The Wise Word 04/26/2023

Hello Golden Owls,

 

Tuesday, was the first day of CAASPP testing for our 3-5 grade students, and I am so proud of how focused and diligently students have been working. As you know, we will be testing for the next few weeks, but I wanted to thank all the parents for supporting students in getting to school on time, providing a good breakfast, and supporting your students persevering. 


Additionally, we will have our Spring Book Fair next week. Each Vargas student will receive a $10 voucher for a free book. I wanted to thank the Jose Antonio Vargas PTA for making it a priority that all of our students can participate in the school book fair. 


Finally, I look forward to seeing you all at next Thursday’s International Festival. It is a wonderful way to showcase the diversity our school has and celebrate our community. 


In Partnership, 

Principal Vern Taylor


April 2023

4/17-5/19

CAASPP Testing

27th

Kinder Fire Station Field Trip

28th

Principal’s Coffee, 8:00am

 

May 2023

1st

Kinder Reading Night 5:30-6:30 pm

4th

PTA International Festival 5:00 to 7:00 pm

11th

Reclassification Ceremony at Crittenden Middle School from 5:00 to 7:00 pm

17th

CSMA 5th Grade Concert 11:00 to 11:45 am

23th

ELAC Meeting 6:00 to 7:00 pm

26th

End of Trimester - Minimum Day 11:55 am

28th

Principal’s Coffee, 8:00am

29th

Memorial Day - No school

 

June 2023

1st

Talent Show

5th

Kinder Promotion Ceremony 1:00 - 1:30 pm

5th 

5th Grade Promotion Ceremony 2:45 to 5:00 pm

6th

Last Day of School - Minimum Day 11:55

 


 

School News:

Golden Ticket Winners

School Site Council

Walk-a-thon

5th Grade Music Concert

Change for Volunteers

CAASPP Testing

Noon Duty 

Summer Reading Books Needed

International Potluck 05/04/2023

Scholastic Book Fair 5/1-5/5

2023-2024 School Year

5th and Kinder Promotion

Not Returning Students for 2023-2024 School Year

 

Flyers:

April Menu Here

2023-2024 School Year Calendar - Link here

Talent Show - Flyer here

 

District News:

Parent University: High School Readiness

Senior Citizens/SSI recipients: Apply now for tax exemption!

Free and low cost summer programs

MVEF News

District Chess Tournament Registration Open

Health and Wellness Parenting tip: Autism Awareness Month

PTA News:

International Potluck May 04 5:00 - 7:00 pm

MVWSD Interscholastic Chess Tournament - April 30th

Teacher Appreciation Week, May 8th to May 12th


Golden Ticket Winners April 19, 2023

Dannyel O.            RM: 1        Adrian F.             RM: 10

Griselda O.                    RM: 2         Miguel G.          RM: 11

Alexa D. RM: 3        Jessica L.            RM: 13

Theodore F.. RM: 4        Ian L.                  RM: 14

Marco S. RM: 5        Gavin W.             RM: 15

Sahasra D. RM: 6        Precious D.         RM: 16

Vivienne P.  RM: 8        Kat K.                 RM: 17

Jeremy D. RM: 9        

 


School News

 

2023-24 School Site Council

Vargas School Site Council (SSC) is a decision-making, leadership group composed of the Principal, Teachers, Classified Staff, and Parents/Community Members. The SSC plays an important role in the continuous improvement of our Students’ Education by reviewing, approving, and monitoring the annual Vargas Site Plan and categorical monies that fund the plan. As a member, you will review and analyze student performance, ask hard questions and participate in thoughtful discussions, and work as a team with staff and the Principal.

The time commitment you make is to attend approximately six 1 hour meetings during the school year at an agreed upon day and time, with some outside reading time in the fall when the Site Plan is created. The term for the newly elected members will begin the first meeting of the next school year (late August or early September).

You may nominate yourself as a candidate by filling out this form. Self nominations are due May 2nd.  Elections will take place 5/3 to5/12. 

Walk-A-Thon

A few weeks ago, the PTA coordinated our first Walk-a-thon. I wanted to thank the coordinators and at the same time announce that the students surpassed the school goal for laps. Because students achieved their goal, I wanted to announce that next Friday, I will be getting slimed! Additionally, individual and class prizes will be giving out in the coming weeks. Thank you students for all of your effort walking, and again, thank you to all the volunteers who made the event successful.


5th Grade CSMA Music Concert (5/17/2023)

Our fifth grade students are excited to perform for you!  As a culmination of their weekly music lessons provided by Community School of Music and Art (CSMA), students who are in the music program will hold their concert in the MUR on May 17 at 11:00 am . 

 

**Please plan ahead!  

In order to view these performances, visitors will need to sign in the office with their picture IDs. The concert will begin promptly at 11:00, so please make sure to give yourself plenty of time to find parking, and sign-in. We suggest arriving at least 15 minutes before the start of the concert to ensure you can view your child’s full performance.

Changes for Volunteers

Effective April 17, no COVID vaccine is required for volunteers.

Badge process for regular volunteers (mvwsd.org/volunteers explains the designations of “regular” and “infrequent”)

   *The regular volunteer badge process for the next school year starts on May 12.
  *All regular volunteers planning to continue will have to complete the badge process for next year, whether they are new or renewing. This year’s badges won’t work next year, and schools will be collecting old badges at the end of the school year. Note: Renewing volunteers likely will not need new fingerprint checks or TB testing.
  *No badges will be issued for 2023-24 until August at the first in-person required annual mandated reporter and abuse training (in compliance with AB 506).

How to Apply to be a Regular Volunteer Next Year. Start collecting documents now to avoid delays at the beginning of the school year. For all of the details and documentation required, please see mvwsd.org/volunteers. Please do not apply for next year's badge before May 12.

If you have never had a badge before, please read the finger printing fact sheet and then ask your principal for the fingerprint request form after May 12. After you complete the form, your school will give you the link to the Raptor volunteer application.

If you want to renew your volunteer badge, after May 12 ask your school for the link to the Raptor volunteer application. TB tests are good for 3 years, although you will still need to upload proof in the online application. Fingerprint checks are good for a few years. In the online application, you will provide the last school year you completed a check or the ATI number.

Training: All regular volunteers will be required to complete the annual mandated reporter and abuse training in compliance with AB 506 before receiving a badge. After applying, applicants will receive a confirmation email with the link to sign up for the next training session. At the training session, those with completed applications will receive their badges.

Thank you for adhering to this process which is vitally important to protect our students' safety and to ensure MVWSD complies with state law.

 

(Repeat) CAASPP Testing 4/25-5/19

It is very important that all 3rd-5th graders are present for testing. Not only is this an opportunity for students to demonstrate their understanding of grade-level content, but the data also helps us to improve our instruction and plan for intervention. Please ensure that your child is present on testing days (see below) and avoid scheduling appointments during the testing block (8:00-10:00 am). Thank you!

April 17-21- ELA/Math Practice assessment

April 25th-April 28th - ELA Testing for 3rd-5th

May 2nd-May 5th - Math Testing for 3rd-5th

May 10th-May 12th - Science Testing for 5th Only

Additionally, all students K-5 will be doing iReady testing May 16-May 19

Now hiring: Noon Duty Supervisor

Golden Owls families, We are still hiring for help with Noon Duty supervision.  If you are interested, please apply now at mvwsd.org/jobs.


Summer Reading Books Needed! 

We all know how important reading is to academic success. It is especially important for all of our 

students to keep up their reading over the summer. Do you have books that your family has outgrown and that you can donate to other families at Vargas for summer reading? If so, please bring them to Ms Bea in the office. She will make sure that they find a good home for the summer. All levels of books are needed. We’ll be collecting books until Friday, May 5th. Thank you for your generosity.

International Potluck- Save the date - Thursday, May 4th, 5-7pm

The PTA is planning a fun evening for our wonderfully diverse community to share their food and culture.  

This is a great event for families to showcase food samples, activities, traditional clothes, decorations, posters, and more from their culture. If you are interested in contributing a dish and/or helping to run a table to represent a country, sign up here: https://forms.gle/wJJff7HghFN3yio58

If you have any questions contact [email protected]

 

Scholastic Book Fair 5/1-5/5

Just in time to stock up on summer reading books, our spring book fair will be held the first week of May. The PTA will be providing a $10 voucher to all students to spend on a book!

2023-24 School Year:

In the upcoming weeks, the Vargas teachers and I will be collaborating to create class lists for the next school year.  Decisions we make with regard to your child’s future placement reflect our best professional judgment as to where individual children will be most successful.  When grouping students, we strive to create a positive learning environment for all students and consider factors such as gender, academics, and other needs.  

If there is additional information that you feel would be helpful for us to know, please fill out this survey by May 5th.  Please note that we are NOT accepting requests for specific teachers.

If you have any input you would like us to consider as we make class placements for next school year, please fill out this google form by Friday.  Please note that we do NOT take requests for specific teachers.

Kindergarten and 5th Grade Promotion (Save Date)

Kinder parents, please mark your calendars for Monday, June 5 from 1:00-1:30 pm. We will have a celebration for Kindergarten Promotion.


Fifth-Grade parents, please mark your calendars for Monday, June 5 from 2:45-5:00pm, we will celebrate our Fifth-graders with a promotion celebration!

 

(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].

 


 

District News

 

Parent University: High School Readiness

Date and Time: May 2, 2023, 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. Registration Link: http://mvw.sd/pu050223

Do you have a child who is about to enter high school? Join us at our final Parent University session of the year to learn about high school campus life from students and staff at Los Altos High School and Mountain View High School. You and your child will hear tips from the experts about how to make the transition as smooth as possible and get the most out of your high school experience. You do not want to miss out! 

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

Senior Citizens/SSI recipients: Apply now for tax exemption!
Homeowners aged 65 or older, and residents who qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI)/ Social Security and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) may be eligible for an exemption for their principal residence from Measure B/the parcel tax. For application and details, visit http://ow.ly/7lWA50NNofr

Free and low cost summer programs Flyer here

Summer is around the corner, so it’s time to explore ways to keep your children engaged when school ends! Check out InPlayKid’s free online search service sponsored by Santa Clara County and our school district. You’ll find thousands of local and affordable programs that will challenge, inspire, and entertain your children to minimize summer brain drain. https://www.inplay.org/r/mountain-view

MVEF News

MVEF Gala Raffle Tickets are now on sale! Need not be present to win. Click the link below to view raffle items. Email [email protected] to purchase raffle tickets. https://bit.ly/2023-Gala-Raffle

MVEF still needs to raise an additional $220k to achieve the goal of $1.2MM by June 30, 2023. If you haven't made a donation yet during the current school year, please donate ASAP to help your school site achieve the goal to get an average of 10 new donors per school by April 15!  Donations of any amount are meaningful in helping to reach the goal!  Click here to see ways to donate. 

District Chess Tournament Registration Open

The 20th Annual MVWSD Interscholastic Chess Tournament, generously sponsored by the Bubb PTA, will be held on Sunday, April 30th, from 11:30am to 5:30pm at Bubb Elementary. Students from all MVWSD schools are welcome to join and enjoy an afternoon of friendly competition and camaraderie! The registration form and instructions can be found at tinyurl.com/mvwsdchess, and the deadline for registration is April 29. Any questions can be sent to Jonas Klittmark, tournament director, at [email protected].


Health and Wellness Parenting tip: Autism Awareness Month

In honor of Autism Awareness Month, we must understand and bond with our children to maintain a close connection. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that starts early in life. It affects social communication and interaction and is accompanied by repeating and narrow patterns of behavior or interests. As parents, we are a part of our child’s treatment. 


To learn more parenting tips, click here


Here are some ASD signs to look for: 


1. Mobility. Examples of mobility can include but are not limited to, using only a few gestures (waving, clapping, pointing), unusual ways of moving the hands, fingers, or whole body, and rituals such as repeating things over and over or lining up objects

  2.Sensory Sensitivity. Sensory sensitivity includes, but is not limited to, delayed speech, not responding when someone calls their name, being very focused or attached to unusual objects, and unique sensory interests

3. Interpersonal difficulties. Interpersonal difficulties can include avoiding eye contact, not sharing enjoyment or interests with others, little to no imitating others or pretending, forming friendships, and not knowing how to act in different social situations

No two people with ASD have the same signs and symptoms. Many things, such as language delays, thinking and learning problems, and behavioral challenges, can play a role. For this reason, autism is described as a "spectrum."

These tips came directly from the free online website of Nemours Children’s Health, reviewed by Dr.Treadwell-Deering, MD. 


To view more resources on parenting and other topics, click here.



 

PTA News

 

International Potluck- Thursday, May 4th, 5-7pm

We are looking forward to celebrating the diversity of cultures in our JA Vargas Community! There are two different ways to contribute to this event:

  1. Potluck - Bring a favorite meal to share at the community potluck. We are hoping to get a large number of appetizers and main dishes to share so we do not have to bring in additional food for sale.

Click on this link to bring a dish to share. Please follow instructions on food labeling.

https://www.konstella.com/app/school/5d1164f5e4b0f5da8d2fb89c/signups/6440d0c147fc1503813c71e5

  1. Cultural Tables - There will be tables representing different countries.  Tables can have a poster sharing photos and facts about the country, cultural fashion, arts and crafts, games, samples of snacks or desserts etc…! PTA will provide a trifold poster and reimburse up to $50 for supplies.Sign up here, no later than May 1,  and more information will be provided in a follow up email. https://forms.gle/wJJff7HghFN3yio58

Other important items to note:

  • Activities:  We hope to have a Parade of Nations, where students dressed in traditional cultural attire can parade around either the MUR or blacktop.  Passports:  We will hand out “passports” to the students to collect stickers at the different country tables and enter a raffle for a chance to receive a prize.
  • Raffle:  We will give out raffle tickets to draw 1-2 prizes at the end of the event.  Please let us know if you have any items you are happy to donate.

If you have any questions contact [email protected]

 

MVWSD Interscholastic Chess Tournament - April 30th

The 20th annual MVWSD Interscholastic Chess Tournament will be held on Sunday, April 30th, from 11:30am to 5:30pm at Bubb Elementary. Students from all MVWSD schools are welcome to join and enjoy an afternoon of friendly competition and camaraderie. The registration form and instructions can be found at tinyurl.com/mvwsdchess, and the deadline for registration is April 29th. Any questions can be sent to the tournament director, at [email protected]

Scholastic Book Fair 5/1-5/5

Just in time to stock up on summer reading books, our spring book fair will be held the first week of May. The PTA will be providing a $10 voucher to all students to spend on a book!

 

Teacher Appreciation Week, May 8th to May 12th

It’s almost time to show our teachers how much we appreciate them! PTA and room parents are planning some special activities, more information to come.

 


 

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