April 23, 2021

Hello, Cheetah Families!

This week, students have celebrated Earth Day in numerous ways, participated in four different virtual nature camps/field trips, engaged in meaningful discussions about overcoming racism in our country, and so much more--all while continuing to hone reading, writing, and math skills to ensure positive learning growth for the year. It has been an excellent week!

 

2021-2022 School Year Preparation

In preparation for the next school year, I am calling on all parents and guardians. Theuerkauf is in great need of your help and leadership in serving on one or more of our parent-involved groups. Parent voice is so critical in the healthy function of our school, and we will have a handful of vacant seats that need to be filled on our PTA Board, English Language Advisory Committee, and our School Site Council as families matriculate on to middle school, transition to their home schools from TK, etc. Please email me at [email protected] if you are interested in serving as the voice of our parent stakeholders and learn more about the time commitment. In most cases, the commitment for participation is an hour or two each month.

 

Distance Learning Enrollment Confirmation Survey is due April 25 

As more people get vaccinated and COVID-19 cases trend downward, we anticipate the 2021- 22 school year will look more like a typical school year, but with a few differences. Distance learning, in the form of the new MVWSD Distance Learning School (DLS), will be an option for families who prefer it for their students. 

This is your opportunity to enroll your child in the Distance Learning School for next year. Please look for the survey in your email dated April 9th, as well as a reminder email on April 19. Information to help you with your choice is available on https://www.mvwsd.org/academicsduringcovid.

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

 

Yours in service,

Michelle Williams, Principal

Wednesday, April 28 - Materials distribution for Kinder & TK, 1-3pm

Thursday, April 29, 5:30 - 7:00 - English Learner Reclassification Ceremony at Crittenden Middle School

Friday, April 30 - Cool Cats Assembly & Spirit Day - Dress in cheetah print!

Wednesday, May 5 - Materials distribution for grades 1 and 5

Wednesday, May 19 - SSC Meeting 5:00-6:00 p.m

Thursday, May 20 - Principal’s Coffee with Dr. Rudolph, Superintendent (Zoom registration)

9:00-10:00 a.m 

Friday, May 28- End of 3rd Trimester- Minimum Day

Monday, May 31- Memorial Day- No School

Tuesday, June 1- SSC Meeting 5:00-6:00 p.m

Friday, June 4- Last Day of School- Minimum Day

Library Corner

Hello Cheetahs! April 22 was Earth Day! Earth Day was started by a U.S. Senator named Gaylord Nelson 51 years ago. Now, people around the world celebrate Earth Day by cleaning up their communities and planting trees.

Highlighted Book: Join Little Critter as he learns about this special holiday in It’s Earth Day!, by Mercer Mayer. Little Critter learns that polar bears are in trouble because ice at the North Pole is melting. He tries his best to cool down the climate with a special invention, but learns that there are small things that everyone can do to help the planet everyday. After listening to this story, think of things you and your family can do to make Earth even better. Watch this Cool School video to learn how people around the world celebrate Earth Day.

It is still poetry month, so if you would like to read more poetry, go to our library home page to find ebooks on the subject. 

Remember, you can also make a difference in our world. Happy Earth Day!--Mrs. B. 

 

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.

 

Parent Resource:

A dedicated team from Los Altos High School has been working on an informational blog called "Up to Date." Their mission is to make useful information accessible to all members of the Bay Area community. The students write stories centered around life skills, current events, and coronavirus updates. They hope to support students and their families as we all navigate the uncertain times of the pandemic and beyond. Please check out their website to enjoy this resource. 

During our last PTA meeting - thanks to all members who attended! - we voted on the leadership team for next school year and are very excited to present the new leadership team! Please see the graphic below so you can put a name to the face!

                                           

Distance Learning Enrollment Confirmation Survey is due April 25

As more people get vaccinated and COVID-19 cases remain steady or trend downward, we anticipate the 2021- 22 school year will look more like a typical school year, but with a few differences. Distance learning, in the form of the new MVWSD Distance Learning School (DLS), will be an option for families who prefer it for their students. 

Distance Learning Enrollment Confirmation Survey is due April 25: This is your opportunity to enroll your child in the Distance Learning School for next year. Please look for the survey in your email dated April 9, and a reminder on April 19. Information to help you with your choice is available on https://www.mvwsd.org/academicsduringcovid

 

The Talk: Anti-Asian Racism and Model Minority Myth on Wednesday, April 21st

Racism and bias-related violence has been on the rise against Asian-Americans, in part due to the racist rhetoric surrounding Covid-19 and its affiliation with Wuhan, China. It’s never been more evident that there is a desperate need for improved and more inclusive education about AAPI people, communities, cultures, and histories. Mountain View is not immune to these occurrences or this ignorance.

Join MVWSD Better Together for our next Roundtable event, The Talk: Courageous Conversations about Equity, Anti-Asian Racism and the Model Minority Myth, a panel discussion with Asian American leaders in our community.

Panelists:

Ellen Kumei, Mayor of Mountain View

Margaret Abe Koga, Former Mayor of Mountain View

Geoff Chang, Director MVWSD, Title I and Special Programs

Chris Hsiung, Chief of Police, Mountain View

Anne Hsieh, Parent and community member

Trisha Lee, Moderator, Principal of Monta Loma Elementary

 

When: Wednesday, April 21 from 6pm-7pm

Registration: http://mvw.sd/7qkeq

 

Parent University: Preparing for Middle School 

Date: April 28th  Registration Link: http://mvw.sd/XWF1A

Come and learn more on how to support your students as they transition to middle school. We will feature a panel of counselors, teachers and middle school students to answer questions and provide information about middle school.

To submit questions prior to the event, please click here. We will do our best to address your question during the session.

In case you missed it: Haben Girma Parent University event recordings available

MVWSD had the pleasure of getting to hear from Haben Girma, the first Deafblind person to graduate from Harvard Law School, earlier this month through Parent University. Hear her inspiring story! English and Spanish recordings of this event can be found at: https://mvwsd.org/parentu.

 

Better Together: Strengthening Communities
This month’s Better Together focus is on civic engagement and getting involved in the community. Please see the attached orhttps://www.mvwsd.org/BetterTogetherMVWSD for the infographic, which features activities for the family, engaging books about activism for students, and more!

 

COVID testing available for students and families

Regular, asymptomatic COVID testing for students is not required at this time however, parents may want to have students tested, especially after travel, to ensure that they are not carrying the COVID-19 virus.

Free, asymptomatic testing is available for students and parents at:

* El Camino Hospital or MV Center for Performing Arts. Dates: Ongoing. Schedule through El Camino Health at https://www.elcaminohealth.org/landing/schedule-covid-19-test?s=mapPin.

* Graham and Crittenden Middle Schools. Dates: Wednesday, April 28 at Graham MUR. You should register here. You also may schedule an appointment by calling 650-940-7022 and use option 4. Please mention you are with the Mountain View Whisman School District when calling. 

If your child has symptoms of COVID or has had a known exposure to someone who may have COVID, please contact your child's pediatrician for testing information. If you do not have a health care provider, make a symptomatic testing appointment with a county provider here: https://scl.fulgentgenetics.com/appointment/screen/landing.

 

Last one! Resilience Pause Series

The 30-minute, online Community Resiliency Model Resilience Pause sessions for adults (parents and staff members) are scheduled during this transition in our school year to assist participants with building resilience throughout return to in-person instruction. Participants can learn strategies on Mondays and build habits towards resilience during the week.  These sessions are designed to teach life-long habits that help us to self-regulate during stressful moments.  

April 26, 4pm:  “Help Now!” A Reactive Strategy

Sessions can be drop-in or attended in a series. To join: http://mvw.sd/HAjbz

 

Join the MVEF Board and make a difference!

MVEF is looking for board members! With as little as 5 hours a month, you can support a well-rounded education (arts, science, wellness) for all students in the district. MVEF needs your voice and opinions for living our vision, from promoting MVEF at back to school night, to crafting a survey for our donors. Attend our next meeting or email [email protected] to learn more.

 

MVLA Parent Speaker Series, “The Power of Showing Up: What Kids Really Need from Adults,” April 22 from 7:00 - 9:00pm

MVLA will be hosting their last Parent Speaker Series event for the season, “The Power of Showing Up: What Kids Really Need from Adults,” on Thursday, April 22 from 7:00 - 9:00pm with Dr. Tina Payne Bryson, a psychotherapist and best-selling author. 

Parents worry. It’s what we do. Reassuringly, the latest brain and attachment research is clear on how best to make a difference in our child’s life over the long run: we simply need to show up.  Offering plenty of warmth and humor, Dr. Bryson will explore what showing up means, sharing stories and simple strategies for honoring the Four S’s - helping kids feel secure, seen, soothed, and safe. She'll discuss practical advice for supporting anxious kids, hitting the reset button on parenting, and creating a safe harbor at home for children of all ages. Registration for this free event can be found at: https://mvla2020-21-tinapaynebryson.eventbrite.com.

 

Upcoming MV Public Library Programs: Product Design, Parenting Program 

The Mountain View Public Library will be hosting two events:

Design an Amusement Park for Dogs: Thursday, April 22, 4pm - 5pm for Grades 3-5 on Zoom. Learn about the product design process and create your own amusement park ride with Product Designer and Author Vicky Fang. Registration required. Sign up at https://mountainview.gov/librarycalendar

Building your Child’s Self-Confidence and Personal Power: (English) Wednesday, April 28, 7pm - 8pm on Zoom. (Spanish) Wednesday, April 21, 7pm - 8pm on Zoom. Presenters from CHAC Family Resource Center will discuss ways to raise a confident child with inner strength and health self worth. For parents of children ages 2-12. Registration required. Sign up at https://mountainview.gov/librarycalendar

 

Virtual Earth Day Events with the City of Mountain View 

We know that Earth Day (4/22) is looking a little different this year, so it’s going virtual here at the City of Mountain View! We’re holding two contests with multiple gift card prizes (a short video competition and a student poster contest), all centered around creativity and how you restore the Earth in your own way. For both contests, the deadline for entries is Monday, April 16th, 2021 no later than 5pm. Submissions can be made at: this link; see attached flyers for more information.

Additionally, please join us on Thursday, April 22nd from 6pm-8:30pm for our Virtual Earth Day Event! We’ll be having speakers from the Planet Bee Foundation, Acterra, Recology, and Cool Block. Community members will also be giving 5-minute ‘micro talks’ about how they’re “Restoring the Earth.” And finally, we’ll be announcing the winners of the video and poster contests live during the event. Please visit this linkfor details.

 

Virtual Family Concert for Children's Day with MV Public Library 

In Celebration of Dia De Los Ninos/Children's Book Day, Mariela Herrera will perform an interactive and lively concert over Zoom of songs in English and Spanish for children of all ages. The event is on Tuesday, April 27, 2021 from 6:30pm - 7:00pm, and registration is at: https://mountainview.libcal.com/event/7613746.

Virtual Earth Day 

MV Library 

April Equity Calendar