Luis Valdez Leadership Academy
LION ROAR
Message from Your Principal
Dear Lion,
The fall season is definitely one of my favorite seasons, I enjoy the beautiful changing colors found in nature, the chilly nights, and the beautiful weather during the day.
We have much to be grateful for here at Luis Valdez Leadership Academy. We have a wonderful, caring, talented staff and I am grateful for the team we have. We have supportive parents and community and the most resilient and intelligent students. LVLA has a history of successful graduation and college acceptance rates and this year we have improved in our attendance. We definitely surpass many of our neighboring schools. This is why I challenge you, our incredible students, to challenge yourself. Challenge yourself to learn and to be engaged, and challenge us, LVLA, to break records and make history. I invite you to become more connected. Go beyond logging on. Turn on your cameras. Check your email. Participate in class. Complete your assignments. Collaborate with your teachers and peers. Participate in the activities your student leadership will organize for you, participate in this week's Spirit Week. We must continue to prepare ourselves because this too shall pass. I ask you to think about why education is important. Even during this unusual year, you must earn passing grades and ensure you are on path toward graduation and are A-G eligible. So, I ask you, Why Is Education Important? If you are not doing well, please note that I, along with our team of teachers and staff, will be reaching out to meet with you and your family to determine how to support you. I look forward to honest and fruitful conversations that will move you forward in passing your classes.
Our website www.sjlvla.org has information, as well as school calendar, that help plan your year. We try to keep it up to date as well with this Lion ROAR newsletter, to keep you updated with information throughout the year. So keep going, keep pushing, keep trying, keep winning, because this too shall pass. We do not have a return date to campus, but I do know that this shall pass, so we must keep focused. Lastly, as our county and country continue to fight the pandemic, please remember to wear your mask, wash your hands, social distance, and stay safe. Please communicate with me as needed at ggonzalez@sjlvla.org or 408-913-5009 and/or use the suggestion link below. Let's GO LIONS.
Your Principal,
Ms.Gonzalez
408-913-5009
Message from your Dean of Students
Hi Lions,
Spirit Week is November 16-20th! Please Tag us @sjlvla! Remember, our focus continues to be perfect attendance, participation, and responsible citizenship.
Mr. Monroy
ACADEMICS
WASC Accreditation Visit
The Accrediting Commission for Schools, WASC, works collaboratively with schools in continuous school improvement that focuses on high-quality learning and well-being for all students and also collaborates with the University of California regarding the a-g course requirements. We hold accreditation to also ensure all LVLA students are eligible to attend UC and CSU's directly after graduating from high school.
WASC has arranged for a committee to visit us on Thursday, November 19, 2020 to follow up with us on our progress. Areas of progress for LVLA are improvement in English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science, and ensuring consistent graduation rates and A-G Eligibility. On Thursday the visiting committee will visiting classes, meeting with students, and meeting with teachers. They are looking forward to spend the day (virtually) with us on Thursday, so please note that if you see Ms. Connie Oliver or Ms. Karle Roberts in your class, welcome them with LION PRIDE! This is a very important visit and our accreditation is essential for you and the entire LVLA community.
SEMESTER 1 Grades and Office Hours
Reminder, all teachers are offering Office Hours for support on Tuesdays and Thursdays 2:20 - 3:30 PM. Please reach our to your teachers if you need to support. We want you to succeed. You want to succeed. This era, this pandemic shall pass and you must be prepared. This means having good grades and being ready for what comes after high school. If you need support, please attend office hours, turn on your cameras, and participate in class. You can do this.
Important Dates
Fall Spirit Week: November 16-20, 2020
WASC Accreditation Visit: November 19, 2020
Thanksgiving Break: November 23-27, 2020 (ENJOY YOUR TIME OFF!!)
End of Semester 1: December 18, 2020 (final semester grades)
TRAVEL ABROAD: If you signed up and are contributing for the Japan or Rome, Paris, London trip, please note that travel has been postponed until summer 2021. LVLA and Educational Tours will continue to work collaboratively and continue to plan for the trips. An upcoming meeting will be scheduled to provide updates and next steps!
RESOURCES
BRIGHT FUTURES program by CONXION: CLASS of 2023 and Class of 2024 students, that you of those of you that expressed interest. The Conxion staff is working diligently to contact your parent/guardians to complete the application progress. If you expressed interested your name and contact information was provided, please remind your parents that you are interested. The Bright Futures program offers Goal Setting, Work Space and Wifi from 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday-Friday, including tutoring services.
YMCA Y LEARNING FOR SUPER SCHOLARS: Apply at https://go.ymcasv.org/machform/view.php?id=87117 Led by committed, professional leaders, the Y Super Scholars Program teaches youth the foundational skills needed to develop healthy, trusting relationships and build self-reliance while getting academic support to ensure future success.
At the YMCA, they continue to make safety a priority to protect our families and staff. YMCA fall programs have been adapted to ensure that the environment adheres to the strictest COVID-19 regulations from the CDC and local guidance. To meet the needs of the community while youth are distance learning, they are offering academic support in a safe and socially supportive environment through stable learning groups consisting of no more than 12 youth. In collaboration with school districts and other community partners, the YMCA has successfully provided full-day support for families in need since March. While they continually update their practices to fit the current health and safety regulations, the constant focus of the program continues to be fostering friendships, belonging and achievement. They look forward to welcoming you and your family to the community.
MENTAL HEALTH TEAM RESOURCES
Support and individual check-in time is available to all. Support can be provided upon referral, as needed. Please let any staff member know if you would like to speak to someone.
24-Hour Crisis Line 408.294.0579
MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
The following resources are available to help people who may be experiencing distress or heightened anxiety right now:
- 24/7 Behavioral Health Services Department Call Center: (800) 704-0900
- Crisis Text Line: Text RENEW to 741741
- Suicide and Crisis Hotline 24/7: (855) 278-4204
- Mobile Crisis Response Teams (MCRT)
- Adults-BHSD MCRT: (800) 704-0900
- Children and Youth-Uplift Family Services Mobile Crisis Response: (408) 379-9085
- If you are experiencing an emergency call 9-1-1 immediately.
COVID-19 Updates from Assembly Member Aah Kalra (a dedicated page) https://a27.asmdc.org/covid-19-updates-and-resources
Food Distribution:
Mondays: Our Lady of Peace (2800 Mission College Blvd Santa Clara, CA 95054)
Tuesdays: Our Lady of Refuge (Closest to LVLA) (2165 Lucretia Ave San Jose, CA 95122) (5PM-7PM)
Wednesdays: St. Martin of Tours (200 O'Connor Dr. San Jose, CA 95128) (9AM-11AM)
Thursdays: St. John Vianney (4600 Hyland Ave San Jose, CA 95127) (9AM-11AM)
Fridays: St. Lucy's Campbell (2350 S Winchester Blvd Campbell, CA 95008) (10AM-12PM)
Saturdays: Santa Teresa Parish (794 Calero Ave San Jose, CA 95123)
ACADEMIC COUNSELING CORNER
Dear Juniors and Sophomores,
I hope you are having a good week!
If you still haven’t scheduled a time to meet with me to review your graduation/A-G progress please do so by clicking on this link https://calendly.com/s_canales/15min
It’s very important that we meet because I want you to know if you are on track to graduate and for college. If those times don’t work for you please let me know by sending me an email at scanales@tfhe.org and we can set a time that works for you.
Looking forward to meeting with you.
Sincerely,
Ms. Canales
12th Grade Space - Class of 2021
Seniors, if you have not already done so, please sign up for a Cash for College workshop so you can receive assistance with your FAFSA/CA DREAM Act applications. Here is the registration link: https://tinyurl.com/2020C4CStudentRegistration
Also, please check your Senior Calendar for workshop dates and times, upcoming events and more. Here is the link to your Senior Calendar:
Lastly, there will be a TFHE Cash for College workshop on Monday, Nov 16, from 4:30-6:30 pm. The purpose of the workshop is to help you complete and submit your FAFSA/DREAM Act applications. If you have not completed your financial aid applications by Nov 16 you will be REQUIRED to attend this evening workshop. Here is the registration link to register for the workshop:
https://tfhe-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJAsde-urTIrG9fmkpmV4zmlgBSOY5GA5OsO
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Here is the link to join the Zoom meeting:
https://tfhe-org.zoom.us/s/94126639113?pwd=aC9yZW9GRWdtZUQ2dUlhaC9LTVUwdz09#success
Kindly,
Mr.Martinez
Additional Senior Reminders:
- Senior Photos. We are currently awaiting for approval to host Senior Portraits. This is on our list and will schedule a date and time when safe and approved by our Foundation.
- Advisory Workshops: Small workshop and sessions will take place during Advisory to meet your specific needs. First log into your advisory and then move into the Google Meets posted by your Advisor and emailed to you. This will occur during the month of November. The topics covered are: FAFSA and DREAM ACT, PIQS, Career Exploration and Research, Academic Support, Brag and Sheets.
COLLEGE and CAREER
Visit our College and Career Readiness website at https://sites.google.com/tfhe.org/collegeandcareer/home
Remember to reach out to Brittany Alvarez balvarez@tfhe.org or Angel Oronia aoronia@tfhe.org if you have any questions or need support!
ATTENDANCE MATTERS
From the Desk of Mr. Mireles, Office Manager
Hello Lions,
Is it lunch time?
Lunch is still offered at YBHS and it's free. Stop by for Lunch and Supper, M-F from 11:45 AM to 12:50 PM.
WiFi running slow?
Save time and a trip to the office. Click here for tips and tricks to improve your WiFi connectivity. If you are stopping by the office to exchange your Chromebook, don't forget your charger.
Need a work permit?
Remember Lions, this is a privilege and not a right. It is solely within the discretion of the school district to determine whether a minor, who is still subject to the state’s compulsory education laws, may obtain a work permit and, therefore, be employed to work.You must first secure employment and submit the B1-1 Form to Ms. Uribe once complete.
Information Technology
TUNE SQUAD - ATHLETICS!
What’s good FamBam!
Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, sports, including conditioning, continues to be postponed. We will continue to monitor county and state guidelines to determine if we will participate in the Spring sports, which begin March 13, 2021. Your safety and health is our number one priority therefore the reason for not participating in the Fall and Winter.
However, to get ready for when sports begin, reminder to complete your Physicals and your Athletic Clearance registration packet. I have both forms if you need them. I will share these packets with Mr. Mireles and Ms. Gonzalez so they have access to them as well. Please contact me at bdick@sjlvla.org if you need them.
As always, make sure to take a break so you maintain your mental health as well as your physical health.
Take care Familia!
Coach Billy
Happy Birthday!
On you birthday we wish for you that whatever you want most in life comes to you just the way you imagined it or better. Happy birthday!
October
Omar M.(5th)
Christal C. (7th)
Viviana M. (7th)
Christina N. (10th)
Alejandro R. (10th)
Karem G. (11th)
David S. (11th)
Carlos M. (13th)
Fiona G. (16th)
Gerardo M. (16th)
Pedro C. (17th)
Davin G. (18th)
Nathanael N. (18th)
Efren F. (21st)
Jesus D. (22nd)
Anna H. (24th)
Jose J. (24th)
Anselmo M. (24th)
Kelsey T. (27th)
Crystal B. (28th)
Alejandro S. (30th)
Vanessa B. (31st)
Miguel M. (31st)
Carlos Emanuel S. (31st)
November
Brayan D. (3rd)
Victor G. (5th)
Paulina A. (7th)
Alexandra V. (8th)
Ashely N. (9th)
Anai G. (11th)
Luis B. (12th)
Randy L. (15th)
Jorge V. (15th)
Samira M. (19th)
Alejandro A. (20th)
Briana E. (20th)
Maximiliano A. (21st)
Nataly A. (21st)
Pedro H. (21st)
Victoria C. (22nd)
Andrea T. (23rd)
Marisa A. (24th)
Delaney M. (25th)
Karen U. (26th)
Nayaden C. (27th)
Monse S. (28th)
Nathan C. (29th)
Ailani C. (29th)
Andrew K. (29th)
Octavio R. (29th)
Dayanara R. (30th)
The Foundation for Hispanic Education Updates
Hello LVLA Lions,
We hope that this email finds you well. As we start the School Site Council (SSC) Meeting process, we ask that please review the developed SSC Presentation here on the LVLA Website on the dedicated page.
There will be one meeting per month starting in November 2020. To determine interest in participating in the elections for a position, we will be issuing a survey early next week. For any questions, please reach out to us at mfarfan@tfhe.org.
Kind Regards,
Martin Esteban Farfan
Director of Compliance and Equity
PARENT PIECE
Hello LVLA Lions,
Now is your chance to participate in school site decisions! Please make sure to check out the School Site Council Overview powerpoint where you will learn more about our meetings and discussion topics. Stay tuned for the interest surveys that will go out next week. You will be able to submit your interest or nominate a person you’d think would be a great fit for our council.
Lastly, here is access to our COVID-19 Reopening Survey. We need your input to help us plan and assess your concerns regarding the reopening of our schools. Please make sure to complete one per student. If you have any questions, feel free to email me at tmartinez@tfhe.org.
Sincerely,
Tania Martinez
Community Outreach Liaison
Upcoming Parent Workshops. Join Us!
Accessing PowerSchool Parent Portal. If you missed this workshop, following this link https://www.sjlvla.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=379605&type=d&pREC_ID=2099745
November 5, 2020 @ 5:30 PM: Virtual Cafecito with the Principal
November 7, 2020 @ 9:30 AM: Virtual Cafecito with the Principal
November 13, 2020 @ 5:00 PM: Virtual Cafecito with the Principal
November 16, 2020 @ 4:30 PM: TFHE Cash For College, follow the link https://tfhe-org.zoom.us/j/94126639113?pwd=aC9yZW9GRWdtZUQ2dUlhaC9LTVUwdz09
November 17, 2020 @ 9:30 AM and 5:30 PM: College and Career Readiness Information, follow the links:
9:30 AM https://meet.google.com/swk-csfk-dju?authuser=0
5:30 PM https://meet.google.com/krf-vhch-qcw?authuser=0
Visit www.sjlvla.org for ongoing and school information!
Student Participation
Your student's participation is of the utmost importance. During remote learning, in the 2020-2021 school year, students are graded. Grades impact student's GPA, Graduation, and College acceptances. Logging on to classes is only a part of the work. Once students are logged on, it is important to participate. Collectively, we need to ensure students are not only attending class, but are active participants. This means cameras on, answering questions, asking questions, participating in classroom discussions, and completing assigned homework and classwork.
Self-Mastery - Unlocking Your Full Potential
Spend some time thinking and identifying how you want you life to be. Write down what you want your life to be like. Spend some time thinking and writing down the answers to these questions:
Why is education important?
What do you want?
Where do you want to go to college?
What might you want to do as a career?
What grades do you want?
What people do you want to share your life with?
Where do you want to live?
What does happiness mean to you?
What makes you happy?
What do you want to contribute to this Earth?
Having a vision of your life will carry you through frustrating and tough times. Write the answers to these questions in your journal. It is okay for your purpose to change over time, that is growth.
People That Changed the World
Emil Guillermo
Print and Broadcast Journalist, Commentator and Humorist
Filipino-American
Born in San Francisco, Guillermo is an alumnus of Harvard University, where he studied history and film, and was a member of the Harvard Lampoon. He delivered the Ivy Oration as class humorist in 1977. From 1989-1991, he was host of NPR's "All Things Considered." He was the first Asian American male, and first Filipino American, to host a regularly scheduled national news broadcast.[1][2] He has also worked as a television reporter in San Francisco, Dallas, and Washington, D.C. He has hosted his own radio talk show in Washington D.C., San Francisco and Sacramento. His writing and commentary has been widely published in newspapers around the country, and has earned him national and regional journalism awards. In 2015, Guillermo received the Asian American Journalists Association's Dr. Suzanne Ahn Award for Civil Rights & Social Justice, in recognition of excellence in coverage of Asian American Pacific Islander civil rights and social justice issues.
Guillermo is the author of Amok: Essays from an Asian American Perspective—a compilation of essays originally published in Asian Week—that won an American Book Award in 2000.
Learn More
School Contact Information
Instagram Follow us @sjlvla
Website: www.sjlvla.org
Location: 1855 Lucretia Avenue, San Jose, CA, USA
Phone: 408-384-4015
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sjlvla