Important Dates to Remember
Apr 28 3-4pm School Site Council Meeting
Apr 29 CAASPP Testing 3rd 4th and 5th Grade ELA
May 1 CAASPP Testing 3rd 4th and 5th Grade ELA
May 1 5-6 pm Reclassification Ceremony and Celebration, Crittenden MS
May 3 11-12 pm Campus Cleanup
May 5-9 Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week
May 6-8 CAASPP Testing 3rd 4th and 5th Grade Math
May 8 11am-12:10 pm 5th Grade CSMA Music Concerts
May 13 iReady Diagnostic 3 – Math
May 15 iReady Diagnostic 3 – Reading
May 15 12:10-1:10 pm Bookmobile
May 19 8:30-11:30 am 5th grade Tour of Graham Middle School
May 19 3-4 pm School Site Council Meeting
May 21 8:15-9:15 am Principals Coffee/ELAC Meeting, Staff room
May 21 8:30-9:50 am 5th grade Living History, MUR
May 26 Memorial Day – No school
May 30 End of Trimester – Minimum day
June 2 5th Grade Picnic, walking field trip to Whisman Park
June 4 1:15pm-2:50 pm 5th Grade Promotion and Clap Out
June 5 Last Day of School
Landels News
Dear Landels Families,
Our 5th graders completed their first 2 days of state testing. They showed up and tried their best on the science test - way to go! Next week, our 3rd, 4th and 5th graders will be taking the ELA tests. They are excited to show what they know!
Math Olympiad Highlights
We are excited to celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of our 4th and 5th grade Lions who took part in the Math Olympiad (MOEMS), competing alongside over 90,000 students worldwide! With 20 students representing Landels, their hard work and dedication truly paid off!
Caleb M placed in the Top 2% worldwide
Hannah C earned a spot in the Top 10% worldwide
4 students placed in the Top 20% worldwide
7 students ranked in the Top 50% worldwide
Huge congratulations to all our amazing participants:
Caleb M, Hannah C, Vivaan S, Toma I, Luka M, Oliver N, Aksh S, Bodhi H, Daria B, Olivia P, Joshua H, Daniil Z, Mate D, Ananyaa G, Ethan N, Seha S, Aiden R, Patrick H, Andrea C, and Aditi S.
A heartfelt thank you to our dedicated parent volunteers: Shivika Nayyar, Prerna Sharma, and Joann Avina.
Administrative Professionals’ Day
On April 23rd, we celebrated Ms. Ann, Ms. Stef, and Ms. Bea for all their contributions to the Landels community. We are so fortunate to have three compassionate, hardworking and dedicated women in our front office. Make sure to say thanks next time you see them!
Class Placement
In the upcoming weeks, the Landels teachers and I will be collaborating to create class lists for the next school year. Decisions we make with regard to your child’s future placement reflect our best professional judgment as to where they will be the most successful. When grouping students, we strive to create a positive learning environment for all students and consider many factors, including academics and special needs. If there is additional information that you feel would be helpful for us to know, please fill out this survey by May 9th. Please note that we are NOT accepting requests for specific teachers.
School Site Council (SSC)
We are beginning to recruit for next year’s School Site Council. Landels’ School Site Council is composed of five parents and five staff members. The School Site Council helps develop goals and actions for Landels’ School Plan for Student Achievement (SPSA or site plan in short). They must also approve the site plan before it goes to the board. If you are interested in running to be a member of our SSC, please complete this Self-Nomination Google Form by Friday, April 25th. More information about SSC can be found here.
Thank you!
Pieter Dolmans
Summer Reading Books Needed!
We all know how important reading is to academic success. It is especially important for all of our students to keep up their reading over the summer. Do you have books that your family has outgrown and that you can donate to other families at Landels for summer reading? If so, please bring them to Ms. Bea in the office. She will make sure that they find a good home for the summer. All levels of books are needed. Thank you for your generosity.
MVWSD News
The Board of Trustees will meet on Thursday, April 24. Closed session will begin at 4:30 p.m., and open/public session begins at 6 p.m.
Some of the topics include:
· Update on MVWSD+ Expanded Learning Programs
· Resolutions: Day of the Teacher; Classified School Employee Week
· Formation of a Non-Profit Corporation to Govern Staff Housing
· Resolution Recognizing Jewish American Heritage Month
· Resolution Recognizing Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month
For meeting details and agenda, please click here: https://www.mvwsd.org/trustees.
Health and Wellness: Neurodiversity Awareness
Neurodiversity is the idea that natural variation exists in how people’s brains work. This idea is that there is no “correct” way for the brain to work. Instead, there is a wide range of ways that people perceive and respond to the world, including those with ADHD, autism and learning differences. Differences are not viewed as deficits, but rather valuable variations in the way people experience the world. Embracing neurodiversity fosters inclusivity.
As part of bringing awareness to neurodiversity, the Organization for Autism Research (OAR) has awarded the Mountain View Whisman School District a grant that includes materials for students to learn and understand how to be a good friend and understand similarities and differences in one another. For example, students learn about their similarities and differences by asking each other if they have a pet or if they like to eat vegetables, etc. School Counselors are sharing these materials with students and teachers. Let’s celebrate our differences and join our students in being aware of one another’s different lenses on the world so that we can be good friends, neighbors, classmates, or coworkers.
Parent University: Preparing for High school
Date and Time: May 6, 2025, 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. Registration Link: https://mvw.sd/pu050625r
Do you have a child who is about to enter high school? Join us at our final Parent University session of the year to learn about high school campus life from students and staff at Los Altos High School and Mountain View High School. This session will focus on supporting the social and emotional growth of students, and tips to support academic success as they navigate a complex new school experience.
To submit questions prior to the event, go to mvw.sd/questions. We will do our best to address your question during the session.
Parent U: Preparing for Middle School recordings available
If you missed the last Parent University presentation, “Preparing for Middle School,” recordings are available in English and Spanish. For past Parent U materials, visit mvwsd.org/ParentU.
Imai Children's Business Fair
Come shop and support young entrepreneurs at the Imai Elementary Children's Business Fair on Saturday, May 3, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM! 2nd–5th grade students will be selling their handmade creations, ranging from crafts to carnival games. With 30 student-run businesses and food trucks available, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. This is a cash-only event, so please bring small bills and coins!
22nd Annual MWVSD Chess Tournament
The 22nd Annual MVWSD Chess Tournament will be held on Sunday, May 4, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at Landels Elementary and is open to all elementary and middle school students in the district. Registration is free at tinyurl.com/mvwsdchess, and the deadline is May 1. New this year is a “For Fun” Division open to all ages and skill levels—no registration required, just drop in and play! For questions, contact tournament coordinator Angela Klittmark at [email protected].
DON’T MISS OUT ON THE MVEF ONLINE AUCTION - LAST CHANCE TO BROWSE & BID ON OVER 100 AMAZING ITEMS! ONLY A FEW DAYS LEFT…
Everyone, near or far, can participate in supporting vital programs for all MVWSD students!
The ONLINE AUCTION closes Saturday, April 26th at 7:30 pm.
We have something for everyone, with categories including:
· Private community parties and dinners for adults and kids (hosted by parents like you)
· Summer camps
· Sports events and activities
· Educational activities
· Professional services
· Food and drink experiences for adults and kids
· And much more!
Click here to browse and bid today!
ENTER THE RAFFLE & BID ON THESE WONDERFUL PRIZES!
· 4 tickets to Great America (Value: $320)
· Wine Tasting for 6 at Concannon Vineyard (Value: $180)
· Party Charcuterie Board of Your Choice (Value: $200)
Get your raffle tickets today!
ALSO, EXPLORE OUR EXCITING LIVE AUCTION ITEMS!
Live Event attendees can participate in the LIVE AUCTION, in which donated experiences will go to the highest bidders! Preview the LIVE AUCTION items here:
· Vacation getaways – Half Moon Bay, Bear Valley & Mendocino Coast
· Concert tickets – Shoreline Amphitheatre
· Family Memories Photography Session
· 7-night stay at a luxurious Los Cabos resort
· Taco Party for 50 people & much more!
Thank you for your support!
PTA News
Landels Holi playdate: Cancelled
Due to the rain forecasted for this Saturday, April 26th, we've decided to cancel the Landels Holi playdate. We hope to host this event next year with better weather!
Lunch-time Dance for Grades 1-3
The PTA is happy to be providing free Dance/Zumba for the next few Tuesdays this spring during the second half of Grades 1-3 lunch. MVWSD-parent and volunteer Zuliya Shingareva will provide music and some dance instruction with the goal of encouraging kids to have fun with dance.This activity is open to all students, and kids participate voluntarily as they wish. There is no registration, no attendance call, and no advance notice needed. Tuesdays for the next two weeks, and throughout May if we have enough participation. Questions? Email Luis at [email protected] or ask any of your Landels PTA Board members.
Campus Clean-Up Day: Sat, May 3rd, 11 - 12pm
Join other Landels families for an hour to clean up our campus! Meet at the picnic tables. PTA will provide disposable gloves, trash bags and snacks. Please wear closed-toed shoes and bring trash bags, trash grabber, and sturdy gloves if you have them.
Chess Tournament on Sun, May 4th, 10am - 4pm
The 22nd Annual MVWSD Chess Tournament, sponsored by district PTAs, is going to be held on Sunday, May 4th, from 10am - 4pm at Landels. It is open to all elementary school and middle school students across the district. Registration is free to all. Please come and enjoy a day of friendly competition and camaraderie! The registration form and instructions can be found at tinyurl.com/mvwsdchess, and the deadline for registration is May 1.
NEW for 2025: Is your child interested in playing chess but doesn't yet know all the rules and how to check-mate? Are you an adult chess enthusiast who wants to play? The "For Fun" Division will be an organized set of matches held outdoors on the day of the tournament that anyone can participate in, regardless of age and skill level. You will be paired up with another player around your level. Student volunteers (alumni of past tournaments) will be on-hand to provide guidance and tips as needed. There's no need to register for the "For Fun" division, just come by on the day of the tournament and play! Any questions can be sent to Angela Klittmark, tournament coordinator, at [email protected].
Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week: May 5th - 9th
It’s time to show our Landels teachers and staff how much we appreciate their hard work this year! Ask your room parent or email [email protected] to help or with questions.
· Saturday, May 3, 11am - 12pm: Everyone - come help decorate the school for Teacher Appreciation Week (same time as Campus Clean Up so come help with both!)
· Monday, May 5: Parents - Sign up to “stock the staff room” with snacks, desserts, drinks and more here!
· Friday, May 9: Students - Wear your teacher’s favorite color to school and bring them a card or drawing!
· The rest of the week will include a coffee cart, catered lunch, smoothies, and more organized and funded by the PTA, putting your generous donations to work!
Camp Landels 2025: May 17th - 18th
Register now to secure your spot for Camp Landels 2025! We're thrilled to bring back our camping event again this year - bigger and better - with welcome bags at check in, hot dinner and breakfast from Simply Sabor, activities hosted by Playworks and more!
We've simplified sign ups this year!
Purchase your spot at our PTA store or if you prefer offline you can sign up with cash or check at the main office. Sign ups close at the end of the school day Friday May 9.
https://square.link/u/5fP7nTVm
Camp Landels will cost $25 per person; children 3 and under are free. If you want to attend but cost is prohibitive in any way, please see Ms.Bea in the main office. PTA is excited to be able to support all who wish to participate in this amazing community event.
To learn more visit out our FAQ. Any other questions, please reach out to [email protected].
Landels Yearbook
In the spirit of community, this year's school-wide Landels Yearbook is being significantly subsidized by PTA and available to everyone for only $10 each. To ensure your student gets a copy by the last week of school, order online today. You may also bring a check payable to "Landels PTA" or exact cash to the front office. If you need financial assistance, please contact the front office. Photos to be considered for the yearbook may be submitted to [email protected] (checked by volunteers Katarina and Alicia).
PTA Survey
Help us make our events even better! If you recently attended the Spring Book Fair, Talent Show, Puzzle & Board Game Swap, Walk and Roll Day or more, fill out this survey! The PTA is always looking for feedback and more help: https://forms.gle/25rmSVSN9J43iAch6
PTA Board for 2025-2026
At the PTA Association Meeting on April 18, the new board was elected. Please congratulate Samantha Perkins (President), Laura Berchtold (Executive Vice President), Yasmine Klarin (Secretary), Julia Wilkowski (Treasurer), Kaylie Abraham (Financial Secretary), Kathy Ray (Financial Reviewer) and Kavitha Sreeharsha (Historian) for taking on board roles. We are always looking for more help so check here for volunteer roles, specifically looking for help with Walkathon, After School Enrichment, Assemblies, Gear, and Lunchtime Activities next year.
FROM OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Spring 2025 Learning Challenges Committee Events
The Learning Challenges Committee of the Los Altos-Mountain View PTA Council is made up of parents, teachers and students in the Mountain View and Los Altos areas. We are committed to helping families get the best education for students with learning challenges and/or special education needs.
Coming up in mid-May - Make a Calm Down Kit! Parents and family members will be able to come to a maker session where we make Calm Down kits for classrooms across Mountain View and Los Altos, and take home one of your own. Stay tuned for more information.
From the Northwest SCC SELPA CAC:
Friends of the Mountain View Library Book Sale
The Friends of the Mountain View Library invite you to their book sale on May 3 and 4, offering a fantastic selection of books at unbeatable prices. On Saturday, members get early access from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., followed by the general sale from 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and on Sunday, shoppers can stock up during the Fill-a-Bag Sale from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The sale takes place in the garage behind the library at 585 Franklin Street, with all proceeds supporting library programs and services.
MVPAL Youth Extravaganza
The Mountain View Police Activities League invites you to attend the Annual Youth Extravaganza on Friday, May 9, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Rengstorff Park in Mountain View. This is a free, fun, and family-friendly event that promotes health and mental wellness for people of all ages. Families can enjoy a variety of activities, including a bounce house, outdoor games, face painting, music, and food. For more information, please visit www.mvpsf.org/events.
The View Teen Center: April
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., and the center features a game room, makerspace, kitchen, computer/study room, and outdoor area. April events include a Shoreline Cleanup, cooking classes, a Moonlight Masquerade, crafts, and much more. For more information, click here.
InPlay: Free Activity Guide
Looking for exciting activities for your child this summer? Explore InPlay’s’ free activity guide! Sponsored by Santa Clara County and our school district, the searchable guide lists thousands of local and affordable programs so that you can find fun enrichment to help keep your child’s school-year gains! Check it out: http://mv.inplay.org.
Flyers
Chess Tournament
Campus Clean-Up Day
Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week
Camp Landels 2025
Imai Children's Business Fair
MVPAL Youth Extravaganza
InPlay: Free Activity Guide
April Lunch Menu
2024-2025 School Calendar
2025-2026 School Calendar