MVLA Magazine - January 2026

SUPERINTENDENT'S MESSAGE   To view Spanish or other language subtitles, please click PLAY, then CC and select your preferred language in the SETTINGS ⛭.   AWARDS & ACCOLADES Congratulations Eagles and Spartans! You achieved GOLD STATUS in 2025!   DISTRICT NEWS Board Brief January 12, 2026 Board Agendas, recordings, and summaries are always available here. We encourage members of the MVLA community to watch board meetings on our YouTube channel. Meetings are streamed live and recordings are posted the following morning and sent out in each of the BoardBriefs the following week. Bell Schedule continues on a collaborative road The Bell Schedule Task Force met in January to review potential schedule refinements. Because the bell schedule impacts teacher workload (hours and working conditions), it is considered a "mandatory subject" according to the California Public Employees Relations Board (PERB). The work will continue to be a collaborative process moving between the district and teacher negotiations process and the Bell Schedule Task Force, with additional outreach to the members of the district's professional associations as needed, to determine what, if any, changes will be implemented. Websites Upgrade - New sites launch the week of February break! During the February recess, the new MVLA website hosting platform, SmartSites, will launch. You will notice enhanced features, including upgraded search and accessibility compliance. The sites will look refreshed and updated, but are as similar as possible to the current sites in order to avoid disruption. Please note that if you have saved links, you will need to refresh them with the updated platform. MVLA California Health Kids Survey Shows Continued Improvement Students across the Mountain View–Los Altos Union High School District participated in the 2025–26 California Healthy Kids Survey, an anonymous statewide survey that helps schools understand student experiences related to learning, safety, and well-being. The results reflect strong and supportive school communities. Most students report feeling safe at school, connected to their campus, and supported by adults who care about them and hold high expectations for their success. These findings highlight the positive relationships and learning environments that are a hallmark of MVLA schools. The survey also provides helpful insight into areas for continued growth, including supporting students as academic demands increase and continuing to prioritize student wellness and balance. District and school leaders will use this feedback to guide ongoing efforts to strengthen programs, services, and supports. Most importantly, this annual survey ensures that student voice remains central to how MVLA schools continue to grow, improve, and support every student’s success. Local Control and Accountability Plan Feedback The Family Partnership Council launched the district’s current LCAP review, highlighting strong programs, staff, and relationships while identifying priorities around equity, inclusion, coherence, pathways, wellness, and life-ready skills. Input from our educational partners will continue shaping goals, investments, and accountability to better reflect community needs. NEW YEAR, NEW OPPORTUNITIES! Want to learn more about FREESTYLE before you sign up for classes for next year? Friday, January 23 during lunch, there are "Art Open Studios" - all students are invited to visit Freestyle during their lunch. Friday, January 23, MVHS students are invited to visit Freestyle during tutorial. Students will fill out a "Sign-In" sheet when they arrive in our entrance so we can track attendance. More info about opportunities for current sophomores and juniors to visit Freestyle coming soon. MVLA Adult School Offers Free Courses for ESL Students MVLA Adult School strives to make high-quality healthcare training programs affordable and accessible for everyone. If you are an intermediate-high to advanced-level ESL student, you may qualify for one of our FREE Integrated Education and Training (IET) options leading to careers in Healthcare and Business. Medical Terminology for Advanced ESL is a foundational course that helps prepare English Language Learners for entry into healthcare training programs such as Certified Nursing Assistant, Medical Assistant, Eye Care Technician, Medical Office Assistant and more. For more information, click here. College Now! Open House College Now! Open House Night  2/10/26 at 6:00pm, Foothill College The Mountain View Los Altos High School District and Foothill College offer College Now! - so that qualifying juniors and seniors can start college early and graduate from high school with a year or more of transferable college credit. College Now! is ideal for students who are highly self-motivated, mature, independent, responsible and hardworking and are seeking a stimulating educational environment that is different from their home high school. College Now! participants can experience education in a challenging and inspiring environment that engages students in college-level work while they are still technically in high school. Save thousands of dollars in tuition and fees by earning college credits at the same time students are finishing high school graduation requirements. If you are interested, please join us at our open house night on: February 10, 2026, 6:00 PM at Foothill College, Building 5000 (rm 5015). Parking will be available in Lot #5. Visitors, please don’t park in staff-designated areas. (https://foothill.edu/map/) For more information, please visit our website: https://www.foothillcollegenow.org/learn-more Applications are due February 27, 2026. SUPPORT OUR SCHOOLS Two Ways You Can Help Students in Need Today! At AVHS, we offer resources to families across the district that are struggling with insecure housing and basic needs.  Please consider donating to the Aztec Boutique - every item makes such a difference! Please donate new items to AVHS Office, 1325 Bryant Ave. Mountain View M-F from 8am-4pm. Our students and families are in need of new: - Blankets - Towels - Toiletries (Deodorant, Shampoo, Conditioner, Bodywash, Detergent, etc.) - Pj's (All Sizes) - Socks (all genders) - Sweatshirts and sweatpants - Black/Gray (Sizes S, M, L and XL/2XL)  Alta Vista High School also offers a positive incentive program called the “Alta Store,” with small reward items earned weekly through engagement in the classroom.  Might you have a donation to contribute? Alta Store Donation Suggestions: an extra $5-10 gift card post-holiday new stocking stuffer or re-gift an unopened case of non-caffeinated beverage, chips, cookies, etc. any other unopened item that a teenager might enjoy! Feel free to contact suzanne.woolfolk@mvla.net for more info; thank you! MVLA FOUNDATION GALLERY   MVHS Tech Interns Present at FETC MVHS Tech Interns, along with Dr. Kip Glazer, were invited to present at FETC’s national conference, where they shared Mountain View High School’s Tech Internship Program. Students described their work in applied technology roles on campus, including tech support, digital wellbeing initiatives, and research on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence. The presentation highlighted how a site-based internship model can be developed and scaled using existing school resources while building student leadership and technical skills. Twin Oaks Taiwanese students visit LAHS for third year The Twin Oaks school program enrolls students from a variety of Taiwanese schools with the aim of cultivating 21st century global citizens who can collaborate across borders to make the world a better place. In this program, students in our Mandarin language classes and from the Taiwan-based Twin Oaks program partner throughout the school day to work together on a research question as well as propose potential solutions. Over the past two years the research has been focused on the social emotional impact of social media. In addition to the research project, our visiting students will have an opportunity to shadow their Mandarin language partner during the school day, as well as attend our Diversity Rally, and the Winter Formal Dance during their visit from January 26 - February 5. MVPD School Resource Officer T-Low reads with MVLA's youngest students Who doesn't love watching one of our favorite school resource officers, Officer Thomas Low, who we all know as T-Low, doing his very best to keep the MVLA Adult School childcare students. No doubt his rendition of Go Away Big Green Monster was a hit! MVLA Adult School students get creative ELD students at MVLA's Adult School put their creative energies to use while improving their English Language skills when they participated in a fun class-based version of Project Runway.   DATEBOOK BOARD MEETINGS: Regular Board Meeting - January 26, 2026 - 7pm, District Board Room Regular Board Meeting - February 9, 2026 - 7pm, District Board Room Regular Board Meeting - March 9 2026 - 7pm, District Board Room Regular Board Meeting - March 23, 2026 - 7pm, District Board Room Agendas posted here. COMING UP: February Recess - February 16-20, 2026 (*New websites launch!) Spring Recess - April 6-10, 2026 LAHS & MVHS Senior Graduation - June 5, 2026 2025-2026 School Year Calendar 2026-2027 School Year Calendar Additional important dates are available on our campus calendars: Los Altos HS | Mountain View HS | Alta Vista HS | Adult School MVLA IN THE SPOTLIGHT Access Control Keeps School Safe from Unwanted Guests, EdTech Focus K-12, January 5, 2026 LAHS Green Team holds first clothing swap, Los Altos Town Crier, January 6, 2026 Los Altos High student breaks onto the national archery scene, Los Altos Town Crier, January 6, 2026   Mountain View Los Altos School District 1299 Bryant Avenue, Mountain View, CA 94040 (650) 940-4650 mvlahsd@mvla.net www.mvla.net  

Thursday, Jan 22 2026

MVLA Math Night Webinar

[Wednesday, Jan 14 at 9:24 AM] added image for feed icon

Wednesday, Jan 14 2026

BoardBrief January 12, 2026

  RECORDED REGULAR SESSION   January 12, 2026 ROLL CALL Trustees present for the closed session: Cornes, Katz, Levich, Ortiz, Vonnegut; Trustees present for the open session: Cornes, Katz, Levich, Ortiz, Vonnegut; Lai (Student), Absent: Schwarzhoff (Student)   Fall Athletics - CCS Champions Recognition Video Link to Recognition Los Altos Girls Cross Country Los Altos Girls Waterpolo Los Altos Girls Tennis - CCS/State Champions Mountain VIew Boys Cross Country   BOARD MEMBER REPORTS (In speaking order - Listen to full comments by clicking on board member's name below.) Board Clerk Levich reported that she attended the Family Partnership Council (FPC) and thanked the staff and administration for their organization. The council appreciated the clarity, transparency, and thoughtful presentation of the district LCAP for feedback in small groups. She highlighted some of the strengths identified as well as ongoing areas for improvement. Trustee Vonnegut reported that she did not have any specific board assignments but wanted to use her time to share some inspiring words from the California School Boards Association (CSBA) literature. President Cornes reported that she attended the MVLA District holiday luncheon and she enjoyed her time with staff and hoped everyone had a relaxing winter break.   SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT Superintendent Volta District Updates included information about: Governor's Budget: COLA increase, Learning Recovery block grant extended, proposed changes to CDE organization, discretionary block grant of 2.8B which could provide 2M to MVLA, Prop 98 Revenue withholding impacts and potential revenue sharing for districts like us. Site Administration Reports: Adult Education Los Altos High School Mountain View High School Alta Vista/Alternative Ed programs   STUDENT BOARD MEMBER REPORTS Los Altos High School We have just completed the first week of the semester, and it’s been a smooth and productive start. Students are settling back into their classes and adjusting well to their schedules. Course selections for next year have officially opened, and students have begun meeting one-on-one with their counselors to review and confirm their academic plans. These meetings are an important step in helping students feel supported and confident as they plan for the upcoming school year. Our Associated Student Body has been very busy as well. ASB is currently planning several major events, including Diversity Week and the accompanying rally, the Valentine’s Day Faire, and our Winter Formal, which will have a “Midnight in Manhattan” theme. These events continue to foster school spirit and build community on campus.In the arts, our school musical is coming up in just four weeks. This year’s production is Singing in the Rain, and students and staff are working hard in rehearsals as excitement builds for the performances. Student leadership is also moving forward, as elections for officer positions are beginning. Candidates picked up their election packets today, and there will be a mandatory meeting this Wednesday during lunch to review expectations and timelines. Finally, we’re looking ahead to welcoming future students, with an 8th grade open house scheduled for next week for incoming freshmen. Thank you for your time, and for your continued support of our school community.  (Written by Lucy Lai, Student Board Rep, LAHS.) Mountain View High School Ms. Schwarzhoff was presenting at a conference in Florida and was not in attendance. Comments were shared by Dr. Heather Morelli during the Superintendent's Report on her behalf.   Public Comments (Non-Agenda)   Discussion on Consolidated Agenda Revision to Independent Study Physical Education (ISPE) Contract and Policy 6142.7: Physical Education And Activity - Second Reading l Discussion l Approved BUSINESS/ACTION ITEMS Agreement Between Mountain View Los Altos High School District and Quattrocchi Kwok Architects to Provide Architectural Services for the replacement of the Los Altos High School Swimming Pool Scoreboard. Approved   ITEMS FROM CLOSED SESSION President Cornes reported that parents of a student made a request to change a student's records pursuant to Education Code 49070. The board voted to deny the request in full.  

Tuesday, Jan 13 2026

Family Partnership Council - January 6 Meeting Recap...

JANUARY 2026 RECAP   Thank you to those who joined us on Tuesday. For those who weren’t able to attend, we missed you—hope all is well. This email provides a summary of our Family Partnership Council (FPC) discussion. The purpose of our time together was to launch the MVLA LCAP ( Local Control and Accountability Plan ) review and begin incorporating family input into the plan. Several members also requested that we send the agenda, data, and any materials we’ll be using in advance of future meetings so you have the option to review beforehand. Thank you for that helpful feedback—we will do so moving forward. At our February meeting, we will continue our LCAP review as this plan guides our goals, actions, and investments for student success, and your input helps ensure it reflects our community’s priorities. Below is a summary of the feedback shared. It’s a bit long, as we wanted to preserve the details and ensure we captured your input accurately. Successes to build on: Strong staff and programs: exceptional teaching staff, motivated students, rising scores, strong performance across indicators. Supports and structures are working: positive freshman transition, tutorial/support from coaches and staff, co-teaching, Constructing Meaning routines, mental health supports. Pathways and access are expanding: strong AVID (with increased resources), strong CTE opportunities, more A–G access (including Alta Vista), many course options. Relationships and communication: strong family communication, student/parent engagement, partnerships and community connections. Challenges to address: Equity gaps persist:  subgroups still needing strategies/support; need to identify/focus populations using evidence. Inclusion isn’t automatic: detracking/heterogeneous rosters; need better pathways for students with disabilities into general ed. Coherence issues: inconsistent grading/assessment/homework across subject-matter teams; unclear how “rigor” is defined and measured. Pathway clarity: need a full CTE pathway story What to protect: Tutorial periods and a safe, nurturing campus Rigor (“raise the floor”) while protecting all groups (supports for focal students shouldn’t harm others) Supports for students with disabilities Graduation with all options, partnerships (college/career), MetroEd, Foundation Scholar mentors Collaboration and extracurriculars What’s missing (what families want next) Family enablement: training on communication tools, especially for underrepresented parents. Program gaps to explore: VAPA supports, PE impact monitoring, facilities’ role, and life skills/personal finance. Time to explore more: Data (use more subgroup data, compare to state/peer schools), benchmarking, and SMART goals Learn how our resources are allocated to goals. In addition, everyone also shared top priorities for us to hear. Below is what you said and what we hear: You said : it’s hard to support students seeking courses/options that aren’t currently offered. We heard : we need clearer processes for helping students access alternative options (dual enrollment, Middle College, MetroED, community partners) and to identify/close gaps in offerings. You said : life skills matter as much as academics and should be required or more available (including practical math). We heard : we should strengthen “life-ready” learning (life skills + real-world math/finance/career readiness) within graduation planning and course access. You said : we should emphasize pathways beyond a four-year college while maintaining A–G, and increase visibility of CTE, Middle College, and dual enrollment. We heard : we need a stronger pathways culture: student exploration, advising, and communications that normalize multiple postsecondary routes. You said : CTE is vital and MetroED should be protected; community-based learning and partners matter. We heard : we should protect and grow high-quality CTE/MetroED and expand experiential/community-connected learning opportunities. You said : co-teaching and inclusive practices are working—expand IAs and training—but be careful about unintended impacts for English learners. We heard : we should scale inclusion with quality: co-teaching/UDL training, clear models, and dedicated within-the-day supports for multilingual learners. You said : wellness services are essential and shouldn’t be reduced even if referrals dip; students need safe, nurturing environments and whole-child supports. We heard : we should sustain and strengthen wellness and belonging efforts as a core part of student success. You said : students feel over-pressured (e.g., four “hard” classes); consider guardrails around AP load while protecting rigor. We heard : we need balanced rigor: protect high expectations while improving course-taking guidance and reducing unhealthy overload. You said : align grading/assessments/homework within course teams and build a cohesive intervention system; focus on fewer priorities. We heard : we need stronger coherence—shared expectations, aligned practices, and a streamlined set of initiatives executed deeply. You said : equity must stay central—especially for multilingual learners, Latino students, and students with IEPs; culturally relevant content helps but isn’t enough to shift stereotypes/belonging. We heard : we must sustain equity-driven outcomes work and strengthen culture/belonging strategies that address peer dynamics and campus climate. You said : LCAP goals should be SMART, with subgroup targets (including A–G), consistent datasets for board/council review, and resources tied to evidence of impact. We heard : we should tighten goals, measures, and monitoring—align investments (including PD) to strategies that improve focal student outcomes and adjust when data shows limited impact. You said : teacher-family communication is appreciated; the Family Partnership Council needs more parent/community involvement and representation from impacted groups. We heard : we should strengthen two-way engagement, broaden participation, and ensure voices most impacted by disproportionality are present in planning and monitoring.   2025-2026 FPC Meeting Dates Alta Vista High School 1325 Bryant Avenue Mountain View, CA 94040 5:30pm - 7:00pm Remaining Meetings: February 3 April 14

Monday, Jan 12 2026

MVLA Magazine - December 2025

SUPERINTENDENT'S MESSAGE To view Spanish or other language subtitles, please click PLAY, then CC and select your preferred language in the SETTINGS ⛭.   Winter Holiday Recess - December 22, 2025 - January 2, 2026 ❆ ❆ ❆ Wishing MVLA staff and families a very happy holiday! ❆ ❆ ❆ All schools and offices are closed in observance. Monday, January 5, 2026 is a Teacher Work Day. Tuesday, January 6, 2026 classes resume.   AWARDS & ACCOLADES MVLA Student of the Month - Oshea Orozco, LAHS Oshea Orozco, LAHS Los Altos High School is proud to recognize Oshea Orozco as the December Student of the Month. Oshea challenges herself with rigorous AP coursework, including AP Human Geography and AP Biology. Her commitment to academic growth has earned her a place on the Honor Roll for three consecutive years, from 2023 through 2025. Beyond the classroom, she is deeply involved in our school community. She is a proud member of the AVID program, a selective college-readiness program designed to support first-generation college-bound students. Through AVID, she participates in college-focused field trips, study sessions, and peer tutoring—always bringing positivity and initiative to the group. One of the areas where she truly shines is leadership. She serves as the President of the Black Student Union, where she leads weekly meetings, organizes events and fundraisers, and helps foster an inclusive and supportive environment for students. Her ability to coordinate, communicate, and uplift those around her makes her a standout leader on campus... cont'd. MVLA Student of the Month - Rubi Rivas Menjivar MVHS Rubi Rivas Menjivar, MVHS Mountain View High School recognizes Rubi Rivas Menjivar as the December Student of the Month, celebrating her leadership, dedication, and consistent commitment to every community she serves. Her leadership began the moment she arrived on campus. As a freshman, she supported students and staff faculty and even helped incoming freshmen by shadowing an 8th grader to help ease the transition to high school. During the summers of 2024 and 2025, she volunteered in the administration office, preparing summer mailing and assisting with organizational projects within the building. She also served as a pod leader for the class of 2029. Her initiative reflects a strong sense of responsibility and a genuine desire to contribute. Rubi is a first year Ambassador who has embraced the community and taken on meaningful service projects. She leads Spartan's Pause activities and is also part of the MV cares committee by restocking the Treasure Closet and helping organize the annual Gift Basket Drive. She also creates social media posts to encourage students to participate in school activities. Her efforts help strengthen a positive and inclusive school culture... cont'd.   MVLA Community Services Coordinator, Alba Garza is honored by MV Public Safety Foundation The Mountain View Public Safety foundation, whose mission is to support public safety and make our communities better, safer places in which to work and live, honored Alba Garza, MVLA Community Services Coordinator. This recognition honors her outstanding dedication, compassion, and commitment to the Mountain View community. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition Alba!   DISTRICT NEWS Board Brief December 15, 2025 Board Agendas, recordings, and summaries are always available here. We encourage members of the MVLA community to watch board meetings on our YouTube channel. Meetings are streamed live and recordings are posted the following morning and sent out in each of the BoardBriefs the following week. Update on potential changes to the bell schedule Thank you to everyone who took the time to complete our Bell Schedule Survey and share thoughtful feedback. Your input helps us better understand what’s working well in our current schedule and where there may be opportunities to improve student learning, wellness, and the overall school experience. As a next step, we will be convening the MVLA Bell Schedule Task Force with staff to closely review the survey results. Using this feedback as a key data source, the Associate Superintendent of Educational Services, Teri Faught, will develop potential proposals for any possible bell schedule changes. We will continue to provide updates as the work progresses, including what we’re learning, what themes are emerging, and what options may be considered. Staff Survey Results Student Survey Results Parent Survey Results A special thank you to Challenge Success for supporting this work—from helping develop the survey, to facilitating Task Force meetings, to providing expert guidance throughout the process. We appreciate our community’s partnership and will remain committed to a transparent, inclusive process as we move forward. ADULT SCHOOL WINTER 2026 REGISTRATION NOW OPEN MVLA Adult School is ringing in the new year with exciting opportunities adult learners in our community. NEW! MEDICAL OFFICE CLERK TRAINING for Advanced ESL is currently accepting students. This course prepares advanced English as a Second Language (ESL) students for entry-level administrative positions in healthcare. Students will build strong academic and workplace skills through hands-on training in Medical Keyboarding, Medical Proofreading, and Medical Terminology. Designed for adult ESL students at an intermediate-high or advanced level, this course strengthens reading, writing, grammar, and vocabulary for college and career readiness. Students will also practice professional communication, digital literacy, and clerical procedures commonly used in medical offices. This course helps prepare students for healthcare training programs such as Medical Records Specialist, Medical Assistant, Eye Care Technician, Medical Office Assistant, and more.  Click here to register for the required orientation. MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY for Advanced ESL. This course will help prepare higher-level ESL students for entry-level careers in healthcare. This course is meant for students who speak and write English as a second language. Those enrolling in this class should be adults at intermediate high or advanced level ESL who need help on their reading, writing, vocabulary, and grammar skills to be ready for college and career. This is a foundational course that helps prepare students for healthcare training programs such as Certified Nursing Assistant, Home Health Aide, Eye Care Technician, Medical Office Assistant and more.  Click here to register for this course. View the Winter/Spring 2026 Course Catalog   MVLA FOUNDATION Every student's journey from 9th grade to graduation looks different, but they all need support! MVLA Foundation provides programs and services that can only happen with donations from our community. If you have not donated already, please consider a gift by 12/31. MVLAfoundation.org GALLERY   Alta Vista rings in the holidays with Friendsgiving All the best parts of a holiday feast included: Friends, Fun, and a Feast fit for an Aztec! And don't forget the sparkling cider to make it even more special. MVLA Adult School Senior Orchestra MVLA Adult School's Senior Orchestra, led by Conductor Sylvia Halloran, held a performance at the Mountain View Senior Center. Orchestra members' ages range from 55-90+!    MVHS Holiday Posada The MVHS Latino Parent Organization sponsored its annual Holiday Posada for students and families. The evening included performances from Folklorico, special guest Aztec Dancers from San Jose, and MECHA students who shared stories of inspiration. MVHS Choir's sold out performance The MVHS combined choirs giving all the holiday spirit vibes at their sold out performance. Bravo! LAHS Festival of Lights brings out many MVLA students! The annual Los Altos Festival of Lights parade brings out many of our outstanding students who participated in the parade, playing instruments, twirling flags and rifles, and cheering along the crowded parade route. LAHS Art Show Each winter brings the most beautiful displays of student artwork at the annual Winter Art Show. Students from a variety of classes in the Art program display their work for staff and students to enjoy. MVHS Dance Spectrum Winter Showcase always a showstopper The MVHS Dance Spectrum Winter Showcase is always a crowd pleaser and a sell out performance and this year was no different. They also put on a free lunch time performance for students and staff to kick off their evening events. LAHS Holiday Fair raises funds and spirits You know it's the holidays and that finals are around the corner when the LAHS Lunch Holiday Fair arrives! Clubs and groups fill their fundraising goals while students and staff fill their tummies! Everyone wins and gets into the holiday spirit before finals and heading off for the holiday break. Cheers! Santa's Workshop at Alta Vista High Students were happily creating lots of holiday joy to share with their families after a semester of hard work and success. City Team sponsored Santa's Workshop to help kick off their holiday celebrations. Santa's visit to Adult School's childcare center Every year Santa is very busy making the rounds throughout MVLA and he never fails to make an extra special stop at the MVLA Adult School Childcare center to visit with the most special little ones whose parents are taking courses. Ho ho ho!   LAHS GIRLS TENNIS CIF STATE CHAMPIONS LAHS GIRLS WATER POLO - CCS CHAMPS MVHS BOYS CROSS COUNTRY - D2 CCS CHAMPS LAHS GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY - 11TH - D1 STATE MEET MVHS GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY - 2ND - CCS DATEBOOK BOARD MEETINGS: Regular Board Meeting - January 12, 2026 - 7pm, District Board Room Regular Board Meeting - January 26, 2026 - 7pm, District Board Room Regular Board Meeting - February 9, 2025 - 7pm, District Board Room Agendas posted here. COMING UP: Winter Holiday Recess - December 22, 2025 - January 2, 2026 February Recess - February 16-20, 2026 Spring Recess - April 6-10, 2026 LAHS & MVHS Senior Graduation - June 5, 2026 2025-2026 School Year Calendar 2026-2027 School Year Calendar Additional important dates are available on our campus calendars: Los Altos HS | Mountain View HS | Alta Vista HS | Adult School MVLA IN THE SPOTLIGHT Students are the brains behind LASD's AI philosophy, Los Altos Town Crier, November 25, 2025 MVHS student starts club for classical Indian dance, Los Altos Town Crier, December 10, 2025   Mountain View Los Altos School District 1299 Bryant Avenue, Mountain View, CA 94040 (650) 940-4650 mvlahsd@mvla.net www.mvla.net  

Thursday, Dec 18 2025

BoardBrief December 15, 2025

  RECORDED REGULAR SESSION   December 15, 2025 ROLL CALL Trustees present for the closed session: Cornes, Katz, Levich, Ortiz, Vonnegut; Trustees present for the open session: Cornes, Katz, Levich, Ortiz, Vonnegut; Lai (Student), Schwarzhoff (Student)   Special Session - Annual Board Organizational Meeting The Board of Trustees conducted the annual organizational meeting. Education Code Sections 35143 and 72125 require that the governing board of each school district hold an annual organizational meeting. In a year in which a regular election for governing Board members is held, the meeting shall be held on a day within a 15-day period that commences with the date upon which an elected governing board member takes office. Organizational meetings in years in which no such regular election for governing Board members is conducted shall be held during the same 15-day period on the calendar. Current Board Policy 9100 calls for the election of a President, Vice President, and Clerk during the annual organizational meeting of the Board. The Board of Trustees said goodbye to President Esmeralda Ortiz who completed her term as president. 2026 Officers Thida Cornes, President Vadim Katz, Vice President Alex Levich, Clerk   STUDENTS OF THE MONTH Throughout each school year, the MVLA Board of Trustees recognizes the achievements and accomplishments of selected students: MVLA Students of the Month.   Students are selected for this honor based on a variety of factors. A prerequisite for selection as a Student of the Month is outstanding academic achievement, defined as a weighted current GPA of 3.5 or higher, although other factors may be considered in the selection process. These other factors may include but are not limited to extracurricular successes, community service, character values, involvement on campus, exemplary leadership skills and/or outstanding accomplishments outside of school. Students of the Month shall exemplify the core values, qualities, and vision of the MVLA District.   Some examples of past Student of the Month recipients include academic scholars, presidents of active clubs, multiple sport student-athletes, and students who are widely involved in organizations on campus. Broad school involvement is not a prerequisite for selection, but all Student of the Month recipients must demonstrate a positive work ethic, moral character, and an appreciation for our community’s diversity. Oshea Orozco, LAHS l video l Los Altos High School is proud to recognize Oshea Orozco as the December Student of the Month.  Oshea challenges herself with rigorous AP coursework, including AP Human Geography and AP Biology. Her commitment to academic growth has earned her a place on the Honor Roll for three consecutive years, from 2023 through 2025. Beyond the classroom, she is deeply involved in our school community. She is a proud member of the AVID program, a selective college-readiness program designed to support first-generation college-bound students. Through AVID, she participates in college-focused field trips, study sessions, and peer tutoring—always bringing positivity and initiative to the group. —Oshea represents what it means to be a dedicated, community-minded student. Her commitment to growth, leadership, and service makes her an outstanding choice for Student of the Month...cont'd. (Full write-up linked in name above.) Rubi Rivas Menjivar, MVHS l video l Mountain View High School recognizes Rubi Rivas Menjivar as the December Student of the Month, celebrating her leadership, dedication, and consistent commitment to every community she serves. Her leadership began the moment she arrived on campus. As a freshman, she supported students, staff and faculty and even helped incoming freshmen by shadowing an 8th grader to help ease the transition to high school... Her initiative reflects a strong sense of responsibility and a genuine desire to contribute. Rubi is a first year Ambassador who has embraced the community and taken on meaningful service projects. She leads Spartan's Pause activities and is also part of the MV Cares committee by restocking the Treasure Closet and helping organize the annual Gift Basket Drive. Her efforts help strengthen a positive and inclusive school culture... cont'd. (Full write-up linked in name above.)   BOARD MEMBER REPORTS l video l Vice President Katz reported that he attended the MVHS PTSA meeting which focused on the conversation with School Resource Officer James Guevara. He shared that the primary role of the three SROs shared between multiple schools in MV is to engage with students and build relationships. He also attended the California School Board Association (CSBA) for the first time. He spoke about the session on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the CSBA approach to an inclusive versus exclusive policy and preserving student data privacy. Trustee Vonnegut reported that she also attended CSBA and felt it was one of the best conferences she has attended in many years. She attended sessions on updating board policies and using voice model AI to gauge student mental health. She also attended Challenge Team where there was a presentation on student wellness, mental health and AI. President Cornes shared that she attended the District English Language Acquisition Committee (DELAC). She also attended CSBA and attended a session on governance and the president's workshop. She wished the staff and students a relaxing winter break.   SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT Superintendent Volta and the district administrators' updates can be viewed here. Congrats to LAHS Girls Tennis CIF State Champions CSBA attendance - Gubernatorial and Superintendent candidate forums, Community Funded Districts focus on equalizing funding with ADA-funded districts Superintendent's Network Reports from Adult Education, Alta Vista, Los Altos High School, and Mountain View High School   STUDENT BOARD MEMBER REPORTS Los Altos High School We recently hosted our Holiday Faire, where student clubs had the opportunity to sell food and other items. This event not only brought energy and excitement to campus but also allowed clubs to raise funds to support their programs while showcasing student creativity and entrepreneurship. We also held a series of Eagle Restore events aimed at helping students manage stress as we approach finals. These activities included farm animal petting, which provided a fun and calming experience, as well as New Year’s resolution activities that encouraged students to reflect on their goals and well-being. These events were well attended and greatly appreciated by students during a busy academic period. In addition, our most recent Blue Friday featured cookie decorating, giving students another opportunity to relax, connect with peers, and build school spirit in a positive and welcoming environment. Our school community also came together for the Second Harvest Food Drive, which recently concluded with tremendous success. We raised over $35,000, exceeding our original goal by $20,000. This achievement reflects the generosity and commitment of our students, families, and staff to supporting those in need. Finally, I’d like to note that final exams begin this Wednesday. We are proud of the efforts made by staff and student leadership to support students academically and emotionally as they prepare for this important time. Thank you for your continued support of our students and school community. (Written by Lucy Lai, Student Board Rep, LAHS.) Mountain View High School Mountain View has had an exciting past month on campus, and we are looking forward to everything the second semester will bring. Beginning with student leadership, ASB and Ambassadors hosted a joint Winter Wellness Spirit Week last week. Students were able to unwind during finals preparation through engaging spirit days and lunchtime activities. Favorite spirit days included the classic Pajama Day, as well as a new addition, Teacher vs. Students, where staff dressed as students and students dressed as teachers. During lunch, students gathered in the main quad and gym to relax and create crafts together such as snowflakes and ugly sweater themed cookies. Overall, it was a highly participatory and spirited week that the MVHS community truly appreciated. Clubs and student groups have also been very active, hosting schoolwide events and preparing for upcoming activities. One group that drew attention from a wide range of community members was Dance Spectrum, which hosted a two-part lunch and after-school showcase. Featuring dances that reflected the many cultures represented at MVHS, the event provided an engaging and inclusive experience for all who attended. Looking ahead to 2026, MVHS is especially excited for January events, including the annual Winter Ball. This year’s theme is White Out, and it will be hosted on campus from 7 to 10 PM. The tickets go on sale January 5. Overall, it has been an exciting month for our campus, and we are eager for all that the new year has to offer. (Written by Claire Schwarzhoff, Student Board Rep, MVHS.)   District Organization Comms   Public Comments (Non-Agenda)   Presentations, Reports & Information l video l Measure E Los Altos High School Gym Modernization Project Update Information only MVLA Special Education Presentation Information only BUSINESS/ACTION ITEMS l video l Resolution 25/26-7, Developer Impact Fees Report for 2024-2025 Approved Resolution 25/26-8 First Interim Budget Report and Budget Revisions for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Approved CSBA Board Policy Updates for 2025 - Second Reading Approved Board Policy 6146.1: High School Graduation Requirements Approved Revision to Independent Study Physical Education (ISPE) Contract and Policy 6142.7: Physical Education And Activity - First Reading Information only Adopt Updates to BP/AR 6142.8 (Comprehensive Health Education) and BP/AR 6142.1 (Sexual Health & HIV/AIDS Prevention) Information only CSBA Board Policy Updates for 2025 (Personnel) - First Reading Information only   ITEMS FROM CLOSED SESSION President Esmeralda Ortiz reported that action was taken in closed session. The board voted 5-0 to approve a multi-year compromise agreement with parents of a student to resolve potential and threatened claims against the district in exchange for funding of private services in an alternate program for a student in the 2025-2026 school year in an amount not to exceed $170,000. The board also voted 5-0 to approve a multi-year compromise agreement with parents of a student to resolve potential and threatened claims against the district in exchange for funding of private services in an alternate program for a student in the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 school years in an amount not to exceed $60,000.  

Tuesday, Dec 16 2025

Update on Bell Schedule Progress

An update on the progress as we review potential changes to our bell schedule... Thank you to everyone who took the time to complete our Bell Schedule Survey and share thoughtful feedback. Your input helps us better understand what’s working well in our current schedule and where there may be opportunities to improve student learning, wellness, and the overall school experience. As a next step, we will be convening the MVLA Bell Schedule Task Force with staff to closely review the survey results.  Using this feedback as a key data source, the Associate Superintendent of Educational Services, Teri Faught, will develop potential proposals for any possible bell schedule changes. We will continue to provide updates as the work progresses, including what we’re learning, what themes are emerging, and what options may be considered. Staff Survey Results Student Survey Results Parent Survey Results A special thank you to Challenge Success for supporting this work—from helping develop the survey, to facilitating Task Force meetings, to providing expert guidance throughout the process. We appreciate our community’s partnership and will remain committed to a transparent, inclusive process as we move forward. For questions, please contact Teri.Faught@mvla.net.

Thursday, Dec 11 2025

MVLA Magazine - November 2025

SUPERINTENDENT'S MESSAGE Wishing MVLA staff and families a very happy holiday! To view Spanish or other language subtitles, please click PLAY, then CC and select your preferred language in the SETTINGS ⛭. AWARDS & ACCOLADES MVLA Student of the Month - Ella Omura, LAHS Los Altos High School is proud to recognize Ella Omura as the November Student of the  Month.  Ella is known throughout her school for her compassion, confidence, and powerful voice — traits that shine through in everything she does. She has been deeply involved in shaping the culture of Los Altos High as a Student Community Leader since her freshman year — an appointed role that bridges students, administration, and staff. Through this program, she’s helped launch long-term wellness initiatives, guided freshmen through orientation, and led service-learning and mental health projects that promote a positive, inclusive environment on campus... cont'd MVLA Student of the Month - Amanda Ford, MVHS Mountain View High School proudly recognizes Amanda Ford as the November Student of the Month, celebrating her creativity, leadership, and service to the community. Amanda Ford is a motivated student at MVHS who actively participates in a variety of school activities. She represents student voices at MVLA Superintendent meetings as a member of MSAC and advocates for her AVID class at AVID Site meetings. Amanda founded the Poetry Club at MVHS, creating a safe, supportive space where students can express themselves creatively. Recently, the club organized an Open Mic event at a local Senior Center, where students shared original poems and engaged with community members. She looks forward to organizing similar events in the future...cont'd MVLA October Spotlight Award - Sybil Cramer MVLA and Los Altos High School are proud to present long-time MVLA volunteer, Sybil Cramer, with the October Spotlight award. Sybil is a master at making meaningful community connections that turn great ideas into action and results. Her persistence and passion motivate us all to take better care of our local environment and, therefore the planet. Sybil recognizes that our schools use natural resources and generate waste, but thanks to her dedication, our MVLA and Los Altos community continues to thrive as a model of sustainability in water and energy conservation, waste reduction and recycling, and pollution reduction. Her care for our local community and school manifests in practical efforts to ensure we are taking every step possible towards responsible stewardship.  Sybil is a reminder of the power one person has to spark change and create a lasting legacy. Our district is fortunate to have someone who cares so deeply about the community and is willing to do the hard work in partnership with us.  Full write-up. MVLA November Spotlight Award - Anthony Pineda Alta Vista High School and MVLA are proud to honor the November Spotlight Award winner, Anthony Pineda, Creator and Founder of Creatrix Institute. Over the last two years of working with Alta Vista High, Anthony has helped students learn, heal, and develop their literacy, interpersonal, and artistic skills by connecting with music and culture. He has truly changed lives for the better through the AVHS Hip Hop Academy. The mission of Anthony’s work, and Creatrix Institute, is to “build communities, promote healing, integrate culture, and give people access to personal development. We are here to help build the agency of all peoples we work with and host a platform to share knowledge. With a cultural perspective and technology, we construct innovative ways to access each person’s unique gifts and voice.”  Full write-up   DISTRICT NEWS MVLA Board of Trustees holds study session on future configuration of semester long Ethnic Studies Board Brief November 17, 2025 On November 17, the trustees convened a study session to discuss implementing the change to the Ethnic Studies requirement—from a year-long course to a one-semester course—for both current and future students. Board Agendas, recordings, and summaries are always available here. We encourage members of the MVLA community to watch board meetings on our YouTube channel. Meetings are streamed live and recordings are posted the following morning and sent out in each of the BoardBriefs the following week. MVLA Career Tech Ed (CTE) partners honored MVLA hosted the first event to celebrate our CTE Work-Based Learning Advisory Committee, CTE Internship Hosts, and partners and collaborators who have repeatedly supported the CTE programs and students. MVLA currently has over 50 active organizational collaborations with industry, government, and non-profit organizations, including hundreds of individuals. If your organization is interested in partnering with MVLA students to provide work-based learning experiences, please contact Dr. Lynette Gillson at Lynette.Gillson@mvla.net.   MVLA FOUNDATION It's never too late to help us reach our goal! Your participation matters, and together we will reach our goal of $2.1695 million. Please make your donation today! MVLAfoundation.org GALLERY   Spartan Marching Band dominates their class Spartan Marching Band participated in the Cupertino Tournament of Bands. In the class 2A, the Spartans placed first overall and won the categories of best General Effect, Visuals, Percussion, and Color Guard. It was almost a clean sweep! Freestyle academy teachers catch the Halloween spirit Each year the Freestyle Academy students and staff get in the "spirit" of Halloween with elaborate and creative costumes. We'd say they knocked it out of the ballpark this year!   MVHS Folklorico dancers invited to share their talents The MVHS Folklorico dancers were invited to The Girls Middle School to perform their traditional dance in honor of Dia de los Muertos. MVLA AVID students get behind the scenes at The Ameswell Hotel Thanks to The Ameswell Hotel for hosting students in the Advancement via Individual Determination (AVID) program for a day of work-based learning. The group spent the day exploring the many facets of the hospitality industry, from operations and culinary to marketing and events, and even enjoyed a Q&A session with the department directors to learn what it takes to bring a hotel like The Ameswell to life every day (excerpted). LAHS Broken Box presents The Wizard of Oz The Wizard of Oz by Erin Detrick was a 60 minute adaptation of the L. Frank Baum novel. It featured a cast of 21 with a large ensemble that helped bring the magic to the stage. The designers made countless pieces of cardboard art that honored the original work of W. Denslow's iconic illustrations. The costumers built the Dorothy and Scarecrow dresses from scratch. Classes from Almond and Santa Rita elementary school came and saw a special presentation of the show on the 13th. It was a fantastic production! LAHS smashes Second Harvest food drive goals, over $27k raised so far Each year for over two decades, LAHS students, staff and families commit to supporting charities during the holidays. This year, LAHS has raised well over their initial goal of $15k and is zeroing in on their goal of $35k. AMAZING work and thank you to the entire community for your generosity! MVLA Adult School hosts first of two career fairs The MVLA Adult school, as part of its mission to help adult learners for a lifetime of learning and personal prosperity, hosted its first of two career fairs this year. The fall career fair included a variety of recruiters from industries including Slingshot, DeAnza College, Ravenswood Family Health Network and many more local businesses. MVHS Annual Turkey Trot - Fun for the whole community! Don't forget to get your TROT in before the Thanksgiving feast. The 16th annual MVHS Turkey Trot is open for registration and is a great family friendly event for the whole community! The Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning (Thursday, November 27, 2025) at the Mountain View High School Track (3535 Truman Ave, Mountain View, CA) 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 yard dash races (aka kids' races). Register at https://www.spartanturkeytrot.com.   LAHS Dia de los Muerto lunch activities honor traditions The tradition of face-painting for Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) comes largely from the iconic image of La Catrina, a satirical skeleton figure created by Mexican artist José Guadalupe Posada. She represents the idea that death comes for everyone—rich or poor—and should be met with acceptance rather than fear. Unlike Halloween, Día de los Muertos is not about fear or horror. The sugar-skull style is colorful and decorative, reflecting joy, memory, and the personality of the loved one being honored. The bright designs (flowers, hearts, swirls) represent the beauty of life and death. 📸 Sara Lahr for The Talon MVHS boys cross country clinch CCS championship Congratulations to the MVHS boys cross country team for repeating as CCS Champions and to the MVHS girls, who finished 2nd. Both teams will advance to the state finals next week. This is a remarkable achievement for our athletes!  MVHS Tech Interns Host Parent Information Night The MVHS Tech Internship program hosted an AI Parent Information Night, bringing parents, educators, and students together to explore AI’s impact on education. Student interns opened with survey findings from over half of teachers and 10% of students, revealing that while nearly 75% of students use AI, 25% oppose it. A panel featuring LASD Superintendent Sandra McGonagle, MVHS teacher Ly Nguyen, MVLA Trustee Alex Levich, and Principal Kip Glazer shared insights and answered parent questions. A student panel followed on responsible AI use. The event launched ongoing efforts to build understanding and collaboration around AI at MVHS. MVLA Adult School provides outreach and education to the community The MVLA Adult School was invited to Assemblymember Berman’s 7th Annual Family Health and Wellness Fair with Adult School staff and CNA students who conducted free BP checks for the community while educating the public about the wide array of programs available at MVLA Adult School. This type of community outreach is so important in educating our community and state legislators about the value of Adult Education. LAHS Green Team showcases second hand clothing swap The LAHS Green Team hosted a pop-up vintage clothing swap that showcased the fun and importance of keeping clothing out of landfills. Students could "shop" their racks of gently used fashionable items. Trendy, responsible retail for good! We love it! MVLA Pride Bowl brings a win for MVHS The spirited rivalry between MVHS and LAHS in the annual Pride Bowl was out in full force this year with the Spartans dominating the Eagles for the seventh year in a row. MVLA is proud of all its student athletes and we enjoy this long standing tradition between our two amazing high schools. LAHS girls' water polo are CCS champs In the culminating CCS title match against Valley Christian, the girls' water polo team emerged victoriously over VC in a final score of 14-7. #goals Great team effort Lady Eagles! Lady Eagles cross country snag CCS champ title, too The CCS cross country team champion Los Altos Lady Eagles showed what true Eagle spirit is all about: heart, effort, and a commitment to excellence! Great work and congratulations to all!   DATEBOOK BOARD MEETINGS: Regular Board Meeting - December 15, 2025 - 7pm, District Board Room Regular Board Meeting - January 12, 2026 - 7pm, District Board Room Regular Board Meeting - January 26, 2026 - 7pm, District Board Room Agendas posted here. COMING UP: Thanksgiving Holiday Recess - November 24-28, 2025 Winter Holiday Recess - December 22, 2025 - January 2, 2026 February Recess - February 16-20, 2026 Spring Recess - April 6-10, 2026 LAHS & MVHS Senior Graduation - June 5, 2026 2025-2026 School Year Calendar 2026-2027 School Year Calendar Additional important dates are available on our campus calendars:  Los Altos HS | Mountain View HS | Alta Vista HS | Adult School MVLA IN THE SPOTLIGHT Redwood City set to unveil key art project on Nov 12, San Jose Mercury News, November 3, 2026 Local school districts exceed state assessment and success metrics, Los Altos Town Crier, November 19, 2025   Mountain View Los Altos School District 1299 Bryant Avenue, Mountain View, CA 94040 (650) 940-4650 mvlahsd@mvla.net www.mvla.net  

Thursday, Nov 20 2025

BoardBrief November 17, 2025

  Board Study Session: Implementation of New Ethnic Studies Graduation Requirements UPDATE The board held a special study session to consider public comments from staff, students and community members in relation to their deliberations of potential changes to MVLA's Ethnic Studies course and social studies graduation requirements. Recorded session part 1 with public comments linked here. Study session part 2 (same evening) here.   RECORDED REGULAR SESSION   November 17, 2025 ROLL CALL Trustees present for the closed session: Cornes, Katz, Levich, Ortiz, Vonnegut; Trustees present for the open session: Cornes, Katz, Levich, Ortiz, Vonnegut; Lai (Student), Schwarzhoff (Student)   STUDENTS OF THE MONTH Throughout each school year, the MVLA Board of Trustees recognizes the achievements and accomplishments of selected students: MVLA Students of the Month.   Students are selected for this honor based on a variety of factors. A prerequisite for selection as a Student of the Month is outstanding academic achievement, defined as a weighted current GPA of 3.5 or higher, although other factors may be considered in the selection process. These other factors may include but are not limited to extracurricular successes, community service, character values, involvement on campus, exemplary leadership skills and/or outstanding accomplishments outside of school. Students of the Month shall exemplify the core values, qualities, and vision of the MVLA District.   Some examples of past Student of the Month recipients include academic scholars, presidents of active clubs, multiple sport student-athletes, and students who are widely involved in organizations on campus. Broad school involvement is not a prerequisite for selection, but all Student of the Month recipients must demonstrate a positive work ethic, moral character, and an appreciation for our community’s diversity. Ella Omura, LAHS l video l Los Altos High School is proud to recognize Ella Omura as the November Student of the Month.  Ella is known throughout her school for her compassion, confidence, and powerful voice — traits that shine through in everything she does. She has helped launch long-term wellness initiatives, guided freshmen through orientation, and led service-learning and mental health projects that promote a positive, inclusive environment on campus. She’s also been recognized for her outstanding academic character — earning the Collaborative Learner Award in Social Studies, Student of the Semester honors twice, and the Outstanding Ethnic Studies Student of the Year Award. With her curiosity, discipline, and genuine care for others, she’s certain to make a lasting impact wherever she goes next. (Full write-up linked in name above.) Amanda Ford, MVHS l video l Mountain View High School proudly recognizes Amanda Ford as the November Student of the Month, celebrating her creativity, leadership, and service to the community. Amanda Ford is a motivated student at MVHS who actively participates in a variety of school activities. She represents student voices at MVLA Superintendent meetings as a member of MSAC and advocates for her AVID class at AVID Site meetings. Amanda founded the Poetry Club at MVHS, creating a safe, supportive space where students can express themselves creatively. After graduation, Amanda plans to attend an in-state four-year university, with interests in psychology or speech-language pathology. Amanda’s leadership, compassion, and commitment to her community make her an inspiring choice for Mountain View High School’s November 2025 Student of the Month award.  (Full write-up linked in name above.) MVLA November Spotlight Award l video l MVLA is proud to honor Anthony Pineda, Creator and Founder of Creatrix Institute as the November Spotlight Award recipient. Over the last two years of working with Alta Vista High School, Anthony has helped students learn, heal and develop their literacy, interpersonal and artistic skills by connecting with music and culture. The mission of Anthony’s work, and Creatrix Institute, is to “build communities, promote healing, integrate culture, and give people access to personal development. We are here to help build the agency of all peoples we work with and host a platform to share knowledge. With a cultural perspective and technology, we construct innovative ways to access each person’s unique gifts and voice.” Full write up here.   BOARD MEMBER REPORTS l video l Trustee Cornes reported that she attended the LAHS PTSA where she heard from the Mock Trial club, the Aeronautics club, ASB, SCL, and that parents had questions related to the tennis courts/parking/bike lanes and graduation requirements. She also attended the CSBA dinner session on Multilingual Learners. Later, she added that she attended the MVLA Phone-a-thon along with Trustee Levich and both were impressed with the event. President Ortiz shared that she attended the MVLA Foundation board meeting and the Latino Parent Outreach (LPO) group where they discussed the changes to Ethnic studies, communication processes, and the strong appreciation that LPO has for the work the MVLA teachers have done in creating the Ethnic studies program. She also shared that she has received emails in response to changes made to board policy 9323 regarding public comment. Trustee Levich echoed comments regarding the work of the MVLA Foundation and how much appreciation she has for their efforts. She also attended the CSBA meeting.   SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT Superintendent Volta and the district administrators' updates can be viewed here.   STUDENT BOARD MEMBER REPORTS Los Altos High School For a brief update on recent student activities and the incredible engagement we’ve seen across campus, first, our Second Harvest Food Drive has exceeded every expectation. We set an ambitious original goal of $15,000, and students, families, and community members surpassed it in under three days. As of recently, we’ve raised over $25,000, reflecting both the generosity of our community and the commitment our students have to making a tangible impact. Next, we hosted our Blue Friday carnival, a lively event designed to build school spirit and bring students together. With games, music, and activities run by leadership students, the event created a fun, welcoming atmosphere and helped strengthen connections across grade levels. We also held our second Club Senate meeting, continuing to support communication and collaboration among our more than 140 student clubs. Our clubs team shared updates and reminders about upcoming events such as the Holiday Faire, helping us keep student organizations active, inclusive, and well-supported. Our ASB Halloween Spirit Week was another highlight. Students enjoyed school-wide trick-or-treating, and our annual costume contest drew impressive participation from both students and staff. The week brought a great deal of excitement to campus and helped foster a sense of community as we headed into the end of October. Finally, we’ve kicked off our badminton tournament, open to all students regardless of experience level. With a strong turnout, this tournament is giving students a chance to stay active, try something new, and connect with peers in a friendly, low-pressure competition. Overall, the past few weeks have been full of energy, generosity, and community building. Thank you for your continued support of student leadership and engagement. (Written by Lucy Lai, Student Board Rep, LAHS.) Mountain View High School We’ve had an exciting past few weeks on campus, and we’re looking forward to everything coming up. Starting with ASB, the week of November 3rd included the annual Volleyball Tournament. It was a full week of close games, packed stands, and lots of energy. They're also preparing for our Cultural Rally auditions this Wednesday during Tutorial, where students and clubs can try out to be part of the Culture Spirit Week fashion show happening later this school year. It’s always been a favorite event as it gives students a chance to represent and celebrate their culture.  Our Ambassadors have also been busy. They held their second transfer picnic for Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors, creating a welcoming space for new students to connect and build community. They also ran two more successful events this month: Spartan’s Pause, which offered students a moment to slow down and recharge, and their mental health presentations, which focused on promoting wellness and awareness across campus. Clubs and student groups have been very active as well, organizing field trips, running school-wide events, and preparing for upcoming activities. Green Team will be hosting another Walk or Wheel Day on Friday, where students who walk or bike to school receive a snack as a thank-you for choosing an environmentally friendly commute. Iwata, our club that runs the annual sister-school exchange program each spring, is now accepting applications. And on the performing arts side of campus, the department is looking for students interested in joining the cast or crew of their upcoming spring production of Six: Teen Edition. Overall, it's been an eventful and exciting few weeks for many groups on our campus, and I thank you for your time. (Written by Claire Schwarzhoff, Student Board Rep, MVHS.)   Communications/Public Comments   Presentations, Reports & Information l video l Measure E Bond Citizens’ Oversight Committee Annual Report to the Board of Trustees BUSINESS/ACTION ITEMS l video l Measure E Bond Citizens’ Oversight Committee Annual Report to the Board of Trustees Approved Annual Organization Meeting Date set for December 15, 2025, at 7:00 PM. Approved First Reading: Regular Meeting Dates for Board of Trustees Meetings in the 2026-27 Academic Year Information Only CSBA Board Policy Updates for 2025 - First Reading Information Only 2026-2027 New Course Proposals Information Only   ITEMS FROM CLOSED SESSION President Esmeralda Ortiz reported that no action was taken during closed session.  

Tuesday, Nov 18 2025

BoardBrief October 27, 2025

  RECORDED SESSION   OCTOBER 27, 2025 ROLL CALL Trustees present for the closed session: Cornes, Katz, Levich, Ortiz, Vonnegut. Trustees present for the open session: Cornes, Katz, Levich, Ortiz, Vonnegut; Lai (Student), Schwarzhoff (Student)   MVLA Spotlight Award: Sybil Cramer MVLA is honored to recognize Sybil Cramer as the MVLA Community Spotlight Award Recipient. Sybil is a former Los Altos High School parent and now a dedicated parent alumna, whose vision, energy, and leadership continue to have a positive impact on our school community. Full write-up.   STUDENT BOARD MEMBER REPORTS Los Altos High School Here’s a quick overview of what’s been happening at Los Altos High School this week: We’re currently celebrating ASB’s Halloween Spirit Week, with themed dress-up days bringing lots of excitement across campus. The week will wrap up this Friday with our annual Costume Contest at lunch, where students and staff can show off their creativity and school spirit. In addition, our Latino Student Union is hosting a vibrant Día de los Muertos Celebration. The event honors cultural traditions with student-created ofrendas, music, and art, bringing together our community to celebrate heritage and remembrance. Meanwhile, ASB is already preparing for the Second Harvest Food Drive, which kicks off next Monday. They’re organizing online donations and outreach efforts to support families in need throughout the local area during the upcoming holiday season. Our Student Community Leaders (SCL) are also hosting College and Career Awareness Week, giving students valuable opportunities to learn about different post-secondary pathways, financial aid, and future career options through guest speakers and activities. Finally, the Performing Arts Department has concluded auditions for the spring musical, Singin’ in the Rain. Students are excited to bring this classic production to life, and rehearsals will begin later this semester. (Written by Lucy Lai, Student Board Rep, LAHS.) Mountain View High School It has been a great start to the second quarter. Last week, we celebrated our annual STEAM Week, which featured a variety of engaging and educational activities. In a recent survey conducted at Mountain View, students highlighted the paper airplane show—with its impressive demonstrations—and the Mango Materials speaker as top favorites. Other popular events included guest talks from biotechnology professors, a Mole Day demonstration from sophomore chemistry classes, and lunchtime STEM demonstrations led by different teachers. The week concluded with another successful Spartans Pause, which featured morning snack stations for students, slime-making, mini pumpkin decorating, henna, mandala art, and more. Green Team also joined in the week’s festivities by hosting “Walk or Wheel,” an event that rewarded students who walked or biked to school with snacks and encouragement. Looking ahead, the next few weeks are equally full of exciting events. ASB will be hosting a Trick-or-Treat event this Friday, where students can collect candy from participating teachers’ classrooms marked with pumpkins on their doors. Next week will also feature the annual Volleyball Tournament in the large gym—an eight-team competition held during lunch that always draws a crowd. Around campus, winter sports tryouts are beginning, and the MVHS Marching Band is preparing to compete in the Dublin Marching Band Competition. Overall, it has been a wonderful beginning to Quarter Two—filled with community spirit, student involvement, and academic engagement. We’re looking forward to all that the rest of the quarter will bring! (Written by Claire Schwarzhoff, Student Board Rep, MVHS.)   Public Comments (Non-Agenda) Public Comments (Agenda Items)   BUSINESS/ACTION ITEMS MVLA District Teachers Association (DTA) and MVLA District Sunshine Agreement for 2025-26 Contract Reopeners. The Board of Trustees will consider approving the District Teachers Association and District Sunshine Agreement for 2025-26 Contract Reopeners. Approved Northwest Special Education Local Plan Area (NW SELPA) Community Advisory Committee (CAC) Nomination. The Northwest Special Education Local Plan Area (NW SELPA) Community Advisory Committee (CAC) is composed of parents, educators, and community members dedicated to supporting students who receive special education services. The CAC provides guidance to NW SELPA on issues related to special education programs and services, while also promoting collaboration among families, schools, and the broader community. The CAC meets several times each year and organizes parent trainings to strengthen understanding and advocacy for students with disabilities. In accordance with Education Code §56191 and the Northwest SELPA Local Plan, the Board is asked to consider representatives from the Mountain View Los Altos Union High School District (MVLA) for nomination to the NW SELPA CAC. This formal Board nomination fulfills SELPA requirements for establishing official membership on the CAC. Both Lara Gill and Makenzie Gallego were nominated by their peers in recognition of their dedication, experience, and knowledge of special education. Their personal experiences as parents of students in the program inspire their continued commitment to fostering inclusive and supportive educational environments. It was recommended that the Board appoint Lara Gill and Makenzie Gallego as District Representatives to the Northwest Special Education Local Plan Area (NW SELPA) Community Advisory Committee (CAC) for one year, 2025-26. Approved Ethnic Studies During the 2025 legislative session, the California legislature did not fund AB 101, the Ethnic Studies mandate. In 2023, MVLA raised the graduation requirements to 40 credits in Social Studies by adding a year of Ethnic Studies, while AB 101 was still considered a mandate. MVLA has been considering the approval of Ethnic Studies as a local mandate. The Board considered three options for Ethnic Studies identified at the October 13 Board Study Session meeting. Option A: Status Quo (with possible curriculum adjustments) Option C1: Mandate Ethnic Studies as a semester course Option C2: Mandate Ethnic Studies as a semester course w/ an additional semester Social Studies Course Approved: Option C1   ITEMS FROM CLOSED SESSION President Ortiz reported that the board voted unanimously to approve a multi-year compromise agreement with the parents of a student to resolve potential and threatened claims against the district in exchange for funding of private services in an alternate program for the student in the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 school years in the amount not to exceed $27,000.  

Wednesday, Oct 29 2025