Quetzal News

Dear Quetzal Families,

The spirit of our Quetzales is truly alive and generous! We are continually amazed by the kindness and support of our Mistral families. This year, we are once again inviting our community to help make the winter season brighter for families in need through our Winter Donations for Mistral Families drive.

These families face housing instability and are in need of essential items. A new coat, warm blanket, pair of shoes, toy, or gift card can make a world of difference. If you’d like to contribute, you can:

• Purchase items directly from our Amazon wish list.
• Donate money to be used for Walmart gift cards. If you choose this option, please contact Mari directly at maricrystalg@gmail.com.

• Donations can also be dropped off directly at the Mistral office. Our team will update the wish list accordingly.

What Happens Next?

Yesica, Esme, Ronald, Michelle, and Mari will assemble winter gift bags for 22 families with the generous donations from our community. Feel free to share the wish list with your family, friends, and community members. There are still many items available for purchase. We are so grateful to everyone who has already contributed. Your generosity is truly inspiring, and the joy you bring to these families is immeasurable.

With Gratitude,

Claudia Olaciregui, Principal

PTA Updates:

December is the last month of the year to ask your company to match your generous volunteer hours and donations made during 2024. Corporate matching is one of the easiest ways to increase the impact your donations have on our school and the community! Please submit any final match requests (including any PTA or Walkathon donations) and check with your company to see if they recognize volunteering hours as well by the end of the year! Still want to make a donation? You can do so on our website!

Check backpacks on Friday for an entry form to the Mistral PTA's bookmark design competition. Entries are due on Tuesday, December 17th!

December 12

• Night at the Library @ 6-7:30pm

• School Spirit Day - Pijama Day

• Holiday Break No School

• Students Return to School

January 14

• ELAC/ELPAC meeting @ 5pm in the MUR

January 15

• New Enrollment Registration @ 5:30pm in the MUR

DISTRICT NEWS

Open Enrollment for 2025-26 starts in January

In January, the Mountain View Whisman School District will be opening student enrollment for next fall.

For CURRENT students in transitional kindergarten-7th grade: Parents will be asked by email to confirm enrollment from January 21 to February 7.

For families enrolling NEW students: Please check www.mvwsd.org/register for details about virtual school information meetings held in January (mvw.sd/Meetings2526), how to locate your neighborhood school, how to explore school options and the four steps to register during the enrollment period held January 21 to February 7. Virtual school information nights will be held on Jan. 14 (neighborhood schools) and Jan. 15 (choice schools). The transitional kindergarten meeting is on Jan. 22.

Click here to learn about which program is right for your young learner: mvwsd.org/kinderready

Please check www.mvwsd.org/register for how to locate your neighborhood school, how to explore school options and the four steps to register.

Thank you for supporting MVEF! It’s not too late to double your impact!

Help us further unlock $35,000 for MVWSD students by December 31st. Every dollar donated will be matched, including employer giving, donor-advised funds, and stock gifts.

Your tax-deductible donation funds essential programs like arts, music, science, and smaller middle school classes. Donate here to make a difference today!

Save the Date: Virtual Meet & Greets in January 2025

MVEF is hosting two 45 mins. Zoom "Meet & Greets" in January 2025 to give community members the opportunity to learn more about MVEF, meet our Board members and School Representatives, ask questions, and connect with us. We also want to learn from you and listen to your questions, concerns, etc.

Wednesday, January 22, 2025 | 12:00-12:45 pm | Please register here.

Monday, January 27, 2025 | 07:00-07:45 pm | Please register here.

Don’t miss this chance to engage with us!

FROM OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS

Make a Difference in Your Community: Volunteer with Mentor Tutor Connection!

Are you passionate about helping students succeed? Mentor Tutor Connection is urgently seeking dedicated volunteers to mentor high school students or tutor K-8 students in math, writing, or reading at local public schools in Los Altos and Mountain View.

Why Volunteer with MTC?

• Make a Lasting Impact: Help underserved students reach their full potential, both academically and personally.

• Support Future Leaders: Mentoring high school students or tutoring younger students can help them navigate challenges and build confidence.

• Join a Community of Like-minded Volunteers: Connect with other compassionate individuals and gain a deeper sense of purpose by helping others.

Get Involved: Join us for a Volunteer Information Session on January 10th at 12pm via Zoom. During this session, you’ll learn about our programs, hear from current volunteers, and have the chance to ask questions.

To register for our Volunteer Information Session or to learn more about MTC, please email info@mentortutorconnection.org or visit mentortutorconnection.org.

Learning Challenges events for Fall 2024

For local coverage of issues related to learning challenges and special education, please check out the Learning Challenges Committee http://learningchallenges.lamvptac.org/

For broader coverage, look into the Northwest SCC SELPA CAC

Morning Let’s Talk Parent Support group

December 19, 10 am on Zoom.

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/tZMrduupqD0vEtSpweFX71KvNAcKW8Csy4D3

Missed past Parent Education events?

We have a YouTube channel with many of our past events including the recent talk on Assistive Technology, info on 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

MVHS Tree Lot

MVHS Sports Boosters will be opening up the Annual Spartans Tree Lot on Friday, November 29 at 10 AM for the 2024 season at the Mountain View High School Stadium (3535 Truman Ave.). Spartans Tree Lot offers premium, top-quality trees ranging in size from 3 feet to 12+ feet, holiday decorations, and supplies. In person and online delivery options are available. All proceeds benefit Mountain View High School Athletics. For more information, head to SpartansTreeLot.com.

The View Teen Center: December

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. (Closed: Dec. 24 - Jan. 1. Extended hours: Monday, Dec. 23, 1-6 p.m.), and the center features a game room, makerspace, kitchen, computer/study room, and outdoor area. December events include holiday themed activities, cooking classes, crafts, and much more. For more information, click here.

Spanish Language Civic Leadership Academy

The City of Mountain View will host a Spanish Language Civic Leadership Academy, meeting weekly on Wednesdays, 5:30–8:30 p.m., from March 26 to June 11, 2025. This free 10-week program helps participants learn about local government, develop leadership, public speaking, and critical thinking skills, and understand the role residents play in civic engagement. Graduates become City Ambassadors, fostering community involvement and preparing for roles on advisory groups and committees. Applicants must be Mountain View residents, 18 years or older. Registration closes March 7, 2025. For more information, see the attached flyer or visit MountainView.gov/MEP.