Quetzal News
December 6, 2023
From Ms. O's Desk
Dear Quetzal Families,
As the winter holidays approach, we want to remind you that students will continue important lessons and it is important that they attend school each day so they don’t miss out. This is also an exciting time with school performances and other fun activities that you don’t want your child to miss out on. Make sure that they are at school every day so they can take part.
We know many families enjoy traveling during the holiday break. As a reminder, the winter break is December 23- January 8. Please ensure you do not take your child out of school before that time. Please ensure they are back at school on Tuesday, January 9. Have a safe and enjoyable break!
The Mistral Walkathon was a great success! We raised over $35,000 for the PTA–funds that will be used for field trips, assemblies, after school classes, and more! These funds really make an impact on our school and students.
A huge thank you to all the families who contributed to the Walkathon: marking laps, setting up, making food, selling Spirit Wear, and more! And a thank you to all the students who walked and raised $ for our school!
Congratulations to our prize winners:
Three classes that raised the most pledges (win a class party of their choice pizza or donuts and 15 minutes of extra recess the following Friday):
- Maestra Carmen (1st Grade)
- Maestra Iris (Kinder)
- Maestra Rosas (Kinder)
Three classes with the most parent volunteers (win an ice cream social):
- Maestra Ohlfs (5th Grade)
- Maestra Leon (4th Grade)
- Maestra Whaley (2nd Grade)
Students in each grade who raised the most pledges (win a top donor pin from Ms. O and a $25 ColdStone gift card):
- TK: Eleanor D. and Mei O.
- Kinder: Charles O. and Darion H. (who also had the most individual pledges)
- 1st: Sofia J.
- 2nd: Aurora I.
- 3rd: Max L.
- 4th: Audrey L. and Ren L.
- 5th: Lucia R.
I hope you all have a wonderful rest of the week!
Claudia Olaciregui, Principal
CALENDAR
December 22
- School Spirit Day - Holiday Attire!
December 25-Jan 5
- Winter Break
DISTRICT NEWS
The Board of Trustees will meet on Thursday, Dec. 7 at 6:00 p.m.
Some of the topics include:
Board Policy: Use of School Facilities
Approval of Joint Use Agreement with the City of Mountain View
Reimagining Castro Elementary Plan Scope
Equity Scorecard: Pilot and Future Use
For meeting details and agenda, please click here: https://www.mvwsd.org/trustees.
Superintendent's Community Check In on Friday, Dec. 8
Please join us for our Community Check-In with Dr. Ayindé Rudolph on Friday, Dec. 8 at 3:30 p.m. Bring your questions. Spanish interpretation will be provided. Click here to register: http://mvw.sd/CC128.
Open Enrollment for 2024-25 starts in January
In January, the Mountain View Whisman School District will be opening student enrollment for next fall.
For CURRENT students in transitional kindergarten-7th grade: Parents will be asked by email to confirm enrollment from January 22 to February 9.
For families enrolling NEW students: Please check www.mvwsd.org/register for details about virtual school information meetings held in January (http://mvw.sd/meetings), how to locate your neighborhood school, how to explore school options and the four steps to register during the enrollment period held January 22 to February 9.
Better Together: December
Join us in celebrating Human Rights Day on Sunday, December 10th. As a school community, let's empower young minds to embrace diversity, challenge biases, and stand up for justice. This special day is a perfect opportunity to engage in conversations with our kids about the importance of equality and respect for all. Together, we can shape a world where every voice is heard and every person is treated with kindness. For more information about Better Together, visit mvwsd.org/BetterTogetherMVWSD.
MVEF Update: Save us a Call
The amount donated to MVEF so far this year is slightly less than in previous years. MVEF volunteers will soon be reaching out directly to inform our community about the need for donations each year. You can save us a call by donating today! Visit mvef.org/donate today!
This year, community donations to MVEF are providing:
More than 8,500 Art4Schools lessons in 130 TK-5th Grade classrooms.
Over 17,000 Music4Schools lessons in 170 TK-5th Grade Classrooms.
Over 500 Living Classroom lessons for all students in TK-6th grade.
Environmental Science lessons and field trips for all 4th and 5th graders.
Additional English Language Arts teachers to reduce the average class size in grades 6-8.
Supplemental funding for Performing Arts, Music, and Athletics Teams in grades 6-8.
When we achieve our fundraising goals, we can do even more for our students!
December CAC and LCC Events
SELPA 1 CAC and the Learning Challenge Committee are your groups for special education and broader learning challenge needs. If you have questions about learning challenges and special education needs, email selpa1cacinfo@gmail.com or check out www.selpa1cac.org
We encourage families to learn about the sensory needs all children: Try a Sensory Diet
Parent Chat
December 12, 10 am
Are you concerned about the emotional well-being of your child? Peer to peer support for parents of teens with mental health challenges. Every second Tuesday of the month at 10 am on Google Meet. Meeting is for 1 hour only due to Google Meet limitations. Contact trudy.palmer@me.com for invite.
What’s in an IEP? Advocating for your child
Presented by Gabriela Torres, Managing Attorney and Leah Kang, Senior Attorney
Fri, Jan 19, 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm , Register to get your Zoom link
Join Palo Alto CAC and Disability Rights California virtually to learn what is Specially Designed Instruction and how the use of Supplementary Aids and Services can help children with disabilities achieve their education satisfactorily in the general educational environment according to LRE provision of IDEA. Flyer Questions? paloaltocac@gmail.com
The View Teen Center: December
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. (on no school days or minimum days, The View Teen Center is open 1-6 p.m.), and the center features a game room, makerspace, kitchen, computer/study room, outdoor area, and much more! See attached flyer for details about upcoming events and programs in December or visit their webpage for more information.
Letters to Santa
This holiday season, all children who are residents of Mountain View can put together their wish lists and letters and send them to Santa! In return, Santa will mail a letter back! Letters will be accepted until Friday, Dec. 8. There are two ways for Santa to receive letters: 1) Drop off in Santa’s mailbox located at the Mountain View Community Center (201 S. Rengstorff Avenue) or 2) Mail letter to: City of Mountain View Recreation Division c/o Santa Claus P.O. box 7540, Mountain View, CA 94039. Don’t forget to include a return address! For more information, contact Recreation@MountainView.gov.
MV Public Library: Parenting Program
Join the MV Public Library for a book club discussion of Never Enough by Jennifer Wallace on Wednesday, January 17 on Zoom from 12:00pm - 1:00pm or in person from 7:30pm - 8:30pm. Read the book or listen to interviews with the author. Then join either meeting to discuss the effects of achievement culture on youth and ways to help teens feel that they matter and are valued. Registration is required.