Important Dates to Remember
Sept 8-11 Bookfair
Sept 10 8:15-9:15am ELAC Meeting, Staff lounge
Sept 15 3:15pm School Site Council – Google Meet
Sept 18 5-7pm Multicultural Festival, MUR and Blacktop
Sep 22 Fall Picture Day
Sept 24 Principals Coffee 8:20-9:20am, Staff lounge
Oct 9 Professional Development Day - No School
Oct 10 Recess Day- No School
Oct 13-17 Parent Teacher Conference Week - Minimum Day all week
Oct 24 3-6pm Walkathon
Roar Recognitions
Bear C. – Room 1
Andrew C. – Room 2
Maya M. – Room 3
Lydia C. – Room 4
Jackson K. – Room 5
Yeva B. – Room 6
Sofia A. – Room 7
Josiah R. – Room 8
Sonia A. – Room 10
Adaly G. – Room 11
Anvi P. – Room 12
Anita A. – Room 13
Oliwia B. – Room 14
Vivaan G. – Room 16
Tobi B. – Room 17
Rohan M. – Room 18
Angel A. – Room 22
Landels News
Hello Landels Families,
I can’t believe it’s already September! September is Attendance Awareness Month. Why is it important that students are in school regularly? Research shows that school attendance is a strong indicator of success. Missing just two days of school a month is 10% of the school year, and negatively affects a student’s academic performance. Attending school regularly helps children feel better about school—and themselves. Start building this habit early so they learn that going to school on time, every day, is important. Our school goal is a 97% attendance rate, which we can reach with your help! In our morning meeting this week, we recognized 2nd grade for having the best attendance in the month of August - 97.39%. Way to go 2nd grade! As a reward, 2nd graders will receive a dance party with DJ Dolmans.
Drop-off Procedures
We understand that transitions into the classroom can take some time, especially for our younger students. Now that we’re in our 4th week of school, we ask that all parents make their way towards the exit when the warning bell rings at 8:12am in order to promote greater independence and ensure students are ready to learn right when the 8:15am bell rings. Thank you for doing your part to get students here and on time every day.
Literacy @ Landels
Reading is our passion and we want to instill that passion in our students. All our K-2 teachers are Orton-Gillingham trained - we use research-based practices to teach kids how to read. You can help too! While walking to school or shopping for groceries, ask your child “What does the letter A say? What does the letter W say?” Simple activities like this can help your child build phonics skills and confidence. And above all else, I would recommend reading to or with your child 20-30 minutes each day. Daily reading is the most effective way to become a better reader. We read by reading the words, reading the pictures, retelling familiar texts, and listening to others read. We also read a variety of text types: picture books, novels, newspapers, magazines, blogs, graphic novels, comic books, etc.
(Still) Looking for Noon Duty
Are you interested in helping the Landels community? Are you dropping off and picking up your kids every day? Then the noon duty position might be perfect for you! We’re looking for someone to provide 45 minutes of supervision at arrival and dismissal. If interested, please apply here.
Thank you!
Pieter Dolmans
Picture Day is coming on Monday, September 22!
You can place your order on mylifetouch.com using your Picture Day ID: EVTPGXVWZ. Order before midnight on Picture Day to get FREE shipping! Your child can also bring their completed flyer with cash or check on Picture Day. Orders after Picture Day must be placed online only on mylifetouch.com.
Reporting an Absence
School starts at 8:15am and attendance will be taken during class check-in. If your child is absent, please call the attendance line at 650-526-3520 x 2 by 8:30am or email [email protected]. If we do not know the reason for the absence, your child will be marked unexcused. If you are late or you have a dentist or doctor’s appointment during class time, please call the school office.
Medication Forms
If your child requires medication to be kept at school, please pick up medication release forms from the office and return ASAP (we cannot administer any medication without the form). Please note that all medication, even over the counter ones, need a medication form signed by your doctor.
MVWSD News
The Board of Trustees will meet on Thursday, Sept 4 at 6 p.m. Open session begins at 7 p.m.
Some of the topics include:
· Housing Nonprofit Board Interviews
· School Site Plan Process
· Budget report: Unaudited Actuals
For meeting details and agenda, please click here: https://www.mvwsd.org/trustees.
Curriculum information
The Mountain View Whisman School District engages in a thoughtful process to select curricular materials that align with state and local content standards and support academic achievement. Parents and guardians have the ability to review curriculum from their children's classroom by request. MVWSD will consider parent requests to excuse students from parts of instruction in accordance with applicable law. If you have any concerns about any curricular materials, including concerns related to personal religious beliefs, please contact your child’s principal.
SEL Survey and Mental Health Screening Parent Notification and Opt Out
This week, parents received an email that provides information about our SEL Survey process. Please take time to review it.
In grades 3-8, three times this school year—in September, November, and March— students will take a Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Survey (Gr 3-5 ENG/ ESP & Gr 6-8 ENG/ ESP) through Panorama, which replaces the twice-yearly Sown to Grow SEL survey. This new tool helps us efficiently & effectively identify students who may need extra support, such as school counseling or participation in a small group intervention.
In grades 6-8, if a student’s SEL Survey results fall in the “moderate” or “high” needs range, they will meet up to two times in a small group with a school counselor. These sessions use our District’s SEL curriculum, CharacterStrong, and include completing the Youth Needs Screener.
Paper copies of the SEL Survey and Youth Needs Screener are available for review at our school. For questions, please email [email protected] or call 650-526-3500 x1130. We appreciate your partnership in ensuring every student has the support they need to succeed this school year.
MVWSD, MVEF, PTAs: It takes a village
Ever wonder how all of our students get the well-rounded educational experience they deserve — complete with art, music, field trips, activities and more? It happens through your generous support! Community partnerships through MVEF and PTAs are essential to sustaining the programs that make our schools whole. Learn more here and here.
Kids in California schools still eat for free, but applying for federal Free or Reduced School Lunches can help your family and school!
Families who meet the federal income levels to qualify for Free or Reduced School Lunches should apply now to receive priority services such as free after school childcare/Expanded Learning. Applying also helps our district receive our full entitlement from the federal government to fund programs that help all students.
If you think you might qualify, please visit EZmealapp.com. We will have drop-in help available for filling out these applications:
· September 4, 3:00-6:00 p.m. at Castro Elementary School and Crittenden Middle School
· September 9, 3:00-6:00 p.m. at Vargas Elementary School
You may also make an appointment by contacting your school office. Thank you in advance.
i-Ready Diagnostic 1 Assessment Scores (grades K-8)
Families can access their student’s i-Ready Reading and Mathematics score through their Powerschool Parent Portal on September 8, 2025, after 4:00 p.m. Reports are available on the PowerSchool Parent Portal at https://ps.mvwsd.org/public/ under “Parent Reports” for each of your students. Steps for accessing reports on PowerSchool Parent Portal are here: Accessing PowerSchool Parent Portal i-Ready Reports. If you have difficulty logging into the PowerSchool Parent Portal, please contact your school’s office.
MVEF Welcomes All Families to the 2025–26 School Year!
We hope you enjoyed BTS Nights at our elementary and middle schools. You likely heard from both your school’s PTA/PACT and MVEF leaders about the importance of family support.
Why give to both MVEF and PTA/PACT?
MVWSD is a community-funded district - most of our funding comes from local property taxes rather than the state. While this provides stability, it doesn’t cover all that our students need. That’s where family contributions make the difference.
PTA/PACT strengthens each individual school community with events, classroom support, and family engagement.
MVEF fills districtwide gaps by funding programs that benefit every student, at every school:
· CSMA Art & Music classes and performances TK-5
· Environmental Science: Living Classroom classes TK-7; 4th–5th grade field trips
· Two middle school ELA teachers (reducing class sizes by 25%+)
· Athletics, clubs, and instruments for grades 6–8
Together, MVEF and PTA/PACT ensure that every learner has access to a complete educational experience — in every classroom, every day.
Both organizations are 501(c)(3) nonprofits and rely on family donations (tax-deductible) and employer matches. Please consider supporting both:
· Donate to MVEF here!
· Find your PTA/PACT donation link here!
PTA News
Mark your calendars!
Or just sync the Konstella Event calendar to your personal one by clicking here! We're on Facebook and Instagram! Don't forget to follow us.
·First Friday Parent Social: Sept. 5th, Front gate
·Fall Book Fair: Sept 8-11, MUR
·Multicultural Festival: Thu, Sept 18, 5-7pm MUR and blacktop
·PTA Association Meeting: Fri, Sept 19, 8:30, Office
·Restaurant Fundraiser Slice House: Sat, Sept 20
·Walkathon: Fri, Oct 24, 3-6pm on the field
Volunteer Opportunities
·Multicultural Festival (September 18th, 5pm)
·Afterschool enrichment - Help T, W, and/or Th right after school to help get kids to their afterschool enrichment classes. Contact [email protected] if you're interested.
·Book Fair (September 5-11)
·Classroom opportunities: Your child's teacher is recruiting for SEL volunteers. If you haven't already indicated your interest at Back to School night, please reach out to them directly.
·Lunch Help needed: Help kids learn how to recycle properly at lunch and snack times! We are looking for volunteers to come at lunchtime and help them sort their trash in the appropriate containers. Please sign up for a timeslot. Email [email protected] with any questions about this initiative.
Want to volunteer but haven't been able to find the right time slot? Please fill out the PTA volunteer form so we can make sure to share opportunities that align with your availability and interests.
Thanks for participating in the first walk & roll Wednesday this year. A huge thank you to the parent leads, 5th grade teachers and 5th grade students who stepped up to make this possible!!!
After school enrichment classes
Classes started this week. Most vendors will prorate the cost of enrollment, so don't assume it is too late for your child to join! Just ask. Questions: [email protected].
First Friday Parent Social
Join us for our First Friday Parent Social on Sept. 5 at 8:15pm at the front gate! On the first Friday of each month, the PTA hosts a casual morning meet-up with coffee and snacks provided. We’ll alternate locations between the front gate and the back gate—so you can grab a cup, chat with other parents, and start your Friday with good company. Hope to see you there!
Fall Scholastic Book Fair
The Scholastic Book Fair is coming to Landels the week of 9/8! We are excited to offer a broader selection this year, with books from preschool through 8th, as well as books in Spanish.
Thanks to generous parent and community donations, PTA is happy to be able to buy a book for each student during class visits that begin on Fri 9/5.
After-School Book Fair shopping hours for Landels families will be:
·Tue 9/9 3-4pm
·Wed 9/9 3-6pm
·Thu 9/11 12:10-1:15pm
Any questions, please contact Katarina at [email protected]. Would like to volunteer? Please sign up here.
Landels Multicultural Festival 2025 – Call for Participation!
Our Multicultural Festival is coming up, and excitement is building! We already have an amazing lineup of cultures ready to share their food, traditions, and performances. Confirmed tables include: Canada, Chinese-American culture, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Jewish-American traditions, Korea, Portugal, Pakistan, and Vietnam.
But there’s still room for more! Families whose cultures are not yet represented are warmly invited to join in. Last year we enjoyed contributions from Brazil, France, Japan, Mexico, Peru, Turkiye, Ukraine, and many others—we’d love to see them again this year.
Would you like to host a table?
Hosting is simple—just bring a few snacks, a poster, or an activity for kids. If you’d like to tie into this year’s theme, “Traditional Stories, Folk Tales, and Myths,” you could add quizzes, storytelling, crafts, costumes, or other creative touches.
Sign up here - Sign up soon so we can make this event the best it can be!
An FAQ about the Multicultural Festival is available [here].
Want to volunteer? Volunteer sign up available on Konstella. For any questions about MCF 2025 write to [email protected].
Together, let’s make 2025 our most vibrant and inclusive celebration yet!
Restaurant Fundraiser Slice House
Please stop by Slice House to help fundraise for Landels PTA. Grab a slice or take home a whole pie along with pasta, salad and garlic bread. Place your order by phone, on their mobile app or website, don't forget to apply code GIVEBACK; show/mention the flyer (english/spanish) for walk-ins and 20% of your order will be donated back to our PTA. Thank you for your support in fundraising for our school community!
Walkathon Committee Kick Off
The Committee has had their first meeting and we are on our way to make this our biggest fundraiser yet. Are you interested in helping us to take Voyage to Treasure Island please reach out to [email protected]. Save the date for this year’s adventure (english/spanish).
FROM OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Free, Fun JRMF Math Festival
Every student can be a mathematician! Join JRMF for a day of play and problem-solving. At the JRMF Math Festival at Sports Basement Sunnyvale, children and families drop in to enjoy a variety of fun, hands-on math puzzles and games.
The JRMF Math Festival at Sports Basement Sunnyvale is free, open to all, and an event where you can drop in and drop out whenever you’d like. Free snacks will be provided.
When: September 13th, 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Where: 1177 Kern Ave, Sunnyvale, CA 94085 in the Summit Room
Register here.
Make a Difference in Your Community: Volunteer with Mentor Tutor Connection!
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 Los Altos and Mountain View.
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 September 18th at 12 pm 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.
Upcoming Programs at Mountain View Public Library
AMPLIFY: Improv-aganza Workshop
Enter the world of improv comedy with this workshop from the LAHS improv club! The program starts with a high-energy performance, followed by a workshop where you’ll rotate through stations and try out the games for yourself! Finally, you’ll get to show off what you learned with your own short performance for your friends. No prior experience is necessary for this fun and interactive program.
Saturday, September 13
4:30 p.m.-5:45 p.m.
Grades 4-8
First Floor Program Room
Register here or with the QR code on the attached flyer.
AMPLIFY: Model UN Workshop
This fun and engaging workshop introduces Model UN to students in grades 5-9. We will cover all the Model UN basics and build critical life skills, including public speaking, esearch, paper writing, and creative problem-solving. This is an interactive chance for students to learn more about global affairs, collaborate to create solutions on key issues, and practice public speaking in
learning environment.
Saturday, Sept. 20
2:00-4:00 p.m.
Grades 5-9
First Floor Program Room
Register here or with the QR code on the attached flyer.
Upcoming Events at the View Teen Center
FREE for all 6th-12th grade students in Mountain View and Los Altos, the View Teen Center offers a variety of teen programming, including recreational and educational classes, special events, resources, and drop-in activities for teens to participate in. Activities surround the arts, health and fitness, culinary arts, education, career, and college activities and resources.
Check out the list of upcoming fun programs, events, workshops, volunteer opportunities and more on the attached flyer.
Learning Challenges events for Fall 2025
For local coverage of issues related to learning challenges and special education, please check out the Learning Challenges Committee.
Calm Down Kit Making Sessions
Volunteers will make Calm Down kits for classrooms throughout Mountain View and Los Altos and learn how to make their own for their home! Wednesday August 27 11-1, Thursday September 26 (5-7 pm), Tuesday September 30 5-7 pm. For location, contact [email protected].
Morning Let’s Talk Parent Support group
September 10, 10 am on Zoom.
IEP/504 support group. Have questions about the process to get help for your child? Have an IEP but are not sure how to make changes? Need to vent? This is your confidential group. Register here.
Learning Challenges Committee General Meeting
October 7, 7 pm in person (TBA) and Zoom hybrid
We will be finishing up the Wellness Wish List and will likely need a work session to finish up packing orders for delivery to classrooms! For more info, email [email protected].
Evening Let’s Talk Parent Support group
October 15, 7 pm on Zoom.
IEP/504 support group. Have questions about the process to get help for your child? Have an IEP but are not sure how to make changes? Need to vent? This is your confidential group. Register here.
Missed past Parent Education events?
We have a YouTube channel with many of our past events including the recent talk on Assistive Technology, info on summer camps and recreational activities, Anxiety and Depression in Children with Learning Challenges, SMART Goals and IEP Troubleshooting, and more. Channel is here.
Flyers
Restaurant Fundraiser Slice House
Passport Cover Art contest
Walkathon
Table Host FAQ
Recycling Helper Volunteer Sign Up
Free, Fun JRMF Math Festival
Mentor Tutor Connection
New TK/K afterschool sports program
Upcoming Events at the View Teen Center
September Lunch Menu
2025-26 School Calendar
Bookmobile