Quetzal News

Dear Quetzal Families,

As we approach Valentine's Day, I am reminded of the significance of this holiday beyond just the exchange of cards and candies. Valentine's Day, steeped in history and tradition, serves as a beautiful reminder of the importance of caring and love in our lives.

The origins of Valentine's Day date back centuries, with various legends and historical events contributing to its evolution into the celebration we know today. One popular belief is that Valentine's Day originated from the ancient Roman festival of Lupercalia, which was celebrated in mid-February. This festival honored the god of fertility and included rituals to ensure health and fertility for the community.

Over time, Valentine's Day became associated with St. Valentine, a Christian martyr who lived during the third century. While the exact details of St. Valentine's life are shrouded in legend, he is often celebrated as a symbol of love and compassion. It is said that St. Valentine performed secret marriages for soldiers who were forbidden to marry and ministered to Christians persecuted under the Roman Empire. His acts of kindness and empathy exemplify the spirit of caring and love that we celebrate on Valentine's Day.

At our school, we embrace these values of caring and love as integral components of our culture and climate. We strive to create a nurturing environment where every member of our community feels valued, supported, and respected. Through acts of kindness, empathy, and understanding, we demonstrate our commitment to fostering a culture of compassion and inclusion.

As we celebrate Valentine's Day this year, let us not only exchange tokens of affection but also reflect on the deeper meaning of this holiday. Let us take the opportunity to express gratitude for the relationships we share and to extend kindness to those around us. Whether it's a friendly smile, a helping hand, or a word of encouragement, every act of caring contributes to a more compassionate and loving community.

I encourage each of you to embrace the spirit of Valentine's Day and to spread love and kindness wherever you go. Together, let us continue to cultivate a culture of caring that enriches the lives of all members of our school community.

With warm regards,

Claudia Olaciregui, Principal

End of Trimester and Report Cards

Friday, February 16, 2024, marks the end of the second trimester for this school year!

Just a gentle reminder that during that week we have 2 minimum days, Thursday is our normal minimum day with dismissal at 12:10 pm. Friday, February 16, 2024, the last day of the trimester, will also be a minimum day with an 12:10 pm dismissal before our winter break.

Enrollment

Enrollment for next fall for all students in the Mountain View Whisman School District is open now at www.mvwsd.org/register.

For CURRENT students in transitional kindergarten-7th grade: Parents, click on the link in your email to confirm enrollment before February 9.

For families enrolling NEW students, please check www.mvwsd.org/register to locate your neighborhood school, how to explore school options and the four steps to register before February 9.

February 9

• Spirit Day - Wear Favorite Book Character

• ELAC Meeting @ 8:30am in person

• End of 2nd Trimester - Minimum Day Dismissal @ 12:10pm

• Winter Break- No School

The Board of Trustees will meet on Thursday, Feb. 8 at 6:00 p.m.

Some of the topics include:

• LCAP Mid-Year Report

• Health and Wellness Annual Goals Progress Report

• Universal PreKindergarten 2024-25 Program Planning

• Transportation, Field Trip Process and Discussion

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

Superintendent's Community Check In on Friday, Feb. 9

Please join us for our Community Check-In with Dr. Ayindé Rudolph on Friday, Feb. 9 at 3:30 p.m. Bring your questions. Spanish interpretation will be provided. Click here to register: http://mvw.sd/CC29

Student open enrollment for next year closes Feb. 9!

Enrollment for next fall for all students in the Mountain View Whisman School District is open now at www.mvwsd.org/register.

For CURRENT students in transitional kindergarten-7th grade: Parents, click on the link in your email to confirm enrollment before February 9.

For families enrolling NEW students, please check www.mvwsd.org/register to locate your neighborhood school, how to explore school options and the four steps to register before February 9.

Complete your LCAP survey today! (before Feb. 16)

The District is updating the LCAP (Local Control Accountability Plan). Your responses to the survey will guide the update of our District plan for the 2024-25 school year. Please click on your unique survey link sent to your email. Your responses are confidential. Students in grades 4-8 will also be taking the LCAP survey. More information found here: mvwsd.org/LCAP

Fifth-grade parents: Recordings of sixth-grade information night

In case you missed the meeting, recordings (both English and Spanish) of the 6th-grade information meetings are posted on each middle school’s website. Crittenden is here. Graham is here.

Better Together: February

February marks a very important time in our district where we pause to honor and celebrate Black History Month, shining a spotlight on the rich contributions and achievements of African Americans in our community and throughout our shared history. It serves as a reminder to us all to acknowledge the struggles and triumphs that have shaped the Black experience in the US. This month #BetterTogether also encourages us to speak up about the importance of equality, justice, and the ongoing fight against systemic racism. The essential question for the month is: How do I speak up for myself and for others? Black History Month offers us an opportunity to recognize and appreciate the diversity that makes our community strong, and to use our voices to advocate for positive change for all. For more information about Better Together, visit mvwsd.org/BetterTogetherMVWSD.

MVEF Gala Auction Item donations needed!

Auction item donations are a great way to support MVEF programs! Successful past auction donations include:

• Vacation home timeshares

• Private, themed parties at the donor's home

• Bottles of wine for the "wine wall"

• Professional services

• Event tickets

To learn more about donating to the MVEF Gala Auction, email contact@mvef.org

February CAC and LCC Events

SELPA 1 CAC and the Learning Challenge Committee are your groups for special education and broader learning challenge needs. If you have questions about learning challenges and special education needs, email selpa1cacinfo@gmail.com or check out www.selpa1cac.org

We encourage families to learn about the sensory needs all children: Try a Sensory Diet

Mountain View Whisman School District and SELPA 1 CAC are sending out a survey with questions about parent experience with the special education department. Please answer this survey to let MVWSD know about your experience.

Special Education in MVWSD Parent Survey

Please let us hear your voice!

Parent Chat

February 13, 10 am

Are you concerned about the emotional well-being of your child? Peer to peer support for parents of teens with mental health challenges. Every second Tuesday of the month at 10 am on Google Meet. Meeting is for 1 hour only due to Google Meet limitations. Contact trudy.palmer@me.com for invite.

Missed our Parent Education events?

We have a YouTube channel with many of our past events including the recent talk on Assistive Technology, last year’s Inclusive Fun Fair for summer camps and recreational activities, Anxiety and Depression in Children with Learning Challenges, SMART Goals and IEP Troubleshooting, and more. Channel is here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuy7IcVz-4LTDxv2Jaq13nw

The View Teen Center: February

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. (Feb. adjusted hours: Open 1-6 p.m.: Feb. 16 and Feb. 20-23, No Drop-In: Feb 19), 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 February or visit their webpage for more information.

City of MV: Lunar New Year

The City of Mountain View is hosting a Lunar New Year celebration on Saturday, February 10 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the Mountain View Community Center (201 S. Rengstorff Ave.). The event will feature live performances, crafts, games, and community booths. For more information, call the Recreation Division at 650-903-6331 or visit MountainView.gov/SpecialEvents.

MV Public Library: Parenting Program

Join the MV Public Library for their virtual “Parenting in Climate Crisis” program on Tuesday, February 27 from 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm. Climate change has put pressure on the mental health of young people. Spend a lunch hour with Jainee Dial, the Executive Director of Gen Dread,and gain ways to actively support your child's processing of negative emotions and experiences around climate change and calm eco-anxiety. This conversation is tailored toward parents of children 8 years or older, including teens. Register for the event here: https://mountainview.libcal.com/event/11704154.