The Dolphin Whistle

Dear Parents,

Throughout the summer, guidelines and regulations for distance learning have changed at the district and state levels. We are very excited to provide a robust and successful experience for every student! Below are some salient points comparing spring distance learning to the 20-21 school year.

Changes from the spring in Distance Learning

• Attendance is required (Senate Bill 98) and recorded.
• Live interaction daily
• Hours are 8:30a.m. - 2:00 p.m. (Kinder) 2:40 p.m. (1,2,3) 2:50 p.m. (4,5) with one hour for lunch
• There are built- in breaks throughout the day, and both independent work on and off the computer.
• Students will receive feedback and grades on their assignments and on their participation during lessons.
• Parents will receive weekly reports of assignment completion and can see the feedback for their child in Google classroom.

What is the same?

• Google classroom is where all lessons links, assignments, feedback and grades are found.
• We continue to use Zoom for live lessons.
• We check in with the students to support their socio-emotional health.
• Students will continue to receive P.E. Art and Music instruction in addition to the core subjects of Math, Science, ELD, Social Studies, Reading and Writing.

Please check your email regularly for important notices and communications from school personnel.

Best Regards,

Theresa Lambert

Principal Mariano Castro Elementary

cell number (831)206-9522

We are serving breakfast and lunch each day for Castro families. Beginning Monday, August 17th, come to the school M-F between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. to pick up the meals.

In the meantime, the regular summer meal distribution in front of Mistral is continuing until Friday, August 14.

Wednesday, August 12, 2020 - Principal's Coffee for New Families Grades 1-5

Thursday, August 13, 2020 - Principal's Coffee for all Kinder Families

Thursday, August 13, 2020 - Principal's Coffee for all Castro Families

Friday, August 14, 2020 - Chromebook and materials distribution 12:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Monday, August 17, 2020 - First Day of School (Minimum Day dismissal at 12:25 p.m.)

School Supplies- Suministros Escolares

1. During the first weeks of school, our school sites will prepare and distribute a district-standard general school supply kit to every student. The kit will include the following items (see below).

2. Other supplies that will be distributed to students are:

1. Chromebooks (if needed)

2. Instructional materials, such as Eureka Math workbooks (varies by grade level)

3. Other materials to be determined, such as art supplies

3. School sites will distribute these supply kits to parents. It is likely that not all supply shipments will come in at the same time. Therefore, parents may be asked to pick up supplies at several distribution dates, in order to ensure students have items soon after delivery. Thanks in advance for your patience with multiple dates.

4. School sites will communicate distribution plans, dates and health and safety expectations during pick up.

5. If parents have purchased items from an earlier published supply list, we appreciate and accept donations of these materials. School sites will determine collection dates and locations.

Elementary Supply Kit (provided by the school)

Pencils

Sharpener

Scissors

Glue sticks

Markers

Crayons or Colored pencils

Highlighters

White board sleeves (sheet protectors), markers, and eraser

Notebook(s) and journal(s) (depending on grade)

Drawing and/or construction paper (particularly for K-2 first week projects)

A container/bag

Eraser

Index Cards

Paper (Blank, lined, and/or graph)

Pens

Ruler

Headset

Sticky Notes

This school year's application deadline for free or reduced meals is September 21, 2020. Just as in the past, you will need to reapply annually. No citizenship information is collected during the application process. Please go to the following website to apply online today: http://www.ezmealapp.com If you need help, please call Castro Facilitator, Kristen Calderon 408-404-8166.

We are proud to present two sessions to prepare families for a school year like no other. Join us on Zoom for two critical topics. Spanish translation will be provided. (See the flyer here)

Mental Health Awareness Town Hall

Wednesday, August 12, 2020, 5:30-7:00 p.m

A partnership with the County of Santa Clara Behavioral Health Services and Uplift Family Services. The panel will discuss the impacts of COVID-19 on mental health and share resources for families. Register here.

Distance Learning Resources

Thursday, August 13, 2020, 5:30-7:00 p.m. This summer we’ve been at work on a new Parent U resources page that we’re proud to share with you and talk through tips for navigating the tech and procedures of the new school year. Register here.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarianoCastroElem
School website (Programs, absence reporting and more): https://castro.mvwsd.org
Text alerts (emergencies, school closure): Text "Y"or "YES" to 68453 using the cell phone number that the District has on record
PowerSchool (Enrollment confirmation, payments, electives and more): ps.mvwsd.org/public
Updates on academics, FAQs, health and safety during COVID-19: https://mvwsd.org/returntolearn