Important Dates to Remember
Sept 13 5-7pm Multicultural Festival - MUR and blacktop
Sept 16 3-4:00pm School Site Council
Sept 18 8:20-9:20am ELAC Meeting – Staff room
Sept 19 12:10-12:50pm Bookmobile
Sept 20 Spirit Day - TBD
Sept 25 8:20-9:20am Principals Coffee – Staff room
Sept 23-27 Book Fair – MUR
Oct 4 3:30-4:30pm Community Check-In
Oct 9 Picture Day
Oct 10 Teacher Service Day – No school
Oct 11 Recess Day – No school
Oct 16 Unity Day – Wear orange
Oct 16 8:20-9:20am Principals Coffee – Staff room
Oct 18 3-6pm Walkathon
Oct 21-25 Parent Teacher Conference Week – Minimum day all week
Roar Recognitions
Lydia C. – Room 1
Johnny A. – Room 2
Vicky M. – Room 3
Ronald F. - Room 4
Amabelle C. – Room 5
Graham G. – Room 6
Safa S. – Room 7
Cooper N. – Room 8
Rana K. – Room 9
Esther K. – Room 10
Liam S. – Room 11
Darian R. – Room 12
Siyona H. – Room 13
Marie V. – Room 14
Everett W. – Room 14
Abhi S. – Room 16
Aksh S. – Room 17
Nesi L. – Room 18
Landels News
Dear Landels Families,
I am thrilled to share that Landels Elementary and 6 other MVWSD have been named by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation to their 2024 list of America’s Healthiest Schools. The annual award recognizes schools nationwide who are leaders in promoting student health and well-being.
Landels and the other schools were awarded for increasing family and community engagement. We look forward to celebrating this accomplishment with other 879 school awardees nationwide that share our commitment to prioritizing educating the whole child.
Congratulations Lions!
Hispanic Heritage Month + Multicultural Festival
Hispanic Heritage Month takes place September 15th to October 15th. Approximately 1/3rd of our school population is Hispanic/Latino. During this month, we will recognize and celebrate the many contributions, diverse cultures, and extensive histories of the Hispanic and Latino communities. Interested in learning more? Check out these PBS programs.
We look forward to celebrating our Hispanic and Latino students as well as all the other cultures at Landels at our Multicultural Festival this Friday @ 5:00-7:30pm. See more details about the MCF in the PTA section below. Hope to see you there!
Thank you!
Pieter Dolmans
School News
From the Library: Record a question for the author!
We are having the best-selling author of the Spy School series, Stuart Gibbs, speak to our students virtually next week as part of our subscription to BookBreak. Your child can submit a question for the author talk which may be shown to hundreds of schools on the nationwide livestream!
How to submit a video:
· The videos can be recorded on a smartphone. There is no need for any special equipment.
· Take the videos in landscape orientation (i.e. hold your phone sideways)
· Be aware of what is in the background. A blank wall or door is best.
· There cannot be any background noise.
· Be sure that we can see your child’s whole face straight on in good lighting.
· Students should state their first name, school name, and state. (Example: Hi, I'm Eva from Washington Elementary in California. I was wondering...)
· Only record one question per video, no more than 20 seconds long
Submit your question here by Friday, September 13. BookBreak will let us know if one of our students has been chosen. For more information, please see this flyer.
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 children. There is a critical need for gift cards for these families. If you are able, please consider donating to Safeway, Target or Costco 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].
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 [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.
MVWSD News
Parent University: The Science of Reading, Part 2
Date and Time: September 24, 2024, 5:30-7:00pm Registration Link: mvw.sd/pu092424r
In this second part of a two-part series, we will briefly recap part one and continue to learn more about the Science of Reading, particularly the importance of background knowledge and vocabulary for reading comprehension. We will discuss what that means for your child at school, and how you can support them at home. If you missed part one (in which we discussed phonics and word reading), you can watch or listen to the recording at mvwsd.org/parentu
About the speaker: Dr. Cyndee Nguyen is MVWSD’s Director of Early Literacy. She leads district efforts to ensure that all students, especially those of early elementary age, develop into capable and confident readers. Previously, Dr. Nguyen was a teacher and the principal of Bubb Elementary School.
To submit questions prior to the event, go to mvw.sd/questions. We will do our best to address your question during the session. Can’t make it this time? No problem - we always post the recordings a few days later at mvwsd.org/parentu
Join us on our Social Emotional Learning (SEL) journey
We are seeking applicants to join the MVWSD 2024-2025 SEL Curriculum Adoption Committee, where our focus will be Social Emotional Learning curriculum adoption. If you are interested in being a part of this moment in our SEL journey, please complete this application by September 20, 2024.
The SEL Curriculum Adoption Committee is seeking participants from all members of our District community, however it must be primarily composed of MVWSD teachers. We will meet up to 11 times this school year between October and April, including 3 Saturdays. The objective of this committee is to examine stakeholder input, SEL curriculum options, engage in a curriculum pilot, and make recommendation(s) to the Board of Trustees for adoption. Applying neither commits you, nor guarantees a seat on the committee. Following your application, you will be provided with next steps. Apply here: http://mvw.sd/SELCommittee
Join the MVWSD Budget Advisory Committee (BAC)
Are you passionate about education and financial transparency? Do you want to help the district allocate its resources to ensure the biggest benefit for students? The Mountain View Whisman School District announces the formation of its new Budget Advisory Committee, and we need YOU!
About the BAC: The Budget Advisory Committee (BAC) is an essential advisory group that collaborates with the District to review, analyze, and make recommendations about the budget to the Superintendent. The goal is to ensure that the district’s financial decisions align with the strategic plan and meet the needs of our diverse students, staff, and community.
Roles & Responsibilities:
· Review and Analyze: Examine the district’s budget, revenue sources, and expenditures to understand financial trends and projections.
· Provide Input: Offer feedback and recommendations on budget priorities, cost-saving measures that minimize the impact on student learning and staff welfare, and revenue enhancement opportunities.
· Engage: Serve as a liaison between the district and the broader community, sharing information and gathering input from stakeholders.
· Collaborate: Work with other committee members to develop practices that support the district’s educational goals.
Member Makeup: We are seeking a diverse group of members to ensure comprehensive representation across our district, including parents and community members
· Meetings: The BAC will meet quarterly, with additional meetings as needed during the budget season.
· Outside of meetings: Members may be asked to review data and documents, or participate in community engagement outside of regular BAC meetings
· Participation: We ask that members commit to attending at least 75% of meetings and actively participate in discussions and subcommittees.
How to Apply: Complete the online application here by September 23, 2024.
Suicide Prevention Awareness Month: There is Help. There is Hope.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available to provide help and hope. This lifeline is for any need: Call or Text 988 or online at 988lifeline.org https://988lifeline.org.
Suicide impacts millions of people across the U.S., touching every community. As parents, caregivers, educators, and neighbors, we all have a role to play in preventing suicide. During Suicide Prevention Awareness Month (#SPM24), it’s vital to learn how to support those around us and recognize the signs of someone in crisis.
By coming together, we can create a stronger, more compassionate community where individuals feel seen, heard, and supported. Learning the warning signs and risk factors of suicide is key to offering hope to those struggling. By listening, sharing resources, and talking openly about mental health, we can save lives.
Let’s work together to offer support, prevent tragedy, and build a future where everyone feels valued. #SuicidePreventionMonth
If you or someone you know is in crisis, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available to provide help and hope. This lifeline is for any need: Call or Text 988 or online at 988lifeline.org https://988lifeline.org.
Better Together: September
A classroom is more than just four walls and desks - it's a vibrant community where students learn, grow, and support each other. #BetterTogether in September highlights how each student contributes their unique talents and perspectives to create a rich learning environment. September 15th also marks the beginning of Hispanic/Latino Heritage Month. Look out for some additional content mid-month. For more information about Better Together, visit mvwsd.org/BetterTogetherMVWSD
Ask your student about their MVEF-funded classes
A few of your student’s favorite teachers and classes are probably funded by MVEF.
· An extra ELA teacher at each middle school means more manageable class sizes.
· Art & Music teachers from CSMA and plant science instruction from Living Classroom will begin enriching the experiences of elementary students this month.
The generosity of MVEF donors makes these things possible. To become an MVEF donor or renew your gift for the current school year, click here.
FROM OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS
MVLA Parent Education Speaker Series: Peggy Orenstein
Let’s Talk About Sex: How a New Generation Navigates Hookups, Porn, Love & Consent
Tuesday, September 17, 2024, 7PM, Los Altos High School - Eagle Theater
In this talk, Orenstein combines her research with voices of both boys and girls (as well as those between or beyond genders), to discuss the impact on high school and college students’ sexual scripts of mainstream media, social media and porn; hookup culture; changing expectations around consent; the politics of sexual pleasure; the diversity of sexual orientations; gendered power dynamics. With humor and compassion, she separates myth from reality, ultimately giving parents, educators and young people the conversational tools they need to ensure safe, pleasurable, mutually satisfying sexual encounters and intimate relationships. Register for this free event here.
Ravenswood Mayview Flu Vaccine Clinics
Free Community Flu Vaccine Clinics are happening from October 5th through December 7th (schedule is below). You do not have to be a patient of Ravenswood Family Health Network to get your flu shot. Any child ages 3 years and older can receive a flu vaccine at any one of our clinics. See attached flyers or visit https://ravenswoodfhn.org/service/flu/ for more information.
· 1885 Bay Road, East Palo Alto:
o Wednesdays: 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM (Drive-Through)
o Saturdays: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM (Walk-in)
· MayView Community Health Centers:
o Palo Alto Location:
§ Tuesdays: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM (By appointment only)
o Mountain View Location:
§ Fridays: 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM (By appointment only)
o Sunnyvale Location:
§ Wednesdays: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM (By appointment only)
PTA News
Multicultural Festival is this Friday!
Come enjoy the party: Landels Multicultural Festival is this Friday, from 5 - 7:30 pm!
· The festival is free to attend.
· You are welcome to bring extended family and friends.
· We will be inside and outside the MUR.
· Landels students will be performing songs, dance, monologues, magic tricks, and more - don’t miss the show from 6:30 - 7:15 pm!
· Many tables will serve food, and there will also be food trucks if you wish to purchase pizza dinner or shave ice dessert.
· Be good to the earth! Check out this video to learn more about how to bring and use reusable dishes, cups, and cutlery at the festival.
· It’s more fun if you volunteer! If you are able to assist day of with photography, decoration, or clean up, please sign up here.
Fall Book Fair : 9/23 - 9/27 (MUR)
Mon: 3-4pm, Tues: 3-4pm, Wed: 3-6pm, Th: 12-3pm, Fri: 3-4pm
· Students will shop for their free book during class visits. No other purchases will be permitted during school hours.
· Online shopping available at: https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/landels.
· Setup, cashier and backup volunteer roles open now! Sign up here!
**Reading Under the Stars** (Outdoor Storytime)
Wed, 9/25 5-6pm @lawn behind the MUR
· Join us for a cozy outdoor story time with a fun lineup of local heroes! Did someone say firefighters??
· Outdoor blankets, camping chairs, and favorite stuffed animals welcome
· Interested in being a reader or helping with this event? Please contact Anna Yi at [email protected]
General PTA Reminders
· If your family plans to attend PTA events (Multicultural Festival, Walkathon, etc) you must fill out our waiver form (sent home in a beige packet or online here).
· Next PTA association meeting: Fri 9/20 at 8:30am in the staff room. All are welcome! We will be talking about Walkathon, Volunteering, Parcel Tax and more! For anyone who prefers to call in, you can find the Zoom link in Konstella.
· The PTA is always looking for feedback, so if you have 30 seconds, please fill out our post-event survey here
Flyers
Ravenswood Mayview Flu Vaccine Clinics
2024-2025 School Calendar
September Lunch menu
Multicultural Festival