Wise Word, 5/18/2022

Principal’s Message:

Hello Golden Owls,

 

Can you believe that after today, there are only 11 more school days? As the year comes to a close, I think that it is a great time to highlight how far we have come as a community. While this is our third school year, 2021-22 will mark the first year that we will have operated a full year of in-person instruction. The past few years have been challenging for all of us, but because of the flexibility, dedication, and tenacity of this community, we have not only been able to survive, but thrive as a community. A few things I would like to highlight:


Academics

While students are still finishing their iReady assessments for math, our preliminary scores for D3 Reading demonstrated significant growth for our students (See Picture). As you will see, we have significantly reduced the numbers and percentages of students who are below grade-level. Additionally, each of our students participated in grade-level projects that integrated content and required students to engage in higher-level thinking and problem-solving. 


Extracurricular

This year, we were able to provide 184 free spots to participants of after school enrichment including classes like French, Mandarin, sports, art, music, acting, coding, and STEM. Additionally, we supported 134 students with on-campus after-school tutoring. Our students have organized 7 student-led lunchtime clubs. We started our composting program here, and we have over 50 student volunteers who are helping to correctly sort through our food waste.


Social Emotional Learning 

Coming off over a year of distance learning, we knew that students would need support with their socioemotional development. Teachers implement morning meetings and weekly check-in lessons to support students in their social-emotional development. Additionally, we were able to have a full time employee, Mr. Damion, support students with resolving their conflicts in healthy ways. In partnership with the Vargas PTA, we were able to start Project CornerStone again. Additionally, we have implemented three programs in partnership with CHAC, CHAC Connection Circle, Just for Kids, and Tween Talk. These programs provide our students with evidence-based SEL lessons. 


Community Building

This year, our first priority was keeping everyone safe and healthy. That did come with an unfortunate side effect of limiting the number of in-person gatherings that could happen. That being said, thank you to the flexibility, creativity, and hard work of our community, we have been able to plan several community events including Vargas movie night,  Book Fair, Read-a-Thon, Family Science Night, and an end of the year ice cream social. Similarly, parents and other volunteers have provided both their time and financial resources to support our Golden Owls. The Read-a-Thon not only raised $19,772.75, that will go towards various enrichment opportunities and community events for our students, but also encouraged our students to read 227,518 collective minutes over the course of a two week period.


While there is always room for improvement, I wanted to emphasize our wins this year. Hopefully, this will provide motivation for our continued growth in the 2022-23 school year.  


In Partnership, 

Principal Vern Taylor


Events Calendar

  • May

18 - SSC Meeting - Virtual, 5:00pm - 6:00pm - Join Here

19 - MVWSD Board of Trustees Meeting, 6:00pm - 10:00pm -

20 - Children’s Discovery Museum Field Trip

20 - Superintendent Community Check-in, 3:30pm - 4:30pm

24 - 5th Grade Middle School Visit

25 - Marine Science Institute Field Trip

25 - Principal Office Hours - Virtual, 4:00pm - 5:00pm - Register Here

26 - Family Science Night, MUR, 5:30pm - 7:00pm 

27 - End of Trimester - Minimum Day - Dismissal at 11:50am

27 - Principals Coffee, 8:30am - 9:30am

30 - Memorial Day Holiday - No School 

  • June

1 - Cancelled - Principal Office Hours - Virtual, 4:00pm - 5:00pm  

2 - MVWSD Board of Trustees Meeting, 6:00pm - 10:00pm -

2 - Kinder and 5th Promotion Ceremonies

3 - Report Cards go home - electronically

3 - Last Day of School - Minimum Day - Dismissal at 11:50am

3 - End of Year Ice Cream Social, 12:00 - 1:30pm

3 - Superintendent Community Check-in, 3:30pm - 4:30pm



In this Newsletter

School News:

  • Golden Ticket Winners

  • Assessments and iReady

  • The View Teen Center - 5th Grade Open House - May 20 

  • Thank You, PTA Volunteers - Monday, May 23rd (8:20-9:20AM) 

  • Science Night - May 26 

  • Vargas Field Days - May 26 & 27

  • Crittenden Musical: Lion King Jr - May 26 & 27

  • Attention 5th grade Parents

  • Kindergarten and 5th Grade Promotion - June 2 

  • End of the Year 

  • End of Year Ice Cream Social - Friday, June 3 (12:00-1:30PM)

  • CSMAA Art4Schools Digital Art Show

  • Grades K-4 Chromebooks (Students in 5th grade not returning to MVWSD)

  • We need your HELP - 2022-2023 School Year

  • Principal’s Virtual Office Hours

District News:

  • Board meeting: May 19

  • Superintendent's Community Check In on Friday, May 20

  • Citywide Bike Rodeo: Saturday, May 21 - Flyer 

  • MVPL Parenting Program: Pandemic's Effect on Kids Below Six - Flyer

  • View and comment on MVWSD’s Local Control Accountability Plan draft 

  • May Better Together Infographic - Flyer

  • MVWSD seeking District Equity Advisory Committee members

  • School Board Candidate Workshop: Registration Open


PTA News:

  • Thank You PTA Volunteers - Monday, May 23rd (8:20-9:20AM)

  • PTA Elections and Association Meeting: Wednesday May 24 @ 7pm on Zoom

  • PTA Positions

  • End of Year Ice Cream Social - Friday, June 3 (12:00-1:30PM)

  • Kinder Play Dates


Golden Ticket Winners - Week of 5/16/2022
Matthew P.        RM: 1       Manroop K.     RM: 11
Frida O.             RM: 2       Andrew M.      RM: 13
Maya K.            RM: 3       Yusa K.            RM:14
Christopher B.  RM: 4        George I.         RM: 15
Sohum J.           RM: 5        Emily S.          RM: 16
Dominic M.      RM: 8        Myria M.         RM:17
Ishkirat S.         RM: 10

The Vargas Way - Be Safe, Be Respectful, Be Responsible, Be an Upstander.

 

What are Golden Tickets?

Students earn Golden Tickets from teachers and staff when they are following the Vargas Way. What is 

The Vargas Way? Click here for an in depth view. 


Assessments and iReady
Our K-5 students are completing their third trimester iReady assessments. The reports will be available for parent access on the last day of school. Parents will be able to log in into PowerSchool to access the following reports: For Families, CCSS, and Growth Reports.

The View Teen Center - 5th Grade Open House

The View Teen Center is hosting a 5th Grade Open House on Friday, May 20 from 5 to 7 p.m. The Open House allows 5th graders and their families to explore the center, get a free membership, meet staff, preview summer programs, play games, and more. Complimentary pizza and ice cream will be provided.

 

Thank You, PTA Volunteers - Monday, May 23rd (8:20-9:20AM) 

Thank you parents for volunteering to make events this year a success, from Room Parent events, Read-A-Thon, Project Cornerstone, the list goes on! The PTA would like to invite all volunteers to a casual coffee and pastry hour on campus on Monday, May 23rd, from 8:20-9:20 am to show our appreciation. 


Science Night - May 26th

We are currently planning a Science Night for Thursday, May 26th from 5:30-6:30 pm. Students and families that attend will receive and build a Kiwi Kit together. Alternatively, if you are not able to attend or if you do not feel comfortable attending an in-person event, your child will receive a Kiwi kit, and we will send video instructions facilitated by our STEAM teachers, Mrs. Bisbee and Mrs. Butchko.

Please complete the survey by 5/20 and select either the Science Night for your family OR at home option.

Vargas Field Days - May 26 & 27

On Thursday, May 26  and Friday, May 27, Vargas will be conducting  field days. To ensure this day is safe and fun for your child, the following items are recommended:


T-Shirt: color of the team assigned to as noted below

Sunscreen

Hat or Visor

Shorts and Sweatshirt

Tennis Shoes

Water/Water bottle

 

Crittenden Musical: Lion King Jr - May 26 & 27

Crittenden Middle School presents the musical Lion King, Jr. on Thursday, May 26 at 7:00 p.m. and Friday, May 27 at 4:00 & 7:00 p.m in the Auditorium (1701 Rock Street). The last day to complete your ticket order and drop off payment is Friday May 20th at 2:30 p.m.

 

Attention 5th grade Parents

If you borrowed an instrument from MVWSD for your child to participate in the 5th grade instrumental music program during the 2021-22 school year, we will be collecting the instruments beginning May 31st through June 10th. Instruments will be collected at the District Office portables, 1400 Montecito Ave., Mountain View, CA 94043, Room #3. 

Please follow the steps outlined below to return your child’s instrument: 

  • Please make an appointment on the following link: http://mvw.sd/instruments

  • At the time of your appointment, please bring the instrument without any personal belongings (e.g., pencils, papers, clips, cleaning rugs, etc.). 

  • Before you arrive, please ask your student to make sure that all pieces of the instrument are in the case. 

  • For your safety and the safety of our staff, please be sure you wear a mask during your appointment. 

  • You’ll have only a 5-minute slot so please be on time. 


PLEASE NOTE: If your student is in the Honors Summer program with CSMA, please do not return the instrument. We will email you the date the instruments should be returned upon completion of the program. 

If your child has selected an instrumental elective in 6th grade, the middle school will send information about instruments in August 2022. 


Please feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns to Raquel Hernandez at [email protected].

 

Kindergarten and 5th Grade Promotion - June 2 

Due to  conflict with the Crittenden promotion ceremony, we have updated the time for our Kinder promotion ceremony. Kinder parents, please mark your calendars for Thursday, June 2 from 10:30-11:30 am. 


Fifth-Grade parents, please mark your calendars for Thursday, June 2 from 12:30-2:00pm, we will celebrate our Fifth-graders with a promotion celebration!

 

End of the Year 

The end of the year is fast approaching, and I want to make sure that parents are aware of upcoming days that may impact your childcare schedule. Please note the following:


  • Thursday, May 26, 2022 is a Regular Thursday minimum day.

  • Friday, May 27, 2022 is a minimum day because it is the end of the trimester.

  • Monday, May 30, 2022  is Memorial Day, and we do not have school.

  • Thursday, June 2, 2022 is a regular Thursday minimum day.

  • Friday, June 3, 2022 is the last day of school, it is a minimum day and report cards go home. 

 

End of Year Ice Cream Social - Friday, June 3 (12:00-1:30PM) 

The PTA is hosting an Ice Cream Social to celebrate the end of the school year on Friday, June 3rd from 12:00-1:30PM  on campus. Donations of ice cream toppings (chopped fruit, small candies, sprinkles, crumbled cookies, flavored syrups, or your favorite topping) are welcomed! Either drop them off in the school office ahead of time or bring them to the social.

 

CSMAA Art4Schools Digital Art Show

The CSMA Art lessons have concluded for the school year - please click here to view the completed Art4Schools Digital Art Show showcasing your students’ work from throughout the school year.


This digital exhibition includes artwork curated by each young artist, who was given the opportunity to select the piece they most wanted to share and to reflect on their progress throughout the program. We hope you enjoy these wonderful works of Art created by our Golden Owls!

 

Grades K-4 Chromebooks (Students in 5th grade not returning to MVWSD)

Chromebooks: all students will need to turn in their chromebook before the end of the school year. We need both the chromebook and the charger. Please be on the lookout for the schedule. Chromebooks will be updated and repaired during the summer. Students will get them back in August.


We need your HELP - 2022-2023 School Year

We are continuing to plan our classes for next year. If you are not returning to Vargas for the 2022-2023 school year, please let us know by calling 650-903-6952 ext. 0 or email Mrs. Antunez at [email protected].


Principal’s Virtual Office Hours

Join me for our informal Principal Office Hours (virtual) May 25th from 4pm - 5:00pm. Feel free to drop in if you have any questions or if you just want to chat. For office hours, there is no formal agenda, it is a time for you to stop in to say hello, and for us to get to know each other better! I look forward to meeting you!

 

Register in advance for this meeting.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. 

 



District News


Board meeting: May 19

The Board of Trustees will meet on Thursday, May 19 at 6 p.m. 


Some of the meeting topics include:

  • Equitable Access to Choice Schools

  • Health and Wellness: Plan of Action / Wellness Policy


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

Superintendent's Community Check In on Friday, May 20

Please join us for our Community Check-In with Dr. Ayindé Rudolph on Friday, May 20 at 3:30 p.m. Bring your questions. Spanish interpretation will be provided. Click here to register: http://mvw.sd/CC520


Citywide Bike Rodeo: Saturday, May 21 - Flyer 

Mountain View is hosting a Citywide Bike Rodeo on Saturday, May 21st, 2022 from 11 am to 2 pm at the Rengstorff Basketball Court. Bring your bike and helmet and learn bicycle riding skills. To register and/or sign up to volunteer for this event, click here.


MVPL Parenting Program: Pandemic's Effect on Kids Below Six - Flyer 

The Mountain View Public Library will be hosting “Pandemic's Effect on Kids Below Six: What to Look for and How to Remedy” on Wednesday, May 25 from 7:00pm - 8:30pm. Priya James, Speech Pathologist, will discuss the skills and social norms that children may have missed during the pandemic and how caregivers can help children catch up. Register for the Zoom event here.


View and comment on MVWSD’s Local Control Accountability Plan draft 

The District is finalizing its draft of the LCAP (Local Control Accountability Plan). This is the District’s three-year plan that corresponds with the first three years of the District’s new Strategic Plan 2027. These documents are the blueprints that guide all of the District’s work for the benefit of our students.


Beginning May 18, stakeholders are welcome to comment on the draft LCAP plan. You may read the presentation and supporting materials at mvwsd.org/lcap and make comments. The comments form closes on May 25. Stakeholders may also attend the public hearing during the Board of Trustees meeting on Thursday, June 2 at 6 p.m. on Zoom (the link is: mvwsd.org/trustees).


May Better Together Infographic - Flyer

May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, which celebrates the histories of Americans hailing from across the Asian continent and from the Pacific islands of Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia. May 7, 1843, marks the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants to the United States. And May 10, 1869, or Golden Spike Day, recognizes the completion of the first transcontinental railroad in the U.S., which had significant contributions from Chinese workers. AAPI Heritage Month gives us a chance to celebrate and center the unique journey of all AAPI immigrants and citizens in the United States and their unique life experiences, traditions, and cultures. Please see the attached flyers or visit http://mvwsd.org/bettertogetherMVWSD.


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 monthly (on average) online during the 2022-23 school year in the evening hours. The average commitment will be approximately 20 hours per academic school year. 


Applications are due by June 3 and found at this link. More information is at https://www.mvwsd.org/about/committees.


School Board Candidate Workshop: Registration Open

The Santa Clara County School Boards Association is holding a school board Candidate Workshop on Sat, June 11 from 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM PDT at the Santa Clara County Office of Education in San Jose. Come and learn about running a campaign from the Registrar of Voters and a panel of experienced school board members. Register here: http://2022candidateworkshop.eventbrite.com/

 



PTA News

 

Thank You PTA Volunteers - Monday, May 23rd (8:20-9:20AM)

Thank you parents for volunteering to make events this year a success, from Room Parent events, Read-A-Thon, Project Cornerstone, the list goes on! The PTA would like to invite all volunteers to a casual coffee and pastry hour on campus on Monday, May 23rd, from 8:20-9:20 am to show our appreciation.

PTA Elections and  Association Meeting: Wednesday May 24 @ 7pm on Zoom

Please join us for our last PTA Association meeting of the year. We need the help of  PTA members to elect  the PTA officers for next year and review our budget for next year. 

Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUuf-2prj4iEtaxrtXuXns2MnedMSuzJDNl

Agenda: 5-25-2022 General Association Meeting Agenda - Google Docs.pdf

 

Candidates for 2022-2023 PTA 

President: Shannon Lundin

Vice President: Kim Cheng

Treasurer: Sandy Wen

Secretary: Aslihan Gevrekci

Auditor: Gulay Samatli-Pac

 

PTA Positions

Thank you to the nominees who have volunteered to be on next years’ board. We have many opportunities to participate next year from membership, community events, project cornerstone etc…please reach out if you are interested.

PTA role descriptions

 

End of Year Ice Cream Social - Friday, June 3 (12:00-1:30PM)

The PTA is hosting an Ice Cream Social to celebrate the end of the school year on Friday, June 3rd from 12:00-1:30PM  on campus. Donations of ice cream toppings (chopped fruit, small candies, sprinkles, crumbled cookies, flavored syrups, or your favorite topping) are welcomed! Either drop them off in the school office ahead of time or bring them to the social.

If you would like to volunteer to set up, scoop ice cream, or clean up, please sign up in the Konstella sign-up sheet (linked here), or contact Jennifer ([email protected]). We can’t wait to see you there!

 

Kinder Play Dates

If you have an incoming Kindergartener and would like to help out with a Kinder Play Date this summer it would be great to have some current Vargas families to meet new Vargas families and have their kinders meet each other. Contact Shannon: [email protected]

Jose Antonio Vargas PTA 

[email protected]

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