Quetzal News
October 18, 2023
From Ms. O's Desk
Dear Quetzal Families,
October is Safety Month in MVWSD. Don’t forget that the district wide earthquake drill is tomorrow. We have reviewed our procedures, and we are ready to practice. Parents, since students will be outside for approximately one hour, please plan to apply sunscreen to your child in the morning and have them bring a hat if they’re sun-sensitive.
Please reassure your child that drills are our way of practicing for an emergency. These things may never happen, but if they do, we’re better protected and are more able to help ourselves and others.
Our Walkathon is coming up soon. Mark your calendars: November 3rd, at 12:10pm. This is an amazing opportunity for our community to spend time together, exercise, enjoy amazing food, and mingle. It is also a PTA fundraiser for our school, that allows our students to enjoy field trips, assemblies, and after school enrichment programs. I am looking forward to seeing you all there!
Warmly,
Claudia Olaciregui, Principal
Walkathon Time!!
Mistral PTA Walkathon: Friday, November 3, 12:10-4pm
The Mistral PTA Walkathon/Caminata is our community’s biggest fundraiser of the year. All proceeds from this PTA-sponsored event go directly towards student field-trips, school library books, classroom supplies,campus beautification projects, and other classroom enrichment programs. In the weeks before the Walkathon, students are encouraged to raise money by collecting pledges from friends and family for walking laps around the school field. Then, on November 3, we will come together to cheer on our students, celebrate our community, and raise funds for our school! You can find more detailed information on our website - Walkathon 2023
How to Volunteer
We need many volunteers to help run the event. Please sign up for a one-hour shift on Konstella. Food, beverages and baked goods will be available for purchase at the event. If you would like to donate any of these items sign-up on Konstella.
Permission Forms
All students must have permission to participate and must be supervised by an adult during the event. Be sure to fill out and return the permission form that will be sent home in your child’s backpack.
Collecting Pledges
The Walkathon is a fundraiser for the Mistral PTA. Help raise funds for the school by asking friends and family to sponsor students. 99Pledges is our online WAT pledge system, which will allow Mistral students to request and collect pledges from friends and family who want to donate online with a credit card or PayPal. Those students who wish to use the hard-copy pledge sheet may do so! Forms and pledges (cash or check) can be turned in at the office and are due by November 17 to be eligible for prizes.
CALENDAR
October 24
- ELAC Meeting @ 4:30 pm-Link
October 27
- Spirit Day-Mix Match Day
November 3
- Quetzal Walkathon @ 12:20pm
- End of Trimester-Minimum Day
November 7
- Cafecito with Ms. O-Virtual
DISTRICT NEWS
The Board of Trustees will meet on Thursday, Oct. 19 at 6:00 p.m.
Some of the topics include:
Off Schedule 4% Payment
Equitable Access to Choice Schools Lottery Update
For meeting details and agenda, please click here: https://www.mvwsd.org/trustees.
Drafts available: Single Plans for Student Achievement
Each year, our schools create Single Plans for Student Achievement (SPSAs or “site plans”) that guide the work for the coming year. These plans help us prioritize programs and strategies that will best serve our students. In the fall, elected parent representatives from School Site Councils and English Language Advisory Committees work with principals and school staff members to create a draft that is reviewed and approved by the MVWSD Board of Trustees. Parents and staff members may give feedback through Oct. 26 to their principal and elected parent representatives to SSC and ELAC. You may review the draft plans here.
Parent University Speaker Series Presents
Parenting in the Digital Era - Supporting Dialogue and Strategies for Building Healthy Tech Habits
Date and Time: October 24, 2023, 5:30-7:00 pm Registration Link: mvw.sd/pu102423
One of our favorite nonprofit organizations is back! Information presented by My Digital TAT2 will empower parents to navigate the complexities of raising tech-savvy, digitally responsible children. We will address common tech issues such as digital “perfection”, misinformation, and things you might not know about popular apps and platforms.
Parents will gain crucial strategies that will support open dialogue and cultivate healthy tech habits among all family members.
To submit questions prior to the event, go to mvw.sd/questions. We will do our best to address your questions during the session.
MVWSD Preschool Enrollment
MVWSD’s award-winning preschool has a limited number of part-day state preschool spaces still available at Latham. These spaces are free for all 3- and 4-year-olds living within the Castro Elementary School boundary. Families can get an application at mvwsd.org/preschool, stop by the preschool office (1850 Latham St.) or call 650-526-3560.
Better Together: October
Cultural appreciation is an acknowledgment and celebration of the rich and diverse tapestry of human heritage that exists around the world. Indigenous Peoples' Month, observed in various regions, highlights the unique cultures, traditions, and contributions of indigenous communities. It serves as an opportunity for all of us to learn, respect, and honor the invaluable knowledge, customs, and wisdom that indigenous peoples have preserved for generations. We are #BetterTogetherMVWSD. For more information about Better Together, visit mvwsd.org/BetterTogetherMVWSD.
MVEF Community Survey
MVEF is seeking input from the community via the annual online survey, which will be open throughout October: http://bit.ly/MVEF-Survey
As a community-funded foundation where over 70% of donations come from families, your input is a very important part of the planning process for future MVEF-funded programs. If donations to MVEF approach the annual goal of $1.2MM by December 31, 2023, MVEF may be able to add additional programs in 2024.
MVEF has raised just shy of $400,000 -- donate today if you haven't already: https://www.mvef.org/donate. THANK YOU MVEF donors and volunteers!
Mentor Tutor Connection: Volunteer Info Session
MENTOR TUTOR CONNECTION - VOLUNTEER INFORMATION SESSION - Wed., Oct. 18, 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm, El Camino YMCA, 2400 Grant Rd, Mountain View. Please join us and learn about becoming a mentor and/or a tutor in the Mountain View and Los Altos public schools. Help a local student to a brighter future! To register go to www.mentortutorconnection.org/events - or email programs@mentortutorconnection.org.
The View Teen Center: October
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. (on no school days or minimum days, The View Teen Center is open 1-6 p.m.), and the center features a game room, makerspace, kitchen, computer/study room, outdoor area, and much more! See attached flyer for details about upcoming events and programs in October or visit their webpage for more information.