Quetzal News

Dear Quetzal Families,

The sun finally came out today, and I hope that you are filled with excitement for the days ahead. This coming week marks Neurodiversity Week, a time dedicated to exploring the marvels of the brain and its impact on our lives. Neurodiversity Week serves as a reminder of the incredible complexity of the human brain and the endless possibilities it holds for understanding ourselves and the world around us. It provides us with an opportunity to delve deeper into the workings of our minds, fostering a greater appreciation for the intricacies of cognition, behavior, and emotions.

As an education community, it is important that we acknowledge the significance of Neurodiversity Week in shaping the way we approach teaching and learning. Our students are diverse in their backgrounds, experiences, and ways of thinking. Understanding the neuroscience behind these differences allows us to create inclusive environments that celebrate diversity and promote empathy and understanding.

Teaching our students to embrace and appreciate these differences is crucial not only for their academic success but also for their personal growth and development. By cultivating a culture of acceptance and respect, we empower our students to thrive in a world that is rich in diversity.

Throughout this week, I encourage all members of our community to engage in activities and discussions that highlight the importance of neuroscience and neurodiversity and its implications for education. Let us take this opportunity to celebrate the uniqueness of each individual and to foster a sense of belonging and inclusivity within our school.

I am also reaching out to you, so that you can support our amazing PTA by volunteering to serve in their executive board. As we know, the Mistral PTA is responsible for many of the enrichment programs on campus, including funding field trips, assemblies, classroom supplies and more. The PTA executive board will have some vacancies this upcoming year. Please reach out to me at mistralpta@gmail.com if you would like to join our team and help make these programs happen for our students. The time commitment varies, but can be as little as one zoom meeting a month. It's a great way to meet other parents and make an impact on campus. I hope we can have more of our amazing parents be part of such a crucial role in our community!

Have an amazing end of your week! With warm regards,

Claudia Olaciregui, Principal

The Mistral Science Fair is back! This is a fun community event where students (grades K-5) create their own science projects and share their results with their friends, parents, and volunteer scientists.

Students can create an individual project, or they can form a team of 2-4 students. We can also help your student find a team. To learn more, please visit our website or join our optional Zoom info session for first time parent participants on Tuesday, March 5 at 7 pm.

More information and paper registration forms will be sent home in backpacks on Friday, March 1. Please register your student by completing the paper form (and returning to their teacher) or this online form by Thursday, March 7.

Questions? Email Samuel Soubeyran: samuel.soubeyran@gmail.com

March 12

• Cafecito with Dr. Rudolph @ el MUR a las 5:30pm

• ELAC Meeting @5pm

March 21

• Open House @ 5:30pm-Day Care provided

• Spirit Day - Dress 80s Style!

• Lifetouch Spring Photos

• Science Fair 5pm @ MUR

The Board of Trustees will meet on Thursday, March 14 at 6:00 p.m.

Some of the topics include:

• ReImagining Castro Plan Update

• 2024-25 Proposed Preschool Tuition Fee Schedule

• Middle School Schedule Committee Update

• Approval of Schematic Design, Budget and Schedule for the Monta Loma Elementary School Perimeter Controls Project

• 2023-2024 Second Interim Budget Report

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

Superintendent's Community Check In on Friday, March 15

Please join us for our Community Check-In with Dr. Ayindé Rudolph on Friday, March 15 at 3:30 p.m. Bring your questions. Spanish interpretation will be provided. Click here to register: http://mvw.sd/CC315.

No MVWSD+ Afterschool Programs on Thursday, March 21

Due to preparations for Elementary School Open House, there will be no MVWSD+ Afterschool Programs on Thursday, March 21. MVWSD+ families, thank you in advance for making other arrangements. This affects all Right At School programs, all Beyond the Bell programs, and the district-paid YMCA programs. Programs resume as normal on Friday, March 22.

For more information, please contact plus@mvwsd.org or call (650) 526-3500 x1061.

Invitations for districtwide Summer Programs will be emailed to those who qualify beginning in mid March

Qualifying families will soon be receiving 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 March 22.

Annual Reclassification Ceremony: Thursday, April 25

Our yearly celebration of former English Learner students who have reclassified as fluent in English this school year will take place on the afternoon of April 25 at Crittenden. Invitations will be sent home to families by the end of March. We are all looking forward to cheering on the students’ achievement!

Better Together: March

In the month of March, #BetterTogether is taking a moment to honor the women trailblazers who shattered barriers and paved the way for future generations. As a way of honoring them, students in the district will also be learning about what it means to embody the spirit of being helpers for others, especially for others facing challenges and inequities. By standing #BetterTogether and amplifying the voices of women, we honor their legacy and continue to strive for a better world. For more information about Better Together, visit mvwsd.org/BetterTogetherMVWSD.

District Film Festival: Mar. 19th

Please join us for the second annual District Film Festival at 6:30 pm on March 19 at the Graham Middle School Auditorium. All students in grades K-8 were eligible to enter films that gave students a voice in expressing the importance of conservation. During the festival, student’s films will be screened and awards given. We are excited to see the results of students and their teachers implementing research, science and technology for this important issue. Please RSVP at this link

Graham Middle musical: “Sister Act Jr, The Musical”

The Graham Middle School Spring Musical is back again, ready to dazzle you when we “Raise our Voice!" Get ready to have a nun-believable time at our performance of “Sister Act Jr, The Musical.”

All of the students, parents, and staff have been working so hard to make this show “Fabulous, Baby!” If you join us, we promise that we will “Take You To Heaven” “Here Within These Walls." You definitely don’t want to miss this opportunity to “Spread the Love Around” and watch these nuns bust a move!

Tickets are now available for purchase here. You can see the show at:

Graham Middle School Auditorium

March 15th and 16th 7:30 pm

March 17th 2:00 pm

Adult Ticket: $15

Student Ticket: $10

Crittenden Middle musical: "High School Musical Jr."

Crittenden Middle School Performing Arts proudly presents "High School Musical Jr."! Join us for an unforgettable evening filled with laughter, music, and incredible performances. Mark your calendars, invite your friends and family, and join us for a night of entertainment that will leave you singing and dancing all the way home. We can't wait to see you there!

Tickets are now available for purchase here. You can see the show at:

Dates and times:

Fri March 22 7:00pm

Sat March 23 7:00pm

Sun March 24 2:00pm

Location:

Leanne Rzepiela Auditorium

Crittenden Middle School

1701 Rock St. Mountain View, CA 94043

Ticket Prices:

Adult $15 - Child/Student $10.

National Nutrition Month

For National Nutrition Month, we are going “Beyond the Table” to learn about how food impacts our bodies, our communities, and our planet. This week, challenge yourself to include one plant-based meal a day. Need inspiration? Check out this list of easy-to-make, nutritious plant-based recipes that are as good for the Earth as they are for you!

MVEF Gala

Mark your calendars and shine your light on the future of our students! The MVEF Gala returns on April 27th, 2024, for a vibrant evening of community spirit, student showcases, live auctions, and more. Secure your tickets at an early-bird discount by March 24th. Together, let's celebrate public education and raise crucial funds for our local schools! https://paybee.io/@mvef@14

The View Teen Center: March

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., and the center features a game room, makerspace, kitchen, computer/study room, outdoor area, and much more! See attached flier for details about upcoming events and programs in March or visit their webpage for more information.

MVLA Unity Walk for Suicide Prevention: Mar. 15th

Please join us on Friday, March 15th, from 5:30 to sunset for the 3rd annual MVLA Unity Walk for Suicide Prevention. This student-run event takes place on the MVHS track and features speakers, community resources, and a lantern ceremony in support of suicide prevention.

Speakers for our MVLA Unity Walk include Gina and Steve Meyer (parents of Katie Meyer and advocates for AB1575 Katie’s Law); Alex Briscoe (California Children’s Trust); and students Kassy Poles, Sophia Szew, and Julia Ransom. For more information please see this graphic, and to register to walk, please visit url.mvhs.io/unitywalk.

SCCOE Environmental Literacy Summit

Join Santa Clara County Office of Education on Saturday, April 27 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for the third annual Environmental Literacy Summit featuring guest speakers, student-led panels, interactive workshops, and an opportunity to connect with our community-based partners. This year's theme is Building Climate Resiliency Together, and will focus on key themes of reducing our impact, supporting healthy school communities, and providing environmental and climate literacy education. The registration fee of $50 includes a light breakfast, lunch, resources, and entry into raffle. This event is free for full-time students in grades 3-12. Register at https://sccoe.to/ELS2024