March 4, 2020

spotlights

Wednesday, March 4, 2020

Core value of the month: Respect

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE

Dear Monta Loma Families,

While it may seem like a long time away, our testing window for California standardized (CAASPP) tests is approaching. Testing will happen mid-April through mid-May. More specific dates will be shared as we get closer to the dates.

Students in 3rd through 5th grade will be assessed in English Language Arts and Math. Students in 5th grade will also take a Science assessment.

Parents often ask what they can do to help students do their best on assessments. Believe it or not, the simplest steps can make a big difference.

Make sure that your student attends school regularly. The more students are in school, the more likely they will do well on assessments.
Make sure your child gets enough sleep. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends 9 to 12 hours of sleep for elementary-aged students.
Make sure students get proper nutrition. Brains need energy from food to work effectively. A balanced diet with protein, carbs, and fats is important for student success.
Talk about testing in a positive way. The purpose is for students to show their learning and to give our school feedback about our programs.

If you think about it, these practices are important for students every day, not just during testing.

Thanks for your partnership to encourage our Leopards to show what they know!

In partnership,

Gloria

CALENDAR

3/04/20 - 3/06/20: Used Book Sale
3/06/20: VIP Reading Day
Week of 3/09/20: Ability Awareness week
3/11/20: Parent U @ 6pm Crittenden Middle School
3/16/20 & 3/17/20: No School
3/20/20: Movie Night @ 5:30pm
3/27/20: Spirit Day: Superhero Day
3/27/20: PTA meeting & Principal Coffee @ 8:45am
4/03/20: ELAC meeting @8am

School Site Council

We have an open position on this team that provides input into the School Site Plan. Contact [email protected] for details.

Science Fair- 4/16

Please have your students science fair project ideas approved by Ms. Allison Fassiotto by March 9th. Science Fair Information Packet here

Food distribution program at Monta Loma Elementary

In partnership with Community Services Agency (CSA) of Mountain View and Second Harvest Food Bank, we will be distributing bags with food items, such as bread, canned goods, fresh produce, pasta, etc. If you want to supplement your meals with additional items, please come:

Dates: March 23 , 2020. Please see flyer here for future dates

Time: 3:00 - 5:00 pm
Location: Between the MUR and Room 1at Monta Loma.

The food is free. More details at the event.

PTA NEWS

If not you, then who? If not now, then when?

Monta Loma needs leaders to join the PTA Board for 2020-2021. Our election takes place at our next Association Meeting Friday, March 27 8:40am in the MUR. In particular, we are seeking candidates for these positions:

President
VP of Membership
VP of Fundraising
Hospitality Chair
Spiritwear Chair

We are a friendly group who come from diverse experiences and backgrounds and who hold diverse opinions, but we are unified in wanting to support our faculty and staff and enrich the lives and community of our kids and their families.

Reach out to one of us if you’re considering a role and want to know more. We will welcome you and support you all the way!

For descriptions of board positions, see our website: Get Involved

Or contact us at [email protected]

Movie Night is Coming! Please volunteer!

Our next Movie Night is coming Friday, March 20.

We need help setting up, preparing and picking up food, selling concessions, and cleaning up. Please sign up here: Movie Night Volunteer Sign Up Sheet - March 2020.xlsx

Please help with WAT Raffle

Walk-A-Thon is a wonderful community event that will take place on Friday, April 17. We hold a raffle with a variety of family-friendly prizes. You can help. Do you have any gift cards sitting around that you haven’t used? Consider donating them to the raffle. Do any of you have talents or skills you can share in a prize? Gourmet dinner for 4? Hand knitted scarf? Beautiful quilt? Feel free to be creative!

We could use a hand with asking for donations from local businesses as well. Please contact Kara Chambers at [email protected] if you are able to help. Even one or two tasks will help a lot. Many hands make light work!

NEWS FROM THE DISTRICT OFFICE

MVEF needs you! The Mountain View Educational Foundation is seeking new volunteers and board members to join us and support their mission to ensure that every child, at every school has access to a competitive, well rounded, inspiring education. Thanks to the work of volunteers and board members, MVEF raises over $800,000 annually to fund art, music, athletics and hands-on science across the district. The Board of Directors typically consists of 10-15 dedicated community members and district parents. Board members attend monthly board meetings, represent MVEF in their school communities, and help guide and support the vision of the organization. MVEF strives to have at least one representative from each school and people who bring a variety of professional skills, including fundraising, marketing, finance, and community engagement. Board members have the opportunity to make a difference in the experience of every child in the district, gain insight into district programming and planning, and collaborate with other parent leaders in the district.

Learn more about MVEF, and its impact on your child’s school day at mvef.org. If you are interested, please send a message to [email protected].

Join us for the new MV Parent U offering: Understanding Mental Health from a Youth Perspective on Wednesday, March 11th from 6:30-8pm at Crittenden Middle School, Auditorium. (Flyer here) Representatives from the following agencies will be available beginning at 6:00 PM to provide information and resources: Allcove, Children's Health Council (CHC) Teen Wellness Committee, and Community Health Awareness Council (CHAC)

Please join us to hear from a panel of local high school students about their perspectives on mental health. Students will give a short presentation and then answer questions including:

What do you think is important for parents to know and keep in mind as they guide and support their kids who might be demonstrating some signs of risk or are already struggling with their mental health?
What are some effective approaches and ways parents have been helpful in supporting you or your friends?
What role does social media play related to teen mental health issues, in general? What should the role of parents in supporting and protecting their child?
What advice would you give to parents with kids who have mental health needs?

All families are welcome to attend, although this event is targeted for parents and teens in grades 5-8.

Provided: