Quetzal News

Dear Quetzal Families,

As we prepare to bid farewell to 2024 and welcome the holiday season, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to each of you for your partnership in the educational journey of your children. Your dedication, support, and collaboration play an essential role in shaping the vibrant and nurturing environment that makes our school so special.

This year, our students have made incredible strides, both academically and socio-emotionally. We have witnessed their growth as they embrace the values of caring, kindness, perseverance, responsibility, grit, and dedication to learning. They continue to inspire us with their hard work and enthusiasm, and their progress toward becoming biliterate in English and Spanish is a testament to their determination and your encouragement at home. Together, we are not only helping them excel academically but also fostering their character development as compassionate, resilient individuals ready to contribute positively to the world around them.

As we look forward to the new year, I encourage us all to continue our collaboration in instilling these important values in our children. Let us model the importance of kindness and responsibility, celebrate their successes, and guide them through challenges with patience and love. By working together, we are creating a community where every child feels valued, supported, and inspired to achieve their full potential.

A gentle reminder: School will resume on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at 8:00 AM. We look forward to welcoming our students back, refreshed and ready for another exciting chapter of learning and growth.

On behalf of the entire Gabriela Mistral Elementary staff, I wish you and your family a joyful holiday season filled with warmth, health, and happiness. May the new year bring continued success and memorable moments for all of us.

With gratitude and best wishes,

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 20

• 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

The Board of Trustees will meet on Thursday, Dec. 19. Closed session will begin at 4:00 p.m., and open/public session begins at 6 p.m.

Some of the topics include:

• Organizational Meeting/New Trustees Swearing In

• Financial Controls and Processes Update

• Superintendent Search

• Outdoor Learning

• 2023-2024 Financial Audit Report and Measure T Audit Report

• Staff Housing Tenant Lease Form

For meeting details and agenda, please click here: https://www.mvwsd.org/trustees.

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

DECEMBER DONATION DRIVE: Double or Triple Your Impact!

Double your donation: Help unlock $35k 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!

Triple your donation: Maximize your impact if your employer matches too! Check here to find out whether your employer is offering matching programs.

SAVE THE DATE: Virtual “Meet & Greets” in January 2025

Join MVEF Board members and School Representatives to learn about MVEF’s role, how it differs from PTAs, Prop 28, and more. Bring your questions!

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

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

Volunteer with MVEF!

Passionate about public education, our local community and want to make an impact? Join MVEF as a Board member or School Representative!

Learn more here or email valerie@mvef.org for any interest.

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

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:

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.