LAEF Funded Programs

Funding from LAEF enabled our schools to hire additional teachers and strengthen essential programs, elevating the quality of education our students experience every day.

STEM PROGRAMS

STEM

STEM experiences, funded by LAEF, deepened each student's hands-on learning in science, technology, engineering, and math. TK-6th graders learn STEM in their classroom and can participate in Design Challenges, STEM Expos, and STEM Career Night.

Junior high students can choose from a variety of STEM electives and participate in STEM Career Day and STEM Career Night, all funded by LAEF.

LAEF also funds junior high art electives.

Computer Science

Every student learned computer science basics and expressed their creativity through code. LAEF funded 3 computer science teachers for TK-8 grade students.

Transitional Kindergarteners started learning CS with hands-on, "unplugged" projects.
K-3rd graders had 10 CS lessons
4th-6th graders had 23 CS lessons
6th graders had CS lessons all year.
7th and 8th graders had computer science integrated into their core curriculum and CS elective courses.

WELLNESS PROGRAMS

Mental Health

Mental health counselors were available to support all students. LAEF funded community partnerships to meet student needs. Therapists were available to all 7 elementary and 2 junior high schools. 27 adults provided direct mental health services.

Physical Education

Certified PE instructors helped develop each student’s motor skills, understanding of health and fitness, mindfulness, and more. LAEF funded PE instruction twice a week for grades TK-2 and 4-6 and 3 times a week for grade 3. Students in grades 4-6 participated in the Junior Olympics, a district-wide friendly competition for which PE teachers helped students prepare.

LITERACY PROGRAM

Literacy

Library

Librarians assisted each child in discovery and research and provided resources and guidance. LAEF funded librarians at all 7 elementary and 2 junior high schools. School libraries were open for classroom visits, at recess and lunch, and for students to do homework.

ARTS PROGRAMS

Art and Music

Art

Trained art docents nurtured each child’s creativity through artistic expression and appreciation of art. Funding from LAEF helped Los Altos Art Docents offer a wide variety of lessons to TK-6th grade students.

717 art lessons were taught in classrooms last year, covering 50 different topics.
3 new lessons were designed and taught for the first time last school year.
Art shows helped students showcase their work. Each school has an art show bi-annually.

LAEF also funded junior high art electives.

Music

Instrumental and vocal music studies improved each child’s language development and fostered love of music.

5 Music teachers
1,141 students taught in grades 4-6th at 7 elementary schools
Concerts: winter and spring, Strictly Strings, and String Flight
6th graders from all 7 elementary schools perform at the Junior Olympics

LAEF also funded junior high music electives.

JUNIOR HIGH ELECTIVES

With a wide range of choices, each junior high student could personalize his/her learning. LAEF funding helped strengthen STEM, Wellness, Literacy, and Arts electives at each junior high school.

For example:

Egan students could choose from electives such as Computer Science, Applied Design, Digital Art and Media, Ecology, Photography, Band, Orchestra, Strength and Conditioning, and many more.
Blach students could choose from electives such as Computer Science, Engineering, Photography, Band, Orchestra, Leadership, Drama, Video Production - Broadcasting, and many more.

NEW! Innovation Grant

For the first time, LAEF provided an Innovation Grant to the district, which enabled the addition of brand new junior high electives.