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In this edition ...
- May 2 Board meeting review: Middle school schedule and more
- MVWSD is a 2024 California Green Ribbon School
- We appreciate our staff members!
- Parcel Tax information in your mailbox soon
- High Fives
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May 2 Board meeting review: Middle School Schedule Update and more
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Middle School Schedule: Superintendent Dr. Rudolph recommended and the Board approved that there will be no change to the middle schools’ current 8-period schedule. Additionally, the District plans to amend the placement policy for students enrolled in the Dual Immersion (DI) program at Mistral to allow them to attend Graham Middle School. Graham will add a social studies classes in Spanish for students who want to continue to develop their Spanish language proficiency.
Board member Chris Chiang announced his resignation from the Board of Trustees effective in June. He thanked the Board and community for their support and noted being part of the construction of the auditoriums and Innovation Centers as a highlight of his tenure in two Board terms; the first in 2012-15 and the current term beginning in 2020. Thank you, Trustee Chiang, for your time and dedication to the children of the Mountain View Whisman School District.
The Board of Trustees approved the tentative agreement with the Mountain View Educators Association, (MVEA) for the collective bargaining agreement from July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2027, formally ending negotiations. The new three-year contract includes a five percent (5%) salary schedule increase, effective July 1, 2024, a five percent (5%) salary schedule increase, effective July 1, 2025, and a four percent (4%) salary schedule increase, effective July 1, 2026. The District is grateful for productive, respectful dialogue between the teams throughout negotiations.
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, a time dedicated to recognizing the rich history, cultural diversity, and significant contributions of the Asian American Pacific Islander community to our society. On May 1, the Board passed a resolution supporting Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month. This is an opportunity to celebrate the many achievements and the vibrant traditions that AAPI individuals bring to the fabric of our communities. As we honor this important month, it's also an excellent moment to reflect on the #BetterTogether theme of recognizing our own self-worth. Each of us, regardless of background, has unique strengths and intrinsic value that contribute positively to our communities and the world at large. Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month reminds us to appreciate not only the diversity around us but also the value within ourselves, fostering a deeper understanding and respect for all. For more information about Better Together, visit mvwsd.org/BetterTogetherMVWSD.
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MVWSD is a 2024 California Green Ribbon School
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 The Mountain View Whisman School District recently was named a 2024 California Green Ribbon Schools awardee for conserving resources while promoting health and environmental literacy. The California Department of Education names Green Ribbon Schools as those at the forefront of nurturing the next generation’s capacity for creativity and critical thinking, thereby equipping them to become effective stewards of our environment.
MVWSD is one of only a handful of California districts to receive the Gold level of the California Green Ribbon School Award. Gold award winners are just a few points under national designation.
Pursuing the California Green Ribbon Schools award is a reflective process through which MVWSD is becoming a greener, more environmentally-conscious district. Our district passed resolutions and is pursuing regional and national certification that highlights our waste reduction and energy conservation. Our schools are powered by 77% renewable energy, are in the process of three-stream waste management/reduction, have implemented solar, and are developing Outdoor Greening and Learning Spaces.
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We appreciate our staff members!
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 Teacher Appreciation Week is the week of May 6, and Classified Staff Appreciation Week is the week of May 20. We appreciate all of our certificated and classified staff members for their care of and dedication to our students and families.
Our Board of Trustees passed resolutions at yesterday's meeting to honor staff members. Please see the Day of the Teacher Resolution here and the Classified School Employees Week resolution here.
Each staff member plays a crucial role in creating a nurturing and effective learning environment. We are grateful for our teachers, food service employees, bus drivers, office staff members, custodians, maintenance and landscaping staff members, instructional assistants, therapists, tutors, psychologists, testers, EL coordinators, library technicians, nurses, at-risk intervention supervisors, school and community engagement facilitators and noon duty assistants. This month is a wonderful chance to recognize the hard work and commitment of all of these individuals, reminding them that their efforts do not go unnoticed and are deeply appreciated by the entire school district community.
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Parcel Tax information in your mailbox soon
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 The Board of Trustees is currently considering placing a measure on the November ballot to renew expiring parcel tax funding. Look for an informational mailer at your home soon. This local funding is important to maintain high-quality education and retain qualified teachers with competitive compensation so the best teachers can continue to live and work here. Parcel tax revenue funds rigorous academics, as well as support and enrichment to all students. For more information and a link to the community survey, please see www.mvwsd.org/parceltax
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| High Fives |
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Graham hosts CMEA Choral Festival
 The Graham Choirs hosted a CMEA Choral Festival on April 26-27 in which 16 choirs from 11 schools came and sang for a panel of adjudicators. Graham's Advanced Choir received a rating of Unanimous Superior, which means they received the highest rating from every adjudicator, including in their Sight Reading Evaluation. Thank you to the volunteers who made this possible, and congratulations to Mrs. Gaderlund and Advanced Choir on your accomplishment!
  Día del Niño celebrations
Mistral and Theuerkauf Elementary Schools held “Día del Niño” (Day of the Child) events last week for their communities. In Mexico, Día del Niño is a cherished celebration held annually on April 30 to honor children and celebrate their importance in society. The celebrations were filled with dancing, games, community partners, and tons of fun!
Jose Antonio Vargas Acknowledge Alliance Award: 2024 Educator Team of the Year
Acknowledge Alliance has named Jose Antonio Vargas Elementary School’s Vern Taylor, Luis Salinas, Beatriz Claas, and Damion Richard-Valencia as the 2024 Educator Team of the Year. These amazing educators hold the dignity and respect for children and families at the highest level, and are deeply committed to strengthening their own resilience skills so they can be the best versions of themselves in the classroom and beyond. The Vargas staff will be celebrated at the Forget-Me-Not event on May 23. Learn more about the honorees here.
 
Mistral Math Olympiads
Three students at Gabriela Mistral Elementary received rankings in the national Math Olympiads. Congratulations to Eira, Emmitt, and Ansel for their remarkable achievements, ranking in the top 10%, 25%, and 30% respectively. We celebrate your hard work and passion for mathematics!
Graham Math Olympiad Mustang Math Tournament
On Saturday, four Math Olympiad teams from Graham participated in the Mustang Math Tournament at San Jose High School. They competed against 50 teams from across the Bay Area. Graham's team of eighth-graders, Ewan, James, and Lily, and sixth grader, Steven, won first place in the logic puzzle round.
Middle School Performing Arts at MVEF Gala
Students from the Graham show choir, Graham jazz band, and the Crittenden guitar ensemble performed for guests at the MVEF Gala on Saturday, April 27. They showed how community support of the arts plus excellent instruction can equal musical joy and learning for a lifetime. In addition to music instruction, MVEF funds core programs in art, science, sports, clubs, and reduced class sizes in language arts at the middle schools. We are grateful for the support of MVEF in enriching the education of our students! (photos courtesy of MVEF/Kent Seki)
  
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