Principal’s Message:
Hello Golden Owls,
Last week, I mentioned that our school is going to be implementing a few initiatives to support our school to reach our goals. One of our goals is to increase students' performance in both math and reading. Another one of our goals is to create an inclusive and welcoming environment. One strategy we hope to utilize to reach these goals is to host several family education nights that support families in learning ways in which they can engage their child and engage with academics in a fun way. We have three nights planned to support parents in learning: Please mark your calendars for the events below:
In Partnership,
Principal Vern Taylor
Events Calendar
November
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7th
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MVWSD Board Meeting, District Office 6pm-10pm
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11th
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Veterans Day - No school
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15th
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Principal Coffee, 8:10am - MUR
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15th
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Report Cards go home electronically
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21st
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BeetleLady Bug Museum - In-House-Field Trip
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21st
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MVWSD Board Meeting, District Office 6pm-10pm
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25th - 29th
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Thanksgiving Recess - No School
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December
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6th
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Mountain View Center for Performing Arts Field Trip
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9th
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DELAC Meeting, 5:30pm - Zoom Link
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19th
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Mister Lemur: Adventures in Writing Assembly
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19th
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MVWSD Board Meeting, District Office 6pm-10pm
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20th
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The Tech Interactive Field Trip
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23rd - January 3rd, 2025
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Holiday Break - No School
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January 2025
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6th
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Teacher-in-Service Day - No school
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7th
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Students Return to School
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9th
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Mobility Dairy Assembly
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14th
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DeAnza Planetarium Field Trip
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16th
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MVWSD Board Meeting, District Office 6pm-10pm
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In this Newsletter
School News:
Golden Ticket Winners October 31
Veterans’ Day: No school on Monday, Nov. 11
Short-term Independent Study Contract
Report Cards
Winter Clothes Donations
United Against Hate Week (November 18-22)
Volunteers needed for Around the World in Eighty Days! Passport event:
It’s Slime Time December 18, 2024 at 1:00PM
Flyers:
2024 -2025 School Year Calendar - Here
November Menu - Here
District News:
The Board of Trustees will meet on Thursday, Nov. 7. Closed session begins at 4:30 p.m. Open session begins at 6:00 p.m.
Better Together: November & December
Members needed: MVWSD Child Nutrition Focus Group
Drafts available: Single Plans for Student Achievement
Parenting Tweens & Teens in the Digital Era - Supporting Dialogue and Strategies for Building Healthy Tech Habits - Flyer
MVWSD seeking District Equity Advisory Committee members
Parent University Speaker Series: Understanding Your Child’s Score Reports
It's Giving Day Season, a perfect time and opportunity to consider including MVEF!
MVEF has reached its second milestone - $400k! Make your donation soon to achieve the goal of $1.2M
The MVEF Textathon and Phonathon are just around the corner! Help us skip the call or text by donating today.
PTA News:
Upcoming Dates:
Campus Clean-up - Thurs Nov 7th, 12:30PM
See’s Candies Fundraiser (ONLINE) - Nov 4 - Dec 6
Walkathon Results
Trunk or Treat
Konstella
Spirit Wear
Website
Community Partners
Mentor Tutor Connection Volunteer Info Session - Flyer
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
School News
Golden Ticket Winners October 31, 2024
Mirai C. RM: 1 Chauncey J. RM: 10
Alexander H. RM: 2 Prithika S. RM: 11
Gregory R. RM: 3 Zadie A. RM: 12
David F. RM: 4 Theodore F. RM: 13
Lincoln V. RM: 5 Genesis D. RM: 14
Ahaan N. RM: 6 Joel B. RM: 15
Jorge V. RM: 8 Valentina H. RM: 18
Alex G. RM: 9 Ms. Hanneman RM: 8
Veterans’ Day: No school on Monday, Nov. 11
There is no school for students and staff on Monday, Nov. 11 in observance of Veterans’ Day. We honor the men and women who have served in the U.S. armed forces.
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].
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.
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!
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.
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.
It’s Slime Time December 18, 2024 at 1:00PM
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!
__________________________________________________________________
District News
The Board of Trustees will meet on Thursday, Nov. 7. Closed session begins at 4:30 p.m. Open session begins at 6:00 p.m.
Some of the topics include:
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Contract Process and Update on Canceled Contracts
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Measure T Project List Update
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CAASPP 2024 Data Overview
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Canopy and Sustainability Update
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By-Laws for Staff Housing Oversight Committee and Preliminary Staff Housing Budget
For meeting details and agenda, please click here: https://www.mvwsd.org/trustees.
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.
Members needed: MVWSD Child Nutrition Focus Group
MVWSD's Child Nutrition Services Department is seeking parents and staff members to join a series of thoughtful discussions about food nutrition and delivery throughout our school district. This volunteer commitment is expected to be approximately 15 hours throughout the 2024-2025 school year. Please enter your information here to express your interest. Questions may be directed to Food Service Director Debbie Austin at [email protected].
Drafts available: Single Plans for Student Achievement
Each year, our schools create Single Plans for Student Achievement (SPSAs or “site plans”) that guide the work for the coming year. These plans help us prioritize programs and strategies that will best serve our students. In the fall, elected parent representatives from School Site Councils and English Language Advisory Committees work with principals and school staff members to create a draft that is reviewed and approved by the MVWSD Board of Trustees. Parents and staff members may give feedback through Nov. 15 to their principal and elected parent representatives to SSC and ELAC. You may review the draft plans here.
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.
MVWSD seeking District Equity Advisory Committee members
MVWSD is continuing our work by engaging meaningfully with the community on issues of equity through the District Equity Advisory Committee (DEAC). The goal of the DEAC is to provide feedback to the Superintendent on how to support MVWSD towards achieving its goals of becoming a more equitable and inclusive school district.
We are seeking a combination of district-level leaders, principals, teachers, staff members, and parent participants who represent the interests of both elementary and middle schools. Committee members will be expected to attend and participate virtually in meetings held once monthly (on average) online during the 2024-25 school year in the evening hours.
If you’re interested in participating, please click here to apply.
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.
It's Giving Day Season, a perfect time and opportunity to consider including MVEF!
Employees at large companies: If your organization offers a "giving day" or special donation-matching program, let MVEF know ([email protected])! Spread the word to your coworkers that Mountain View Education Foundation (MVEF) is a nonprofit that directly supports public schools from TK-8th grade in Mountain View.
To learn more about what MVEF funds, look here. For direct donations, click here. Other donation options can be found here. Contributions are tax-deductible, and we’re grateful for your support in nurturing students’ educational journeys!
MVEF has reached its second milestone - $400k! Make your donation soon to achieve the goal of $1.2M
Thanks to the generosity of new donors, repeat donors, corporate matching, and grants, MVEF has already raised 1/3 of this year’s $1.2M funding goal. Thank you to all who have donated so far and a special thanks to the "Nusimow Family Giving Fund" for the generous donation of $50k.
It’s a fast start on a big climb: MVWSD will soon begin planning for next year’s budget. When MVEF is on pace to meet the funding goal early in the school year, it gives confidence that we can continue funding the current priorities and potentially add new ones to next year’s budget.
Consider donating today - it's tax-deductible! Every gift, big or small, makes a difference. Setting up monthly installments is easy, just select "recurring donation" here. Learn more about ways to give here. Ever considered donating stocks? Learn more about it here.
The MVEF Textathon and Phonathon are just around the corner! Help us skip the call or text by donating today
In early November and December, MVEF volunteers will be reaching out to MVWSD families who haven't yet donated, to remind them how crucial their contributions are. Each year, these donations help sustain essential programs for all MVWSD students, such as art, music, and environmental science in elementary schools, and smaller class sizes, sports coaches, referees, transportation to games, and extracurricular activities in middle schools.
Around 80% of MVEF's funding comes from generous families like yours. Every donation, no matter the amount, helps enrich education for every student. Make a difference today by visiting mvef.org/donate. Remember donations are tax-deductible! Thank you for your ongoing support of MVEF!
PTA News
Upcoming Dates:
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Thursday, Nov 7th (12:30PM) - Campus Clean-up
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Wednesday, Nov 20th - PTA Association Meeting (8:30AM on Zoom) - details to come
Campus Clean-up - Thurs Nov 7th, 12:30PM
Join us on the first Thursday of each month for a quick 30-minute clean-up session to help keep our school looking its best. We'll meet at 12:30 pm near the school garden – trash grabbers provided! Our first clean-up, kicks off Thursday, November 7th.
See’s Candies Fundraiser (ONLINE) - Nov 4 - Dec 6
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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.
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To order, simply go to our online store: https://tinyurl.com/JAVSees2024
Walkathon Results
A huge thank you to the Vargas community for participating in our Walkathon! Thanks to your efforts, we raised $36,019! Students also walked a total of 8767 laps, meeting the school lap goal and earning the prize of slime-ing Principal Taylor. To see a list of all the classroom winners, click here.
Thank you to all the families who volunteered their time to make the event a success and a special thank you to the Walkathon Committee (Walkathon Chair Kate, Amanda, Cindy, Clarissa, Elena, Jessica, Kevin, Kim, Laura, Leela, Robyn, Sandy, and Sukie). We are additionally appreciative of the large number of donations from local businesses, who donated money, raffle prizes, and fruit for the course (see list here).
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.
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.
Kimberly Cheng, and the Executive Board
[email protected]
From Our Community Partners
Mentor Tutor Connection Volunteer Info Session - Flyer
Mentor Tutor Connection is actively recruiting volunteers for our mentoring (high school students) and tutoring (K-8 students) programs located in Los Altos and Mountain View public schools. We will be hosting a Volunteer Information Session on November 13th at 12pm, over Zoom. This is a great opportunity to learn more about our programs and ask any questions. Help shape a brighter future for students in our local community!
To register for the Volunteer Information Session or to learn more about MTC, please email [email protected] or click here.
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.