Quetzal News
April 2, 2025
From Ms. O's Desk
Dear Quetzal Families,
A heartfelt thank you to Mr. Soubeyran, Mrs. Phillips, and Mr. Service for organizing the Science Fair! It was wonderful to see students enthusiastically sharing their experiments and discussing their findings. Encouraging critical thinking, problem-solving, and curiosity about the world around them is essential for their learning and preparation to becoming lifelong learners.
As we approach spring break, I hope you all enjoy a restful and joyful time with your families. Please encourage your child to read daily in both languages. If your child is not yet reading independently, reading to them in your home language is just as valuable. Engage them with questions about characters, settings, problems, and solutions, encourage predictions, and help them connect stories to their own experiences. This is a wonderful opportunity to expand their vocabulary and practice speaking in complete sentences. Here are the recommended daily reading times for students:
- TK-Kindergarten: 10-15 minutes
- 1st Grade: 15-20 minutes
- 2nd Grade: 20-25 minutes
- 3rd Grade: 20-30 minutes
- 4th-5th Grade: 30-40 minutes
These times can include independent reading, being read to by a caregiver, or reading together. Encouraging a consistent reading routine helps develop strong literacy skills and a love for reading!
This year, we have two music teachers on site. As a result, our music concert will take place on two different days. Please check your child's backpack this Friday for a flyer with specific dates and times for your child’s class.
Friendly Reminder:
CAASPP state testing for 3rd-5th grade begins right after spring break. To help your child do their best, please ensure they get plenty of rest, eat a healthy breakfast, arrive at school on time, and avoid scheduling doctor’s appointments between April 21 and May 16. Thank you for your support!
Wishing you all a fantastic and refreshing break!
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 7 - 11
- Spring Break - No School
- KiwiCo Science Night Grades TK - 2nd @ MUR 5pm
- ELAC Meeting @ 8:15 am Room #21
- Library Night @ Library 5:30pm
April 22
- KiwiCo Science Night Grades 3rd - 5th @ MUR 5pm
- Dia del Niño celebration Event @ MUR 1:30pm
- Spirit Day - Gabriela Mistral Day
DISTRICT NEWS
Update for Right At School Families
Families with children enrolled in Right At School’s after school programs, please click here to read an important update.
The Board of Trustees will meet on Thursday, April 3. Closed session will begin at 4:30 p.m., and open/public session begins at 6 p.m.
Some of the topics include:
Superintendent Employment Agreement
Special Education Update
Reading Difficulty Risk Screener Adoption
Update on Multilingual Learner / English Learner Program
Resolution Supporting the Recognition of National Arab American Heritage Month
Rent Concession - Staff Housing
For meeting details and agenda, please click here: https://www.mvwsd.org/trustees.
Electives selection for grades 5-7 opens on March 31, 2025
It is the time of year when our incoming middle school students (grades 5-7) choose their elective courses for next year. Fifth- through seventh-grade parents, please view course catalogs here. Please talk with your student and then log in to your PowerSchool portal account (either student’s or parent’s) beginning March 31 to help your student select his/her electives. All 5th-7th graders should select their course electives online by April 18, 2025 through the PowerSchool portal.
Parent University: Preparing for Middle School
Date and Time: April 15th 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. Registration Link: mvw.sd/pu041525r
Nervous about middle school? We get it! Change can be daunting, but it can also lead to amazing new experiences. Join us to learn how to support your children as they prepare for the next stage in their academic and social lives. We will feature a panel of staff and students from Crittenden and Graham who will offer lots of wisdom and details about grades six, seven, and eight. See you there!
To submit your questions prior to the event, go to mvw.sd/questions.
Invitations for districtwide Summer Programs have been emailed to those who qualify in late March
Qualifying families have received invitations to one or more programs that will provide summertime care, enrichment, and academic support. The majority of these programs are for students who are English Learners and/or considered socioeconomically disadvantaged. The programs vary in scope and specific qualification criteria. Students with IEPs who have Extended School Year services documented in their IEPs will be receiving information about that program by April 7.
MVWSD is updating its math curriculum
As typical with our curriculum cycles, it’s time to review and improve our mathematics program to ensure all students have strong learning opportunities, including acceleration if desired.
MVWSD is launching a two-year process to update math curriculum based on the latest research and best practices for math education. Our math curriculum was last adopted in 2015, and math placement criteria hasn’t been updated since 2021-22. To make this process inclusive, we’re seeking input from students, staff, and parents on math curriculum, instruction, pathways, assessments, and placement.
Please join this ThoughtExchange to share your thoughts until April 4. Click here to take the survey: https://tejoin.com/scroll/521030747. This online survey is open to all staff, parents, and students in grades 4-8. Additionally, there will be focus groups for more in-depth discussions with staff, students, and parents. Your input matters!
MVEF GALA - JOIN US FOR A NIGHT OF CELEBRATION IN 80s STYLE!
Saturday, April 26, 2025 | 06:00-10:00 pm | Los Altos Community Center
Join us as we celebrate 40 years of MVEF – Empowering Students from Gen X to Gen Alpha! Enjoy a lively night with dinner, auctions, DJ, raffle & student performances!
Dress up in Formal 80s Attire - the ERA when MVEF was established! Think big hair, sequins, shoulder pads, neon & puffy sleeves! Not into the '80s? Surprise us with your own favorite style! Get your tickets here until they last.
ENTER THE RAFFLE & BID ON THESE 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!
HOST A PARTY, DONATE AN EXPERIENCE!
Share your hosting talents! We're seeking unique auction items like hosted parties, vacation stays, event tickets, and wine to make our Gala a success. Your support creates unforgettable experiences! Go here to submit. Thank you for your support!
CONNECTING THROUGH COMMUNITY & ARTS!
MVEF and PTAs are excited to welcome incoming 6th-grade families! Join us at:
Graham 6th Grade Welcome & Open House – April 3, 5-7 PM
Crittenden Social – May 15, 5:30-7 PM
We also hope you enjoyed the fantastic student artwork at Open Houses and the musical performances at our middle schools. Your donations are vital in keeping these arts programs alive for MVWSD students. Support the arts and our welcoming community! Donate today here.
FROM OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Explore Living Classroom Gardens on the Growing Natives Garden Tour
We are excited to share that the Living Classroom gardens at Crittenden Middle School and Monta Loma Elementary will be featured in the CA Native Plant Society Growing Natives Garden Tour on Sunday, April 13, 2025, from 10 AM to 4 PM. Visitors can explore these beautiful native plant gardens, participate in a Garden Tea lesson, and enjoy a scavenger hunt while learning about sustainable, local gardening. The tour is free, but registration in advance at gngt.org. For questions, contact Patti at pattib@living-classroom.org.
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.
From the LCC Upcoming Events:
Wednesday April 16, 7:30 PM, Zoom - LCC General Meeting on Zoom
Register HERE
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:
Thursday April 10, 6-7:30 PM, Zoom. IEP Overview, Part Two - Live Virtual Training with Jenny Ponzuric. Register HERE