October 11, 2023

 Principal's Message

Dear Cheetah Community, 

Last Thursday we had a situation near campus that put us into “Stay In Place”. Staff were able to get all students inside quickly, doors were locked, gates were locked and I was in constant communication with Officer T.Low, Dr. Rudolph, other district office staff and surrounding school staff. Together we were able to calmly and strategically follow protocols to keep Theuerkauf safe. There are always things we learn and reflect on when something like this happens, but I was extremely proud of how quickly we were able to secure the campus.


Please remember that in the event of an emergency, it’s possible that circumstances are not safe enough for us to release students as we typically do at the end of the school day. In an emergency, parents should not rush to school, but instead wait for updates from email, social media and text/phone calls. So we know all students are accounted for, our schools will release students systematically to authorized adults when it’s safe. Please review our parent-student reunification procedures here


You can help us by reassuring your child that drills, like the earthquake drill we'll have on Oct. 19, are our way of practicing for an emergency.  These things may never happen, but if they do, we’re better protected and are more able to help ourselves and others. 


Here is more information on safety month in MVWSD from  Dr. Rudolph’s letter. October is Safety Month in MVWSD. We have already practiced fire drills and soon will practice an earthquake drill and how to react to a dangerous intruder. Below is the information about our safety practice

This week, principals, teachers and staff members will be training on the Incident Command System (ICS) and general emergency procedures. The ICS assigns roles to school staff members so that even scary situations can have well-organized responses.  

Earthquake drill: After training, we’ll practice what to do during the districtwide earthquake drill to be held on Oct. 19. Click here to view the video that shows how we approach safety and what an earthquake drill looks like.

We talk with students in age-appropriate ways about what they can expect and why we practice emergency responses.  For elementary students we say the most important things to remember if an earthquake happens at school are duck, cover and hold if they feel the ground shake.  When it stops, go outside to the field. Stay calm with kid voices off so we can follow adult instructions.  In an emergency, we will keep them safe at school until their grown ups can pick them up.

Dangerous intruder: Our schools will review what to do in the event of a dangerous intruder or similar event on campus. The dates for each school’s practice will vary depending on scheduling. 

Practice at the elementary schools means students will view an age-appropropriate “dangerous intruder” video (which you may preview here) and talk with their teacher. The video and classroom discussion will encourage children to stay calm, follow directions, and listen to trusted adults. 

Middle school dangerous intruder practice involves multiple agencies and will be done when we complete the upgrade of our door lock system. I will give you more information closer to our practice date.

For more details about safety at school, please see https://www.mvwsd.org/safety.


Walkathon! 

I am very excited to remind you about Theuerkauf’s walkathon on Wednesday afternoon! Please check out the PTA website and PTA News section for more information. One of the most exciting things is that all Theuerkauf students will receive a shirt with Theuerkauf’s new logo on it! This is just another great step toward uniting our community! If you want to match us, feel free to reach out to our PTA members or use the website! Thank you to all the PTA members and ELAC members who have worked so hard to make this event happen! 


Multicultural Potluck! 

WOW! We had so many families, teachers, and staff members come to our 1st Multicultural Potluck this past Friday! It was truly heartwarming to see families and students interacting with each other, congratulating our reclassified students, and trying new, delicious food! Lisset and I are already talking about planning the next one!


I can’t wait to see you all at the Walkathon today!

Warm Regards,

Principal Danielle Lyons

 
 Important Dates

 

  • Wednesday, October 11th-3:15pm-5:30pm- Walkathon

  • Wednesday, October 11th- Retake Pictures

  • Thursday, October 12th- Teacher Service Day- No School

  • Friday, October 13th- Recess Day- No School

  • Friday, October 20th- PTA/Principal’s Coffee 8:00am-8:30am by the TH Flagpole

  • Monday, October 23rd - School Site Council Meeting + Outdoor Learning/Greening Presentation 4-5pm. 

  • Tuesday, October 24th-27th- 5th Grade Science Camp

  • Friday, November 3rd- End of Trimester- Minimum Day- Dismissal at 12:10pm

  • Friday, November 3rd- Community Check-in with Dr. Rudolph, 3:30-4:30pm (Register Here)

  • Friday, November 10th- Veterans Day- No School

  • Monday, November 20-22- Thanksgiving Recess- No School

  • Thursday, November 23- Thanksgiving - No School

  • Friday, November 24- Day after Thanksgiving Day- No School

 
 School News

 

Back Gates: 

Please make sure to shut all gates behind you. The gate in the back should only be used by preschool families in room 1. Thank you for continuing to help keep our school campus safe. 

 

Items Drop-Offs

Snack/Lunch, music instrument, water bottle, Chromebook, and any other drop-offs

Please ensure your child has everything they need with them for school when you drop off in the morning. We are unable to assist and guarantee personal item distribution each day.  I suggest a morning check-list to ensure you have all items. This can also help students build independence as they get older.

 

Reporting an Absence

Please call the 24hour automated Attendance Line at 650-903-6925, X4680 or email  [email protected]  to report an absence or late arrival.  Provide the following information: date of absence, student’s name, grade and room number, reason for absence, name and relationship of the person reporting the absence. After reporting a COVID positive absence on the attendance line or by email click here to fill out the COVID reporting form. When you have a doctor or dentist appointment, please bring your note so the tardiness will be excused.

 
 District News

October no-school days

Thursday, October 12 is a staff development day, which means no school for students and no work for 10-month classified staff. Oct. 12 is a staff development/work day for teachers, school secretaries and 12-month classified staff. Friday, October 13 is a recess day (no school/work for everyone except 12-month classified staff).


Drafts available: Single Plans for Student Achievement

Each year, our schools create Single Plans for Student Achievement (SPSAs or “site plans”) that guide the work for the coming year. These plans help us prioritize programs and strategies that will best serve our students. In the fall, elected parent representatives from School Site Councils and English Language Advisory Committees work with principals and school staff members to create a draft that is reviewed and approved by the MVWSD Board of Trustees.  Parents and staff members may give feedback through Oct. 26 to their principal and elected parent representatives to SSC and ELAC. You may review the draft plans here.


Parent University Speaker Series Presents

Parenting in the Digital Era - Supporting Dialogue and Strategies for Building Healthy Tech Habits

Date and Time: October 24, 2023, 5:30-7:00 pm  Registration Link: mvw.sd/pu102423

One of our favorite nonprofit organizations is back! The staff of My Digital TAT2 will be delivering a workshop that will empower parents with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the complexities of raising tech-savvy, digitally responsible children. We will address common tech issues such as digital “perfection”, misinformation, and things you might not know about popular apps and platforms.

Parents will gain crucial strategies that will support open dialogue and cultivate healthy tech habits among all family members.

To submit questions prior to the event, go to mvw.sd/questions. We will do our best to address your questions during the session.


MVWSD Preschool Enrollment

MVWSD Preschool has a limited number of part-day state preschool spaces still available at Latham.  These spaces are free for all 3- and 4-year-olds living within the Castro Elementary School boundary.  Families can get an application at mvwsd.org/preschool or stop by the preschool office (1850 Latham St.).


Protect your family: Dangers of illegally-made synthetic drugs

It's important that you and your children know the dangers of illegally-made synthetic drugs. Synthetic drugs created in illegal labs, like Fentanyl, have ingredients that are impossible to know, and carry a high risk of overdose and death. Some are tasteless and odorless—even small amounts can cause an overdose. ANY pill bought through social media or even from a friend can contain deadly amounts of fentanyl. Learn more at http://mvw.sd/drugs


BOC & PTOC Seeking Representatives

The District is seeking qualified persons to serve on the Bond Oversight Committee and the Parcel Tax Oversight Committee. Representatives monitor, provide oversight and ensure accountability to the funds received by the District.

Apply at the links below.

BOC: https://ow.ly/HhgA50PQqEs

PTOC: http://mvw.sd/PTOC

Applications can be returned to the district office by mail or emailed to [email protected].


Better Together: October

Cultural appreciation is an acknowledgment and celebration of the rich and diverse tapestry of human heritage that exists around the world. Indigenous Peoples' Month, observed in various regions, highlights the unique cultures, traditions, and contributions of indigenous communities. It serves as an opportunity for all of us to learn, respect, and honor the invaluable knowledge, customs, and wisdom that indigenous peoples have preserved for generations. We are #BetterTogetherMVWSD. For more information about Better Together, visit mvwsd.org/BetterTogetherMVWSD.


MVEF Community Survey

MVEF is seeking input from the community via the annual online survey, which will be open throughout October: http://bit.ly/MVEF-Survey

As a community-funded foundation where over 70% of donations come from families, your input is a very important part of the planning process for future MVEF-funded programs. If donations to MVEF approach the annual goal of $1.2MM by December 31, 2023, MVEF may be able to add additional programs in 2024.

MVEF has raised just shy of $400,000 -- donate today if you haven't already: https://www.mvef.org/donate. THANK YOU MVEF donors and volunteers!


October CAC and LCC Events

SELPA 1 CAC and the Learning Challenge Committee are your groups for special education and broader learning challenge needs. If you have questions about learning challenges and special education needs, email [email protected] or check outwww.selpa1cac.org

The Learning Challenges Committee is looking for members!

Are you interested in helping students with learning challenges? This can include students who receive special education services, students with a 504 plan, or any student with a learning challenge.

The Learning Challenges Committee of the Los Altos Mountain View PTA Council (LCC) helps provide teachers and school staff in Mountain View and Los Altos schools with supplies in their classrooms related to learning challenges. We need a variety of parent and student voices to help us best decide how we can help teachers and students about these issues. 

Can you attend 2-3 meetings per year to help make these kinds of decisions with the LCC? Please email [email protected]. We need more voices to help students with learning challenges. We need you!

We encourage families to learn about the sensory needs all children: Try a Sensory Diet

 

October 11, 7 pm Evening Let’s Talk  - IEP/504 support group. Have questions about the process to get help for your child? Have an IEP but are not sure how to make changes? Need to vent? This is your confidential group. Register at:https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIodOmhrz8tHNVYUGYMCIHeDa2lL43M-Puz

        

Missed our Parent Education events last year?

We have a YouTube channel with many of our past events including last year’s Inclusive Fun Fair for summer camps and recreational activities, Anxiety and Depression in Children with Learning Challenges, SMART Goals and IEP Troubleshooting, and more. Channel is here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuy7IcVz-4LTDxv2Jaq13nw


The View Teen Center: October 

The View Teen Center is a free facility in Mountain View (263 Escuela Ave) for all Mountain View and Los Altos 6th - 12th grade students. Drop-in hours are Monday - Friday, 3:15 - 7 p.m. and Saturdays, 1 - 6 p.m. (on no school days or minimum days, The View Teen Center is open 1-6 p.m.), and the center features a game room, makerspace, kitchen, computer/study room, outdoor area, and much more! See attached flyer for details about upcoming events and programs in October or visit their webpage for more information.


Celebrate Shoreline: Oct. 15th 

The City is hosting Celebrate Shoreline, a free event for the community to celebrate Shoreline ’s 40th anniversary. The family-friendly event is taking place 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 15 at Shoreline at Mountain View regional park, 3070 N. Shoreline Blvd. The event will feature live music, self-guided tours, carnival games, food, and more! Visit MountainView.gov/CelebrateShoreline for more information

 
 PTA News

Thank you everyone for supporting the Walkathon today!  And if you haven't done so yet, you can still sponsor your child's walk and donate to the Theuerkauf PTA.  We have only raised a fraction of our total Walkathon fundraising goal, and every dollar helps.  Many thanks for supporting our cheetahs!  https://app.99pledges.com/fund/cheetahs23?fbclid=IwAR1JyxPt_oDN1_C2K5NI2wTbEDExFEJ4fPX_3cR3-Q-P7F_YIxUeMjxBA-U

 
 Flyers
 
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