Important Dates to Remember
Aug 28 6-7:30pm - Back to School Night – Minimum Day
Sept 2 Labor Day – No School
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
Sept 19 12:10-12:50pm Bookmobile
Sept 25 8:20-9:20am Principals Coffee – Staff room
Sept 23-27 Book Fair - MUR
Landels News
Hello Landels Families,
Students are currently taking the iReady reading and math diagnostics. The results will help us create reading groups, identify gaps in learning, and tailor instruction to meet the needs of all students. I look forward to diving into the data with the Landels staff.
In order to keep everyone safe, we ask all individuals to follow the rules and procedures for drop-off and pick-up. You might also consider parking a couple blocks away from the school and walking with your child. Not only does this promote physical health, but research has shown that walking to school also improves academic performance. Walking with your child is a good way to connect and spend quality time with your child.
Back-to-School Night
We are very much looking forward to seeing you all at Back-to-School Night on 8/28 @ 6pm. All teachers will be available for two back-to-back sessions in order to allow families the opportunity to see their child's teacher. The schedule is as follows:
· 6:00-6:35 - K-5 Teacher Presentations Session 1
· 6:40-7:15 - K-5 Teacher Presentations Session 2
· 7:15-7:30 - Message from Principal Dolmans and the PTA on the blacktop
We will not have any child supervision for back-to-school night so please make other arrangements for child care.
Morning Supervision
We want to inform you that, starting in September, morning supervision will be adjusted to 7:45-8:15AM. This change will help us better manage staff resources while maintaining our commitment to providing a safe and supportive environment for our students. We are fortunate to have a dedicated team of staff members who continue to support this important service, and we are pleased to be able to offer this resource to our community. Thank you for your understanding and support.
English Learner Parent Members for ELAC 2024-2025
We need 3 parents to serve on our English Language Advisory Committee for the 24-25 school year. If you are interested in becoming a member, please complete this Self-Nomination Google Form by September 1st.
What is ELAC?
Every public K-12 school in California that has more than 21 English Learner students must have an ELAC. The ELAC consists of parents and teachers that work together to support English Learner students with their education.
What is ELAC's purpose?
ELAC's purpose is to advise the principal, school staff, and the School Site Council on programs and services for English Learners. They also work with the school to provide information to the parents and give a voice to the English Learner community so that these families' questions and concerns can be carried back to the principal, school staff, and School Site Council.
If you have any questions, please contact Principal Pieter Dolmans at [email protected] or SCEF Bea Claas at [email protected].
Thank you!
Pieter Dolmans
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, Aug. 22 at 6 p.m.
Some of the topics include:
· MVWSD Staff Housing Update
· MVWSD Approach to Staff Wellness
For meeting details and agenda, please click here: https://www.mvwsd.org/trustees.
MVWSD’s high financial rating saves taxpayers money on Measure T bond sale
MWVSD recently saved the community money in its capital bond sale due to its high financial rating and excellent financial stewardship. Of the 658 California school districts rated by S & P in 2023, the District was among only 26 ‘AAA’ rated districts (top 4%).
Each year, an outside independent auditor audits the district's controls and finances. At the end of each audit cycle, they provide a report to the Board of Trustees. For the past 10 years the district has received clean audits due to exemplary performance and transparency.
Our community has always been supportive of our efforts and we are happy to deliver excellent results. To read more, click here.
CAASPP scores are now available
CAASPP student (ELA, Math) score reports (from the Spring tests, current 4th- through 8th-graders) were recently released by the state and are now available for parents on the PowerSchool Parent Portal (under “Score Reports” - choose the 2023 - 24 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 office.
Applying to be a school volunteer this year? Training and help sessions happen this month
We appreciate our parent volunteers! Please check your inbox (email dated Aug. 5) for important information about mandated training and optional volunteer help sessions coming up in the next two weeks. For an overview of the process, please visit https://www.mvwsd.org/volunteers.
No MVWSD+ Afterschool Programs on Wednesday, August 28, 2024
Due to preparations for Elementary School Back to School Night and afterschool staff development, there will be no MVWSD+ Afterschool Programs on Wednesday, August 28 (a minimum day for students). MVWSD+ families, thank you in advance for making other arrangements. This affects all Right At School programs, all Beyond the Bell programs, and the district-paid YMCA programs. Please note that due to contractual reasons, parent-paid YMCA programs will still operate. All programs resume as normal on Thursday, August 29.
For more information, please contact [email protected] or call (650) 526-3500 x1061.
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.
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 - Who we are and why we matter - Please donate!
The Mountain View Educational Foundation (MVEF) is a volunteer-driven non-profit dedicated to funding innovative programs for all students in the MVWSD district.
Thanks to your donations, MVEF provides your child with a competitive, well-rounded education. School funding covers salaries, facilities, and core academics, while MVEF funding enhances the learning environment with art, music, environmental science, middle school athletics, and additional English teachers, reducing class sizes by over 20% in middle school.
To maintain these programs, MVEF seeks donations from parents and community members. The suggested amount per student is $1,100, also payable as a recurring monthly payment, but every donation is meaningful. All donations are tax-deductible. Visit mvef.org for more information and to donate. Thank you for your support!
Living Classroom: MVWSD Volunteer Information Meetings
Living Classroom is a non-profit organization that provides hands-on, garden-based lessons to MVWSD students in TK through 6th Grade. We welcome parent volunteers to help with our lessons in their children's classrooms, but we are also seeking volunteer docents who would like to be trained to teach our lessons throughout the school district. If you are interested in becoming a Living Classroom docent, please attend one of our upcoming information meetings:
Thursday, August 29th, 2024, 9:15-10:15 am; or
Friday, August 30th, 2024, 1:00-2:00 pm
Both meetings will be held in Conference Room C, MVWSD Office, 1400 Montecito Avenue, Mountain View.
Please contact Susan Harder at [email protected] if you have questions or would like further information.
FROM OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS
The View Teen Center: Volunteer Fair
Teens interested in volunteering will have the opportunity to meet with local organizations to learn about volunteer opportunities and their services on Saturday, Aug. 24 from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. at the Mountain View Community Center (201 S. Rengstorff Avenue). This event is open to all ages. Stop by, get involved, and make a difference!
City of MV: Hazardous waste collection
Free household hazardous waste collection event coming to Mountain View on Saturday, August 24! Safely dispose of paint, batteries, electronics, auto fluids, used oil, garden chemicals, propane tanks, fluorescent and LED lightbulbs, aerosols and more. This event accepts unwanted or expired drugs from both people and pets to help keep homes safe for children, seniors, and animals.
Appointments are required; call 408-299-7300 or book your appointment online at HHW.org. To schedule online, click the blue “Make a Free Appointment” button then select Mountain View on the calendar for August 24. Upon appointment booking, you will receive the specific Mountain View drop-off location.
MV Public Library: Upcoming Parent Event
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.
Announcing the MVLA Parent Education Speaker Series for 2024-25
The MVLA Parent Education Speaker Series is thrilled to unveil our speaker line-up for the 2024-25 school year! Local and nationally recognized experts will lead parents in conversations about wide-ranging topics, including navigating the evolving cultural landscape around sex, parenting in our high-achievement environment, exploring the difficulties of parenting boys in contemporary society, learning about a case study in racism at a local high school, and making informed decisions about higher education. View the 2024-25 speaker line-up at https://mvlaspeakerseries.org/.
PTA News
Mark your calendars!
Or just sync the Konstella Event calendar to your personal one by clicking here!
· 1st PTA Meeting: Fri, Aug 23, 8:30am in the front office
· Ice Cream Social: Fri, Aug 23, 5:30-7pm on the blacktop
· Multicultural Festival: Fri, Sept 13, 5-7pm MUR and blacktop
· Fall Book Fair: Sept 23-27, MUR
· Walkathon: Fri, Oct 18, 3-6pm on the field
Landels Ice Cream Social
Please join us on Friday, August 23rd from 5:30 - 7 pm for an ice cream social at Landels! We’ll provide the ice cream (non-dairy option will be available). We’re asking you to bring toppings to share if you can. Ideas include sprinkles, oreos, whipped cream, chocolate sauce, marshmallows, gummy bears, etc.
After-School Enrichment Classes
A few spots still available in Thursday Art Club! Maybe try the new Leggo My Math?
Visit our After-School Enrichment page for more info and direct registration links to all of our classes: https://www.landelspta.org/afterschool
All classes start in 2 weeks! Questions? [email protected]
Back to School Night - Teacher Appreciation - Help needed!
Let's treat our amazing teachers and staff to a nice lunch while they're busy preparing for Back To School Night. Items can be store bought or homemade. Any non-perishable snacks and drinks to help fuel them through the day and night would also be appreciated! Please drop off in the Front Office between 8am - 12pm on Wednesday, Aug. 28. If sign-up sheet is full and you want to help in another way, email [email protected].
Multicultural Festival
Every year Landels hosts a Multicultural Festival for students to learn about cultures from around the world. This year, the festival will be on September 13th from 5 - 7 pm (not in May), so that families can get to know each other earlier in the year.
· It is fun to host a table about a culture! This can be as simple as bringing some snacks from the culture, showing students how to play a game, or making a poster with fun facts. Sign up here to host a culture table. Even new families can do this, table host FAQ here.
· At the festival we will have a short student showcase. Any student can sign up to perform their talent, it does not have to be tied to a specific culture. Sign up here.
Sign up for Buddy Family Program
We know it can be a lot getting used to a new school. Here at Landels we are starting a new “Buddy Family” program to help connect new families with returning families.
Returning families will help answer their new buddy family’s questions, point them to the correct source of information, help them get signed up for the events and activities they are interested in, and help connect them over time to make friends in the community.
· New to Landels families, sign up if you would like a Buddy Family here.
· Returning Landels families, sign up here if you are willing to be a Buddy Family.
Konstella
Click here to join if you haven’t already. This is how you will find out about all of PTA’s awesome events and see the parent directory. *Returning students: Please add your child into their new classroom!
Volunteer Opportunities!
Help kids learn how to recycle properly! Help needed at lunch and snack times
The kids are still figuring out how to use our shiny new recycling/ compost / trash containers. We are looking for volunteers to come at lunch time and help kids sort their trash in the appropriate container. Sign-up for a timeslot over the next 2-3 weeks and help the kids out! >> Click here or email [email protected] with any questions about this initiative.
Walk and Roll Wednesdays
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 the first day, Sept 4.
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].
Walkathon Leads
Walkathon planning is underway. We are looking for leads for T-Shirt graphic designer, Decorations, Volunteer Coordinator, and Hype Person. These are important roles that will ensure our main fundraiser of the year is successful. You will be done by October 18th! Contact: [email protected]
Flyers
Living Classroom: MVWSD Volunteer Information Meetings
The View Teen Center: Volunteer Fair
MV Public Library: Upcoming Parent Event
Announcing the MVLA Parent Education Speaker Series for 2024-25
2024-2025 School Calendar
August Lunch menu