Quetzal News
Gabriela Mistral's News November 4, 2020
Ms. O's Message
Good morning Quetzal Families:
It has been a very stressful week waiting for elections results! It feels that it has been ages since Tuesday! As I wait for the final results, I’ve had some time to think about my duty as your principal at Mistral. I believe in importance of reflecting on ways to improve our teaching on equity, diversity, and the awareness of the existence of racism and discrimination.
Unfortunately today discrimation and hatred still exist in spite of the fact that we have globally suffered a pandemic that has changed our lives in multiple ways. As we live in Covid era, we learn that it has affected us beyond our health. It affects our emotional wellbeing, our finances, and our mental health. We seem to think that when extraordinary situations like this occur, there will be a drastic change in people’s thinking and actions. Unfortunately, recent events of vandalism that occurred on some of our school sites, show us differently. These incidents and active discussions with colleagues on this topic, made me reflect on my circle of influence. Therefore, I wanted to remind us of the responsibility that we all have in the education of our children. Let’s have those difficult conversations and actively teach our students about choosing kindness and love over hatred and discrimination. We should pause and think about Nelson Mandela’s powerful words, “No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.”
November 6 is the end of our first trimester. We have early dismissal at 11:20am. You will receive students’ digital report cards on November 20th. Please contact your child’s teacher in the event that you have any questions in regards to your son or daughter’s academic performance.
Veterans Day is coming up this Wednesday, November 11. Let’s remember to honor all of those who have served the country in war or peace, dead or alive. This day is largely intended to thank living veterans for their sacrifices. Historical fact: It was originally called Armistice Day, commemorating the end of World War I. Grab and go lunch for Wednesday will be distributed on Tuesday, November 2.
Have a great rest of the week!
Ms. Olaciregui
Principal
“The time is always right, to do what is right”. Martin Luther King Jr.
Upcoming Events
- END of trimester 1 - Minimum Day
November 9, 2020
November 11, 2020
- Veterans Day: NO SCHOOL
November 12, 2020
- 6:00pm - 7:00pm: Parent workshop
November 20, 2020
- Report Cards sent home (electronically)
November 25 - 27, 2020
- Thanksgiving Break: NO SCHOOL
District News
Parent University: Supporting Math at Home during Distance Learning and Beyond
Join us on Wednesday, November 18th from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. for our next Parent University event: Supporting Math at Home during Distance Learning and Beyond.
MVWSD Landels Elementary Principal Heidi Galassi will share several resourceful strategies for supporting math learning and achievement at home:Are you confused about which math program to use at home?
Learn how to boost math achievement K-8th
Support your child at home with math homework
Learn new ways to enrich and deepen math concepts
Get your child ready for Algebra
Spanish interpretation is provided. Register here: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcvdOqorTgtGtXg5trN1qiFh5EefCHgIAm1
Your Donations Matter! Please Give Now For This School Year!
MVEF funds important programs including weekly art and music classes at every elementary school with CSMA, NGSS aligned science through Living Classrooms, environmental science lessons through Environmental Volunteers, STEAM teacher professional development, instrument repair and purchase, middle school science equipment and electives, wellness and more! This important programming is made possible through the generosity of parents like you! Thank you for your support! Make a donation at https://www.mvef.org/donateMVLA: “How to Raise a Boy: The Power of Connection to Build Good Men”
The MVLA Speakers Series presents: Michael Reichert on “How to Raise a Boy: The Power of Connection to Build Good Men” on Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2020 - 7:00 - 9:00pm | Live Online
Michael Reichert, Ph.D., is a clinical and research psychologist who has worked with children in a variety of contexts for over 30 years. Challenging conventional ideas of how boys learn and grow, Dr. Reichert’s research underscores the importance of a relational approach in raising and educating boys to nurture their strength and resilience. Offering a timely consideration of how boyhood has undergone an historic shift, Dr. Reichert will focus on helping parents, teachers, and boys themselves adapt, especially as we face today’s unprecedented challenges.
Dr. Reichert will also comment on our current situation with distance learning and its impact on boys.
Audience: Parents, teachers, coaches, and mentors of young boys and teens
Register: To register for this free event go to https://mvla2020-21-michaelreichert.eventbrite.com
Books: https://www.booksinc.net/book/9780593189085MVLA Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Weekend - Virtual Run / Walk
See the attached flyers for registration information.