Quetzal News

September 11, 2024

From Ms. O's Desk

Dear Quetzal Families,

This morning, we took time to commemorate 9/11 with a moment of silence to reflect on the events that took place 23 years ago. Though this day reminds us of one of the most challenging moments in American history, it also gives us the opportunity to reflect on the true meaning of commemoration. Beyond remembering, to truly honor the memory of a tragic event, we must embody the qualities of bravery and compassion in our daily lives. Our staff and students dedicated time to think about how we can continue to show kindness and empathy to those around us. We appreciate your support at home in helping our students recognize opportunities to practice caring, empathy, and embrace the beauty of diversity.

This week, we successfully launched our Reading Intervention and Response to Instruction blocks at Mistral. For 45 minutes a day, four days a week, our students receive reading instruction tailored to their level to support their growth in literacy. The instruction during this reading block might be provided by a different teacher from our staff.

A quick reminder: our gates close at 8:00 a.m. each morning. If you arrive after this time, please accompany your child to the office to obtain a tardy slip before they enter class.

We are also seeking parent volunteers for various PTA committees, as well as the School Site Council and ELAC committees. If you are interested in contributing in these wonderful opportunities to be actively involved in your child's educational journey, please reach out to us.

I look forward to seeing you at our first ELAC-sponsored potluck tonight!

Warm regards,

Claudia Olaciregui, Principal

PTA News

PTA General Assembly

Wednesday, September 25, 7pm

Via Zoom

As a Mistral parent, you are invited to the PTA General Meeting on Wednesday 25th September at 7pm. Come and hear all about the Mistral PTA , the different things we fund for the school, the plans we have for this year and how you can get involved.

Calendar

September 21

Health Fair 9 - 3 @ CA/MI Campus

September 27

Spirit Day - Crazy Hair

October 10

Teacher Service Day - No school

October 11

Recess Day - No School

DISTRICT NEWS

Parent University: The Science of Reading, Part 2

Date and Time: September 24, 2024, 5:30-7:00pm Registration Link: mvw.sd/pu092424r

In this second part of a two-part series, we will briefly recap part one and continue to learn more about the Science of Reading, particularly the importance of background knowledge and vocabulary for reading comprehension. We will discuss what that means for your child at school, and how you can support them at home. If you missed part one (in which we discussed phonics and word reading), you can watch or listen to the recording at mvwsd.org/parentu

About the speaker: Dr. Cyndee Nguyen is MVWSD’s Director of Early Literacy. She leads district efforts to ensure that all students, especially those of early elementary age, develop into capable and confident readers. Previously, Dr. Nguyen was a teacher and the principal of Bubb Elementary School.

To submit questions prior to the event, go to mvw.sd/questions. We will do our best to address your question during the session. Can’t make it this time? No problem - we always post the recordings a few days later at mvwsd.org/parentu

Join us on our Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Journey

We are seeking applicants to join the MVWSD 2024-2025 SEL Curriculum Adoption Committee, where our focus will be Social Emotional Learning curriculum adoption. If you are interested in being a part of this moment in our SEL journey, please complete this application by September 20, 2024.

The SEL Curriculum Adoption Committee is seeking participants from all members of our District community, however it must be primarily composed of MVWSD teachers. We will meet up to 11 times this school year between October and April, including 3 Saturdays. The objective of this committee is to examine stakeholder input, SEL curriculum options, engage in a curriculum pilot, and make recommendation(s) to the Board of Trustees for adoption. Applying neither commits you, nor guarantees a seat on the committee. Following your application, you will be provided with next steps. Apply here: http://mvw.sd/SELCommittee

Join the MVWSD Budget Advisory Committee (BAC)

Are you passionate about education and financial transparency? Do you want to help the district allocate its resources to ensure the biggest benefit for students? The Mountain View Whisman School District announces the formation of its new Budget Advisory Committee, and we need YOU!

About the BAC: The Budget Advisory Committee (BAC) is an essential advisory group that collaborates with the District to review, analyze, and make recommendations about the budget to the Superintendent. The goal is to ensure that the district’s financial decisions align with the strategic plan and meet the needs of our diverse students, staff, and community.

Roles & Responsibilities:

Review and Analyze: Examine the district’s budget, revenue sources, and expenditures to understand financial trends and projections.
Provide Input: Offer feedback and recommendations on budget priorities, cost-saving measures that minimize the impact on student learning and staff welfare, and revenue enhancement opportunities.
Engage: Serve as a liaison between the district and the broader community, sharing information and gathering input from stakeholders.
Collaborate: Work with other committee members to develop practices that support the district’s educational goals.

Member Makeup: We are seeking a diverse group of members to ensure comprehensive representation across our district, including parents and community members

Meetings: The BAC will meet quarterly, with additional meetings as needed during the budget season.
Outside of meetings: Members may be asked to review data and documents, or participate in community engagement outside of regular BAC meetings
Participation: We ask that members commit to attending at least 75% of meetings and actively participate in discussions and subcommittees.

How to Apply: Complete the online application here by September 23, 2024.

Suicide Prevention Awareness Month: There is Help. There is Hope

If you or someone you know is in crisis, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available to provide help and hope. This lifeline is for any need: Call or Text 988 or online at 988lifeline.org https://988lifeline.org.

Suicide impacts millions of people across the U.S., touching every community. As parents, caregivers, educators, and neighbors, we all have a role to play in preventing suicide. During Suicide Prevention Awareness Month (#SPM24), it’s vital to learn how to support those around us and recognize the signs of someone in crisis.

By coming together, we can create a stronger, more compassionate community where individuals feel seen, heard, and supported. Learning the warning signs and risk factors of suicide is key to offering hope to those struggling. By listening, sharing resources, and talking openly about mental health, we can save lives.

Let’s work together to offer support, prevent tragedy, and build a future where everyone feels valued. #SuicidePreventionMonth

If you or someone you know is in crisis, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available to provide help and hope. This lifeline is for any need: Call or Text 988 or online at 988lifeline.org https://988lifeline.org.

Better Together: September

A classroom is more than just four walls and desks - it's a vibrant community where students learn, grow, and support each other. #BetterTogether in September highlights how each student contributes their unique talents and perspectives to create a rich learning environment. September 15th also marks the beginning of Hispanic/Latino Heritage Month. Look out for some additional content mid-month. For more information about Better Together, visit mvwsd.org/BetterTogetherMVWSD

Ask Your Student About Their MVEF-Funded Classes

A few of your student’s favorite teachers and classes are probably funded by MVEF.

An extra ELA teacher at each middle school means more manageable class sizes.
Art & Music teachers from CSMA and plant science instruction from Living Classroom will begin enriching the experiences of elementary students this month.

The generosity of MVEF donors makes these things possible. To become an MVEF donor or renew your gift for the current school year, click here.

FROM OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS

MVLA Parent Education Speaker Series: Peggy Orenstein

Let’s Talk About Sex: How a New Generation Navigates Hookups, Porn, Love & Consent

Tuesday, September 17, 2024, 7PM, Los Altos High School - Eagle Theater

In this talk, Orenstein combines her research with voices of both boys and girls (as well as those between or beyond genders), to discuss the impact on high school and college students’ sexual scripts of mainstream media, social media and porn; hookup culture; changing expectations around consent; the politics of sexual pleasure; the diversity of sexual orientations; gendered power dynamics. With humor and compassion, she separates myth from reality, ultimately giving parents, educators and young people the conversational tools they need to ensure safe, pleasurable, mutually satisfying sexual encounters and intimate relationships. Register for this free event here.

Ravenswood Mayview Flu Vaccine Clinics

Free Community Flu Vaccine Clinics are happening from October 5th through December 7th (schedule is below). You do not have to be a patient of Ravenswood Family Health Network to get your flu shot. Any child ages 3 years and older can receive a flu vaccine at any one of our clinics. See attached flyers or visit https://ravenswoodfhn.org/service/flu/ for more information.