Wise Word, 4/7/2021

Principal’s Message:

Dear Golden Owls,

 

Everyone has been working extremely hard this year, and we are now in the final stretch before the end of the school year. Please remember that we do not have school next week. Please enjoy your much deserved Spring Break. Please take some time to unwind, disconnect,  and take care of yourself. 

 

At our next Principal’s Coffee on April 30, 2021 @  8:30am 

I will gather feedback on ways to further support students that have struggled socio emotionally and academically due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Please join me to share your concerns, ideas, ask questions or stop by to say hello! I look forward to seeing you all there. : Register Here

 

I would like to bring your attention to two events that MVWSD will be hosting that spotlights our district's efforts to foster a more inclusive community.

 

Haben Girma

Parents and students are invited to join on April 8th from 6:00 - 7:00 pm via Zoom. Haben Girma is a human rights lawyer and an advocate for disability justice. She was the first Deafblind person to graduate from Harvard Law School. As a community, we are all tasked with resisting ableism, racism and other forms of oppression. We face the choice to accept oppression or advocate for justice. Come and be inspired by Haben, who has received the Helen Keller Achievement Award, a spot on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, and TIME100 Talks.  American Sign Language and Spanish interpretation will both be made available.    Registration Link: http://mvw.sd/X85Z0

 

The Talk: Anti-Asian Racism and the Model Minority Myth

Save the Date! Trisha Lee, Monta Loma Principal will be facilitating The Talk: Anti-Asian Racism and the Model Minority Myth on April 14th from 6:00 - 7:00 pm via Zoom. Panelists include MVWSD Director Geoff Chang, Mountain View Council Member Margaret Abe-Koga, Mountain View Mayor Ellen Kamei, and Mountain View Chief of Police Chris Hsiung.  Register in advance for this meeting: http://mvw.sd/AAMM

 

In Partnership,

 

Principal Taylor


Events Calendar

  • 4/7 - PTA: GolfLand Family Fun Event (Sunnyvale), 10am -9pm

  • 4/7 - Picture Day (Optional), 1pm - 6pm - MUR

  • 4/7 - Principal Virtual Office Hours, 4pm - 5pm  Register Here

  • 4/12 - 4/16 - Spring Recess - No School

  • 4/21 - Principal Virtual Office Hours, 4pm - 5pm  Register Here

  • 4/23 - ELAC Meeting, 4pm - 5pm

  • 4/28 - Principal Virtual Office Hours, 4pm - 5pm  Register Here

  • 4/28 - SSC Meeting, 5:30pm -6:30pm

  • 4/30 - Principal’s Coffee (Virtual), 8:30am Register Here

 


In this Newsletter

School News

  • Golden Ticket Winners

  • Vargas STEAM Carnival Game Challenge

  • Spring Break Meal Schedule

  • Spring Break Program with the City of Mountain View - Flyer

  • Lunch Menu

  • OKtoReopen health screener pro tips

  • Spring Break Travel Advisory

  • Principal Virtual Office Hours 

  • Technology Support 

District News

  • Suicide Prevention 101 for Parents: Recognizing Signs and What to Do!

  • Better Together: Strengthening Communities

  • MVWSD seeking District Equity Advisory Committee members

  • COVID testing available for students and families

  • Parent University: A Conversation with Haben Girma, the Deafblind Woman Who Conquered Harvard Law

  • Join the MVEF Board and make a difference!

  • MVEF survey: Foundation wants to hear from you

  • MVWSD is on Instagram!

  • Your Donations to MVEF at Work!

  • Resilience Pause Series 

  • Upcoming MV Public Library Programs: Product Design, Parenting Program - Flyer

  • Virtual Earth Day Events with the City of Mountain View - Flyer, Contest Guidelines

  • MVLA Parent Speaker Series, “The Power of Showing Up: What Kids Really Need from Adults,” April 22 from 7:00 - 9:00pm


PTA News

  • The Results are in!

  • Save the Date – GOLFLAND

  • Spirit Wear!

  • Amazon

 


Golden Ticket Winners - Week 4/5/2021
Anika C           RM: 1           Selena V          RM: 12
Nicolai T         RM: 3          Grace A            RM: 13
Ystella D         RM: 4          Soeren C          RM: 14
Noelle R         RM: 5          Jazzy S              RM: 15
Sam K             RM: 8          Leo F                RM: 16
Iris B              RM: 10         Kellen H          RM: 17
DJ M              RM: 11          Mr. Gorman   RM: 17
You can stop by the office to pick up your prize! You may stop by on Monday or Wednesday from 11:30am to 2:00pm.

Vargas STEAM Carnival Game Challenge

Don’t forget to check out our  video slideshow Vargas STEAM Carnival Game Challenge Entries. We are so thrilled with all the work that our students put into their work.


Spring Break Meal Schedule

MVWSD's free meals for children are available over spring break. On Friday, April 9, multiple grab and go meals will be available at school sites for Friday through Tuesday. On Wednesday, April 14, multiple meals for the rest of spring break will be available at Gabriela Mistral Elementary, (505 Escuela Ave) location only from 11:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. Regular meal service will resume on Monday, April 19. Menus and information are found at https://www.mvwsd.org/nutrition.


Spring Break program with the City of Mountain View - Flyer

The City of Mountain View will be hosting a Club Rec Spring Break program at the Mountain View Teen Center from April 12-16th, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for ages 7-11. Programming will include camp games, arts & crafts, and more! Head to www.mountainview.gov/register for registration, pricing, and more information.


Lunch Menu

April lunch Menu here.


OKtoReopen health screener pro tips

OKtoReopen is the daily health screener for in person students to complete each day before they arrive on campus. Here are a few tips to make the process even easier:


You don’t have to wait until you get the message

Reminders are sent each day that the student is expected on campus. If parents have already completed the survey before the first reminder is scheduled to be sent they don't receive a reminder.

Parents can always complete the screener earlier than the reminder by using a previous email or going to oktoreopen.com on a browser they previously have used. 


You can complete the screener for multiple students

You can complete the survey for more than one child in the same window by clicking through the names at the top right drop-down menu. If there is another student in the family you can hit next to complete that survey. When all of the surveys have been completed there is a done button.


Make sure your survey is submitted

For families with just one student you hit submit and then done (students with more than one student click next until all surveys are completed, and then submit). You don't have to click done to complete the survey.


Send the reminder to just your phone instead of both phone/email

Parents can adjust their OKtoReopen settings to receive text or email only by contacting their school office to make the change in Powerschool.


For a closer look on how to use OktoReopen, check out these videos: https://vimeo.com/521538560 (English) and https://vimeo.com/524450668 (Spanish)


Spring Break Travel Advisory

As Spring Break approaches, MVWSD wants to remind our community to take precautions to keep our community safe and our schools open.


Under our current risk tier, the Health Officer’s Mandatory Directive on limiting travel has been lifted. However, the state continues to advise Californians to avoid non-essential travel to any part of California more than 120 miles from one's place of residence, or to other states or countries. 


If you travel, please test. COVID-19 testing is not required for students, however it's recommended for people who travel. Free testing for students and families is available through El Camino Health at https://www.elcaminohealth.org/landing/schedule-covid-19-test?s=mapPin. The CDC advises that individuals get tested with a viral test 3-5 days after travel. Make your appointment now for after you return.


Principal’s Virtual Office Hour  

Please drop in my Principal Hours today to ask your questions. Register Here. (Translation is available)


Technology Support:

If you are having problems with the chromebook you can contact: [email protected] to create a ServiceNow ticket or call the Tech Department at

(650) 526-3252.


District News

Suicide Prevention 101 for Parents: Recognizing Signs and What to Do!

Please register for our upcoming free webinar and Facebook Live event: Suicide Prevention 101 for Parents: Recognizing Signs and What to Do. This free webinar will provide information about suicide prevention for parents, including warning signs for suicide, how to have a conversation with their child, actions to take if their child is having a suicidal thoughts, and resources.  The webinar is provided in partnership with CalMHSA,  the California Department of Education, the Directing Change Program, and Teen Line.  

 

In English:

April 7, 2021 at 5 to 6 p.m.

To register:  https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_zOLFzulAQVKEfeCvdIPhMA

Or join the live stream event here: https://www.facebook.com/CAEducation/

Better Together: Strengthening Communities
This month’s Better Together focus is on civic engagement and getting involved in the community. Please see the attached or https://www.mvwsd.org/BetterTogetherMVWSD for the infographic, which features activities for the family, engaging books about activism for students, and more!

MVWSD seeking District Equity Advisory Committee members

COVID-19 has exacerbated disadvantages faced by students and families of color and socioeconomic disadvantage. It is important to acknowledge that even though the pandemic has exacerbated these inequalities, long-standing institutional practices and policies have perpetuated them, leading to disproportional equity gaps.


MVWSD is committing itself to engaging meaningfully with the community on issues of equity through the District Equity Advisory Committee (DEAC). The goal of the District Equity Advisory Committee (DEAC) is to provide meaningful feedback to the Superintendent on how to support MVWSD towards achieving its goals of becoming a more equitable and inclusive school district.


The role of a committee member is to be a thought partner and a community advocate. 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 in meetings held monthly (on average) online during the 2020-21 school year in the evening hours. The average commitment will be approximately 20 hours per academic school year. 


Applications are due by April 23 and found at this link. More information is at https://www.mvwsd.org/about/committees.


COVID testing available for students and families

Regular, asymptomatic COVID testing for students is not required at this time however, parents may want to have students tested, especially after travel, to ensure that they are not carrying the COVID-19 virus.


Free, asymptomatic testing is available for students and parents at:

* El Camino Hospital or MV Center for Performing Arts. Dates: Ongoing. Schedule through El Camino Health at https://www.elcaminohealth.org/landing/schedule-covid-19-test?s=mapPin.


* Graham and Crittenden Middle Schools. Dates: Tuesday March 30 at Graham MUR; Tuesday, April 20 at Crittenden MUR and Wednesday, April 28 at Graham MUR. You should register here. You also may schedule an appointment by calling 650-940-7022 and use option 4. Please mention you are with the Mountain View Whisman School District when calling. 


If your child has symptoms of COVID or has had a known exposure to someone who may have COVID, please contact your child's pediatrician for testing information. If you do not have a health care provider, make a symptomatic testing appointment with a county provider here: https://scl.fulgentgenetics.com/appointment/screen/landing.


Parent University: A Conversation with Haben Girma, the Deafblind Woman Who Conquered Harvard Law

Date and Time: April 8, 2021, 6:00-7:00 p.m.    Registration Link: http://mvw.sd/X85Z0


Haben Girma is a human rights lawyer and an advocate for disability justice. She was the first Deafblind person to graduate from Harvard Law School. As a community, we are all tasked with resisting ableism, racism and other forms of oppression. We face the choice to accept oppression or advocate for justice. Come and be inspired by Haben, who has received the Helen Keller Achievement Award, a spot on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, and TIME100 Talks. 

President Bill Clinton, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and Chancellor Angela Merkel have all honored Haben. President Obama named her a White House Champion of Change.  Haben believes disability is an opportunity for innovation, and she teaches organizations the importance of choosing inclusion. 

To submit questions prior to the event, please click here. We will do our best to address your question during the session.

Join the MVEF Board and make a difference!

The Mountain View Educational Foundation (MVEF) is seeking new volunteers and board members to join us in supporting its mission to ensure that every child in every school has access to a competitive, comprehensive, and inspiring education.

 

Board members have the opportunity to make a difference in the experience of every child in the district, gain insight into district programming and planning, and collaborate with other parent leaders in the district. Learn more about MVEF, and its impact on your child’s school day at mvef.org. If interested, please send a message to [email protected]g.


MVEF survey: Foundation wants to hear from you

MVEF wants to know parents’ and staff members’ priorities about the programs that they usually fund, and areas where MVEF could potentially fund programs in the future. Please take a moment to complete this survey.


In case you missed it: Parent University videos and materials are available online

Check out mvwsd.org/parentu for English and Spanish recordings on topics such as wellness, mental health, supporting your child’s literacy and math at home, our special education team, the impact of drugs and other substances on adolescents, and many more.

 

MVWSD is on Instagram!

Follow us on Instagram @mvw.sd (https://www.instagram.com/mvw.sd/) to stay connected and updated with all that is going on in the district!


Your Donations to MVEF at Work!

MVEF is proud to fund both (New!) sessions of the Rhythm and Moves Optional fitness classes at the elementary schools.  We are also funding CSMA music and art, TechSmart, Living Classroom, and environmental education programs at the elementary level.


MVEF funds the Middle School Elective wheel including apps, music books, art supplies, robotics and TechSmart at both of the middle schools.


Thank you to all our Mountain View Educational Foundation donors for your support during this school year of remote learning!  If you haven't donated yet this year, there is still time to donate to support the MVWSD schools right now.  https://www.mvef.org/donate


Resilience Pause Series 

The 30-minute, online Community Resiliency Model Resilience Pause sessions for adults (parents and staff members) are scheduled during this transition in our school year to assist participants with building resilience throughout return to in-person instruction. Participants can learn strategies on Mondays and build habits towards resilience during the week.  These sessions are designed to teach life-long habits that help us to self-regulate during stressful moments.  


April 19, 4pm: Resourcing 

April 26, 4pm:  “Help Now!” A Reactive Strategy


Sessions can be drop-in or attended in a series. To join: http://mvw.sd/HAjbz


Upcoming MV Public Library Programs: Product Design, Parenting Program- Flyer

The Mountain View Public Library will be hosting two events:


Design an Amusement Park for Dogs: Thursday, April 22, 4pm - 5pm for Grades 3-5 on Zoom. Learn about the product design process and create your own amusement park ride with Product Designer and Author Vicky Fang. Registration required. Sign up at https://mountainview.gov/librarycalendar


Building your Child’s Self-Confidence and Personal Power: (English) Wednesday, April 28, 7pm - 8pm on Zoom. (Spanish) Wednesday, April 21, 7pm - 8pm on Zoom. Presenters from CHAC Family Resource Center will discuss ways to raise a confident child with inner strength and health self worth. For parents of children ages 2-12. Registration required. Sign up at https://mountainview.gov/librarycalendar


Virtual Earth Day Events with the City of Mountain View - Flyer, Contest Guidelines

We know that Earth Day (4/22) is looking a little different this year, so it’s going virtual here at the City of Mountain View! We’re holding two contests with multiple gift card prizes (a short video competition and a student poster contest), all centered around creativity and how you restore the Earth in your own way. For both contests, the deadline for entries is Monday, April 16th, 2021 no later than 5pm. Submissions can be made at: this link; see attached flyers for more information.


Additionally, please join us on Thursday, April 22nd from 6pm-8:30pm for our Virtual Earth Day Event! We’ll be having speakers from the Planet Bee Foundation, Acterra, Recology, and Cool Block. Community members will also be giving 5-minute ‘micro talks’ about how they’re “Restoring the Earth.” And finally, we’ll be announcing the winners of the video and poster contests live during the event. Please visit this link for details.


MVLA Parent Speaker Series, “The Power of Showing Up: What Kids Really Need from Adults,” April 22 from 7:00 - 9:00pm

MVLA will be hosting their last Parent Speaker Series event for the season, “The Power of Showing Up: What Kids Really Need from Adults,” on Thursday, April 22 from 7:00 - 9:00pm with Dr. Tina Payne Bryson, a psychotherapist and best-selling author. 


Parents worry. It’s what we do. Reassuringly, the latest brain and attachment research is clear on how best to make a difference in our child’s life over the long run: we simply need to show up.  Offering plenty of warmth and humor, Dr. Bryson will explore what showing up means, sharing stories and simple strategies for honoring the Four S’s - helping kids feel secure, seen, soothed, and safe. She'll discuss practical advice for supporting anxious kids, hitting the reset button on parenting, and creating a safe harbor at home for children of all ages. Registration for this free event can be found at: https://mvla2020-21-tinapaynebryson.eventbrite.com.

 


Vargas PTA

The Results are in!

The Read-a-Thon has wrapped up and the results are in proving that our Golden Owls are amazing readers!  Together our students read 265,699 minutes and raised over $14,000 for our school!  The PTA is working on getting the prizes all sorted out for classrooms and students.  We are really hoping to get those prizes out to everyone by the end of next week, so hang tight, check Kostella, and get ready to pick up some prizes!


Save the Date – GOLFLAND

Get ready to head to GolfLand in Sunnyvale for a fun family event.  On April 7th from 10:00am – 9:00pm play some mini-golf and mention the JA Vargas fundraiser.  By doing this, GolfLand will give the school 50% of the sales back to our school!  You can find more information on our website, in Konstella, and on our Facebook page!


Spirit Wear!  

It’s getting cold out there, so don’t forget to grab your JA Vargas sweatshirts and baseball tee’s!  Click HERE to shop the JA Vargas Store.  Order by Wednesday night and do curbside pick up Friday.  (Address for pick up will be sent after you complete your order.)


Amazon

If you shop through Amazon, please shop through the Amazon Smile portal for Vargas: https://smile.amazon.com/ch/90-1257353 A percentage of sales through this link goes back to the school.
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