March 11, 2021


March 11, 2021

Hello, fantastic Theuerkauf parents!

We are hard at work this week finishing our preparations for in-person hybrid/blended learning. The first day on campus for those in hybrid/blended learning will be 18th for our TK through 2nd grade students and on the 29th for our 3rd through 5th grade students. We ask that you please begin practicing mask wearing, social distancing, and hand washing with your kids today so that they are prepared to wear a mask all day long at school and stand/walk at 6 feet apart while on campus. They also need to be able to wash their hands for the length of about a minute, or the duration of songs like the Happy Birthday song or Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. Please refer to the School News section for additional information on how to prepare kids for coming back to campus. We are all VERY excited to see students on campus again! Please join me on 3/11 at 4pm for a reopening talk (Zoom link). I will be sharing all protocols, procedures, and expectations at that time. 

To our families continuing in distance learning, we remain 100% committed to providing engaging, dynamic learning experiences for all students! Things will look a bit different going forward, but our teachers are working to design lessons that support, nurture, and engage our online learners as well. When we reopen your child's grade level, you may begin to see more small group work in many cases, and there will be opportunities for exploration, research, and creativity not only through STEAM, but in many of our day to day lessons and choice boards. Additionally, we are committed to continuing to explore innovative ways to help kids socialize. 

Thank you so much for your partnership, as always! Thanks also for your collaboration, flexibility, and openness to provide input during this time of transition! You are appreciated. 

 

Together, we make a difference!

 

Yours in service,

Michelle Williams, Principal 

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

Wednesday, March 10, 2-3:00pm - ELAC Meeting (Zoom link)

Wednesday, March 10, 5-6pm - Parenting Support & Strategies During the Pandemic (see School News section for details) (Zoom link; passcode: BUNGE)

Thursday, March 11, 5-6pm - SSC Meeting  (Zoom link)

Thursday, March 11, 4-5pm - Theuerkauf Reopening Informational Meeting (Zoom link)

Friday, March 12 - Asynchronous day for all students; morning meetings held at 8:35am

Monday, March 15 - Teacher in Service - No School

Tuesday, March 16 - Asynchronous day for all students; morning meetings held at 8:35am

Thursday, March 18th - On-campus school begins for all TK, Kinder, 1st, and 2nd grade students (drop off time: 8:20-8:35am)

Monday, March 29 - On-campus school begins for all 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students (drop off time: 8:20-8:35am)

School Reopening

As you know, many of our TK - 2nd grade students will be returning to in-person learning on March 18th. Our 3rd-5th grade students will return on March 29th. If your child will be returning to campus, I would like to share three things with you to help you and your child prepare for this shift. 

  • Please read our reopening plan and note any questions you might have.

  • I am linking a couple of videos that you should watch with your child to prepare. Please watch these together.

  • Next, please work with your child on wearing their masks for extended periods of time. Doing this together as a family will be very helpful. Start off slowly with 1 hour a day, then 2, then 4, then 6, then all day.  

  • Please also practice what it means to walk at a distance of 6 feet apart, and practice standing 6 feet apart. Most children do not know how to guage this distance without practice and modeling. 

  • I will be reaching out to our Kinder and TK families with additional tips soon, as we know that this will be the first time that your child has come to school, and this requires some additional preparation given our circumstances. 

 

Please join me at 4pm on March 11th on Zoom as I share our reopening plan and answer your questions. Hope to see you there!

 

Noon Supervisors Wanted!

Are you interested in joining the Theuerkauf staff and working with students? Do you know anyone who might be a great fit for our community? We are hiring Noon Supervisors and would greatly appreciate you getting the word out.  More about the process can be found on our Jobs and Staffing website by clicking on Support Staff on the left hand side. More information can be found in the District News section, below.

 

Just published: 2021-22 school year calendar

The Board of Trustees approved the 2021-22 school year calendar. Please click here to view and download it. https://www.mvwsd.org/calendar/school_district_calendar_at_a_glance


 

Library Corner

Hello, Cheetahs!

Don’t forget about Jerry Pallotta visiting our district this Friday, March 12! The TK-2 session will be 12:40-1:20 and 3-5 session will be 1:40-2:20. The Zoom links have already been sent to your teachers. Find out more about Jerry Pallotta by visiting his website: https://jerrypallotta.com/ Here are the instructions and order form if you’d like to order any of his autographed books at a discount. Please return this order form and a personal check to Theuerkauf so they can be forwarded to Bubb for processing. 

       

Next week we have the honor of hearing from another great author, Carmen Rubin!

Ms. Rubin will share her latest book, Honcho Hates Mud, with grades K-2 on Wednesday, March 17 10:30-11:30am. You can preview two of her other books, The Gifted Guitar and Ashti Meets Birdman Al. Check out her other projects on her website: https://www.carmenrubin.com/

Highlighted Book: March brings us Women’s History Month, a time to reflect upon and be inspired by women who have changed the world in ways large and small. 

Brad Meltzer brings us another delightful book, I am Helen Keller. The graphic novel type of illustrations are appealing to young readers, but I greatly appreciate the attention to details of Helen’s life that other children’s books about her leave out. For instance, did you know she was the first deaf and blind person to earn a college degree? Helen Keller overcame enormous obstacles, then advocated for the rights of other people with disabilities and was a founding member of the ACLU. You can listen to Meltzer’s story of her life here. Another extraordinary thing Helen Keller accomplished was learning how to talk. I found this video demonstration of Helen herself quite fascinating. I hope you feel as inspired by her determination as I do.

 

Want to learn more about Women’s History Month? Go to our library home page to find ebooks on the subject. Take care and happy reading!-Mrs. B. 
 

Learning with Ms. Tellez

Our School and Community Engagement Facilitator, Lisset Tellez, will begin holding open office hours for parents next week. If you would like to discuss any of the following, please stop by her Zoom room to chat on Monday from 9am-10am and Thursday from 2pm-3pm. 

  • How to navigate the US School system

  • How to access free resources during the pandemic

  • Discussing any laptop applications, processes, or other topics

Zoom link: https://mvwsd.zoom.us/j/3282136055?pwd=MlFtcU5VSWMvd3ZKUFhocnNMM0xTdz09

 

Re-posted: 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 on Thursdays. Students may come and listen, play games, and socialize, even 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.

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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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Just published: 2021-22 school year calendar

The Board of Trustees approved the 2021-22 school year calendar. Please click here to view and download it. https://www.mvwsd.org/calendar/school_district_calendar_at_a_glance

 

Better Together MVWSD presents the Talk: Courageous Conversations about Equity

“COVID-19 and the Lasting Impact on our LatinX Community”

Date: Wednesday, Mar. 10, 6 p.m. on Zoom: http://mvw.sd/LatinX

The Latino community has been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Join us for a panel discussion with parents and Latino community leaders about how this has personally affected families and students and how individuals can support their Latino neighbors or others who are suffering through this pandemic without perpetuating harmful stereotypes or practices.Topics include immigration reform, such as changes to DACA and the path to citizenship.

Panelists:

Sophie Alcorn, Attorney in Immigration and Nationality Law, Alcorn Immigration Law

Claudia Olaciregui, Principal at Mistral Elementary

Malia Pires, Executive Director, Reach Potential Movement

José Gutiérrez, Former MVWSD Board member

Priscila Bogdanic, School and Community Engagement Facilitator, MVWSD

 

For more information about how MVWSD is working to support equity in our community, please see https://www.mvwsd.org/BetterTogetherMVWSD


 

MVWSD Read Aloud: Storytime with the District Office Staff

Friday, March 12th from 4 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Who doesn’t like a good read aloud story on a Friday evening? March is National Reading Month and we would like to invite you and your family to join some of the MVWSD District staff members for a virtual storytime/ read-aloud with our community. We will be discussing the importance of this month and reading books aloud together.

Register at: http://mvw.sd/read
 

MVWSD is on Instagram!

Follow us on Instagram @mvw.sd to stay connected and updated with all that is going on in the district!

 

Parent University: Wellness For All While Experiencing Changes

Date: Wednesday, March 17 at 5:30pm  Register here: http://mvw.sd/VbH07 

As we prepare for transitions and changes to our routine, join district Health and Wellness Coordinator Karin Jinbo and our partners from CHAC and the Santa Clara County Department of Public Health on a journey of self-awareness as we learn about self regulation, mindfulness and self care activities. Participants will receive activities or strategies to support children with Hybrid Learning and 100% Distance Learning. 

Submit your questions before the session here: http://mvw.sd/vCG5V

 

 

Substitute teachers and noon duty supervisors needed

MVWSD is seeking substitute teachers. Please consider this flexible, fun, dynamic work that has a big impact on our students!

We have increased the full-day substitute teacher rate from $170 to $220 per day (From March 5 to June 4, 2021) for any substitute who will commit to working daily in the Mountain View Whisman School District.  We appreciate your commitment to our students and community, especially in this time of COVID-19.

Requirements to become a substitute teacher:

* A Bachelor’s Degree 

* Pass the CBEST test 

* Substitute permit or a valid California teaching credential. 

* Complete required background check. This can be done by appointment in the MVWSD Human Resources Department. 

* A negative tuberculosis test

You may apply online: http://mvw.sd/sub.  For information, please email Noemi Herrera at [email protected].  

Interested in a fun and flexible job while connecting with kids? MVWSD is looking for people interested in working a couple hours during lunchtime as noon duty supervisors. We need you to help us provide safe, consistent supervision of students during recess and lunch periods.  $22/hour. Please apply here: http://mvw.sd/noon.

 

MVWSD seeks parents & staff members for Health and Wellness Committee

Committee and task force members lend perspective and expertise to important district work that benefits our students. Please consider serving on the Health and Wellness Committee. Applications are due by March 24 and found here: http://mvw.sd/health. More information is at https://www.mvwsd.org/about/committees.

Health and Wellness Committee: Task: To align District efforts to support student wellness through health education, physical education and activity, health services, nutrition services, psychological and counseling services, and a safe and healthy school environment.

Interested applicants would have some experience, knowledge, or interest in the content as described above. We are seeking at least 1 parent and 1 certificated representative per school site and 3 community-based organization representatives.

Time commitment is approximately one meeting a month during the school year, beginning in April, but is dependent on the work. Meetings are online during the 2020-21 school year.

 

Your Donations to MVEF at Work!

MVEF is proud to fund both (New!) sessions of the Rhythm and Moves Optional fitness classes at the elementary schools.  We are also funding CSMA music and art, TechSmart, Living Classroom, and environmental education programs at the elementary level.

MVEF funds the Middle School Elective wheel including apps, music books, art supplies, robotics and TechSmart at both of the middle schools.

Thank you to all our Mountain View Educational Foundation donors for your support during this school year of remote learning!  If you haven't donated yet this year, there is still time to donate to support the MVWSD schools right now.  https://www.mvef.org/donate

 

Women’s History Month 

In the month of March, we are celebrating Women’s History. BetterTogether recognizes the people, movements, and ideas that challenge expectations and gender stereotypes that negatively affect us all. From women’s suffrage to the gender equality movements of modern day, it has become clear that when we all fight gender inequality, we all win. Celebrate this month by having meaningful conversations with your students, your children, and your fellow s(heroes). In addition to the infographic, this month we will also be highlighting amazing women from our organization and learning about the s(heroes) that have inspired their own commitment to gender equality.

For a closer look at this month’s infographic, click on the attached flyers or visit https://www.mvwsd.org/bettertogetherMVWSD.

 

March Wellness Series for Educators and Families

Educators and families are invited to attend the free 2021 Wellness Together Spring Event Series, hosted by Wellness Together School Mental Health and the California Department of Education. Webinars will take place on Thursdays in March, and include topics such as social media usage, building emotional resilience, and parenting. For more information and registration, head to https://www.wellnesstogether.org/blogs/news/2021-wellness-together-spring-event-series?mc_cid=1cd9799b03&mc_eid=cd01a465eb.

 

Wolves of Yellowstone: Mountain View Public Library Event on Mar. 18 

Join the Mountain View Public Library for a free Zoom talk on March 18th from 4:00 - 4:45 pm with wolf expert and author Rick McIntyre to learn about these mysterious creatures. For children ages 7-12, and registration is required at https://mountainview.libcal.com/event/7370162.

 

Spanish Storytime at Mountain View Public Library

The Mountain View Public Library will be hosting a virtual Spanish-only Storytime on Tuesdays from March 16 - April 20 from 10:00-10:30am. The program (for 3-5 year olds) will include stories, fingerplays, music and more. Zoom registration is at: mountainview.libcal.com/event/7550162

 

Groups for Spanish Speaking Parents

CHAC is offering two groups for Spanish Speaking Parents: one is a support group for women (Thursdays, 6:00 p.m. to 8 p.m.) and the other is a parenting class (Mondays, 6:30 to 8 p.m). Both groups are free, and take place over Zoom. See attached flyers for registration information.

 

Grupos para Padres de Habla Hispana

Está ofreciendo dos grupos para Padres de Habla Hispana: uno es un grupo de apoyo para mujeres (Jueves, 6:00 p.m. a 8 p.m.) y el otro es una clase de crianza de los hijos/as (Lunes, 6:30 p.m. a 8 p.m.). Ambos grupos son gratuitos y se hacen por Zoom. Consulte los folletos adjuntos para obtener información sobre el registro.

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Women’s History Month 

Wolves of Yellowstone 

Spanish Storytime 

CHAC 

 

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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