Important Dates to Remember
Sept 6 3:30-4:30pm Community Check-In - Zoom
Sept 9 3-3:50pm Bookmobile
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 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
Eli N. – Room 1
Maeve L. – Room 2
Theo G. – Room 3
Ella K. - Room 4
Otis W. – Room 5
Evie A. – Room 6
Josue F. – Room 7
Aasha S. – Room 8
Amani H. – Room 9
Angel F. – Room 10
Olivia P. – Room 11
Alan L. – Room 12
Aiden A. – Room 13
Aira A. – Room 14
Augustus Z. – Room 16
Vivaan G. – Room 17
Ruth F. – Room 18
Landels News
Dear Landels Families,
I can’t believe it’s already September! September is Attendance Awareness Month. Today we had the lowest number of absences since I started at Landels - great job! Why is it important that students are in school regularly? Research shows that school attendance is a strong indicator of success. Missing just two days of school a month is 10% of the school year, and negatively affects a student’s academic performance. Attending school regularly helps children feel better about school—and themselves. Start building this habit early so they learn that going to school on time, every day, is important. Our school goal is a 97% attendance rate, which we can reach with your help!
Literacy @ Landels
Reading is our passion and we want to instill that passion in our students. All our K-2 teachers are Orton-Gillingham trained - we use research-based practices to teach kids how to read. You can help too! This morning I witnessed a parent asking their child “What does the letter A say? What does the letter W say?” as they were walking to the classroom. Simple activities like this can help your child build phonics skills and confidence. And above all else, I would recommend reading to or with your child 20-30 minutes each day. Daily reading is the most effective way to become a better reader. We read by reading the words, reading the pictures, retelling familiar texts, and listening to others read. We also read a variety of text types: picture books, novels, newspapers, magazines, blogs, graphic novels, comic books, etc. Interested in learning more? Attend the next Parent University.
Parent University: The Science of Reading, Part 1 of 2
Date and Time: September 10, 2024, 5:30-7:00 pm Registration Link: mvw.sd/pu091024r
Reading is fundamental. But how do we best teach children to do it? And how do we support them at home? In this two-part series, we will uncover the “Science of Reading”, how our new district curriculum is based on this science, and how parents can translate the science into practical routines and strategies at home.
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 primary grade 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.
SSC
Please join us for our first School Site Council meeting on Monday, 9/16 @ 3pm where I will present the first iteration of our school plan for student achievement (SPSA) as well as our progress on goals from the 23-24 school year. Our site goals guide our instruction for the year and align to our district’s goals as described in the strategic plan.
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 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
The Board of Trustees will meet on Thursday, Sept. 5 at 6 p.m.
Some of the topics include:
· 2023-2024 Unaudited Actual Budget Report
· Resolution: September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
· Contract Approval Process and Ratification
· Budget Advisory Committee
· Social Emotional Learning Instructional Materials
· Workplace Violence Prevention Plan
· Role of School Counselor
· Early Literacy Update
For meeting details and agenda, please click here: https://www.mvwsd.org/trustees.
Superintendent's Community Check In on Friday, Sept. 6
Please join us for our Community Check-In with Dr. Ayindé Rudolph on Friday, Sept. 6 at 3:30 p.m. Bring your questions. Spanish interpretation will be provided. Click here to register: http://mvw.sd/CC96
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.
Parent University: The Science of Reading, Part 1 of 2
Date and Time: September 10, 2024, 5:30-7:00 pm Registration Link: mvw.sd/pu091024r
Reading is fundamental. But how do we best teach children to do it? And how do we support them at home? In this two-part series, we will uncover the “Science of Reading”, how our new district curriculum is based on this science, and how parents can translate the science into practical routines and strategies at home.
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 primary grade 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.
MVEF & PTA/PACT: Why should we donate to both?
Last week at Back to School Night we heard requests for support from our school’s PTA/PACT and MVEF leaders.
Our annual donations to each organization support students in different ways:
· MVEF provides essential programs at every school in MVWSD for all students:
CSMA Art & Music classes, Living Classroom Environmental Science classes, environmental field trips in grades 4-5; plus two middle school ELA teachers reducing class sizes by >20%, supplemental support for clubs, sports, and instruments in grades 6-8.
· PTA/PACT is a “hyper-local” advocacy team of volunteers that support each school site in customized ways to improve family engagement and support classrooms within that school community.
Both MVEF and PTA are 501(c)3 charitable organizations and both rely on tax-deductible donations from families and matching contributions from employers and other organizations. You can donate to MVEF and learn more here and find your PTA donation link here.
FROM OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS
MV Public Library: Upcoming Parent Programs
Parenting Program: Individualized Education Program: Thursday, September 5, 2024, Time: 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm. Matthew Torres, an IDEA Specialist from the San Andreas Regional Center, will expertly guide parents through the IEP (Individualized Education Program) process. Gain insights to support and enhance your advocacy for your child. This program is perfect for parents new to the IEP process and seasoned advocates, offering practical tools and knowledge to navigate and champion your child's educational journey. Register in advance for this online meeting.
Calmer Connections: Supporting the Anxious Child: Thursday, September 19, 2024, Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm. With a warm and compassionate approach, Liat Justin, LCSW, supports countless families navigating the challenges of childhood anxiety. Liat empowers parents with the tools and strategies needed to increase their child's emotional well-being. Suitable for parents of children and teens. Register in advance for this online meeting.
The View Teen Center: September
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. (closed on Monday, September 2), and the center features a game room, makerspace, kitchen, computer/study room, and outdoor area. September events include a Teen Wellness Retreat, art classes, a Bike to Boba, and much more. For more information, click here.
Mountain View Citywide Garage Sale
The Mountain View Citywide Garage Sale is back! Join hundreds of residents holding garage sales on Saturday, September 14 and Sunday, September 15. This event helps keep reusable items out of the landfill to conserve natural resources.
Seller registration is open until September 4. Sellers may choose to participate on only one day or both days of the sale. Online and printed address lists will show which day(s) each participating seller is open.
For shoppers, a new online map will allow you to filter garage sales by dates open and items listed, as well as other enhanced features to help shoppers plan which homes to visit for the event.
Sellers can register their Mountain View homes for the sale and shoppers can access the map at MountainView.gov/GarageSale.
The Learning Challenges Committee is looking for members!
Are you interested in helping students with learning challenges? This can include students who receive special education services, students with a 504 plan, or any student with a learning challenge.
The Learning Challenges Committee of the Los Altos Mountain View PTA Council (LCC) helps provide teachers and school staff in Mountain View and Los Altos schools with supplies in their classrooms related to learning challenges. We also can host parent education events, meet with special education administrators and more. We need a variety of parent and student voices to help us best decide how we can help teachers and students about these issues.
Our Learning Challenges Support Group will meet on Zoom on Tuesday, 9/17 at 10 am Register here
Can you attend 2-3 meetings per year to help make these kinds of decisions with the LCC? Please email [email protected]
We need more voices to help students with learning challenges. We need you!
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.
PTA News
Panda Express Restaurant Fundraiser
Looking for a dinner idea? Order from Panda Express on Thursday, Sept. 5 and they will donate 20% back to Landels PTA! Win-win!
How to order:
· Online: Pandaexpress.com or the app. Enter code: 376850 in the fundraiser code box
· In-store: Show the flyer (attached) on your smartphone
Multicultural Festival
Landels Multicultural Festival is next week! The festival will be Friday the 13th from 5 to 7 pm inside and outside the MUR (admission is free).
· Come learn about cultures from around the world and meet new friends!
· Landels students will be performing songs, dance, monologues, magic tricks, and more - don’t miss the show at 6:30 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! If you are able, please bring reusable plates, cups, and cutlery to reduce your disposable waste while you enjoy all the tasty food. We will have a dish rinsing station.
· It’s more fun if you volunteer! If you are able to assist day of with set up, decoration, or clean up, please sign up here.
Fall Book Fair
Our Scholastic Fall Book Fair is 9/23 - 9/27. Thanks to your support we will be sponsoring one free book for EVERY student again this year! Students will “shop" for their free book during their class visit. Summer learning challenge winners will get to select an additional book worth $15 (or combine funds to choose one book worth up to $30).
· No other purchases will be permitted during school hours. Toys, posters, and books with toys will only be sold online at: https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/landels. (We receive back 50% of in-person proceeds and 25% of online sales.)
· Shopping hours will depend on volunteer availability. Please sign up here to help us provide more after school hours for our busy families: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1TmvZl8Qj3s--J_udn6yyAjJVhZmZ_u2ERoZTwEj8u4g/edit?usp=sharing
Flyers
MV Public Library: Parent Program: Individualized Education Program
MV Public Library: Calmer Connections: Supporting the Anxious Child
Announcing MVLA Parent Education Speaker Series for 2024-25
School Calendar 2024-2025
September lunch menu
Restaurant Fundraiser
Multicultural Festival