LP Principal Newsletter
August 3rd, 2023
Principal - Larry Elwell
Hello Lion Cub Families,
As cooler weather finally sets in, students and staff have settled into their routines here at school. In fact, as I walk through classrooms, I see a lot of student learning and many of them are making terrific gains! As well, students are making connections with their friends and the adults here on campus, thus making their school experience even more positive.
Even with the positive and fun activities here at La Primaria, we still have some students experiencing separation anxiety when arriving at school. This is not unusual, especially the Monday following a long weekend or when returning from the long breaks at Thanksgiving or the winter holidays.
We continue to help students with the transition from home to school by having familiar faces for them at the gate. Also the regular routine of school is often comforting for them and provides them with a predictable day. (We learn, we go to recess, we learn some more, we go to lunch, learn some more, and then school ends.)
The transition from home to school is often harder on parents than it is on students. However, the good thing about separation anxiety is that it is temporary and there are strategies parents can implement that help the situation. Finally, this short article from HealthyChildren .org provides practical strategies for dealing with separation anxiety.
Vision to Learn was here the week of Oct. 23 to provide full eye exams. Students were even able to pick out a new pair of glasses to be delivered to them at school.
Aeries Parent Portal
Use the app to keep your contact information current, check attendance and your child's grades
Class Dojo
Teachers at La Primaria often stay in contact with parents via Class Dojo. Click the icon to create a free account if you don't have one already.
Email or Telephone
Free COVID & Flu Vaccine Clinics
Herald Christian Health Center is hosting free COVID & Flu Vaccine Clinics during the month of November in the District. The first clinic is on Tuesday, November 14 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Baker School, 12043 Exline Street in El Monte and the second clinic is on November 16 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Parkview School, 12044 Elliott Street in El Monte. Free COVID vaccines are available to uninsured or underinsured adults ages 19 and older and uninsured/underinsured, Medi-Cal or Medi-Cal eligible children ages 6 months to 18 years of age. No appointment necessary.
Traditional Short-Term Independent Study - Less than 15 days
Traditional Short-Term Independent Study is offered to students who may face challenges attending school due to mental health or other health issues or who will be on vacation for less than 15 days.
Parents requesting short-term Independent study of less than 15 days (vacation):
1. Request Independent Study 5 days before the student is absent.
2. Complete the Independent Study form and submit it to the school office.
3. Classroom teacher(s) prepare Independent Study work to be completed.
4. Upon return, students are to submit their work to the school site.
For all other Short-term requests, a parent meeting is held with the Director of Pupil Personnel Services to discuss the need for Independent Study. At this meeting, the terms and conditions of the agreement as well as the start and end date of the Independent Study will be established.
ELPAC Testing to Begin in February
The English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC) is California’s assessment system used to determine the English language proficiency of students whose primary language is not English. Every year between February and May, the Summative ELPAC is given to students identified as English learners (ELs). The Summative ELPAC measures EL proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking levels in grades TK-8. Student scores are reported as Beginning to develop (1), Somewhat developed (2), Moderately developed (3), and Well-developed (4). The results help our school plan instruction, monitor academic and language progress, and determine if a student is ready to be reclassified as proficient in English.
For more family resources for the ELPAC, please visit: https://elpac.startingsmarter.org/
MVSD’s Annual Menudo Breakfast
Our annual Menudo Breakfast will be held on Saturday, December 9 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Twin Lakes School. The Menudo Breakfast is a beloved community celebration including delicious, home-made menudo, entertainment, music and raffle prizes including bicycles. Tickets are $5 each (per bowl) and are on sale now at all schools and the Family Center. For more information please call 626-652-4971.
Mental Health Resources
MVSD continues to foster a culture that promotes the health, safety, and well-being of students, staff, and parents, with optional free resources available to families in our District.
As a reminder, 24/7 mental health service is available through our partner Care Solace.
MVSD staff and families may access Care Solace services by calling (888) 515-0595 or emailing weserve@caresolace.org to speak with someone from the Care Concierge team or visit the link caresolace.com/site/mtviewfamilies Care Solace is available at no cost. All information shared with Care Solace or entered on their website is completely confidential and securely stored. They do not share specific user information to any third parties or even the district itself.
Additionally, this school year, the District has launched a new virtual mental health service for students with Hazel Health. Students can see a licensed Hazel Health therapist from home or from school for virtual therapy. Hazel Health’s therapists can help your child or teen with depression, anxiety, change, stress, and everything else. Connect your child to mental health support today.
You can find more information about Hazel Health in Mountain View School District at https://my.hazel.co/mtviewschools/info
Facilities Improvement Update
MVSD construction projects continue with the completion of the underground utility projects at the Cogswell and Voorhis properties. The installation of new digital marquees at each site has begun, as well as the installation of the portable restroom at Twin Lakes School. While a variety of enhancements were completed this summer improving the educational environment for students and staff, we are excited to be moving toward the site modernization phase of the Bond program which will focus on the environment within classrooms, offices, cafeterias, and multipurpose areas. These improvements will be scheduled throughout the school year. Additionally, construction of the solar shade structures will begin this school year.
Preschool Programs
For information on MVSD's outstanding preschool programs, click the link to view the November Preschool Principal Newsletter https://bit.ly/preschoolnewsletterNov2023
It's been a very productive first trimester and we thank you for your continued support as we partner together to follow our District’s mission of inspiring each student to succeed every day. As the holiday season quickly approaches, we wish all of our MVSD families peace, hope, joy, good health, and great times with family and friends.