Please see the editions of the Panther Blog in the menu on the left. Click here for past year's issues.
Click here for this week's fliers:
Parenting course with Drs. Eduardo Bunge and Alayna Park; 1st class Jan 26
Better Together: Together we can appreciate our abilities
My Digital TAT2's free Q&A session: Jan. 22
MV Library presents: Raising Kindness and Awareness in Children
MV Library Valentine’s Celebration
January 21, 2021
Hello Crittenden Families,
As we reflect back on our parent teacher conferences from last week, I recommend working closely with your student to encourage and support them as they reach their academic and personal goals they set for themselves for the next few months of this school year. Remember that PowerSchool is a great tool to monitor attendance and grades. If you haven’t been using PowerSchool, let us know, and we can help you access your account. In addition, ask your students to show you their Clever and Google Classroom accounts, so you can get a view of their daily homework and be able to offer guidance.
Student enrollment for 2021-22 is open now
For CURRENT students in transitional kindergarten-7th grade: Please look for an email from Student Services with a request to log on to the Powerschool Parent Portal: https://ps.mvwsd.org/public/. l to confirm enrollment. The enrollment will be open from January 18- 22. Keep in mind that the window closes tomorrow. Please contact our office if you need assistance (650) 903-6945.
We know how difficult these times are for our students as well as parents. We hope that you can find practical tips in our upcoming parenting classes. I highly encourage you to take time to participate in the parenting course with Drs. Eduardo Bunge and Alayna Park from Palo Alto University. (note attached fliers) Our first class starts on Jan. 26, 2021. English Sessions at 4 pm. Please register here; Registration link . You are not alone and we will get through this time together. We hope to see you there!
Current 8th Grade Families, you are invited to attend an informative evening where High School administrators, counselors, and students will discuss programs and services available at the high school and answer your questions
When: Thursday, January 28, 2021
Mountain View High School, 6 p.m. https://mvla-net.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_uMgCW3EfQVaUnbBkyePW7Q **
Los Altos High School, 6:30pm. https://mvla-net.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_qc8lK0yZTC27K3L9BtgFqA
Executive Functioning Tip of the week; Skill: Tools for Self-Monitoring
In addition to encouraging positive self-talk, help adolescents be mindful of interruptions (particularly from electronic communication such as email and cell phones). Multitasking may feel good, but there is strong evidence that it saps attention and impedes performance. If two (or more) tasks are competing for attention, discuss ways to prioritize and sequence with your student. Perspective taking may also be helpful for teens. Understanding the motivations of others can be challenging, particularly when people are driven by different perspectives. Encourage teens to identify their hypotheses about others’ motivations and then consider alternatives. “Why do you think she bumped into you? Can you think of another explanation?” Teens who are not used to this kind of thinking may need you to model the process: “Could it be that she didn’t see you?” Journaling is also a good way for teens to reflect and become more self-aware.
Crittenden Panthers learning together, wherever we are.
Mrs. Gomez
Principal
UPCOMING EVENTS:
January 28 5:00 – 6:00pm
Incoming 6th grade Information Night
January 28 6:00 – 8:00pm
MVLA Information Night
February 2 6:30 – 9:00pm
PTA -Executive Board mtg.
February 3 2:30-4:30
T3 School material distribution
February 9 6:00 – 7:00pm
Principal’s Coffee (Featuring HS principals)
February 10 1:00 – 2:00pm
Author Visit- Erin Entrada Kelly
February 12 5:30 – 6:30am
End of Trimester 2: Minimum Day
February 15 – 19, 2021
Winter Break: No School
DISTRICT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Superintendent's Community Check In on Friday
Please join us for our Community Check-In with Dr. Ayindé Rudolph on Friday, Jan. 22 at 3:30 p.m. Bring your questions. Click here to register: http://mvw.sd/ibOad
Better Together: Poverty in America Awareness
anuary 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.
Enrollment for 2021-22 for *all* students is open now
For NEW students: Open Enrollment is now through Feb. 5, 2021 online. You can register your child for the 2021-22 school year here: www.mvwsd.org/register
For CURRENT students in transitional kindergarten-7th grade: Parents will be asked by email to confirm enrollment from January 18- 22. Please look for an email from Student Services with a request to log on to the Powerschool Parent Portal: https://ps.mvwsd.org/public/.
Preschool Enrollment for 2021-22: Families who are interested in enrolling their 3 or 4-year-old in part-day or full-day preschool next year should submit an application to the preschool office by February 5th. Please see https://www.mvwsd.org/preschool for more information or contact the preschool office at 650-526-3560 or [email protected].
Parent University: Adolescent Drug Use, including the impact of the current pandemic.
Join us on Wednesday, January 20th, 2021 from 5:30 to 7:00 P.M. for our next Parent University event: Adolescent Drug Use, including the impact of the current pandemic. While this event is geared toward parents of children ages 10 to 18, all are welcome.
The presenter, Alum Rock Counseling Center (ARCC), has been in place for 46 years in the Bay Area and addresses the academic, social and mental health needs of the at-risk youth and families. This important workshop will include such topics as:
*Overview of trending substances used by youth (vaping, marijuana, alcohol, opioids, etc.)
*Signs and symptoms
*Why teens are using and the impact of COVID-19
*How families can discuss substance use and support their children
*Alternatives for substance use and ideas for prevention
* Resources
Spanish interpretation will be provided.
Register here: http://mvw.sd/Jan20
English Learner Families: ELPAC is (mostly) remote this Spring
Most of our English Learners will be taking this year’s Summative English Learner Proficiency Assessment of California (ELPAC) remotely. Only a small segment of students will be invited to complete portions of the test in person (observing all health protocols). Your school will be in touch with the details. For more information, please look for a recent email sent from Geoff Chang, Director of Federal, State, and Strategic Programs, or contact your site principal.
To understand more about the ELPAC and to help your child prepare, click here.
Fifth Grade Parents: Middle school info night on Jan. 28
Crittenden and Graham both will be welcoming 5th grade families to an Incoming 6th Grade Information Night on Thursday, January 28 at 5 p.m. held on Zoom. Each site will host its own information night, and parents will receive an email from their students' assigned school with meeting login information.
This is a great opportunity to learn about our Middle Schools’ academics, a chance to meet our staff, and learn about the exciting opportunities your incoming sixth-grader will have at Crittenden or Graham.
Please contact Crittenden ((650) 903-6945) or Graham Middle School ((650) 526-3570) if you have any questions.
Parent University: Digging Deeper into Supporting Reading Comprehension at Home
Join us on Tuesday, January 26th, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. for “Digging Deeper into Supporting Reading Comprehension at Home (K-5 Families)”
Members of MVWSD Instructional Team will share takeaway strategies to support your child's reading comprehension, connections, and applications at home.
*Wondering how to support your child with their Reading grade level standards and curriculum?
*What questions should I ask to build my child's reading comprehension?
*What does standard progression look like over grade level spans?
*Takeaways to support your child who is reading above grade level
*Learn new ways to enrich, deepen, and create a joy for reading
Zoom Registration: http://mvw.sd/MlaSK
In order to make this interactive webinar most meaningful for you, please send your questions beforehand to Interim Director, Swati Dagar via this Google Form by Friday, January 15th.
Spanish interpretation will be provided. Link to flyer is here.
Register now! Parent workshop: How to Build Academic Language with Kate Kinsella
Virtual presentation on January 27 at 6:00 pm
Hosted by Huff, Landels and Jose Antonio Vargas elementary schools
Register: http://mvw.sd/kate
Presenter Kate Kinsella, Ed.D. will talk about:
*After school conversation tips to use with children to encourage thoughtful responses
*Strategies to help increase students' academic language and listening skills
Kate Kinsella, Ed.D., is a teacher educator at San Francisco State University and a highly sought after speaker and consultant to school districts throughout the United States regarding development of academic language and literacy across the K-12 subject areas. Her 25-year teaching career focus has been equipping children from diverse backgrounds with the communication, reading, and writing skills to be career and college ready.
For more information, please visit http://drkatekinsella.com/about-us/
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!
My Digital TAT2's free Q&A session: Jan. 22
Digital TAT2, a non-profit that offers medis education and presented a highly engaging and informative webinar at the MVWSD Parent University this fall, is offering a free Q&A session with co-founders (and child/adolescent experts) Gloria Moskowitz-Sweet and Erica Pelavin on Friday, January 22. Please see the attached flyer for details and registration. You may also submit questions in advance to be answered during the webinar.
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
MV Library presents: Raising Kindness and Awareness in Children
Wednesday, January 20, 7 pm - 8 pm. Learn about fostering “kindness activism” in your children. Aila Malik, author, parent activist, social justice warrior, and kindness advocate will present practical ideas and engaging perspectives on activating humility, empathy, action, and togetherness within your family. Free. Flyers attached. Registration is required. https://mountainview.libcal.com/
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