Quetzal News
February 26, 2025
From Ms. O's Desk
Dear Quetzal Families,
Welcome back! I hope you all had a safe, restful, and wonderful break. As we begin a new trimester, I want to take a moment to emphasize the importance of our students’ academic, biliteracy, and social-emotional growth. Your support and encouragement play a vital role in their success. Please continue to motivate your child to work hard, persevere, and always do their best.
At Mistral, we embrace a holistic approach to education, valuing not only academic excellence but also character development. This month, we will focus on grit, the determination to overcome challenges and achieve long-term goals. Here are some ways you can support this at home:
- Demonstrate sustained effort: When working on a difficult task, share your process with your child, highlighting the time and dedication required to succeed.
- Be open about setbacks: Talk about moments when you faced obstacles or failures, and discuss how you adapted and kept going.
- Emphasize the learning process: Praise not just accomplishments but also the effort, practice, and resilience it takes to improve and grow.
SBAC Testing – Mark Your Calendars!
Time flies, and we are already preparing for SBAC testing for grades 3-5, scheduled from April 21 through May 9. To ensure students are fully prepared, please avoid scheduling doctor’s appointments or travel during these weeks. These assessments provide valuable insights into student learning, helping us tailor instruction to support their strengths and areas for growth.
Student Drop-Off Safety Reminders
To keep our students safe during drop-off, please follow these important guidelines:
- Students should exit the car on the right side (curbside).
- Parents should remain in the car and wait for adult assistance.
- Please slow down when entering the campus.
- Follow the correct entry and exit directions in the driveway.
- Avoid blocking or parking in residential driveways.
Thank you for helping us maintain a safe environment for all!
Parent Clay Night – RSVP Required!
We invite you to join us on Monday, March 3, 2025, from 4:45 PM to 6:15 PM in the Mistral MUR for a Parent Clay Night! This interactive art workshop will celebrate cultural heritage and history through a hands-on clay activity. Childcare, light refreshments, and snacks will be provided. Space is limited, so please RSVP in advance to:
📧 Ronald Vargas: rovargas@mvwsd.org
📧 Yesica Daza: ydaza@mvwsd.org
Thank you for your continued partnership in making Mistral a nurturing and enriching learning environment for all students.
Warm regards,
Claudia Olaciregui, Principal
We need volunteers!
We will have the art show at our Open House event on 3/27. Art Show volunteers are a vital part of this event and an excellent volunteer opportunity for those who are only available for one or two days of volunteering a year. If you can help us out, please complete Art Show Volunteer Form.
MVEF Board Members Needed
Two Board members from MVEF are stepping down as their children transition to high school. If you are interested in being part of this amazing organization that provides music, arts, and Living Classrooms at our school, please let me know. You can contact me at colaciregui@mvwsd.org. The role involves attending one Board meeting per month, usually on the second Tuesday evening from 7–9 PM (2 hours), as well as participating in 1–2 committees. These committees focus on areas such as Major Gifts, Gala, Programs, Marketing, Recruiting, Outreach, and more, with responsibilities evolving each year.
Calendar
February 27
- Parent U - Reading U @ MUR 5 - 6:30pm
- Spirit Day - Favorite Sport
- Parent Clay Night @ MUR 5pm
- School Site Council Meeting @ 5pm
- Cafecito w/ Ms. O. @ Room 21 8:15am
- Lifetouch Spring Picture Day
March 19
- Multicultural Event at MUR 5pm
March 28
- Spirit Day - Dress like in the 80's
DISTRICT NEWS
Better Together: February
Black History Month provides MVWSD with a meaningful opportunity to celebrate the rich contributions and achievements of African Americans while fostering a deeper sense of community among our students, staff, and families. By learning about influential Black leaders, innovators, and community helpers - from local civil rights activists to Black educators, doctors, and entrepreneurs who shaped our neighborhood - students develop a broader understanding of how diverse voices and experiences have strengthened our community. Last week, the Board of Trustees passed a resolution honoring February as Black History Month. For more information about Better Together, visit mvwsd.org/BetterTogetherMVWSD.
MVWSD Preschool Program: Apply now for August
Explore our flexible, low-cost and convenient options for all families in our high-quality preschool program. Preschool offers affordable tuition and an 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. class, in addition to extended/full-day class until 3 p.m. and part-day (3 hour) classes.
Our preschool offers age-appropriate early math, language, literacy and science inquiry instruction, as well as social-emotional development. Children who will be 3- or 4-years old are eligible (Minimum age: 3 years old by December 1, 2025. Maximum age: 5 years old on or before Sept. 1, 2025.)
Preschool is currently located near Castro/Mistral Elementary Schools (1850 Latham St.) and Theuerkauf Elementary (1625 San Luis Ave.)
For more info go to www.mvwsd.org/preschool or call 650-526-3560.
MVEF SPRING GALA - JOIN US FOR A NIGHT OF CELEBRATION!
Saturday, April 26, 2025 | 06:00-10:00 pm | Los Altos Community Center
This year, we are celebrating a big milestone - 40 years of MVEF - A Celebration of Eras! Empowering Students from Gen X to Gen Alpha.
Over the past 40 years, MVEF has made a lasting impact by collecting over $20M of funds, and we are excited to celebrate this milestone while continuing to provide vital resources for our local schools and students.
This lively community building event includes dinner, silent and live auctions, DJ, raffle and student performances!
MAKE OUR GALA A SUCCESS - DONATE TO OUR AUCTIONS!
Support our biggest fundraiser by donating an item or experience to our silent and live auctions! Your contribution funds vital resources for all MVWSD students. From vacation stays to gift certificates, unique experiences, or special items, every donation makes a difference. Plus, you'll gain valuable recognition. Thank you for your support!
Great auction donations include:
Vacation home stays
Themed party experiences for adults or kids
Event tickets (sports, concerts, etc.)
Bottles of wine for the "wine wall"
Professional services
Merchandise, etc.
To donate please submit this form. For any questions, please email dena@mvef.org.
MVEF IS SEEKING NEW BOARD MEMBERS AND SCHOOL REPRESENTATIVES!
We are actively recruiting Board Members and School Representatives to join our team!
Do you care about public education and want to make a meaningful impact in our community? Or do you know someone who would be a great fit for MVEF?
Interested or have a recommendation?
Learn more here.
Email valerie@mvef.org to express interest or share recommendations.
Our recruiting committee will connect directly with all candidates.
Together, we can strengthen our schools and community!
FROM OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS
College, Career, Civic Engagement, and Volunteer Opportunities for Teens
Is your teen looking for meaningful ways to gain experience this spring and summer? See the flyer attached for a comprehensive guide from The View Teen Center on college preparation, career exploration opportunities, civic engagement, and volunteer experiences for teens. For more information, click here.
Spartans Sports Camp Registration
Spartans Sports Camp is proud to announce that registration for Summer Camp 2025 is now open. Camp will run from June 9 - August 1 this summer. This will be the 12th summer providing a wide variety of camps to the community while raising funds for the Mtn. View HS Athletic Department. For camp schedule and more information, see attached flyer or visit https://www.spartanssportscamp.com/.