Together, LASD Education Partners fund the resources and opportunities that turn an ordinary education into an LASD Education! Learn more at LASDEducationPartners.org
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September:
- September 18: PTA First General Meeting - 8:45am-10am @ Thrive and Vibe Center (B4)
October:
- October 2: Picture Makeup Day (only for those who missed the initial Picture Day)
- October 5-6: Challenge Day (8th Grade only)
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October 8: Minimum Day, Dismissal at 12:30pm
- October 9: Staff Development Day - NO SCHOOL
- October 16: End of Quarter 1
- October 23: PTA Meeting: 8:45-10am @ Thrive and Vibe Center (B4)
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Dear Falcon Families,
Remember to stay hydrated during these hot days!
Challenge Day- Adults Needed. We still need volunteers.
In our continuing work to build a more inclusive and caring community, all Blach 8th graders will have the opportunity to participate in Challenge Day. Thanks to LAEF, we are able to provide this impactful experience for every 8th grader who wants to participate. Since Challenge Day is limited to 100 students, we will run two Challenge Days: Monday, October 5th and Tuesday, October 6th.
A critical component to Challenge day is a 4 students to 1 adult ratio. If you’re a parent who has been looking to get involved at Blach and have a strong interest in helping our community grow in unity and caring, this is your chance! We are also open to community members who may not have a child at Blach helping out as well. We need many adults to make this happen so we are asking for your help. We invite parents, other family members, or even members of the greater community to assist us on that day. If you, are someone you know, could help us out on either October 5th or 6th, please fill out a short form by clicking on this link.
Absences and Tardies. Unexcused vs. Excused
The state of California requires schools to keep attendance records for all students. The California Education Code defines what is an “excused” vs. an “unexcused” absence. It’s important to note the state views an absence as an absence- no matter whether it’s excused or not. At Blach, we consider the circumstances and rely on our families to report accurately the reason for the absence. This is why we often ask families who report their student as absent as to the reason why.
Simply put, excused absences are defined as illness, medical or legal appointment, religious holiday or bereavement.
Unexcused absences are all other reasons, which include travel, trips, shadowing a high school, or anything not under an excused absence.
It is recommended that an Independent Study Plan (ISP) be requested for any absence of more than a day- whether it’s excused or unexcused. You may request an ISP by emailing Sally Kam in the office or filling out the ISP agreement.
Tardies are categorized in the same way. Some tardies can be excused while others are unexcused. However, just like absences, a tardy is still recorded.
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Why is this important? Besides keeping accurate records that are required by the state of California, tracking absences is essential information when looking at a student’s progress. It goes as no surprise that students do better in school when they are at school and in class.
Furthermore, the state of California is requiring schools to enact strategies to help chronically absent and tardy students to attend school. The state considers a student who has less than a 90% attendance rate to be “truant”.
At Blach, we partner with students and their families to help with school attendance. We also require a minimum attendance/tardy rate of 90% in order to participate in an after-school Blach sponsored activity (sports, drama production, dances, etc.). If you have any questions, or need any support, please reach out to me.
Staff Shout-Outs
I want to use this space to call-out some of our staff for some behind-the-scenes work that makes Blach run at optimal levels.
A shout-out to Mr. Eugene Leung, our librarian, who yesterday allowed an increased number of students in the library at lunch as a haven from the heat.
Another shout out to our amazing day custodian, Ana Torres, who makes the Blach campus shine on a daily basis.
Lastly, a shout-out to all of our Instructional Assistants, who work with all of our students, every period, every day! Thank you to Mr. Brian, Mrs. Dayley, Mrs. Lisa, Ms. Diana, Mr. Aaron, Mr. John, Ms. Oralia, Mr. Daniel and Mr. Stephen
Thank you for your support and partnership!
Regards,
Wade Spenader- Principal
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Parents please save the date for the first Blach PTA General Meeting at the Thrive and Vibe Center (B4) on Friday, September 18 from 8:45-10am. We will vote on the 2026-27 budget, vote on a new Financial Secretary, Minda Levin, host current LASD Board of Trustee member, Brandon Stroy, for your questions and comments, and so much more! |
Parent Checklist
✅ Please go through the Back-to-School workflow at https://www.lasdeducationpartners.org/, where you can (1) donate to Los Altos Education Foundation, where your donations directly benefit Blach students, then (2) join the Blach PTA and donate to support the Blach PTA.
✅ Show your school spirit and purchase Blach spirit wear here.
You can follow the Blach PTA on Instagram here.
Go Falcons!
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Set in 1950s New York City, Guys and Dolls Jr. is a lively musical comedy about navigating luck, big bets, friendship and love. Performances will be December 5 and 6 in Blach’s Multipurpose Room. No previous performing experience is required.
How to Participate:
Mon., Oct. 5: Auditions. Watch the Blach Banner for the sign up link to audition. Students should prepare a 60-second song and will learn a short dance routine at the audition. More details regarding the audition materials will be provided at sign up.
Tues., Oct. 6: 5:30-8:30pm: Callbacks
Wed. Oct 7: Cast List Posted
Thurs. Oct. 8 3:15-5:45pm: Rehearsals begin
Rehearsals generally will run Tuesdays – Thursdays from 3:15-6:15pm and Saturdays 10am-4pm (between Oct 8 - Nov. 21 (excluding October 31) and then everyday from November 29 to performances).
There is a participation fee of $375 that will be due payable to the Blach PTA. If this participation fee is a hardship, please reach out to Carrie Williamson carrie.l.williamson@gmail.com. We are also looking for parents to help with various tasks such as finding costumes, set construction, set painting, lighting and backstage supervision. Please contact Carrie if you are interested.
If your student is interested in being part of the musical to work on the tech team, please email Director Jack Whitlow, jackowhitlow@gmail.com.
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Season 3 - December 11-January 29
7th Grade Boys' Volleyball
7th and 8th Grade Girls' Soccer
Season 4 - February 12-March 5
7th Grade Girls' Basketball
8th Grade Boys' Soccer
Season 5 - March 15-April 30
Track and Field
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LAEF is funded by thousands of individual donations, large and small. Each school year, parents, community members, and local businesses come together to help fund our neighborhood schools and keep them among the top 1% of all schools in California.
Here’s how to partner with us:
Step 1: Donate to LAEF
Step 2: Join and donate to the PTA for each school your children attend
Your gift helps ensure that your student and every LASD student receives the strong programs and well-rounded education our schools are known for.
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September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.
Talking about suicide is not easy, but it is one of the most important conversations we can have with our children. Many parents worry that bringing it up will “put the idea” in their child’s mind, but research shows the exact opposite. Honest, compassionate conversations can protect children and help them feel less alone.
Suicide Awareness Facts for Parents
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The Reality: Suicide is the second leading cause of death for youth ages 10–24.
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The Power of Talking: Talking about suicide does not cause someone to consider it. Instead, it reduces risk, relieves the pressure of secrecy, and shows support.
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Warning Signs to Watch For: Withdrawal from friends, dramatic changes in mood or sleep, giving away prized possessions, or expressing hopelessness.
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Protective Factors to Build On: Feeling connected to family, supportive school environments, healthy coping skills, and access to mental health care.
Myths vs. Facts
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Myth: “If I talk about suicide, it will give my child the idea.” Fact: Talking openly and calmly can actually reduce risk and increase safety.
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Myth: “Kids who talk about suicide are just looking for attention.” Fact: Any mention of suicide should always be taken seriously.
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Myth: “Asking about suicide will make things worse.” Fact: Asking shows that you care and creates a safe space for honesty.
How Parents Can Start the Conversation
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Choose a calm, private moment when neither of you is rushed or distracted.
- Use open-ended questions:
- "I’ve noticed you’ve seemed down lately. How are you really feeling?"
- "Sometimes kids your age feel really overwhelmed. Have you ever felt like you didn’t want to be here?"
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Listen without judgment and avoid jumping in with quick fixes.
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Remind your child: "You are not alone. I am here, and we can get through this together."
Resources for Families
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988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 for 24/7 free and confidential support.
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Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741.
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The Trevor Project (Support for LGBTQ+ youth): Call 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678678.
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American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP): afsp.org
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Your School Team: Please contact your child’s school therapist or psychologist for local support. We are here to partner with you.
Mo Graves
Mental Health Therapist
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Beginning this school year, LASD is introducing a new Volunteer Authorization Process that provides one consistent system for all school volunteers. The new process builds on procedures already in place for certain volunteer roles and aligns with updated California law and district policy.
To make the process as simple as possible, volunteers are grouped into three levels based on the type of volunteer work they perform. Most classroom volunteers who are always under the supervision of an LASD staff member will complete a straightforward application and tuberculosis (TB) risk assessment or testing.
Volunteers who may work independently with students or transport students (including after school sports) will complete additional requirements appropriate to those roles.
- An overview of the three volunteer levels
- Information about whether you are considered a visitor or a volunteer
- Step-by-step instructions for each volunteer level
- Links to all required forms and resources
To provide families with plenty of time to complete the new requirements, volunteers will have until December 30, 2026, to complete the authorization process.
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There are THREE ways to report attendance/appointments:
- Complete the Absence/Appointment Reporting Form by 9am or
- You can call the attendance line @ 650-934-3838 or
- For last minute appointments, call the office @ 650-934-3800.
If you child is going to be late, please drop them off at the front office as they need to sign in and get a pass before they return to class.
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- Each student may utilize a maximum of 15 ISP days per school year
- Please notify the office of the dates of absence as soon as possible.
- Note: We request advance notice so teachers can prepare materials
- All Independent Study Plans are subject to principal approval
- Work MUST be completed during the absence and returned to school on the student's first day back in class
- Parent to initiate the 2026-27 ISP Agreement form, then we will give the paperwork to the student to get the assignments from the teachers.
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