Principal’s Message:
Hello Golden Owls,
Next week marks the 23rd Anniversary of the commemoration of the tragic events of 9/11. Twenty three years ago, our country suffered a terrible tragedy. I was in Mrs. Hiers second period chemistry class when we heard the announcement that a plane had crashed into one of the Twin Towers. I vividly remember watching the news for the entire next period of math, as footage of the second plane striking played on a loop on our tv screen. The overwhelming emotions of fear, sadness, and anxiety consumed me for a very long time.
Similarly, many adults have similar vivid memories of exactly where they were when they learned about the events of 9/11 for the first time. Out of the sadness that often comes with remembering events like this, I hope that we can use this as an opportunity to become a better community together.
Next Wednesday, each site in our district will be taking a moment to reflect on what it means to commemorate: To commemorate can mean to remember something, but remembering an event is only a small part of what it means to commemorate. To honor a memory of a tragic event, we must also commit to remembering and even practicing bravery, resilience, and compassion for others -- other important parts of our memory that are linked to the events of 9/11.
For our moment of reflection, our students will sit or stand in silence all together as a school. During this moment when we are all quiet, we will think about how we can truly commemorate this day by all committing to doing one of the following:
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Be kind to someone. On 9/11 20 years ago, people who didn’t even know one another reached out to pass along kindness and compassion.
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Offer a helping hand. Thousands of firefighters, police officers, and even ordinary people risked their lives for others.
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Get to know someone you don’t already know. Our school community is made up of people who look, think, and experience the world differently. This makes our school a better place. Our differences are our strengths.
As staff and students reflect during the moment of silence, I hope we are truly able to commemorate the bravery, compassion, resilience, and feelings of unity that 9/11 allowed our country to feel in that tragic moment.
In Partnership,
Principal Vern Taylor
Events Calendar
September
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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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19th
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MVWSD Board Meeting, District Office 6pm-10pm -
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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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October
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3rd
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MVWSD Board Meeting, District Office 6pm-10pm
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4th
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Superintendent Community Check In - 3:30pm
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10th
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Teacher-In-Service-Day - No School
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11th
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Recess Day - No School
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14th
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Lifetouch Picture Re-takes
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17th
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MVWSD Board Meeting, District Office 6pm-10pm
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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
Picture Day - September 9th
September 15 to October 15 is National Hispanic American Heritage Month
Items Drop-Offs
Early Pick Up
After School Pick-up and Drop-off
Updating Contact Information
Short-term Independent Study
Reporting an Absence
Gift Card Donation
School Supplies and Voluntary Donation Form
Flyers:
2024 -2025 School Year Calendar - Here
September Menu - Here
Calmer Connections 9/19 - Flyer
District News:
The Board of Trustees will meet on Thursday, Sept. 5 at 6 p.m.
Superintendent's Community Check In on Friday, Sept. 6
Better Together: September
Applying to be a school volunteer this year? Training and help sessions happen this month
Parent University: The Science of Reading, Part 1 of 2
MVEF - Who we are and why we matter - Please donate!
MVEF & PTA/PACT: Why should we donate to both?
PTA News:
Save the Date!! - Details to come
Membership Drive - ends Sept 6
Movie Night - Fri Sept 13
Konstella
Afterschool Enrichment Classes
PTA Board and Committee Positions
Spirit Wear
Website
Community Partners
MV Public Library: Upcoming Parent Event - Flyer
The View Teen Center: September
Mountain View Citywide Garage Sale
The Learning Challenges Committee is looking for members!
MVLA Parent Education Speaker Series: Peggy Orenstein
School News
Golden Ticket Winners August 29, 2024
Allison D. RM: 1 Christopher G. RM: 11
Meher G. RM: 2 Eva F. RM: 12
Alyssa P. RM: 3 Celeste R. RM: 13
Ramses V. RM: 4 Elmer K. RM: 14
Diana K. RM: 6 Alivia R. RM: 15
Kevin G. RM: 8 Millie J. RM: 16
Elias C. RM: 9 Kathrine D. RM: 18
Fotis I. RM: 10 Ms. Gove Office
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.
September 15 to October 15 is National Hispanic American Heritage Month
We celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month to recognize the achievements and contributions of Hispanic American champions who have inspired others to achieve success. Our students will be engaging in activities to learn about the contributions of various Hispanic Americans. Additionally, our PTA and Ms. Bea organized a day of lunchtime activities to highlight some Hispanic cultural activities for our students on September 29, 2024. We will be reaching out for volunteers to help lead these activities.
Items Drop-Offs
Snack/Lunch, music instrument, water bottle, Chromebook, and any other drop-offs
Please ensure your child has everything they need with them for school when you drop off in the morning. We are unable to assist and guarantee personal item distribution each day. I suggest a morning check-list to ensure you have all items. This can also help students build independence as they get older.
Early Pick Up
Do you need to pick up your child early? Please make sure to follow our procedure:
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An approved adult must check in and sign-out students.
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The office will call the classroom and ask for the student to come down.
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Students will be dismissed from the office.
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For security reasons, no one is allowed to go to the classroom to pick up students.
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*Feel free to call the front office to alert us that you are on your own.
After School Pick-up and Drop-off
The drop-off- and pickup lane is for drop off and pick up only.
A few reminders:
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Please do not leave your car unattended on the curb during pick up and drop-off.
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Please wait in your car until students are brought to the main gate.
If you need to park, please use the designated spots only. Parking is limited, so if you need to park, please arrive early and park in our designated spots only.
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**Our School maintains accessibility for people with mobility challenges in accordance with Mountain View’s guidelines. That includes blue reserved parking zones in our parking lot, for physically challenged drivers and passengers. Blue zones are areas reserved for parking by disabled persons. Blue means no standing or parking except by vehicles which display a distinguishing license plate or a placard issued pursuant to Section 2251.5 ("Disabled Persons' Exemption"), or Section 9105 ("Disabled or Blind Veterans"), of the California Vehicle Code.
Updating Contact Information
It is important we have your most current contact information (phone number, email address, emergency contacts). If you have a change or want to add an authorized person to pick up your child, please send an email to our front office staff Ms. Antunez at [email protected] or Ms. McElyea at [email protected] with any changes or updates you may have.
Short-term Independent Study
Short-term Independent Study is a contract that allows students to work independently when there are circumstances that make attending school difficult. Short-term Independent study can range from a minimum of 3 days and a maximum of 14 days per school year. Contracts are approved on a case-by-case basis, require a 2-week notice, and require students to be in good academic and attendance standing.
While we know that some absences cannot be helped, it is important to do your best 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 (2024-2025 School Year Calendar). Our office staff can assist you with contract details: Ms. Antunez [email protected] or Ms. Silvia [email protected].
*Please note, if the contract is not approved, the days will be counted as unexcused and the student may be considered truant.
*Also note that extending vacation is not considered an excused absence. Students will be considered truant if they accumulate absences for vacation purposes.
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.
Gift Card Donation
As you may know, there are several families in our district that need help to meet some basic needs. The district is providing meals every day. But some families need more support for providing food, clothes and shoes for their kids. There is a critical need for gift cards for these families. If you are able, please consider donating a Safeway,Target or Costco gift card to families in our own district. Thanks so much for your help! Let’s show these families how strong and supportive our Vargas community really is!
Please bring the gift cards to the office. If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Bea, School and Community Engagement Facilitator – SCEF- at [email protected].
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
The Board of Trustees will meet on Thursday, Sept. 5 at 6 p.m.
Some of the topics include:
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2023-2024 Unaudited Actual Budget Report
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Resolution: September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
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Contract Approval Process and Ratification
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Budget Advisory Committee
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Social Emotional Learning Instructional Materials
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Workplace Violence Prevention Plan
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Role of School Counselor
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Early Literacy Update
For meeting details and agenda, please click here: https://www.mvwsd.org/trustees.
Superintendent's Community Check In on Friday, Sept. 6
Please join us for our Community Check-In with Dr. Ayindé Rudolph on Friday, Sept. 6 at 3:30 p.m. Bring your questions. Spanish interpretation will be provided. Click here to register: http://mvw.sd/CC96
Better Together: September
A classroom is more than just four walls and desks - it's a vibrant community where students learn, grow, and support each other. #BetterTogether in September highlights how each student contributes their unique talents and perspectives to create a rich learning environment. September 15th also marks the beginning of Hispanic/Latino Heritage Month. Look out for some additional content mid-month. For more information about Better Together, visit mvwsd.org/BetterTogetherMVWSD.
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.
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.
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!
MVEF & PTA/PACT: Why should we donate to both?
Last week at Back to School Night we heard requests for support from our school’s PTA/PACT and MVEF leaders.
Our annual donations to each organization support students in different ways:
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MVEF provides essential programs at every school in MVWSD for all students:
CSMA Art & Music classes, Living Classroom Environmental Science classes, environmental field trips in grades 4-5; plus two middle school ELA teachers reducing class sizes by >20%, supplemental support for clubs, sports, and instruments in grades 6-8.
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PTA/PACT is a “hyper-local” advocacy team of volunteers that support each school site in customized ways to improve family engagement and support classrooms within that school community.
Both MVEF and PTA are 501(c)3 charitable organizations and both rely on tax-deductible donations from families and matching contributions from employers and other organizations. You can donate to MVEF and learn more here and find your PTA donation link here.
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 and help to build our Golden Owl community. We hope to raise $150 per student through membership and donations to make these programs and events possible. Our goal is to have 250 members this year and we are 68% 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].
Movie Night - Fri Sept 13
Join us for an outdoor screening of Inside Out 2 on the field on Friday, Sept 13th (hosted by the PTA). Concession sales (popcorn, pizza, candy, drinks (including boba milk tea) will start at 6:15PM and the movie will begin around 7:00PM. Bring a blanket or a chair and join us! Also, if you’re able to help– sign up on Konstella for a shift to help sell concessions.
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.
The View Teen Center: September
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 on Monday, September 2), and the center features a game room, makerspace, kitchen, computer/study room, and outdoor area. September events include a Teen Wellness Retreat, art classes, a Bike to Boba, and much more. For more information, click here.
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!
MVLA Parent Education Speaker Series: Peggy Orenstein
Let’s Talk About Sex: How a New Generation Navigates Hookups, Porn, Love & Consent
Tuesday, September 17, 2024, 7PM, Los Altos High School - Eagle Theater
In this talk, Orenstein combines her research with voices of both boys and girls (as well as those between or beyond genders), to discuss the impact on high school and college students’ sexual scripts of mainstream media, social media and porn; hookup culture; changing expectations around consent; the politics of sexual pleasure; the diversity of sexual orientations; gendered power dynamics. With humor and compassion, she separates myth from reality, ultimately giving parents, educators and young people the conversational tools they need to ensure safe, pleasurable, mutually satisfying sexual encounters and intimate relationships. Register for this free event here.