February 26, 2021

February 26, 2021

Hello, Cheetah Parents!

Thanks so much for your participation in so many areas this week! It was amazing to get to see the joy on students' faces as they returned to campus for PE for the first time this year. It was equally awesome, as always, to get to see many of you during our materials distribution on Wednesday. It was also a highlight to get to celebrate our students during our Cool Cats assembly sessions as we discussed integrity. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your willingness to join together in these spaces as we encourage and guide students together. 

I also want to take a moment to thank you for completing your Learning Options Survey. I know what a tough decision this must have been, and I applaud you for making the choice that is best for your child and your family. If you have still not completed the survey, please do so at your earliest convenience. I want to make sure we are able to place your child in the environment that you choose if/when we reopen. If you have not completed the survey and have any questions or concerns that you would like to talk through before doing so, I would be happy to discuss these with you. I will hold a special open office hours session for anyone who would like to talk about reopening tomorrow, Saturday, February 27th, from 4-5pm. Please join me here. The deadline to complete the survey is Sunday, February 28th.

As always, thank you for your partnership, your perseverance, and your passion to support and serve our students. 

 

Together, we make a difference!

 

Yours in service,

Michelle Williams, Principal

Thursdays, 12:30-1pm - Lunch Bunch: Theaurkauf's Got Talent! (Zoom link)

Friday, February 26 - Cool Cat Awards Ceremony

Wednesday, March 3, 2-3:00pm - ELAC Meeting (Zoom link)

Thursday, March 4, 2-4pm - Materials distribution for TK and 1st grade

Thursday, March 4th, 5pm - MVWSD Board of Trustees Meeting - Zoom link

Friday, March 5 - Report Cards go home

Saturday, March 6, 5-6pm - MVEF Gala

Tuesday, March 9, 5-6pm - SSC Meeting  (Zoom link)

Wednesday, March 10, 5-6pm - Parenting Support & Strategies During the Pandemic (see School News section for details)

Monday, March 15 - Teacher in Service - No School

Learning Options Survey

The Learning Options survey gathers family preferences for student learning options if the district returns to in-person instruction. MVWSD’s reopening target date is two weeks after Santa Clara county enters the Red Tier in California’s color-coded COVID-19 tracking system. 

The learning options for students are blended in-person/distance learning (Option B) and 100% distance learning (Option C). Parents should choose the option that works best for their family. Please complete this survey no later than Feb. 28th. If you haven’t completed it, please look for an email reminder with your survey link sent on Feb. 22. 

Please note:

  • Only one parent or guardian can submit this survey

  • If you do not complete this survey for your child by the deadline, he/she will be assigned to distance learning.

  • FAQ's can be found at mvw.sd/W8kbU

Please let us know if we can help you.

 

Parenting Support & Strategies During the Pandemic

We are greatly looking forward to connecting with parents at Theuerkauf Elementary School this winter. In two weeks, on Wednesday, 3/10/21, we will be continuing our biweekly synchronous classes that will discuss tools for improving your child’s behavior, increasing your child’s compliance with your requests, and strengthening your relationship with your child. We will also provide information on how you can access a free, online program with more techniques for making parents' typical day in the home easier. Join us this Wednesday, March 10th, from 5pm-6pm PST:

English: https://paloaltou.zoom.us/j/93362960411

Spanish: https://paloaltou.zoom.us/j/4773523534 (Passcode: BUNGE)

 

MVEF Virtual Gala - March 6, 2021  - Get your Tickets Today!   

While we are not able to gather in person, we hope you will join us for a lively evening of trivia, toasts to our teachers, and fundraising for our schools. Now more than ever, the programs funded by your donations to MVEF help to create a well-rounded education for our children that includes art, music, technology, and science exploration. A significant portion of MVEF funding this year is being directed to support distance learning. All funds raised from the Gala help us meet our goal of raising $800,000 this school year.  Help  us to support every child at every school in the Mountain View Whisman School District!

You may join us for only the trivia OR enjoy the addition of appetizers and drinks (wine or cocktails)  delivered to your home.  Food and drink delivery is only available to Mountain View, Los Altos, Sunnyvale and Palo Alto.

Reservations for food and drink deliveries MUST be made before Friday, February 26th.  Ticket sales for trivia close Wednesday, March 3.

To purchase tickets, https://www.mvef.org/virtualgala. For questions, please contact Dena Seki ([email protected]) or Andrea Maes ([email protected]).

We also have a raffle going on if you would like to take your chance at one of 4 great prizes! The winners will be drawn at the gala, but you need not be present to win. Ticket Prices 1 ticket: $5, 5 tickets: $20, 20 tickets: $60

To buy tickets please send email: [email protected]  

 

Parenting Pros Do This: Praise what you want to see repeated!

Do you wish your child behaved better? Here’s a tip: Praise the behaviors that you want to see.

The most effective praise is enthusiastic and specific:

Example: “Good job AT CLEANING YOUR ROOM!”

Bonus: Add a gentle touch (e.g. pat on the back, high five, or hug).

Good behaviors to consider praising include: completing household chores, playing calmly and quietly, and following instructions from adults.

 

Start practicing:

Try praising something good that your child is doing each morning and evening. We are used to noticing bad behaviors, so praising your child’s good behaviors will take some practice and patience – but will ultimately benefit both you and your child.

These tips came directly from the free, online Everyday Parenting program created by parenting expert, Dr. Kazdin.

To learn more parenting tips click here.   

 

Baby Supplies Distributions

Do you have a baby? Would you like a little support with diapers, formula, baby wipes, and other essential items? If so, you are in luck! CHAC Family Resource Center/First 5 knows how expensive babies are, and they are ready to share resources with YOU!  Please refer to this flyer for additional details. Call the number on the flyer to pre-register for the certain diaper size(s) you may need before you go and pick up your items. The distribution will run continuously on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month in the Castro Elementary School Multi-use Room (MUR), from 11am-1pm, and will continue through June (even after school is out). Next distribution date is 3/10. Don't miss out on this one!

 

Re-posted: Social Opportunities: 

  • Participate in CHAC Plugged In Groups!

PLUGGED IN groups focus on social interaction between students, use collaborative lessons and fun activities to teach students about emotion regulation skills, problem solving skills as well as healthy coping and self-care skills. The groups are led by our schools CHAC Counselor and meet once a week for 8 consecutive weeks after school. Click here to sign up. 

  • Thursday Lunch Bunch - Theuerkauf's Got Talent: Students are invited to come and show off their best singing voices, instrumental skills, dance moves, art work, stories, or other talents at lunch today according to the grade level groups below.  Students may come and listen if they do not wish to perform or share something. 

  • Parents can connect with others through the PTA! Please visit the PTA Facebook site and attend a PTA meeting in order to connect with other Theuerkauf families. The next PTA Association Meeting will be on Wednesday January 27th at 7pm via Google Meet.

  • Other Ideas? Do you have another idea for social time? Please click here to submit your suggestions!

 

Re-posted: Theuerkauf Food Drive & Pantry

Thank you so much to those who have already donated items! This week, we have been able to get these into the hands of a few families who are experiencing difficulties right now. We will continue to accept canned goods, boxed dinners, hygiene items, and other non-perishables throughout the month of February. Please click here to see a suggested list of items to donate. If you would prefer to instead donate grocery gift cards, this would be welcomed as well. THANK YOU SO MUCH to those who have already given. The families receiving this are extremely appreciative.

 

Re-posted: Times are Tough, but support is Available! 

We know that times are tough for everyone during the pandemic, and many families who have not previously needed assistance could use a little support right now. If your family has a need for grocery or hygiene items, please let us know by emailing [email protected]. We will arrange a private pick-up or drop-off to fit your family's needs.

 

Library Corner

Welcome back, Cheetahs!

I hope you had a safe and relaxing break. We only have one trimester left in this school year, so let’s give it our best!

Highlighted Book: Do you know any little dreamers? “Little Mae was a dreamer,” is how this inspiring book begins. Mae Among the Stars tells the story of how Dr. Mae C. Jemison dreamt as a young girl of going into space and eventually reached her goal. 

Dr. Jemison got a scholarship to Stanford University. She was a talented dancer, but decided to pursue a career in medicine and attended Cornell University Medical College. After practicing medicine for several years and treating patients across the globe, Dr. Jemison decided to pursue her childhood dream of going into space. She was the first African American woman admitted into the NASA astronaut training program and became the first African American woman in space in 1992. Dr. Jemison is now a teacher and researcher. 

Want to learn more about Black History Month? Go to our library home page to find ebooks on the subject. 

Don’t forget to check out our new ebooks! They have cool features that allow you to bookmark, highlight, change font size, and most books can even be read to you. I have created a video that shows how to use some of these features and posted it on YouTube.

We still have access to all the ebooks and audiobooks through Santa Clara County Schools Shared Digital Collection. A video showing you how to access these can be found here.

 

Take care and happy reading!

-Mrs. B. 

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Kindergarten Family Hangouts with playdough! 

Friday, Feb 26 and Friday March 5 at 7pm. 

Get out your playdough and join us on Google Meet to create things while we chat. This Friday’s theme is ‘cities’ - we’ll be making buildings, cars, traffic signals and more… https://meet.google.com/rhr-wrik-rok

Questions? Prefer a different time?: Email [email protected]

 

Show Theuerkauf School Spirit on the next Spirit Friday 

Are you new to the Theuerkauf community? Has your student outgrown their favorite Cheetah Shirt? 

We have a number of pieces in inventory and can arrange a delivery or pick-up with you. Take a look at the list of pieces we have ready and email us at [email protected] to let us know if you would like to order any of them!

Other items and sizes can be ordered and distributed at a later point in time. So, make sure to get your order in soon! Details can be found in the attached Order Form. 

 

Interested to shape and impact our Theuerkauf Community next school year?

With students and parents moving on to middle school, the PTA executive leadership team is looking to fill positions on the team - this can be everything from president to member at large. Please email us at [email protected] if you are interested in any of them or if you want to support the PTA in a different function. 

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Learning Options Survey

The Learning Options survey gathers family preferences for student learning options if the district returns to in-person instruction. MVWSD’s reopening target date is two weeks after Santa Clara county enters the Red Tier in California’s color-coded COVID-19 tracking system. 

The learning options for students are blended in-person/distance learning (Option B) and 100% distance learning (Option C). Parents should choose the option that works best for their family. Please complete this survey no later than Feb. 28th. If you haven’t completed it, please look for an email reminder with your survey link sent on Feb. 22. 

Please note:

  • Only one parent or guardian can submit this survey

  • If you do not complete this survey for your child by the deadline, he/she will be assigned to distance learning.

  • FAQ's can be found at mvw.sd/W8kbU

Please let us know if we can help you.

 

Open House Cancelled

Due to COVID-19, our schools will not be holding Open House events this spring, as we traditionally do in April. This year is different since our students’ work has been done at home, and gathering in groups at school is not permitted. We certainly will miss seeing all of the amazing work from our students and teachers, and look forward to a time we can gather to celebrate students’ work.
 

Black History Month 

Even before children can talk, they are learning about the world and about race through the words and actions of others. Parents, teachers, and caregivers have the unique opportunity to frame their child's first attempts to understand and talk about race. Talking about race matters because (1) everyone has a racialized identity, (2) racialized identity significantly impacts a person's life, and (3) race is a defining social construct in America.

This Black History Month, use the Better Together infographic to begin racially-focused conversations with children acknowledging that conversations about race will look different for each family and classroom and there is no single way to talk to children about race. Have honest conversations with your students about the history of privilege and oppression as it relates to Black History and, where appropriate, connect this to local community and larger global issues.

Together, we can explore Black History. Together, we can become anti-racist.

For a closer look at the graphics, click on the attached flyers or visit https://www.mvwsd.org/bettertogetherMVWSD

 

Parent University: The Special Education Team - Who We Are and How We Support Our Schools and Students

Join us on Wednesday, February 24th from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. for our next Parent University event: The Special Education Team - Who We Are and How We Support Our Schools and Students.
Arianna Mayes (Director) and Acantha Ellard (Coordinator) of MVWSD's Special Education Department will facilitate a panel discussion with Special Educators and professionals who support MVWSD schools and students. The discussion will include who and what the team does and how students are supported both in-person and during distance learning. Additionally, you can submit your own questions beforehand via this Google Form

Zoom link: Register in advance for this meeting: http://mvw.sd/4JMka

Spanish interpretation will be provided. 

**Please also take a look at recordings and materials from our previous Parent University sessions at www.mvwsd.org/parentu
 

 

MVEF Virtual Gala - March 6, 2021  - Get your Tickets Today!   

While we are not able to gather in person, we hope you will join us for a lively evening of trivia, toasts to our teachers, and fundraising for our schools. Now more than ever, the programs funded by your donations to MVEF help to create a well-rounded education for our children that includes art, music, technology, and science exploration. A significant portion of MVEF funding this year is being directed to support distance learning. All funds raised from the Gala help us meet our goal of raising $800,000 this school year.  Help  us to support every child at every school in the Mountain View Whisman School District!

You may join us for only the trivia OR enjoy the addition of appetizers and drinks (wine or cocktails)  delivered to your home.  Food and drink delivery is only available to Mountain View, Los Altos, Sunnyvale and Palo Alto.

Reservations for food and drink deliveries MUST be made before Friday, February 26th.  Ticket sales for trivia close Wednesday, March 3.

To purchase tickets, https://www.mvef.org/virtualgala. For questions, please contact Dena Seki ([email protected]) or Andrea Maes ([email protected]).

We also have a raffle going on if you would like to take your chance at one of 4 great prizes! The winners will be drawn at the gala, but you need not be present to win. Ticket Prices 1 ticket: $5, 5 tickets: $20, 20 tickets: $60

To buy tickets please send email: [email protected]  

 

Mentor Tutor Connection Volunteer Information Session - Thursday, February 25th

You can change the life of a student! Come learn about volunteer opportunities to Mentor high school students and Tutor students in grades K-8  in our Mountain View and Los Altos schools.

Becoming a Mentor or Tutor will add joy to your life and help a student in our local community to a brighter future!

There is no obligation to sign up as a volunteer.  You're welcome to just come and learn more about what we do. 

Please note: Our programs are currently remote and will remain so until students are back in school and the school district permits volunteers in the classroom.

All volunteers must be high school graduates.  

          Date:               Thursday, February 25th

          Time:               12:00 - 1:00 pm

          Location:         Online via Zoom (URL provided upon registration)

          Register:         REGISTER ONLINE

         Questions:       programs@mentortutorconnection.org

         Information:      MentorTutorConnection.org

 

InPlay’s summer program search guide 

Looking for summer fun and out-of-school opportunities? MVWSD partners with nonprofit InPlay to help you find the perfect fit for your child and for your family. Hundreds of programs, including FREE and reduced cost and those that serve students with special needs or English learners, are nearby and can be found through this free searchable site. Check it out at mv.inplay.org.

 

Parenting Program: Developing Social Skills in Children While Social Distancing 

The MV Public Library will be hosting a free parenting workshop on Wednesday, March 10 from 7-8pm. Join Susan Stone of Parents Place to learn about developing social skills in PreK and elementary school students while social distancing. Register in advance at: https://mountainview.libcal.com/

 

K-8 Virtual Career Fair with SCCOE 

The SCCOE K-8 Virtual Career Fair is being held Thursday, March 11 from 1-3p.m. The event theme is Connecting Passions to Careers and will feature guest speakers from various fields and industries, who will encourage students to follow their passions and dream big. The career fair is a part of the Silicon Valley Reads community engagement initiative. More information and registration is at: http://bit.ly/careerfair2021reg

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Career Fair 

Developing Social Skills 

inPlay 

February Equity Calendar 

 

Theuerkauf Elementary, Mountain View Whisman School District,

1625 San Luis Ave., Mountain View, CA 94043   www.mvwsd.org    650-903-6925

 
 
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