Quetzal News
Gabriela Mistral News, September 23, 2021
From Ms. O's Desk
Dear Quetzal Families,
Yesterday, we started the autumn season with the arrival of the fall equinox. This is also called the ‘astronomical fall”, although most of the time it feels like the middle of summer. The autumn equinox is the time when the day and night are approximately the same length, and it kicks off the fall season. With the beginning of the autumn season, and the changes of colors in our trees, we also start to prepare for the holidays season. Let’s remember that with Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, and Christmas, comes a time to reflect on our lives, actions, and attitudes towards life. As the adults around our students and children, we have the obligation to provide a positive modeling for our students. Simple actions of kindness and gratitude go a long way. With this in mind, I invite you this week to take some time to work on our students’ self esteem. Self esteem it’s a key component for success in everyone’s life. Our high or low self-esteem is related to our practice of self acceptance. Encourage your child to embrace their strengths and work on areas of growth from a position of acceptance and love of oneself. Some good strategies to support this at home are:
Focus on small achievements
Set manageable goals
Seek out positive experiences
Consider a reward system
Set realistic expectations
Increase sense of ownership
Praise and acknowledge accomplishments
Embrace growth mindsets
Don’t compare one child to another
Next week, we are having an extraordinary ELAC and School Site Council meeting in order to seek input for our SPSA (Single Plan of Student Achievement). I look forward to meeting with you and listening to your ideas for learning and recovery plan. Please also remember to vote for our School Site Council representative this year. Click here to find a short summary of our candidates.
Our district is working hard on getting onsite Covid testing. Please check your inbox for the email from supt@mvwsd.org for more details on COVID testing, how to upload your child’s COVID documents to PowerSchool and how to up the effectiveness of kids’ COVID masks. Look for an email with important information on this matter. Here are some of the highlights from the email:
The supply of test kits and personnel is increasing. As a result, we anticipate that we can start full-scale testing on campuses by mid-October.
Parents can now upload to PowerSchool the important COVID documents that will help expedite students’ return to school after a COVID exposure.
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Stay safe, watch your distance, wear a mask, and wash your hands.The three big W’s are not getting old! Have a great rest of your week!
Respectfully,
Claudia Olaciregui, Principal
Calendar
September 28, 2021
- ELAC/SSC Link
September 29, 2021
- PTA Meeting
October 5, 2021
- Principal Coffee with Ms. O (6:00pm-7:00pm)
October 10-11, 2021
- NO SCHOOL (Teacher in service day)
October 18, 2021
- Picture retakes
October 21, 2021
- ELAC Meeting (6:00pm-7:00pm)
District News
COVID updates: Testing and PowerSchool uploads
Upcoming testing: The supply of test kits and personnel is increasing. As a result, we anticipate that we can start full-scale testing on campuses by mid-October. In the meantime, you may see our schools practicing testing procedures in preparation. Click here for a video showing what student testing will look like.
PowerSchool Uploads: Parents can now upload to PowerSchool the important COVID documents that will help expedite students’ return to school after a COVID exposure. Please take a moment now to upload your documentation. After logging in to https://ps.mvwsd.org/public, parents will be able to click on the “COVID reporting” icon to upload 1) students’ proof of COVID vaccination and 2) Past positive COVID test. Here’s how to upload. Let us know if you have trouble accessing PowerSchool.
No school for students on October 11 and 12
Monday, October 11th is a recess day (no school for students and staff). Tuesday, October 12th is a staff development day, which means no school for students but a staff development/work day for teachers, school secretaries and 12-month classified staff.
Up the effectiveness of kids’ COVID masks
Please click here for tips.
Board approved air quality protocols
The Board recently approved the MVWSD Air Quality Index Plan. On bad air days, decisions about actions, activities cancellations or school closure will be made based on AirNow measurements and the MVWSD Air Quality Index Chart. To view the MVWSD AQI chart and the live AirNow measurement, please see https://www.mvwsd.org/parents/virtual_wellness_center/air_quality.
More than a meal: Reasons to Apply for Free-or-Reduced School Meals
Did you know that filling out a free-or-reduced price school meal application each year can benefit not only your family but also your children’s schools? Before Sept. 30, please fill out your back-to-school 2021 application by visiting: https://secure.ezmealapp.com. Only one application per household is needed.
Your donations to MVEF support CSMA Art and Music!
Did you know that your donations to MVEF support CSMA art and music for your student? The CSMA programs for TK-4th began September 13th! Fifth grade art and music started August 31st! MVEF thanks the talented teaching artists and musicians who guide all MVWSD students to reach their potential with patient instruction and support. Please donate to support all MVWSD students at mvef.org/donate
MV Public Library Events: In Conversation with Joanna Ho, Learn + Explore with Science Comics Author Jason Viola
The Mountain View Public Library presents “In Conversation with Joanna Ho” on Wednesday, Sep. 29 from 7-7:45 p.m. on Zoom. Joanna Ho, bestselling author of Eyes That Kiss in the Corners, is a writer and educator with a passion for anti-bias and equity work. Come with your questions about kids, self-acceptance and anti-racism. Registration required: mountainview.gov/librarycalendar.
On Tuesday, Oct. 12 from 1-2 p.m., join the MV Public Library for an interactive look at how Science Comics are made with graphic novel author Jason Viola. Recommended for children ages 7-12. Registration required: mountainview.gov/librarycalendar.