Quetzal News

January 19, 2023

From Ms. O's Desk

Dear Quetzal Families,


I hope you had a wonderful long MLK weekend and had some time to talk at home about courage and bravery. One great way to teach our children how to be brave and have courage is to lead by example. Kids and adults learn faster when we are able to see in action a desire behavior. Since we are little, we learn by copying what others model or do. Some basic tasks, such as talking, walking, and eating, are learned faster by observing how others do it. It is equally powerful to share examples of times we have been brave and courageous. Other tools to use as we work towards helping our students be courageous are:


  • Be honest: It's important that we also share that being brave is scary and being nervous is very normal. It's very important not to hide our emotions, even when we are scared.
  • Talk about other strong models: Share examples of people you know who are great examples of courage.
  • Role Play: Act out some situations you can encounter and ways that can help you face them and be brave.
  • Explain courage the correct way: Being courageous doesn't mean not being scared, it means being able to do things in spite of your fears.


Teaching our children about courage and bravery it's a great way to build their confidence. Erica Jong says, "I have not ceased being fearful, but I have ceased to let fear control me." Thank you for helping us be great models of courage for our students.


Have a great rest of your week!

Claudia Olaciregui, Principal

CALENDAR

January 24

January 25

  • Mistral PTA General Meeting @ 6pm

January 26

  • 5th grade Science Camp informational night
February 1
  • Mistral Parent U - Soul Shoppe @ 6pm

DISTRICT NEWS

Cafecito con el Superintendente

Wednesday, Jan. 18, 6 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/C111

For parents of 5th-graders: Middle School Information Night on Jan. 23

If you will have a 6th-grader next year, please check your inbox for the link to the Incoming 6th Grade Information Night on January 23. This is an opportunity for you and your student to learn about middle school life. You will hear from middle school principals, information about courses, tips on how to be successful at middle school and ask any questions you may have.


Returning students: Enrollment in MVWSD for next year

MVWSD enrollment for next fall for returning students will open soon.

For CURRENTLY enrolled students in transitional kindergarten-7th grade: Starting Jan. 24, parents can log on to the PowerSchool Parent Portal to enroll their children for next year. Look for an email in your inbox on Jan. 24. If you have difficulty signing in to PowerSchool, please contact your school office. For more information, call 650-526-3500 or go to https://www.mvwsd.org/register.


For parents of new students and incoming kinders: There are important new student registration meetings coming up.

MVWSD choice schools: There are in-person school exploration events: Wednesday, January 18 from 1:30 - 4 pm at Theuerkauf for parents of Theuerkauf Transitional Kinders, Preschool and for the public. Wednesday, January 25 from 2- 4 pm at Castro Elementary for parents of Latham Preschool and for the public.


Is your student too young for kindergarten?


Click here to learn about the right program for your young learner: https://www.mvwsd.org/kinderready


➤ The information meeting for transitional kindergarten is January 19 at 6:30 p.m. at this Zoom link: http://mvw.sd/TK119


➤ The preschool informational meeting is January 19 at 3:30 pm (English) at this Zoom link: http://mvw.sd/PK119 and February 1 at 3:30 pm (Spanish) at this Zoom link: http://mvw.sd/PK21.


Student registration starts soon!


Open enrollment for all students (including returning students) for the fall starts on Jan. 24. Click on https://www.mvwsd.org/register for all of the details.

Parent University: Living Our New “Normal”: Tips for Families on How to Thrive Post-Pandemic

Date and Time: Feb. 7, 2023 5:30pm Registration Link: https://mvw.sd/pu020723

The last three years have been difficult on parents and children. How do we keep going and continue to show up to support our families?

Together, we will be able to:

  • Identify what the “New Normal” means to us.

  • Learn tips and strategies to manage stress and navigate our “New Normal”

  • Commit to take one action to address a personal goal


MVEF Survey Request

MVEF is a community-driven 501(c)3 organization that raises funds for specific programs across the Mountain View Whisman School District. Because families like yours drive the majority of our annual donations, we'd like your feedback on the programs that we fund. Click here to take the survey.



Mentor Tutor Connection Volunteer Info Session

Come learn about volunteering as a Mentor or Tutor! Help a local student to a brighter future. VOLUNTEER INFORMATION SESSION - January 19, 12:00-1:00 pm, El Camino YMCA, 2400 Grant Road, Mountain View. To register go to www.mentortutorconnection.org/events - or email programs@mentortutorconnection.org.



Health and Wellness Parenting Tip: Belly Breathing

Our mood is influenced by physical sensations in our body. When we feel stressed, we tend to take quick and shallow breaths. By taking slow and deep breaths, we can signal our body to relax.


Watch this video to learn more about how belly breathing can help your child (or you) feel more relaxed.


To belly breathe:


  1. Choose a comfortable position, such as sitting on a chair or laying on your back.

  2. Place one hand on your belly.

  3. Take a deep breath in through your nose while you count to four. As you breathe in, your belly should rise.

  4. Hold your breath while you count to five.

  5. Breathe out through your mouth while you count to six. As you breathe out, your belly should flatten.


You may need to repeat these steps for 5-10 minutes before you start to feel relaxed. By practicing these steps, you can learn to relax after stressful situations.


MV Public Library: Positive Approaches to Managing Challenging Behaviors in Kids

Looking for ways to manage challenging behaviors in your child or teen? Jessika Hurts, Psy.D., Clinical Instructor, Child & Adolescent Psychiatry at Stanford University School of Medicine will offer expert practical advice and answer your questions at this free virtual Mountain View Public Library event on Thursday, February 2 from 7:00pm - 8:00pm. Register in advance here.


The View Teen Center: January 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! January Teen Center events include art classes, cooking classes, and an iPhone Photography workshop. See attached flyer for details about upcoming events and programs or visit their webpage for more information.