October:
- October 2: Picture Makeup 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 - 8:45-10:15am @ Room D3
- October 23: Leadership Dance - 6-8pm @ the Multi
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Dear Falcon Families,
Fall is officially here. Here’s visual proof of some student work (done at lunchtime). The artist/shoe designer is Lexi S.
As we approach the end of September (can you believe that?1), I wanted to share with you some exciting items that you will find below. I am especially excited about Blach’s new ability to take online payments through PowerSchool.
Still Looking for Challenge Day Volunteers
We still need about 5 more adult volunteers for each of 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).
8th graders will learn more about Challenge Day and its impact on them through advisory next week. All 8th graders are automatically eligible to participate and do not need to sign up. Students may also opt out of Challenge Day if they want to by emailing me directly.
We want to thank LAEF for providing Challenge Day for our 8th graders.
WANTED: Blach Parent Coordinator for LASD Illuminate
LASD Illuminate!, a district wide event that highlights the passions of students and their learning is on Feb. 26th. Last year, Blach hosted this exciting event. This year, the event is not at Blach but we still need a parent lead to support this event that showcases student learning. If interested, please contact me at wspenader@lasdschools.org
Blach Math Club is Starting Up!
We’re hoping to get the Blach Math Club started this fall, with support from Mountain View High School Math Club mentors.
We’re tentatively looking at October 7, 3:15 - 4:15 PM as a possible start date/time, but since the club is parent-volunteer driven, the final schedule will depend on student interest and parent volunteer availability.
If your child is interested in participating, please fill out this interest form. As the club relies on parent volunteers for adult supervision, we ask each participating family to commit to volunteering for at least one session during the year. Supervising parent volunteers will need to complete the LASD volunteer requirements.
Once we have a better sense of student interest and volunteer availability, we will finalize the schedule and share additional details.
Regular participation in Math Club also serves as an important stepping stone toward participating in MATHCOUNTS at the school level.
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Blach is now able to take payments for things like dance tickets, field trip donations, replacement fees for Chromebooks, and other transactions online.
LASD families now have the option to make online payments directly through the PowerSchool Parent Portal
Families can use PowerSchool to conveniently pay student-related fees and charges, including field trips, lost or damaged materials, dances, and other school-related expenses.
When selecting the payment option in PowerSchool, you will be directed to eFunds, the district’s third-party payment provider. Families will need to create an eFunds account before making their first payment. Once your account is set up, payments can be made by credit card or ACH/bank transfer. A small processing fee will apply. Families who prefer to pay by check may continue to do so directly through the Blach office.
Please note: Donations to PTA and LAEF should not be made through PowerSchool.
Accessing Online Payments
To access payments, log in to your PowerSchool Parent Portal using the email address you used when registering your child with LASD. If you have forgotten your password, select “Forgot Password” on the login screen.
If you do not have access to your PowerSchool Parent Portal account, please contact powerschoolsupport@lasdschools.org for assistance.
Instructions for using the eFunds online payment system are also available to help families get started. You can find instructions on how to use the eFunds online payment system here. We know how busy family life can be, and we hope this new option makes handling school-related payments a little easier. As always, if you have questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the Blach office. We’re happy to help!
Have a great Fall weekend!
Wade Spenader- Principal
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Thanks to all of the parents that joined us last Friday at the first Blach PTA General Meeting where we enjoyed a Q&A with LASD Trustee and Blach parent, Brandon Stroy, we approved the 2026-27 budget, got an update on school happenings from Principal Wade Spenader, enjoyed coffee and donuts, and much more. Please mark your calendars for the next general meeting on Friday, October 23 in Blach classroom D3. |
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.
✅ If you’ve donated to LAEF, but didn’t continue to Step 2 to join/donate directly to the Blach PTA, or if you’re choosing not to donate to LAEF but still want to join/donate directly to the Blach PTA, you can click here.
✅ 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 3rd and 5th in Blach’s Multipurpose Room. No previous performing experience is required.
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.
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The Holiday Faire is a great opportunity for students to create, market, and sell a product of their own design. Fellow students and members of the community flock to the Faire to purchase fun and unique handcrafted treasures, gifts and treats created specially by the students. Please visit the Holiday Faire website for more information: https://www.blachholidayfaire.com/student-home
There is an informational meeting for students on Wednesday, October 7th at 8:30 am in the Multi.
The Holiday Faire is on Friday, December 11th, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm.
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Please email Michele or Steven if you are able to coach or if you have any questions:
Season 3 - December 11-January 29
7th Grade Boys' Volleyball
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 (5 coaches)
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Step 1: Donate to LAEF
Step 2: Join and donate to the PTA for each school your children attend
Your donations make electives possible for every junior high student. Thank you for your partnership.
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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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The (completely free!) YFL program is a great way for students to build confidence, persuasive argumentation skills, and public speaking skills before deciding to enter a competitive Speech and Debate team. Practices are on Wednesdays from 3:15-4:15 pm. Students are mentored by a dedicated group of MVLASD students who will act as their teachers. They will be instructed in the basics of both Speech and Debate by experienced highschoolers. The high schoolers who volunteer to teach have training on how to teach elementary students, as well as extensive knowledge in speech and debate. Our MVLASD team works together to ensure that YFL curriculum is both engaging and informative for a middle school audience. Interested students need zero prior experience and we encourage students to try our program regardless of their strength in public speaking.
If your student is interested in becoming a better writer, speaker or even just having more clarity in thinking, we highly recommend you try our classes out. If you have any more questions, feel free to contact our Blach Head Coaches Ananya Menon ( 100033339@mvla.net) & Natalie Chen ( 100032533@mvla.net ).
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Terms & Conditions: Offer is only available on portraits ordered online through July 31, 2027 at 11:59pm CST. Use coupon code F2610OFF to receive 10% off your order. Enter the coupon code at checkout to redeem the offer. Not valid for adjustments on prior purchases or after the promotional period, or with any other offer. Products, prices, availability, and offers are subject to change without notice. Shutterfly Lifetouch, LLC has the right to cancel an order due to altered, unauthorized, or ineligible use of discount.
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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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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.
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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 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.
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