October 21, 2020

October 21, 2020


From the Principal's Desk

Hello, Theuerkauf Cheetahs!

As I think about this time of year, I am reminded of the importance of family, celebration, and joy. I have always loved the fall season for it's cooler weather, the excitement of school activities, and the fun of attending sports events. As I reflect on what makes school special, I am more motivated than ever to find ways to engage our kids in fun activities that may be different than what you and I enjoyed as youth, but are nevertheless exciting to our kids. In the coming weeks, I will be working together with our faculty, PTA, ELAC, and School Site Council to create more social opportunities that engage our kids and help them to create fun, lasting memories of the fall season and of the social side of school in general. Here are a few things we have planned thus far…

  • A school-wide virtual field trip in December 

  • An all-school assembly with games, guest speakers, and music in November

  • Lunchtime and recess games for students

  • Cheetah Spirit days each month

Will you please take a moment to share any ideas of online activities that you think would be fun for your child and others? Adding your ideas in this short form would be greatly appreciated!

As always, our teachers strive to engage our students academically to achieve excellence by focusing on targeted, achievable areas of growth each and every day. Thank you for your partnership in guiding your student in the home environment. Your positivity, belief in your child, determination, and consistent, regular encouragement are building the strong confidence and resilience that our students need in order to grow and become successful in changing the world for the better. Remember, we are nurturing future leaders and world changers!

 

Together, we make a difference!

 

Sincerely,

Michelle Williams, Principal


Important Dates

October 23, 2020, 3-5pm - 1st grade materials distribution

October 27, 2020, 5-6pm - Principal’s Coffee

October 28, 2020, 12pm-5pm - 2nd-5th grade materials distribution (see below for details)

October 30, 2020 - Cheetah Spirit Day - Theme: Fall Fun! 

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

Thursdays, 8-8:30am and 4:30-5pm - Principal's open office hours (join here)


School News

Upcoming Materials Distributions

  • TK: November 5th, 3-5pm

  • Kinder: November 13th, 3-5pm

  • 1st Grade: We will hold a 1st Grade materials distribution this Friday, 10/23, from 3-5pm. An additional distribution will be held on November 13th, from 3-5pm.

  • 2nd-5th Grades: We will hold a materials distribution for students in grades 2-5 on 10/28 from 12pm-5pm. Please plan to pick up your child's materials during the following times:

    • 2nd & 3rd - 12-2pm

    • 4th & 5th  - 2-4pm

    • Make-up time (any grade level) - 4-5pm 

  • 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.

 

Digital Citizenship at Theuerkauf

Our children are using internet-enabled devices every day for entertainment and for school work. But are they using them safely and appropriately?

To help them learn about tech safety and responsibility, students will participate in lessons throughout the year on Digital Citizenship, beginning this month. MVWSD is using Common Sense Media's curriculum on Nearpod to enable teachers to deliver the Digital Citizenship lessons. Many parents are familiar with Common Sense Media, a non-profit that provides independent age-based and educational ratings and reviews for movies, games, apps, TV shows, websites, books, and music.

The lessons are divided into age-appropriate levels - primary, intermediate and middle school - with interactive content. Some of the topics students will cover are identity theft, safe searches, privacy, cyberbullying, and appropriate communication. 

Parents can view examples of lessons at Common Sense Media, under the “educators” tab: https://www.commonsense.org/education/digital-citizenship 

 

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

Thank you to our amazing Theuerkauf team!                                                                                                                                                 

Halloween is around the corner and it is time to thank our amazing Theuerkauf team with a special treat! Yesterday, the PTA delivered personalized treat bags to teachers and staff. We appreciate all you do for our little cheetahs!

 

Thanks to all the kids who submitted designs for our mask contest!

We have received them and our jury will be meeting and voting on a winner later this week. Stay tuned!

 

"Parent Social Hour" on November 2nd at 8.45am

Miss chatting with other parents in the morning at school? We do! So, drop your kids off at "virtual school", pour yourself a cup of coffee/tea/drink of choice and join us for our first "Parent Coffee Hour". Let's connect and share what works and what doesn't and just talk!

Join Google Meet here.


District News

Check-In with the Superintendent on Oct. 23

Please join us for our Community Check-In with Dr. Ayindé Rudolph on Friday, Oct. 23, 3:30 p.m. Bring your questions.  Click here to register: http://mvw.sd/ev8pb

 

Parent University

Missed the last one? Fear not: all of our 2020-21 events are recorded and posted online. Come check out our learning sessions - mental health, distance learning, literacy at home, raising digitally resilient kids - at www.mvwsd.org/parentu. And, mark your calendars for the next event on November 18 at 5:30 p.m. about supporting math at home, featuring former math teacher and coach, Principal Heidi Galassi of Landels Elementary. Details to come soon!

 

Please consider substitute teaching: Info fair on Oct. 29

The Mountain View Whisman School District is seeking substitute teachers. We need you! Please consider this flexible, fun, dynamic work that has a big impact on our students!

Join us to learn more about how you can become qualified to substitute teach.

Substitute Teaching Fair

Thursday, Oct 29, 2020 9:30-11 AM.

Register in advance for this meeting: http://mvw.sd/yrhZ4

Click here to learn more about substitute teaching. We can help you through the steps.

If you are already qualified, you may view jobs and apply online on our website. For information, call 650-526-3555.

 

Together We Are a Better MVWSD: Special edition: ELECTION! 

Mountain View Whisman School District embraces its role in establishing its commitment to equity in our district. As part of our "Together We Are a Better MVWSD" series, here is a special edition on the Nov. 3 election.

Participating in elections is one of the key freedoms of American life. Many people in countries around the world do not have the same freedom, nor did many Americans in centuries past. No matter what you believe or whom you support, it is important to exercise your rights. We celebrate the upcoming election cycle by publishing materials for teachers and parents that promote civic engagement amongst students and give resources to parents about how to secure their participation in this year's election. Both the links and QR codes will take you directly to the recommended resources.

For a closer look at this graphic, please see attached flyers or https://www.mvwsd.org/BetterTogetherMVWSD

 

How you can protect yourself from COVID: Know the signs and symptoms

Knowing the signs and symptoms of COVID-19 is an important step to quickly getting care to people who need it, and in isolating those who are ill, preventing further transmission. Our own MVWSD school nurse Daniel gives important tips in this video. Please review and practice with your family.

 

 Signs and symptoms of COVID-19

 

Police Interactions, Race and “The Talk:” A Panel Discussion

Date: Thursday, Oct. 29, 6:30 p.m. on Zoom: http://mvw.sd/talk

For Black children, the “talk” about how to interact with police is a rite of passage. Join MVWSD for a 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. 

For more information about how MVWSD is working to support equity in our community, please see https://www.mvwsd.org/BetterTogetherMVWSD. For more information about the City’s racial equity and inclusion efforts, please click here

 

Application help for free healthcare coverage  (flyers sent to you in email on Oct 19)

Free application assistance for healthcare coverage for families in Santa Clara County is offered by the Healthier Kids Foundation. Your family may qualify for medical, vision, dental, prescription and mental health services. Please see the attached flyer for more information.

 

Get a flu shot: Not the flu!

Free flu Shots on Saturdays at the Fairgrounds in San Jose on Saturday, October 24, 2020, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. and every Saturday through mid-December

  • Car entrance for general parking: Gate D, 2542 Monterey Road, San Jose, CA 95111

  • No appointment needed

  • All are welcome regardless of immigration status

  • No cost

  • Shots available at this location for everyone age 3 years and older. Children aged 3 - 17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Younger children should get a shot from their regular pediatrician.

  • Right next door to free County COVID-19 testing. Get a COVID-19 test at the same time!

More Free Flu Shots in Your Neighborhood

 

MVEF is proud to help bring Living Classroom to all of our school campuses.

Living Classroom brings environmental education for students in elementary and middle school.  Living Classroom started teaching students on 9/8 and taught 62 online lessons in September. 

Living Classroom continues to maintain the school gardens for when garden-based outdoor learning can return to MVWSD, making education come alive and deepening students' connection with nature. Living Classroom lessons empower the next generation by growing environmental champions, inquisitive learners, and healthy eaters.  There are over 200 lessons planned for the fall in our schools.

Your donations to MVEF bring Living Classroom to every school in MVWSD! Donate today!  https://www.mvef.org/donate

 

Library Fall Festival: Oct. 23 

The Mountain View Public Library and CHAC Family Resource Center are sponsoring a free Fall Festival for families with young children on Friday, October 23, on Zoom. The festival includes live music with Charity Kahn, storytime with librarians Alex & Sharon, craft & snack activity and costume parade. Please see the attached flyer for more information and registration details. 

 

CHAC Invites You to Virtual Stress Management for Parents and Teachers During COVID

“How to Keep Calm and Carry On” on Thursday, October 22nd 5 to 6pm

CLICK HERE https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_YxX83QP9S7mBBvt4jZ384w to pre-register or join the event on the day of at chacmv.org

Please email your questions in advance to [email protected]. This event will be translated into Spanish.

In this talk, followed by Q&A, Dr. Jodi Cushman and Dr. Angela McBride will help us understand the toll that the stress of the coronavirus pandemic is taking and offer strategies that may help us cope more effectively during this time.


The MVLA Parent Education Speaker Series presents: Permission to Feel: The Power of Emotional Intelligence to Achieve Well-Being and Success on  Thursday, Oct. 29, 2020 - 7:00 - 9:00pm | Live Online   

Join us for an insightful evening with Marc Brackett, as he explores the value of our emotions and why what we do with our emotions is especially important. Marc Brackett, Ph.D., is the Founder and Director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence and a Professor in the Child Study Center of Yale University.

The goal of this presentation is to (1) inspire a new mindset around the power of emotions to transform our lives, (2) describe the five key underlying skills of emotional intelligence, known as the “RULER” skills, and (3) provide innovative strategies and tools for developing emotional intelligence so that our emotions help, rather than hinder, our well-being and success at home, in school, at work, and in everyday life. 

Audience:  Parents with children K - 12; teachers, and counselors

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

Sponsored by Los Altos Educational Foundation (LAEF), MVLA High School Foundation, Mountain View Educational Foundation (MVEF), and Los Altos-Mountain View PTA Council.

 

MVLA Parent Education Speaker Series: Jeff Selingo event recording
We would like to share the recording of our first event, Jeff Selingo speaking about Who Gets In and Why: A Year Inside College Admissions.  Mr. Selingo has graciously allowed us to share the recording with our community for those who were not able to attend.  It will be available for six weeks.  

The link is https://youtu.be/lj5HNmFd_6Y


Attachments

Fall Festival 

MVLA Speaker 


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