Principal’s Message:

Hello Golden Owls,

 

I have some exciting news to share: Due to the passage of Proposition 28, California schools will now receive additional funding for arts and music each year. In addition to our current arts programs, our school will soon have an additional annual budget of approximately $44,206 to spend on more arts and music experiences for students, and we need your ideas! 

There will be two main ways to share your thoughts: 

1. Please click here for a brief survey about potential future arts programming. (The students and staff will be given similar surveys at school). This survey will be open until December 15.

2. Come and hear more about Prop 28 and give input on this topic at these upcoming meetings:

• Principal’s Coffee, 11/15/2024 8:10AM Vargas MUR

• Prop 28 Arts and Music Input Meeting, 11/20/24 4:00PM Zoom

• ELAC Meeting, 11/15/2024 8:10AM Vargas MUR

Your input is valued and an important part of our process. To learn more about Proposition 28, click here.

In Partnership, 

Principal Vern Taylor

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Events Calendar

November

 

December

 

January 2025

 

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In this Newsletter

School News:

Golden Ticket Winners November 7

Report Cards

It’s Slime Time November 15 at 12:45PM

Winter Clothes Donations

Volunteers needed for Around the World in Eighty Days! Passport event:

United Against Hate Week (November 18-22)

Short-term Independent Study Contract 

 

Flyers:

2024 -2025 School Year Calendar - Here

November Menu - Here

District News:

Better Together: November & December

Parenting Tweens & Teens in the Digital Era - Supporting Dialogue and Strategies for Building Healthy Tech Habits - Flyer

Parent University Speaker Series: Understanding Your Child’s Score Reports

Attention, GOOGLERS! 

 

PTA News:

Upcoming Dates:

See’s Candies Fundraiser (ONLINE) - Nov 4 - Dec 6

Message for Google Employees- Google’s Holiday Giving  (Nov 11-22)

Konstella

Spirit Wear 

Website

 

Community Partners

Learning Challenges events for Fall 2024

MV Public Library: Print Arts Workshop - Flyer

MVLA Speaker Series: BoyMom with Ruth Whippman

MVHS Spartan Turkey Trot - Flyer

MVHS Tree Lot - Flyer

The View Teen Center: November

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School News

 

Golden Ticket Winners November 7, 2024

Alexandra M.    RM: 2         Bianca F.        RM: 11  

Oliver W.          RM: 3         Shedia G.        RM: 12

Daniel Q.          RM: 4         Michael L.      RM: 13

Abel C.             RM: 5        Penny R.          RM: 14 

Davi D.             RM: 6        Ishkirat S.        RM: 16 

Faith T.             RM: 8        Aaron C           RM: 17 

Aya S.               RM: 9        Miranda M.      RM: 18 

Zella Y.             RM: 10      Mr. Damion     Office

                                            Mr. Phan          P.E

 

Report Cards

You will be receiving your child's report card on Friday, November 15th. If you have any questions or concerns about your child's grades, as always, please arrange to talk with the teacher, so the teacher can give you more details. We provide interpretation services when requested.

 

It’s Slime Time November 15, 2024 at 12:45PM

Our Golden Owls worked really hard and walked over 8000 laps during our Walkathon a few weeks ago. As promised, that means Mr. Taylor will be getting slimed. Thank you to all of the volunteers who worked to make the Walkathon a great event, and thank you to all of our students who worked so hard to earn our prize!

 

Winter Clothes Donations

It's finally time to get the warm clothes out of the closet!  If you find items that are too small for your kids, or you just don't want them anymore, please bring them to the Vargas office and we will find them a good home.  Baby and adult clothes are also needed.

Clean and gently used clothes only, please.  Nothing with stains or permanent damage.   We will donate these items to families in need in our community.  We will be collecting donations until Friday, November 15, 2024.  Thank you!

Volunteers needed for Around the World in Eighty Days! Passport event:

Date & Time of the Event: Friday, November 22nd from 10:20-11:40am

 

Structure of the event:  Students and teachers will move "around the world" by visiting 6 different classrooms, each representing a specific continent. 

 

Please use this link to sign up for help.

 

United Against Hate Week (November 18-22) 

We are excited to join MVWSD schools in participating in United Against Hate Week once again. United Against Hate Week was founded in 2017. For more information about the purpose and origins of United Against Hate week, you can click here. 

Our focus theme this school year is community. In August and September we focus on the school and classroom community. In October, our focus is family and home community. In November we will focus on Cultural diversity in Communities. For United Against Hate Week, Vargas will incorporate those themes throughout the week. Grade-Levels will participate in activities that ask students to share aspects of their home community (food, traditions, language, stories) with their school community. As we do this we hope that we can see the diversity in our community and honor our similarities and differences. School-Wide, we hope to bring in families to share their culture and read- aloud to our students in various languages. 

 

Short-term Independent Study Contract 

It is a contract that allows students to miss a minimum of 3 days, with a maximum of 14 days per school year. It is approved on a case by case basis, requires a 2-week notice, and students must be in good academic and attendance standing. If the contract is not approved, the days will be counted as unexcused and the student may be considered truant. While we know that some absences cannot be helped, it is important to try to have your child in school as much as possible. Whenever you can, try to avoid taking trips during the school year -- or make efforts to take trips during District holidays.

 

If you need a contract please email our school secretary Ms. Antunez [email protected]

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District News

 

Better Together: November & December

As we enter the vibrant months of November and December, our school community embarks on a meaningful journey exploring the rich tapestry of cultures that make our community unique and special. During these months, we focus on three important themes that help us understand and celebrate our differences while building stronger connections with each other: Celebrating diverse communities while acknowledging Native American Heritage Month and Special Education Awareness Month. Through these themes, we'll discover that our differences aren't just something to accept – they're something to celebrate. Together, we'll learn how understanding and appreciating each other's unique qualities makes our entire community better. For more information about Better Together, visit mvwsd.org/BetterTogetherMVWSD.

 

Parenting Tweens & Teens in the Digital Era - Supporting Dialogue and Strategies for Building Healthy Tech Habits - Flyer

Date and Time: November 19, 5:30-7:00 p.m.     Registration: mvw.sd/pu111924r

My Digital TAT2 returns to Parent University with updated topics! This workshop will empower parents with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the complexities of raising tech-savvy, digitally responsible children. We will address common tech issues such as texting dilemmas, online friendship drama, and the “Sephora Kids” phenomenon. You’ll also learn a helpful strategy called The Digital Loop that can help you and your family build awareness around each person’s tech use. 

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

 

Parent University Speaker Series: Understanding Your Child’s Score Reports

Date and Time: December 3, 2024, 5:30-7pm  Registration Link: http://mvw.sd/pu120324r

 

Understanding your child’s district and state test scores is a key part of building a foundation of excellence. Join Swati Dagar, our Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment as she discusses how to (i) access and interpret score reports and (ii) use the information to engage in a productive partnership with your child’s teacher(s).

 

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

 

Attention, GOOGLERS! 

It's Giving Day Season, a perfect time and opportunity to consider including MVEF!

With Google’s upcoming end-of-year Benevity campaign, Google employees can donate an additional $400 to the non-profit of their choice using the special Google voucher between November 11 - 22. Please consider donating to MVEF and encourage your Google co-workers to support local public education by donating their voucher also to MVEF! Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about MVEF here.

 

Also, have you used your corporate matching programs to double your impact? Check whether your company offers corporate matching! Just click here and follow your employer's instructions.  

 

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PTA News

 

Upcoming Dates:

• Wednesday, Nov 20th - PTA Association Meeting (8:30AM on Zoom) - details to come

• See’s Candies Fundraiser (Nov 4 - Dec 6)

• Books Inc Shop Night & Dine out on Castro St - Dec 5

See’s Candies Fundraiser (ONLINE) - Nov 4 - Dec 6

• Order gifts for the holidays through our See's Candies online shop. Your order will be delivered directly to you. Gift cards eligible for fundraiser.

• To order, simply go to our online store: https://tinyurl.com/JAVSees2024

 

Message for Google Employees- Google’s Holiday Giving  (Nov 11-22)

Googlers: Consider donating to the Jose Antonio Vargas PTA during Google's Holiday Giving Campaign from November 11th to 22nd. During this time, employees receive a $400 credit in Benevity (google.benevity.org) to donate to a charity of their choice. Your PTA contributions will fund student programs this winter such as in-school assemblies, classroom supplies, and field trips. Thank you in advance for your support! Email [email protected] with any questions.

 

Konstella

Want to hear about the school-wide events planned by the PTA? Konstella is a free app/website– you do not have to be a member to join. 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

Spirit Wear 

Mondays are spirit days at JA Vargas; wear green and show your school spirit. Check out our selection of green spirit wear. Place your order online and pick it up on designated days at the office. https://www.javargaspta.org/ja-vargas-store

Website

Find links to membership, Konstella, gear shop and volunteer opportunities on our website.

• Follow JAVargas PTA on facebook for photos of events and updates on future events.

Kimberly Cheng, and the Executive Board 

[email protected]

 

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From Our Community Partners

Learning Challenges events for Fall 2024

For local coverage of issues related to learning challenges and special education, please check out the Learning Challenges Committee http://learningchallenges.lamvptac.org/

For broader coverage, look into the Northwest SCC SELPA CAC

Who’s Who is Serving Our Little Ones? - Planning and Strategies for Children 3-5

From Department of Developmental Services and Palo Alto CAC

November 14, 6-7 pm on Zoom. Register: http://bit.ly/DDSTraining2

Evening Let’s Talk Parent Support group

November 19, 7 pm  on Zoom.

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 at: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMtfu2hrj0pG9zqGFeTzEnqs1U7cVxTcfl-

Learning Challenges Committee Meeting

December 3, 7:30 pm on Zoom

The LCC is working on providing a support group for parents, and planning to create a wish list for teachers throughout Mountain View and Los Altos for classroom supplies to support sensory needs. Would you like to help? Other ideas to support students and families with learning challenges? Join us here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUld-usrj8tEtNskynSpmorDiYZNt9_KAgq

Morning Let’s Talk Parent Support group

December 19, 10 am  on Zoom.

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 at: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMrduupqD0vEtSpweFX71KvNAcKW8Csy4D3

Missed past Parent Education events?

We have a YouTube channel with many of our past events including the recent talk on Assistive Technology, info 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

 

MV Public Library: Print Arts Workshop - Flyer

Join the Mountain View Public Library for a Printmaking Workshop with Calixto Robes on Saturday, November 16 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. You will have the opportunity to create take home print-art with prepared screens. Calixto Robles is a painter and printmaker whose art reflects his Oaxacan heritage. Register here for a start time.

 

MVLA Speaker Series: BoyMom with Ruth Whippman

Join the next MVLA Speaker Series presentation, “BoyMom: Exploring the Challenges of Raising Men in the Modern Age,” with feminist writer and mother of three boys Ruth Whippman on Tuesday, November 19, 2024 at 7PM at the Los Altos High School Eagle Theater. Whippman digs into the impossibly contradictory pressures boys now face; and the harmful blind spots of male socialization that are leaving boys isolated, emotionally repressed, and adrift. With wit, honesty, and a refusal to settle for easy answers, Whippman charts a new path to give boys a healthier, more expansive, and fulfilling story about their own lives. Register for this free event here.

 

MVHS Spartan Turkey Trot - Flyer

MVHS Sports Boosters is proud to host the 15th Annual Spartan Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning (Thursday, November 28, 2024) at the Mountain View High School Track (3535 Truman Ave, Mountain View, CA). People of all ages are encouraged to participate in the 5k Run & Walk and the Spartan Mile (1-mile). Kids are welcome to participate in the 5k and/or Spartan Mile + the 60/400 yd dash races (aka kids races). All proceeds benefit the MVHS athletics department and supporting teams/clubs. Register at https://www.spartanturkeytrot.com/.

MVHS Tree Lot - Flyer

MVHS Sports Boosters will be opening up the Annual Spartans Tree Lot on Friday, November 29 at 10 AM for the 2024 season at the Mountain View High School Stadium (3535 Truman Ave.). Spartans Tree Lot offers premium, top-quality trees ranging in size from 3 feet to 12+ feet, holiday decorations, and supplies. In person and online delivery options are available. All proceeds benefit Mountain View High School Athletics. For more information, head to SpartansTreeLot.com.

The View Teen Center: November

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 Monday, Nov. 11 and Nov. 28-30. Extended hours, 1-6 p.m., Nov. 25-27.), and the center features a game room, makerspace, kitchen, computer/study room, and outdoor area. November events include Thanksgiving-themed activities, an improv class, crafts, and much more. For more information, click here.