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In this edition ...
- School administrators: New faces, new roles for next year
- May 16 Board meeting review: LCAP survey results, ELA curriculum, new Board member process, next construction projects
- Video: Student words of appreciation for our staff members
- High Fives
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School administrators: New faces, new roles for next year
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MVWSD is grateful to have administrators who are education experts and have the needs of all of our students at heart. We are happy to announce new administrators and new assignments for some of our school administrators for the 2024-25 school year. Please click here to learn more about these and other staffing announcements made earlier this spring.
* New Principal and new Assistant Principal at Graham Middle School
* New Director of Special Education
* New Principal at Mariano Castro Elementary
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May 16 Board meeting review: LCAP survey results, ELA curriculum recommendations, new Board member process, next construction projects
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LCAP survey: MVWSD believes that annual and ongoing engagement with parents, staff and students is a key part of the Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) development. It is important that the goals and actions within the LCAP are informed by the voices of students, families, staff, and community members. MVWSD administered an annual survey in February 2024 to gather data for the District’s 2024-25 LCAP. Click here to see how stakeholders rated our schools on the survey.
PK/TK and K-5 English Language Arts Curriculum Adoption Recommendations:  As part of our district’s focus on literacy, MVWSD recently completed a process of reviewing English Language Arts (ELA) curriculum for our students in grades K-5 and integrated curriculum in preschool and Transitional Kindergarten. In recent decades, more research on children’s cognitive processes, language development, and reading acquisition has shown that curriculum that includes the Science of Reading helps to ensure children develop strong foundational reading skills, enabling them to become proficient readers. After an extensive curriculum review and pilot process, the K-5 ELA and PK/TK curriculum adoption committees have made curriculum recommendations to the Board of Trustees:
* Amplify Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA) for implementation in the 24-25 school year because it is built from the science of reading, includes explicit and systematic foundational skills instruction, and builds deep knowledge and vocabulary in content across the sciences, social sciences, humanities, and literature.
* The PK/TK curriculum committee highly recommended Savvas Three Cheers for PreK because it is aligned with the science of reading and the continuum of play-based learning.
Families and members of the public may preview the K-5 ELA and PK/TK recommended curriculums at the District Office, 1400 Montecito Ave., on the following dates and times: May 22 at 5:30-6:30 p.m. and May 23 at 12:15-1:15 p.m.
For other arrangements, please contact Cyndee Nguyen. To read more about the curriculum adoption process, please see our district website or view the May 16, 2024 Board presentation. The Board of Trustees will take action on the curriculum committees recommendations on May 30.
Appointment Process for a new Board Member: The Board discussed options to appoint or elect a new trustee. Trustee Chris Chiang announced his resignation from the Board of Trustees effective in June.
 Measure T Construction Priority 2 Project List: Prior to voters passing Measure T, the Board approved the Master Facility Plan (MFP) in 2019 to set priorities for the order of building projects. Due to this planning, the District was able to save tax payers a significant amount of money by avoiding escalation costs. Some of the projects already completed with the support of the community are: Solar panels at all school sites saving the district $200,000 in costs or 66% of its energy consumption in the first year, 144-unit staff housing community to open next year, and new HVAC, electrical and windows to improve safety and efficiency, and more. Trustees discussed Phase 2 projects. Click here to learn more.
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Video: Words of appreciation for our staff members
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 Our students have a lot to say about all the ways staff members help them learn and grow. Click here to watch them share what teachers and staff mean to them.
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| High Fives |
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MVWSD Director honored for contributions to education
 The Association of California School Administrators Region 8 (ACSA Region 8) recognized 16 education professionals and partners for their exceptional leadership traits and valuable contributions to education in the region. Director of Equity Megan Pohlman was recognized for her work with teachers and students through Better Together, a MVWSD-created culture and climate program based on district data.
 GRAHAMmys Film Festival
Graham Middle School hosted their 7th annual “GRAHAMmys” Film Festival on May 8, with more than 170 nominees. The 2024 Best Overall Film was awarded to Meital, Chase, and James for “The Chase Scene.” Click here to see the nominees and view the full recorded event.
Theuerkauf Therapy Dogs
Theuerkauf students had a “paw-some” surprise on Wednesday! Thanks to their ARIS, Ms. Irma, and volunteers from the Palo Alto Humane Society’s “PAH’s Pals” program, students spent some quality time with therapy dogs during lunch time.
 Math Kangaroo
Several Mistral students competed in the Math Kangaroo competition on March 21. The following students got a top-20 score and national recognition: Eira (4th), Antonio (7th), and Selena (18th). Additionally, the following students were very close to ranking nationally and were in the top 10%: Sen (23rd) and Nico (24th).
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