January 15, 2021

From the Principal's Desk

Hello, Theuerkauf Families!

Thank you for partnership in another excellent week of learning! Your participation in conferences this week has been phenomenal, and I know conversations have been extremely fruitful in pinpointing ways to best support students in this unique environment. One thing that has been echoed from many is that there is a strong need for more socialization opportunities and an even stronger desire to return to learning in person. While we are not yet able to reopen schools, we are moving in that direction in terms of being fully ready and equipped to welcome students back. Our superintendent will be addressing the possibility of reopening again in the next couple of board meetings, next week and at the beginning of February. I want to let you know that I will share more information with our learning community as soon as it becomes available. In the meantime, I have shared several opportunities for students to be able to socialize online in the school news section below. Please take a look and encourage your child to participate in one or more of these options. If you have additional ideas for socialization online, I'd love to hear from you here. 

 

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

As we prepare for a long weekend and celebrate the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., I'd like to ask that we all pause and take a bit of time to reflect together on the Civil Rights movement and the work that remains to be done. I know that for many, this can be a daunting conversation to hold with little ones, so I've consolidated a few resources geared toward elementary school students as well as potential service projects that you could complete together as a family. It is so crucial that we begin to teach our students at an early age how very important it is to be accepting and inclusive and to stand up for the human and civil rights of those who look similar to us as well as those who look different from us. Knowing our history as a nation is a great first step in this direction. Many of our teachers have included lessons about these topics this week and in previous weeks this school year, and I know many families have talked through these lessons and topics as well. Thank you so much for taking the time to have these important, ongoing conversations with your children as they grow into the future leaders our world needs. We know that change comes slowly sometimes, one person at a time, but it does indeed come when we don't give up on self-reflection, building understanding, and taking action--spreading the light that we hold within us. It is Dr. King who said, "Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." I hope these lessons and conversations are positive and bonding for the entire family.

As always, thank you for your partnership and collaboration to support our students.

 

Together, we make a difference!

 

Yours in service,

Michelle Williams, Principal

Important Dates

Thursdays from 4-5pm - Open office hours with the Principal (Zoom link)

Thursdays at lunch - Lunch Bunch: Theaurkauf's Got Talent! (see Google Classroom for links)

• Grades 3, 4, and 5: 12-12:30pm (Zoom link)

• TK, Kinder, 1st, and 2nd: 12:30-1pm (Zoom link)

Monday, January 18 - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - No School (optional resources)

Thursday, January 21, 6-10pm - Board of Trustees Meeting - (Zoom Link)

Thursday, January 27 -  PTA Meeting (Google Meet)

Friday, January 29 - Cheetah Spirit Day - Wear your favorite color or pattern!

Friday, January 29 -Cool Cats Assembly - RESPECT!

School News

School Site Council (SSC) - We need you!

Calling all parents!  We have a vacancy on our School Site Council. This is a chance for you to be part of the decision-making team of parents and staff regarding programs, funding and goals.  Please email me if you would like to join. We meet monthly, and our next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 9th at 5pm.  Please consider joining! 

 

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. 

  • Grades 3, 4, and 5: 12-12:30pm (Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/98317786931)

  • Grades TK, Kinder, 1st, and 2nd: 12:30-1pm (Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/99946805612)

• MVHS STEAM Club Opportunity (grades 3-5)

The Mountain View High School STEAM Club's mission is to help kids develop their interests in the fields of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) and Art through fun and engaging activities, discussions, and experiments. In the months of February, March, and April, we will be hosting our free STEAM Online Spring Program 2021! We will have meetings over Zoom and students will be mailed/delivered a package—a "STEAM Craft Kit"—containing all the necessary materials for the program. Visit our website for more information.  If your child would be interested in participating, you can register by filling out this form or find more information on our website mvhssteam.com under the “Spring Program” tab. 

• 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 Thursday January 27th at 7pm via Google Meet.

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

Theuerkauf Food Drive & Pantry

We are excited to let you know that we have begun accepting donations for canned goods, boxed dinners, hygiene items, and other non-perishables this week. Please click here to see a suggested list of items to donate. We will distribute whatever you give back to our Theuerkauf families who express a need during this very difficult time. If you would prefer to instead donate grocery gift cards, this would be welcomed as well. 

 

Help 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 now. If your family has a need for grocery or hygiene items, please let us know by emailing Ltellez@mvwsd.org. We will arrange a private pick-up or drop-off to fit your family's needs.

Reminder: Please Power Down Chromebooks Daily

This is a friendly reminder to please power down your child's chromebooks daily so that it will work properly. Powering down Chromebooks daily helps the systems update and run more smoothly. Please remember to close all tabs prior to shutting down. Do not simply hold down the power button, but instead use the power off menu option in the bottom right hand corner instead. Click here for directions on how to do this. 

 

Reminder: Technology Support:

• NEW: Please remember to TURN OFF your Chromebook for at least 2 minutes prior to starting school on Monday morning. There are updates that are sent to your child's device over each weekend. If the Chromebook is not powered down and back on, it will not work properly on Monday morning. 

• If you are having problems with the chromebook you can contact: support@mvwsd.org to create a ServiceNow ticket or call the Tech Department at (650) 526-3252.

• Is your child having trouble with sound or with their microphone? 

  • This video clip may help! NEW: Adjust Microphone Input Tutorial. 

  • In the Zoom app, you can click on the bottom left where the microphone is and click on the arrow, choose audio settings and then check 'automatically adjust microphone volume.' 

  • Another solution to try is to manually reduce the microphone volume in Chrome by clicking on the menu where the time/wifi icon is located then choosing the arrow next to the sound icon and adjust the microphone volume there.

 

Reminder: Reporting Absences

If you are reporting a student’s absence, please email the Secretary Mary Colon at mcolon@mvwsd.org or call the attendance line at (650) 903-6925 press #2

Reminder. Please include your student’s name, your student’s room or teacher, the reason for absence, and the date of absence.

 

Reminder: Safety Protocols

As a reminder, our campus remains closed due to COVID-19. When necessary, appointments may be scheduled for materials pick-ups. When coming to campus, please wear a mask and maintain at least 6 feet of social distance at all times. Additionally, please perform the following self-check prior to coming on campus:

 

1. Do you have any of these symptoms that are not caused by another condition?

       • Fever or chills • Recent loss of taste or smell • Cough • Sore throat

       • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing • Congestion • Fatigue

       • Nausea or vomiting  • Muscle or body aches • Diarrhea • Headache

2. Within the past 14 days, have you had contact with anyone that you know had COVID-19 or COVID-like symptoms? Contact is being 6 feet (2 meters) or closer for more than 15 minutes with a person, or having direct contact with fluids from a person with COVID-19 (for example, being coughed or sneezed on).

3. Have you had a positive COVID-19 test for an active virus in the past 10 days? 4. Within the past 14 days, has a public health or medical professional told you to self-monitor, self-isolate, or self-quarantine because of concerns about COVID-19 infection?

If you answer yes to any of the questions, please contact the school, and we will arrange for an alternate delivery method for your family.

PTA News

Happy New Year and welcome back to school!

We are having our first PTA Association Meeting of the year on Thursday January 27th at 7pm via Google Meet.

Please join us to hear what the PTA has been planning and what activities we will be offering for the rest of the year. This is also a good opportunity to ask questions and share your ideas!

PTA Maker Sessions are BACK!!

Based on the overall positive feedback we got, the PTA is hosting 2 more maker sessions on February 10th - one during lunch time and one in the evening. The projects for the month of February are a heart-shaped leather ring and a hand-shaped paper card. 

District News

Cafecito with the Superintendent on Jan. 13

Join us for an informal meeting for Spanish-speaking parents with Dr. Ayindé Rudolph on Wednesday, Jan 13 at 5:30 p.m. on Zoom. Translation will be provided. Please register in advance for this meeting here: http://mvw.sd/SdbBp.  After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

 

Enrollment for 2021-22 for *NEW* students is open now

For NEW students:  Open Enrollment is now through Feb. 5, 2021 online. You can register your child for the 2021-22 school year here:  www.mvwsd.org/register

For CURRENT students in transitional kindergarten-7th grade: Parents will be asked by email to confirm enrollment from January 18- 22. Please look for an email from Student Services with a request to log on to the Powerschool Parent Portal: https://ps.mvwsd.org/public/

 

Fifth Grade Parents: Middle school info night on Jan. 28

Crittenden and Graham both will be welcoming 5th grade families to an Incoming 6th Grade Information Night on Thursday, January 28 at 5 p.m. held on Zoom. Each site will host its own information night, and parents will receive an email from their students' assigned school with meeting login information.

This is a great opportunity to learn about our Middle Schools’ academics, a chance to meet our staff, and learn about the exciting opportunities your incoming sixth-grader will have at Crittenden or Graham.

Please contact Crittenden ((650) 903-6945) or Graham Middle School ((650) 526-3570) if you have any questions.

Parent University: Adolescent Drug Use, including the impact of the current pandemic. 

Join us on Wednesday, January 20th, 2021 from 5:30 to 7:00 P.M. for our next Parent University event: Adolescent Drug Use, including the impact of the current pandemic. While this event is geared toward parents of children ages 10 to 18, all are welcome.

The presenter, Alum Rock Counseling Center (ARCC), has been in place for 46 years in the Bay Area and addresses the academic, social and mental health needs of the at-risk youth and families.  This important workshop will include such topics as:

·      Overview of trending substances used by youth (vaping, marijuana, alcohol, opioids, etc.)

·      Signs and symptoms

·      Why teens are using and the impact of COVID-19

·      How families can discuss substance use and support their children

·      Alternatives for substance use and ideas for prevention

·      Resources

Spanish interpretation will be provided.

Register here: http://mvw.sd/Jan20

 

Afterschool activities and programs (including free) are on InPlay

Even during COVID, there are fun and educational afterschool programs for kids happening now. Spring break camps are coming up, too. MVWSD partners with the non-profit InPlay to help you find the perfect fit for your child and for your family. Hundreds of programs, including those that are FREE and reduced cost, are nearby and online and can be found through this free, searchable website. Check out http://MV.inplay.org

 

Parent University: Digging Deeper into Supporting Reading Comprehension at Home 

Join us on Tuesday, January 26th, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. for “Digging Deeper into Supporting Reading Comprehension at Home (K-5 Families)” 

Members of MVWSD Instructional Team will share takeaway strategies to support your child's reading comprehension, connections, and applications at home. 

• Wondering how to support your child with their Reading grade level standards and curriculum? 

• What questions should I ask to build my child's reading comprehension?

• What does standard progression look like over grade level spans?  

• Takeaways to support your child who is reading above grade level 

• Learn new ways to enrich, deepen, and create a joy for reading

Zoom Registration: http://mvw.sd/MlaSK

In order to make this interactive webinar most meaningful for you, please send your questions beforehand to Interim Director, Swati Dagar via this Google Form  by Friday, January 15th. 

Spanish interpretation will be provided. 

Link to flyer is here. 

 

Info meeting next week: MVWSD’s award-winning Preschool

Is now enrolling for full-day and part-day for the 2021-22 school year. Join us for an informational meeting online on January 14 @ 3:00 pm at http://mvw.sd/preschool2. Please see the attached flyer or https://www.mvwsd.org/preschool for more information. 

Register now! Parent workshop:  How to Build Academic Language with Kate Kinsella 

Virtual presentation on January 27 at 6:00 pm

Hosted by Huff, Landels and Jose Antonio Vargas elementary schools

Register: http://mvw.sd/kate

 

Presenter Kate Kinsella, Ed.D. will talk about: 

•    After school conversation tips to use with children to encourage thoughtful responses

•    Strategies to help increase students' academic language and listening skills

 

Kate Kinsella, Ed.D., is a teacher educator at San Francisco State University and a highly sought after speaker and consultant to school districts throughout the United States regarding development of academic language and literacy across the K-12 subject areas. Her 25-year teaching career focus has been equipping children from diverse backgrounds with the communication, reading, and writing skills to be career and college ready. 

For more information, please visit http://drkatekinsella.com/about-us/

 

CSMA offers Virtual Art Club Live Zoom Sessions for Elementary students 

Afterschool art for grades Grades K-5 from January 19-April 22, 2021. See the attached flyers or click here to view and register: https://arts4all.asapconnected.com/#CourseGroupID=10998

 

CHAC offers free mental health support to parents and students 

For parents: CHAC, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing affordable and accessible mental health services, supports parents in several ways. Please see the attached flyers for more information.

For students: PLUGGED IN - Social and Emotional Learning Skills Programs

CHAC is excited to offer two new Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Skills Programs to 3rd and 5th grade students.  Both programs are a fun and enriching way to help students navigate the unique challenges they face in these extraordinary times.

1.    CHAC's Weekly Virtual Group meetings focus on social interaction between participants.  Through collaborative lessons and fun activities students will learn emotion regulation skills, problem solving skills as well as healthy coping and self-care skills. 

2.    CHAC's Independent SEL Curriculum teaches students essential social and emotional learning skills through entertaining video lessons and a variety of fun activities that students complete independently. 

The parents who request the PLUGGED IN Independent Curriculum will have it emailed to them immediately.  

The parents who would like their child to join a PLUGGED IN virtual group, will be contacted about scheduling options and asked to complete an online permission slip.  Groups are expected to start in early January. 

Click here to learn more about PLUGGED IN- CHAC’s new SEL Programs: https://www.chacmv.org/social-emotional-learning

 

MV Library presents: Raising Kindness and Awareness in Children

Wednesday, January 20, 7 pm - 8 pm. Learn about fostering “kindness activism” in your children. Aila Malik, author, parent activist, social justice warrior, and kindness advocate will present practical ideas and engaging perspectives on activating humility, empathy, action, and togetherness within your family. Free. Flyers attached. Registration is required. https://mountainview.libcal.com/

 

Parenting in a pandemic: Free 6th district PTA speaker series

Thursday, January 21, 2021, 7pm, “Navigating School During Uncertain Times” with Challenge Success - Laura Easley.  For other offerings in January and February, please see the attached flyer. Cost: free. For more information and to reserve your seat visit https://capta6.org/parenting-in-a-pandemic/

 

MVLA Speakers series presents “Middle School Matters” with Phyllis Fagell 

Thursday, Jan. 14, 2021 - 7:00 - 9:00pm | Live Online 

Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Certified Professional School Counselor Phyllis Fagell helps parents use the middle school years as a low-stakes training ground to teach kids the key skills they’ll need to thrive now and in the future, including making good friend choices, negotiating conflict, regulating their own emotions, acting as their own advocates, and more. To answer parents’ most common questions and struggles with middle school-aged children, she combines her professional and personal expertise with stories and advice from prominent psychologists, doctors, parents, educators, school professionals, and middle schoolers themselves.

Audience:  Parents of kids grades 4 - 8

Register:  To register for this free event at https://mvla2020-21-phyllisfagell.eventbrite.com

Books:   https://www.booksinc.net/book/9780738235080

 

January CAC Events

Happy New Year! SELPA 1 CAC and the Learning Challenge Committee are your groups for special education and broader learning challenge needs. We are ALL having learning challenges right now, and CAC and LCC are here to help. 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 may have during distance learning: Try a Sensory Diet

February 1, 9 am- General Parent/Community Meeting with Special Ed. Directors & Staff, Zoom at 9:00 am for LCC and 9:30 am for CAC. We will be planning for the year, discussing upcoming programs and discussing distance learning and learning challenges. For our agenda, please join our Google group, https://groups.google.com/g/selpa1cac. For the Zoom link for this meeting, email selpa1cacinfo@gmail.com or sign up on Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.com/e/general-cac-meeting-tickets-135550478129

Attachments

Preschool 

CSMA 

CHAC 

Library 

MVLA