Principal’s Message:

Hello Golden Owls,

 

Today, March 8 is 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. While we are doing some of this work at school, you can use this resources to support the discussion and learning at home.

A Few Reminders

Report Cards

Second trimester report cards will be sent home by email this 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.

Attendance

We are seeing an increase in the number of students showing up late. Although it may seem like just a few minutes, the minutes add up and result in missed instruction and learning. Thank you for prioritizing your child’s attendance and making efforts to get them to school on time every day. 

Walk-a-Thon

Please mark your calendars for the Walk-a-Thon on March 31. Here is a quick message from the Vargas Walk-a-Thon Rabbit. Please look for more information in the coming weeks!

After School Enrichment

Once again, thank you for all your patience and support as we finalize the last classes for this school year. As a reminder, Here is the schedule for each of our after school classes. At the bottom of this document I have added the most recent CSMA classes for Art, Choir, and Ukulele. You will find all the missing dates that we have as well.

For those able to donate for after school enrichment classes, please fill out this form and bring it to the front office, along with your donation, and our front office staff will provide you with a receipt. We are about $6,000 short of our anticipated goal of $15,000.  Please note, a donation will not be required to enroll in any of our offered classes. 

No School Next Monday

 Monday, March 13, 2023 is a professional work day for teachers. There is no school for students. 

In Partnership, 

Principal Vern Taylor

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Events Calendar

 

 

March 2023

 

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April 2023

 

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In this Newsletter

School News:

Golden Ticket Winners

Storage Shed Construction

5th grade promotion date

Not Returning Students for 2023-2024 School Year

Principal’s Virtual Office Hours

Parent University: My Digital Tat2: Parent Education for Setting Healthy Boundaries Around Technology Use02

 

Flyers:

March Lunch Menu - Here
2022-2023 School Year Calendar- Link here
2023-2024 School Year Calendar - Link here

District News:

Cafecito con el Superintendent on Wednesday March 08 at 5:30 pm March Better Together Infographic Flyer here March is National Nutrition Month! Crittenden Middle School Spring Musical: Matilda Jr. Ticket Order Form here Graham Middle School Spring Musical: Moana Jr. Flyer here Early Bird pricing for MVEF Gala tickets is available until 3/12/2023 Health and Wellness Parenting Tip: Calming your Mind March 2023 CAC Events The View Teen Center: March Events Flyer here Mountain View’s Annual Arbor Day: March 11 Flyer here MV Public Library Art Events  CSA Empty Bowls Fundraiser: Tickets available now MVHS Spartans Sports Camp: Registration Open Flyer here MVEF Gala Sponsorships are available! MVEF needs your help!
PTA News:

Fifth Grade Parent Volunteers Walkathon is Coming - Bunny video Here Walkathon - Save the Date - Friday March 31st Donation Request

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Golden Ticket Winners March 02, 2023

Maria V. RM: 1           Kevin G.     RM: 11

Aadi S. RM: 2           Jaiden C.     RM: 13

Albert R. RM: 3           Sachika M.       RM: 14

Zoey D. RM: 4           Aliana L.     RM: 15

Goldie N. RM: 5           Alison U.     RM: 16

Hunter S.  RM: 6           Harper F.           RM: 17

Vivienne P.   RM: 8           Ms. Sham     RM: 10C

Lance W. RM: 9              

Emilio S. RM: 10

 

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School News

 

 

(Repeat) 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.

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

Date: 3/28/23  

Time: 6:00-7:15 pm  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) 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. 

 

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District News

Cafecito con el Superintendente on Wednesday, March 8, 5:30 pm

This is an informal meeting for Spanish-speaking parents. Translation will be provided. Please register in advance for this meeting by clicking here: http://mvw.sd/C38.

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.

March is National Nutrition Month!

This year’s theme is Fuel for the Future! During March, learn more about sustainable and healthy eating, how to save money buying nutritious food, making tasty meals at home, and the importance of eating foods from all food groups. 

Did you know that shopping locally-sourced foods and choosing foods with minimal packaging helps reduce both transportation emissions and waste? Get more tips to lighten your carbon foodprint: sm.eatright.org/carbonfdprint

Crittenden Middle School Spring Musical: Matilda JR.Form to buy Tickets here

Crittenden Middle School proudly presents the story of a girl who dreams of a better life, and the children she inspires. This show will have audiences rooting for the "revolting children" who are out to teach the grown-ups a lesson.  Packed with high-energy dance numbers and catchy songs, Matilda JR. is a joyous girl power romp. Children and adults alike will be thrilled and delighted by the story of the special little girl with an extraordinary imagination.

Showtimes:

Friday, March 24th – 7:30 pm
Saturday, March 25th – 7:30 pm
Sunday, March 26th – 2:00 pm

Performances will be held in the Crittenden Middle School Auditorium, 1701 Rock Street. 

Parental Guidance Note: This show may not be appropriate for children under the age of 7. 

Tickets may be purchased in advance online (see the links on the attached flyer) or by dropping off your payment and order form at the Crittenden Front Office, no later than Monday, March 20th at 2:30pm. If shows are not sold out in advance, tickets will be available for purchase at the Box Office 30 minutes prior to showtime.  See the attached Ticket Order Form for details on pricing and online ticket purchases.

Graham Middle School Spring Musical: Moana Jr. Flyer Here

Get ready to set sail on a musical adventure with "Moana Jr."! Featuring beloved songs like "How Far I'll Go" and "You're Welcome", this musical is a must-see for fans of all ages! 

The students, staff, and parents have been working so hard for months to present the best performance. Don't miss your chance to experience the magic of "Moana Jr." on stage! 

Tickets are now available for purchase here. The show information is as follows:

Graham Middle School Auditorium

March 24th and 25th 7:30 pm

March 26th 2:00 pm

Adult Ticket: $15

Student Ticket: $10

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.

Health and Wellness Parenting Tip: Calming Your Mind

When we feel stressed, our minds tend to jump to the past (I should have...) or to the future (What if...?). The problem is that we cannot change the past nor control the future. Focusing on the present can help us take control of our current situation and help us feel calmer and more relaxed.

Watch this video to learn more about how mindfulness can help you (or your child) be more present and relaxed. 

To calm your (or your child’s) mind:

1. Look around you, and name five things you see. Pick one object, and describe what it looks like, what color, what size, and what shape it is. 

2. Look for four things you can touch. Pick one of those items to touch, and describe how it feels.  3.Name three things that you can hear. At first, it might seem that there is not much to hear, but listen carefully. Focus on one sound, and describe it. 
4. Look for two things you can smell. Focus on one smell, and describe it. 5. Find one thing you can taste. Focus on the taste and describe it.
You can repeat these steps every time you feel stressed to come back to the present moment. 

March 2023 CAC Events 

SELPA 1 CAC and the Learning Challenge Committee are your groups for special education and broader learning challenge needs. We are ALL having learning challenges right now, and CAC and LCC are here to help. If you have questions about learning challenges and special education needs, email [email protected] or check out www.selpa1cac.org

We encourage families to learn about the sensory needs all children: Try a Sensory Diet

Parent Chat

March 14, 10 am

Are you concerned about the emotional well-being of your child?  Peer to peer support for parents of teens with mental health challenges. Every second Tuesday of the month at 10 am on Google Meet. Meeting is for 1 hour only due to Google Meet limitations. Contact [email protected] for invite.

Behavioral Panel of Experts - Challenging Behaviors and Strategies at different ages

Presented by SELPA 1 CAC / Palo Alto CAC

Wednesday March 22, 7 pm on Zoom

Does your child have behavioral challenges at school and at home?

Behavior is communication. Join the CAC and expert panelists from CAPTAIN and PENT for a presentation on strategies to help with behaviors at different ages. Although CAPTAIN is focused on those students with autism spectrum concerns, these insights are suitable for all students. Have a specific question - submit your question ahead of time to our panel here: Questions for the Panel

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEkduCurTorHNSOp-szKwNTJdpzNXprqunq

Missed our Parent Education events last year?

We have a YouTube channel with many of our past events including last year’s Inclusive Fun Fair for summer camps and recreational activities, Anxiety and Depression in Children with Learning Challenges, SMART Goals and IEP Troubleshooting, and more. Channel is here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuy7IcVz-4LTDxv2Jaq13nw

The View Teen Center: March Events Flyer here

The View Teen Center is a free facility in Mountain View (263 Escuela Ave) for all Mountain View and Los Altos 6th - 12th grade students. The center is open Monday through Friday: 3:30 - 7 p.m. and Saturday: 1 - 6 p.m, and features a game room, makerspace, kitchen, computer/study room, outdoor area, and much more! March Teen Center events include a Career Day, Basketball Tournament, a St. Patrick’s Day celebration, and a Bike to Boba. See attached flyer for details about more upcoming events and programs or visit their webpage for more information.

Mountain View's Annual Arbor Day: Mar. 11 Flyer here

Celebrate Arbor Day with a new tree for your yard! The City of Mountain View will be holding their 2023 Tree Giveaway on Saturday, March 11 from 9:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. at Pioneer Park. The free trees are available to Mountain View residents for planting on their property. Residents agree to plant and maintain the tree on their property. The planting event is part of the City’s forestry restoration efforts and the celebration of the State of California’s Arbor Day. Residents who wish to participate may fill out the application form here.

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.

CSA Empty Bowls Fundraiser: Tickets available now

Empty Bowls is Community Services Agency's annual fundraiser benefiting Homeless Services. Featuring bottomless ice cream, beautiful bowls, and fun children’s activities, this year’s event takes place on Sunday, April 30th from 2-4pm in Rengstorff Park. Purchase your tickets online now. If you are in need of services, please call 650-968-0836.

MVHS Spartans Sports Camp: Registration Open Flyer here

Spartans Sports Camp is proud to announce that registration for Summer Camp 2023 is now open. Camp will run June 12 - July 28 this summer, and include sports, performing arts, and academic enrichment camps. Spartans Sports Camp is operated entirely by the MVHS Athletic Department and all proceeds go directly to support the sports programs at MVHS. For more information and registration, visit www.SpartansSportsCamp.com.

Mentor Tutor Connection Volunteer Information Session: March 8th Flyer 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 [email protected].

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.

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

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PTA News

 

 

PTA Executive Board Elections March 22, 2023 8:30 a.m.

We will hold elections for next years’ PTA Executive Board on March 22, 8:30 a.m. Register here, agenda to follow. Please try to attend this meeting as we need a quorum in order to elect our new board members.

Thank you to those PTA members who have volunteered to fill positions for next year’s Executive Board! Here is a list of nominees.  We are still looking for a Vice President role as well as other committee roles. 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]

 

Walkathon - Save the date - Friday March, 31st

We have been busy planning a Walkathon fundraiser for 3/31. Check out our event teaser video! Please consider volunteering to make our first in-person Walkathon a successful event, we will need all the available hands we can get! 

Volunteer sign-up sheet: https://tinyurl.com/VargasWAT2023 

 

Fifth Grade Parent Volunteers 

Fifth grade students will design and receive a commemorative graduation t-shirt. In order to make the t-shirts free for all fifth graders we need to plan a simple fundraiser, like a dine out night. We are still looking for one or two fifth grade parents to help plan a simple fundraiser. Please contact Shannon [email protected] if you are able to help with this task.

 

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]