Quetzal News
April 23, 2025
From Ms. O's Desk
Dear Quetzal Families,
As we move through spring and look ahead to the final stretch of the school year, we’d like to take a moment to share a few important reminders to help keep our students safe and ready to learn each day.
Morning Drop-Off Safety Reminders
Timely arrival and safe drop-off procedures help ensure a calm and focused start to your child’s day. Please help us by following these important guidelines:
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Be on time: Arriving before 8:00 AM helps your child begin the day with their classmates and reduces classroom disruptions.
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Drive slowly: Please watch your speed around the school. Safety is our top priority.
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Use the right side: Make sure your child exits the car on the right side (closest to the sidewalk) for their safety.
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Stay in your car: Our Safety Patrol and staff are here to assist. Allow them to help your child exit safely.
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Pull all the way forward: This helps us keep the traffic line moving smoothly.
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No parking in the staff lot: Our staff has grown, and we currently do not have enough parking for all employees. Please help by keeping this area clear.
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Do not block other cars: If you’re walking your child to class, park in a designated visitor spot or on the street without blocking others.
We appreciate your cooperation in making drop-off smooth and safe for everyone!
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
Supporting your child’s mental well-being is just as important as their academic success. Throughout the month of May, we will be highlighting tools and strategies to help support positive mental health for students and families.
Here are a few tips to get started at home:
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Establish consistent routines: Predictable daily routines help children feel safe and secure.
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Encourage open conversations: Let your child know it’s okay to talk about their feelings.
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Get outside: Physical activity and fresh air do wonders for mental clarity and emotional regulation.
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Practice gratitude: Try sharing one thing you’re grateful for as a family each day.
We are looking forward to seeing you this Friday. April 25th, at 3pm for our Día del Niño event. Thank you for partnering with us in creating a safe, caring, and supportive environment for all students!
Warmly,
Claudia Olaciregui, Principal
Project Cornerstone- Join the Project Cornerstone Team as a Co-Leader!
Are you passionate about making a difference in children's lives? Do you enjoy working with parents and educators to create a positive school environment? Become a Project Cornerstone Co-Leader and help bring the ABC Program to life at your school!
Why Join?
- Inspire & Empower Students – Help foster a culture of kindness and respect through engaging books and lessons.
- Build Community – Connect with dedicated parents, volunteers, and school staff to create a meaningful impact.
- Develop Leadership Skills – Gain valuable experience in team coordination, training, and communication.
- Make a Lasting Impact – Be a role model and advocate for a positive school experience for all children.
Your Role:
- Lead & Train Volunteers – Recruit and support parent volunteers to bring ABC lessons into classrooms.
- Coordinate Monthly Activities – Plan engaging book readings, discussions, and activities for students.
- Stay Connected – Work closely with Project Cornerstone and school staff to ensure program success.
- Track & Celebrate Progress – Monitor participation, report volunteer numbers, and help with school-wide initiatives.
Time Commitment:
- A few hours per month to attend training, plan sessions, and support volunteers.
- A full school year of leadership and teamwork to create an inspiring experience for students.
Join us in making a difference! If you're ready to step into a rewarding leadership role, we’d love to have you on board. Sign up today and help shape a positive school culture for our kids!
Calendar
April 21 - May 9
- CAASPP Testing April 21- May 9 3rd-5th Grades
April 25
- Dia del Niño celebration Event @ 3pm
- Spirit Day - Gabriela Mistral Day
- School Site Council 5pm
- Virtual Cafecito w/ Ms. O 5:30pm Link
- ELAC Meeting/Potluck 8:15am Room#15
- Memorial Day - No School
DISTRICT NEWS
The Board of Trustees will meet on Thursday, April 24. Closed session will begin at 4:30 p.m., and open/public session begins at 6 p.m.
Some of the topics include:
Update on MVWSD+ Expanded Learning Programs
Resolutions: Day of the Teacher; Classified School Employee Week
Formation of a Non-Profit Corporation to Govern Staff Housing
Resolution Recognizing Jewish American Heritage Month
Resolution Recognizing Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month
For meeting details and agenda, please click here: https://www.mvwsd.org/trustees.
Health and Wellness: Neurodiversity Awareness
Neurodiversity is the idea that natural variation exists in how people’s brains work. This idea is that there is no “correct” way for the brain to work. Instead, there is a wide range of ways that people perceive and respond to the world, including those with ADHD, autism and learning differences. Differences are not viewed as deficits, but rather valuable variations in the way people experience the world. Embracing neurodiversity fosters inclusivity.
As part of bringing awareness to neurodiversity, the Organization for Autism Research (OAR) has awarded the Mountain View Whisman School District a grant that includes materials for students to learn and understand how to be a good friend and understand similarities and differences in one another. For example, students learn about their similarities and differences by asking each other if they have a pet or if they like to eat vegetables, etc. School Counselors are sharing these materials with students and teachers. Let’s celebrate our differences and join our students in being aware of one another’s different lenses on the world so that we can be good friends, neighbors, classmates, or coworkers.
Parent University: Preparing for High School
Date and Time: May 6, 2025, 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. Registration Link: https://mvw.sd/pu050625r
Do you have a child who is about to enter high school? Join us at our final Parent University session of the year to learn about high school campus life from students and staff at Los Altos High School and Mountain View High School. This session will focus on supporting the social and emotional growth of students, and tips to support academic success as they navigate a complex new school experience.
To submit questions prior to the event, go to mvw.sd/questions. We will do our best to address your question during the session.
Parent U: Preparing for Middle School recordings available
If you missed the last Parent University presentation, “Preparing for Middle School,” recordings are available in English and Spanish. For past Parent U materials, visit mvwsd.org/ParentU.
Imai Children's Business Fair
Come shop and support young entrepreneurs at the Imai Elementary Children's Business Fair on Saturday, May 3, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM! 2nd–5th grade students will be selling their handmade creations, ranging from crafts to carnival games. With 30 student-run businesses and food trucks available, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. This is a cash-only event, so please bring small bills and coins!
22nd Annual MWVSD Chess Tournament
The 22nd Annual MVWSD Chess Tournament will be held on Sunday, May 4, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at Landels Elementary and is open to all elementary and middle school students in the district. Registration is free at tinyurl.com/mvwsdchess, and the deadline is May 1. New this year is a “For Fun” Division open to all ages and skill levels—no registration required, just drop in and play! For questions, contact tournament coordinator Angela Klittmark at angela.ge@gmail.com.
DON’T MISS OUT ON THE MVEF ONLINE AUCTION - LAST CHANCE TO BROWSE & BID ON OVER 100 AMAZING ITEMS! ONLY A FEW DAYS LEFT…
Everyone, near or far, can participate in supporting vital programs for all MVWSD students!
The ONLINE AUCTION closes Saturday, April 26th at 7:30 pm.
We have something for everyone, with categories including:
Private community parties and dinners for adults and kids (hosted by parents like you)
Summer camps
Sports events and activities
Educational activities
Professional services
Food and drink experiences for adults and kids
And much more!
Click here to browse and bid today!
ENTER THE RAFFLE & BID ON THESE WONDERFUL PRIZES!
4 tickets to Great America (Value: $320)
Wine Tasting for 6 at Concannon Vineyard (Value: $180)
Party Charcuterie Board of Your Choice (Value: $200)
Get your raffle tickets today!
ALSO, EXPLORE OUR EXCITING LIVE AUCTION ITEMS!
Live Event attendees can participate in the LIVE AUCTION, in which donated experiences will go to the highest bidders! Preview the LIVE AUCTION items here:
Vacation getaways – Half Moon Bay, Bear Valley & Mendocino Coast
Concert tickets – Shoreline Amphitheatre
Family Memories Photography Session
7-night stay at a luxurious Los Cabos resort
Taco Party for 50 people & much more!
Thank you for your support!
FROM OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Spring 2025 Learning Challenges Committee Events
The Learning Challenges Committee of the Los Altos-Mountain View PTA Council is made up of parents, teachers and students in the Mountain View and Los Altos areas. We are committed to helping families get the best education for students with learning challenges and/or special education needs.
Wednesday April 23, 10 am, Zoom - IEP/504 Parent Support Group - Parent Chat is our IEP/504/venting support group for parents/guardians to ask questions and work together to solve problems. Register HERE.
Wednesday April 23, 7:00 PM, Graham Middle School (hybrid option may be available) - “Borderline Cases” - How decisions are made on helping students with learning challenges, with MVWSD Special Education Director Frank Selvaggio and Laura Kimpton, special education advocate with Special Education Advocacy Group.
Coming up in mid-May - Make a Calm Down Kit! Parents and family members will be able to come to a maker session where we make Calm Down kits for classrooms across Mountain View and Los Altos, and take home one of your own. Stay tuned for more information.
From the Northwest SCC SELPA CAC:
Friends of the Mountain View Library Book Sale
The Friends of the Mountain View Library invite you to their book sale on May 3 and 4, offering a fantastic selection of books at unbeatable prices. On Saturday, members get early access from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., followed by the general sale from 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and on Sunday, shoppers can stock up during the Fill-a-Bag Sale from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The sale takes place in the garage behind the library at 585 Franklin Street, with all proceeds supporting library programs and services.
MVPAL Youth Extravaganza
The Mountain View Police Activities League invites you to attend the Annual Youth Extravaganza on Friday, May 9, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Rengstorff Park in Mountain View. This is a free, fun, and family-friendly event that promotes health and mental wellness for people of all ages. Families can enjoy a variety of activities, including a bounce house, outdoor games, face painting, music, and food. For more information, please visit www.mvpsf.org/events.
The View Teen Center: April
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., and the center features a game room, makerspace, kitchen, computer/study room, and outdoor area. April events include a Shoreline Cleanup, cooking classes, a Moonlight Masquerade, crafts, and much more. For more information, click here.
InPlay: Free Activity Guide
Looking for exciting activities for your child this summer? Explore InPlay’s’ free activity guide! Sponsored by Santa Clara County and our school district, the searchable guide lists thousands of local and affordable programs so that you can find fun enrichment to help keep your child’s school-year gains! Check it out: http://mv.inplay.org.