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Viking Pride~
February 15, 2024
Hello Valhalla Community,
Can you believe that we have completed 114 days of school? WOW! Thank you for your proactive communication and feedback!
I wanted to extend a heartfelt thank you for your overwhelming support and participation at our recent Multicultural Night celebration! Major thanks to event organizers Elise Markowitz and Ting Zhu, VPFA leadership, Valhalla teachers and staff, all volunteers and families for all of their organization, promotion and participation in this very successful event- Thor Hall was packed!
Your enthusiasm and engagement made the event a tremendous success, highlighting the rich diversity that makes our community so vibrant. It was truly heartwarming to see students, families, and staff come together to celebrate and learn about over 25 different cultures and traditions.
Special thanks to all the volunteers, performers, and contributors who dedicated their time and efforts to make the evening unforgettable. Your contributions helped create a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone. What a memorable experience for all!
We have been celebrating the Lunar New Year by reading our books of the month, class projects and the culminating celebration by the Tomizaki’s Champions Kung Fu Institute! They were amazing and inspiring and had the whole school together for the first time!
We look forward to future opportunities to celebrate our diverse community together. We are getting excited for the art fair next week, celebrating black history month and the read-a-thon!
Please check the lost and found rack for your kids’ belongings! All remaining items will be given away during spring break.
I hope you all have a wonderful 4 day weekend!
Thank you for signing up for Friday Treats and Lunch duty (More info below).
Theodora 🖤😎
Miss Pappas
A note from Mr. Buell...
Dear Parents, Guardians, and Students,
I'm excited to share some important updates from the counseling department.
CASEL and Self-Management Month:
What is CASEL? The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) is an organization that promotes the development of social and emotional skills in students. Their framework identifies five core competencies—Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Social Awareness, Relationship Skills, and Responsible Decision-Making. This holistic approach aims to equip students with the tools they need to succeed not only academically but also in their personal and social lives.
February is dedicated to focusing on self-management skills for schools to integrate social and emotional learning into their curriculum. Self-management involves skills such as regulating emotions, setting and achieving goals, demonstrating perseverance, and managing stress. Throughout this month, we'll be engaging students in activities and discussions to enhance their self-management abilities.
Parental Involvement:
We encourage parents to engage with their children at home, reinforcing the importance of self-management skills. Supporting your child's emotional development is a collaborative effort between school and home, and together we can help them thrive both academically and personally.
Celebrating Black History Month:
In addition to our focus on self-management, February is also Black History Month. We will be incorporating lessons and activities throughout the month to celebrate the contributions, achievements, and history of African Americans. This provides an excellent opportunity for students to learn about the rich and diverse tapestry of our nation's history.
Support Services:
As always, the counseling department is available for individual counseling sessions. If you feel that your child would benefit from additional support, please do not hesitate to reach out to schedule an appointment. We are here to collaborate with parents, teachers, and students to ensure that every child feels safe, valued, and supported.
Thank you for your ongoing support. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out. Here's to a month filled with growth, learning, and celebration!
Chad Buell
School Counselor
Valhalla Elementary (x86455)
Welcome new Vikings! 💙💛
Miss Melanie
Aid in Ms. Robinett's room
Miss Kelly
Aid in Ms. Young's room
Mr. Wes
Noon supervisor
Our Multicultural Night celebration! Over 24 countries were represented!
February Calendar
16 & 19 School Recess — No School
21- Wednesday @ 6:00pm Art Fair, Thor Hall "The Skye is the Limit"! 🎨🖼
26- Monday - Friday, March 8, Read A Thon! 📚📕💲💰
Favorite things! 🎁
Want to give a teacher or staff member a treat?! Click here and see what they may like!
Coming up:
Friday, February 16 & 19 School Recess — No School
February 21, Wednesday @ 6:00pm Art Fair, Thor Hall "The Skye is the Limit"! 🎨🖼
February 26 Monday - Friday, March 8, Read A Thon! 📚📕💲💰
26- Monday - Friday, March 8, Read A Thon! 📚📕💲💰
March 8 - Friday -Author Visit, The Brave Coin (more info to come) All grades💙📕🍀💰
March 11 Monday - Teacher In Service Day — No School
March 12 Tuesday - 5th Grade Picture Day 📸
March 18 - 21 -5th Grade Outdoor Ed ⛺
March 20 VPFA Meeting @ 6pm in the library annex
March 25 Monday - Spring Picture Day 📷
March 28 - April 6 School Recess — School Recess — No School 😎🌞
April 19 Friday, 6-11pm Auction fundraiser dinner & dance 💃🕺🎶
April 26 Friday, School Recess — No School
May 1 Wednesday, - US Coast Guard presents: "Boating & Water Safety for Kids" TK-5
May 6 Monday, - Friday, May 10 - Teacher Appreciation Week 👏💐💙💛
May 15 Wednesday, - Open House 🏫
May 24 Friday - School wide BBQ 🍽🌞😎
May 27 Monday, - Memorial Day — No School
June 3 Monday - 5th Grade ceremony & party! 🎉🎈🥳
June 4 Tuesday - Last Day of School!
21- Wednesday @ 6:00pm Art Fair, Thor Hall "The Sky is the Limit"! 🎨🖼
The Art Fair is quickly approaching and it's going to be out of this world! We look forward to seeing you Wednesday 2/21 from 6-8 pm in Thor Hall to view student (individual and whole class) art creations; parents and siblings are welcome to submit pieces into the art box in the office as well. Anything under the sky is welcome!
We will also need help with set-up the day of, assistance with crafts during the event, and cleanup the following day (2/22). Thanks so much in advance! Please click on the link below to sign up!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0D4AAAA82EA1FF2-47773885-valhalla
Any questions email nattykrause@gmail.com
Save the date: Friday, April 19 2024 6-11pm 💃🕺🎶
Come Party like Gatsby!
Tickets are going fast, we have a limited number of seats at our new venue the Contra Costa Country Club!
Grab your tickets here:
https://fundraiser.support/valhallaauctionroaring20s
Last day to purchase tickets is April 1st.
Valhalla Parents - here are some ways you can donate to our school auction:
- Have a membership to a winery? Donate your free tasting for the year!
- Work for a hotel? Donate an over-night stay!
- Own a rental cabin? Donate a weekend stay!
- Work for an airline? Donate airline tickets!
- Frequent a local restaurant or bar? Ask them to donate a certificate for a meal or drinks!
- Member of a gym or kids class? Ask the owner to donate sessions to the auction
Don’t forget to sign up to host a party!
Parties can be for children or adults. Previous activities have included guided hikes, tie-dye party, scavenger hunt, pizza party, bunco game night, or movie night. If you’re interested in hosting a party or need more information, please reach out to Ile Jones (ile.omaga@gmail.com).
Dessert Dash Sign up:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C4FA9A923A2F4CE9-47927551-valhalla
Wine donations of $25 value can be delivered to the school office
Room parents please look for an email from Naomi Hurley; basket ideas due 2/23. Please ensure your basket coordinators receive the instructions.
Thank you and we appreciate your support!
-Valhalla Auction Committee
#MyGardenSnack for grades 3 - 5: Flier for Students! 🌞🌻😎
INTRADISTRICT TRANSFERS
The Intradistrict Transfer Application for the 2024-2025 school year (Elementary Grades) is now open.
The LATE Intradistrict Transfer Application for the 2024-2025 school year (Secondary Grades) is now open.
Please note only schools that may have space will appear on the application.
Intradistrict transfers are for students who reside inside the MDUSD boundaries requesting to transfer to another MDUSD school.
For information on the Intradistrict Transfer process please click the link below
Books of the Month for Lunar NY: check out what we have read!
National PTA’s Multicultural Calendar: 📅
We utilize the National PTA’s Multicultural Calendar to learn about a diverse range of holidays, traditions and celebrations!
Our books of the month follow their guidelines.
Fentanyl Awareness Event at Pine Hollow Middle School on February 29th
Dear MDUSD Community,
The Mt. Diablo Unified School District will host our next Fentanyl Awareness and Saving a Life Event on Thursday, February 29, 2024 at Pine Hollow Middle School in Concord.
The purpose of this event is to share the latest information and data about the dangers of fentanyl and train families and students how to recognize an opioid overdose and administer Narcan/Naloxone to try to save a life. Each adult who registers will get a free Naloxone Kit.
Parents and their students are encouraged to attend this event together. Please be sure to register using the Parent Square link here: Registration for Fentanyl Awareness Event on 2/29 at Pine Hollow.
Information about some past fentanyl awareness events is here.
VOLUNTEERS
All volunteers must follow district guidelines before volunteering in your classrooms. Volunteers must be fingerprinted and TB tested. We are keeping a list of approved volunteers for our school in the office. Click HERE to go to MDUSD's Volunteer page.
*COVID vaccination status is no longer required.
Visitors to the campus during school hours MUST sign in at the office and receive a sticker/badge. We have a very large campus, and we need all adults on campus to be easily recognized as having a purpose for being here. Let's all help keep our campus safe and secure.
Parking:
The parking lot in front of the school is for staff only. Each staff member has a specific space assigned to them. PLEASE DO NOT PARK IN ANY SPOTS IN THE PARKING LOT. You may park on the street only and thank you for being courtious of our neighbores. We apprecaite your cooperation.
Please join us - We need 1 noon duty supervisor 🌞😎
We are also looking for noon duty substitutes, please click here to apply.
Please reach out to Ms. Pappas for ?s and let me know you have applied! pappast@mdusd.org
Tk/Kinder registration 2024-25 @ Enrollment Center
Breakfast & lunch info: 2023/24 MEALS AT NO CHARGE!
Thank you to Miss Anna and Mr. Marco for always making us delicious and healthy meals and snacks!
Click here for MDUSD's Food and Nutrition Services Department.
January Breakfast Menu
January Lunch Menu
Click here to learn more about California Universal Meals: This includes background, policy, provisions, webinars, resources, FAQs, and contacts regarding California’s Universal Meals Program.
Please check out the information presented at each monthly VPFA meeting & Pastries with Pappas. Thank you!
School Site Council:
ID: 86389409396
Passcode: 57mgUIgm
Meeting #1 Monday, 9/11 @ 3pm
Meeting #2 Monday, 10/23 @3pm
Meeting #3 Monday, 12/11 @3pm
Meeting #4 Monday, 1/22 @3pm
Meeting #5 Monday, 2/12 @3pm
3/18
Yearbook Photos Needed: 📸
Please share pictures for the yearbook including the fun run pics to valhallayearbook@mdusd.org
Thank you from Ms. Robinett
Friday treats for Valhalla's staff! 🥯🍩🧀🍪☕🥪🍕
Let's show our teachers and staff how much we appreciate them by bringing treats every Friday. Please sign up for a slot to bring a treat for the staff to the teacher's lounge on a Friday morning.
We have approximately 30 staff members.
View on Konstella Thank you!
Lunch Time Volunteers Needed! 11:30-1pm daily!
Calling parents, grandparents, friends or neighbors to help provide additional supervision during lunch and lunch recess. Please feel free to sign up for one shift or many (or all!). It's a great way to connect to our campus and see your kids in action!
Check in to the office when you arrive and we will set you up!
Please consider volunteering by signing up on the Konstella link ...if it is full and you are cleared to volunteer and want to come help...JUST COME ON BY! THANK YOU!!!
Amazon supply/wish list:
Tamara Robinette, second grade, click here for her Amazon supply/wish list.
Kerry Phillips, fifth grade, click here for her Amazon supply/wish list.
Scarlett Fivey, fifth grade, click here for her Amazon supply/wish list.
Eva Solis, 🌱Valhalla Garden🌻🦋, click here for her Amazon supply/wish list.
Donor's Choose:
Ms. Fairbanks, TK, click here for more info and to donate- Color My World
Help me give my students Rainbow in a Bottle and a Drying Rack.
Mrs. Hollander, TK, click here for more info and to donate - Dramatic Play in TK!
Help me give my students components missing in our dramatic play area: a pretend refrigerator, table and microwave.
23-24 Yearbook 📘📸🌲
Please order this year's yearbook! It will be full of fun memories of our wonderful times together!
TreeRing plants 1 tree for every yearbook purchased and the quality of these yearbooks are fantastic - it's also a great fundraiser for our school!
Please see the attached flyer and purchase your yearbook:
www.treering.com/validate
code: 1015925122132765
Make sure to select THIS YEAR's book: 2023-2024 (you can also purchase previous years' books).
How to help out at Valhalla!
MDUSD has approved parent volunteers inside and outside the classroom. Volunteers must have a valid TB test, & fingerprints on file. Please reach out to Mrs. Stephanie Ortiz, our secretary, ortizste@mdusd.org. Please reach out to your teacher for further information regarding helping in the classroom or sign up on Konstella to volunteer at lunch. (Link to sign up coming soon!)
Click here to apply to be a volunteer on campus including lunch duty, PE, classroom parents, the library, reading lab, the garden or to help at future field trips.
Covid-19 Updated Procedures:
MDUSD is following the county guidance, which can be found by clicking here.
Our vision & theme for 23-24:
Valhalla Elementary School strives to provide a safe and orderly environment conducive to learning which supports all members of its community, both educationally and socially.
We strive to prepare students to be successful life-long learners and to be happy, kind, and contributing adults in a global society.
We strive to foster mutual respect, appreciation of diversity, and high individual self-esteem.
We strive to accomplish our goals by cultivating high levels of achievement and commitment on the part of students, parents, staff, and the broader community.
🌟 Our theme for this year is "Reach for the Stars!" 🌟
Follow us on Twitter
Email: PappasT@mdusd.org
Website: https://ves-mdusd-ca.schoolloop.com/
Location: 530 Kiki Drive, Pleasant Hill, CA, USA
Phone: (925)687-1700
Twitter: @VikingPridePH