The Weekly Update #4

February 2025

Monte Vista Families,

As we approach the next of the school year, we want to take a moment to reflect on the wonderful experiences our students and staff have shared together over the past few months and share a few exciting updates with you.

First, we are thrilled to highlight a special holiday event that brought our community together. This past December, 40 of our students were invited by the local police department to go holiday shopping for gifts. The event was a huge success, filled with joy and smiles, and everyone involved had a memorable time. We are grateful to the police department for their generosity and for making this event so special for our students.

January brought with it a new theme for our Capturing Kids’ Hearts program, focusing on Respect. Our students have embraced this theme, and it has been wonderful to see them applying it in their interactions with one another and with staff. Respect continues to be a cornerstone of our school culture, and we are proud of the positive energy it is creating throughout our halls.

In addition, our Jr. High students recently attended a Winter Dance, and it was a fantastic event that allowed students to unwind and enjoy time with friends. The atmosphere was full of excitement, and fun was had by all who attended.

We also wanted to share an important update regarding the FPM (Focused Program Monitoring) process, which our school underwent recently. After interviews with staff members and parents, the visiting team commended Monte Vista for our commitment to excellence and our continuous efforts to create an inclusive, supportive environment for all students. We are proud of the work we’re doing and the progress we’re making.

Our 8th grade students have also been busy preparing for the transition to high school. This month, they had the opportunity to visit their future high schools—El Monte, South El Monte, and Mountain View—and register for their upcoming freshman year. There is a palpable excitement among our 8th graders as they look ahead to high school in August. It’s an exciting time, and we look forward to supporting them as they take this next big step in their education.

As we continue through the final quarter of the school year, we are maintaining a strong focus on improving attendance. We know that Success Starts With Showing Up, and we are recognizing students who are consistently present and on time. We encourage all students to continue making their education a priority and take pride in being present every day.

We are so proud of all of our students and the incredible progress they have made this year. As we enter the final stretch of the school year, let’s keep the momentum going! Thank you for your continued support as we work together to make Monte Vista a place where every student can thrive.

Kind Regards,

Dr. Fausto Barragan Jr.

Principal, Monte Vista School

Thank you for joining us to celebrate the importance of consistent attendance during our upcoming awards assembly on January 29th. This was a special opportunity to recognize the commitment and dedication of our scholars who have shown up every day, ready to learn and succeed.

We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of our parents and guardians for your continued support in ensuring that your child arrives to school on time, every day. Your dedication plays a vital role in your child's success and sets a strong example for the importance of punctuality and responsibility.

We look forward to celebrating our students’ achievements and recognizing the positive impact of consistent attendance on their academic growth.

Thank you again for your support!

MAX learning opportunities are important for children as they provide additional time for academic enrichment, social development, and physical activity. These programs offer a safe and structured environment where students can explore new interests, receive homework help, and develop critical skills such as teamwork and problem-solving. By engaging in after-school activities, children can boost their academic performance, build self-confidence, and form positive relationships with peers and mentors. Overall, these opportunities play a crucial role in supporting well-rounded development and lifelong learning.

This Year's Max Learning Enrichment Opportunities

Windtree - Mechatronics

Introductory course to robotics using building blocks and early programming concepts.

Windtree - Coding

A beginning course focusing on the basic building blocks of programming and the logic and syntax to solve problems, control robots, and devices, and create games to gaining a deeper understanding of computers and their inner workings.

Windtree - Ceramics

An interactive course that focuses on the design process of hand-building techniques including pinch, coil, scoring, and more. This course will provide students the opportunity to create and understand the purpose of ceramics.

Cultural Bytes Spanish Language Academy

Learn and develop short fun conversations on everyday topics such asthe family, the house and feelings and more in Spanish.

Cultural Bytes Mandarin Language Academy

Learn and develop short fun conversations on everyday topics such as the family, the house and feelings and more in Mandarin.

Home Field Advantage (HFA)

Students will participate in the introductory sports programs in Soccer and Tennis and learn the fundamentals of the games while building leadership skills. They will compete with other schools in the district.

El Monte Parks and Recreation

The SPARKS Program provides an environment for children to play and learn, be safe and secure, and create and imagine. They strive to promote opportunities for healthy lifestyles by offering quality programs in Flag Football, Basketball, Cheer Volleyball, and Swimming. As well as extended care and homework support for our working families.

Think Together

The Think Together program provides meaningful academic and enrichment activities to students through the after-school programs to keep kids safe and provide them with homework support and dynamic learning time, while helping working families.

LIFT Healthy Cooking

LIFT Enrichment teaches healthy culinary workshops to students where they learn to chop, cook (and eat!) a healthy recipe they can replicate at home from real Chefs in the industry.

Monte Vista Eagles

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.

We are happy to report that an amazing 98% of our MVSD families are connecting via Parent Square with their student’s school and teachers!

As you may have experienced, Parent Square offers a simple way to message teachers, receive school announcements about events and so much more via email, text and the free app.

Parent Square is also a NEW and convenient way to communicate about and “clear” student absences with your school office! In addition to calling your school, sending in a note, and logging into Aeries, Parent Square also offers a quick and easy way to clear excused absences when you respond via text. This will help each student’s goal to maintain an attendance record of 98% or better, helping them to show up for their success! In Mountain View School District, success starts with showing up!

Interested in downloading the Parent Square app, click here or scan the QR code.

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.

MVSD joined schools across the nation in highlighting the crucial role of school counselors in U.S. education systems. At Mountain View School District, counselors collaborate to create a comprehensive counseling program that supports students' academic, social-emotional, and career development.

In an interview, Ms. Lira, a Monte Vista School counselor, shared her passion for the profession saying, "I became a counselor because I love working with kids. It's rewarding to watch students progress from setting goals at the beginning of the school year to achieving them. I enjoy measuring their growth throughout this process."

When asked about what makes counseling at Mountain View unique, Ms. Lira emphasized: "I appreciate the strong support our counseling team provides to one another. Mountain View has also given us the opportunity to participate in the Hatching Results program, which has enhanced our knowledge and helped establish a district-wide counseling program."

We are very grateful for the invaluable service our School Counselors and comprehensive student support staff bring to our students everyday!

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.

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