Blach Banner - Sept 17, 2026

Posted Date: 09/17/26 (05:48 PM)

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September 17, 2026

Important Dates:

September:

September 18: PTA First General Meeting - 8:45am @ Thrive and Vibe Center (B4)

October:

October 2: Picture Makeup Day
October 5-6: Challenge Day (8th Grade only)
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: 8:45-10:15am

Dear Falcon Families,

Did you know that we just passed the 25th day of school? Already? It seems like we just started the school year. But here we are, in mid September! The adage of “Time flies when you’re having fun” seems appropriate.

Blach PTA’s first meeting is tomorrow!

The first meeting of Blach’s PTA is tomorrow at 8:45am. There is a full agenda and it promises to be a fun, and productive, meeting. Blach’s PTA is an essential component of our school’s excellence and I am profoundly grateful for the important community building our PTA contributes. You can join us in person in room B4 (the Thrive and Vibe Center) or virtually.

Have you joined the Blach PTA yet?

Speaking of PTA…have you joined yet? By simply joining the PTA, you are contributing to the strength of our community. Our PTA is just as essential to the junior high as they are to our elementary schools. I ask if you haven’t joined yet, to please consider. It’s easy! Just go to this link.

PTA needs YOU! We are looking for some volunteer positions for the end of the year!

Are you a party planner? Do you like to work with a team? PTA is looking for people to lead two very important end-of-the-year events.

We need a few 8th grade parents for the Grad Party Committee who plans and implements the Grad Party on June 1st! The Grad Party is a phenomenal experience for our graduating students and celebrates the end of their journey in junior high. 8th grade parents do the planning, set-up and take down. 7th grade parents “host” (chaperone) the party.

We also are looking for 7th grade parents to plan the reception at graduation on June 2nd. The reception is for all attendees and is a celebration of the graduates and their families. Light refreshments are served around festive decorations. This event gives our graduation a special and uniquely Blach feel. We historically have 7th grade families “host” this event so 8th grade families can fully enjoy the special day.

If you, or someone you know, is interested in either of these two special, end-of-the-year celebrations, please email blachfalconpta@gmail.com

Still Looking for Challenge Day Volunteers

We are still in great need of adult volunteers for the 8th grade Challenge Days fast approaching on October 5th and 6th. If we don’t get enough adult volunteers, we risk not having these powerful and impactful day for our 8th graders. As a reminder, adult volunteers do not have to be current Blach parents. They could be members of the community who want to give back to our junior high students in a meaningful way.

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. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me (Wade Spenader).

Here’s the 25th day of school!

Best regards,

Wade Spenader- Principal

Parents, please join us at 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, enjoy morning refreshments, and so much more!

If you can’t join us in person, please join us via Google Meet through this link.

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.

✅ Please read about and sign up for Blach volunteer opportunities throughout this school year at https://fs20.formsite.com/blachschool/2br2xgfsbr/index.

✅ If you plan on volunteering in certain roles this year, LASD has implemented new screening requirements you can read about at https://www.lasdschools.org/volunteer.

✅ Show your school spirit and purchase Blach spirit wear here.

You can e-mail the Blach PTA at blachfalconpta@gmail.com.

You can follow the Blach PTA on Instagram here.

Go Falcons!

The Blach PTA is thrilled to announce that sign-ups are now open for the Winter Musical: Guys and Dolls, Jr!

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 3 and 5 in Blach’s Multipurpose Room. No previous performing experience is required.

Click Here to access the sign-up form for auditions

How to Participate:

Monday, Oct. 5: Auditions. Follow the sign-up link above to register for auditions. 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 every day 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.

Sports Coaches Needed

Please email Michele or Steven if you are able to coach or if you have any questions:

Michele: mgravina-kibble@lasdschools.org

Steven: sschynert@lasdschools.org

Season 3 - December 11-January 29

7th Grade Boys' Volleyball

8th Grade Girls' Soccer

Season 4 - February 12-March 5

7th Grade Girls' Basketball

7th & 8th Grade Boys' Soccer

Season 5 - March 15-April 30

Track and Field

LAEF’s Fall Fundraising Campaign is underway, with a push to encourage donations now through September 28. Thanks to the generosity of many families, we are now at 38% of our fundraising goal. But we need everyone’s help to sustain the well-rounded, quality education that LASD schools are known for. No matter the amount, every gift matters and strengthens our schools.

If you haven’t donated yet, please consider making your tax-deductible donation or pledge today, and increase your impact by submitting for a corporate match if available to you!

Let’s keep the momentum going!

September is National Suicide Prevention Month

A Time to Talk, Listen, and Support Our Youth

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

The Reality: Suicide is the second leading cause of death for youth ages 10–24.
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.
Warning Signs to Watch For: Withdrawal from friends, dramatic changes in mood or sleep, giving away prized possessions, or expressing hopelessness.
Protective Factors to Build On: Feeling connected to family, supportive school environments, healthy coping skills, and access to mental health care.

Myths vs. Facts

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.
Myth: “Kids who talk about suicide are just looking for attention.” Fact: Any mention of suicide should always be taken seriously.
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

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?"

Listen without judgment and avoid jumping in with quick fixes.
Remind your child: "You are not alone. I am here, and we can get through this together."

Resources for Families

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 for 24/7 free and confidential support.
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741.
The Trevor Project (Support for LGBTQ+ youth): Call 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678678.
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP): afsp.org
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

New Volunteer Authorization Process

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.

A new Volunteer webpage is now available and includes:

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.

Absences and Appointments

Please let the office know by 9am each day your student will be out by one of the following methods:

Complete the Absence/Appointment Reporting Form
Call the attendance line at 650-934-3838
For last minute appointments, call the office at 650-934-3800 so we can send a dismissal pass to their class. (A parent or someone on your student's emergency contacts list must pick up your student.)

NOTE: Notifications will be sent out via ParentSquare at 10:30am instead of School Messenger. You will receive a notification if your student was marked absent and we have not heard from parents regarding the reason.

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.

Independent Study Plans

Each student may utilize a maximum of 15 ISP days per school year
Please notify the office of the dates of absence 1 week prior to leaving. 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.