January 29, 2021

January 29, 2021


From the Principal's Desk

Hello, Cheetah Families!

Can you believe we reached our 100th day of school this week? There were lots of fun celebrations in many of our classes this week as we recognized the hard work and dedication of all of our students so far this year. Speaking of celebrations, we are so looking forward to seeing everyone at our second Cool Cats virtual assemblies today! Please see below for the links to join in. We will be recognizing many students for showing an exceptional measure of respect for themselves as well as others. If your child was selected for this round of awards, you received an email about this yesterday. It is our aim that by the end of the school year, we will have recognized every child for their positive behavior and values. We hold firm that education is not limited to academic matters alone, but must include the values that help students become the strong leaders that our world needs. 

As always, thank you for your partnership! Together, we make a difference.

 

Yours in service,

Michelle Williams, Principal


Important Dates

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)

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

Friday, January 29 - Cool Cats Assembly - RESPECT! 

Monday, February 1 - ELPAC testing begins

Wednesday, February 3, 9-9:45am - Career Speaker Series Begins (first speaker - Dr. Ayinde Rudolph)

Wednesday, February 3, 2-3pm - ELAC Meeting (Zoom link)

Tuesday, February 9, 5-6pm - School Site Council Meeting (Zoom link)

Thursday, February 11, 5-6pm - Principal’s Coffee (Zoom link)

Friday, February 12 - End of 2nd Trimester- Minimum Day

Monday, February 15-19 - Winter Break- No School


School News

5th grade Parents: Puberty Talk Information Session

As you know, Theurekauf's Puberty Talk Program is coming up on March 1st. We would like to invite you to two Puberty Talk Curriculum Information Sessions on February 2 and February 16 at 7:00pm. Please click here for more information.

 

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! 

 

Library Corner

Welcome back, Cheetahs! I hope you had a restful and relaxing break. 

We have another exciting author visit on January 27 10:30-11:30 for grades 3-5. Writer of the Sam London Adventure series, Todd Gallicano, will be speaking about his new book. Find out more about Mr. Gallicano here.


Highlighted Book: A holiday honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is next week, so I thought it fitting to share this story about his life. I am Martin Luther King, Jr., by Brad Meltzer, is great because it is written from the perspective of Dr. King and highlights stories from his childhood, in addition to his accomplishments as an adult. This reading of the book on YouTube is particularly enjoyable for kids because of the graphic novel type illustrations and because children provide the voices for many of the characters. 

 

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. 

 

 

Classroom Spotlight: Ms. Sarah Johnston's 2nd Grade Class

This week, we are showcasing and celebrating the wonderful things going on in Ms. Sarah Johnston's 2nd grade class! We asked Sarah a series of questions. Here are her responses!
 

Is there a project, assignment, or moment that you are especially proud of that has taken place this year?

This year my students have written some amazing paragraphs about many different topics. They have brainstormed their ideas and built complete paragraphs using their own research. 

 

What advice do you like to give to your students about their education or about life in general?

Some advice I give my students is that mistakes help you learn! We are more likely to learn and become better at something if we try and make mistakes. Our brains are better at remembering after we fix our mistakes. Always try!

 

What makes your students special?

My students are amazing because they always try their best, explain their thinking and are curious about the world. They love asking questions and having discussions!

 

Where did you go to college?

I went to Cal Poly, SLO for my bachelor's degree in business. I went to UC San Diego for my master's degree in education and teaching credential. 

 

What do you like to do in your free time?

I love hiking, painting and baking.

 

Can you share 2 or 3 fun facts about you that people may not know?

I lived in Paris for a year after college with my sister. I have a goal to visit all the National Parks with my husband. I am learning to speak Dutch! 

 

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your class, your students, or yourself?

You can take a look at some of the work students have been doing here!

 

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. 

  • 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 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!

 

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. 

 

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.

PTA News

PTA Maker Sessions - Save your spot today!

There are still a few slots left for our 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. Sign up today to save your spot!

 

Easy ways to support the PTA

- Support while you shop with no cost to you using escrip or Amazon Smile.

- Shop at Sports Basement using the Basementeers program.

- Attend one of our PTA meetings and follow us on Facebook

District News

Parents: We want to hear from you! LCAP survey

The District is beginning its annual process of writing the LCAP (Local Control Accountability Plan). Your input from the survey will guide the development of our District’s three-year plan that will correspond with the first three years of the District’s new Strategic Plan 2027. These documents are the blueprints that guide all of the District’s work for the benefit of our students.

Parents, we want to hear from you: Please click here -  http://mvw.sd/ParentLCAP - to give input through February 12 in a survey.  If you would like a paper copy, please call the school office at 650-903-6925

Please look for a meeting at your school to learn more about the LCAP/Strategic Plan process. Our school's meeting will be held during our next Principal's Coffee on February 11th.

More information found here: https://www.mvwsd.org/lcap

 

Better Together: Poverty in America Awareness 

January is Poverty in America Awareness Month and in the time of Covid-19 and the economic fallout, talking about issues surrounding poverty has never been more important. Words matter and our students know more than we often give them credit for. Talking about poverty with kids is not only possible, it's important. Explore the resources provided in this infographic (attached or viewable at https://www.mvwsd.org/bettertogetherMVWSD) to find an approach to talking about poverty that is most appropriate for your student(s). Ultimately, your conversations should reinforce that when it comes to making a difference in the world and caring for others in our community, we are #BetterTogether. 

 

MVEF News: Virtual Gala Planning Has Begun

Save the date - March 6, 2021!

We wish we could be together with you! Nonetheless, the MVEF gala committee is hard at work ensuring that our Virtual Gala on March 6th will be a fun evening even in the midst of Covid19 concerns. Stay tuned for details!

 

The MVLA Speakers Series presents “Raising Antiracist Kids: The Power of Intentional Conversations About Race” with Nicole Lee on Tuesday, Feb 9, 2021 - 7:00 - 9:00pm | Live Online 

Raising antiracist kids is imperative in today’s society, yet most of us are not well-equipped for the challenges of talking with our kids about race and racism.  Join us for an engaging discussion with Nicole Lee, diversity, equity, and inclusion expert, as she shares research about the impact of talking - or not talking - to our kids about race and sheds light on common discomforts and misconceptions causing parents and other caregivers to avoid these important conversations.  

Audience:  Parents, caregivers, and educators

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

 

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

 

“Keeping the Dream Alive” College and Career Readiness Virtual Event: Feb. 1-Mar. 31 SCCOE’s Parent Engagement Program will present the “Keeping the Dream Alive” College and Career Readiness Virtual Event for 6th – 12th grade students and their parents. From February 1 to March 31, students will be able to access the “Keeping the Dream Alive” website to participate in interactive activities, webinars, and more to learn about college and career options. 

Visit the "Keeping the Dream Alive" event website at parentengagement.sccoe.org for more information and students can currently pre-register at http://bit.ly/KTDARegistration.

 

Author Talk with Ben Clanton on Feb. 8 

The Mountain View Public Library will be hosting a live Zoom talk with Ben Clanton, author and illustrator of the Narwhal and Jelly books. The event will be held on Monday, February 8, from 4:00-4:30 pm. Register at https://mountainview.gov/librarycalendar.
 

 

MV Library Valentine’s Celebration

The Mountain View Public Library and CHAC Family Resource Center are sponsoring a free Valentine’s Celebration for families with young children on Friday, February 12, on Zoom. Please see the attached flyer for details and registration.

 

February 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] or sign up on Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.com/e/general-cac-meeting-tickets-135550478129

Attachments

January Equity Calendar 

MVLA Speaker Series 

MV Library 

Bill Clanton 

Keeping the Dream Alive 

 


Website by SchoolMessenger Presence. © 2024 SchoolMessenger Corporation. All rights reserved.