Important Dates to Remember
Aug 25 Spirit Day - Beach Day: dress in beach wear
Aug 30 8:30am ELAC Meeting – Staff room
Sept 4 Labor Day holiday – No school
Sept 8 6-7:00pm PTA Ice Cream Social – Black top
Sept 18-22 Fall Book Fair
Sept 27 8:30am ELAC/Principals Coffee – Staff room
Oct 10 Picture Day
Oct 12 Teacher Service Day – No School
Oct 13 Recess Day – No School
Oct 20 3:00pm Walkathon
Roar Recognitions
Aiden O. – Room 6
Aina G.B. – Room 14
Aira A. – Room 7
America S.M. – Room 10
Caralee W. – Room 4
Caroline A. – Room 11
Claire P. – Room 13
Grayson S. – Room 16
Esther K. – Room 5
Evan Y. – Room 6
Hannah C. – Room 18
John D. – Room 8
Joshua R. – Room 18
Karthik R. – Room 12
Kazuki H. – Room 4
Lillian G. – Room 9
Logan C. – Room 13
Naoto H. – Room 11
Riaan R. – Room 10
Scarlett P. – Room 8
Theo K. – Room 5
Toma I. – Room 14
Trisha M. – Room 9
Victoria H. – Room 12
Landels News
Dear Landels Families,
It was great to see you all at Back-to-School Night! I hope you had a chance to get to know your child’s teacher and understand the expectations for this school year. I am so grateful for your support and look forward to a very successful partnership this year. When students, families and school staff work together, there’s nothing we can’t accomplish! Also a big thanks to all the families that donated food for staff on Back-to-School Night - we appreciate you!
Today, students that went above and beyond in the summer learning challenge got to pie me in the face. Check out more of the action and pictures on Instagram or Facebook.
Tomorrow is our first spirit day: Beach Day. Students can dress in beach wear. All clothing and footwear needs to be school appropriate and should not distract students while in class.
Thank you!
Pieter Dolmans
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 or Target gift card to families in our own district. Thanks so much for your help! Let’s show these families how strong and supportive our Landels 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].
Attendance is Important
Research shows that school attendance is a strong indicator of success. It's about students learning what they need to know, belonging to the school community, and being part of the team that is preparing them with good habits for high school.
Regular school attendance is required by the state law, and is included in the District’s Local Control Accountability plan (LCAP) and reported in the California School Dashboard. State law requires MVWSD to notify parents whose students are truant or chronically absent.
What’s an Excused vs. Not Excused absence? Illness (including quarantining due to COVID), doctor’s appointments, bereavement, and certain religious exercises are excused absences. Please see MVWSD board policy for the full list. All other reasons are not considered excused.
Are Vacations / Travel Excused? Unfortunately, family vacation or travel is not excused – even when you inform your teacher or the office. This comes as a surprise for parents. We appreciate you letting us know so that you will not receive a call from the auto-dialer asking you to verify the absence.
When do parents get truancy letters? California law requires MVWSD to notify parents of truancy. Any three unexcused absences and/ or tardies over 30 minutes means a child is truant.
Reporting an Absence - school starts at 8:15am and attendance will be taken during class check-in. If your child is absent, please call the attendance line at 650-526-3520 x 2 by 8:30am or email Stefani at [email protected]. If we do not know the reason for the absence, your child will be marked unexcused. If you are late or you have a dentist or doctor’s appointment during class time, please call the school office.
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 email our front office staff, Ms. Stefani @ [email protected] with any changes or updates you may have.
Short-Term Independent Studies
If you are planning on scheduling family vacations, please make every effort to schedule around our instructional calendar. You can also find minimum days outside our regularly scheduled early release Thursdays for scheduling appointments for your scholar. If your plans include your child missing 3-15 days of school, please notify the front office to discuss a short-term independent studies contract to minimize the impact of missed school days.
Medication Forms
If your child requires medication to be kept at school, please pick up medication release forms from the office during our first week of school and return ASAP (we cannot administer any medication without the form). Please note that all medication, even over the counter ones, need a medication form signed by your doctor.
School Supplies and Voluntary Donations
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.
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.
MVWSD News
Sown to Grow
MVWSD is again partnering with Sown to Grow for the 2023-24 school year for grades K-6. Sown to Grow is a platform designed to promote safe and supportive classrooms. Through student check-ins and reflective activities, students are encouraged to engage in self-awareness, set personal goals, and develop essential social and emotional skills. This data allows teachers, principals, and counselors to proactively reach out to support student needs. For more information, please read the attached letter. Sown to Grow Letter (English)
CAASPP scores are now available
CAASPP student (ELA, Math, CAA) score reports (from the Spring tests) were recently released by the state and are now available for parents on the PowerSchool Parent Portal (under “Score Reports” - choose the 2022-23 school year). To learn more about how to understand your child’s CAASPP score report, go to the Starting Smarter website at https://www.ca.startingsmarter.org/. If you need assistance with logging on to the Powerschool Parent Portal, please contact your student’s school.
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.
Looking for an afterschool program? Read on to see if your child qualifies for MVWSD+!
A student qualifies for the free MVWSD+ afterschool program if one or both of the following conditions are true:
· The student is an English Learner (EL). EL status is established via the results of the Initial ELPAC exam, which is being administered to certain students in August and September. Results are usually available within two weeks of the completion of testing. If you have questions about the Initial ELPAC exam, please contact Leticia Corcoran at [email protected].
· The student qualifies for free or reduced price lunches based on federal income guidelines. At this time, lunch for all children is free, but this may not always be the case. To fill out the application for free or reduced lunch, please go to ezmealapp.com. Qualifying students’ data is collected at the state level and usually appears in the district’s data system within two weeks. If you have questions, please contact your school office.
Soon after a student’s EL or Free/Reduced Lunch Status changes to indicate he/she qualifies for MVWSD+, you will receive an email from the MVWSD+ Team inviting your child to enroll.
For questions or troubleshooting, please reach out to [email protected] or Jennifer Nunez at (650) 526-3500 x1061.
MVWSD seeking District Equity Advisory Committee members
MVWSD is continuing our work by engaging meaningfully with the community on issues of equity through the District Equity Advisory Committee (DEAC). The goal of the DEAC is to provide feedback to the Superintendent on how to support MVWSD towards achieving its goals of becoming a more equitable and inclusive school district.
We are seeking a combination of district-level leaders, principals, teachers, staff members, and parent participants who represent the interests of both elementary and middle schools. Committee members will be expected to attend and participate virtually in meetings held monthly (on average) online in the evening hours.
If you’re interested in participating, please complete the application here.
Volunteer with MVEF!
MVEF needs 1-3 additional volunteers at each school in MVWSD. MVEF school representatives help the families at their school understand what MVEF is and why it exists so that they are inspired to donate and spread the word about the impact of MVEF funding. MVEF also needs volunteers to help with planning our annual Gala and other community events. To learn more, visit: https://www.mvef.org/volunteer
August/September CAC and LCC Events
SELPA 1 CAC and the Learning Challenge Committee are your groups for special education and broader learning challenge needs. We are ALL having learning challenges right now, and CAC and LCC are here to help. If you have questions about learning challenges and special education needs, email [email protected] or check out www.selpa1cac.org
We encourage families to learn about the sensory needs all children: Try a Sensory Diet
General Parent/Community Meeting
August 28, 9 am
with Special Ed. Directors & Staff, Zoom at 9:00 am for LCC and 9:15 am for CAC. We will be planning for the year, discussing upcoming programs and having a question period for administrators. For our agenda, please join our Google group, https://groups.google.com/g/selpa1cac. Register at: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEvd-qorDwsH9UXSPmOtja90uQqRnD9kef3
Parent Chat
September 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 [email protected] for invite.
September 13, 10 am Morning Let’s Talk - IEP/504 support group. Have questions about the process to get help for your child? Have an IEP but are not sure how to make changes? Need to vent? This is your confidential group. Register at: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZModeirqToiHdQpAOpxx4g3NaLHuElaLtJs
Missed our Parent Education events last year?
We have a YouTube channel with many of our past events including last year’s Inclusive Fun Fair for summer camps and recreational activities, Anxiety and Depression in Children with Learning Challenges, SMART Goals and IEP Troubleshooting, and more. Channel is here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuy7IcVz-4LTDxv2Jaq13nw
Living Classroom seeking Docents!
Do you enjoy spending time with kids and being outdoors? Volunteer with Living Classroom to teach fun, engaging STEM-based lessons in your local MVWSD school! No prior teaching experience is necessary. For more information on our volunteer program, please visit: https://www.living-classroom.org/get-involved.html or email [email protected].
Hazardous Household Waste Drop Off event on Aug 26
The City will be hosting a Hazardous Household Waste Drop Off event on Aug 26, 2023. It is a free event for residents of Santa Clara County to safely dispose of unwanted household hazardous wastes, including paint, batteries, electronics, auto fluids, pesticides, garden chemicals, propane tanks, fluorescent and LED lightbulbs, household cleaners and more. See the attached flyer.
Housing and Eviction Help Center
The City of Mountain View's Rent Stabilization Program runs the Housing and Eviction Help Center (HEHC) at the MV Public Library to provide housing-related support to the community, including information about housing programs and legal resources. These services are available on 1st and 3rd Thursdays (walk-ins welcome or virtually at mountainview.gov/housinghelpclinics) from 6 - 8 p.m. For more information, see flyers attached or visit mountainview.gov/evictionprevention.
SCCOE Family Engagement Symposium 2023: Sept. 9
Join SCCOE’s upcoming free Family Engagement Symposium “Belonging Begins with Me” on Saturday, Sept 9, 2023. Workshops include Family Writing Activity - Writing Your Belonging Story, Establishing Your Financial Roots, How to Raise and Nurture an Antiracist Family, and more! Register here: https://sccoe.to/PEPBelongingSept9
PTA News
First Fridays PTA Social Hour: Friday, Sept 1 at 8:15am, back gate
Come hang out, drink coffee and chat with other parents after drop off! We will alternate between front and back gates this year. Look for the signs that morning.
Walk & Roll Wednesdays: Sept 6, 7:45-8:15am
On the first Wednesday of every month, we invite students to walk, roll, bike, or scoot to school. This encourages a healthy lifestyle and less car traffic on the roads. There will be eight chances this year to participate. If you do it at least five times, you will win a Root Beer Float Party in May. Note: parking at least a block away and walking to school counts! Punch cards will be given out on Sept 6. Passionate about the cause? We’re looking for adults and 5th graders to commit eight mornings (7:45am-8:15am) this year to help punch cards. Click here or email [email protected].
Ice Cream Social: Friday, Sept 8 at 6:00pm
The PTA invites you to our first Ice Cream Social of the year! We’ll provide the ice cream, you bring toppings to share. Ideas include sprinkles, oreos, whipped cream, chocolate sauce, marshmallows, gummy bears, etc. Click here to help.
School-wide Playdate: Saturday, Sept 9 at 10:00am
Come play with friends, new and old, on Saturday, September 9th from 10am-12pm at Landels!
After-School Enrichment Classes
We still have some spaces open, especially in the art class for grades 3-5! Registration is open. Check Konstella for the links. Questions? [email protected]
Volunteer Opportunities
Ready to start volunteering? We have lots of things you can help with, big OR small! PTA is especially looking for: Lunchtime Activity Lead, Project Cornerstone Readers and Room Parents. To learn more, click here or reach out to [email protected]
Want to learn more about the PTA?
Check out our website for all the PTA details! www.landelspta.org We also have a new survey out for the community to tell us how PTA can make the most impact this year.
Konstella Tip
Did you know you can sync the Konstella calendar to your personal one? Click here (after you’ve signed up) and sync the Event Calendar which includes all PTA events, school holidays, etc!
Flyers
August/September CAC and LCC Events
Living Classroom seeking Docents!
Hazardous Household Waste Drop Off event on Aug 26
Housing and Eviction Help Center
PTA Ice Cream Social
Lunch menu for August
2023-24 School Calendar