The Wise Word 03/01/2023


(650) 903-6952  *  vargas.mvwsd.org

Jose Antonio Vargas Elementary

March 01, 2023

 
School logo, golden owl link to the MVWSD logo link to picture of Vargas School

from the principals desk graphic

Hello Golden Owls,

Friday is the 120th day of school for this school year. Can you believe we are already in our final Trimester? Our students have been working extremely hard, and we hope to continue even stronger in our last trimester. Again, I would like to thank all of you for your continued support during this year. Everyone - teachers, students, staff, parents, community partners have been working so hard to guarantee our students receive the best experience possible. 

A few updates and reminders:

Report Cards Go Home, March 10, 2023

Second trimester report cards will be sent home by email Friday, March 10th. 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.

After school Enrichment 

We will be starting a second round of After school classes the week of March 6.  We have added CSMA music and art 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. The deadline to sign-up is Friday, March 3, 2023.

Open House

Please mark your calendars. We will have an in person Open House on March 23, 2023 from 6:00-7:00 PM. Open House will be a chance for you to celebrate all the hard work your child has done over the past year!

In Partnership, 

Principal Vern Taylor

In this Newsletter

School News:

  • Golden Ticket Winners

  • Storage Shed Construction

  • Parent University: My Digital Tat2: Parent Education for Setting Healthy Boundaries Around Technology Use

  • Help for those affected by the Earthquake in Turkey and Syria

  • 5th grade promotion date

  • Not Returning Students for 2023-2024 School Year

  • Principal’s Virtual Office Hours

Flyers:

  • March Lunch Menu - Here

  • 2022-2023 School Year Calendar- Link here

  • 2023-2024 School Year Calendar - Link here

District News:

  • The Board of Trustees will meet on Thursday March 02 at 6:00 pm Info Here

  • Superintendent’s Community Check In on Friday March 03, 2023

  • March Better Together Infographic Flyer here

  • Inplay: Find Camps and after school activities

  • Health and Wellness Parenting Tip: Change upsetting thoughts

  • Early Bird pricing for MVEF Gala tickets is available until 3/12/2023

  • Living Classroom: Docents Needed! Flyer 

  • MVEF Gala Sponsorships are available!

  • MVEF needs your help!

PTA News:

  • Donation Request

  • Early Bird pricing for MVEF Gala tickets is now available to the general public! 

  • PTA Executive Board Elections

  • Fifth Grade Parent Volunteers

  • Walkathon - Save the Date - Friday March 31st


Golden Ticket Winners 2/16/2023

Dannyel O. RM: 1           Devika M.      RM: 11

Emily L. RM: 2           Josh J.       RM: 13

Olivia M. RM: 3           Juan H.       RM: 14

Juanita C. RM: 4           Sophia L.       RM: 15

Leyla B. RM: 5           Christopher.     RM: 16

Luis R.  RM: 6           Jaiden W.         RM: 17

Ivanna M.     RM: 8           Mrs. Anne      RM: 08

Ananya B. RM: 9              

Rushil M. RM: 10


School News

Storage shed construction is happening now

As part of safety and efficiency projects funded by Measure T, a new, approximately 1,000 square foot storage shed will be built at Vargas to allow proper storage of school items, increasing safety. The area will be fenced off for safety.

Construction began over break and lasts through June. The construction site is on the west side of the field, close to the MUR/car entrance. Work has been scheduled to minimize disruptions for students, staff and neighbors. Thank you for your patience.

Parent University: My Digital Tat2: Parent Education for Setting Healthy Boundaries Around Technology Use

Date: 3/28/23  

Time: 6:00-7:15pm  Registration Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88165554763

Kids are online more than ever in this post-COVID world, with increased use of digital technology for academics, entertainment, and social connection.

 

Join My Digital TAT2 for an engaging and informative live webinar on Tuesday, March 28th from 6:00 - 7:15 PM. This event will be presented in Spanish and translated into English.

 

Hear what young people are doing online and how they are affected by the latest apps and trends from the world of technology. Get strategies for how to support responsible, mindful, and healthy use of the internet, social media, and gaming. Learn what you can do to stay connected with your child as their online lives expand.

 

Recommended for all adults who support youth and want to learn thoughtful and supportive ways to navigate media together. For more information about My Digital TAT2 visit: www.mydigitaltat2.org

To submit questions prior to the event, go to mvw.sd/questions. We will do our best to address your question during the session.

(Repeat) Help for those affected by the Earthquake in Turkey and Syria

Two weeks ago Turkey and Syria were hit by two catastrophic earthquakes of 7.7 and 7.6 magnitudes, leaving more than 35,000 dead while an estimated 200,000 are still under the rubble. The earthquake affected 10 major cities and approximately 13 million people. The freezing winter conditions are extremely difficult for survivors who lost their homes.

Your heartfelt wishes mean a lot to us who have friends and families back home in Turkey. We feel very fortunate to be part of the Mountain View and Vargas communities. Many of our friends are asking how they can help all those rebuilding their lives. If you are interested in supporting, please contact [email protected], [email protected], [email protected],  and [email protected].  – even small amounts go a long way!

(Repeat) 5th Grade Promotion Date

Each year, we look forward to celebrating with families as our 5th grade students are promoted to middle school. This year, the 5th grade promotion date is Monday, June 5. We will share more specifics about the celebration as details are available.

(Repeat) Not Returning Students for 2023-2024 School Year

If you plan on moving during the summer or know your child will not return to our District for the 2023-2024 school year, please email our school secretary at [email protected].

(Repeat) Principal’s Virtual Office Hours

Principal Office Hours virtually on Wednesdays from 4pm -5pm. 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. 


Events Calendar

March 2023

1st

Principal’s Office Hours, 4:00 PM - Canceled

1st

SSC Meeting - 5:00 pm, Agenda

2nd

Wildmind Science Learning Assembly 

8th

Spring Pictures - Lifetouch

8th

Principal’s Office Hours, 4:00 PM  Register Here

10th

Palo Alto Baylands Field Trip

13th 

Teacher in-service Day - No school for Students

15th

Principal’s Office Hours, 4:00 PM  Register Here

16th 

Mad Science Of the Bay Assembly

21st

ELAC Meeting, 6:00pm 

22nd

Principal’s Office Hours, 4:00 PM  Register Here

23rd

CSMA Art - Show 

23rd

Open House - 6:00pm - 7:00pm

24th 

Principal’s Office Hours, 4:00 PM  Register Here

29th

Principal’s Office Hours, 4:00 PM  Register Here

30th

Digital TAT2 Presentation for VA families

31st

Walkathon, 3:00pm - 6:00pm


April 2023

4th

Deer Hollow Farm Field Trip 

5th

DeAnza College Planetarium Field Trip

5th

Principal’s Office Hours, 4:00 PM  Register Here

7th

Fourth Grade Annual Gold Rush Day

10th - 14th

Spring Recess - No School

19th

Principal’s Office Hours, 4:00 PM  Register Here

26th

Principal’s Office Hours, 4:00 PM  Register Here

The Board of Trustees will meet on Thursday, March 2 at 6:00 p.m. 

Some of the topics include:

  • Preschool Program Self Evaluation

  • Universal Pre-Kindergarten Expansion

  • Future Enrollment Growth Considerations

For meeting details and agenda, please click here: https://www.mvwsd.org/trustees.

Superintendent's Community Check In on Friday, March 3

Please join us for our Community Check-In with Dr. Ayindé Rudolph on Friday, March 3 at 3:30 p.m. Bring your questions. Spanish interpretation will be provided. Click here to register: http://mvw.sd/CC33

March Better Together Infographic Flyer Here

March is Women's History Month, a time to celebrate the contributions women have made to society.  However, we must acknowledge that not all women have had an equal chance to succeed. Inclusion is key to truly celebrating Women's History Month. Let's uplift and empower all women, regardless of their race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or ability. As allies, we can listen to their stories, amplify their voices, and work together to create a more equitable society. Let's celebrate progress and continue to choose to be #BetterTogetherMVWSD. Please see the attached flyers or visit http://mvwsd.org/bettertogetherMVWSD.

Silicon Valley Reads Career Fair Flyer Here

The Santa Clara County Office of Education is excited to host the annual K-8 Career Fair on Saturday, March 4 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. The theme this year is Adventurous Careers, and the event will feature guest speakers from many different fields. We want to encourage students to dream big, follow their passions, and explore some amazing career opportunities as a component of the Silicon Valley Reads community engagement initiative. For more information and to register, visit: https://na.eventscloud.com/731835.

MV Public Library Art Events 

Draw with Nomar Perez Flyer Here

Thursday, March 30 from 4-5 p.m., Ages 8 and up, on Zoom

Nomar Perez, the author/illustrator of "Coqui in the City" will join the Sunnyvale and Mountain View libraries to talk about his experience illustrating "Coqui" and then he will lead a virtual drawing lesson. Register in advance here.

Chalk Art Mural Flyer Here

Friday, March 31 from 3:30-5:30 p.m., Ages 8-12 at Pioneer Park

Tweens are invited to drop in to the library courtyard and create a piece of art from Silicon Valley Reads author/illustrator Nomar Perez. All skill levels welcome, no registration needed. Materials and instructions will be provided. Weather permitting.

Mentor Tutor Connection Volunteer Information Session: March 8th Flye Here

Come learn about volunteering as a Mentor or Tutor! Help a local student to a brighter future.

VOLUNTEER INFORMATION SESSION - March 8, 5:30-6:30 pm, El Camino YMCA, 2400 Grant Road, Mountain View. To register go to www.mentortutorconnection.org/events or email programs@mentortutorconnection.org.

(Repeat) Early Bird pricing for MVEF Gala tickets is available until 3/12/2023 

Buy tickets, donate items, and sponsor the Gala today by visiting the MVEF Gala page: https://www.mvef.org/2023gala

With approximately 150 in-person attendees and a goal to raise $100k, the MVEF Gala is an opportunity for residents, district parents, business leaders and community members to come together in support of our local public schools. Last year MVEF successfully took the bold step to extend its funding beyond art, music, science, and sports to include adding opportunities for differentiation in the classroom by reducing class sizes in ELA. This year we hope to raise a total of $1.2MM through the MVWSD community’s enthusiastic participation, allowing us to continue funding the new teaching positions, the existing MVEF-funded programs, and consider funding additional programs in the future

(Repeat) InPlay: Find camps and afterschool activities

February break and spring break are just weeks away. Even summer break is just around the corner. Looking for activities or camps for your children? InPlay offers a free searchable program guide for parents, with filters for age, location, price (including free or reduced cost), and more. To find programs local to Mountain View, head to: https://www.inplay.org/r/mountain-view. Available programs include those that serve students with special needs or English learners.

(Repeat) Living Classroom: Docents Needed! Flyer

Do you enjoy spending time with kids and being outdoors? Volunteer with us to teach fun, engaging STEM-based lessons in your local school! Living Classroom teaches science by using our school gardens as our classroom. No prior teaching experience is necessary. Bring a friend and join the fun!

Come to our training sessions from 9am-12pm in Heritage Park, 771 Rengstorff Ave. in Mountain View:

March 6, 2023 (Kinder & 1st Grade Lessons)

March 20, 2023 (2nd & 3rd Grade Lessons)

March 27, 2023 (3rd, 4th, & 5th Grade Lessons)

For more information, visit www.living-classroom.org or contact [email protected].

(Repeat) Health and Wellness Parenting Tip: Change upsetting thoughts

Everyone has upsetting thoughts from time to time, which can make us feel angry, sad, or frustrated. This is normal! It is often our emotions that drive these upsetting thoughts, not the facts of the situation. By catching our upsetting thoughts, checking the facts, and changing our thoughts based on those facts, we can start to have more helpful thoughts and improve our mood.  

Watch this video and learn more about how to change upsetting thoughts to be more helpful.

To change your upsetting thoughts: 

  1. Catch it. When you feel upset, pause and ask yourself, “What words or phrases are running through my mind right now?”

  2. Check it. Consider whether the thought you are having is helpful or not. 

  3. Change it. If you are having an unhelpful thought, consider other ways of looking at the situation. Reframe your thought to one that is more helpful.

Catching, checking, and changing your thoughts takes practice. By noticing your unhelpful thoughts and reframing them based on facts, you can improve your mood.

(Repeat) MVEF Gala Sponsorships are available!

MVEF is currently accepting sponsorship donations for the annual Gala, happening April 29, 2023. With approximately 150 in-person attendees and a goal to raise $100K, the MVEF Gala is an opportunity for residents, district parents, business leaders and community members to come together and support local schools. This year’s event will include dinner, fundraisings activities (including a raffle plus live and silent auctions), and community-building.

MVEF offers 4 Gala sponsorship levels to community business and individuals. Each level includes different benefits for the sponsoring entity. To learn more and to complete a sponsorship application, click here: https:www.mvef.org/galasponsor.

(Repeat) MVEF needs your help!

MVEF has raised $885,000 towards the goal of $1,200,000! As MVEF annual funding continues to grow, we will be able to fund additional programs in MVWSD schools. In order to keep growing, we need more volunteers to help us spread the word about "why MVEF." We will soon be coordinating a training and development program for our volunteers, so if you're interested please contact us soon. Volunteer opportunities include: 

- Additional school "influencers" at every school site

- Volunteers to donate Gala auction items

- Volunteers to help with check-in and other tasks at the Gala 

- Governing board members

To learn more about these opportunities, please email [email protected]

Finally, don't forget to complete the MVEF Programs Survey by Jan 31: bit.ly/3XnfMGx

PTA News

Donation request: 

We are looking for an ipad (version 12 or up) or android tablet (version 7 or up) to use at events for gear and concession sales and membership and Konstella sign ups. If anyone has an old tablet they would be willing to donate please contact [email protected]

The MVEF Gala is coming up, and it would be wonderful if we could put the following announcement in the Wise Word and out on Konstella.  

Early Bird pricing for MVEF Gala tickets is now available to the general public! This year’s Gala will happen on Saturday April 29, 2023 and will once again be located at Michael's at Shoreline.

This year's MVEF Gala includes dinner, fundraising activities (including a raffle plus live and silent auctions), and community-building that benefits all schools in Mountain View Whisman School District!

Gala seating is limited to 150 attendees and tickets are likely to sell out quickly, so don't miss your chance to meet and mingle with school and district leaders, teachers, and staff; City of Mountain View leaders; and many of Mountain View Educational Foundation (MVEF)'s other most dedicated supporters!

If you can't attend in-person, you can still support the Gala in several other ways. Visit the MVEF Gala Page to buy tickets, sponsor the gala, donate auction items, and more:https://www.mvef.org/2023gala

(Repeat) Early Bird pricing for MVEF Gala tickets is now available to the general public! 

This year’s Gala will happen on Saturday April 29, 2023 and will once again be located at Michael's at Shoreline.

This year's MVEF Gala includes dinner, fundraising activities (including a raffle plus live and silent auctions), and community-building that benefits all schools in Mountain View Whisman School District!

Gala seating is limited to 150 attendees and tickets are likely to sell out quickly, so don't miss your chance to meet and mingle with school and district leaders, teachers, and staff; City of Mountain View leaders; and many of Mountain View Educational Foundation (MVEF)'s other most dedicated supporters!

If you can't attend in-person, you can still support the Gala in several other ways. Visit the MVEF Gala Page to buy tickets, sponsor the gala, donate auction items, and more:

https://www.mvef.org/2023gala

(Repeat) PTA Executive Board Elections

We will hold elections for next years’ PTA Executive Board in March and we have started looking for members to help fill positions that will be open next year. Joining the PTA Board is a great way to make an impact at our school; helping to plan for programs and events that provide enrichment and foster belonging for students and families. The three main positions we need to elect for next year, President, Vice President and Auditor. Other positions will also be available. See a list of open positions with a summary of the role and timeline here and/ or contact Shannon Lundin [email protected], Kim Cheng [email protected]

(Repeat) Fifth Grade Parent Volunteers 

We are looking for one or two fifth grade parents to help plan a simple fundraiser for fifth grade promotion. Please contact Shannon [email protected] if you are able to help with this task.

(Repeat) Walkathon - Save the date - Friday March, 31st

We are busy planning a Walkathon fundraiser for 3/31. More details and a volunteer sign up sheet will be posted soon.

We are looking for a parent, or older child maybe, that has digital art experience to help us with a Walkathon project. Please contact Kim [email protected] for more details.

 

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