Dear Quetzal Families,

This month, we are celebrating Women History Month. The United States has celebrated International Women's Day on March 8th since 1911. In 1995, the president declared March as Women's History Month. It was not only until 1920, with the ratification of the 19th Amendment, that women had the right to vote. This is a great time to share stories about dedicated women who have contriinuted to worldwide history: Amelia Earhart, Maya Angelou, Frida Kahlo, Emilia Dickison, Joan of Arc, Eleanor Roosevelt, Rosa Parks, Marie Curie, and Mother Teresa de Calcutta, among other influential women. This is a great opportunity to share with your child how these women had grit and worked very hard to reach their goals.

Our fifth graders left to Walden West (Science Camp) yesterday, and they were very excited about this academic adventure. We look forward to hearing all the amazing stories when they come back on Friday! As we would say in Colombia, "Buen viento y buena mar (great winds and a calm sea) to our students". They will be missed these four days! Be on the look for amazing pictures of their journey on our Facebook and Instagram media.

Reports cards will be available this Friday, March 10, at 4pm in PowerSchool. We are also sending a printed report of your child's reading levels in Spanish. Please check their backpacks, and let us know if you have any questions.

Next week, we have Teacher in Service Day, so there is no school for our students. We are also having spirit day on Friday, March 17th: wear green to celebrate Saint Patrick's Day.

Please join our ELAC meeting in person on Tuesday, March 14th, at 5pm in the MUR. We will have a guest speaker who will talk about taxes. We also have our Cafecito with Ms. O. on March 15th at 5pm. I am looking forward to seeing you next week in all these events.

Have a great rest of your week!

Claudia Olaciregui, Principal

• Teacher In-Service Day - No School

• ELAC Meeting @ 5pm-In Person (MUR)

• Cafecito Mistral @ 5pm-Link

• School Site Council Meeting @ 5pm

• PTA General Mtg @ 6pm

• Open House @ 6pm

• Lifetouch Spring Pics

Cafecito con el Superintendente on Wednesday, March 8, 5:30 pm

This is an informal meeting for Spanish-speaking parents. Translation will be provided. Please register in advance for this meeting by clicking here: http://mvw.sd/C38.

March Better Together Infographic

March is Women's History Month, a time to celebrate the contributions women have made to society. However, we must acknowledge that not all women have had an equal chance to succeed. Inclusion is key to truly celebrating Women's History Month. Let's uplift and empower all women, regardless of their race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or ability. As allies, we can listen to their stories, amplify their voices, and work together to create a more equitable society. Let's celebrate progress and continue to choose to be #BetterTogetherMVWSD. Please see the attached flyers or visit http://mvwsd.org/bettertogetherMVWSD.

March is National Nutrition Month!

This year’s theme is Fuel for the Future! During March, learn more about sustainable and healthy eating, how to save money buying nutritious food, making tasty meals at home, and the importance of eating foods from all food groups.

Did you know that shopping locally-sourced foods and choosing foods with minimal packaging helps reduce both transportation emissions and waste? Get more tips to lighten your carbon footprint: sm.eatright.org/carbonfdprint

Crittenden Middle School Spring Musical: Matilda JR.

Crittenden Middle School proudly presents the story of a girl who dreams of a better life, and the children she inspires. This show will have audiences rooting for the "revolting children" who are out to teach the grown-ups a lesson. Packed with high-energy dance numbers and catchy songs, Matilda JR. is a joyous girl power romp. Children and adults alike will be thrilled and delighted by the story of the special little girl with an extraordinary imagination.

Showtimes:

Friday, March 24th – 7:30 pm
Saturday, March 25th – 7:30 pm
Sunday, March 26th – 2:00 pm

Performances will be held in the Crittenden Middle School Auditorium, 1701 Rock Street.

Parental Guidance Note: This show may not be appropriate for children under the age of 7.

Tickets may be purchased in advance online (see the links on the attached flyer) or by dropping off your payment and order form at the Crittenden Front Office, no later than Monday, March 20th at 2:30pm. If shows are not sold out in advance, tickets will be available for purchase at the Box Office 30 minutes prior to showtime. See the attached Ticket Order Form for details on pricing and online ticket purchases.

Graham Middle School Spring Musical: Moana Jr.

Get ready to set sail on a musical adventure with "Moana Jr."! Featuring beloved songs like "How Far I'll Go" and "You're Welcome", this musical is a must-see for fans of all ages!

The students, staff, and parents have been working so hard for months to present the best performance. Don't miss your chance to experience the magic of "Moana Jr." on stage!

Tickets are now available for purchase here. The show information is as follows:

Graham Middle School Auditorium

March 24th and 25th 7:30 pm

March 26th 2:00 pm

Adult Ticket: $15

Student Ticket: $10

Early Bird pricing for MVEF Gala tickets is available until 3/12/2023

Buy tickets, donate items, and sponsor the Gala today by visiting the MVEF Gala page: https://www.mvef.org/2023gala

With approximately 150 in-person attendees and a goal to raise $100k, the MVEF Gala is an opportunity for residents, district parents, business leaders and community members to come together in support of our local public schools. Last year MVEF successfully took the bold step to extend its funding beyond art, music, science, and sports to include adding opportunities for differentiation in the classroom by reducing class sizes in ELA. This year we hope to raise a total of $1.2MM through the MVWSD community’s enthusiastic participation, allowing us to continue funding the new teaching positions, the existing MVEF-funded programs, and consider funding additional programs in the future.

Health and Wellness Parenting Tip: Calming Your Mind

When we feel stressed, our minds tend to jump to the past (I should have...) or to the future (What if...?). The problem is that we cannot change the past nor control the future. Focusing on the present can help us take control of our current situation and help us feel calmer and more relaxed.

Watch this video to learn more about how mindfulness can help you (or your child) be more present and relaxed.

To calm your (or your child’s) mind:

1. Look around you, and name five things you see. Pick one object, and describe what it looks like, what color, what size, and what shape it is.

2. Look for four things you can touch. Pick one of those items to touch, and describe how it feels.

3. Name three things that you can hear. At first, it might seem that there is not much to hear, but listen carefully. Focus on one sound, and describe it.

4. Look for two things you can smell. Focus on one smell, and describe it.

5. Find one thing you can taste. Focus on the taste and describe it.

You can repeat these steps every time you feel stressed to come back to the present moment.

March 2023 CAC Events

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 selpa1cacinfo@gmail.com or check out www.selpa1cac.org

We encourage families to learn about the sensory needs all children: Try a Sensory Diet

Parent Chat

March 14, 10 am

Are you concerned about the emotional well-being of your child? Peer to peer support for parents of teens with mental health challenges. Every second Tuesday of the month at 10 am on Google Meet. Meeting is for 1 hour only due to Google Meet limitations. Contact trudy.palmer@me.com for invite.

Behavioral Panel of Experts - Challenging Behaviors and Strategies at different ages

Presented by SELPA 1 CAC / Palo Alto CAC

Wednesday March 22, 7 pm on Zoom

Does your child have behavioral challenges at school and at home?

Behavior is communication. Join the CAC and expert panelists from CAPTAIN and PENT for a presentation on strategies to help with behaviors at different ages. Although CAPTAIN is focused on those students with autism spectrum concerns, these insights are suitable for all students. Have a specific question - submit your question ahead of time to our panel here: Questions for the Panel

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEkduCurTorHNSOp-szKwNTJdpzNXprqunq

Missed our Parent Education events last year?

We have a YouTube channel with many of our past events including last year’s Inclusive Fun Fair for summer camps and recreational activities, Anxiety and Depression in Children with Learning Challenges, SMART Goals and IEP Troubleshooting, and more. Channel is here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuy7IcVz-4LTDxv2Jaq13nw

The View Teen Center: March Events

The View Teen Center is a free facility in Mountain View (263 Escuela Ave) for all Mountain View and Los Altos 6th - 12th grade students. The center is open Monday through Friday: 3:30 - 7 p.m. and Saturday: 1 - 6 p.m, and features a game room, makerspace, kitchen, computer/study room, outdoor area, and much more! March Teen Center events include a Career Day, Basketball Tournament, a St. Patrick’s Day celebration, and a Bike to Boba. See attached flyer for details about more upcoming events and programs or visit their webpage for more information.

Mountain View's Annual Arbor Day: Mar. 11

Celebrate Arbor Day with a new tree for your yard! The City of Mountain View will be holding their 2023 Tree Giveaway on Saturday, March 11 from 9:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. at Pioneer Park. The free trees are available to Mountain View residents for planting on their property. Residents agree to plant and maintain the tree on their property. The planting event is part of the City’s forestry restoration efforts and the celebration of the State of California’s Arbor Day. Residents who wish to participate may fill out the application form here.

MV Public Library Art Events

Draw with Nomar Perez

Thursday, March 30 from 4-5 p.m., Ages 8 and up, on Zoom

Nomar Perez, the author/illustrator of "Coqui in the City" will join the Sunnyvale and Mountain View libraries to talk about his experience illustrating "Coqui" and then he will lead a virtual drawing lesson. Register in advance here.

Chalk Art Mural

Friday, March 31 from 3:30-5:30 p.m., Ages 8-12 at Pioneer Park

Tweens are invited to drop in to the library courtyard and create a piece of art from Silicon Valley Reads author/illustrator Nomar Perez. All skill levels welcome, no registration needed. Materials and instructions will be provided. Weather permitting.

CSA Empty Bowls Fundraiser: Tickets Available Now

Empty Bowls is Community Services Agency's annual fundraiser benefiting Homeless Services. Featuring bottomless ice cream, beautiful bowls, and fun children’s activities, this year’s event takes place on Sunday, April 30th from 2-4pm in Rengstorff Park. Purchase your tickets online now. If you are in need of services, please call 650-968-0836.

MVHS Spartans Sports Camp: Registration Open

Spartans Sports Camp is proud to announce that registration for Summer Camp 2023 is now open. Camp will run June 12 - July 28 this summer, and include sports, performing arts, and academic enrichment camps. Spartans Sports Camp is operated entirely by the MVHS Athletic Department and all proceeds go directly to support the sports programs at MVHS. For more information and registration, visit www.SpartansSportsCamp.com.