The Dolphin Whistle
April 21 , 2021 Issue 32
MESSAGE FROM PRINCIPAL LAMBERT
Dear Parents,
Did you know that at Castro we are fortunate to have many ways to provide socio-emotional support for students? Currently 80 students receive support from either our school counselor Ms. Gissel Alapizco or CHAC or Uplift. Our school counselor has also been holding social skills groups for 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students throughout the year.
Three Star Family and Five Star Family recognitions are coming at the end of May. At each Zoom parent meeting we take attendance and give you credit toward this recognition. There are three opportunities left in May to add to your family's stars: ELAC on May 11th, Principal's Coffee on May 13th, and the PTA Meeting in May (date TBD). We appreciate your involvement!
For Fifth Grade Promotion this year we are still not able to have a ceremony together, however we will still get together via Zoom to watch the video of student photos and speeches. In addition this year, each family will come individually to the front of the school to take photos with the teachers in front of a balloon arch and receive their certificate. You will be able to take family photos as well. Fifth grade families will receive a more detailed communication in May.
Best Regards,
Theresa Lambert
Principal Mariano Castro Elementary
cell number (831)206-9522
Snacks and Lunch from Home
Listening Tool
This week we are focusing on the Listening Tool to help us to act with calmness, kindness, and positivity. When we are using the Listening Tool, we are listening with our ears, our eyes, and our heart. Please have a family discussion about what "listening with our hearts" means.
Dazzling Dolphins
Calendar
Wednesday, April 28, 2021 - Diaper Distribution, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Wednesday, May 5, 2021 - Food Pantry, 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Wednesday, May 12, 2021 - Diaper Distribution, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m
Thursday, May 13, 2021 - Principal's Coffee - 4:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday, May 19,2021- Food Pantry, 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Tuesday, May 18, 2021 - ELAC Meeting, 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, May 26, 2021 - Diaper Distribution, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Friday, May 28, 2021- End of Trimester 3 , Minimum Day
Monday, May 31, 2021- Memorial Day ( No School)
Friday, June 4, 2021 - Last Day of school, Minimum DAY
FROM THE DISTRICT OFFICE
Distance Learning Enrollment Confirmation Survey is due April 25
As more people get vaccinated and COVID-19 cases remain steady or trend downward, we anticipate the 2021- 22 school year will look more like a typical school year, but with a few differences. Distance learning, in the form of the new MVWSD Distance Learning School (DLS), will be an option for families who prefer it for their students.
Distance Learning Enrollment Confirmation Survey is due April 25: This is your opportunity to enroll your child in the Distance Learning School for next year. Please look for the survey in your email dated April 9, and a reminder on April 19. Information to help you with your choice is available on https://www.mvwsd.org/academicsduringcovid
Parent University: Preparing for Middle School
Date: April 28th Registration Link: http://mvw.sd/XWF1A
Come and learn more on how to support your students as they transition to middle school. We will feature a panel of counselors, teachers and middle school students to answer questions and provide information about middle school.
To submit questions prior to the event, please click here. We will do our best to address your question during the session.
In case you missed it: Haben Girma Parent University event recordings available
MVWSD had the pleasure of getting to hear from Haben Girma, the first Deafblind person to graduate from Harvard Law School, earlier this month through Parent University. Hear her inspiring story! English and Spanish recordings of this event can be found at: https://mvwsd.org/parentu.
Better Together: Strengthening Communities
This month’s Better Together focus is on civic engagement and getting involved in the community. Please see the attached or https://www.mvwsd.org/BetterTogetherMVWSD for the infographic, which features activities for the family, engaging books about activism for students, and more!
COVID testing available for students and families
Regular, asymptomatic COVID testing for students is not required at this time however, parents may want to have students tested, especially after travel, to ensure that they are not carrying the COVID-19 virus.
Free, asymptomatic testing is available for students and parents at:
* El Camino Hospital or MV Center for Performing Arts. Dates: Ongoing. Schedule through El Camino Health at https://www.elcaminohealth.org/landing/schedule-covid-19-test?s=mapPin.
* Graham and Crittenden Middle Schools. Dates: Tuesday March 30 at Graham MUR; Tuesday, April 20 at Crittenden MUR and Wednesday, April 28 at Graham MUR. You should register here. You also may schedule an appointment by calling 650-940-7022 and use option 4. Please mention you are with the Mountain View Whisman School District when calling.
If your child has symptoms of COVID or has had a known exposure to someone who may have COVID, please contact your child's pediatrician for testing information. If you do not have a health care provider, make a symptomatic testing appointment with a county provider here: https://scl.fulgentgenetics.com/appointment/screen/landing.
Last one! Resilience Pause Series
The 30-minute, online Community Resiliency Model Resilience Pause sessions for adults (parents and staff members) are scheduled during this transition in our school year to assist participants with building resilience throughout return to in-person instruction. Participants can learn strategies on Mondays and build habits towards resilience during the week. These sessions are designed to teach life-long habits that help us to self-regulate during stressful moments.
April 26, 4pm: “Help Now!” A Reactive Strategy
Sessions can be drop-in or attended in a series. To join: http://mvw.sd/HAjbz
Join the MVEF Board and make a difference!
MVEF is looking for board members! With as little as 5 hours a month, you can support a well-rounded education (arts, science, wellness) for all students in the district. MVEF needs your voice and opinions for living our vision, from promoting MVEF at back to school night, to crafting a survey for our donors. Attend our next meeting or email contact@mvef.org to learn more.
Upcoming MV Public Library Programs: Product Design, Parenting Program
The Mountain View Public Library will be hosting two events:
Design an Amusement Park for Dogs: Thursday, April 22, 4pm - 5pm for Grades 3-5 on Zoom. Learn about the product design process and create your own amusement park ride with Product Designer and Author Vicky Fang. Registration required. Sign up at https://mountainview.gov/librarycalendar
Building your Child’s Self-Confidence and Personal Power: (English) Wednesday, April 28, 7pm - 8pm on Zoom. (Spanish) Wednesday, April 21, 7pm - 8pm on Zoom. Presenters from CHAC Family Resource Center will discuss ways to raise a confident child with inner strength and health self worth. For parents of children ages 2-12. Registration required. Sign up at https://mountainview.gov/librarycalendar
Virtual Earth Day Events with the City of Mountain View
We know that Earth Day (4/22) is looking a little different this year, so it’s going virtual here at the City of Mountain View! We’re holding two contests with multiple gift card prizes (a short video competition and a student poster contest), all centered around creativity and how you restore the Earth in your own way. For both contests, the deadline for entries is Monday, April 16th, 2021 no later than 5pm. Submissions can be made at: this link; see attached flyers for more information.
Additionally, please join us on Thursday, April 22nd from 6pm-8:30pm for our Virtual Earth Day Event! We’ll be having speakers from the Planet Bee Foundation, Acterra, Recology, and Cool Block. Community members will also be giving 5-minute ‘micro talks’ about how they’re “Restoring the Earth.” And finally, we’ll be announcing the winners of the video and poster contests live during the event. Please visit this link for details.
Virtual Family Concert for Children's Day with MV Public Library
In Celebration of Dia De Los Ninos/Children's Book Day, Mariela Herrera will perform an interactive and lively concert over Zoom of songs in English and Spanish for children of all ages. The event is on Tuesday, April 27, 2021 from 6:30pm - 7:00pm, and registration is at: https://mountainview.libcal.com/event/7613746.