Parkview Principal Newsletter

February 2025

Hello Parkview Eagles,

As we begin the month of February, we are getting ready for the most exciting and important part of the school year. Our Eagles will soon begin to take many of the State and local assessments such as the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP), the English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC), and the i-Ready Assessment in both Reading and Math.

Please make sure that you stay as informed as possible so that we can work together to better support our Parkview Eagles. Remember, we will always be better together!

On Friday, February 14th, Parkview School will celebrate St. Valentine's Day with "Lunch With Your Sweetheart." This event will be a fun event filled with great music and amazing company . . . . . you and your sweetheart(s)!

We will open our doors during lunch time and we invite you to come and have "Lunch With Your Sweetheart" at Parkview. What does this mean, it's easy! Just ask your sweetheart(s) what he/she wants you to bring them for lunch (something healthy please), pack it up, bring your favorite chair or blanket and join us for a Parkview Picnic on our playground.

And to further celebrate Valentine's Day, this day will be our "Wear Red or Pink" day!

Please note the lunch schedule for every grade level below.

7th Grade = 11:25 am to 11:55 am

TK, Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 5th/6th Grade Combo, and 6th Grade = 11:40 am to 12:25 pm

8th Grade = 12:21 pm to 12:51 pm

2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 4th/5th Grade Combo, and 5th Grade = 12:30 pm to 1:15 pm

P.S. If you have multiple Sweethearts at Parkview, that's OK . . . . we will bring them all out for you when you join us.

Parents and family members will be able to walk onto our campus through our main gates in the front of the school off of Elliot Avenue or through our side gate off of Cogswell Road.

Please remember that when adults are on campus, you must use our staff restrooms and never use any student restroom.

If you will be taking your Sweetheart(s) home with after the event, please make sure to sign them out at our front gate or side gate. We will have Staff there to help you.

Our Parkview Eagles in 5th grade and 8th grade will have the extremely unique opportunity to participate in Disney's Imagination Campus study trips where they will learn about city planning, critical thinking, innovation, engineering, and design in a hands-on and real-life manner.

Our 5th grade students will focus their trip on Theme Park Design at Disneyland and our 8th grade students will learn about the Physics of Roller Coasters at California Adventure. After completing their projects, students and accompanying volunteers and staff will have the opportunity to continue extending and deepening their learning as they explore the parks.

Parkview School has made a commitment to reach a 98% attendance rate which means that 98% of our students will attend school every day and will arrive to school on time.

In the next couple of weeks, we will share with you an assembly schedule where we will celebrate all Eagles that have earned Perfect Attendance for the month. Perfect Attendance means that the student has not missed one day of school all month and that they arrived on time every day.

Every student that earned Perfect Attendance for the month will have their name added to a raffle. Each grade level will have a winner selected to have "Lunch With the Principal." We're not sure where we are going to go eat yet but if you have met me, you know I LOVE FOOD so it will be somewhere good!

Parkview School will also recognize students with good attendance. Incentives will be recognized by the following good attendance levels:

🥇 GOLD Level: 98% attendance

🥈 SILVER Level: 97% attendance

🥉 BRONZE Level: 96% attendance

🌟 RISING STARS: Special Recognition

For the month of January, here are our attendance rates:

• TK = 92.39%
• Kindergarten = 91.51%
• First Grade = 92.54%
• Second Grade = 92.76%
• Third Grade = 92.17%
• Fourth Grade = 96.21%
• Fifth Grade = 96.11%
• Sixth Grade = 94.53%
• Seventh Grade = 94.80%
• Eighth Grade = 92.22%

Fourth Grade was our BIG WINNER and they earned TWO Free Dress Day passes.

Congratulations Eagles!

Parkview School is offering a variety of after-school enrichment opportunities for our students. Please refer to the following courses being offered:

Cultural Bytes Mandarin Academy

Kindergarten through 6th grade

SPARK Cheerleading

2nd through 6th grade

SPARK Basketball

2nd through 8th grade

HFA Soccer

2nd through 8th grade

Windtree Oceanography/3-D Design

4th through 6th grade

Urban Art/Digital Piano

7th and 8th grade

If you are interested in having your student(s) join one or more of these options, please contact Ms. Centeno in our front office at (626) 652-4800

We wanted to take this time to CONGRATULATE all of our Parkview Eagles that participated in our school-level Speak-Up Competition. This year, our students in 6th through 8th grade had to present their opinion regarding the following prompt:

• What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)? What are the advantages and disadvantages of using AI in the school setting? Do you believe that AI will be a benefit to individuals' overall development or a hindrance?

Our students were Mariluz De La-Morfin, Miranda De La Cruz, Aubrey Solano, Julion Torres, Stacy Phan, Stephanie Tang, and Yavana Deras. Great Job Eagles and Thank You for your courage to compete and for sharing your creative ideas and opinions with us!

The following students were selected to move-on to the District-level competition on Thursday, February 20th. For 6th Grade, Amy Diaz was our winner and Jason Luong will be our alternate. For 7th Grade, Erick Gonzalez and Uriel Castillo were our winners and Angelique Enriquez will be our alternate. In 8th grade, Edith Cruz and Zoe Diaz were our winners and Samuel Tan will be our alternate.

Good Luck Eagles!

On March 16th, some of our Parkview Eagles will compete in the 2025 Los Angeles Marathon. This is a 26.2 mile run through the City of Los Angeles that will begin at Dodger Stadium and end on Santa Monica Blvd. This is the 40th annual marathon and it is the 4th largest marathon in the country.

There are still a few races lined up as our Eagles prepare for the big one. Let's come together and wish our Eagles the best of luck and let's celebrate them as they cross the finish line!

Parents and families, do you have a Parkview School Library Card? If you don't, be sure to stop by our library any day after school. Our library is open to parents and families after school until 4:00 PM. You can be the proud holder of a library card and check out up to two books at a time. We look forward to seeing you there!

Parkview says no to bullying!

Did you know that we have an Anti-Bullying Box in the front office? Here, our Parkview community may leave concerns that will be read daily by our counseling staff. Additionally, our counselors and administrators are reachable at school, through phone calls and/or email.

• Board of Education Meeting
• February 14 - "Wear Pink or Red" Day
  
• February 14 - "Lunch With Your Sweetheart(s)"
• February 16 - Students Run Los Angeles "Friendship 30K" in Pacoima
• February 17 - Presidents Day - Schools and District Offices closed
• February 19 - "Know Your Rights" Immigration Workshop (more details to follow)
• February 20 - School Site Council Meeting at 1:00 pm in Room #31
• February 20 - MVSD "Speak-Up" Competition (more details to follow)
• February 21 - Parkview's 50th Anniversary Americanism Parade at 12:30 pm
• Student Free Day/Staff Development – Mon, March 3, 2025
• Student Report Cards Released – Mon, March 24, 2025
• Math Field Day – Fri, April 5, 2025, 8:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
• Spring Break – Fri, April 18-25, 2025. Classes resume Monday, April 28, 2025

Dear Mountain View School District Community,

Since our last Principal’s Newsletter in November, I hope you all had a restful and enjoyable Winter Break and a strong start to the New Year this past January. I want to start with thanking the Mountain View community for the incredible resilience our school communities have demonstrated. The start of the year has not been without hardship, particularly with the impact of recent fires. However, through it all, our students, families, and staff have come together to support one another, reinforcing the strength and unity that define Mountain View School District.

I also reiterate as in messages past that many in our community are facing uncertainty and fear due to the ongoing rhetoric and actions surrounding immigration enforcement. Please know that Mountain View School District remains steadfast in our commitment to providing Safe Schools for All Students and Families. This commitment was reaffirmed by our Board of Education in December 2024 through the resolution emphasizing our unwavering support for every student and family in our district.

As part of this commitment, we encourage you to visit our newly launched Immigration and Family Resources page, where you will find valuable information and support. Additionally, we invite you to attend our upcoming FREE Immigration Law Clinic on Wednesday, February 19th, which will be available both in person and virtually.

At Mountain View School District, we believe that every student deserves to learn in a safe and supportive environment. Our MVSD families are a huge part of making that a reality. Thank you for being part of a community that stands together for the success and well-being of our students.

Sincerely,

Raymond Andry, Ed.D.
Superintendent

Do you or someone you know have legal questions? If so, you are invited to attend and sign-up for a 1:1 consultation.

FREE Immigration Law Clinic:

🗓️ Wed, February 19, 2025

⌛ 5:00 - 7:30 p.m.

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🙋🏼 In Person:

Payne Elementary School

2850 Mountain View Road, El Monte, CA 91732

🅿️ FREE Parking: Off of Mountain View Rd. & Cogswell Rd.

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📲 Virtually:

Via Zoom (use this link or SCAN QR Code)

https://mtviewschools.zoom.us/j/83474884388

Meeting ID: 834 7488 4388

In light of recent reports of immigration enforcement activities in California, many families may be experiencing uncertainty and fear.

To further support our families, the District has launched a dedicated webpage with valuable resources, including contact information, proactive guidance, and important updates. Please visit our Immigration and Family Resources webpage for details.

As a District that deeply values diversity and the strength that comes from our shared experiences, we firmly believe that our differences are what make our community unique, resilient, and beautiful. During these challenging times, we want to reassure all students, families, teachers, and staff that we are united in our support for one another.

To ensure the safety and well-being of our community, the District leadership team has reviewed current laws and model practice responses to immigration-related issues. This effort aligns with California State Law, specifically AB 699—the Safe Schools for Immigrant Students Act, which:

• Prohibits the collection of immigration status information.

• Requires policies to prevent immigration enforcement on school campuses.

• Forbids discrimination based on immigration status.

We also remain devoted to our Board’s Resolution, which is committed to the Education of All Children and Making All Campuses a Safe Zone for Students and Families Threatened by Immigration Enforcement.

If U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents or law enforcement were to visit a Mountain View School District campus, students, parents, teachers, and staff are to direct them immediately to the school administrator or a designated responder without granting them access to our school campus.

Our employees have been explicitly instructed not to share any information about students, families, or staff unless authorized by the legal counsel through the Superintendent’s Office or Designee. This policy serves to protect the privacy and safety of everyone in our school community.

We also understand the emotional impact these circumstances can have on students, families, and staff. The District offers extensive mental health support, with counselors and mental health professionals available to provide assistance and a safe space for those in need.

YOU can shape the future of our MVSD Schools

Mountain View School District parents and guardians are invited to submit their survey responses to our Community Schools Assets & Needs Survey from now until February 15, 2025.

Our District families' participation in this survey is part of the California Community Schools Implementation Grants that MVSD was awarded in May of 2024.

Our students stand to benefit from the transformational educational outcomes of Community Schools through the establishment of the whole child and family and community connections at each of our school sites.

In January, we announced that the Intra-District Permit application window for the 2025-2026 school year is now open through Thursday, February 27, 2025.

GREAT NEWS! Students who already have an intra-district permit on file WILL NOT need to renew it on an annual basis.

Who does this apply to?

Families newly requesting their students attend a non-resident school within MVSD will need to submit an intra-district permit application on the District website. Read more on our Parent Square post here.

Mountain View School District continues to foster a culture of health, safety, and well-being for students, staff and families. We’re pleased to offer free mental-health resources through Hazel Health and Care Solace.

Together, we can support every student’s journey to wellness. For more information, reach out to your school or visit our website.

Many of our students and families may have noticed the addition of solar panels at several of our campuses. We are excited to provide an update, as construction on ALL solar panel projects is expected to be completed by this summer 2025.

A few years back, after careful consideration, MVSD determined it was in the District’s best interest to research and implement a solar panels initiative to support the District’s energy efficiency and renewable energy production with the following goals:

1. Achieving energy cost reductions

2. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and

3. Providing educational opportunities and shade structures to students and staff

Through the use of solar panels to generate electricity, MVSD will contribute to sustainable green energy which will lead to substantial cost savings for the District. At the May 5, 2022 board meeting, the power lease agreement estimated that MVSD's solar initiative could result in reduced electrical costs of up to 35% over the 25-year term. Solar installations across ten campuses are expected not only offset those electrical costs but provide shade and rain cover for students. As part of the power lease agreement the installation and maintenance of the solar structures will be the responsibility of Lumince, the installer of the system.

The ten campuses benefiting from solar energy include Baker Elementary, Cogswell Property (housing our Children’s Center and Warehouse), La Primaria Elementary, Maxson Elementary, Miramonte Elementary, Monte Vista School, Parkview School, Payne Elementary, Twin Lakes School, and the Voorhis Property (the future location of the MVSD District Office).

Our Family Center’s Walk-Up Food Pantry is still going strong with five more dates scheduled through April 2025.

Check out all their dates through the 2024-25 school year. Help us spread the word and read more by clicking here.

Interested in volunteering? Volunteers are always needed! If you or someone you know, such a business or community organization are interested in giving back, please call the Family Center at (626) 652-4077.

Year two of the Disney Imagination Campus STEAM field trips kicked-off this January and will continue through March 2025.

Last year, MVSD was one of only four school districts in Los Angeles County to be invited to participate in this outstanding three-year program, exposing our students to innovative and valuable STEAM experience.

During their full-day trip, our MVSD 5th grade students will participate in “Theme Park Design” at Disneyland and our 8th grade students will partake in “The Physics of Roller Coasters” at the neighboring California Adventure.

We want to thank all our amazing parent and family Volunteers as well as our dedicated staff for making this experience a reality for each 5th and 8th grade student in our District!

We are excited to share that several furniture and structural installations have taken place throughout the District to refresh our schools’ indoor and outdoor spaces!

We extend a big thanks to our Maintenance & Operations staff for their hard work and dedication in completing these upgrades over the Thanksgiving and Winter Breaks.

Additionally, we must thank our amazing teachers and staff for the time they spent preparing and setting up their learning spaces before our students returned to class.

We heard that our students returned to school after each break to find their spaces newly refreshed, with new classroom furniture, cafeteria tables and other, providing an inviting and comfortable environment for learning, eating and playing.

We appreciate everyone’s efforts in making these school enhancements possible throughout MVSD.

We are excited to share that several furniture and structural installations have taken place throughout the District to refresh our schools’ indoor and outdoor spaces!

We extend a big thanks to our Maintenance & Operations staff for their hard work and dedication in completing these upgrades over the Thanksgiving and Winter Breaks.

Additionally, we must thank our amazing teachers and staff for the time they spent preparing and setting up their learning spaces before our students returned to class.

We heard that our students returned to school after each break to find their spaces newly refreshed, with new classroom furniture, cafeteria tables and other, providing an inviting and comfortable environment for learning, eating and playing.

We appreciate everyone’s efforts in making these school enhancements possible throughout MVSD.

Kindergarten and Transitional Kindergarten (TK) Enrollment for the 2025-2026 school year begins February 19. MVSD is proud to offer excellent full-day Kindergarten and Transitional Kindergarten programs at our outstanding schools.

Children who will be 5-years-old on or before September 1, 2025, are eligible to register for Kindergarten and children turning 5-years-old between September 2, 2025 and June 2, 2026 are invited to register in Transitional Kindergarten (TK), which is a bridge between preschool and kindergarten and gives young learners a head start, providing them with an opportunity to learn and grow in an environment that is tailored to meet their academic and social needs.

To access the online student enrollment process, click this link https://mountainviewesd.asp.aeries.net/air/.

Our District’s Preschool Programs serve our community by offering valuable educational and family support services to expectant mothers and children ranging from ages 0-4 years old!

• Free for eligible families

• Full day, year-round services

• Healthy meals and snacks

• Services for children with special needs

To learn more call (626) 652-4250 or visit the MVSD Children’s Center at 2109 Burkett Road, El Monte, CA 91732. Enroll today at preschoolprograms.mtviewschools.com.

Quick Overview:

• Early Head Start Home-based Programs at Baker and Monte Vista support expectant mothers and children 0-2.9 years of age.
• Early Head Start Center-based Programs at Cogswell and Baker support children 18 month-2.9 years.
• Head Start and State Preschool Programs at Baker, Cogswell, Children’s Center/Kranz, Maxson, Miramonte, Monte Vista and Parkview support children 3-4 years of age.

MOUNTAIN VIEW SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF EDUCATION

Jacqueline Saldaña - President

Adam Carranza - Vice President

Veronica Sifuentes - Clerk

Christian Diaz - Member

Cindy Wu - Member

DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION

Raymond Andry, Ed.D. - Superintendent

Darrin De Knikker, Ed.D. - Associate Superintendent of Business Services and Strategic Planning

Mercedes Gomez, Ed.D. - Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services

Roberto López-Mena - Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources