March 19, 2021

  

March 19, 2021



From the Principal's Desk

Hello, Theuerkauf Families!

Yesterday, we began the incredible journey of reopening our school for our TK through 2nd grade students. Parents, we so greatly appreciated your patience, support, and understanding as we worked through a few first-day hiccups, such as admitting students at the gates. We have already refined the intake process, and we will continue to do so each day. We will see this process go more smoothly and quickly as we move forward. 

 

As a whole, I am so happy to report that students had a safe, happy, and exciting first day! It was wonderful to see the joy and excitement in the eyes of our kids. Our teachers and staff were also beyond excited to see everyone. I would like to specifically recognize and thank all of our TK-2nd grade teachers, our support and supervision team, our kitchen staff, our custodians, and every staff member who went way above and beyond the call of duty to lovingly support, welcome, and keep our students safe today. I would also like to recognize you, parents, for preparing your children for this monumental shift! Students were so well prepared, and we know that this is a result of much training and encouragement on your part as well. Thank you also to our PTA, Expect Respect students, and to Karen Cordero for making today extra special! The PTA created the encouraging and uplifting chalk murals that you may have seen as you walked or drove by the school, and Expect Respect, Teresa Peters, Christina Woo, and Ms. Cordero created and displayed the colorful signs that were posted around the gates. They say that it takes a village to raise a child, and today it was so evident that our village is strong. 

 

We also had some exciting times with our 100% distance learning students today as they met new classmates and in some cases got to know their new teachers. More than ever, we are committed to building relationships and developing engaging lessons for our distance learning students. We look forward to March 29th when all of our 3rd through 5th graders will transition into this new phase of learning as well, whether online or in person. Please keep reaching out with your questions, ideas and wonderings about this period of transition. Your voice is important to us in making sure that every student's physical, academic, social and emotional needs are well met. As always, thank you for your partnership.

    

 

Together, we make a difference!

 

Yours in service,

Michelle Williams, Principal

 

Important Dates

Wednesday, March 24, 5-6pm - Parenting Support in the Pandemic Class with Dr. Park and Dr. Bunge

Thursday, March 25- Principal’s Coffee 5:00-6:00 pm (Zoom)

Friday, March 26 - Spirit Day & Cool Cats Assembly - dress like your favorite sports player or team member!

Monday, March 29 - On-campus school begins for all 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students (drop off time: 8:20-8:35am; pick-up time has changed to 2:35pnm for 1st-3rd and 2:55pm for 4th & 5th)

Wednesday, April 7- ELAC Meeting 2:00-3:00 pm

Tuesday, April 20- SSC Meeting 5:00-6:00 pm

April 12-16- Spring Break - No School

Library Corner

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

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. 

      

Queen of Physics, written by Teresa Robeson and illustrated by Rebecca Huang, is the story of physicist, Chien Shiung Wu. Dr. Wu was born in China in 1912. She entered school to be a teacher, but studied science on her own at home. She fell in love with physics and eventually moved to the United States to earn her PhD at University of California Berkeley. She worked on the Manhattan Project, taught at Smith College, Princeton, and Columbia. In 1956, Dr. Wu made an important discovery that was critical to the work of her team. Her male colleagues won the Nobel Prize in physics in 1957. Her essential contribution was overlooked. Nevertheless, she continued to devote herself to the field of physics earning other prestigious awards and teaching future generations of scientists. More details about her incredible life and work can be found here and here

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. 

 

School News

School Reopening

As you know, many of our TK - 2nd grade students returned 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 or if they will remain online but have a teacher who is returning to campus, I would like to share a couple of reminders. 

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

  • Please review our new updated schedule, also listed in the reopening plan. For third graders who are returning to in-person learning, the dismissal time is now 2:35pm. For all students who are 'zoomies' or 'roomies', lunch time will shift on MONDAY, 3/22. You may still pick up lunch for free from the school, but our 4th and 5th grade students will need to pick up lunch from the main office at or after 12:50pm going forward.

  • Please work with your child on wearing their mask 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. 

 

Please join me on March 25th at 5pm via Zoom to discuss any questions you may have about reopening or remaining in the 100% distance learning environment. 

After School Program with Right at School

If you are looking for an after school enrichment program, please click here to read about an on-campus opportunity that is now available for your child.

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.
 

PTA News

Show Theuerkauf School Spirit on the next Spirit 

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. 

 

District News

Registration Open for Afterschool/Care Programs

The District’s partners who provide parent-paid afterschool care and distance learning support are opening registration for the rest of this school year. 

Afterschool care

Right at School has opened registration for their afterschool programs and asynchronous support on Wednesdays. Please follow the links below to access programs for each school site, including asynchronous support on Wednesdays located at Crittenden.

Huff

Bubb

Vargas

Landels

Castro

Mistral

Theuerkauf

Stevenson

Monta Loma

YMCA is also providing aftercare at school sites. Contact [email protected] for more information and availability.

 

Distance Learning Support

Additionally, Right at School will continue to offer distance learning support for families that opt out of in-person learning. Registration can be found at Distance Learning Support.

 

YMCA will have "Y Learning Labs for Super Scholars"

Locations: Bubb, Monta Loma and Theuerkauf Elementary

Hours of Operation: 7:45am - 5pm, Monday - Friday

Fee: $280 per youth per week ($20 per week non-refundable deposit) 

Sessions: Set in three week sessions. Session 14 is four weeks in length.

Registration: Available online via our website at https://www.ymcasv.org/child-care-camps

Questions: Please email [email protected]

 

Superintendent's Community Check In on Friday

Please join us for our Community Check-In with Dr. Ayindé Rudolph on Friday, March 19 at 3:30 p.m. Bring your questions. Spanish interpretation is provided. Click here to register: http://mvw.sd/8rOES

 

Board meeting preview: March 18

The Board of Trustees will meet on Thursday, March 18. Some of the meeting topics include updates on: Strategic Plan, Wellness and the Monta Loma Work Group. Agenda and login information are here. The meeting is also streamed on https://www.youtube.com/mvwsd.

 

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

 
In case you missed it: Better Together MVWSD Latinx Community event recording available

Last Wednesday, Better Together MVWSD presented the Talk: Courageous Conversations about Equity: “COVID-19 and the Lasting Impact on our LatinX Community” with a fantastic group of panelists from our Mountain View Latinx community. If you missed it, recordings of this event are available! Find the English recording at https://vimeo.com/522444450 and the Spanish at https://vimeo.com/522351281. For more information about the panelists and past Better Together events, head to https://www.mvwsd.org/bettertogetherMVWSD.

 

MVWSD is on Instagram!

Follow us on Instagram @mvw.sd (https://www.instagram.com/mvw.sd/) to stay connected and updated with all that is going on in the district!

 

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.

 

CHAC 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.

 

CAC Parent Education Event - Mental Health for the Whole Family - with Thierry Kolpin, Ph.D Wednesday. March 31, 7PM - 8:30 PM. 

Join us for a much needed discussion of mental health and mindfulness for the whole family. After the year we’ve all experienced, we all need to learn techniques to evaluate and improve our mental health and that of our families. Professor Thierry Kolpin of Brandman University will discuss the challenges we are facing and how every member of the family can improve their mental health. Special attention will be paid to the additional challenges in families of students with learning challenges. Prof. Kolpin is an Assoc. Professor at Brandman University and specializes in school counseling and mindfulness in counseling. Email [email protected] for the link to the event.

 

*presentation at event will be recorded and available at www.selpa1cac.org, Q&A will not be recorded to protect personal information


Attachments

Women’s History Month 

Wolves of Yellowstone 

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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