“If you want to go fast - go alone. If you want to go far - go together.” This African Proverb was the theme for Mountain View School District’s first Consolidated Parent Advisory Committee (CPAC) meeting of the 2016-17 school year which drew a large crowd of dedicated parents and family members eager to partner with the District in support of their children’s education.
The meeting, held at Madrid Middle School, included a musical welcome by Madrid’s Band and introductions of District and school site administrators.
Superintendent, Lillian Maldonado French, thanked the parents and family members for attending and for their partnership with the schools and District. She shared with the crowd that thanks to a partnership with Rio Hondo College several staff members are enrolled in a Mandarin class at the District Office which will enhance communications with our families. She also shared that the newly acquired Mt. View Family Center on Mt. View Road is being renovated and will provide a place for our students and families to participate in a variety of programs and services.
“We are so excited to have the Mt. View Family Center and offer a place where you and your children can enjoy safe after school activities as well as health and wellness resources,” said French. “We want your input on what you’d like to see offered at the Center, so please write down your ideas and submit them.”
Edith Mendez, Parkview School’s Community Liaison would like to see classes offered in reading and writing for parents so they can in turn help their children with their school work.
“Providing our parents with classes to help them improve their reading and writing abilities will be very helpful. Also, I’d like to see a computer lab where students can have access to computers for research and taking Accelerated Reader tests. And, finally, I think some type of clinic where parents can get health screenings and immunizations would be very beneficial,” said Mendez.
Ms. French shared with the families that MVSD has taken on an important endeavor by placing Measure SS, a school bond on the November 8 ballot. Measure SS will provide funding to repair and modernize the District’s aging schools and bring the schools up to 21st century standards.
“Measure SS is a $57 million General Obligation Bond that will give us the funds we need to do much needed renovations to our schools. This is the first time MVSD has ever had a bond on the ballot and the bond funds will enable us to make health, safety and handicapped accessibility improvements, repair deteriorating plumbing and sewer systems, finish replacing outdated heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems, modernize, renovate or construct classrooms, restrooms and school facilities, and improve student access to modern technology.”
The meeting continued with an overview of the District Wellness Initiative and the various nutrition programs offered including the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Grant and the National Breakfast and Lunch Program. In line with wellness, David Diaz from Day One provided information on the upcoming Walk to School Day on October 6.
“Please plan on joining us on Thursday, October 6 for our 2nd Annual Walk to School Day,” said Diaz. “It will be a fun morning for students and families focusing on health and safety. Studies indicate that children who walk to school or exercise regularly are more attentive in school and have better academic outcomes. It’s very important that our children stay active and Walk to School Day is a great way to promote that.”
Concluding the meeting, Angelica Sifuentes Donoso announced that the Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) program is now in all 12 MVSD schools and encouraged the parents to read with their children at home.
“We are so thankful to have RIF in all of our schools. This means our students will get three free books of their choice during the school year to take home and enjoy. You can inspire your children to read by reading yourself and setting the example. Reading together can be a great family activity and we encourage you all to do it regularly,” said Sifuentes-Donoso.
MVSD values the participation of its parents and families and knows that only through the successful partnership of the schools, parents and community will students be truly successful.
“In Mountain View we are committed to preparing every student to graduate high school ready for college and career and research shows that quality family and community engagement in student learning is critically important to achieving that goal,” said Sifuentes-Donoso. “We appreciate you being here and thank you for partnering with us in the education of your child. I hope you and your children have a wonderful and productive school year.”