November 4, 2020

November 4, 2020


From the Principal's Desk

Hello, Theuerkauf Families!

We are in the midst of a dynamic week of teaching and learning! During this election week, I am reminded of the importance of each and every voice in our nation as well as here in our own Theuerkauf learning community. It remains vital that as parents, you have the opportunity to share your ideas, needs, and concerns with your child's teacher and with me. I want to remind you that your child's teacher is only an email away, and I am here to meet with and listen to you by appointment as well as during open office hours each Thursday morning and afternoon (see 'Important Dates' below for times and a Zoom link). Please keep coming and sharing your experiences and thoughts. Your voice is not only welcome but needed as we continue to sculpt the way that we support, challenge, and inspire our students. 

Over the next several weeks, there will be multiple opportunities for your involvement! Please be sure to join us for these important events when possible. Additionally, I hope that everyone has been able to pick up their students' trimester 2 resources and materials, for grade 1-5. If not, please be sure to call the school to arrange an appointment at your earliest convenience. TK & Kinder will be sharing additional materials in the coming weeks. 

 

Together, we make a difference!

 

Yours in service, 

Michelle Williams, Principal



Important Dates

November 4, 2020, 2:30-3:30pm - ELAC Meeting

November 5, 2020, 3-5pm - TK materials distribution

November 6, 2020 - End of Trimester -  Minimum Day (school ends at 11:55am)

November 10, 2020- SSC Meeting 5:00-6:00

November 11, 2020- Veteran’s Day- No School

November 20, 2020- Report Cards Sent Home

November 20, 2020- Cheetah Spirit Day- Happening Hats!

November 23, 2020, 5-6pm- Parent Coffee (register here)

November 25-27, 2020- Thanksgiving Recess

November 30, 2020 - All-school Assembly - The Power of Perseverance 


School News

Seeking Career Speakers

Do you love your career? Are you willing to share the story of how you got to this place in your life? If so, please consider serving as a speaker in our upcoming online Zoom assembly. We would love to have as many careers and occupations represented as possible. If you would be willing to speak to a small group of students in a breakout room during this assembly, please complete this quick form and we will be in touch with the logistics. Our kids will benefit greatly from hearing your story and from learning what it is like to do what you do, and they will benefit even further from hearing this from someone from our very own community.

Upcoming Materials Distributions

  • TK: November 5th, 3-5pm

  • Kinder & 1st: November 13th, 3-5pm

  • Alternative Pick-ups: If you need to pick up materials at a different time or for a different grade level, please call the office to schedule an appointment. Alternative pick up times are by appointment only, Monday- Friday from 10:00am-12:00 pm. Call (650) 903-6925 to schedule an alternative pick-up.

 

Discussing for the Presidential Election

The presidential election has provided teachable moments and an opportunity for students to learn about our democratic process, as well as a myriad of strong emotions. The mental and physical safety of our school community is our first priority, and we will work to provide a safe, inclusive environment for all even and especially during this very polarizing time. We want you to know that as a school and as a district, we emphasize with our students that:

  • School remains a welcome, safe space for all students (resource: MVWSD diversity is our strength).

  • We respect diverse perspectives and uphold the respectful exchange of ideas (resource: Better Together MVWSD).

  • School is a safe space for talking about feelings with trusted adults, including counselors, teachers, principals, etc.

Education is our priority, and we are here foremost to serve students. It is our responsibility to maintain a positive district climate to ensure that deep learning occurs. All school employees will continue to work to provide a positive school climate and a space for respectful exchange of ideas that is mindful of diverse perspectives. Additionally, we want you to know, parents/guardians, that you are key partners for helping to engage students in thoughtful and civil discourse. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you for your support and partnership!

 

 

Physical Movement Support for Students 

The Mountain Whisman-Los Altos PTA Learning Challenges Committee would like to invite you to Try a Sensory Diet to meet the needs of your child. 

The Learning Challenges Committee and the Community Advisory Committee work to help students and families of students with learning challenges. They offer resources on their websites for families of students who may need special education services. 


Technology Support:

  • If you are having problems with the chromebook you can contact: [email protected] 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.


Fall Literacy Assessments

Between now and November 5th, we will be gathering more data on where our students are with their learning and development.  

  • Our kindergarteners will be completing their literacy assessments in the areas of letter sounds, high frequency words, and phonemic awareness (syllable awareness, rhyming, initial and final sounds).  

  • 1st-5th grade students will work 1-1 with their teacher who will assess their reading fluency, accuracy, and comprehension with Literably.  

  • All K-5th students will also be administered our writing benchmark assessment which will require students to respond to a writing prompt. Over the course of this school year, students will be administered the writing benchmark three times to cover all three text types, informational, narrative, and opinion.


Reporting Absences

If you are reporting a student’s absence, please email the Secretary Mary Colon at [email protected] 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.


Safety Reminders

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

Design our mask contest

Congratulations to our winners Penny (2nd Grade) and Kaya (5th Grade)!

Your masks impressed our jury with their Cheetah inspired designs and will be made into wearable masks. More details on when and where these will be available to follow soon.

Thanks to all the other mask designers for submitting your drawings! We have a little Thank you for you that will keep you drawing and designing, so look out for a message from us!

 

Parent Social Hour

Thanks to those parents who joined us for our first "Parent Social Hour" on Monday. It was wonderful to see and hear from you!

In case Monday morning is not the best time for you, we are also getting together on Thursday November 19th at 5pm. Please join us to share ideas, vent or just talk to other parents. Click here to join via Google Meet. 


District News

In case you missed it: Police Interactions, Race and “The Talk:” Recording

For Black children, the “talk” about how to interact with police is a rite of passage. If you missed it, you can see the recording of panel discussion with parents, the Mountain View Police Department and other leaders about what this means for policing for all of our children and families in our community and schools. The recording is at https://www.mvwsd.org/BetterTogetherMVWSD. 

 

Parent University: Supporting Math at Home during Distance Learning and Beyond 

Join us on Wednesday, November 18th from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. for our next Parent University event: Supporting Math at Home during Distance Learning and Beyond. 

MVWSD Landels Elementary Principal Heidi Galassi will share several resourceful strategies for supporting math learning and achievement at home:

  • Are you confused about which math program to use at home? 

  • Learn how to boost math achievement K-8th

  • Support your child at home with math homework

  • Learn new ways to enrich and deepen math concepts

  • Get your child ready for Algebra

Spanish interpretation is provided. Register here: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcvdOqorTgtGtXg5trN1qiFh5EefCHgIAm1


Your Donations Matter! Please Give Now For This School Year!  

MVEF funds important programs including weekly art and music classes at every elementary school with CSMA, NGSS aligned science through Living Classrooms, environmental science lessons through Environmental Volunteers, STEAM teacher professional development, instrument repair and purchase, middle school science equipment and electives, wellness and more! This important programming is made possible through the generosity of parents like you! Thank you for your support!  Make a donation at https://www.mvef.org/donate


MVLA: “How to Raise a Boy:  The Power of Connection to Build Good Men”

The MVLA Speakers Series presents: Michael Reichert on “How to Raise a Boy:  The Power of Connection to Build Good Men” on Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2020 - 7:00 - 9:00pm | Live Online 

Michael Reichert, Ph.D., is a clinical and research psychologist who has worked with children in a variety of contexts for over 30 years. Challenging conventional ideas of how boys learn and grow, Dr. Reichert’s research underscores the importance of a relational approach in raising and educating boys to nurture their strength and resilience.  Offering a timely consideration of how boyhood has undergone an historic shift, Dr. Reichert will focus on helping parents, teachers, and boys themselves adapt, especially as we face today’s unprecedented challenges. 

 

Dr. Reichert will also comment on our current situation with distance learning and its impact on boys.  

Audience:  Parents, teachers, coaches, and mentors of young boys and teens

Register: To register for this free event go to https://mvla2020-21-michaelreichert.eventbrite.com

Books:   https://www.booksinc.net/book/9780593189085


MVLA Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Weekend - Virtual Run / Walk

See the attached flyers for registration information.

Attachments

MVLA Speaker Series 

Spartan Turkey Trot 

 

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