Principal’s Message:
Hello Golden Owls,
This Friday marks the end of the second trimester. As we get ready for the final trimester, I want to take a moment to reflect and celebrate the wins we’ve had over the past two trimesters.
Over the past two trimesters, students have demonstrated academic growth using a variety of different measures, including iReady and Literably. Thanks to our new counselor, Ms. Gove, ALL of our students have had the opportunity to learn and practice a variety of socioemotional learning strategies with their entire classroom. She has also introduced a school-wide focus on conflict resolution, which will help our students to become better problem solvers. Additionally, Ms. Gove has been able to support groups and individual sessions that have been able to provide even more students with social, emotional, and mental support that they need.
Our PTA and SCEF have worked to make sure to bring countless events like the Walk-a-Thon, Family dine in, Art nights, Math nights, reading nights, and movie nights in the evening, and our monthly lunchtime celebrations like our Hispanic Heritage month celebration and our Lunar New Year celebration.
Our staff has been working tirelessly to implement new systems and programs that support gathering the necessary data, and using that data to plan targeted interventions and enrichment to help support students grow in their learning.
Hopefully thinking about all the accomplishments we’ve had this year, serves as motivation to continue the work we’ve done and we can finish trimester 3 strong.
In addition to reflecting on what we’ve done, I also, I want to highlight some of the things that we will be looking forward to in the upcoming trimester. In addition to making academic progress on our normal assessments, many of our students will be preparing for public presentations and performances to our families. Our 3–5 graders will start preparing for the State-Wide assessments to demonstrate all the work that they’ve been doing all year. We are also excited that we will have some community events such as Read-a-Thon, International Festival, and Open House.
I look forward to your partnership in having a successful trimester 3. Let’s do this Golden Owls!
Three final things:
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Tomorrow, the PTA is planning our school’s very first dance. Please join us from 5:30- 7:30 in the MUR. It will for sure be a Wild time!
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Just a gentle reminder that this week we have 2 minimum days, Thursday is our normal minimum day with dismissal at 11:55am. Friday, the last day of the trimester, will also be a minimum day with an 11:55am dismissal. Please make sure that you have arranged for proper child care for Friday.
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Please complete the LCAP if you haven’t. The information collected helps both MVWSD and Vargas plan for better programs for our students. Please click on your unique survey link sent to your email. Your responses are confidential.
In Partnership,
Principal Vern Taylor
Events Calendar
February 2025
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13th
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Happy Hollow Assembly
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13th
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MVWSD Board Meeting, District Office 6pm-10pm
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14th
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End of Trimester 2 - Minimum Day Dismissal at 11:55am
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17th - 21st
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Presidents/Winter Break - No School
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28th
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Principal’s Coffee, 8:10am - MUR in person
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28th
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Steam Museum Assembly
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March
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3rd
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DELAC Meeting 5:30pm - Zoom Link
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6th
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A Touch of the Earth Assembly
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6th
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MVWSD Board Meeting, District Office 6pm-10pm
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7th
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Report Cards go home electronically
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14th
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Lifetouch Spring Pictures
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17th
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The Walt Disney Family Museum Field Trip
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20th
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A Touch of the Earth Assembly
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20th
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MVWSD Board Meeting, District Office 6pm-10pm
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21st
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Teacher-in-Service Day - No school
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28th
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Principal’s Coffee, 8:10am - MUR in person
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In this Newsletter
School News:
Golden Ticket Winners
Mountain View’s Bookmobile Today!
Walk on Wild Side Dance - Please join us for our very first school Dance
Middle School Information Night presentations available
Minimum Day Friday and Winter Break
Students Not Returning for 2025-2026 School Year
Volunteers Needed CSMA Art Show
Flyers:
2024 -2025 School Year Calendar - Here
2025-2026 School Year Calendar - Here
February Menu - Here
District News:
Better Together: February
The Board of Trustees will meet on Thursday, Feb. 13
Take the survey now: Superintendent's search input
LCAP survey is happening now
SEL Curriculum Pilot & Community Review
MVWSD Preschool Program: Apply now for August
MVEF SPRING GALA - JOIN US FOR A NIGHT OF CELEBRATION!
MVEF IS SEEKING NEW BOARD MEMBERS AND SCHOOL REPRESENTATIVES
PTA News:
Upcoming Events
2025-26 PTA Board Elections
“Dance on the Wild Side” - Feb 13th, 5:30-7:30pm
Winter Afterschool Enrichment Classes (Starting January 2025)
Community Partners:
The View Teen Center: February
College, Career, Civic Engagement, and Volunteer Opportunities for Teens - Flyer
School News
Golden Ticket Winners February 6, 2025
Malik S. RM: 1 Maya K. RM: 11
Kiaan A. RM: 2 Bryanna Z. RM: 12
Sydney L. RM: 3 Victor M. RM: 14
Leilany H. RM: 4 Remy D. RM: 14
Kaiden P. RM: 5 Vivienne P. RM: 16
Ryan W. RM: 6 Taya J. RM: 16
Lucy K. RM: 8 Kiran W. RM: 17
Jonathan F. RM: 9 Hannah P. RM: 18
Yuri C. RM: 10
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Mountain View’s Bookmobile Today!
Mountain View Public Library’s bookmobile will visit Vargas today, at 2:30pm on the blacktop. The new bookmobile operates fully on electricity and will be recognizable with the eye-catching City colors and library logos. Come check it out!
Walk on Wild Side Dance - Please join us for our very first school Dance
In the Fall, we “Walked on the Wild Side.” Now it’s time to “Dance on the Wild Side!” On Thursday, February 13th, from 5:30-7:30 in the MUR, there will be Chicken and Waffles food truck, games and prizes, crafts, and a fun dance party! Dress is casual. If you are interested in volunteering to help out with set-up, activities during the dance, or clean-up, please sign up on Konstella.
Middle School Information Night presentations available
If you are an incoming 6th grade family and weren’t able to attend the Middle School Information Nights in January, materials from the presentations are available. Click here for Graham and click here for Crittenden.
Minimum Day Friday and Winter Break
Just a reminder that Friday, Feb. 14 marks the end of Trimester 2 and is a minimum day. There is no school next week (Feb 17-21) for winter break. Have a safe and restful break and we'll see you back at school on Monday, Feb. 24th!
Students Not Returning for 2025-2026 School Year
If you plan on moving during the summer or know your child will not return to our school or the District for the 2025-2026 school year, please email our school secretary Ms. Antunez at [email protected].
Volunteers Needed CSMA Art Show
Art Show volunteers play a crucial role in making this event a success and provide a great opportunity for those available for just one or two days of volunteering. If you're interested in helping out, please complete the Art Show Volunteer Form.
District News
Better Together: February
Black History Month provides MVWSD with a meaningful opportunity to celebrate the rich contributions and achievements of African Americans while fostering a deeper sense of community among our students, staff, and families. By learning about influential Black leaders, innovators, and community helpers - from local civil rights activists to Black educators, doctors, and entrepreneurs who shaped our neighborhood - students develop a broader understanding of how diverse voices and experiences have strengthened our community. Last week, the Board of Trustees passed a resolution honoring February as Black History Month. For more information about Better Together, visit mvwsd.org/BetterTogetherMVWSD.
The Board of Trustees will meet on Thursday, Feb. 13. Closed session will begin at 4:30 p.m., and open/public session begins at 6 p.m.
Some of the topics include:
For meeting details and agenda, please click here: https://www.mvwsd.org/trustees.
Take the survey now: Superintendent's search input
MVWSD Board of Trustees is asking for your help in selecting our next superintendent. To ensure this is a collaborative and inclusive process, the Board is providing an anonymous online survey and encourages your participation. This is an opportunity for staff, parents, and community to give input on what are the most desirable qualities and characteristics in the next superintendent.
This survey is open now through Feb. 15, at 4:00 PM. Please click here to take the survey now.
To stay up to date on the search process, please visit our Superintendent’s Search webpage here.
LCAP survey is happening now
The District is updating the LCAP (Local Control Accountability Plan). Your responses to the survey will guide the update of our District plan for the 2025-26 school year.
Parents, please click on your unique survey link that will be sent to your email address on Jan. 27. Your survey link is unique to your household and only one parent/guardian can complete it.
Your responses are confidential. Students in grades 4-8 will also be taking the LCAP survey. More information found here: mvwsd.org/LCAP
SEL Curriculum Pilot & Community Review
Our Social-Emotional Learning Curriculum Committee has reached a major milestone! Since September 2024, our team of educators, administrators, and community members has worked to narrow 100+ curriculum options to two high-quality finalists. Now, we are piloting these programs in classrooms to determine the best fit for our students.
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Second Step Pilot: January 13 – February 14, 2025
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Character Strong Pilot: February 24 – April 4, 2025
We Need Your Feedback!
As we refine our SEL curriculum, we invite teachers, staff, and families to review and provide input at one of our Community Review Sessions at the MVWSD District Office (Conference Room C, 1400 Montecito Ave., Mountain View, CA).
Community Review Sessions:
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March 13, 2025
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March 20, 2025
These sessions provide a chance to learn about both curricula, share your insights, and help shape the future of SEL in our district. Can’t attend? Email Karin Jinbo to review the materials.
MVWSD Preschool Program: Apply now for August
Explore our flexible, low-cost and convenient options for all families in our high-quality preschool program. Preschool offers affordable tuition and an 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. class, in addition to extended/full-day class until 3 p.m. and part-day (3 hour) classes.
Our preschool offers age-appropriate early math, language, literacy and science inquiry instruction, as well as social-emotional development. Children who will be 3- or 4-years old are eligible (Minimum age: 3 years old by December 1, 2025. Maximum age: 5 years old on or before Sept. 1, 2025.)
Preschool is currently located near Castro/Mistral Elementary Schools (1850 Latham St.) and Theuerkauf Elementary (1625 San Luis Ave.)
For more info go to www.mvwsd.org/preschool or call 650-526-3560.
MVEF SPRING GALA - JOIN US FOR A NIGHT OF CELEBRATION!
Saturday, April 26, 2025 | 06:00-10:00 pm | Los Altos Community Center
This year, we are celebrating a big milestone - 40 years of MVEF - A Celebration of Eras! Empowering Students from Gen X to Gen Alpha.
Over the past 40 years, MVEF has made a lasting impact by collecting over $20M of funds, and we are excited to celebrate this milestone while continuing to provide vital resources for our local schools and students.
This lively community building event includes dinner, silent and live auctions, DJ, raffle and student performances!
MAKE OUR GALA A SUCCESS - DONATE TO OUR AUCTIONS!
Support our biggest fundraiser by donating an item or experience to our silent and live auctions! Your contribution funds vital resources for all MVWSD students. From vacation stays to gift certificates, unique experiences, or special items, every donation makes a difference. Plus, you'll gain valuable recognition. Thank you for your support!
Great auction donations include:
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Vacation home stays
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Themed party experiences for adults or kids
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Event tickets (sports, concerts, etc.)
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Bottles of wine for the "wine wall"
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Professional services
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Merchandise, etc.
To donate please submit this form. For any questions, please email [email protected].
MVEF IS SEEKING NEW BOARD MEMBERS AND SCHOOL REPRESENTATIVES
Are you passionate about public education, our local community and want to make an impact in our community? Or do you have any recommendations for board members from your community or the district community?
MVEF is actively recruiting new Board members or School Representatives! Learn more here or email [email protected] for any interest! If you recommend anyone, our recruiting committee will follow up with candidates directly.
PTA News
Upcoming Events:
Thurs Feb 13 - “Dance on the Wild Side,” 5:30-7:30pm
2025-26 PTA Board Elections
PTA elections are coming up this spring, and we're looking for candidates for the 2025-26 PTA Executive Board. This year, we're seeking candidates for all positions including (but not limited to) President, Executive Vice President, and Secretary, Financial Reviewer. We've posted descriptions for each Board role, and if you are interested in learning more or running for a PTA Executive Board position, contact a member of the Nominating Committee (Sandy Wen, Saty Reddy, Hazel Bourget, Sukie Grewal, and Veena Panduranga) or email [email protected].
“Dance on the Wild Side” - Feb 13th, 5:30-7:30pm
In the Fall, we “Walked on the Wild Side.” Now it’s time to “Dance on the Wild Side!” On Thursday, February 13th, from 5:30-7:30 in the MUR, there will be Chicken and Waffles food truck, games and prizes, crafts, and a fun dance party! Dress is casual. If you are interested in volunteering to help out with set-up, activities during the dance, or clean-up, please sign up on Konstella.
Winter Afterschool Enrichment Classes (Starting January 2025)
Afterschool programs have started, but it’s not too late to join! Visit our website for more information: https://www.javargaspta.org/winter-after-school-programs
* Contact [email protected] with any questions about programs or scholarships.
Kimberly Cheng, and the Executive Board
[email protected]
From Our Community Partners
The View Teen Center: February
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. Drop-in hours are Monday - Friday, 3:15 - 7 p.m. and Saturdays, 1 - 6 p.m. (Closed: Feb. 17. Extended hours, 1-6 p.m., Feb. 14, 18, 19, 20 & 21), and the center features a game room, makerspace, kitchen, computer/study room, and outdoor area. February events include cooking classes, crafts, and much more. For more information, click here.
College, Career, Civic Engagement, and Volunteer Opportunities for Teens - Flyer
Is your teen looking for meaningful ways to gain experience this spring and summer? See the flyer attached for a comprehensive guide from The View Teen Center on college preparation, career exploration opportunities, civic engagement, and volunteer experiences for teens. For more information, click here.