Mr. Mukai's Science Class

UPDATE:  Thank you parents for stepping up and helping Mr. Mukai realize his dream for his classes.   His Project at Donor's Choose with matching funds was completed on Sunday evening.
This was a $13K project but because you all moved quickly during the small window for matching funds, it only cost us $6500 (most people remembered to put in the promo code for the matching).  

Way to go Mr Mukai for going with Donors Choose and getting it out there to all of us so we could help!  

Thank you, All!  




Mr. Mukai, Science Teacher & Department head has activated a project on Donor's Choose.   For every dollar that is donated between now and Sunday August 31, Donor's Choose will match.   Even if you do not have a child in Mukai's class your child may get him next year and you are supporting the Science Department & School.  

The goal is a class set of chromebooks.    You can find the link  HERE

And in Mr. Mukai's own words:

My students will use these computers to carry out a variety of Internet-based activities and enhance their educational experience. In addition to accessing various educational websites (such as Phet, Khan Academy, etc.) the students carry out quizzes and discussions on learning management systems, which not only help individualize lessons, but also allows students to monitor progress and target weaknesses. More importantly with our shift to the Common Core Standards, these computers will allow my students to participate in in-class essay writing and peer review.

Direct Donation The Biggest Wish List of the Year

Earlier this week you received in the mail a Direct Donation Form.    As you all know in the fall of 2008 the economy crashed and the first wave of hurt crashed on public schools.  

Since 2008, parents at LAUSD schools had to make a choice.  "Do we sit here and let the cuts happen and just let our students do without?"   or "Do we ask our parents to step up and make up the difference?"     If we were lucky, we came from an elementary school where the parents said, "Heck no! We aren't going to go without!"    And so it is at LACES.  

This spring, new members of the Direct Donation team found out the needs of the Departments --- For example, History teachers need new maps.   Dance department has a broken sound system.  PE needs swimsuits for kids in need.  English needs Writing Workshops.   It is a compelling list of needs; You can check the Donation form for more item breakdowns.    

In addition, we talked to Principal Boger about his vision for LACES.   He told us that one of his priorities is to improve the technology program. He told us that tomorrow’s job market will rely on workers having a vast understanding of technology.  Therefore, it is important that students know how to use computers in the most productive way by the time they graduate High School.  Also, Mr. Boger does not believe that The District will be buying any new computers for LACES before 2022.   We will be long gone if we wait for them!  

Since 2008 none of these things have been included in "the ask" for the Direct Donation Campaign.   It is our goal to uptick our donations this year so we can start to cover these much-needed requests. 

You can donate on the Friend Level for $120 a year 

You can donate on the Patron Level for $300 a year

You can donate on the Benefactor Level for $600 a year.

If you don't want to write one check, you may make a monthly donation of $10 a month (Friend level) $25 a month (Patron Level) and $50 a month (Benefactor Level).   

If you want to donate below $120 or over $600 we'll take that, too!  Nothing too low or too high, it is all good. 


We are all in this together.   Remember the difference between a GOOD school and a GREAT school is funding by parents.   We can do it!  

Also---don't forget to ask your employer if they have a matching fund.  

Many of them will match whatever you donate!!

Our 2014 - 2015 school has launched!!!

Hello LACES families!

This week the LACES 2014-2015 school year launched.   Hurray, summer is over and now we have order back in our life.

Welcome back, Everyone.   Once again the LACES wish list will be your 'go-to-spot' to find out how you can help our faculty, staff, parent center and of course the students.  

There will be various announcements through out the year.  Some of the items will be basic, like our kleenex, paper etc requests (see below).  Other times it will be for something unique for a specific teacher or department.   Remember, when you step up and help you are helping the whole school.  Even if your child is not in that teacher's class, he or she may be there next year.  So consider helping now wherever you can.  

And don't forget something extra good---if you go our LACES page you will find an AMAZON link in the upper left section.   By clicking on that LINK it will take you to Amazon and they will give LACES 10 percent of the sales!  So that would have your dollar working twice as hard!  Hurray.


Thank you!

Tracy C
WishList Coordinator.

Our Favorite Trio----Paper, Gel & Kleenex

There are a variety of ways you can help:

1. The next time you are at the market like Ralphs, Vons or CVS (etc) you can go to the office section and you will see reams of paper.  Pick up a couple and send them to the front office with your child.

2. Many of you are already going to Staples or Office Depot so you can pick up a ream or a case and drop it off at school.   Right now Staples has a deal—buy two cases get one for free.  For around $50 a case.   

3. You can also go online and order and have it shipped to school (in some cases FREE shipping) Ship to:

LACES

Front Office

5931 W. 18^th Street

Los Angeles CA 90035

(323) 549-5900

Here are the links:

STAPLES

OFFICE DEPOT

4. And also, Elizabeth in the front office has been ordering paper from a new company and they will give 10 percent back to the school.   You can call them and order paper and they will deliver.  Note...$25 a case! 

And then there is the antibacterial gel...

Please pick up some bottles and drop off at the front desk. You can get anywhere and it does not need to be Purell, your choice!

And then there is Kleenex and the like... we need boxes and boxes.  If you are a family who shops at CostCo or Smart &Final and you can get a case---everyone will be so grateful.  Including your kid when he sneezes in class!  

Please help us start off the school year with a full cupboard on all these items.   Your help is very appreciatiated by the staff, faculty and fellow students!