2022-23 LAEF Funded Programs

LAEF funds teachers and staff for STEM, computer science, physical education (PE), art, music, library, and junior high electives, as well as providing important mental health counseling services at all LASD elementary schools. Donations to LAEF for the 2023-24 school year provide funding for these programs and more.
                    
STEM
LASD Instructional Support Teachers (ISTs) provide all elementary students the opportunity to learn STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math), helping them explore, build, and innovate. Students will develop their confidence and critical thinking skills through the many experiences the STEM program offers. Each trimester, students in every grade level have a build experience, an integrated project, and a series of STEM challenges. These activities ensure our students continue to explore STEM with fun and educational projects. For example, last school year’s first K-8 school-wide challenge was an architectural build. All students are welcome to participate in the challenges. Junior high students experience STEM through their core and elective classes. 
Learn more about how LAEF-funded ISTs support STEM education.
Find out what our students are learning in STEM.

Computer Science
All LASD students learn to code! Computer science teachers give students the opportunity to express their creativity and make wonderful projects that are personally relevant to them through art, animations, stories, and more. Students learn a series of lessons to build their foundational skills of problem-solving, and critical thinking through computer programming. Students in K-6 take a computer science class. Students in grades K-2 get about 10 lessons throughout the year. Students in grades 3-5 get about 15 lessons throughout the year, and 6th-grade students get a full year of computer science. Junior high students can choose computer science as an elective course. Learn more about what's happening in CS.

Physical Education (PE)
Certified elementary school PE teachers help develop each student's motor skills and understanding of health, nutrition, and fitness. Learn more about what happening in PE.

"The wellness part of PE is beyond just physical education — it’s taking care of the kids. I strive to engage them and get to know each student. Then, I often find they become more interested in the activity I'm asking them to do. My goal is to introduce lots of sports, games, and activities. I want to get them excited about something new ... and just maybe they’ll find something they hang on to later in life."  – David Cerecedes, LASD PE Teacher for 8 years

Counseling                 
LASD offers the important service of experienced mental health counselors to all elementary and junior high school students who need it. Learn more about LASD's Student Wellness programs and services.

Art                    
Unique to LASD, Los Altos Art Docents teach every elementary school student to explore Art through appreciation and participation. TK-6th grade students have even more art opportunities than ever before — drawing, painting, collage, printmaking, sculpture, multimedia, digital media, and more.  Art helps children strengthen creative problem-solving skills, develop respect and understanding of other cultures, and learn how to communicate ideas. Students participate in Spring Art Shows, alternating between several school campuses each hear. Learn more about what elementary students are learning about Art. Junior high students can choose art from a variety of electives. 

Music                    
Every LASD student in grades 4-6 receives a foundational music education. Five fully credentialed teachers provide music instruction to inspire an appreciation for music, teach musical concepts, develop life skills, and reinforce a core curriculum that will foster a growth mindset for all students. Students can sing in a choir, learn an instrument, play in an orchestra or band, or undertake interest-based projects related to music. LASD music teachers provide weekly 30-minute music lessons for elementary students. 4th-grade students learn to read music and play the recorder. 5th and 6th-grade students learn instrumental music and musical exploration Junior high students can choose from a variety of music electives, such as band, orchestra, chorus, and more. Learn more about LASD's music program.

"The subject I teach is music, but what I really teach is people. I teach students to work hard and persevere, to be respectful and kind, to care for and collaborate with others, and to make a beautiful world. I teach them to be moral humans and to make wise decisions so they can lead happy and fulfilling lives."  — Anne Spector, LASD junior high music teacher for 23 years
 

Junior High Electives                    
LAEF funds all junior high electives — a key program at Blach and Egan. Student choice empowers students to explore their passions and own their learning. LAEF and the junior high principals understand the importance of our robust elective program, including computer science, world languages, art, engineering, journalism, and more. LASD's strong elective programs truly set our amazing junior high schools apart. 

Librarians                    
Every LASD school has a library, providing students with exciting opportunities to learn. LAEF funds a librarian for each school who encourages the joy of reading and assists each student in discovery and research. Libraries are often open during lunch and recess (schedules vary by school), and librarians make formal classroom visits. For the youngest students, librarians provide an engaging storytime and teach California state standards to help children identify characters, make connections to life experiences, understand narratives, and use the library system to find their own books. Librarians help upper-grade students flex their critical thinking skills, discuss topics like current events or literary censorship, and receive instruction on online research. Learn more about what LASD librarians are teaching your student this school year.

Learn more about what's happening at your school this year for STEM, Wellness, Computer Science, Library, and more.