if you know of a family with a child who may be entering Lakeside’s kindergarten program this fall, ask them to give us a call.

Lakeside’s Annual Walkathon Fundraiser

This year’s walkathon was held Friday, March 16. It is one of two big annual fundraisers for Lakeside Elementary. Last year 76 children and a handful of parents and teachers walked a total of 2,486 laps.

This year’s theme was The Great Race commemorating the 1907 Thomas Flyer’s victory in the 1908 race from New York to Paris. Now restored and on display in the National Automobile Museum in Reno, the actual 1907 Thomas Flyer traveled much of the distance in the American West and the steppes of Russia without the help of roads.

All funds raised, with the exception of the cost of the participant T-shirts, went to support school programs. Thank you for your support.

 

 

From our March issue

Concert Seasons, Past and Future
Dale and Laurie Gee

Lakeside’s Into the Woods for Performing Arts started in spring 2005 to bring the performing arts to Lakeside and the Santa Cruz Mountains, a venue where musicians and artists can perform while raising funds for entertaining and teaching. In partnership with the school, the profits from these concerts will provide seating, lighting, and other amenities that will make the facility useful to the whole community.

Seven successful concerts have been produced. Now the community is invited to share their ideas and join in planning the 2007/2008 concert series on Thursday, March 22, at 7 p.m., at the Lakeside Community Center.

February 10 marked the seventh concert hosted at the Lakeside Community Center. The past concerts featured artists primarily in the folk and jazz-fusion genre, but the last one featured rockin’ blues by Blues Cadillac. Led by Steve Welch on guitar, the band covered classic rock and roll and blues tunes ranging from Muddy Water’s "Sweet Home Chicago" to Chuck Berry’s "Johnny B. Goode." While the crowd arrived chilled by cold and rainy weather outside, they quickly warmed to the band’s high energy and straight-ahead style, enhanced by Ray DiFazio, who connected with the audience by roaming and dancing with them while playing his baritone saxophone. Other performers included Jerry Cash, who played the blues with a strong B.B. King style, Alan "Eye Bone" Eglington on harmonica, Doug Mancini on bass, and Michael "Chip" Chiappari on tenor saxophone. The evening was capped off with a standing ovation and an encore performance featuring Tim Richard’s blazing drum solo.

Erik’s Deli and Whole Foods provided a great spread, complemented by cookies from Beckmann’s Old World Bakery, pretzels and pastries from Sterntaler’s Bakery, Rainbow Orchards fresh-pressed cider, and Los Gatos Coffee Roasting Company coffee. Table centerpieces of balloon teddy bears holding red balloon tulips were provided by Justin Gee.

For information about future concerts, check www.lakesidelosgatos.org.

From our February issue

Lakeside Elementary
Sunny Neverman

Did you or someone you know attend Lakeside School? Do you currently have friends or family at Lakeside Elementary? This year Lakeside is celebrating its 125th birthday and you are invited to the party. The date is Saturday, May 5. The event will be held on the campus at 19621 Black Road.

The celebration will include food and fellowship, but attendees may view historic Lakeside memorabilia and quilts, play historic games, participate in folk dancing, and, perhaps, be reunited with classmates from the past. Reunion group photos will be taken. If you feel inclined, you may come in period dress.

Approximately thirty years ago, Lakeside’s graduating eighth-grade class, with the help and guidance of their teacher, created a quilt. This became a tradition and the quilts are auctioned off as part of Lakeside’s annual fundraiser. While we have some quilts to display, we would love to have more. If you have a Lakeside quilt or any other Lakeside memorabilia that you would be willing to lend, email Karen Fishback at jfishback@earthlink.net or call 408-354-2555. We promise to care for and return the items after the event.

Karen Fishback, whose family has attended Lakeside for many generations and also provided Lakeside with some of its very first teachers, is writing a book on the history of Lakeside School. The book will be filled with photos, memories, and stories. She is also compiling a CD with even more photos and memorabilia to commemorate our 125 years of excellence. Talk to her if you feel you have something you want to contribute. You may lend your memorabilia for display and photographing, but we are also looking for donations for a permanent display.

The final touches for the event are still being worked out, so visit www.lakesidelosgatos.org and click on "125th Reunion" for further details and for the book, CD, and T-shirt order forms. We are also putting together a community quilt in honor of our little corner of paradise in the Santa Cruz Mountains. If you would like to contribute a square honoring or symbolizing mountain life or mountain schools, go to our website and click on "Community Quilt" for information.

Lakeside School History

The original Lakeside School was built in the early 1880s on land donated by the Thompson family. The Thompson family, whose name still graces Thompson Road, had ten school-age children. They were among the first to attend the new school. The original Thompson Road site sat above a marshy area that was developed into two small lakes, hence the school’s name. The upper picture on the facing page shows the Lakeside School on the original Thompson Road site.

In 1904 the school was moved across the street to the current Black Road location. The building was reportedly sawed in two, dragged down the hill by teams of oxen, and reassembled on the site of the current old-red-school building. In 1917 the Thompson Road building was dragged back twenty or thirty feet to become teacher housing and make way for the old red school house which stands there today.

The new 1917 school building was still a one-room school and remained so until the 1955-56 school year when Lakeside’s student population blossomed to an unprecedented 33 students, requiring another teacher and another building, which is now used by the Clubhouse program, for before- and after-school care. The 1917 building stands as a picturesque reminder of Lakeside’s early days and also houses a sought after preschool program—the Los Gatos-Saratoga Observation Nursery School. The lower picture on the facing page shows the old red school house as it first appeared in 1917.

In 1962 an adjoining parcel of land was purchased from the Criswell family, and in 1964 the building that currently houses the elementary school was built. Other building additions have occurred over time with the most recent being the addition of the Community Center.

At its heart, however, Lakeside is still a small country school. Despite its reputation for academic excellence, Lakeside School feels more like a family. From its earliest days, the school doubled as a meeting place for the community, a place for dances, music, and socializing. In addition to a fantastic education, all of these community activities still occur today, keeping the Lakeside spirit alive.

Upcoming Events

The following are annual events to raise money for Lakeside Elementary. Stay tuned for Walk-a-thon details in next month’s article.

Walk-a-thon, Friday, March 16

Family Fun Day and Auction

Saturday, May 19

 

From our January issue

Lakeside Elementary
Sunny Neverman

Although the Mountain Network News has experienced a few months of silence from Lakeside we have been making plenty of noise. Our specials programs have the students singing and dancing up a storm.

Music

Music at Lakeside is taught using the Orff-Schulwerk methodology in which the child follows his or her innate musical instincts to sing, chant rhymes, clap, dance, and keep a beat on anything close at hand. The children first explore the creation of music, then concern themselves with reading and writing. The children learn music much as they learn their native language; imitation and exploration first, reading and writing after they gain fluency.

Dance

The fourth- and fifth-grades at Lakeside are furthering their musical ability and natural rhythm by participating in dance instruction. The students focus on the physical control and coordination needed to perform a wide variety of dance movements. They learn the vocabulary that describes these movements and the various tempos of the music selections. This program also promotes social skills, cooperation, physical fitness, and a deeper understanding of the cultural importance of dance. If you know one of our Lakeside elders, ask them to dance, and be prepared to cut a rug. They might just teach you a thing or two.

Spanish

This year the kindergarten through third-grade classes are participating in the Lakeside Spanish program. Early exposure to foreign language is beneficial in many ways. Studies show that the human brain is more open to linguistic development before adolescence and that students who study foreign languages score higher on English language standardized tests. The study of Spanish promotes a deeper understanding of our state’s history and provides young people with the opportunity to interact with California’s large Spanish-speaking population. Spanish at Lakeside is taught using auditory, visual, and full-body movement activities in order to address multiple learning styles. Themes from regular classroom instruction are integrated into the Spanish instruction. For example, the study of Monarch butterflies and the traditions surrounding Halloween were studied in both English and Spanish.

Physical Education

All this singing and dancing promotes good physical fitness. This year Lakeside is working hard to improve the fitness of all of the students. If you want to catch a glimpse of our physically fit little ones, take a look at the kindergarten class running their laps right after the morning flag salute. In addition to improving cardiovascular strength, the students at Lakeside are really working (although they are having so much fun they don’t realize it) to gain upper and lower body strength, cooperation, sportsmanship, and coordination. That coordination will come in handy when they get to fourth- and fifth-grade dance.

Lakeside Students to Sing at the Terraces

On December 7 the Lakeside student body was scheduled to take a trip to the Terraces to spread holiday cheer through song and movement. Unfortunately, many of the residents at the Terraces were experiencing a nasty stomach bug so the concert was postponed. All of us at Lakeside wish the residents a speedy recovery and we hope to visit and perform for them soon.

Other Special Events

In addition to our robust specials program, Lakeside enhances student education with many wonderful field trips and in-school presentations. Whether it is a visiting author, a cultural food demonstration, a trip to a beautiful state park, or a tour of an organic farm, the students at Lakeside love their unique educational opportunities.

 

From our December issue

Lakeside Concerts
Houston Jones and Hans York
Saturday, December 9, 7:30 p.m
Saturday, January 6
Lakeside Community Center

Laurie Gee

Last year a fledgling concert series of local musicians was started by a community organization called "Into the Woods for Performing Arts" as a way to raise funds for the Lakeside Community Center. The multi-purpose room is available for use by the mountain community for special events. The proceeds from the concerts will be used to buy equipment for the center, such as lights, sound systems, and seating. The music is very good and the venue is conveniently located on Black Road.

"Into the Woods for Performing Arts" presents Houston Jones with Henry Salvia and Chojo Jaques, a California-based Americana group, on Saturday, December 9, at 7:30 p.m. The band performs mostly original music that ranges from bluegrass and folk to blues and gospel.

Look for Hans York on Saturday, January 6. This is a return engagement for this musician who blends the styles of pop, folk, jazz, and acoustic music. His intimate performance last year captivated the audience. It will be a pleasure to hear him again.

For ticket information, go to http://lakesidelosgatos.org/events.html, or call Laurie Gee at 408-234-8654.

 

From our October issue

Lakeside Foundation
Harvest Fair
Saturday, October 21, 12 to 3 p.m.

Barbara Kay

Lakeside’s popular Harvest Fair returns on Saturday, October 21. An "anything with apples" chalkboard chef contest will join the chili cook-off this year. No matter which chefs get blue ribbons, the attendees who sample and vote for their favorites are the real winners. It’s a great family event with crafts, a bounce house, hot dogs, pumpkin carving, and apple pressing. One hundred percent of the proceeds go to Lakeside’s enrichment programs, such as PE and music.

If you’re interested in entering an apple creation or chili, or selling something at the crafts fair, call Barbara Kay at 408-354-8187, or email harvest@dbkay.com. Past prizes for a winning chili recipe have included lodging at the Half Moon Bay Ritz-Carlton and wine tasting events for ten. That’s enough incentive to pull out your knives, and crank up your crock pots.

Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 21, at noon. Attend and vote for your favorite chili or apple treat, buy some early holiday gifts, and support your local children.

 

From our September issue

Lakeside Board Appoints New Superintendent/Principal

Lakeside Board of Trustees

The Lakeside Joint Elementary School Board of Trustees has appointed Bob Chrisman as superintendent/principal. Chrisman comes to Lakeside from the Carlsbad Unified School District where he was principal of Hope School, one of the highest performing schools in San Diego County.

After classroom teaching at the elementary level, Chrisman went on to be a high school counselor and continued developing his resume by serving in a variety of administrative positions in both public and private schools, including superintendent/principal positions in Kern and San Diego counties.

Chrisman has been a strong advocate for providing rich and varied experiences for students including developing programs in music, art, and dance. He has extensive experience with classes for students with special needs, overseeing the largest program for children with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) in the Carlsbad Union School District and was recognized in San Diego as the administrator of the year in special education.

Chrisman is a native of central California, graduating from Oakdale High School. He completed undergraduate work at Modesto Junior College, and California State University, Stanislaus in Turlock. Chrisman received his elementary teaching, secondary teaching, counseling, and administrative credentials at California State University, Fresno where he also earned his Master’s Degree in Counseling.

Chrisman resides in the Aldercroft Heights area with his wife Sharon, who is assistant principal at Mountain View High School. They have two adult sons: Jeff, owner of www.justlistedbakersfield.com, and Ken, owner of Kenneth Chrisman Construction in Carmel Valley.

Chrisman is an avid mountain biker and looks forward to exploring local trails.

You may email Chrisman at bobchrisman@lakesidesd.k12.ca.us.

 

 

 

From our August issue

Lakeside School Fifth-Graders

Commencement 2006

Galen Barker

Matthew Czaikoski

Danielle Devonport

Vanessa Fraser

Amanda Gee

Brooke Gibson

Alyssa Glenn

Mara Miljevich

Eleanor Moller

Brandon Perez

Meghan Proctor

Gregory Schwager

Madison Shaughnessy

Lakeside School Awards

During the commencement program outstanding students were recognized.

Vanessa Fraser, Student of the Year.

Vanessa Fraser, Ellie Moller, Alyssa Glenn, Danielle Devonport, and Meghan Proctor were presented with Presidential Academic Excellence Awards given to fourth- and fifth-grade students who maintained a 3.5 or higher grade-point average.

Danielle Devonport, Vanessa Fraser, and Ellie Moller received Presidential Fitness Awards.

Madison Shaughnessy, Gregory Schwager, Meghan Proctor, Brandon Perez, Alyssa Glenn, and Brooke Gibson received National Fitness Awards.

Galen Barker, Matthew Czaikoski, Amanda Gee, and Mara Miljevich received Participant Fitness Awards.

John Becker, Jamie Lenihan, Jason Lloyd, Meghan Proctor, Gregory Schawager, and Shane Williams received Perfect Attendance Awards.

Amanda Gee, T J Orcutt, Giulianne Pate, Kassie Pate, Jasmine Phelps, and Marissa Tippets received Perfect Attendance-Plus Awards.

 

 

From our June issue

Lakeside School
John Cantu

What an exciting year at Lakeside. Our students have accomplished much. They made great strides academically and are learning what it means to be a community.

May Day

In the Lakeside Redwood Grove, our students celebrated May Day with folk dances and folk songs reminiscent of Shakespearean England. The fifth grade sang and danced around the Maypole with brightly colored streamers. The Moorish Dance, better known as the Morris Dance, was performed by the fourth grade. It was a delight to hear the third graders play their recorders and dance the Shepherds Hey. The combination first/second-grade class sang the "Cherry Blossom Song" and played on the glockenspiels. And the kindergarten sang "In and Out the Bonnie Blue Bells." May Day is a standing tradition at Lakeside. Some say the best part of the spring celebration is when the students sample strawberries.

Kindergarten at KUFX (KFOX)

The kindergarten sang Imagine and Yellow Submarine at the KUFX radio station recently. KUFX DJs, Greg Kihn and Chris Jackson, had a contest for middle and high school students, Our CD of "Imagine" was submitted even though we did not qualify for the contest. The song was played on the radio many times and we were invited to the radio station to sing live. We were on the air Tuesday, April 25. We had a great visit with Greg Kihn and Chris Jackson. We brought a few fifth grade friends along to help sing.

Monterey Bay Aquarium

What did the electrical eel say to the seal? "Those first- and second-graders sure are bright." All kidding aside, Marcia William’s first- and second-grade class had a fun day learning about aquatic animals on their May 5 field trip to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. It was a good outlet for their curiosity. They were able to touch animals in the tide pool. They saw 550 different species. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a great place for a field trip because education and conservation are central to the aquarium’s mission.

Third annual Girls on the Run Silicon Valley 5K Fun Run

On May 21, 2006, seventeen Lakeside girls participated in the Third Annual Girls on the Run Silicon Valley 5K Fun Run held at Vasona Park. We have some very quick runners, and we are very proud of our athletes. They are all winners.

Lakeside auction and family fun day

The Lakeside Auction was fun—a truly entertaining day for all ages. The kids played in the bounce house and enjoyed the carnival games. The garden workshops were a great help to all of us during this growing season. The highlight of the day was the live auction featuring the classes’ original projects. The event ended with dinner by Nonno’s and music provided by Tony Macaroni.

Here are some of the silent auction items:

    A Los Gatos Police Department "ride-along" and canine demo

    Four tickets to a show at the Mountain Winery in 2006 with dinner for four at the Chateau Deck, including two bottles of Mountain Winery Reserve wine

    A Hotel Los Gatos suite for a night

    Wine tasting at the Byington Winery for thirty

    Wine tasting at Savannah Chanelle Vineyards for ten

PTA news

The PTA Board would like to thank everyone for their volunteer efforts during this school year. Thank you for giving so much to the school and its students. Special thanks to our volunteers who recently helped celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week. The students and parents planned wonderful events to acknowledge the Lakeside staff. To top it off, the PTA, with the help of our resident student artists, created a lovely strawberry painted platter. Each strawberry was painted by a student at the school in honor of Mrs. Salisbury’s (aka Mrs. Strawberry) contributions to the school. She will be retiring after this school year. We will miss her. We hope everyone has a fantastic summer.

End of the school year

Get ready for Spirit Day—a day of fun games and a barbecue lunch on June 2. We’re also excited that the fifth grade finished their coordination of the yearbook. We would tell you more but it is "top secret." We can’t wait to get yearbooks during the last week of school.

 

From our May issue

Lakeside School
John and Melanie Cantu

What does Sitting Bull have in common with Orville Wright? They were both featured at the Lakeside Community Wax Museum Theater. Heather Wingfield’s fifth-grade class did a superb job of re-enacting American historical figures. Each fifth-grader researched their favorite historical figure, designed a costume, and spoke to the audience concerning the life of the character. This was an innovative teaching idea that combined drama, history, and fun.

PTA. The PTA family fun night with ventriloquist Steve Chaney and his puppet partner Cornelius Crowe provided an evening of laughs. The PTA hosted an exceptional pasta dinner.

Walk-a-thon statistics. The most laps goes to fifth-grader Danielle Devonport who ran 63 laps, or almost 8 miles. Over 310 miles were logged, pretty good for a school of only 79 students. Donations, currently over $6,500, will be used to purchase stage curtains in the Lakeside Community Center, help fund a public art project, and help fund next year’s PE program.

John Lennon Redux in the Santa Cruz Mountains. In March kindergarteners from Lakeside School became one of the most requested performers on the 98.5 KFOX School of Rock Contest. Although there was no category for elementary schools, their performance of "Imagine" by John Lennon achieved special recognition from host Greg Kihn. "Imagine" was performed at the Lakeside Winter Concert on January 26. The recording was submitted by teacher Kristin Allen.

May Day celebration. Our May 1 celebration has been an exciting tradition for over 15 years. Each class does a ceremonial performance, such as a play, song, or "ground stomping" to wake up the earth and honorably welcome spring. The last performance is the Maypole dance. The event culminates with strawberries and daisies given to each child.

Superintendent search. The search is progressing on schedule. The Superintendent Search Advisory Council was formed through appointments by the board, site council, staff, foundation, and PTA. The position was published nationally in educational media. Interviewing will begin May 12-13. We hope to announce the new superintendent by May 15.

Other upcoming events

Mondays, hip-hop class changed to 3 p.m.

Monday, May 1 to Friday, May 5, teacher appreciation week

Tuesday, May 2 to Friday, May 12, Star Testing. The PTA will provide healthy snacks for the kids daily.

Wednesday, May 17, school board meeting

Sunday, May 21, Girls on the Run final run

Thursday, May 25, open house for fourth and fifth grades

 

 

From our April issue

Lakeside School
John Cantu

Who would have thought that the spring family fun night and pasta dinner, scheduled for March 10, would be canceled due to snow? Hopefully, Steve Chaney, ventriloquist, and his puppet partner, Cornelius, will be rescheduled soon.

The Lakeside Walk-A-Thon was held March 17. We want to thank everyone that made it such a success. The donations will support the PE program next year. This year every child who participated in the Walk-A-Thon received a T-shirt with the names of those sponsoring the event. We thank our sponsors:

    Pacific Diversified Insurance

    Ridge Medical

    Vreman Scientific

    Forest Springs Ranch

    Helm of Sun Valley

    LoCastro Salon

    DuoCaprice (Willie Juncosa)

    Just ‘A Gee

    Skyline Chestnuts

    The Rowe Family

    West Coast Designz

Open House

Don’t miss your chance to see the progress our K-3 students are making in their studies. Come to the Open House on April 26 at 7 p.m. (K-3 classes only.)

Hip Hop Classes

There may still be space for children wishing to join the spring enrichment classes, such as hip hop classes which begin on April 22. Call Los Gatos-Saratoga Recreation and Education at 408-354-8700.

Auction Update

Please remember to mark your calendars for the Annual Auction and Family Fun Day on May 20. This event, along with the Harvest Festival, funds the PE and music programs at Lakeside. Please join us for a fun-filled day of games, food, shopping, and the good company of our community. Hope to see you there.

 

 

From our March issue

Lakeside School
John Cantu

Does anybody remember the music that was played at the Chateau? The board members of the Lakeside School Community Center is offering top name entertainment throughout the year. Please support Lakeside School’s performing arts programs and live music.

Hans York concert. The board presents Hans York, an award-winning singer and songwriter with German and Brazilian roots. Hans York will perform a solo of contemporary acoustic pop music, with elements from folk, jazz, and world beat. Hans tours nationally, and is the recipient of an honorable mention from the Annual Mid-Atlantic Song Contest in the pop category for "Listen to the Moon." Hans will perform at the Lakeside Community Center, Tuesday, March 21 at 7:30 p.m. For information and reservations, call 408-354-2372, or go to www.lakesidelosgatos.org.

Lakeside Strings. Willie Jencosa is the director of the Lakeside Strings program. He is an outstanding violinist and teacher. I walked into the music room as he was rehearsing the class. I expected to hear a simple song, but was treated to a Tartini sonata performed by Willie and his students. Willie said, "The synergy learned when playing in an ensemble is similar to the synergy required to solve large problems. Music teaches community." The Lakeside Strings program is an exceptional program.

Library News. Horses, stagecoaches, Ohlone Indians. We have new books about life in the 1800s. Lakeside students, come visit the library and read about this exciting time. Remember, anyone can leave a lasting legacy for Lakeside students by donating a book to the Lakeside Library in celebration of your birthday.

Family Fun Night and Book Fair. Visit the Lakeside Family Fun Night and Book Fair, Friday, March 10 at 7 p.m. in the Community Center. Everyone in the community is welcome. The event features the ventriloquist Steve Chaney who will perform with his puppet Cornelius. The evening will be filled with fun, laughs, and song. The free event kicks off the annual spring Book Fair, which runs through Friday, March 17. Before the performance, the PTA will host a pasta dinner from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. If interested, download the order form from the school’s website at www.lakesidelosgatos.org.

Walk-A-Thon. Don’t forget to set aside Friday, March 17, for the third annual Lakeside Walk-A-Thon. Funds raised will go for stage curtains and a mural on our Community Center. This year’s theme is the 100th anniversary of the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake. The Walk-A-Thon is a major Lakeside fundraiser. Want to know how you can support this event? Check out the "upcoming events" at www.lakesidelosgatos.org.

Train trip to Sacramento. The annual fourth-grade trip to Sacramento on February 10 was a memorable educational day for students and parent-chaperones. The class gained new insights about government and community service. Their day started early, 6 a.m., at the Cahill (Diridon) train station. This is where they caught the bus to Oakland just in time to make their Amtrak train connection to Sacramento. They toured the State Capitol, the California Museum of History, Women & the Arts Museum, and the Railroad Museum.

A search for a superintendent/principal is in progress. Keep abreast of the process and progress by selecting the "Superintendent/Principal Search" link on Lakeside’s home page at www.lakesidelosgatos.org.

 

 

 

From our February issue

Lakeside School

John and Melanie Cantu

On January 26, we celebrated a gala event of our Winter Performing and Visual Arts Program. A song written by John Lennon was performed by the kindergarteners.

The first- and second-graders performed a drama based on a Ukrainian folktale. The third-graders created mixed media drawings of their favorite things, and performed a Jewish party dance called the hora. The fourth-grade played the Carol of the Bells using "Orff" instruments, and they performed a Native American drama about coyote and fire. The fifth-grade performed a Mongolian song with lyrics they wrote themselves.

The finale was great. One of my favorite portions of the winter program is the north skeleton sword dance, traditionally performed by the fifth-grade class. Our sincere gratitude goes to our music teacher Kristen Allen who taught our children performing arts and prepared them for the show. This year’s winter celebration was dedicated to the Lakeside School Board as part of the events were held in conjunction with School Board Recognition Month.

Natural Bridges field trip

The kindergarten enjoyed a crisp, sunny winter day at the beach with their kindergarten teacher, Kathy Olivari. They went to Natural Bridges to see the monarch butterflies and to hike. After the hike they ate lunch in a meadow overlooking the ocean. The day was so nice they decided to walk on the beach. We’d like to thank our parent volunteers; Nicole Engel, Ann Marie Pate, Theresa Bond, and Cassandre Fox for watching over the class.

Help the homeless

The past year had more than its share of disasters. Many people are homeless as a result of the tsunami and Hurricane Katrina. Fifth-grade girls Vanessa Fraser, Meghan Proctor, Danielle Devonport, Elle Moller, Brooke Gibson, and Madison Shaughnessy were inspired to help the homeless. During a recess conversation they decided to collect sleeping bags, warm jackets, blankets, and warm clothing for homeless people of any age or sex. They discussed this project with Mrs. Wingfield, the fifth-grade teacher. The school will provide space to store the items until they can be distributed. Please contribute to this cause.

Recycle, recycle, recycle

Recycling is easier now because the Lakeside Student Council is operating a Recycling Center at Lakeside School. You may drop off California redemption plastic bottles, aluminum cans, and glass containers. Please remove all caps. Please do not drop off alcohol containers or items not redeemable. These items are not appropriate for students to handle and will cause more work for school personnel. The income from this program will be used to send students to Science Camp. This is a great way for you to care for the environment and support your local school. Bring your recycling materials to Lakeside School, 19621 Black Road. The Recycling Center is in the parking lot next to the Community Center.

Third annual Walk-A-Thon

The students are ready to kick-off this year’s walk-a-thon in early April. The kids are excited about raising their two funds. First, to purchase and install curtains on the community center stage, and second, to start a dedicated fund for a public arts project, such as murals for the front of our community center. The PTA believes these two goals can be achieved with the help of matching funds if we raise approximately $8,000. Local businesses sponsoring this event will have their business names printed on our event T-shirts. For more information, call Donna Johsens at 408-395-0337.

New Clubhouse director

We welcome Bryan Anderson as the new assistant director of the Lakeside Clubhouse (after-school care). Bryan comes to us from Van Meter Elementary School in Los Gatos. He is a child development major at San Jose State University.

Our appreciation will not fade away

We regret to announce that Superintendent/Principal Joyce Salisbury will retire this year. In her four years with us, Mrs. Salisbury has blessed our school with her talents in effective organization, as a team leader, and a kind friend. We’ll have more news later on how we will honor her.

We are sad to see our board of trustee’s president, Parker Stokes, move on. He has served the Lakeside community for many years. His dedication to our school and district is appreciated by the Lakeside community.

The countless contributions these two leaders have made to the Lakeside community will remain evident well into the future. Read the messages to our community from Mrs. Salisbury and Mr. Stokes on our website, www.lakesidelosgatos.org, and in the letters section of this issue.

 

 

From our January issue

Lakeside School
Melanie and John Cantu

What’s up at Lakeside? Holiday celebrations were a blast. The third-, fourth- and fifth-graders made hearts merry, sang carols, and passed out handmade cards while visiting the residents at The Terraces of Los Gatos. Local resident Karen Fishback hosted the first annual holiday dance night at the Lakeside Community Center, with proceeds donated to the Lakeside Foundation. We had a funky good time dancing a variety of dances from swing to salsa. Now, after a well-deserved winter break, the new year brings many exciting activities.

Winter celebration

Mark your calendars for Thursday, January 26, for our students’ annual musical and theatrical performance. We look forward to using our professional sound system and five new sections of stage, which should provide a wider view for our audiences.

After school enrichment program

We are pleased to announce a newly developed program in collaboration with Los Gatos-Saratoga Community Education and Recreation. Dance, sports, and science classes begin Thursday, January 5 and are open to all mountain children. For details visit www.lgsararec.org.

New students

We welcome two new students: Kai Nelson in third grade and Isaiah Winters in fourth grade.

New recycling center at Lakeside

The Student council is now running a recycling program as an ongoing fundraiser to benefit the Science Camp. Please drop off California redemption plastic bottles, aluminum cans, and glass containers without caps near the dumpsters next to the community center building at 19621 Black Road.

Organization activities

PTA, Foundation, and School Site Council will be regularly publishing meeting minutes (and/or summaries) and other updates in the Lakeside Letter. Beginning in January, you’ll be able to refer to prior publications on our website.

Budget building

The school board will begin developing the 2006-07 school year budget in January. If you are interested in understanding school budgets and participating in the process, please watch for the dates. They will be posted in the Lakeside Letter.

Technology plan writing

The first parent public review session for this project took place in December. The next public opportunity will be January 17, from 8 to 9 a.m., at Lakeside.

Generator installation

A Red Cross generator is scheduled for hookup within the next few months. Volunteers and donations have helped to prepare for its installation to our propane system. We will have a dedication and recognition ceremony when we are ready to flip the switch. When fully functional, the generator will operate the electrical system in the community center (heat, lights, kitchen facility) and the entire water system for the school. We still welcome community donations, as our out of pocket expense will run about $4,000 to $5,000.

Lakeside School and Community Center is located at 19621 Black Road, Los Gatos. For more information on what’s happening at Lakeside, visit www.lakesidelosgatos.org.

 

 





 

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