Principal’s Message:

Hello Dolphins,

As we start to enter the month of November, I wanted to express my extreme gratitude for the Castro community. In the first few months of school, I have felt overwhelming support and enthusiasm from everyone including staff, teachers, and parents. Thank you for all that you do to make this a vibrant community. 

Gentle reminder that next week marks the end of the trimester. On Friday, November 7, 2025. It is a minimum day and students will be dismissed at 12:10 PM. You will be receiving your child's report card on Friday, November 21, 2025. If you have any questions or concerns about your child's grades, as always, please arrange to talk with the teacher, so the teacher can give you more details. We provide interpretation services when requested.

Also please note that Tuesday, November 11, 2025 is Veterans Day and there is no school.

Kindness Party

On Friday, November 7, 2025, we will have a kindness party to celebrate all those students who have been caught showing kindness in the Month of October. Students still have until Friday, October 31, 2025 to turn in their tickets. The party will take place from 10:45am until dismissal at 12:10pm on Friday, November 7, 2025.  To see the list of students please click here. 

In Partnership, 

Principal Taylor

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Events Calendar

October

 

November

 

December

 

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In this Newsletter

School News:

Dia de los Muertos Family Event - Wed, Oct 29, 5:00–6:30 PM Location:MUR

Halloween Parade with Mistral Friday, October 31 - 8:15-8:30am Blacktop 

Reporting an Absence

 

Flyers:

2025 - 2026 School Year Calendar - Here

October Menu Here

 

District News:

Drafts available: Single Plans for Student Achievement

Get Involved with MVEF – School Ambassadors, Board Members & Gala Volunteers Wanted!

Community Partners:

Mountain View Public Library: The Tortured Poets Workshop - Flyer

Mountain View High School Spartan Turkey Trot: Registration Open Now - Flyer   

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School News

 

Dia de los Muertos Family Event - Wed, Oct 29, 5:00–6:30 PM Location:MUR

Join us for the Castro & Mistral Día de los Muertos event on Wednesday, Oct 29, 2025, 5:00–6:30 PM. 

 

This FREE event features hot chocolate, pan dulce, crafts, music, and the beautiful Castro & Mistral altars. The whole family is invited! We also invite you to dress in celebration of La Catrina / El Catrín. 

 

Questions? Contact our SCEFs: Mr. Meza — [email protected], 650-526-3590 x1824; 

Mrs. Rocha López — [email protected], 650-526-3590 x1825.

 

Halloween Parade with Mistral Friday, October 31 - 8:15-8:30am Blacktop 

We will have an optional Halloween costume parade with Mistral on October 31st at 8:15am (weather permitting). Students who would like to participate may come to school dressed in their costume. If you prefer your child is not a part of this costume parade, please let their teacher know and we will have a separate fall activity for them during that 15 minutes!

 

Costumes: We encourage students to be creative with their costumes and have fun with the spirit of the holiday. All regular Mariano Castro dress code policies apply - please ensure costumes are appropriate and follow the guidelines below:

• No masks, staff should be able to identify students. 

• No pretend “prop” weapons such as guns, knives, or swords. 

• Appropriateness – costumes cannot promote violence or be offensive or inappropriate in any way.

 

Reporting an Absence

Please call the office at (650) 526-3590 or email [email protected] to report an absence or late arrival.  Provide the following information: date of absence, student’s name, grade and room number, reason for absence, name and relationship of the person reporting the absence.

 

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District News

 

Drafts available: Single Plans for Student Achievement

Each year, our schools create Single Plans for Student Achievement (SPSAs or “site plans”) that guide the work for the coming year. These plans help us prioritize programs and strategies that will best serve our students. In the fall, elected parent representatives from School Site Councils and English Language Advisory Committees work with principals and school staff members to create a draft that is reviewed and approved by the MVWSD Board of Trustees. Parents and staff members may give feedback through Nov. 4 to their principal and elected parent representatives to SSC and ELAC. You may review the draft plans here.

Smart Ways to Give to MVEF: Stock Donations & Corporate Matching

Have you ever considered donating stock to MVEF? It’s one of the most tax-smart ways to give — and it directly supports art, music, science, athletics, and more for every MVWSD student.

• Full tax deduction for the fair market value of the stock
  No capital gains tax — you skip the taxes you’d owe if you sold it yourself

• Bigger impact for you and our students

Many in our community trade stock or receive RSUs from local companies, and donating appreciated shares directly to MVEF is simple and efficient. Find stock transfer instructions here.

Your employer might also help you double your impact!
Many local companies offer matching gifts or employee giving days in October–December, multiplying the effect of your contribution. Corporate matches and grants are a major part of MVEF’s annual funding, helping us reach our $1.2M goal for 2025–26. Check if your company matches donations to MVEF here.

Thank you for helping MVEF enrich every student’s learning experience!

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From Our Community Partners

 

Mountain View Public Library: The Tortured Poets Workshop - Flyer

Explore the poetics of pop songs in this workshop with local Youth Poet Laureate Sierra Elman. Analyze the lyrics of your favorite songs, write your own poetry, and share your work. Featuring lyrics by Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodrigo, Sabrina Carpenter, and more.

 

Saturday, November 1

2 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Grades 6-12

Register here.

 

Mountain View High School Spartan Turkey Trot: Registration Open Now - Flyer

Registration is open now for the 16th Annual Spartan Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning (Thursday, November 27, 2025) at the Mountain View High School Track (3535 Truman Ave, Mountain View, CA). Register early to guarantee a spot. This event is proudly hosted by MVHS Sports Boosters to benefit the MVHS athletics department and supporting teams/clubs. People of all ages are encouraged to participate in the 5k Run & Walk and the Spartan Mile (1-mile). Kids are welcome to participate in the 5k and/or Spartan Mile + the 60/400 yd dash races (aka kids races). Register at https://www.spartanturkeytrot.com.