Wednesday, October 9, 2019
Core value of the month: Responsibility
PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE
Dear Monta Loma Families,
October is safety month in our district. During this month, our schools will practice safety drills that are crucial for preparing us for potential crisis events. This month is an opportunity for staff and students to test our emergency response actions and make improvements.
We know some of these drills may be unsettling for parents and students. Please know that we approach our practices with sensitivity and age-appropriate activities. In these uncertain times, it is imperative that our students and staff members know what to do to keep themselves and others safe.
During this month, practices to be held:
We practice how a building would be evacuated in the event of a fire or other emergencies, and how students are accounted for.
Students and staff members practice strategies for evacuation, accounting for students, parent-student reunification, search and rescue techniques, first aid, and school operations without power, food or water.
We practice what to do in the event of a dangerous intruder or similar event on campus.
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For elementary schools, a video will be shown sometime during the week of October 21. Classes will view the “dangerous intruder” video that encourages children to stay calm, listen to trusted adults and stick to the plan. You may preview the video at www.mvwsd.org/safety.
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For information about how parents can talk with their children about school violence, please see these resources:
Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers
Talking to your children about lockdown drills
While talking about and practicing for events like this is uncomfortable, we believe that if students know what to do, they will feel more confident, and ultimately be better equipped to react with safety in mind. If you have concerns or questions specific to your child, please contact your principal.
Safety month is part of a much larger effort by MVWSD as it continues to work to ensure the safety of its students and staff members on its campuses. To learn more about preparation, planning and current District work on school safety, please visit www.mvwsd.org/safety.
We appreciate your support of these efforts to ensure our students’ safety.
In partnership,
Gloria Higgins
CALENDAR
Week of October 7th - 11th, 2019
Friday, October 11, 2019
Friday, October 18, 2019
Tuesday, October 22, 2019
Wednesday, October 23, 2019
Friday, October 25, 2019
Students will end their school day at 12:30pm all week
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:
The food is free. More details at the event.
PTA NEWS
Next Friday - Fall Festival - Oct 18 3-6pm – our biggest fall fundraiser is almost here! Volunteers opportunities: staff your classroom’s game, donate prizes, help with setup, cleanup, or food sales. Middle schoolers and upward welcome to earn service hours too. This is a festive carnival with booth games for prizes, delicious food, music and fun!
Don’t miss our first ever Bake Sale contest during Fall Festival
Great ML Bake Off details
Fall Festival details
Thank you everyone who helped at Campus Beautification! The campus looks amazing and the kinders ooh’d and aah’d over the fresh playground paint.
What is UpToUs?
UpToUs is a parent communication platform for all Monta Loma families, no PTA membership required. See this link for more details. Sign up here: http://www.uptous.com/
Visit our website https://montalomapta.org/
For membership, spiritwear, upcoming events, volunteer opportunities and
Amazon link
NEWS FROM THE DISTRICT OFFICE
Exciting Parent Education Event!
Decoding Dyslexia CA Please come join SELPA 1 CAC as we talk about what dyslexia is, the California Department of Education Dyslexia Guidelines and the importance of early identification. The presentation will include an abbreviated dyslexia simulation so participants can gain an understanding of what it is like to be dyslexic.
Wednesday, October 16
7:00pm - 8:00pm, Springer Elementary Multi
1120 Rose Ave, Mountain View, CA
The MVLA Parent Education Speaker Series presents: Max Stossel, "Education in the Age of Distraction" on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2019 - 7:00 - 9:00pm | MVHS Spartan Theatre | 3535 Truman Ave, Mountain View, CA
Max Stossel, Head of Education at the Center for Humane Technology, will explore the ways technology is designed to be addictive and distracting, highlights how social media is impacting adolescent minds, and recommends ways to help our kids build a healthier relationship with technology.
To register for this free event, go to https://mvla2019-20-maxstossel.eventbrite.com
Sponsored by Los Altos Educational Foundation (LAEF), MVLA High School Foundation, Mountain View Educational Foundation (MVEF), and Los Altos-Mountain View PTA Council.
MVEF’s phonathon is coming soon! If you have already donated to MVEF thank you, but for those of you who need a gentle reminder, MVEF is happy to help. Keep an eye out for our Phonathon signs at your school and save us both a call and donate today! Help us bring art, music, science, athletics and more to your child and every child! Mvef.org/donate.
MV Parent U: Mental Health Basics
Learn the basics of mental health, including: definitions, coping with stress, when it is important to seek help, combating stigma, and how to get help in our county.
October 23, 6:30-8 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. at the Graham MUR. (Flyer here)
A team of professionals from Palo Alto University will present foundational information about mental health and mental illness and how mental health challenges may look different in different people or cultures. Participants will engage in interactive dialogue about how to maintain good mental health, and how to combat stigma around mental illness. The training also discusses what to do when someone needs support or help.
Spanish interpretation and child care will be provided. Seating is limited and RSVPs are required for this event. Please click here to reserve your seat.
Right at School, a before and afterschool care program, will be hosting an open house for current and prospective families on October 22. Please see the attached flyer for more information. For information on MVWSD’s after school programs, please visit: https://www.mvwsd.org/academics/supporting_learning/before__afterschool
SCHOOL CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES
Education Française Bay Area (EFBA)
EFBA is a non-profit school founded in 2008 that provides French after-school classes and summer camps. We're active all over the Bay in about 25 schools.
More info about our program: EFBA - Education Française Bay Area www.efba.us
Days: Monday & Wednesday
Playtime: 2:45-3:15pm
Class: 3:15-4:45pm
Start date: Sept. 16
End date: May 20
Lunch Chess Club
BayAreaChess combines fun and learning while promoting a team spirit where everyone helps each other succeed and improve. Our chess program will cover the very basics for new students to the game and we can challenge experienced players with more advanced concepts. Students will have the opportunity to learn the moves of the pieces, opening strategy, tactics, checkmates and endgame play. Students will also learn valuable life skills through chess, such as winning and losing with grace, sportsmanship, planning and team spirit. Our mission is to transform and enrich the lives of students through chess.
Flyers
Free Robotics Class
Free Teen Cooking Classes
Free Teen Art Classes
Monster Bash
Parents Guide to Emergency School Evacuation
MVLA Parent Education: October 17, 2019