La Paloma Academy

Happy New Year and welcome to 2010! Students, parents and faculty, I hope that everyone had a truly wonderful holiday break enjoying all the comforts of home. As we start this new decade, I would like to remind everyone why La Paloma Academy continues to have such great success - teamwork. My hope for La Paloma Academy in 2010 and beyond is that we continue to grow and celebrate education and character. This focus and attitude is why we are where we are today. Keep up the great work!

On the topic of growth, one of our largest fundraisers of the year is right around the corner - Raising Funds 4 Raising Kids Golf Classic. This is our third annual tournament and we hope this year's event can top the last two! The golf classic will take place at Forty Niner Country Club on March 20, 2010. The format is a four-man scramble with golfing beginning at 7:30 a.m. A complimentary lunch, raffle and silent auction will follow. We hope you can be a part of it! Invite your friends! All proceeds will go towards expanding programs at the school and making existing programs at La Paloma Academy even better.

I would like to thank those individuals and local businesses who have supported us in past years, including Tucson Mayor Bob Walkup and Vice Mayor of Marana Herb Kai! We look forward to seeing all of you on the greens again this year!

This year's fundraising goal is to raise money for technology, which has become ever so important in the classroom today. We aim to expand our computer labs so that many more students can use computers at once.

At the current time, we are looking for players, sponsors, raffle and silent auction donations and volunteers for the day. Please spread the word and help us make this the best year ever!

Again, wishing you and your family a very happy 2010! We are so excited about all of the great things to come in this year!

To continued great learning,

Wow! This semester has gone by so fast. In just a few days, we will start our winter break and just two weeks after that we'll be ringing in 2010! This week, I invite you to stop by our for holiday programs and, of course, have a happy and healthy holiday.

I would like to extend a big congratulations to all of the students and teachers that participated in the Tucson Downtown Parade of Lights this past Saturday. Our float looked great with the theme "The Grinch Can't Steal LPA's Character," and we couldn't be more proud of our students. We look forward to doing this again next year and thank you to Mrs. Stewart for heading up this effort!

If you are in the mood for some holiday cheer, stop by our holiday performances this year. Lakeside performances are on Wednesday, December 16 and Central's will be on Tuesday, December 15.  Call the front desk to get specific times!

Also, please note that Wednesday, December 18 is our last day of school before the holiday break. Students will have a half-day with no after-school care available and no hot lunch. Report cards will be sent home as well, so please be sure to go over them with your student!

Remember, just because it's holiday break doesn't mean learning should stop. The holidays are a time for sharing, singing, decorating and enjoying the season. We encourage you to discuss the religious and cultural meanings behind the holidays with your student by creating crafts and decorations for the home and incorporating a seasonal theme into your everyday tasks. For example, improving reading skills with Christmas stories and practicing counting using Christmas ornaments or cookies. Also, learning something new about holidays that others celebrate is a great way to expand cultural understanding. There is so much for your student to enjoy and learn during this special time of year.

Have you been following your student's teacher's blog? All blogs are available on the website under the "Teacher" menu tab. Just click on your teacher's name to read your student's classroom news!

To continued great learning!

Have a happy, healthy and safe holiday....

Raena

Now that Thanksgiving break is here, we are starting to look forward to month of December and all of the joy it brings. For the first year ever, LPA students and teachers will join together and enter a float in the Downtown Tucson Parade of Lights on Saturday, December 12. The parade starts at 6 p.m., for all the families who would like to come out and support the school! We would love to see you there to cheer us on! Both the Central and Lakeside campuses will be working together to create our holiday float and we are currently looking for volunteers to help construct our "moving masterpiece!" We also need students to walk alongside the float during the parade. Please find all the details on the official web page here.

I would also like to say a big "thank you" to everyone who has participated in fundraising efforts this semester. We've raised more than $30,000 for our school! Can you say "WOW?" I sure can! These funds will go towards the purchase of new computers and our students are elated! Our goal is to add a completely new computer lab and that means up to three classrooms will be able to be on computers at the same time. We're working on plans for a new lab, and will keep you informed on our progress; truly exciting times for La Paloma Academy.

Thank you for your continued support and participation! Happy Thanksgiving!

To continued great learning,

Raena

Goodbye October and hello November! I would like to thank everyone involved in this year's Harvest Fest. It was an amazing event and incredible success, with smiles and excitement all night long. We are so excited to bring the  Harvest Fest to our students and their families as well as the entire Tucson community every year. Did you have a good time? Let me know your favorite activity!

Now that it's November, we will be celebrating Thanksgiving in just a few weeks! It is one of the favorite holidays in my house! Remember though, it isn't only about the eating! Share this quiz with your family to find out the history behind this holiday and make learning fun with some Thanksgiving printables and easy-to-make crafts. You can even use some of the crafts you make as a family for decoration on your Thanksgiving table - I'm sure all your family members will appreciate your divine designs!

I would also like to invite you to visit our website to order all your school uniform needs. Just go to "About Us" and then click on "Store." You can purchase LPA sweatshirts, t-shirts, long sleeved shirts and more so your student is dressed to impress, LPA style.

Are you interested in being more involved with the school? We would love your help! Our PTO meets weekly to plan and discuss activities that will help our students succeed and the school grow. This is a great way to stay in touch with what your children are doing and we would welcome you into this group with open arms.

Our teacher blogs are a new way to keep you connected to what's going on in the classroom. La Paloma Academy is also on Facebook and Twitter! Join in! We need you to help us spread the word so we can create a true online community! Become a fan of La Paloma Academy on Facebook by clicking here, or follow us on Twitter by clicking here. We will answer questions, post information and stay connected.

Wishing you all a fabulous week!

To continued great learning,

Raena