Principal’s Message:

Hello Dolphins,

This week, we acknowledge United Against Hate Week (November 10-14). I'm excited to share how our district is coming together to celebrate diversity, build connections, and stand united against hate, bias, and injustice.

This year's #BetterTogetherMVWSD theme — One World, Many Voices—  reminds us that every story has many perspectives, every new idea comes from people working together, and every classroom is like our big, connected world.  Established in 2017 by Bay Area Cities to combat racism, United Against Hate Week provides an opportunity for our school community to actively stand up against hate and injustice.

Special Activities for UAH Week:

• Bingo Cards with engaging diversity and inclusion activities

• Bookmarks featuring our "One World, Many Voices" theme

• Library Activities highlighting diverse perspectives and stories

• Classroom Discussions building empathy and understanding

Throughout the year, we'll continue #BetterTogether work to:

• Build connections across different experiences to break down divisions

• Share knowledge and respect for community histories

• Explore how different perspectives shape the history we learn

• Examine historical examples of resilient, coalition-building teams

• Celebrate collaboration and innovation that leverages diverse perspectives

Look for posters in your child's school, participate in bingo card activities, and use this week as an opportunity to discuss with your family what it means to stand united against hate. Resources, including Heritage Month information, and Board Resolutions, are available on our website.

Together, we're not just teaching tolerance—we're building a community where every voice matters and every perspective enriches our collective understanding.

With appreciation for our diverse community,

In Partnership, 

Principal Taylor

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Events Calendar

November

 

December

 

January 2026

 

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In this Newsletter

School News:

Trimester end: Report cards coming soon

Open Enrollment for 2026-27 starts in January

School meals are free, but fill out the EzSchool Meals application for additional help

Supporting Students Through Uncertainty: Free Meals and Food Assistance Available for MVWSD Families

Orenda Baseline Study

Reporting an Absence

 

Flyers:

2025 -2026 School Year Calendar - Here

November Menu Here

 

District News:

Orenda Parent Survey starts Nov. 14

Parent University Speaker Series: Understanding Your Child’s Score Reports

It’s Giving Season – Maximize Your Impact with MVEF!

MVEF: Save the Date for Our Biggest Fundraiser — the Spring Gala 2025!

Community Partners:

Make a Difference in Your Community: Volunteer with Mentor Tutor Connection! - Flyers

The View Teen Center - Winter Program Preview is HERE! 

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School News

 

Trimester end: Report cards coming soon

Families can access their student’s Trimester 1 Report Card beginning Nov. 21 after 4:00 p.m. Grade K-5 Report Cards will be sent to you on Nov. 21 via email. TK and Grade 6-8 Report Cards will be available on the PowerSchool Parent Portal at https://ps.mvwsd.org/public/ under “Parent Reports.” Steps for accessing reports on PowerSchool Parent Portal are here: Accessing PowerSchool Parent Portal Reports. If you have difficulty logging into the PowerSchool Parent Portal, please contact your school’s office.

 

Open Enrollment for 2026-27 starts in January

In January, the Mountain View Whisman School District will be opening student enrollment for fall 2026.

For CURRENT students in transitional kindergarten-7th grade: Parents will be asked by email to confirm enrollment from January 20 to February 6.

 

For families enrolling NEW students: Please check www.mvwsd.org/register for details about virtual school information meetings held in January (list of meetings: http://mvw.sd/2627), how to locate your neighborhood school, how to explore school options and the four steps to register during the enrollment period held January 20 to February 6. Virtual school information nights will be held on Jan. 13 (neighborhood schools) and Jan. 14 (choice schools). The transitional kindergarten meeting is on Jan. 7.

 

Click here to learn about which program is right for your young learner: mvwsd.org/kinderready

 

Please check www.mvwsd.org/register for how to locate your neighborhood school, how to explore school options and the four steps to register.

 

School meals are free, but fill out the EzSchool Meals application for additional help

If you are currently out of work or furloughed, your student may qualify for the Free and Reduced Price Meals program now for this school year. If you think you could qualify (qualifying income levels listed here), we ask you to apply at EzSchool Meals. If your child is eligible for free and/or reduced-price meals, your family could get medical benefits, housing benefits, afterschool care, utilities benefits and more. Regardless of your status, MVWSD will continue to provide free meals this year to all students as part of California’s universal meal program. For help applying, call your school office or the Office of Food and Nutrition Services at 650-903-6965.

 

Supporting Students Through Uncertainty: Free Meals and Food Assistance Available for MVWSD Families

When children are properly nourished, they can concentrate better, retain information and have the energy they need for a full day of school. The ongoing federal shutdown is threatening to delay CalFresh program benefits to over 5 million Californians who rely on CalFresh (the state’s SNAP program) benefits for food assistance. 

MVWSD wants to help. Free school meals are available every morning and lunchtime at every school. Please encourage your students to take advantage of these meals. For meal menus, click here. 

Any families who are experiencing food insecurity can reach out to their school’s SCEF for confidential guidance and help. Miguel Meza at [email protected] or Gloria Rocha Lopez at [email protected]

Additional food assistance resources for families:

Community Services Agency (CSA) brings their mobile pantry to distribute food at Castro/Mistral Schools on the 1st, 3rd & 5th Wednesdays of every month from 2:00 p.m.-–4:00 p.m. Location: behind the MUR. 

CSA also distributes free food at their main office at 204 Stierlin Rd. on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays. For specific timing and more info, call (650) 968-0836 or see CSA’s website

Hopes Corner meals, 748 Mercy Street, Saturdays, 8–10 a.m.

Mountain View Hispanic 7th Day Adventist food distribution, 342 Sierra Vista Ave, 3rd Monday of the Month, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.

St Athanasius Church food distribution: 160 N. Rengstorff Ave., 2nd & 4th Saturday, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. 

Hope Hangar Food Pantry: 2440 Leghorn St., 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month. 

Reach SV at Menlo Church Drive Thru Food Pantry: 774 Cuesta Drive, 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, 3:30-5:00 p.m.

Orenda Baseline Study 11/18-11/19

With the support of staff members and parents, our schools make incredible progress with students.  At the same time, we know we aren’t where we need to be for all students as evidenced by the achievement gaps that persist in some student subgroups. We can and will do better, together.

 

To help us, we’re inviting an objective outside perspective to shine a light on what’s working best and where we can improve. Our goal is simple: ensure our resources are focused on the programs that most improve student outcomes.

 

Our school will partner with Orenda Education to take a close look at what’s helping our students succeed and where we can improve. Their work will begin soon and wrap up by the end of December, giving us timely data to guide next year’s budget, staffing, and program decisions.

 

I wanted to let you know that on November 18 and 19, 2025, Orenda team members will visit our school to observe classrooms, student work and speak with staff. Staff members will also be invited to complete an anonymous survey. The information collected is anonymous and confidential, and not specific to staff members or individual students. It is truly all about our students and their learning so that we can build on our successes.

 

Thank you for your support of our school. Together, we will continue to grow, learn, and make our schools even stronger for every student.

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

Orenda Parent Survey starts Nov. 14

As you know, we are partnering with Orenda Education to take a close, thoughtful look at what’s working for our students and where we can deepen our impact. This work centers on student learning — identifying what truly has the greatest impact for all learners in our schools.

As part of this effort, parents will receive a confidential and anonymous parent survey by email (from [email protected]) on Nov. 14. The survey will include two open-ended questions asking:

* What is your school doing that is most helpful for students?

* What suggestions do you have to further support student success?

We ask that you please complete the survey by December 1. Your perspective — what is working for your child, and what could be improved — is a critical part of this process, and will help guide our ongoing efforts to strengthen teaching and learning for every student.

Thank you for your partnership and support of our schools.

Parent University Speaker Series: Understanding Your Child’s Score Reports

Date and Time: December 2, 2025, 5:30-7pm  Registration Link: http://mvw.sd/pu120225r

Understanding your child’s district and state test scores is a key part of building a foundation of excellence. Join Dr. Cyndee Nguyen, our Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment as she discusses how to (i) access and interpret score reports and (ii) use the information to engage in a productive partnership with your child’s teacher(s).

To submit questions prior to the event, go to mvw.sd/questions. We will do our best to address your question during the session.

It’s Giving Season – Maximize Your Impact with MVEF!

We’ve raised nearly $480,000 toward our $1.2 million goal—thank you to all parents, community members, sponsors, ambassadors, and our Board for your generosity!

Ways to Give This Season:

• Corporate Giving Days: Check if your company has a Giving Day or matching program.
  Google employees: From Nov 10–21, donate your $400 company gift to MVEF (Tax ID: 77-0006770) to support TK–8 public schools!
  
  

• Stock & RSU Donations: Boost your impact and reduce taxes—see instructions here.
  
  

• Payroll Giving: Set up automatic donations through your employer. Check with your employer.
  
  

• Corporate Matching: Double your gift—check if your employer participates here.
  
  

• Monthly Giving: Create lasting impact with an easy recurring donation here.

Give by Giving Tuesday, Dec 2, to make a difference for local students—every gift counts!

MVEF: Save the Date for Our Biggest Fundraiser — the Spring Gala 2025!

Saturday, April 18, 2026 | 6–10 PM | Los Altos Community Center

Join us for an evening of dinner, music, and auctions! Connect with parents, teachers, and local leaders while enjoying student performances, community fun, and exciting auction items—all in support of a great cause.

Want to get involved? There are plenty of ways to volunteer!

Join the Gala Committee and help plan the event

Assist with decorations and setup

Solicit auction items from local businesses

Help secure sponsorships

Arrange flowers or wrap wine bottles

Pick up in-kind donations for the auction

Collect and return party rentals …and more!

Interested? Reach out to us via email — we’d love to have you on the team!

 

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From Our Community Partners

Make a Difference in Your Community: Volunteer with Mentor Tutor Connection! - Flyers

Are you passionate about helping students succeed? Mentor Tutor Connection is seeking dedicated volunteers to mentor high school students or tutor K-8 students in math, writing, or reading at local public schools in Mountain View and Los Altos.

Why Volunteer with MTC?

• Make a Lasting Impact: Help underserved students reach their full potential, both academically and personally.

• Support Future Leaders: Mentoring high school students or tutoring younger students can help students navigate challenges and build confidence.

• Join a Community of Like-minded Volunteers: Connect with other compassionate individuals and gain a deeper sense of purpose by helping others.

Get Involved: Join us for a Volunteer Information Session on November 12th at 12pm online. During this session, you’ll learn about our mentoring and tutoring programs, and have the chance to ask any questions you might have.

To register for our Volunteer Information Session or to learn more about MTC, please email [email protected] or visit mentortutorconnection.org.

 

The View Teen Center - Winter Program Preview is HERE! 

This winter, discover all the incredible opportunities waiting for you at The View Teen Center! Warm up with a fantastic schedule of FREE and fun programs, workshops, and events running from January through March. Shake off the winter blues with these favorites we've highlighted and be sure to check the full guide so you don't miss any of the excitement!