News and Announcements

 

 

11/20/23-12/01/23

Coming Up…

 

Nov 20-24 Thanksgiving Recess - No School!

Nov 27-28 Viking Store open in B5

Dec 1 Happy Birthday Ms. Ann!

Dec 5 Orchards Art Walk (details below)

Dec 9 Holiday Maker Faire (details below)

Dec 9 Happy Birthday Mr. Liebe!

Nov 10 Happy Birthday Mr. Ervin!

Dec 21-January 9 Winter Break - No School!

 

 

Principal’s Message:

I have been working on a few projects that reminded me that it’s been about five years since I started my educational journey which included reflection, as well as conversations in the Valle Verde community about “My Why” as it pertains to our school community, and action steps to promote educational equity. We are still working diligently to maintain a welcoming environment while staying connected so that we can effectively navigate student learning, and social-emotional learning. Let's continue with our efforts to stay connected and “do better”. 

 

I have continued to highlight information in alignment with "My Why and My Purpose in Education,” as well as our SPSA goals and it continues to evolve. As you know our MDUSD LCAP goal number 4 focuses on Black/African American students, homeless, and foster youth students. Goal 4: Focus scholars, specifically Black/African American students, Foster Youth, and students experiencing homelessness, will experience an educational environment that builds trust between the adults and students, and a sense of inclusiveness and belonging. Students will experience culturally responsive practices and instruction, high expectations, and equal access to educational opportunities, and their families will be engaged and empowered in authentic and collaborative partnerships. 

 

Our PTA is doing its part to ensure that we celebrate our diversity through our PTA committees and events. You were there during the "Cultural Food Fair" and we have to agree that it was a fabulous time, but it also served a purpose to bring us together as a community, and learn about the many cultures at our school, and show love by connecting through food and cultural dance. Our DREAM committee also donated books to our libraries that reflect various cultures, and they have also set up school assemblies that represent cultures here at Valle Verde. Now we have to think about our next steps. We have the why, and part of the how. The next steps should include how our efforts are making a difference at school and home. 

 

In recent months there has been more negative behavior than usual, and now that we are almost halfway through the school year we should also be thinking about ensuring that students have every opportunity to demonstrate mastery of grade-level standards. Please take a moment to review your child's report card, and take a moment to discuss their progress, and areas that need additional support. In addition to that conversation that will set your child up for success, we will begin grade-level meetings for parents on Zoom to discuss how to best support students in academic areas as well as with behavior and social-emotional learning. Please stay tuned as we will begin the meetings once we return from Thanksgiving break. In the meantime, take time to rest, relax and enjoy the Thanksgiving break! 

 

New this week:

 

Orchards Art Walk - Volunteers Needed 11/30

We are having our annual Orchards Art Walk on December 5th. We need parent volunteers to help put names on the art work in preparation for it to be hung. If you are able to help on 11/30, please sign up at this link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0D44A9AC2EA2FD0-45943506-mount and we look forward to seeing everyone at the Art Walk. Thank you!

 

HOPE Donation Drive

The district’s annual HOPE (Homeless Outreach Program for Education) Holiday Donation Drive is taking place now. They are asking for donations of gift cards or cash that you can venmo which will go directly to Homeless youth in MDUSD, and the need this year is high.  Please see the attached flier (in English and Spanish) for more info. 

 

Book Fair

The Book Fair is coming up Dec 4th-8th. We need volunteers to help make it run smoothly. Please sign up on the sign up genius below. You can also set up your e-wallet so your child(ren) will be able to shop!

 

Scholastic Book Fair Home Page:  https://www.scholastic.com/bf/valleverdeelemschool

Sign Up Genius to volunteer:   Valle Verde Elementary: Book Fair! (signupgenius.com)

E-Wallet Explainer:  Scholastic Book Fair eWallet: A Safe, Cashless Way to Shop

 

Viking Store

The Viking Store will be open in B5 on November 27th and 28th immediately following the Thanksgiving break. Please have your students organize their Vikings in groups of 10. Grades 1-5 will be going through with their classes, or you can go with your child after school both days. 

 

 

Previous Info:

 

Holiday Maker Faire

We still have a couple of slots open for our  holiday maker faire on Dec 9th from 9-2. If you or someone you know is creative, and wants to sell their items, please contact the office. We will also have some of our returning vendors who are extremely excited to bring you some holiday items. Please mark your calendars. If you are interested in being a vendor, please email Tracy (mirandat@mdusd.org) or Debi (masseyd@mdusd.org) to secure a spot. We are hoping the weather will cooperate to have it in the bus circle again, but if there is rain, we will move to the MUR. Thank you for making our last vendor faire so special. 

 

Sister School Fundraiser

Our Sister School, Wren Elementary is hosting a See’s Candy Yum-Raising fundraiser. Please use the link below if you would like to order. Orders will be shipped to you. Thank you for your consideration. 

https://www.yumraising.com/secure/wrenae_wren_avenue_elementary_school_of_the_a44/KimTro4616/

 Report Cards

Report cards are available and you must view them in Homelink. Teachers will not be sending hard copies home. If you have yet to create a Homelink account, please email Tracy (mirandat@mdusd.org) or Debi (masseyd@mdusd.org) for the information you need to to create your account. You must get the verification code from the office to create an account. Once you create an account, you can add other children to it, but need the verification code for each child. 

 

Class Pictures

Some people who ordered class pictures have advised they have not received them. Please be aware that nobody has received class pictures yet. We had to wait for students to do make-up pictures for them to be completed. The proofs were just approved by the teachers and returned to Lifetouch, so they should be printed and sent to us within the next month or so. Once we receive them, if you ordered one, it will be delivered to your child. If you need to get a hold of LIfetouch for any issue with your pictures, please use these numbers: 

 

General Help For Parents:

 

School Pictures Customer Service 800-736-4753

We're here to help!  https://lifetouch.com/contact-us

 

HOW LONG DO PICTURES TAKE:

• Pictures take around 3-4 weeks to process, print and deliver back to the school (for preorders and proofs)/address on package (for second-chance ordering after Picture Day, Will need the Portrait ID# & Access Code- this will be provided with your proofs). 

QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR ORDER:

• Missing order, package status, or wrong information. Please call our customer service line, 1-800-736-4753, for more current accurate status and help with corrections. 

LATE PAYMENTS:

• Payments received after picture day can be sent to: LIFETOUCH, 2300 W 4th St, Ontario, OH 44906-9902  

 

Independent Study Contracts

The holiday travel season is upon us so we want to reiterate the independent study contract process. Independent study contracts MUST be requested at least TWO weeks before travel date, or they may be denied (this does not include non school days). Contracts must be a minimum of 5 consecutive days, and no more than 14 days at a time with no more than 14 days in the school year. To request a contract, email Tracy (mirandat@mdusd.org) and include the name of the student(s) and the dates the contract is needed. Once the teacher has prepared the contract, and it is ready to sign, Tracy will let you know, and you can pick it up in the office. If the contract is completed on time (must be turned in by the 3rd day the student returns to school), then the contract is valid, and the student will not have absences for those dates. If the contract is not completed, or the student only gets partial credit, the remaining absences will be unexcused. 

 

24-25 TK/Kinder Enrollment Dates

Here are the TK/K enrollment dates for the 24-25 school year. Please attend only the day for your school of residence, even if you plan to apply for a transfer. Valle Verde families can go to the Enrollment Center on 1/24 or 1/25. The Enrollment Center is located at 1026 Mohr Ln, Concord. Please have all required paperwork on hand for visit.  Families who miss their school’s day are welcome to enroll after 3/7/24.

 

Parent Volunteers

We love having parent volunteers in the classrooms and on field trips. Volunteers MUST be cleared by the district. Volunteer paperwork can be picked up in the office, or on our district website. If you have previously been cleared to volunteer and you want to check the status of your TB test, email Tracy (mirandat@mdusd.org) and she can check for you. If you want to drive on a field trip, a new Transportation Agreement/Chaperone Form and insurance declarations page must be submitted every school year. 

 

Chromebook Insurance

Chromebook insurance is being offered again this year. It is good for one year, and is recommended for everyone, but not mandatory. If you do not have insurance and your child’s chromebook is broken/lost, you will have to pay for it. This includes missing chargers. Please use this link to purchase insurance: