Important Dates to Remember
Sept 19 12:10-12:50pm Bookmobile
Sept 20 Spirit Day/Olympic Day - dress in sports attire
Sept 25 Principals Coffee – RESCHEDULED
Sept 23-27 Book Fair – MUR
Oct 4 3:30-4:30pm Community Check-In
Oct 9 Picture Day
Oct 9 8:20-9:20am Principals Coffee – Staff room
Oct 10 Teacher Service Day – No school
Oct 11 Recess Day – No school
Oct 14 3-4pm School Site Council Meeting
Oct 16 Unity Day – Wear orange
Oct 17 Spirit Day - dress in sports attire
Oct 21-25 Parent Teacher Conference Week – Minimum day all week
Oct 28-31 5th grade Science Camp
Roar Recognitions
Eitan P. – Room 1
Maria Jose L. – Room 2
Biel G. – Room 3
Alice P. - Room 4
Yuki Y. – Room 5
Noor A. – Room 6
Sidharth N. – Room 7
Isabella C. – Room 8
Trisha M. – Room 9
Emily H. – Room 10
Mate D. – Room 11
Mila C. – Room 12
Kevin DL. – Room 13
Saretta E. – Room 14
Maddi H. – Room 16
Sary O. – Room 17
Eli G. – Room 18
Landels News
Dear Landels Families,
Thank you to all the families that hosted and participated in our Multicultural Festival! It was so heartwarming to see students take pride in their own culture and share pieces of their culture with others. At Landels, we value and celebrate diversity - it is our greatest strength and I am honored to be a part of this community.
We continue to celebrate Hispanic/Latino Heritage Month and recognize the positive impacts and contributions of Latino and Hispanic individuals! Posters of famous Latino or Hispanic individuals are posted throughout the school with information on why these individuals have been influential. During snack or lunch, students are able to participate in a scavenger hunt in order to learn more about each person. Teachers will engage students in appropriate grade-level conversations around Hispanic/Latino Heritage Month and students in grades 3-5 will research an influential person or persons and create a brochure or presentation about their findings.
Small Groups + Attendance
During the School Site Council and ELAC meetings this week, I discussed our progress on goals from 23-24 as well as the actions we will take to reach our goals in 24-25. One of those actions is our small groups language and reading blocks, which occur first thing in the morning. During these 40-50 minutes, students receive targeted instruction aimed at building their reading fluency and comprehension while also building background knowledge and vocabulary. Students must be in school on time each day in order to take advantage of this program. Thank you for doing your part to get your child to school.
Thank you!
Pieter Dolmans
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
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.
Photo Day
Name of School: Landels Elementary School
Picture Day: October 9, 2024
Picture Day ID: EVT727473
MVWSD News
The Board of Trustees will meet on Thursday, Sept. 19 at 6 p.m.
Some of the topics include:
· Shoreline Update
· Resolution Recognizing National Hispanic Heritage Month
· Workplace Violence Prevention Plan
· Greening Initiative Update
· Equity Scorecard Update
· i-Ready Diagnostic Assessment Data Overview
For meeting details and agenda, please click here: https://www.mvwsd.org/trustees.
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
Share your ideas about social-emotional learning (SEL) for our students
Parents and staff members, please take a moment to complete a quick survey about social emotional learning by Sept. 30. Your thoughts will provide valuable insights into students' emotional well-being and development. Your feedback will help MVWSD and the SEL Curriculum Committee as they work to select curriculum and activities for students to better support students' social and emotional needs. Additionally, your ideas will be included in plans for how school counselors can support students. Click here for the SEL stakeholder survey .
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. Even if you might be unsure about participation, we encourage you to apply. By applying to the committee you will learn more about the commitment that will be asked of participants.
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.
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
September is recognized as National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Our awareness raises the visibility of mental health and proactive suicide prevention resources in our community. This year's theme is "There is Help. There is Hope." We share a message of hope and healing, and recognize that everyone has a role to play in preventing suicide.
Suicide Prevention is important every day of the year. Suicide Prevention Awareness Month allows us to shine a special, encouraging light on this topic that affects us all & sends a clear, hopeful message that help is available & suicide can be prevented. Resources are available at our Virtual Wellness Center under the Mental Health tab and your child's school. In times of crisis 988 is a nationwide resource that anyone can text or phone to speak with a crisis counselor.
Great news: MVEF has reached its first milestone with $200k in donations this school year!
Thanks to our generous donors, we’re on our way to our $1.2M goal. These funds will benefit every student in our district. MVEF helps reduce ELA middle school class sizes, covers for middle school coaches, referees, and bus transportation to games, and supports art, music, and environmental science enrichment in elementary schools.
MVWSD relies heavily on MVEF donations because state funding is limited by Prop 13, which restricts property tax revenue growth. MVWSD works closely with MVEF so that additional enrichment is still possible for our students. To learn more, click here. To make a donation, click here.
Also, please save the date for our biggest fundraiser - the Spring Gala:
Saturday, April 26th, from 6-10 pm. More details to come.
PTA News
After-School Enrichment Classes
· Remind your child to always line up behind Principal Dolmans’ office for attendance.
· Available on Tues, Weds, or Thurs to help with either taking attendance or with dismissal tracking? Email Luis at [email protected] if you’re willing to help make sure participating students are all accounted for.
Local Kitchens MV Fundraiser
Looking for a dinner idea on Wed, Oct 2? Order from Local Kitchens MV and they will donate 20% back to Landels PTA! Win-win!
https://www.localkitchens.com/order/store/mountainview/popular
Please enter the coupon code COMMUNITY24.
New Session of Landels Performing Arts Classes
Does your child like to perform? The next session of Landels performing arts class will begin next week on September 23. If your student would like to be included, please sign up now.
· Classes are Mondays and/or Fridays right after school (2:50 pm - 3:50 pm) on Landels campus.
· Kids will learn about Dia de los Muertos, build their own ofrenda, learn arts and crafts, songs, and dances.
· Students of all genders and nationalities are welcome to join. No experience necessary.
· Classes will be taught by volunteer parent Anna Botelho and are free to attend.
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 storytime!
· Readers include Mrs. Thornton, Mrs. Wooten, a firefighter and Mrs. Sharon McClintock, former MV children's librarian.
· Outdoor blankets, camping chairs, and favorite stuffed animals welcome.
· Questions? Want to help? Contact [email protected]
Join the Dia de los Muertos Planning group
Do you like food, friends, and fun? Help us plan the Dia de los Muertos party! We are looking for volunteers who would like to lead ofrenda set up, decorations, food and drink, and activities. Please contact [email protected] if you are interested.
Thank you to Multicultural Festival volunteers, please share feedback and photos!
Thank you to everyone who volunteered to make the Multicultural Festival such a success.
· Thank you to the event leads: Emily Chueh, Maya Rams Murthy, Rachel Burstein, and Anna Botelho!
· Thank you to all the families that hosted tables for bringing such amazing food, games, decorations, and more - we had 25 different cultures represented!
· Thank you to all the students who participated in the showcase, your hard work and preparation made for an excellent show.
· And thank you to all our day of volunteers who helped with set up, tabling, art show, stage management, clean up, and more!
· Huge thank you to Dan Swett for being our event photographer! Check out his photos, and add your photos to the shared album here.
· We want your feedback! What worked well? What could we do differently next time? Please share your feedback on the Multicultural Festival here.
Walkathon
Friday, Oct 18, 1-6pm
It's Game Time! The goals are set, the grass is freshly painted, the ‘uniforms’ refreshed....it's all starting now to get ready for the big event Oct 18!
What is Walkathon?
Walkathon is the Landels PTA major fundraiser of the year and our goal this year is to raise $50,000. Students and their families will collect donations in advance of the event via our fundraising platform, 99 Pledges. Watch for an email coming soon from them to get your fundraising page started.
Each year has a theme and every student and staff member gets a special, free Walkathon T-shirt. Friends and family can pre-order shirts via the Landels PTA Gear store soon.
Walking starts during the school day so that every student can be included. All students are encouraged to come back to the field to continue walking after school, with a responsible adult.
The PTA will help motivate the students with contests and prizes related to fundraising goals and number of laps walked.
Join the Dia de los Muertos Planning group
Do you like food, friends, and fun? Help us plan the Dia de los Muertos party! We are looking for volunteers who would like to lead ofrenda set up, decorations, food and drink, and activities. Please contact [email protected] if you are interested.
Thank you to Multicultural Festival volunteers, please share feedback and photos!
Thank you to everyone who volunteered to make the Multicultural Festival such a success.
· Thank you to the event leads: Emily Chueh, Maya Rams Murthy, Rachel Burstein, and Anna Botelho!
· Thank you to all the families that hosted tables for bringing such amazing food, games, decorations, and more - we had 25 different cultures represented!
· Thank you to all the students who participated in the showcase, your hard work and preparation made for an excellent show.
· And thank you to all our day of volunteers who helped with set up, tabling, art show, stage management, clean up, and more!
· Huge thank you to Dan Swett for being our event photographer! Check out his photos, and add your photos to the shared album here.
· We want your feedback! What worked well? What could we do differently next time? Please share your feedback on the Multicultural Festival here.
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.
FROM OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Health and Wellness Fair
You are invited to attend the annual Family Health and Wellness Fair on Saturday, September 21, from 1 - 4 p.m. at Mistral Elementary School. The Health Fair is sponsored by Assemblymember Marc Berman's Office in partnership with MVWSD. There will be free groceries and snacks, school supplies and backpacks, diapers, flu shots and much more. Local healthcare professionals will be on-site to offer free health screenings for children and adults. Join in on the family-friendly fun!
City Searching for Volunteers to Serve Community
Recruitment is open for upcoming vacancies on several City boards and committees that weigh in on a wide range of matters. The openings are on the Board of Library Trustees, Environmental Planning, Human Relations, and Parks and Recreation Commissions, and Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory, Downtown, Performing Arts, Senior Advisory, and Visual Arts Committees, and Public Safety Advisory Board. Find more information and the application form at MountainView.gov/Advisors. The link to the application is in each council advisory body webpage. Questions can be directed to the City Clerk’s Office at [email protected] or 650-903-6304. The deadline to apply is Nov. 8 at 5 p.m.
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)
Flyers
Ravenswood Mayview Flu Vaccine Clinics
2024-2025 School Calendar
September Lunch menu
Local Kitchens MV Fundraiser