

Quetzal News
February 1, 2024
From Ms. O's Desk
Dear Quetzal Families,
As we immerse ourselves in the spirit of love and caring this February, we also take the opportunity to celebrate African American Heritage Month, a time to honor and recognize the rich contributions of African Americans to our history, culture, and society.
Throughout February, our school will be featuring various activities, lessons, and displays that highlight the achievements and contributions of African Americans. We encourage families to engage in conversations with their children about the significance of this month and explore the remarkable individuals who have shaped our nation's history. Our school library has curated a collection of books, both fiction and non-fiction, that focus on African American history, culture, and achievements. We encourage students to check out these resources that can help us learning more about the African American Heritage.
On February 14th, our students will have the opportunity to express their affection and appreciation for their classmates, teachers, and staff members. We encourage creativity and kindness as they craft thoughtful cards and share heartfelt messages, fostering a spirit of love and unity within our school. We want to extend the celebration beyond a single day. We encourage students, parents, and staff to participate in acts of kindness, big or small, throughout the entire week. Whether it's a kind word, a helpful gesture, or a simple smile, let's make this week a testament to the love and caring that defines our school community.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the parents who attended Dr. Rudolph's Cafecito last week. Your presence and engagement in these gatherings are invaluable as we strive to strengthen the partnership between home and school. We appreciate the opportunity to share insights, and address any questions or concerns you may have had.
Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to our school community.
With warm regards,
Claudia Olaciregui, Principal
PTA Updates
Readathon: The Readathon is happening now until February 11. Read more about it here: https://mistral-pta.org/readathon-2024/
There is a brand new tool to support and improve reading skills as well as to encourage reading from Microsoft called Reading Coach. This is a great tool to use at home with your child for the Readathon. Check it out:
Getting started
- Head to https://coach.microsoft.com
- Under the "Parents & Guardians" section of "Getting started", click "Get started" to access Reading Coach online.
- Log in with a personal Microsoft account - access via a work or school account is not enabled. Younger students may benefit from an educator or family member helping them set up an account.
Sharing feedback
- If you are a family member or educator and would like to share one-time feedback with the team, please fill out the form at https://aka.ms/readingcoachfeedback
- To join our feedback community and keep in touch with the product team for updates:
- Families: Opt in during the signup process, and you will receive an invite to the community.
- Educators: Sign up at https://aka.ms/readingcoach-educatorcommunity
PTA STEAM committee: Are you passionate about science and would like to bring that passion to Mistral students? The Mistral PTA's STEAM committee is looking for new members! The primary purpose of the committee will be to help run the Mistral science fair and promote other STEAM activities on campus including a possible Science Night. Sign up on Konstella or email mistralpta@gmail.com. We need parent volunteers to continue these programs at Mistral!
Día del Niño: A Día del Niño event is a traditionD at Mistral that typically includes music, fun activities, and food! Parent volunteers are needed to make this event happen. If you are interested in continuing the tradition of Día del Niño at Mistral, please attend an exploratory meeting on February 9 at 8:30 in the teacher’s lounge or via Zoom (Link).
CALENDAR
February 9
- Spirit Day - Wear Favorite Book Character
- ELAC Meeting @ 5pm
- End of 2nd Trimester - Minimum Day Dismissal @ 12:10pm
- Winter Break- No School
DISTRICT NEWS
Student enrollment in MVWSD for next year is open now!
Enrollment for next fall for all students in the Mountain View Whisman School District is open now at www.mvwsd.org/register.
For CURRENT students in transitional kindergarten-7th grade: Parents, click on the link in your email to confirm enrollment before February 9.
For families enrolling NEW students, please check www.mvwsd.org/register to locate your neighborhood school, how to explore school options and the four steps to register before February 9.
Do you need in-person help to register your child? Sign up at http://mvw.sd/help and attend any of the help sessions:
Jose Antonio Vargas Elementary, January 31 @ 5-7 p.m.
Theuerkauf Elementary, February 1 @ 5-7 p.m.
Complete your LCAP survey today! (before Feb. 16)
The District is updating the LCAP (Local Control Accountability Plan). Your responses to the survey will guide the update of our District plan for the 2024-25 school year. Please click on your unique survey link sent to your email on Jan. 29. Your responses are confidential. Students in grades 4-8 will also be taking the LCAP survey. More information found here: mvwsd.org/LCAP
Fifth-grade parents: Recordings of sixth-grade information night
In case you missed the meeting, recordings (both English and Spanish) of the 6th-grade information meetings are posted on each middle school’s website. Crittenden is here. Graham is here.
SAVE THE DATE for the MVEF Gala: MVEF will hold its Annual Fundraising Gala on Saturday, April 27, 2024. The MVEF Gala is an opportunity for parents, teachers, business leaders and community members to come together to support local schools.
If you can't attend in-person, you can still sponsor the Gala or participate in the Online Auction by donating or bidding on items. To donate an item or a bottle of wine to the auction please email contact@mvef.org
February CAC and LCC Events
SELPA 1 CAC and the Learning Challenge Committee are your groups for special education and broader learning challenge needs. If you have questions about learning challenges and special education needs, email selpa1cacinfo@gmail.com or check out www.selpa1cac.org
We encourage families to learn about the sensory needs all children: Try a Sensory Diet
Mountain View Whisman School District and SELPA 1 CAC are sending out a survey with questions about parent experience with the special education department. Please answer this survey to let MVWSD know about your experience.
Special Education in MVWSD Parent Survey
Please let us hear your voice!
General Parent/Community Meeting
February 5, 2023 on Zoom
with Special Ed. Directors & Staff, Zoom at 4 pm for LCC and 4:15 pm for CAC. We will be planning for the year, discussing upcoming programs and having a question period for administrators. For our agenda, please join our Google group, https://groups.google.com/g/selpa1cac. Register at: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0odOGhpzItH90IzOAEI6N7uldUYugzvgdH
Let’s Talk
February 6, 10 am
IEP/504 support group. Have questions about the process to get help for your child? Have an IEP but are not sure how to make changes? Need to vent? This is your confidential group. Register at: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYudeGpqD8sHNb80rmjfyQ4qm1HiE8ydWDw
Parent Chat
February 13, 10 am
Are you concerned about the emotional well-being of your child? Peer to peer support for parents of teens with mental health challenges. Every second Tuesday of the month at 10 am on Google Meet. Meeting is for 1 hour only due to Google Meet limitations. Contact trudy.palmer@me.com for invite.
Missed our Parent Education events?
We have a YouTube channel with many of our past events including the recent talk on Assistive Technology, last year’s Inclusive Fun Fair for summer camps and recreational activities, Anxiety and Depression in Children with Learning Challenges, SMART Goals and IEP Troubleshooting, and more. Channel is here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuy7IcVz-4LTDxv2Jaq13nw
Silicon Valley Reads: A Greener Tomorrow Starts Today
Each year, Silicon Valley Reads brings Mountain View together with neighboring Santa Clara County libraries and other organizations to read and learn about an important topic that will jumpstart conversations. This year’s theme, “A Greener Tomorrow Starts Today,” will showcase books and events that focus on environmental sustainability.
We invite you to read one of the featured books and attend special events to address the critical and urgent need to take action toward sustainability.
To celebrate the start of Silicon Valley Reads, join us for a kickoff event at the Visual Performing Arts Center at De Anza College on Wednesday, Jan. 31 and engage in a conversation with authors and contributors to the featured books. Younger children are invited to a Silicon Valley Reads Inspired Storytime on Tuesday, Feb. 6 that will showcase The Forest Man and related songs, stories and rhymes.
City of MV: Lunar New Year
The City of Mountain View is hosting a Lunar New Year celebration on Saturday, February 10 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the Mountain View Community Center (201 S. Rengstorff Ave.). The event will feature live performances, crafts, games, and community booths. For more information, call the Recreation Division at 650-903-6331 or visit MountainView.gov/SpecialEvents.
MV Public Library: Parenting Program
Join the MV Public Library for their virtual “Parenting in Climate Crisis” program on Tuesday, February 27 from 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm. Climate change has put pressure on the mental health of young people. Spend a lunch hour with Jainee Dial, the Executive Director of Gen Dread,and gain ways to actively support your child's processing of negative emotions and experiences around climate change and calm eco-anxiety. This conversation is tailored toward parents of children 8 years or older, including teens. Register for the event here: https://mountainview.libcal.com/event/11704154.