The Dolphin Whistle
April 7 , 2021 Issue 31
MESSAGE FROM PRINCIPAL LAMBERT
Dear Parents,
Today I sent you a two question survey about summer school. I need this information to help plan summer school for Castro; please look in your email for this survey and respond today or tomorrow. Thank you!
On Wednesday, April 21st we will hold the last materials distribution for the zoomies (students on distance learning at home). They will receive the rest of the textbooks and materials they need for the remainder of the school year.
It's Spring Break already! I hope that all of you have a great break with your children. I have challenged all of them to take some time each day to play something that doesn't have a screen! Please remind your children of this challenge and help them to think of something else to play for at least part of each day.
Have a wonderful week,
Best Regards,
Theresa Lambert
Principal Mariano Castro Elementary
cell number (831)206-9522
Garbage Can Tool
Discovery Elementary
The Toolbox from Mr. Kats, School Counselor
Garbage Can Tool
“I let the little things go”
How many times have you told your child to “Just ignore him!” when someone is getting on his/her nerves? Easier said than done, right? It is difficult for children (and many adults) not to take things personally. The Garbage Can Tool teaches this skill. We teach them to think of mean stuff as “garbage” that can be placed in the Garbage Can where they can, hopefully, let it go.
With TOOLBOX, we teach children to imagine having an invisible Garbage Can to throw mean words into. We visualize our Garbage Can as being as big as needed. This Tool gives children an immediate way to handle difficult interactions. Sometimes, the best choice is to throw harmful words away. Since some words or actions need to be handled by an adult, we teach children to recognize which situations are “small problems” and which are “big problems” which need to be reported to adults.
Here is how the Garbage Can Tool works:
Place one hand on your hip creating an open semicircle. With the other hand, make a “throwing-away” gesture into the open space under the arm.
Here are some suggestions for using the Garbage Can Tool at home:
- Ask your child/children to show you how to use their personal Garbage Can, as well as the Garbage Can gesture.
- Remind family members to use their Garbage Cans when conflicts arise.
- Help your children figure out if an event is important enough to deal with or something they can just “toss in and walk on by.”
- Be intentional about using your Garbage Can Tool when you encounter frustrating situations. It is extremely powerful for children to see adults modeling how to “let the little things go.”
We can help children grasp their Tools by having a “going first” mentality. A “going first” mentality means that we as adults use our Tools first so that we can model what they are supposed to look like to our children.
Dazzling Dolphins
Calendar
Monday, April 12 - Friday, April 16,2021 - No School, Spring Break
Monday, April 19, 2021 - Principal's Coffee, 4:00p.m. - 5:00 p.m
Tuesday, April 20, 2021 - ELAC Meeting, 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, April 21, 2021 - Food Pantry , 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Wednesday, April 21, 2021- Material Distribution
Wednesday, April 28, 2021 - Diaper Distribution, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Wednesday, May 5, 2021 - Food Pantry, 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
FROM THE DISTRICT OFFICE
Spring break meal schedule
MVWSD's free meals for children are available over spring break. On Friday, April 9, multiple grab and go meals will be available at school sites for Friday through Tuesday. On Wednesday, April 14, multiple meals for the rest of spring break will be available at Gabriela Mistral Elementary, (505 Escuela Ave) location only from 11:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. Regular meal service will resume on Monday, April 19. Menus and information are found at https://www.mvwsd.org/nutrition.
MVWSD seeking District Equity Advisory Committee members
COVID-19 has exacerbated disadvantages faced by students and families of color and socioeconomic disadvantage. It is important to acknowledge that even though the pandemic has exacerbated these inequalities, long-standing institutional practices and policies have perpetuated them, leading to disproportional equity gaps.
MVWSD is committing itself to engaging meaningfully with the community on issues of equity through the District Equity Advisory Committee (DEAC). The goal of the District Equity Advisory Committee (DEAC) is to provide meaningful feedback to the Superintendent on how to support MVWSD towards achieving its goals of becoming a more equitable and inclusive school district.
The role of a committee member is to be a thought partner and a community advocate. We are seeking a combination of district-level leaders, principals, teachers, staff members, and parent participants who represent the interests of both elementary and middle schools.
Committee members will be expected to attend and participate in meetings held monthly (on average) online during the 2020-21 school year in the evening hours. The average commitment will be approximately 20 hours per academic school year.
Applications are due by April 23 and found at this link. More information is at https://www.mvwsd.org/about/committees.
Parent University: A Conversation with Haben Girma, the Deafblind Woman Who Conquered Harvard Law
Date and Time: April 8, 2021, 6:00-7:00 p.m. Registration Link: http://mvw.sd/X85Z0
Haben Girma is a human rights lawyer and an advocate for disability justice. She was the first Deafblind person to graduate from Harvard Law School. As a community, we are all tasked with resisting ableism, racism and other forms of oppression. We face the choice to accept oppression or advocate for justice. Come and be inspired by Haben, who has received the Helen Keller Achievement Award, a spot on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, and TIME100 Talks.
President Bill Clinton, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and Chancellor Angela Merkel have all honored Haben. President Obama named her a White House Champion of Change. Haben believes disability is an opportunity for innovation, and she teaches organizations the importance of choosing inclusion.
To submit questions prior to the event, please click here. We will do our best to address your question during the session.
Better Together: Strengthening Communities
This month’s Better Together focus is on civic engagement and getting involved in the community. Please see the attached or https://www.mvwsd.org/BetterTogetherMVWSD for the infographic, which features activities for the family, engaging books about activism for students, and more!
COVID testing available for students and families
Regular, asymptomatic COVID testing for students is not required at this time however, parents may want to have students tested, especially after travel, to ensure that they are not carrying the COVID-19 virus.
Free, asymptomatic testing is available for students and parents at:
* El Camino Hospital or MV Center for Performing Arts. Dates: Ongoing. Schedule through El Camino Health at https://www.elcaminohealth.org/landing/schedule-covid-19-test?s=mapPin.
* Graham and Crittenden Middle Schools. Dates: Tuesday March 30 at Graham MUR; Tuesday, April 20 at Crittenden MUR and Wednesday, April 28 at Graham MUR. You should register here. You also may schedule an appointment by calling 650-940-7022 and use option 4. Please mention you are with the Mountain View Whisman School District when calling.
If your child has symptoms of COVID or has had a known exposure to someone who may have COVID, please contact your child's pediatrician for testing information. If you do not have a health care provider, make a symptomatic testing appointment with a county provider here: https://scl.fulgentgenetics.com/appointment/screen/landing.
Spring Break Travel Advisory
As Spring Break approaches, MVWSD wants to remind our community to take precautions to keep our community safe and our schools open.
Under our current risk tier, the Health Officer’s Mandatory Directive on limiting travel has been lifted. However, the state continues to advise Californians to avoid non-essential travel to any part of California more than 120 miles from one's place of residence, or to other states or countries.
If you travel, please test. COVID-19 testing is not required for students, however it's recommended for people who travel. Free testing for students and families is available through El Camino Health at https://www.elcaminohealth.org/landing/schedule-covid-19-test?s=mapPin. The CDC advises that individuals get tested with a viral test 3-5 days after travel. Make your appointment now for after you return.
Spring Break program with the City of Mountain View
The City of Mountain View will be hosting a Club Rec Spring Break program at the Mountain View Teen Center from April 12-16th, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for ages 7-11. Programming will include camp games, arts & crafts, and more! Head to www.mountainview.gov/register for registration, pricing, and more information.
Programa de vacaciones de primavera con la ciudad de Mountain View
La ciudad de Mountain View organizará un programa Club Rec Vacaciones de Primavera en el Mountain View Teen Center del 12 al 16 de abril, de 9 a.m. a 4 p.m. para edades de 7 a 11 años. ¡La programación incluirá juegos de campamento, artes y manualidades, y más! Dirígete a www.mountainview.gov/register para inscribirte, precios y más información.
Resilience Pause Series starts March 29
he 30-minute, online Community Resiliency Model Resilience Pause sessions for adults (parents and staff members) are scheduled during this transition in our school year to assist participants with building resilience throughout return to in-person instruction. Participants can learn strategies on Mondays and build habits towards resilience during the week. These sessions are designed to teach life-long habits that help us to self-regulate during stressful moments.
March 29, 4pm: Tracking Sensations
April 5, 4pm: Grounding
April 19, 4pm: Resourcing
April 26, 4pm: “Help Now!” A Reactive Strategy
Sessions can be drop-in or attended in a series. To join: http://mvw.sd/HAjbz
Join the MVEF Board and make a difference!
The Mountain View Educational Foundation (MVEF) is seeking new volunteers and board members to join us in supporting its mission to ensure that every child in every school has access to a competitive, comprehensive, and inspiring education.
Board members have the opportunity to make a difference in the experience of every child in the district, gain insight into district programming and planning, and collaborate with other parent leaders in the district. Learn more about MVEF, and its impact on your child’s school day at mvef.org. If interested, please send a message to contact@mvef.org.
MVEF survey: Foundation wants to hear from you
MVEF wants to know parents’ and staff members’ priorities about the programs that they usually fund, and areas where MVEF could potentially fund programs in the future. Please take a moment to complete this survey.
MVLA Parent Speaker Series, “The Power of Showing Up: What Kids Really Need from Adults,” April 22 from 7:00 - 9:00pm
MVLA will be hosting their last Parent Speaker Series event for the season, “The Power of Showing Up: What Kids Really Need from Adults,” on Thursday, April 22 from 7:00 - 9:00pm with Dr. Tina Payne Bryson, a psychotherapist and best-selling author.
Parents worry. It’s what we do. Reassuringly, the latest brain and attachment research is clear on how best to make a difference in our child’s life over the long run: we simply need to show up. Offering plenty of warmth and humor, Dr. Bryson will explore what showing up means, sharing stories and simple strategies for honoring the Four S’s - helping kids feel secure, seen, soothed, and safe. She'll discuss practical advice for supporting anxious kids, hitting the reset button on parenting, and creating a safe harbor at home for children of all ages. Registration for this free event can be found at: https://mvla2020-21-tinapaynebryson.eventbrite.com.
Suicide Prevention 101 for Parents: Recognizing Signs and What to Do!
Please register for our upcoming free webinar and Facebook Live event: Suicide Prevention 101 for Parents: Recognizing Signs and What to Do. This free webinar will provide information about suicide prevention for parents, including warning signs for suicide, how to have a conversation with their child, actions to take if their child is having a suicidal thoughts, and resources. The webinar is provided in partnership with CalMHSA, the California Department of Education, the Directing Change Program, and Teen Line.
In English:
April 7, 2021 at 5 to 6 p.m.
To register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_zOLFzulAQVKEfeCvdIPhMA
Or join the live stream event here: https://www.facebook.com/CAEducation/
Upcoming MV Public Library Programs: Product Design, Parenting Program
The Mountain View Public Library will be hosting two events:
Design an Amusement Park for Dogs: Thursday, April 22, 4pm - 5pm for Grades 3-5 on Zoom. Learn about the product design process and create your own amusement park ride with Product Designer and Author Vicky Fang. Registration required. Sign up at https://mountainview.gov/librarycalendar
Building your Child’s Self-Confidence and Personal Power: (English) Wednesday, April 28, 7pm - 8pm on Zoom. (Spanish) Wednesday, April 21, 7pm - 8pm on Zoom. Presenters from CHAC Family Resource Center will discuss ways to raise a confident child with inner strength and health self worth. For parents of children ages 2-12. Registration required. Sign up at https://mountainview.gov/librarycalendar
Virtual Earth Day Events with the City of Mountain View
We know that Earth Day (4/22) is looking a little different this year, so it’s going virtual here at the City of Mountain View! We’re holding two contests with multiple gift card prizes (a short video competition and a student poster contest), all centered around creativity and how you restore the Earth in your own way. For both contests, the deadline for entries is Monday, April 16th, 2021 no later than 5pm. Submissions can be made at: this link; see attached flyers for more information.
Additionally, please join us on Thursday, April 22nd from 6pm-8:30pm for our Virtual Earth Day Event! We’ll be having speakers from the Planet Bee Foundation, Acterra, Recology, and Cool Block. Community members will also be giving 5-minute ‘micro talks’ about how they’re “Restoring the Earth.” And finally, we’ll be announcing the winners of the video and poster contests live during the event. Please visit this link for details.