Wow! What a wonderful couple days back to school! Students have been smiling, actively engaged in their learning, and already living the Dolphin Way, of course! We had our 7 Habits assemblies yesterday, and it is clear that this work in character over the last few years has really become ingrained in our students. This year, we will continue to delve into all habits, but with particular emphasis on Habit #7 Sharpening the Saw… leading a balanced life. Students know that this encompasses looking for meaningful ways to help others. To encourage children to look for meaningful ways to help others, we have challenged classrooms to do 100
Good Deeds within the school year either collectively or individually. Imagine if every class reached or even came close to this challenge? With 36 classrooms at LCM, how many Good Deeds would be emanating from our school?
Back to School Nights
Wednesday, August 27th: 1st-3rd grades 5:30-7:00 (See breakdown below):
• 1st grade: 5:30-6:00 Principal/PTO Presentation in cafeteria; 6:00-7:00 in classrooms.
• 2nd grade: 5:30-6:00 Principal/PTO Presentation in cafeteria; 6:00-6:30 grade level presentation in cafeteria; 6:30-7:00 in classrooms.
• 3rd grade: 5:30-6:00 Principal/PTO Presentation in cafeteria; 6:00-6:30 in classrooms; 6:30-7:00 grade level presentation in cafeteria.
Thursday, August 28th: 4th-5th grades 5:30-7:00 (See breakdown below):
• 4th grade: 5:30-6:00 Principal/PTO Presentation in cafeteria; 6:00-6:30 in classrooms; 6:30-7:00 grade level presentation in cafeteria.
• 5th grade: 5:30-6:00 Principal/PTO Presentation in cafeteria; 6:00-6:30 grade level presentation in cafeteria; 6:30-7:00 in classrooms.
This is an important night to learn about our school, your child’s grade level, and your child’s class. You won’t want to miss it. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide child care coverage for the night, so please plan accordingly. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Parking
As a reminder, the first weeks of school are filled with lots of excitement and parents wanting to see happy smiling faces upon dismissal. Please be mindful when parking in the neighborhood, careful not to block any driveways and please avoid red curbs. Picking your children up in the car is the most efficient as we are able to get all children safely into cars within 20 minutes of dismissal. If you would like to park and walk in to pick up your child, please determine a meeting spot so that all students may exit our school safely. Additionally, if parking on Corintia, please use the cross walk at the corner of Corintia and El Fuerte. Students have been crossing the street unattended and between blind spots. We want ALL of our little dolphins to be safe. Thank you for your synergy with this!
Watch D.O.G.S.
Calling all dads and father figures to be a Watch D.O.G. Watch D.O.G.S. is an innovative program being used by schools across America which helps them to be positively impacted by committed involvement of fathers and father-figures in their student's life. Our goal is to have one father/father figure spend at least one day this school year to be a positive male role model and to provide an extra set of eyes and ears on campus. We have already had a wonderful group of volunteers! Thank you Jeff Fulton, Christian Kelly, Clay Zaccaglini,
Khary Knowles, and David Honda for volunteering this week.. we appreciate your help immensely! For more

information about the Watch D.O.G.S. Program, please go to: http://www.fathers.com/watchdogs/. If you are interested in signing up, please email our assistant principal, Adam Klimas, at adam.klimas@smusd.org. Thank you to all our volunteers!
Coffee Chat
Our first coffee chat of the year will be next Friday, September 5 th at 8:45 in the cafeteria. This is informal gathering of interested parents with warm coffee and great conversation. Our first topic of the year will be
SMUSD’s implementation of the Common Core State Standards. Please come and join us!
New to LCM?
Please come join us on Tuesday, September 9 th from 6:00-7:00pm in the cafeteria for everything your needed and wanted to know about LCM! This is primarily geared for new families, but all are welcome! Information will include our school’s vision, goals, Common Core State Standards, technology, character education, the district’s wellness policy, our making every minute count policy, and so much more.. Please come and join us!
Thank you for all you have done to make the first week of a new year a wonderful one for your children!
With gratitude~
Andrea Holmes
“When you frame your life with gratitude, a room with a view becomes a window to wonder.”
First Room Parent Meeting – September 5 th 8:45AM
Our Room Parent Orientation will be held on Friday, September 5 th at 8:45. We will be meeting at the lunch tables outside the cafeteria to receive important information for the entire school year. Start the year off right and get your child’s classroom into the Dolphin Spirit!
Frozen Fruit Bars are back! Starting on Friday, 9/5
PTO will be selling Frozen Fruit Bars next Friday, September 5 th after school. Cool off with a frozen treat for only $1.
STNDRD Bags Fundraiser
Do your kids need a new backpack, lunchbox, or water bottle? LCM is once again teaming up with STNDRD
Bags to offer backpacks (many popular brands available), lunchboxes and water bottles. For each item sold with LCM designated as the shopper's school, a generous donation of up to 30% is donated to our LCM PTO!
Just choose La Costa Meadows Elementary at check out and LCM will benefit from your purchase. All LCM families receive free shipping if they enter SHIPLCME as the promo code! To shop online, see our link from the school website.
Take Charge of Education!
LCM earned over $16,000 last year through the Take Charge of Education Program offered through Target.
This program is so easy! If you have a Target REDcard (VISA or debit), you can designate LCM as your school of choice and our school receives 1% of all purchases! Tell your neighbors and family to link their card to our school! For more information, go to our school website under passive fundraising.

LPP (Learning Plus Program)
LPP (Learning Plus Program/AfterSchool Enrichment) registration is open. Please go to the school website for full details of classes offered and prices. Early registration deadline is Friday, August 29 th . The final registration deadline is Friday, September 5 th .
WAVE FUND (LCM Cash Drive)
Our annual cash drive helps provide LCM students with a more comprehensive education while also supporting our dedicated teachers and staff. The WAVE is our single largest fundraiser and helps the school meet its budgeted expenses. Please strongly consider contributing to the WAVE as generously as you are able.
You can make your single annual donation of $250, either in a full payment or in installments. All donations are tax deductible .
Will your company match your donation to the WAVE fund? Check with your human resources department to see if your company has a charitable matching program.
Thanks for your support!
Cindy Chavez, PTO President