Dear Happy Valley Parents,

 

Every once in a while I have one of those weeks…things get crazy busy and I get so caught up in the minutia that I fail to see the big picture.  Thankfully I am surrounded by an amazing group of parents who provide words of wisdom that help me refocus.  This week it was Lisa Shepherd who put everything into perspective, reminding me how lucky we are to reside in a school district that works hard to put our children’s best interests first. 

 

As both Wendy Patterson and I have mentioned, the district is undergoing a review of its Strategic Goals.   This is a process completely focused on determining and committing to priorities for bettering our children’s educational experiences here in Lafayette.  Over the next few weeks there will be several opportunities for each of you to participate in this important endeavor.  Here are some dates I hope each of you will add to your calendars and make time to attend:

 

·        February 8^th from 6 -7:30 pm – Strategic Planning “Community Kick-Off Meeting” in the Stanley MUR.

o   The district will provide a current “state of the district” and review the strategic planning process.

·        February 21^st from 7-9:00 pm – Happy Valley Town Hall Meeting in our Library

o   This is an opportunity for each of you to share your thoughts, wishes and desires for bettering your child’s educational experience.  Your input will be used to help define the strategic goals the district will use for the next five years.

 

In addition to attending these meetings, I also encourage you to visit the Strategic Planning Section on the district’s website.  There you will find further information on the planning process as well as information about the district’s current areas of focus.

 

I know I sound a little like an infomercial but Lisa’s words rang loud and clear…we ARE lucky to live in a district where we each have an opportunity to voice our opinions and help define the experiences our children will have over the next five years. 

 

Best,

Shannon Tague

HVPC President

  

TIME TO GET CRACKIN'  

Music on the Horizon
Our Lafayette students have lots of musical opportunities during the next few weeks:

• Acalanes High School choral students perform at the Fall Choral Classic on Tuesday, October 18 and Thursday, October 20 at 7:30pm,  Lafayette Orinda Presbyterian Church, 49 Knox Drive
  
• Acalanes Instrumental Music students debut the week following at 7:30pm on October 27 at the AHS Performing Arts Center,
  
• Fourth and Fifth graders' music and chorus classes are in full swing with Burton Valley hosting a Halloween Concert on October 28, and
• The month wraps up with the Stanley Band performing in the early morning hours at the Reservoir Run Sunday Oct. 30.
  

Music is Just the Tip of the Iceberg
Music education kindergarten through high school is one of the more visible
programs supported by LPIE, but there are many others.  We fund classroom aides, provide special programming and funding for science, make sure counselors are available, buy all sorts of classroom and library supplies, and support technology.  All of this is possible thanks to YOUR contributions. If you haven't made a donation for your child yet this year, please consider doing so now. Donate on-line at www.lafayettepartners.org or call our office (925-299-0644).  Thank you!    
 
LPIE at the Res Run
Stop by our booth after running or volunteering at the Res Run on Sunday
Oct. 30.  We'll have crafts and fun for the kids.  If you want to learn a
bit more about what your LPIE donation funds at your child's school, we will
have LPIE volunteers on hand to answer your questions.  We look forward to
seeing you there!
 www.lafayettepartners.org   

The next School Board Meeting is on Wednesday, February 8th at 7:45 pm at the District Office.  To view meeting agenda, click here.