LeConte Elementary Panda Press October 2014 Page 1 of 8

October Newsletter

LeConte Panda Press
2241 Russell Street, Berkeley, CA 94705
http://leconteonline.com T: 510-644-6290

Dear Families,
Welcome Back! By now, we hope you and your families are settled
into your school routine. To help you with the transition, you should
have received a PTA Welcome Packet. If not, you can access it
here Welcome Packet or find a hard copy on the information table
across from the main office. It includes LeContes annual calendar
of events; information about the Annual Fund/One More Month; and
the directory form that should be returned to your teacher.
Volunteers are needed for all of our events, but a school-wide effort
is required for the big ones Halloween Carnival, Latino Heritage,
African-American Heritage and the Spring Auction. Please get
involved when your room parents approach you to help and take
the opportunity to get to know your LeConte community. Join the
PTA (membership envelopes are available at the PTA bulletin board
or information table mentioned above).
Angela Gallegos-Castillo 510-501-7900
Minerva Tirado 415-866-8953
LeConte PTA Co-Presidents

The Halloween Carnival is back!
Saturday, November 1, 2014 at LeConte
After a one-year hiatus, parents have joined forces to bring back the
weekend Halloween Carnival to LeConte. Planning has started and your
help is needed. Contact Ann Sperske asper1122@gmail.com or Christine
Cox Jude christinecoxjude@gmail.com to share your ideas for the haunted
house, games, prizes, food and fun!
This is a school-wide effort and takes many volunteer hours to make it a fun
and successful. Sign-up for your class booth or carnival game when your
room parents approach you.


Upcoming Events
Last Friday of the Month
Celebrate LeConte Assembly

2
nd
& Assembly Fridays,
8:15am
Parent Caf parents gather,
buy scrip and catch up.
Contact Gaddy Reyes to help
or just bring a treat to share
gmbarbero@earthlink.net

October 2
Picture Day, all day

October 8
Parent Workshop Healthy
Eats, 5:30pm dinner | 6pm
workshop, free childcare

October 14 to 30
Read-A-Thon & book swap
Contact Margot Piper to
volunteer
margotbpiper@gmail.com

October 23
Math Night

October 31
Halloween Parade

November 1
LeConte Halloween Carnival


LeConte Elementary Panda Press October 2014 Page 2 of 8



Latino Heritage Celebration
Friday, December 5, 2014
The date is set and it is not too late to join the planning committee. We
need parents to assist with teaching dances, the potluck, costumes,
decorations, stage backdrops and getting donations from local
merchants. The next planning meeting is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 10 at
5:45pm in the LeConte Library. Free childcare will be provided.
Along with the African American Heritage Celebration and the Spring
Auction, this event is one of our most popular events of the year. Please
help in whatever area interests you - contact Sarah Arriaga at 510-529-
6378 or saramir30@hotmail.com.
More Important News
PTA/ELAC/Coalition Meetings and Parent Workshops
The first combined meeting of the PTA, ELAC and Coalition of African-
American families was held on Wednesday, September 10
th
. These
meetings provide a forum for PTA business and the Principals presentation
during the first half of the meeting and breakout sessions for the ELAC and
Coalition parent groups during the second. These combined meetings will
occur the second Wednesday of every other month September,
November, January, March and May. Everyone is welcome and free
dinner and childcare are provided. Dinner starts at 5:30pm | Childcare &
meeting start at 6pm. Translation is provided, too.
Parent Workshops
These workshops will alternate months with the PTA/ELAC/Coalition
meetings and will be held the second Wednesday of October, December,
February, April, June (if needed). These workshops will provide a forum for
discussion and workshops for parents on a variety of topics. The October
workshop will focus on Healthy Eats & Nutrition. Please submit your ideas
for future workshops to your room parents or the PTA lockbox found across
from the office.
Please help us qualify for State & Federal Funding: Complete the
Free/Reduced Meal Form
We are asking every family to complete an application for free/reduced
price school meals. Even if your student does not intend to take advantage
of the lunch program, every qualified application is counted towards
bringing significant federal (Title I) and state (LCFF/LCAP) funding to our


In Our Community
Thanks to Emilias Pizza!
A heartfelt thanks goes to the
Freilich Family for hosting a
pop-up fundraiser for LeConte
on September 13
th
. It was nice
to see so many LeConte
families come show their
support for our kids and school
and enjoying the best pizza in
Berkeley.
LeConte Fall BBQ
A lot of burgers, hot dogs and
tasty side dishes were shared
by LeConte families on
September 20
th
. A HUGE
THANK YOU to everyone who
attended, especially our grill
masters and transporters, set-
up and clean-up crews and
Molly Hicks from the LeConte
Green Team, who helped us
compost and recycle so well
that we ended up with less
than half a bag of trash from
the entire event.
Thanks, too, to all the families
that provided input on the
mural project, school
improvements and signed up
for volunteer opportunities.




LeConte Elementary Panda Press October 2014 Page 3 of 8


schools! Please complete the application online at ezmealapp.com as soon as possible. Online applications
are processed in just 24 hours, while paper applications may take up to 10 days. More information here.
CALLING ALL ARTISTS! CALLING ALL ARTISTS!
LeConte is looking for a new T-Shirt design! Are you an artist? Do you love to draw pandas? Do you want to
show off your talent and be a part of Le Conte history? Do you think you have what it takes to make the new
T-shirt logo for our incredible school? If you do, then we are taking art submissions for our 2014 Le Conte T-
shirts!
Submissions will be taken until Monday Oct 20
th
. After that, the whole school will vote on a winning design. All
submissions will be hung in the front office for the community to vote on. Votes will also be able to be viewed
and cast online. All students, parents and staff will be able to vote.
Design Guidelines:
Submitted designs must be done by an adult.
Multiple designs can be submitted.
2-3 colors maximum including black
Designs must have a Panda bear, although it doesn't have to be central to the image.
The words "LeConte Elementary" must be included in the design in any form. If other words are in the
design, we ask that they are in both Spanish/English.
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: OCTOBER 20, 2014
If submitting a hand drawing please submit no larger than a 8.5 x 11 format to the LeConte front office
in the box labeled TSHIRT CONTEST.
Or, email art to Maria Kovacs at maria.kovacs@gmail.com.
Or, mail art to Le Conte Elementary 2241 Russell St. Berkeley, CA. 94705
GET INSPIRED and HAVE FUN!
Gently-worn LeConte Shirts
Bring your outgrown or gently-worn LeConte t-shirts to the box labeled LeConte Field Trip
Shirts found under the copier table in the staff lounge. These shirts will be left at the school and used during
field trips to easily identify our students.
Afterschool Enrichment

The Fall Session started on the week of September 22
nd
, featuring: *Kinder-Dance *Chess *Circus
*Theater*Fashionistas *Circus*Art*Flute*Roleplaying*

There is space available in some classes, so contact Tanya Spanier (tanya.spanier@gmail.com) or Ann
Sperske (asper1122@gmail.com) for enrollment information.
Attention 5
th
Grade Families!
It is time to start documenting the final year at LeConte for the Class of 2015. Start now to set up a committee
of parents for the yearbook, ceremony and dance/bash committees.


LeConte Elementary Panda Press October 2014 Page 4 of 8


Parent Groups
Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
Our PTA has a three-part mission to:
facilitate communication between parents, administrators, teachers, and other groups;
fundraise in support of teaching and learning, including academic enrichment for students and
professional development for teachers;
build a supportive, positive, healthy community for all the students and their families at LeConte.
Why should you join the PTA? More than 30 years of research has proven that children do better when their
parents are involved both at home and at school. Grades are higher, test scores rise, self-esteem grows, and
schools improve. There is a simple way to make these outcomes a reality for your child: Join our PTA and get
involved at LeConte. Membership also gives you a voice in how PTA funds are spent at LeConte.
How do I join the PTA? Fill out the online form or fill out a membership envelope found at the PTA lockbox,
bulletin board or information table all near the main office. Be sure to include your email address if you have
one, so we can add it to the LeConte mailing lists. Suggested dues are $10 per person. If you can include
more than $10, please do so and help another familys membership.
The current PTA officers are:

The following positions need to be filled this year. All of the officers listed above are always willing to share
their position or take on an apprentice. Step into a position that matches your skill set or try something new!
These roles offer a great opportunity to meet and work with others wishing to make our school the best for
our children. As you are aware, this really comes down to all of us to make this happen.
Fundraising Committee* Point people/team for the various fundraising efforts throughout the year, in
particular the Annual Fund and Spring Auction. Please look for a community-wide meeting to start
planning for the Spring Auction.
PTA CONTACTS
Co-President Angela Gallegos-Castillo gallegosangela@sbcglobal.net
Co-President Minerva Tirado minerva.tirado@gmail.com
Treasurer Sinead OSullivan oredarvan@yahoo.com
Membership Open
Financial Secretary Jodi Nishimura
Nate Johnson
jodinishimura@gmail.com
nate2699@gmail.com
Secretary Sarah Arriaga saramir30@hotmail.com
Communications

Paz Canales, Kevin Jude &
Evaluz Barrameda
paz@haas.berkeley.edu
kevinmjude@gmail.com
ebarrameda1@gmail.com
Volunteers Catarina Negrn canoafrita@gmail.com
Room Parent Leader Sapna Khandwala sapna_khandwala@yahoo.com
After School Ann Sperske, Tanya Spanier asper1122@gmail.com
tanya.spanier@gmail.com
PTA Website: http://leconteonline.com | Donations: http://leconteonline.com/default/index.cfm/support/
LeConte PTA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Tax ID #94-6172095

LeConte Elementary Panda Press October 2014 Page 5 of 8


Volunteer Coordinator Catarin Negrn needs help with outreach to find volunteers at LeConte and
surrounding community groups. This coordinator does not organize the events themselves.
Membership Recruits new members to the PTA and records volunteer hours.
2015 PTA President(s) The president(s) runs PTA meetings, facilitates parent and teacher/staff
communication. A team approach to this position is also encouraged and the current team is willing to
start training the 2015-16 team during this year, to make the transition easier. Consider it!

*URGENT Need for the Spring Auction Co-Chairs/Team. Please contact Get in touch with
neda.wilson@gmail.com, franciemaguire@yahoo.com, minerva.tirado@gmail.com or
gallegosangela@sbcglobal.net if you want to be part of the team. A planning meeting is coming in early
October look for information in your Wednesday folder.
School Governance Council (SGC)
This is a state-required leadership committee also known as the School Site Council. The SGC is responsible for
helping to develop our school site plan and making decisions about how we spend our Measure A and state
and federal funds in order to meet the needs of all LeConte students. Committee activities include evaluating
the results of the standardized tests; creating and analyzing annual parent and teacher surveys; and
considering great ideas for serving students at LeConte. Ballots for the SGC will be sent out soon and results
will be announced at the October meeting. SGC is open to all interested parents and childcare is always
provided. You do not need to be a voting member to attend meetings and give your input. The agenda for
the upcoming meeting is always posted three or more days in advance. Please come if a topic on the
agenda is of particular interest to you!! We welcome new members and parents.
Coalition of Families for Students of African American Descent (CFSAA)
A team of LeConte parents initiated this coalition to increase the involvement and support of African
American families within our school community. The overarching goal of this group is to systematically create
a foundation that allows students to realize lifelong success throughout their school career and beyond. The
organization is committed to community building, networking, sharing resources to promote positive
academic and social growth and foster a generation of children who will instill this same commitment as
adults.
The next Coalition meeting is scheduled for October 15 at 6pm. Look for additional details around school or
contact Principal Valerio veronicavalerio@berkeley.net.
English Learners Advisory Committee (ELAC)
ELAC is an advisory committee that is required at LeConte based on the percentage of our students who
are designated as English language learners. This committee makes recommendations to the School
Governance Council regarding funds used to improve the achievement of English language learners.
At LeConte, this group has also been responsible for instituting cultural events, such as the Day of the Child
and our annual celebration of Latino Heritage held in December.
The next ELAC meeting is scheduled for October 15 at 6pm and will include officer elections. Look for
additional details around school or contact Maestra Calderon andreacalderon@berkeley.net or Laura Rivas
laurarivas@berkeley.net.

LeConte Elementary Panda Press October 2014 Page 6 of 8


Communications
Ensure you are receiving news from BUSD and LeConte by signing up to
receive regular updates.
1. Berkeley Unified School District: Berkeley Schools A+ News click here
for the September 15
th
edition. To subscribe to directly, visit
http://www.berkeleyschools.net/enews/. You can also access the
BUSD calendar from this website.
2. LeConte: To join the LeConte mailing lists, visit our website
http://leconteonline.com/default/, scroll to the bottom of the page
and submit your information.
3. LeConte 2014-15 School Calendar: A copy of the calendar was
included in the Welcome Packet and includes a years worth of
events, but check the LeConte website
http://leconteonline.com/default/ for any updates.
4. All (Robo) Calls: Are you receiving them? If not, contact BUSD to
ensure that they have the correct phone number for your family. You
think there are too many? Unfortunately, we have to reach out to
families in various ways, including via phone, to ensure that everyone
has the same information. We do our best to limit them.
5. Berkeley Public Schools Fund: Invests directly in teachers ideas and
creativity with classroom and districtwide program grants and
volunteer support in the classroom. Sign up for their newsletter to see
what they are up to -
http://www.berkeleypublicschoolsfund.org/about-us/
We Need You!
Volunteers are needed throughout the school year and in various
capacities. Email or contact a PTA officer to be added to the
volunteer list. A sign-up sheet is also posted on the PTA bulletin board
in the East hallway between kindergarten classes. We will contact you
as volunteers are needed or you can sign up for a specific area.
A listing of volunteer opportunities, with brief description and estimated
time commitment will be added to the PTA website and bulletin board
soon.
Give Us Your Input and Suggestions
The PTA is always open to suggestions for improvements, but we also
ask that you provide suggestions for solutions and your involvement to
get things done. Do you want to School Directory published early in
the year? Assist with collecting families contact information during the
first two weeks of school and help compile the data from home. You
want less litter and more greenery and decorations around the school?
How can we see it to fruition? Write a grant to purchase plants, join
the Green Team or get in touch with your teacher / Farmer Ben. We
are open to all ideas just contact a PTA officer (see earlier page for
our contact information).


LeConte Happenings

Aztec Dance, Tuesdays, 6pm
Free Aztec dance classes with
Huey Papalotl, The
Venerable Butterfly, Patricia
Juarez. All students and
families welcome!

LeConte Caf
Second and assembly Fridays
of the month at 8:15am. We
will see you on the patio
outside the cafeteria for
coffee and pastries.

Parent Workshops
Every second Wednesday of
Oct, Dec, Feb, April, June (if
needed)

Next Meeting: October 8

5:30pm Dinner | 6pm meeting
& childcare

Parent Group (PTA/ELAC/
Coalition) Meetings
Second Wednesday of Sept,
Nov, Jan, March, May

Next Meeting: November 12

5:30pm Dinner | 6pm meeting
& childcare

SGC Meetings, 6pm
Fourth Wednesday of the
month, LeConte Library


LeConte Elementary Panda Press October 2014 Page 7 of 8


Fundraisers
One More Month (Annual Fund)
What is the LeConte Annual Fund? The LeConte Fund supports the
variety of program paid for by the LeConte Parent Teacher Association
(PTA). Unfortunately, the school district does not cover all the expenses
of a comprehensive education like the one your child receives at
LeConte. Donations to the Fund will help fill that gap. The LeConte
Annual Fund pays for:
Farm & Gardening
Field Trips
Art Classes
Community Events, Fairs & Fun
After school Enrichment Classes
Safety & Environmental Programs
YMCA Recess
Direct Classroom Support
& Much More!
How do I donate? Automatic monthly payments are easy and
convenient.
Visit http://leconteonline.com/default/index.cfm/support/ and click the
donate" button to donate via credit, debit or PayPal. You can choose
monthly payments to spread your donation over the whole year! Or, fill
out the form on the opposite side to donate by check. Donations may
be tax-deductible. Also, please remember check with your employer to
see if your company has a matching gift program that can double your
contribution. Extra pledge cards may be found by the PTA lockbox, so
please involve your family and friends. We may offer a monthly payment
plan option in the future.
How much should I contribute? The PTA currently spends about $360 per
child (and we would like to do more!), but donations vary widely and
participation is very important. Remember, if 60% of LeConte families
participate by October 15
th
, our kids will get an ice cream party!
Kindergarten (and TK) families donate JUST ONE MORE MONTH of what
they paid for preschool or childcare before coming to LeConte which
makes a huge difference for our children.
QUESTIONS? Contact Vincent Cheng at 510-866-5351 or
cheng.realtor@gmail.com For One More Month, contact Claudia
Eyzaguirre at claudiaeyz@yahoo.com
Other Ways to Contribute In addition to donating money directly to
LeConte, there are numerous that we raise funds. Ask your room parent
or a PTA officer about any of the following:


Ongoing Fundraisers

Berkeley Bowl, Whole Foods
and Peets Scrip
Every Friday on the yard, gift
cards are available to
purchase for the Berkeley
Bowl, Whole Foods and
Peets. A percentage comes
back to A percentage comes
back to LeConte PTA. Look for
Odisa Walker
(odisa@belovedyoga.com) or
Fabiola Muoz at 510-457-
6637.

General Mills Box Tops
Box Top collection is located at
the PTA bulletin board. Clip
them from your favorite
products (Kleenex, General Mills
cereal, Ziploc, etc.) and turn
them in to be redeemed for
money to our school.
They look like this:


Shop at Amazon
Use LeContes website
whenever you buy Amazon,
and LeConte receives a
percentage of purchases.
Make it easy to remember, add
the site to your favorites and
rename it Amazon.



LeConte Elementary Panda Press October 2014 Page 8 of 8


Ongoing Fundraisers
Scrip Berkeley Bowl, Whole Foods, Peets
Shop at Amazon.com (via LeContes website)^
Other Online Scrip (such as Safeway)^
Popcorn & Lemonade^
Friday Parent Caf
General Mills Box Tops^
Sports Basement mention LeConte at checkout
Schoola, Tea Collection and others that come up during the year
Events
Spring Auction*
Read-A-Thon
Mrs. Dalloways
African-American Heritage Quilt Raffle
Oakland As Game Tickets
LeConte Annual Fund (One More Month for Kinder & TK)

*We are in IMMEDIATE need of a point person / team
^We need of a point person / team

Tea Collection Fundraiser October 13, 2014 to October 19, 2014

Shop at teaschooldays.com from October 13
th
to 19
th
at 11:50pm PST and enter promotional code
SDF14LECONTE in the promo code box at checkout and click apply code. LeConte Elementary School will
receive 20% of the final order total before tax and shipping, for each purchase using this code. In addition,
you will receive free 6-10 business day shipping on your order (6-10 business day shipping must be checked for
code to apply) which will appear on the last page of checkout. Orders placed without this code cannot be
adjusted. Happy shopping!
Berkeley Half Marathon November 9, 2014
Race Day is Sunday, November 9. Join Team Schools Fund and support Berkeley public schools! Join the
LeConte team and half the money you raise will be donated directly back to LeConte PTA school
teamsThis year there will be a 5k race in addition to the Half Marathon, which will make it easy for
families to run together to support LeConte. Joining a fundraising team qualifies you for a discount
registration code. And, if you donate to the Schools Fund at the time of race registration, it will be
matched by the Half Marathon up to $5. Lastly, if you don't want to run (or walk) or you're going to be
out of town, you can also donate directly to the LeConte team!
Sports Basement Fundraiser December 14, 2014
LeConte Elementary is partnering with the Sports Basement store that will open in Berkeley in November 2014.
Look for more details soon about a party at the store the afternoon of December 14 that will help earn LeConte
up to 20% of your sporting goods purchases.
Is there something you want included in the next issue of the Panda Press or you just want to help create it? Please
contact Minerva.Tirado@gmail.com or call 415-866-8953 by October 17, 2014.