Wise Word, 03/09/2022

 
Hello Golden Owls,
On Tuesday, March 8, we celebrated International’s Women’s Day. This date was first recognized by the United Nations in 1977 and serves to recognize women’s achievements. Additionally, March is Women’s History Month that is celebrated in March. During Class, teachers are making sure to emphasize and highlight the important contributions women have played in our history, our library Mrs. O has selected books that discuss various influential women, and we are having students write essays about influential women as part of a raffle to win a prize.
Additionally, our 2nd and 5th Grade Golden Owls created a mural (picture below), and did research about how they can support the goal of equity for women. In their research, they discovered that more than 130 million girls have significant barriers to attending school regularly.  As part of the work, they brainstormed the idea to raise awareness about this issue, and provide a way in which others can help by supporting The Malala Fund. 
Finally, I would like to suggest you  check out our MVWSD Better together Calendar (Click here) for ways you can further engage your child in conversation about gender equity.  
Thank you so much for your helping us to be #bettertogether as we fight for a more gender equal society! 

Important Reminder:
No school on Monday, March 14
There is no school for students on Monday, March 14 due to a Teacher Professional Development Day.
In Partnership, 

Principal Vern Taylor

School News:
  • Golden Ticket Winners
  • After school Enrichment Signup - Round 2
  • Read-a-Thon
  • Morning Drop-off and Afternoon Pick-up
  • Water Bottles
  • Report Cards go home, Friday - March 11 
  • Lost & Found 
  • Coaches Corner: Cook with kids - read recipe, math measurements  
  • Principal’s Virtual Office Hours
Flyers:
  • 2022-2023 School Year Calendar - Here
District News:
  • March Better Together Infographic - Flyer 
  • Board meeting Preview: March 10
  • Superintendent's Community Check In on Friday, March 11
  • Update on mask mandate
  • LAHS Writers Week - Community Read event
  • The Talk: “The Culture of Success” on Mar. 16th
  • MVHS Out of the Darkness Suicide Prevention Walk: March 18th - Flyer
  • March CAC Announcements - Flyer
  • MVLA Parent Ed Speaker Series: Scott Schimmel, Tue. March 22 - Flyer
  • Health and Wellness Parenting Tip: Belly Breathing
  • Free CHAC Self-Care and Resilience - Flyer
  • Get your tickets to the MVEF Spring Gala “The Art of Words”
PTA News:
  • Konstella
  • PTA Roles
  • Read-a-thon


Golden Ticket Winners - Week of 3/7/2022
Eshana V.        RM: 3        Bryn B.          RM: 13
Ananya B.       RM: 4        Brandon P.  RM: 13
Hannah H.       RM: 6        Kevin G.   RM: 14
Adam M.         RM: 8        Bellnue L.  RM: 15
Sushrut J.         RM: 8        Emily S.  RM: 16
Maurya B.        RM: 11      Ms. Kwon  RM: 10
The Vargas Way - Be Safe, Be Respectful, Be Responsible, Be an Upstander.
What are Golden Tickets?
Students earn Golden Tickets from teachers and staff when they are following the Vargas Way. What is 
The Vargas Way? Click here for an in depth view. 


After school Enrichment Signup Round 2
(Repeat from Friday Message) 
Just a reminder to signup for a second round of after school classes. These classes are free for students. Click here for a description of activities.  Click here to sign-up. Because class sizes are limited, there will be a waitlist if there is not enough space. 

Read-a-Thon
Please mark your calendars for Jose Antonio Vargas’s third annual Read-a-Thon!
  • Read-A-Thon Kick Off -Monday, March 21st 
  • Read-A-Thon Activities Week- March 21- April 3, 2022
What is a Read-A-Thon
A Read-a-thon Fundraiser is a way to raise money by getting people to support students who spend a few weeks focusing on reading. It is the perfect school fundraiser because it does not require students to do anything other than what they are already doing at school.
The best schools allocate specific reading time already being done and use that reading time as reading sessions. Others might ask students to read at home. Where and when the reader reads is not extremely important. The fundraiser is based on the fact that a student is committed to reading more than normal.
The Read-A-Thon runs for two weeks. There’ll be author visits and local community readers visiting our students, fun activities, and a chance to win prizes. Be on the look-out for fun-themed activities and let’s read, read, read!

Morning drop-off and Afternoon Pick-up
Be safe and respectful: 
  • If driving to campus, only use the drop off/pickup lane closest to the sidewalk. Do NOT let your child exit or enter your car on the second lane. A safer option is to park on campus and walk in together.
  • Pull all the way forward and have your child exit quickly.
  • If you need to get out of the vehicle to assist your child, pull all the way forward to the front of the line. 
  • Give bicyclists space. The law requires that you provide at least 3 feet of distance between the car and the bicyclist.
  • If walking to campus, only cross the street at the crosswalks.  
Water Bottles
Please send your child to school with a water bottle daily. Because of our COVID precautions, we do not allow students to drink directly from our water fountains. They can refill their water bottles, but we do not have extras to hand out. Please write your child’s name on the bottle, so it can be returned if misplaced.
Report Cards Go Home, March 11, 2022
Second trimester report cards will be sent home by email Friday, March 11th. If you do not receive them or need help accessing the report card, please email us at [email protected].  If you have any questions about your child’s report card, please contact your child’s teacher.

Lost & Found:
Our lost and found is once again accumulating with plenty of sweaters, jackets, lunch boxes, water bottles and more! Please stop by before or after school to check if any of the items belong to your child. All items will be donated on Friday, March 11 after 3:30pm.

Coaches Corner:
 Cook with kids - read recipe, math measurements 
Do you cook with your students at home? Have them help you read the recipe while you cook!

Recipes are a perfect combination of mathematics and reading practice. Have students try to read you each step of the recipe and measure each ingredient with you. If your student is feeling adventurous, have them create their own recipe and have you follow it!

Principal’s Virtual Office Hours
Join me today for our informal Principal Office Hours (virtual) from 4pm - 5:00pm. Feel free to drop in if you have any questions or if you just want to chat. For office hours, there is no formal agenda, it is a time for you to stop in to say hello, and for us to get to know each other better! I look forward to meeting you!
Register in advance for this meeting.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

  • March
9 - Principal Office Hours - Virtual, 4:00pm - 5:00pm -Register Here
10 - MVWSD Board of Trustees Meeting, 6:00pm - 10:00pm - Agenda
11 - Report Card go home electronically
11 - Superintendent Community Check-in, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
14 - Teacher Service Day - No School 
16 - Principal Office Hours - Virtual, 4:00pm - 5:00pm - Register Here
21- Read-A-Thon Kick Off
23 - Principal Office Hours - Virtual, 4:00pm - 5:00pm - Register Here
23 - SSC Meeting - Virtual, 5:00pm - 6:00pm - Register Here
24 - MVWSD Board of Trustees Meeting, 6:00pm - 10:00pm
25 -  Principals Coffee, 8:30am - 9:30am - Register Here
25 - Superintendent Community Check-in, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
30 -  Principal Office Hours - Virtual, 4:00pm - 5:00pm - Register Here
  • April
6 - Principal Office Hours - Virtual, 4:00pm - 5:00pm - Register Here
7 - MVWSD Board of Trustees Meeting, 6:00pm - 10:00pm -
8 - Superintendent Community Check-in, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
11 to 15 - Spring Break - No School

March Better Together Infographic - Flyer 
When women succeed, we all succeed. The same can be said for any of our community members who have felt the sting of marginalization or oppression. On International Women’s Day, let us appreciate all of the women and girls in our lives and the many intersecting identities that make them who they are. Let us never stop fighting for a world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive. After all, we are #BetterTogether. Please see the graphics attached to this newsletter, or visit https://www.mvwsd.org/bettertogetherMVWSD.

Board meeting Preview: March 10
The Board of Trustees will meet on Thursday, March 10 at 6 p.m. Some of the meeting’s topics include:
  • COVID update
  • Summer programming and extended learning
  • Learning Recovery Plan update
For meeting details and agenda, please click here: https://www.mvwsd.org/trustees.

Superintendent's Community Check In on Friday, March 11
Please join us for our Community Check-In with Dr. Ayindé Rudolph on Friday, March 11 at 3:30 p.m. Bring your questions. Spanish interpretation will be provided. Click here to register: http://mvw.sd/CC311. Please see this webpage for upcoming meeting dates and for video recordings of past meetings. https://www.mvwsd.org/about/communications/news___events/connecting_with_the_community

Update on mask mandate
Even though the state will be downgrading face-mask requirements to a strong recommendation for indoor areas (with some exceptions) beginning on March 12, our students will still be required to wear masks for the near future. To learn more about the timeline and factors MVWSD is considering to determine when/if we make changes to the mask requirement, please click here.

LAHS Writers Week - Community Read event
From March 15-18, Los Altos High School is holding the 37th annual Writers Week event, which brings a diverse and inspiring lineup of writers, poets, and journalists to LAHS English classrooms. This year’s Community Read features New York Times bestselling author Neal Shusterman in discussion with a panel of LAHS students about his books. This event will be held on Zoom on Wednesday, March 16 at 6 p.m. Please RSVP via this Eventbrite link to be sent the Zoom information prior to the event. Read more about our other Writers Week visiting writers here: 2022 Writers Week.

The Talk: “The Culture of Success” on Mar. 16th
“Pull yourself up by your bootstraps,” is a common phrase used in American political discourse, particularly around self-reliance and emotional resilience. Today’s culture of success was built upon our ideas, beliefs, and values. However, the pandemic and resulting shifts in our daily lives have called us to reflect on our foundational beliefs about the success and emotional resilience of our children. Let's talk about it.
You are cordially invited to MVWSD’s next Roundtable event: “The Talk: The Culture of Success – Our Beliefs About Success and Emotional Resilience” on Wednesday, March 16 from 6:00 – 7:00 pm. Register at: http://mvw.sd/talk316.

MVHS Out of the Darkness Suicide Prevention Walk: March 18th -
Flyer
MVHS Ambassadors have organized an Out of the Darkness Suicide Prevention Walk on Friday, March 18th, from 5:30-7:30 pm on the MVHS Track. The walk is inspired by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's Out of the Darkness program, and is being held to raise awareness about mental health and suicide prevention and to show community solidarity in our goal of becoming more supportive to those struggling with mental health issues. There will be speakers, performances, introductions to partnership agencies, and a lantern-lighting ceremony to close the event. Registration information: url.mvhs.io/outofdarkness

March CAC Announcements -
Flyer
SELPA 1 CAC and the Learning Challenge Committee are your groups for special education and broader learning challenge needs. If you have questions about learning challenges and special education needs, email [email protected] or check out www.selpa1cac.org

Parent Education Event - “FINDING SUCCESS WHEN NAVIGATING CHALLENGING CONVERSATIONS" - this is an alternative dispute resolution training with help from the county SELPA
3/16 Wednesday 7:00-8:30 p.m. Register in advance for this meeting: https://sccoe.to/SELPA1CAC_ChallengingConversations. Attendees of this interactive training will be introduced to a prep-sheet that was inspired by the “Getting to Yes” workbook by Roger Fisher and William Ury. This tool has helped many IEP team members have successful meetings by preparing thinking through interests, options and bringing legitimacy to requests. It is the goal of this training that attendees will leave feeling more prepared and confident for the next IEP team meeting. To be facilitated by Purchin Consulting.

3/30 Wednesday 17-8:30 pm  Evening Let’s Talk
-  IEP/504 support group. Have questions about the process to get help for your child? Have an IEP but are not sure how to make changes? Need to vent? This is your confidential group. Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYrce6qrz8vGdNbIywjg1vppQq3tHwvruYI

MVLA Parent Ed Speaker Series: Scott Schimmel, Tue. March 22 -
 Flyer
Join the MVLA Parent Ed Speaker Series on Tuesday, March 22nd from 7:00 - 9:00pm for Scott Schimmel’s talk, “Critical Foundations: The questions every kid must answer to build a meaningful life.” In this interactive presentation, you will learn about the critical questions every kid must answer to build the three pillars of a meaningful life- identity, purpose, and belonging, reflect on your parenting style and make adjustments to what your kid(s) need now, and put together an actionable plan to more effectively engage your kids in discussion. Register for this free event.
Health and Wellness Parenting Tip: Belly Breathing
Our mood is influenced by physical sensations in our body. When we feel stressed, we tend to take quick and shallow breaths. By taking slow and deep breaths, we can signal our body to relax.
Watch this video to learn more about how belly breathing can help your child (or you) feel more relaxed. 
To belly breathe:
  1. Choose a comfortable position, such as sitting on a chair or laying on your back.
  2. Place one hand on your belly.
  3. Take a deep breath in through your nose while you count to four. As you breathe in, your belly should rise.
  4. Hold your breath while you count to five.
  5. Breathe out through your mouth while you count to six. As you breathe out, your belly should flatten.
You may need to repeat these steps for 5-10 minutes before you start to feel relaxed. By practicing these steps, you can learn to relax after stressful situations.

Free CHAC Self-Care and Resilience Workshop
- Flyer
CHAC Family Resources Center is holding a free online Self-Care and Resilience workshop for parents and caregivers on Fridays from March 4th to April 22nd from 1:00-2:00 PM. This course will provide participants guidance and strategies regarding how to guide children to express their feelings in a nonaggressive way, be more resilient, and teach children to build up relationships. To register, contact Lin Xu at [email protected] or (650) 967-4813.

Get your tickets to the MVEF Spring Gala “The Art of Words”
Join MVEF on Saturday, April 23 for a lively evening that includes dinner, fundraising, and trivia in support of our schools.  Individual tickets are $125.  (Reduced to $110 until March 20!)  Join us from home with a single virtual login for trivia plus access to online fundraising for $50.  Find more information at https://www.mvef.org/ or https://secure.qgiv.com/event/mvefgala/

Konstella

Konstella is our main communication tool. The PTA will post information about meetings, events and volunteer opportunities. You will also be able to communicate with other families from your child's classroom.

Use this link to register: https://www.konstella.com/cd/XGJHYL

 

Shannon Lundin, and the Executive Board 

[email protected]

 

PTA Roles

The PTA needs to fill some positions for our spring elections. The open positions are treasurer, secretary, historian, and parliamentarian.  Please refer to this document that describes the responsibilities of these roles and other volunteer options. Please contact myself or kinder parent and nominating chair Lara Gill ([email protected]) if you are interested in knowing more about the positions and job descriptions.

 

Readathon

Please mark your calendars for Jose Antonio Vargas’s third annual Read-a-Thon from March 21-April 3! The Read-A-Thon aims to increase students' love for reading through literacy-focused events. It also fundraises 50% of next year's PTA budget, which goes towards classroom supplies, school subscriptions, after-school activities, assemblies and author visits, 5th grade promotion, special treats, and so much more! 

 

Look out soon for more information on Read-A-Thon fun activities and events, including an in-person used book exchange on March 14, outdoor movie night and book fair. There will also be author and community reader visits, and lots of prizes!

 

Interested in helping with the read-a-thon? Visit our website: https://www.javargaspta.org/read-a-thon-2022/how-to-help

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