Principal’s Message:
Hello Golden Owls,
I look forward to seeing you all this evening for Back to School Night.
In their position Statement on Homeschool Collaboration, The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) Stated. “Home-school collaboration leads to improved student achievement, better behavior, better attendance, higher self-concept and more positive attitudes toward school and learning. Parents and educators also benefit when true partnerships are established. Successful home-school collaboration is dependent upon educators, families and community members working together to understand each others’ perspectives and to develop shared goals.”
This is a good reminder that as we work together this school year, it's imperative that we build strong partnerships so that our Vargas students become the best Golden Owls possible. You can see NASP’s full statement with cited resources here.
In Partnership,
Principal Vern Taylor
Events Calendar
August
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28th
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Minimum Day, Dismissal at 11:55am
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28th
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Back to School Night - 6pm - 8pm
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September
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2nd
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Labor Day Holiday - No School
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3rd
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ELAC Meeting, 6pm - Register Here
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5th
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MVWSD Board Meeting, District Office 6pm-10pm - Agenda
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6th
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Superintendent Community Check In ,3:30pm Register Here
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9th
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Picture Day - Lifetouch
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13th
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Vargas Movie Night, 6:45pm - Vargas Field
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23rd
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DELAC Meeting
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27th
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Principal’s Coffee - 8:10am, MUR
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In this Newsletter
School News:
Golden Ticket Winners
No MVWSD+ Afterschool Programs on Wednesday, August 28, 2024
September is suicide prevention month
Picture Day - September 6th
Water Bottles and Other Student Property
School & Community Engagement Facilitator (SCEF)
Reporting an Absence
School Supplies and Voluntary Donation Form
Flyers:
2024 -2025 School Year Calendar - Here
September Menu - Here
Calmer Connections 9/19 - Flyer
District News:
Applying to be a school volunteer this year? Training and help sessions happen this month
School meals are free, but fill out the EzSchool Meals application to help you and your school
MVEF - Who we are and why we matter - Please donate!
Living Classroom: MVWSD Volunteer Information Meetings - Fyler
Parent University: The Science of Reading, Part 1 of 2
Parent U: District Orientation recordings available
PTA News:
Save the Date!! - Details to come
Membership Drive - ends Sept 6
Konstella
Afterschool Enrichment Classes
PTA Board and Committee Positions
Spirit Wear
Website
Community Partners
MV Public Library: Upcoming Parent Event - Flyer
Announcing the MVLA Parent Education Speaker Series for 2024-25 - Flyer
Mountain View Citywide Garage Sale
The Learning Challenges Committee is looking for members!
School News
Golden Ticket Winners August 22, 2024
Bryson L. RM: 1 Braden R. RM: 10
Alex H.. RM: 2 Mateo S. RM: 11
Pierce D. RM: 3 Tyson W. RM: 13
Dani Y. RM: 4 Isabella C. RM: 14
Sophia H. RM: 5 Kristina D. RM: 15
Alan G. RM: 6 Hana U. RM: 16
Cristian G. RM: 8 Jason Y. RM: 17
Violet P. RM: 9 Hannah P. RM: 18
No MVWSD+ Afterschool Programs on Wednesday, August 28, 2024
Due to preparations for Elementary School Back to School Night and afterschool staff development, there will be no MVWSD+ Afterschool Programs on Wednesday, August 28 (a minimum day for students). MVWSD+ families, thank you in advance for making other arrangements. This affects all Right At School programs, all Beyond the Bell programs, and the district-paid YMCA programs. Please note that due to contractual reasons, parent-paid YMCA programs will still operate. All programs resume as normal on Thursday, August 29.
For more information, please contact [email protected] or call (650) 526-3500 x1061.
September is suicide prevention month
September is National Suicide Prevention Month – a time to remember the lives lost to suicide, acknowledge the millions more who have experienced suicidal thoughts, and the many individuals, families and communities that have been impacted by suicide. It’s also a time to raise awareness about suicide prevention and share messages of hope.
During September, and throughout the year, we can care about suicide prevention; connect to community, culture, data, and research; and collaborate with others to address this public health problem that has impacted millions of Americans.
Impact on Youth
Between 2000 and 2018, the suicide rate among youth ages 10 to 24 rose from 6.8 per 100,000 to 10.7 per 100,000, according to death certificate data (Curtin, S. C., National Vital Statistics Report, Vol. 69, No. 11, 2020 [PDF, 477KB]). This rise pushed suicide into the second leading cause of death for people ages 10 to 14 in 2021, according to the CDC (Facts About Suicide, May 2023).
While these trends are alarming, there is something that we can all do to help lessen suicide’s impact in our community. One way we can all support is to learn the warning signs and risk factors for suicide, how to support someone considering suicide, and familiarize yourself with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The 988 Sucicide and Crisis LIfeline 988 offers 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing mental health-related distress. That could be:
Picture Day - September 9th
Picture Day is scheduled for September 9th. Classes are scheduled to visit the multi-use room during the school day to take individual and class photos. If you would like to purchase photos from our vendor, Lifetouch, you can send a check with your order form with your student to school on September 9th or order them online.
Website: https://my.lifetouch.com/mylifetouch/#/
Picture day ID: EVT6JB8ZC
Forms were sent home the second week of school, but you can pick up another in the front office.
Water Bottles and Other Student Property
Students continue to become more familiar with our daily school routines, but we continue to see lunch bags and water bottles left behind. Please take a moment to label all of your child’s items so that we can quickly return them when left out at recess, snack and lunch.
School & Community Engagement Facilitator (SCEF)
As part of Vargas’s plan, we have a School and Community Engagement Facilitator who will work to ensure that every student, family, and community member will feel valued and supported while working, learning, and partnering with our school. Here at Vargas, Beatriz Claas is our School and Community Engagement Facilitator. She can be reached at [email protected]
SCEFs can assist you with…
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Setting up meetings with teacher/principal and providing interpretation
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School meal applications
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Info on counseling resources
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Resource and referral to community-based organizations, such as food, rent assistance, low-cost internet service, legal immigration services, etc.
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Yearly re-enrollment which occurs in January
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Tutoring resources
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Pointing you in the right direction for almost any question you can think of!
Reporting an Absence
Please call the office at (650) 903-6952 or email [email protected] to report an absence or late arrival. Provide the following information: date of absence, student’s name, grade and room number, reason for absence, name and relationship of the person reporting the absence.
School Supplies and Voluntary Donation Form
We will be furnishing all basic school supplies and textbooks for all students. Donations of items and funds for this purpose are appreciated, but not required. For those able to donate, please fill out this form and bring it to the front office, along with your donation, and our front office staff will provide you with a receipt.
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District News
Applying to be a school volunteer this year? Training and help sessions happen this month
We appreciate our parent volunteers! Please check your inbox (email dated Aug. 5) for important information about mandated training and optional volunteer help sessions coming up in the next two weeks. For an overview of the process, please visit https://www.mvwsd.org/volunteers.
School meals are free, but fill out the EzSchool Meals application to help you and your school
MVWSD will continue to provide free meals this year to all students as part of California’s universal meal program.
However, parents need to reapply for the Free and Reduced Price Meals program now for this school year. If you think you could qualify (qualifying income levels listed here), we ask you to apply at EzSchool Meals to help MVWSD receive additional funding to support students who are in need, and may help your family. If your child is eligible for free and/or reduced-price meals, your family could get medical benefits, housing benefits, utilities benefits and more. Qualifying is one factor in your child’s eligibility for free MVWSD after school care and summer camp.
The more applications your school gathers at the start of each school year, the more additional funding it can receive for all kinds of programs. If you are currently out of work, you may qualify and help your school, regardless of your financial situation. Apply at https://secure.ezmealapp.com/ or call your school office.
MVEF - Who we are and why we matter - Please donate!
The Mountain View Educational Foundation (MVEF) is a volunteer-driven non-profit dedicated to funding innovative programs for all students in the MVWSD district.
Thanks to your donations, MVEF provides your child with a competitive, well-rounded education. School funding covers salaries, facilities, and core academics, while MVEF funding enhances the learning environment with art, music, environmental science, middle school athletics, and additional English teachers, reducing class sizes by over 20% in middle school.
To maintain these programs, MVEF seeks donations from parents and community members. The suggested amount per student is $1,100, also payable as a recurring monthly payment, but every donation is meaningful. All donations are tax-deductible. Visit mvef.org for more information and to donate. Thank you for your support!
Living Classroom: MVWSD Volunteer Information Meetings - Flyer
Living Classroom is a non-profit organization that provides hands-on, garden-based lessons to MVWSD students in TK through 6th Grade. We welcome parent volunteers to help with our lessons in their children's classrooms, but we are also seeking volunteer docents who would like to be trained to teach our lessons throughout the school district. If you are interested in becoming a Living Classroom docent, please attend one of our upcoming information meetings:
Thursday, August 29th, 2024, 9:15-10:15 am; or
Friday, August 30th, 2024, 1:00-2:00 pm
Both meetings will be held in Conference Room C, MVWSD Office, 1400 Montecito Avenue, Mountain View.
Please contact Susan Harder at [email protected] if you have questions or would like further information.
Parent University: The Science of Reading, Part 1 of 2
Date and Time: September 10, 2024, 5:30-7:00 pm Registration Link: mvw.sd/pu091024r
Reading is fundamental. But how do we best teach children to do it? And how do we support them at home? In this two-part series, we will uncover the “Science of Reading”, how our new district curriculum is based on this science, and how parents can translate the science into practical routines and strategies at home.
About the speaker: Dr. Cyndee Nguyen is MVWSD’s Director of Early Literacy. She leads district efforts to ensure that all students, especially those of early elementary age, develop into capable and confident readers. Previously, Dr. Nguyen was a primary grade teacher and the principal of Bubb Elementary School.
To submit questions prior to the event, go to mvw.sd/questions. We will do our best to address your question during the session.
Parent U: District Orientation recordings available
Recordings of the Parent University District Orientation presentation are available in English and Spanish. To register in advance for future Parent U meetings, visit mvwsd.org/ParentU.
PTA News
Save the Date!! - Details to come
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Friday, Sept 13: Movie Night
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Wed, Sept 25: PTA Association Meeting, 6PM
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Friday, Oct 18: Walkathon
Membership Drive - ends Sept 6
Support your students’ classrooms and school community by joining the Vargas PTA! Memberships cost $10 and help pay for PTA- funded programs. Members have a voice in budget and operations. This year, we hope to raise $150 per student through membership and donations to make these wonderful programs and events possible for your students to enjoy. Our goal is to have 250 members this year and we are 56% there! Classrooms that reach 70% membership participation will get a popsicle party. First three classes to reach the membership goal will win a bonus voucher for Scholastic books. Members who register by Sept 6 will be entered in a raffle to win one of three $10 vouchers for spirit wear. Join us– together, we can help to make our school even stronger!
Click here to join and make a contribution: https://jointotem.com/ca/mountain-view/jose-antonio-vargas-pta
To receive PTA membership fee sponsorship, contact Mr. Taylor or Ms. Beatriz Claas.
If you are interested in sponsoring membership for Vargas individuals in need, contact [email protected].
Konstella
Want to hear about the school-wise 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.
To Join a Classroom
Web: Click your name at the top left corner. Click “Your Children” to add/modify your children.
Mobile App: Click the Settings icon at the top left corner. Click “Your Children”. Membership
Afterschool Enrichment Classes
The PTA has teamed up to bring a variety of after school classes this Fall. Check out the list here: https://www.javargaspta.org/after-school-programs
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NEW this year: Bay Area Chess, Coding programs, Animation, in addition to Science, BrickTech, Basketball, Run for Fun, Coach Ken Soccer, and The Green Room.
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Sign up quickly as spots are limited. Programs that don’t meet enrollment minimums are subject to cancellation.
PTA Board and Committee Positions
We need your help more than ever! We have an opening on the Exec Board for Room Parent Coordinator in addition to many non-board roles. There are a variety of roles requiring help: some in-person, some on-going, and some time-limited. We especially need volunteers for planning events and our big Walkathon fundraiser! If you can help us, whether for a couple hours or throughout the year, please fill out this interest form or email [email protected].
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
MV Public Library: Upcoming Parent Event - Flyer
Parenting Program: Individualized Education Program: Thursday, September 5, 2024, Time: 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm. Matthew Torres, an IDEA Specialist from the San Andreas Regional Center, will expertly guide parents through the IEP (Individualized Education Program) process. Gain insights to support and enhance your advocacy for your child. This program is perfect for parents new to the IEP process and seasoned advocates, offering practical tools and knowledge to navigate and champion your child's educational journey. Register in advance for this online meeting.
Announcing the MVLA Parent Education Speaker Series for 2024-25 - Flyer
The MVLA Parent Education Speaker Series is thrilled to unveil our speaker line-up for the 2024-25 school year! Local and nationally recognized experts will lead parents in conversations about wide-ranging topics, including navigating the evolving cultural landscape around sex, parenting in our high-achievement environment, exploring the difficulties of parenting boys in contemporary society, learning about a case study in racism at a local high school, and making informed decisions about higher education. View the 2024-25 speaker line-up at https://mvlaspeakerseries.org/.
Mountain View Citywide Garage Sale
The Mountain View Citywide Garage Sale is back! Join hundreds of residents holding garage sales on Saturday, September 14 and Sunday, September 15. This event helps keep reusable items out of the landfill to conserve natural resources.
Seller registration is open until September 4. Sellers may choose to participate on only one day or both days of the sale. Online and printed address lists will show which day(s) each participating seller is open.
For shoppers, a new online map will allow you to filter garage sales by dates open and items listed, as well as other enhanced features to help shoppers plan which homes to visit for the event.
Sellers can register their Mountain View homes for the sale and shoppers can access the map at MountainView.gov/GarageSale.
The Learning Challenges Committee is looking for members!
Are you interested in helping students with learning challenges? This can include students who receive special education services, students with a 504 plan, or any student with a learning challenge.
The Learning Challenges Committee of the Los Altos Mountain View PTA Council (LCC) helps provide teachers and school staff in Mountain View and Los Altos schools with supplies in their classrooms related to learning challenges. We also can host parent education events, meet with special education administrators and more. We need a variety of parent and student voices to help us best decide how we can help teachers and students about these issues.
An introductory meeting about the LCC will be held on Zoom on Tuesday 9/3 at 7:30 pm. Register here
Our Learning Challenges Support Group will meet on Zoom on Tuesday, 9/17 at 10 am Register here
Can you attend 2-3 meetings per year to help make these kinds of decisions with the LCC? Please email [email protected]
We need more voices to help students with learning challenges. We need you!