Venetia Valley Voice
School / Family Newsletter - June 2021
Principal's Message
This month we celebrate our members of the LGBTQ+ Community as we usher in Pride Month! Venetia Valley is an organization that prides itself on being inclusionary and one where we welcome everyone! Join me in celebrating Pride Month by simply being accepting of all. Kindness, care and compassion is what our world can always use more of and I hope we all practice those great traits everyday.
As we near the end of the school year, this will be our last family newsletter until the next year. For our 8th grade families moving on from Venetia Valley (or any family who has had to make the difficult choice to leave the amazing VV community), this will be the last newsletter you'll receive from us. We have 8 academic school days remaining, two of which are early release days. Next week, on Wednesday and Thursday, June 9th and 10th, our students will leave school at 1:30 PM. Please plan ahead for this. Our after-school program will continue to operate its regular hours.
I would like to take a quick moment to thank each of you for being the most amazing, supportive and flexible school community. This school year has taught us quite a bit. From shuttering our campuses due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, to working our way through online, hybrid, and modified day learning to where we are now, back to regular school days... none of this would have been possible without your amazing support. There is no doubt we are now a stronger community, a more resilient community given the challenges we faced because of the pandemic. As many of you wonder, "what should I do for my child during the summer, since they missed so much school?" My recommendation is to allow your children to be children. Let them play, let them socialize safely and support them as best as you can emotionally. This year was not only tough on our teachers, but also tough on your children. Allowing them to catch up socially and emotionally will help us better serve them when they return for the 2021-22 school year! Remember, we are all in this together. Our students, your children are resilient and we will do our best to normalize their educational experience next academic year.
In closing and on behalf of the entire staff and faculty of Venetia Valley School, thank you all for your continued support throughout this unprecedented school year! Thank you for having the faith, trust and confidence in us as your school choice. We look forward to a much needed summer break and wish you a safe summer vacation!
Sincerely,
Principal Quesada
Como Puedo Ver Este Boletin En Otro Idioma? How Can I See This Newsletter In A Different Language?
Student Dress Code
We are asking for your assistance these last 8 days of school to ensure your child is attending school while dressed appropriately. Lately, we have seen an increase in our middle grades (6th - 8th) where students are coming to school in their pajamas! While this may feel comfortable loungewear while at home, it is not appropriate for school. Students should wear clothing that is appropriate where the student is expressing a sense of self respect for how they present themselves before others. Wearing house slippers, house shoes, pajama bottoms, spaghetti strap tank tops, and so on are not permitted. Students will be required to call home for a change of clothing, so help us avoid having to engage in this conversation with your child.
When we see this "style" of dress on a regular basis, it leads us to believe we need to reimplement the use of our school uniform policy. It's been great giving students an opportunity to express themselves, but we can only do this if they are presenting themself in a manner that is appropriate and conducive to the learning environment. We appreciate your help.
Thank you,
Principal Quesada
NOTE: Below are some examples of clothing ads that were found online to give parents/families a visual example of what is not permitted to wear at school.
Pajama Pant
Spaghetti Strap Top
Unisex Pajama Pant
June At A Glance
Week of May 31st - June 4th:
- Start of Pride Month thru June 30th, 2021
- Food Pantry - Tuesday, 6/1 from 3:30 - 4:30 PM
- Bilingual Citizenship Class on Wednesday, 5/5 from 5 to 7 PM
- Join us for the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Thursday, 6/3 at 4 PM in the MPR!
- Parent Service Project computing class for parents on Friday, 6/4 from 5 to 7 PM
Week of June 7th:
- Food Pantry - Tuesday, 6/8 from 3:30 - 4:30 PM
- School Site Council Meeting (virtual) on Tuesday, 6/8/21 at 5 PM
- Virtual Charla Con El Director (Chat w/the Principal) on Tuesday, 6/8/21 at 7 PM
- 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony on Wednesday, 6/9 at 9 AM at Venetia Valley
- Bilingual Citizenship Class on Wednesday, 6/9 from 5 to 7 PM
- Food Pantry will continue every Tuesday from 3:30 - 4:30 PM during June
Join Us for our Ribbon Cutting Ceremony!
Keep Toys at Home!
We need your help ensuring your child is leaving their toys at home! These last few days often cause unwanted behaviors and your assistance in minimizing these are greatly appreciated. We know children want to show and share their toys with others, but often the toys can become disruptive in the classroom and can cause conflict among students especially when many look alike. Toys can end up missing or damaged too, so it is best they are left at home.
Pokemon cards, action figures and "pop its" should all be left at home. Below are photos / examples of these toys and we ask for your help in making sure they stay home.
Thank you,
Principal Quesada
Action Figures
"Pop Its!"
Pokemon Cards
School Spirit Week - June 7 - 10, 2021
During our final week of school, we will have a "Spirit Week" to help finish off the school year! See below for details:
- Monday, 6/7: Beach Day. Wear your colorful Hawaiian shirts
- Tuesday, 6/8: Party Animal Day. If you have an "animal costume," wear it!
- Wednesday, 6/9: Wear Venetia Valley school colors (Royal Blue or Yellow)
- Thursday, 6/10: Wear your BRIGHTEST colors to show your future is shining bright!
Construction On San Pedro Road
Family Center Update
Dear VV families,
The Family Center wants to thank you for a wonderful school year. We know that it has been a hard year due to the pandemic and that there were so many stressful times, with so many changes in order to keep our students and families safe. We thank you for your flexibility and for always seen the positive side of any situation.
We thank you for giving us the opportunity to meet many of you in person and for letting us serve you. Thank you for participating in our events and workshops throughout the school year. We are looking forward to a much more normal next school year and together create more memorable moments.
Thank you,
Venetia Valley Family Center
PS... Remember the last day of school is June 10, 2021- Have a great summer!😊
What is happening in the Family Center/Community:
Student Health Checks / Crisis Go
Families, make sure you are completing your Student Health Checks daily for all TK-5 grade students attending elementary sites. Click here to log in: Student/Parent
Santa Venetia Community Fridge- 24/7 access
We have our very own community-fridge up and running at the Congregation Rodef Sholom located at 170 N. San Pedro Rd. San Rafael CA 94903. If you are ever in need of any groceries feel free to stop by and grab some. If you ever have any extra groceries at home, feel free to stop by and donate them.
VV Community Pantry - Every Tuesday from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm
Kinder Dual Language Program Presentation- Wed. 6/2 from 7 pm to 8 pm
Kinder families, join us to know more about our bilingual program for your students entering Venetia Valley. Join Zoom Meeting
https://srcs-org.zoom.us/j/95267858670?pwd=MEV3aGZRRWw4Sm0yTHZGWVB3YUdlUT09
Meeting ID: 952 6785 8670
Passcode: 237248
VV Cutting Ribbon Ceremony Thursday 6/3 at 4 pm in the Multipurpose Room
Families, join us to celebrate the opening of our new building. We will have special speakers, raffles, and school tours led by our students. Remember to follow safety protocols, and wear your mask.
Spirit Week- Monday to Thursday - 6/7 to 6/10
Let’s celebrate the last week of school by showing school spirit. Students dress according to what each day represents:
Monday- Beach Day
Tuesday- Party Animal Day
Wednesday- School Spirit wear Blue and Yellow
Thursday- Your Future is Bright Day- wear Neon Colors
School Site Council (SSC)- Tuesday 6/8/21 - 4 pm - 5 pm
Join us for the School Site Council meeting. Where the common goal and focus of this group is to support student academic success. If you would like to participate in the meeting please press the following link: https://srcs-org.zoom.us/j/5173205035
Charla with Mr. Q- Tuesday 6/8/21 - 7 pm - 8 pm
Join us for our Charla with Mr. Q, from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm, taking place through Zoom. Just click on the link to join: https://srcs-org.zoom.us/j/5173205035
The Charla with Mr. Q is an opportunity for families to ask questions or share concerns about things that are happening in Venetia Valley. Learn about services or events happening in our community. And, is also a great place to meet VV staff and their roles. We hope you can attend.
8th Grade Promotion- Wednesday 6/9 at 9 am at Venetia ValleyTK 8
8th-grade families remember to RSVP for this event. Due to covid19 on 4 guest are allowed per student. Students should wear formal attire for this event.
Parent Service Project Computer Classes- Fridays from 5 pm to 7 pm
Register, for one on one in-person lessons or group workshops. Learn how to use the computer/laptop. along with other programs like zoom, google, creating email accounts, and more. To register, send a text to 415-424-3778 or call 415-496-0226.
Free Bilingual Citizenship Class - Wednesdays- 5 pm to 7 pm
Know the citizenship process, study for the exam, receive help with your N-450 form, and much more. For questions please call/text Sheila Ramirez at 415-424-3778
District tech support for families
June Calendar, drop-ins at the San Rafael High School, Rm. T121 (off Mission St.).
Mondays - Friday 9 am - 12:30 pm and 2 pm - 4 pm
Families are also welcome to come to the Family Center for support.
Contact us:
Family Center Hours
Monday to Friday from 9 am - 4 pm
Direct: 415-496-0226
Cell: 415-424-3778
Maria Gramajo - Family Advocate- mgramajo@srcs.org
Leslie Garcia - Family Advocate - lgarcia@srcs.org
Sheila Ramirez Family Center Coordinator - sramirez@srcs.org
Venetia Valley TK-8 School
Venetia Valley is a community school where students, families and staff are celebrated for who they already are and are supported in every way to become all that they aspire to be.
Nuestra Declaración de Misión
Venetia Valley es una escuela comunitaria donde los estudiantes, las familias y el personal son reconocidos por quienes ya son y son apoyados en todos los sentidos para convertirse en todo lo que aspiran a ser.
Email: aquesada@srcs.org
Website: www.srcs.org
Location: 177 North San Pedro Road, San Rafael, CA, USA
Phone: 415-492-3150
Twitter: @PrincipalPaulQ