MVLA Magazine
November 2022
Dear MVLA Community,
As I reflect on the year, I am filled with gratitude. I feel fortunate to work with staff, students, and families who take pride in the collective educational experiences we provide daily across all our programs and campuses. As I've visited classrooms and sites over the last few months, I've been struck by our students' thoughtful, responsible nature when asked about their experiences. They appreciate the hard work of our teachers, staff, and site administration, who give so much of themselves. They are also courageous in sharing the critical feedback we need to continue growing and improving. Our students embody optimism and resilience and show us that our future is in good hands.
The MVLA team is very proud of our success and continues to strive to produce the best education possible for all students. We are working hard to ensure all students are supported in pathways toward a strong future. To this end, we are creating a Profile of an MVLA Graduate that will be the focal point for our ongoing commitment to ensuring every student graduates from MVLA with the skills and characteristics necessary to succeed in college, career, and life beyond high school.
As the leaves turn, we thank long-time board members Fiona Walter and Debbie Torok. Their collective service on a school board spans 28 years. Their continuous service supported student academic achievement and wellness. The MVLA community is grateful. We welcome two new board members, Thida Cornes and Esmeralda Ortiz, and look forward to their unique perspectives.
We hope you enjoy this edition of MVLA Magazine. Your support of MVLA and our students is appreciated.
Sincerely,
Nellie Meyer
Superintendent MVLAHSD
AWARDS & ACCOLADES
MVLA EDUCATOR NAMED "CIVIC ENGAGEMENT OUTSTANDING EDUCATOR"
The Santa Clara County Office of Education has awarded Dr. Julie Yick, MVHS social studies teacher, with its "Civic Education Outstanding Educator Award" at its recent Leading in Partnership by Fostering Community: The Power of Democracy convening.
The event highlighted Santa Clara County youth voices, community leaders from partner organizations, and members of the SCCOE Power of Democracy steering committee. MVHS junior Jenna Ersheid was one of four local high school students asked to serve as youth panelists.
Throughout his time at Los Altos, Quinn's favorite classes have been biotech and photography. Through these classes, he has realized his love for hands-on projects, the scientific process, and photography. Last year, he was awarded 2nd place in photography in the New Museum Los Gatos ArtNow Competition. Quinn is also very passionate about community service. He volunteers at Second Harvest Food Bank and LifeMoves, a non-profit in Palo Alto that provides supportive services for the homeless.
After high school, Quinn plans to pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography and work with photography in all aspects of his life. Read more about Quinn here.
Ana was born in South Carolina but lived in Mexico from when she was two years old until a year ago when she came to California to live with her two older brothers.
Ana's favorite class is ELD because it has helped her learn English. When she came to the U.S., she didn't know the language. She says the MVHS staff have all been very understanding and patient with her learning a new language and culture. Ana works at Icon Theater and Walmart in customer service outside of school to help her family financially. Ana also likes to go to the park to walk or ride a bike. Read more about Ana here.
BOARD UPDATE
At its November 17 regular meeting, the MVLA Board of Trustees took action on several items and included several presentations. Highlights include:
- Special recognition and celebration of service of retiring board trustees Debbie Torok and Fiona Walter
- A review of proposed new courses of study - Report
- The first reading of Board District Goals for 2023 - 2028 - Report
The Board also held a special study session on November 17, looking at an extensive review of data about 2021-2022 student goals. View the reports here, and view the recording here.
The next regular meeting is Monday, December 12, starting at 7:00 p.m. Meeting materials will be posted here.
FOUNDATION UPDATE
MVLA Foundation
The focus of the MVLA Foundation is to direct as much money as possible to programs for students and teachers. So instead of having a 40th-anniversary party, we presented a BIG check at the MVHS/LAHS Rivalry Football game. The ceremonial check was for over $25 million, representing the cumulative donations raised over the past 40 years.
We want to thank the PTSAs and Sports Boosters from MVHS and LAHS, who helped us celebrate our 40th by co-sponsoring the Crosstown Showdown Under the Lights t-shirts that were handed out at the game. The strong partnership between our schools makes MVLA great!
DISTRICT NEWS
PARENT EDUCATION SPEAKER SERIES: RAISING BODY-POSITIVE TEENS
Next in our Parent Education Speaker Series will be Wendy Sterling, a registered dietician specializing in adolescent nutrition, eating disorders, and sports nutrition. She'll walk us through how our children's developing bodies change emotionally and physically throughout adolescence and offer practical strategies for fostering a healthy relationship with food, exercise, and body image.
The event will be on Thursday, January 19, from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. at the Los Altos High School Eagle Theater. Registration will be open next month.
CAMPUS NEWS
MVHS Sports Boosters is proud to present the 13th Annual Spartan Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving weekend!
People of all ages are encouraged to participate in the 5k Run & Walk and the Spartan Mile. Kids are welcome to join in the 5k and/or Spartan Mile and kid-friendly 60- and 400-yard dash races. Register here!
All registrants will receive a commemorative t-shirt (designed by Freestyle Academy student Luiza R.) and a nifty sticker (designed by Freestyle student Sofa V.) The students earned a $100 Amazon gift card for their winning designs! All proceeds benefit the MVHS athletics department and supporting teams/clubs.
GALLERY
Freestyle seniors are working on advanced animation projects. Lucy Wang created this 3D-modeled weapon created with Maya and Substance Painter. #creativityhasnolimits
DATEBOOK
November 21 - 25, 2022
Fall Recess/Thanksgiving Holiday - NO SCHOOL
November 28, 2022
MVLA Fentanyl Awareness and Prevention Parent Education Night
6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
LAHS Theater
December 6, 2022
6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Alta Vista High School Multi-Use Room
December 12, 2022
Board of Trustees Regular Meeting
7:00 p.m.
Meeting materials will be found here.
ABOUT US
Email: communications@mvla.net
Website: https://www.mvla.net/
Location: 1299 Bryant Avenue, Mountain View, CA, USA
Phone: 650-940-4650
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mvlahsd
Twitter: @MVLAHSD