Principal’s Message:

Hello Golden Owls,

As you know, our #BetterTogetherMVWSD theme this year has been Community. We have been working all year to support our students to define community, recognize the different communities they take part in, and understand how they contribute to those various communities in order to create a more diverse and inclusive community. As we close out the school year, our emphasis in April and May  will be on celebrating our various communities. April and May brings us an opportunity to celebrate the various different awareness and appreciation months within our community. April is Arab American Heritage month as well as Autism Awareness Month.

Another way in which we can celebrate our community is at our International Festival on April 17th. For those of you who do not know, An international festival is a celebration that showcases diverse cultures, traditions, and cuisines, bringing people from different backgrounds together to experience and learn about each other's heritage. You can showcase games (activity), music, dance, books, food, art, and crafts from your country allowing attendees to immerse themselves in different cultures.  

• To sign-up to participate (either hosting or helping with a table) or to bring a dish for the potluck, sign-up here: https://forms.gle/oXy27m8ErMx7yRmh9

Again, I look forward to seeing you all at our festival. Pssst! Don’t spread it around too much, but I hear we may have Mr. Jose Antonio Vargas make another special guest appearance. 

Autism Awareness Month

Autism Awareness Month in April aims to celebrate and promote acceptance for the condition that occurs in one in every 54 children as of 2020 in the United States. Autism is a complex developmental condition affecting a person’s ability to interact, communicate, and progress.

Autism Awareness Month emphasizes the need for public awareness to promote acceptance, celebrate the differences, and be more inclusive towards autistic individuals around us.  Our Librarian Mrs. O has worked with students to raise awareness about Autism and other neurodivergent individuals. She has identified some books in the library that can help our students build empathy for others who are neurodivergent.  Here is a link to Ms. O reading, "I Have Autism" A Child's First Look at Autism by  Pat Crissey.  

Arab American Heritage Month

Did you know that Arab America and the Arab America Foundation launched the National Arab American Heritage Month initiative in 2017. In 2022, April was officially recognized by the president of the United stats as Arab American Heritage Month, in recognition of the contributions of Arab American to the nation's history.  You can learn more about the contributions of Arab Americans here at this PBS website or go on a virtual field trip to the Arab Center in Washington DC. Additionally, Here are some quick facts about Arab Americans that you might not have known before. 

Our goal at Jose Antonio Vargas is to be an inclusive environment for all. Thank you for supporting us in that goal!

CAASPP Testing (Grades 3-5)

After Spring Break, Grades 3-5 will start CAASPP Testing. Vargas 3-5 grade students will start holding their practice tests from April 14-18. Students will test in ELA on April 21-25, Math on April 28-May 2, and our 5th grade students will test science May 5-9; Students will test before AM recess. Please avoid scheduling appointments during these times. 

Thank you for your support!

Below are some tips you may find useful to help prepare your child for the CAASPP assessment:

• Explain to your child that it is important to do his/her best. 

• Provide positive reinforcement and encourage your child each day.

• Keep the test in perspective. We want students to do their best, but please make sure they understand that it is only one test. Remind them that if they are doing their best, you are proud.

• Make sure your child gets an ample, normal amount of sleep the night before the test

• Make sure to arrive on time each day.

• Eat a nice, healthy breakfast.

• Keep a positive attitude about testing around your child. Remind them that this is a time to show what they know.

In Partnership, 

Principal Vern Taylor

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Events Calendar

April 

 

May 

 

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In this Newsletter

School News:

Golden Ticket Winners

The Read-A-Thon Results are in!

Mountain View’s Bookmobile, April 2

Electives selection for grades 5-7 opens on March 31, 2025 

Invitations for districtwide Summer Programs will be emailed to those who qualify beginning in late March

Update for Right At School Families

Students Not Returning for 2025-2026 School Year

5th Grade Promotion - Wednesday - June 4th

 

Flyers:

2024 -2025 School Year Calendar - Here

2025-2026 School Year Calendar - Here

April Menu - Here

District News:

The Board of Trustees will meet on Thursday, April 3

Parent University: Preparing for Middle School

MVWSD is updating its math curriculum

MVEF SPRING GALA - JOIN US FOR A NIGHT OF CELEBRATION!

 

PTA News:

Upcoming Events

International Festival - April 17, 5-7pm

Square 1 Art Fundraiser

New session of afterschool classes starting soon!

 

Community Partners:

Explore Living Classroom Gardens on the Growing Natives Garden Tour - Flyer

Spring 2025 Learning Challenges Committee Events

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School News

 

Golden Ticket Winners March 27, 2025

Shira W.           RM: 1      Mateo S.         RM: 11  

Alexandra M.  RM: 2       Bryanna Z.     RM: 12

Alexander D.   RM: 3       Vihaan K.       RM: 13

Leilany H.        RM: 4      Taya J.            RM: 16 

MAteo V.         RM: 5       Fiona L.         RM: 17 

Koa R.             RM: 6       Ba,ba C.         RM: 18 

Jaiden O.         RM: 8       Ms. Stacy.      RM: 17 

Olivia M.         RM: 9       Ms. O            Library

Alexander C.   RM: 10     Ms. Bisbee    RM: 7

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The Read-A-Thon Results are in!

Can you believe we read 105,019 minutes collectively? All students who turned in their reading logs met their goal, and even more impressive… MOST students also met their individual bonus goal. 95% of students who turned in their logs read for at least 1 hour each day and 79% of students read for 90 minutes. Way to go, Golden Owls! You can see a full summary here, including our Raffle prize winners. 

Mountain View’s Bookmobile - April 2 

Mountain View Public Library’s bookmobile will visit Vargas on Wednesday, April 2, 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!

 

Electives selection for grades 5-7 opens on March 31, 2025 

It is the time of year when our incoming middle school students (grades 5-7) choose their elective courses for next year. Fifth- through seventh-grade parents, please look for an email coming to your inbox on March 28 with links to course catalogs. Please talk with your student and then log in to your PowerSchool portal account (either student’s or parent’s) beginning March 31 to help your student select his/her electives.  All 5th-7th graders should select their course electives online by April 18, 2025 through the PowerSchool portal. 

Invitations for districtwide Summer Programs have been emailed to those who qualify in late March

Qualifying families have received invitations to one or more programs that will provide summertime care, enrichment, and academic support. The majority of these programs are for students who are English Learners and/or considered socioeconomically disadvantaged. The programs vary in scope and specific qualification criteria. Students with IEPs who have Extended School Year services documented in their IEPs will be receiving information about that program by April 7.

 

Update for Right At School Families

Families with children enrolled in Right At School’s after school programs, please click here to read an important update.

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].

 

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 Wednesday, June 4th. We will share more specifics about the celebration as details are available.

 

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District News

The Board of Trustees will meet on Thursday, April 3. Closed session will begin at 4:30 p.m., and open/public session begins at 6 p.m.

Some of the topics include:

• Superintendent Employment Agreement

• Special Education Update

• Reading Difficulty Risk Screener Adoption

• Update on Multilingual Learner / English Learner Program

• Resolution Supporting the Recognition of National Arab American Heritage Month

• Rent Concession - Staff Housing

For meeting details and agenda, please click here: https://www.mvwsd.org/trustees.

Parent University: Preparing for Middle School

Date and Time: April 15th 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.  Registration Link: mvw.sd/pu041525r

Nervous about middle school? We get it! Change can be daunting, but it can also lead to amazing new experiences. Join us to learn how to support your children as they prepare for the next stage in their academic and social lives. We will feature a panel of staff and students from Crittenden and Graham who will offer lots of wisdom and details about grades six, seven, and eight. See you there!

To submit your questions prior to the event, go to mvw.sd/questions. 

MVWSD is updating its math curriculum

As typical with our curriculum cycles, it’s time to review and improve our mathematics program to ensure all students have strong learning opportunities, including acceleration if desired.

MVWSD is launching a two-year process to update math curriculum based on the latest research and best practices for math education. Our math curriculum was last adopted in 2015, and math placement criteria hasn’t been updated since 2021-22. To make this process inclusive, we’re seeking input from students, staff, and parents on math curriculum, instruction, pathways, assessments, and placement.

Please join the upcoming ThoughtExchange to share your thoughts from March 26 – April 4. This online survey will be open to all staff, parents, and students in grades 4-8. Additionally, there will be focus groups for more in-depth discussions with staff, students and parents. Your input matters!

MVEF SPRING GALA - JOIN US FOR A NIGHT OF CELEBRATION!

Saturday, April 26, 2025 | 06:00-10:00 pm | Los Altos Community Center

Join us as we celebrate 40 years of MVEF – Empowering Students from Gen X to Gen Alpha! Enjoy a lively night with dinner, auctions, DJ, raffle & student performances!

Dress up in Formal 80s Attire - the ERA when MVEF was established! Think big hair, sequins, shoulder pads, neon & puffy sleeves! Not into the '80s? Surprise us with your own favorite style! Get your tickets here until they last.

ENTER THE RAFFLE & BID ON THESE PRIZES! 

• 4 tickets to Great America (Value: $320)

• Wine Tasting for 6 at Concannon Vineyard (Value: $180)

• Party Charcuterie Board of Your Choice (Value: $200)

Get your raffle tickets today! 

HOST A PARTY, DONATE AN EXPERIENCE!
Share your hosting talents! We're seeking unique auction items like hosted parties, vacation stays, event tickets, and wine to make our Gala a success. Your support creates unforgettable experiences! Go here to submit. Thank you for your support!

CONNECTING THROUGH COMMUNITY & ARTS!

MVEF and PTAs are excited to welcome incoming 6th-grade families! Join us at:
Graham 6th Grade Welcome & Open House – April 3, 5-7 PM
Crittenden Social – May 15, 5:30-7 PM

We also hope you enjoyed the fantastic student artwork at Open Houses and the musical performances at our middle schools. Your donations are vital in keeping these arts programs alive for MVWSD students. Support the arts and our welcoming community! Donate today here.

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PTA News

 

Upcoming Events:

• 4/3 – Campus Clean-up (12:15-1:15pm)

• 4/17 – International Festival (5-7pm) (4-6pm)

• 4/18 – School-wide Playdate

• 4/18 – Square1 Art Deadline Order deadline

• End of April – Talent show

• 4/28 - 5/2 – Scholastic Book Fair

• 5/4 – MVWSD Chess Tournament 

• 5/17-18 – Family Campout 

International Festival - April 17, 5-7pm

An international festival is a celebration that showcases diverse cultures, traditions, and cuisines, bringing people from different backgrounds together to experience and learn about each other's heritage. You can showcase games (activity), music, dance, books, food, art, and crafts from your country allowing attendees to immerse themselves in different cultures.  

• To sign-up to participate (either hosting or helping with a table) or to bring a dish for the potluck, sign-up here: https://forms.gle/oXy27m8ErMx7yRmh9

Square 1 Art Fundraiser

For this fundraiser Ms. June helped students create a piece of artwork that was submitted by the PTA to Square One Art. They take your child's artwork and transfer it to gift items like coffee mugs, key chains etc These are great gifts for mothers day and family members!

A catalog will be coming home with your student this week, but you can get a head start and order online now.

• Simply search for your child's art using Art Search, and enter state, school name, and your student's name. Your student's art and code will appear, and you may order!

• If you are having trouble finding your child's artwork, please contact [email protected]

• Order by:  4/18/2025

New session of afterschool classes starting soon!

• A spring session of afterschool enrichment classes is starting soon. New classes this session: Zumba Kids on Tuesdays and Little Entrepreneurs on Wednesdays! See the list of classes and sign up here if interested: https://www.javargaspta.org/spring-after-school-programs

  • Monday: Basketball (all grades), Lando Engineering (gr 1-3)

  • Tuesday: Creative Coding with Scratch (Lando, gr 1-3), Zumba Kids with Yuliya (K-3)

  • Wednesday: Ready, STEM, Go! (Mad Science, gr 1-5), Code for Fun (grades 4-5), Little Entrepreneurs (1-5)

  • Thursday: Bay Area Chess (gr 1-5), Green Room Musical Theater (gr 1-5), Coach Ken Soccer (all grades)

  • Friday: Run for Fun (all grades. free trial offered), Super Mario STEM with LEGO(Bricktech, gr K-2), Creative Clay Academy (gr 1-3) 

• Questions? Email [email protected].

Kimberly Cheng, and the Executive Board 

[email protected]

 

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From Our Community Partners

 

Explore Living Classroom Gardens on the Growing Natives Garden Tour - Flyer

We are excited to share that the Living Classroom gardens at Crittenden Middle School and Monta Loma Elementary will be featured in the CA Native Plant Society Growing Natives Garden Tour on Sunday, April 13, 2025, from 10 AM to 4 PM. Visitors can explore these beautiful native plant gardens, participate in a Garden Tea lesson, and enjoy a scavenger hunt while learning about sustainable, local gardening. The tour is free, but registration in advance at gngt.org. For questions, contact Patti at [email protected].

 

Spring 2025 Learning Challenges Committee Events

The Learning Challenges Committee of the Los Altos-Mountain View PTA Council is made up of parents, teachers and students in the Mountain View and Los Altos areas. We are committed to helping families get  the best education for students with learning challenges and/or special education needs. 

From the LCC Upcoming Events:

Wednesday April 16, 7:30 PM, Zoom - LCC General Meeting on Zoom

Register HERE

Wednesday April 23, 10 am, Zoom - IEP/504 Parent Support Group - Parent Chat is our IEP/504/venting support group for parents/guardians to ask questions and work together to solve problems. Register HERE.

Wednesday April 23, 7:00 PM, Graham Middle School (hybrid option may be available) - “Borderline Cases” - How decisions are made on helping students with learning challenges, with MVWSD Special Education Director Frank Selvaggio and Laura Kimpton, special education advocate with Special Education Advocacy Group. 

Coming up in mid-May - Make a Calm Down Kit! Parents and family members will be able to come to a maker session where we make Calm Down kits for classrooms across Mountain View and Los Altos, and take home one of your own. Stay tuned for more information.

From the Northwest SCC SELPA CAC:

Thursday April 10, 6-7:30 PM, Zoom. IEP Overview, Part Two - Live Virtual Training with Jenny Ponzuric. Register HERE