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MVLA Magazine - June 2025 Edition
Celebration of Success Celebration of Success Honoring the Class of 2025 Not displaying correctly? View in browser MVLA Community, As we close out another remarkable school year, I congratulate the MVLA Class of 2025. Your academic, artistic, athletic, and personal achievements reflect the strength, resilience, and spirit of our entire MVLA community, and you should be proud of your role in building this community. This special Celebration of Success issue highlights the end-of-year moments that allow us to reflect on joyful commencements, proud families, and well-earned recognition. None of this would be possible without the unwavering support of our dedicated teachers and staff, our families, and our community partners who have helped lift and support our students throughout their high school experience. Thank you all for being part of this journey. I invite you to enjoy the photos and media coverage and celebrate all we've accomplished together. With pride and appreciation, Eric Volta MVLA Superintendent GRADUATION 2025 Congratulations to the Class of 2025! Please enjoy photos, videos, and more from our recent commencement ceremonies below! And please be sure to read the write-ups about grads, graduation, and some exciting student awards and accomplishments from our community newspapers. Thanks to these media outlets and our high school newspapers for helping to document these important events! "Class of 2025: Featured Post-Grad Plans" - Los Altos High School Talon (Oscar Johnson and Alanna Grier) - May 28, 2025 "LAHS year in recap" - Los Altos High School Talon (Sahana Srinivasan, Sara Lahr, Marcus Gao, and Anna Roman) - May 29, 2025 "Photo Story: 2025 MVHS Graduation" - Mountain View High School Oracle (Mitchell Eng) - June 6, 2025 " Photos: Mountain View High School honors the Class of 2025 at graduation ceremony " - Midpeninsula Post (Mitchell Eng) - June 7, 2025 " Class of 2025: Alta Vista High senior reflects on opening up, connecting with others " - Mountain View Voice (Zoe Morgan) - June 7, 2025 "Alta Vista High School: The graduating Class of 2025" - Mountain View Voice (Staff) - June 7, 2025 "Alta Vista celebrates each student's unique path to graduation" - Mountain View Voice (Zoe Morgan) - June 6, 2025 "Los Altos High School" The graduating Class of 2025" - Mountain View Voice (Staff) - June 7, 2025 " Los Altos High graduation celebrates community, finding joy " - Mountain View Voice (Zoe Morgan) - June 7, 2025 "Class of 2025: Los Altos High senior hopes to return to campus as a teacher" - Mountain View Voice (Zoe Morgan) - June 7, 2025 "'Looking back, moving forward,' Mountain View High graduation celebrates big and small moments," - Mountain View Voice (Emily Margaretten) - June 7, 2025 "Mountain View High School: The graduating Class of 2025" - Mountain View Voice (Staff) - June 7, 2025 "Class of 2025: Mountain View High senior built community, encouraged change" - Mountain View Voice (Zoe Morgan) - June 7, 2025 "A new chapter awaits the class of 2025" - Los Altos Crier (Brandon Roth) - June 10, 2025 " Photos: Los Altos High School Class of 2025 graduation ceremony " - Midpeninsula Post (Luca Deck) - June 12, 2025 Alta Vista High School Congratulations to Alta Vista High School's Class of 2025. View a gallery of photos here and enjoy the graduation slideshow, honoring the individual graduates, here ! Alta Vista High School is proud to have been recognized as a California Model Continuation High School this year, and at the recent Santa Clara County Office of Education's Excellence in Education event . Go Aztecs! Los Altos High School Congratulations LAHS Class of 2025! View photos/videos: Graduation Photos 2025 (Credit: LAHS Talon) | LAHS Grad Cap Photos (Credit: MVLA Foundation) ( Photos below, courtesy LAHS Talon) Go Eagles! Mountain View High School Congratulations Mountain View High School Class of 2025! Go Spartans! View the MVHS Oracle's 2025 Graduation Photo Stor y | MVHS Grad Cap Photos (Credit: MVLA Foundation) Congratulations as well to Spartan Marisa Elyse Lin who was recently named by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) as one of 2,900 winners of National Merit Scholarships financed by U.S. colleges and universities. Marisa recieved a scholarship from the University of Southern California, where she plans to study industrial organizational psychology. An additional group of Scholars will be announced in July, bringing the total number of college-sponsored Merit Scholarship recipients in the 2025 competition to more than 3,600. MVLA Adult School The MVLA Adult School is proud to recognize a total of 142 graduates in the program this year. See photos of graduates from throughout the year at www.facebook.com/MVLAAdultSchool/ . There are a variety of course offerings at Adult School this summer - check out the course catalog here . MVLA FOUNDATION Congratulations to the Class of 2025! We wish the graduates from Los Altos and Mountain View High Schools the best of luck as they embark on the next chapter of their lives, continuing to grow and thrive. This fall, they will become part of the freshman class at 180 colleges and universities or enter the workforce. The MVLA Foundation would like to extend a big thank you to the College and Career Center Counselors for their guidance and expertise. DATEBOOK August 4, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Board of Education Meeting materials will be posted here . August 11, 2025 First Day of School for the 2025-2026 School Year August 12, 2024 Regular Meeting of the Board of Education Meeting materials will be posted here . August 16, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Board of Education Meeting materials will be posted here . September 8, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Board of Education Meeting materials will be posted here . 2025-2026 School Year Calendar Additional important dates are available on our campus calendars: Los Altos HS | Mountain View HS | Alta Vista HS | Adult School ABOUT US Email: communications@mvla.net Website: https://www.mvla.net/ Location: 1299 Bryant Avenue, Mountain View, CA, USA Phone: 650-940-4650 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mvlahsd Twitter: @MVLAHSD Mountain View Los Altos High School District Mountain is using Smore to create beautiful newsletters Communications & Outreach for MVLAHSD
Monday, Jun 23 2025
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June 16, 2025 BoardBrief
RECORDED SESSION JUNE 16, 2025 ROLL CALL Trustees present for the closed session: Cornes, Katz, Levich, Vonnegut; absent: Ortiz, Trustees present for the open session: Cornes, Katz, Levich, Vonnegut; absent: Ortiz, THERE WERE NO REPORTS GIVEN. Due to the timing of the previous meeting one week prior on June 9th, there were no reports given from the superintendent, principals or board members DISCUSSION ON ITEMS PULLED FROM CONSOLIDATED AGENDA Discussion on items pulled from the consolidated agenda can be viewed here. RECOGNITIONS & RESOLUTIONS Resolution No. 24/25-48: Recognition of Juneteenth Juneteenth is the oldest known American celebration ending slavery, June 19th honors and recognizes the contributions and influences of African Americans to the Unites States History. Adopted Resolution 24/25-47: Authorizing Delegation of Authority to Sign Official Documents and Records for 2025-26 Academic year In accordance with requirements of the Education Code, State Board of Education, and the County Superintendent of Schools, the Governing Board of each school district is required to file annually, and/or when personnel changes occur, with the County Superintendent of Schools and the State of California resolutions authorizing signatures for all official documents, reports, and agreements for the school district. Adopted BUSINESS/ACTION ITEMS Revised Board Meeting Schedule for 2025-2026 Adopted MOU Me Too CSEA Salary Agreement and Unrepresented Me Too Salary Agreement The Board of Trustees considered the approval of the salary portion of negotiations with CSEA 2024-25 as per the attached MOU. The practice in our district has been to include Confidential, Supervisory, Management, and Adult Education by the same percentage. Recommendations included raising the substitute daily rate in order to remain competitive with surrounding districts. All schedules are effective July 1, 2025 unless otherwise indicated.Adopted California Dashboard LEA Indicators Adopted The California Dashboard is the state’s accountability system based on multiple measures. Those measures include both state indicators, such as data that is collected across the state for all LEAs and student groups, and local indicators that apply at the LEA level and are based on data collected by the local level. Full implementation of the CA Dashboard was launched on December 1, 2017, which included public view of both state and local Indicators. The local indicators focus on five LCFF priorities, including, Basic Services, Implementation of State Academic Standards, Parent Engagement, School Climate and Access to a Broad Course of Study. The report of findings for Mountain View Los Altos High School District's progress on meeting the local indicators shows that based on the criteria, Mountain View Los Altos High School District has met all five LCFF priorities. This report summarizes the progress in these five areas and the findings will be uploaded to the 2025 California Dashboard for public view. District Budget for the 2025-2026 School Year Adopted Superintendent's Contract Extension Per Article 6.6 of the agreement between MVLA and the superintendent, if the superintendent receives a satisfactory evaluation, "the Board shall approve an extension of this agreement by one (1) additional year as specified in this Agreement's extension of Agreement Section. Additionally, per Article 7.2 of the agreement, "with a positive written evaluation of the superintendent, the Superintendent's base salary shall be increased by at least the same percentage as the increase in the California Consumer Price Index (CaCPI) for All Urban Consumers for all Items, as determined by the Department of Industrial Relations, over the preceding Contract Year". The DIR CPI annual average for the San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward area in 2024 was 2.8%. Therefore, the Superintendent's salary for the 2025-26 school year is $359,800.00 Adopted Approval of the Mountain View Los Altos High School District 2025-2026 Local Control & Accountability Plan (LCAP) Adopted ITEMS FROM CLOSED SESSION Acting President Thida Cornes reported that actions were taken in closed session. The board voted 4-0 to approve a Compromise Agreement with parents to resolve potential or threatened claims against the district in exchange for funding of private services for the student in an alternative program during the 2024-2025 and 2025 -2026 school years in an amount not to exceed $85,959.60.
Tuesday, Jun 17 2025
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June 9, 2025 BoardBrief
RECORDED SESSION June 9, 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 SCCOE Public Hearing to Approve MVLA Trustee Areas On June 9, 2025 the Santa Clara County Board of Education held a public hearing to consider MVLA's proposed Trustee Areas. There were no public comments. At the conclusion of the public hearing the SCCOE Board approved MVLA's proposal as submitted. BOARD MEMBER REPORTS Board member reports can be viewed here. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT The Superintendent's report, including updates from Adult Education, Alta Vista High School, Los Altos High School and Mountain View High School can be viewed here. PUBLIC COMMENTS FOR ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA Public comments for items not on the agenda can be viewed here. RECOGNITIONS & RESOLUTIONS Resolution No. 24/25-49 Authorizing Temporary Transfers Between District Accounts for Fiscal Year 2025-2026. The governing board of any school district may direct that moneys held in any fund or account may be temporarily transferred to another fund or account of the district for payment of obligations. Amounts transferred shall be repaid either in the same fiscal year, or in the following fiscal year if the transfer takes place within the final 120 calendar days of a fiscal year. No more than 75 percent of the maximum of moneys held in any fund or account during a current fiscal year may be transferred. Adopted Resolution No. 24/25-50: 2026/27 School Year Calendar. The Mountain View Los Altos High School District Governing Board of Trustees adopted the 2026-27 school year calendar along with the District Teachers Association Tentative Agreement. Note observance of Presidents' Days on dates which differ from Education code 37220, subdivision (a) andrevisions in Education Code 37220 subdivision e) allows the Governing Board to revise the date that schools close in observance of any holiday except for Veteran's Day identified in subdivision (a) through the adoption of a resolution and observance of the chosen holidays on the days designated will least affect student average daily attendance and the budget plan of the District. Adopted Resolution No. 24/25-51: Declaration of Need for Fully Qualified Educators Resolution. Each year, school districts that employ individuals on emergency permits must have a Declaration of Need on file with the State Commission on Teacher credentialing before the Commission issues emergency permits for service in the District. Adopted REPORTS & INFORMATION The MVLA Student Advisory Council, representing students from Alta Vista, Los Altos and Mountain View high schools presented their work and recommendations to the superintendent and board. Their presentation can be viewed here. I Slides I PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS Public Hearing: Disclosure of Collective Bargaining Agreement with the District Teachers' Association (DTA) and the District. Information only I Video I Public Hearing: Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) Update and First Reading Information only I Video I First Reading and Public Hearing for the Mountain View Los Altos High School District Budget For the 2025-2026 School Year Information only I Video I BUSINESS/ACTION ITEMS Approval of the Proposed Tentative Agreement (TA) with the District Teachers' Association (DTA) and the District The Board of Trustees considered approval of the Tentative Agreement (TA) with the District Teachers' Association (DTA) and the District. The Superintendent recommended the Board of Trustees accept and ratify the tentative agreement between the District and DTA. Adopted First Reading on Board Policy 5131.8 (Mobile Communication Devices) This was the first reading of the Mobile Communication Devices Board Policy 5131.8. Policy 5131.8 is a new policy that reflects the AB 3216 which requires the Governing Board to, by July 1, 2026, develop, adopt, and update every five years a policy to limit or prohibit student use of smartphones while at a school site or under the supervision and control of district employee(s). The policy provides guidance on the district’s approach to regulating the use of smartphones and other mobile communication devices. The goal is to create an Administrative Regulation in the 2025-2026 school year to support and provide the details for carrying out this Board Policy Information Only Annual agreement with the Cumming Group to provide Measure E bond program support services for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. The Cumming Group provides support services for the District's Measure E bond program. Rick Kramer presented an overview of these ongoing services and how program support services differ from construction management services for individual projects within the bond program. Program support services are billed on a time and materials basis, only as services are provided, with an annual not to exceed amount. The current billing rates are included in the agreement for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. These costs are within the approved Measure E budget under the line item for program management. Adopted ITEMS FROM CLOSED SESSION President Esmeralda Ortiz reported that actions were taken in closed session. The board voted 5-0 to approve a and amended Compromise Agreement to resolve potential or threatened claims against the district. The amended agreement would include reimbursable expenses for transportation to the student's private school placement. The board also voted 5-0 to approve the positive evaluation of the superintendent.
Wednesday, Jun 11 2025
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MVLA Magazine - May 2025 Edition
MVLA Magazine MVLA Magazine May 2025 Not displaying correctly? View in browser Dear MVLA Community, May marks a significant milestone for many, and I want to take a moment to acknowledge the multitude of emotions and achievements that define this time of year. To our remarkable 12th graders, congratulations on reaching this pivotal moment! You are concluding your time in compulsory education, and we are incredibly proud of the young adults you have become. As you prepare for your next adventures – whether in higher education, the workforce, the military, or other pursuits – remember the foundation you built here. We wish you all the best and look forward to seeing the positive impact you will undoubtedly make on the world. This month also allows us to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our students through various awards and recognitions. From academic excellence to artistic brilliance and athletic prowess, it is inspiring to witness the dedication and talent within our schools. Congratulations to all those who have been recognized for their hard work and commitment. For many of our families, this time of year brings a unique blend of pride and perhaps a touch of anxiety. To the parents of our first-born students who are preparing to embark on journeys to college or the military, we understand the mix of emotions you may be feeling. It doesn’t hurt to note the observation that you have nurtured incredible young people who are ready to take these next steps. There is also excitement in the air as another school year draws to a close. Our students and staff have worked incredibly hard, and we celebrate the collective growth and learning that has taken place. Looking ahead, we are already filled with anticipation as we prepare to welcome the Class of 2029 to our schools. The cycle of learning and growth continues, and we are committed to providing a nurturing and challenging environment for all our students. Thank you, MVLA community, for your unwavering support of our schools. Your partnership is invaluable to the success of our students. Wishing you all a wonderful and memorable end of the school year! Sincerely, Eric Volta Superintendent BOARD OF TRUSTEES APPROVE NEW TRUSTEE AREAS AND ELECTION METHOD The Board of Trustees has approved the establishment of trustee areas and a change in the method of electing board members, moving from an at-large election system to a by-trustee area system. This change, effective with the November 2026 election, ensures compliance with the California Voting Rights Act of 2001. As part of this transition, the Board approved a resolution recommending that the Santa Clara County Committee on School District Organization establish the trustee areas. The Committee has indicated its support and will consider the District’s recommendations. Additionally, the Board approved new trustee area boundary maps based on several options that followed key guidelines: equal populations, contiguous areas, recognition of communities of interest, consideration of natural and artificial barriers, and geographical compactness. Each map met the legal requirement that population deviations remain under 10%, and included detailed demographic breakdowns. These updated boundaries will support fair and effective representation across the District. APRIL 2025 LOS ALTOS HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT OF THE MONTH - SOPHIA DIAZ LOPEZ Sophia is an accomplished student with a rigorous academic record, including AP and Honors courses, and numerous awards such as the AVID Exemplar Award and multiple Latino Academic and Service Awards. As president of the Latino Student Union, she organizes cultural events like the LSU Champions League soccer tournament. She also serves as AVID Council Vice President and Diversity and Equity Commissioner, where she helped raise over $17,000 for Second Harvest. Read more about Sophia here , and view his board recognition here , starting at 54:21. APRIL 2025 MOUNTAIN VIEW HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT OF THE MONTH - CHELSEA ALCAZAR Chelsea’s passion for music, service, and healthcare shines both on and off campus. A talented violinist in the Chamber Orchestra and a mariachi group, she celebrates her heritage and community through music. She is an active Healthcare Club member and volunteers with her church and Martha’s Kitchen. Chelsea plans to major in Biology at a four-year college and pursue a career in healthcare. MVHS is proud to honor her achievements and spirit! Read more about Chelsea here , and view her board recognition here , starting at 49:30. MAY 2025 ADULT TRANSITION PROGRAM STUDENT OF THE MONTH - ANTONIO LE Antonio's journey is inspiring. Once nonverbal, he’s grown into a confident, independent young man with aspirations to start his own business. He balances full-time seasonal work and school, commuting solo and handling challenges with maturity. Antonio’s passion for creating horror movie trailers highlights his creativity and technical skill. Adaptable and composed, he navigates change with ease. His respectful, witty nature makes him a joy to be around, and his thoughtful conversations leave a lasting impression. Read more about Anthony here , and view his board recognition here , starting at 20:31. MAY 2025 LOS ALTOS HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT OF THE MONTH - ALLYSON LINGO Allyson juggles an impressive array of activities: Public Forum Captain, Debate PR Co-Chair, Choir Council VP, GSA PR Officer, varsity diver, yearbook marketing lead, and active member of Improv Club, Blue Broadway, and GenAI. She also serves on the Principal’s Advisory Council. Her teachers call her a standout leader, citing her strong STEM skills, curiosity, thoughtful questions, and collaborative spirit. Her choir teacher highlights her three years of commitment and artistic contributions to the LAHS Choral Music Program. Read more about Allyson here , and view her board recognition here , starting at 28:26. MAY 2025 MOUNTAIN VIEW HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT OF THE MONTH - SOVEEN AGARWAL Soveen stands out for his academic excellence, leadership, and broad involvement in school and community life. He serves as VP and future co-president of Science Olympiad, leading his team to top national placements. As Math Club president, he also mentors middle schoolers and competes in elite math tournaments. Soveen is a longtime water polo player and past team MVP. Through SLOBs, he volunteers for local causes and is working toward Eagle Scout. Soveen plans to study STEM in college and continue making a positive impact. Read more about Soveen here , and view his recognition here , starting at 24:28. WELCOME INCOMING STUDENT TRUSTEES MVLA would like to acknowledge and thank our outgoing Student Trustees - Christophe Boutielle from Mountain View High School (serving August 2023 through May 2025) and Arathi Naga from Los Altos High School (serving August 2024 through May 2025). Their contributions to the district have been significant and are deeply appreciated. The Board is pleased to welcome our incoming Student Trustees - Claire Schwarzhoff from Mountain View High School and Lucy Lai from Los Altos High School, pictured. We are excited to have your leadership this incoming school year. HONORING MVLA RETIREES This spring, MVLA bids a fond (and bittersweet) farewell to 13 exceptional employees who are retiring after a collective 364 years of dedicated service . Each retiree has played a vital role in shaping the experiences of students, supporting colleagues, and contributing to our community. Their commitment, compassion, and professionalism have left a lasting impact across our campuses and departments. Please view the Board presentation of the 2025 retirees here , starting at 5:27. We thank each of them for the countless ways they’ve enriched our schools and wish them joy, relaxation, and new adventures in the years ahead. You will always be part of the MVLAHSD family! Robert Barker, LAHS English Teacher, 11 years of service Margaret Bennett, LAHS English Teacher, 23 years of service Christine Bridges, LAHS Library Assistant, 31 years of service Terri Salsman De Rodriguex, LAHS Spanish Teacher, 32 years of service Patricia "Patti" Fambrini, LAHS Culinary Teacher, 16 years of service Tiffany Karow, MVLA District Office, Teacher on Special Assignment, 31 years of service James "Jim" McGuirk, MVHS Math Teacher and Coach, 38 years of service Joanne Miyahara, LAHS English Teacher, 34 years of service Roberto "Bob" Randall, LAHS Math Teacher, 49 years of service Irene Silva, MVLA District Office, Administrative Assistant II, 10 years of service Greg Stoehr, LAHS Science Teacher, 36 years of service Alfred "Al" Valdez, MVHS Student Conduct Liaison, 19 years of service Todd Wangsness, LAHS Social Science Teacher, 32 years of service MVLA STUDENTS HONORED AS A-P SCHOLARS Every year, the AP Program recognizes high school students who have demonstrated outstanding college-level achievement through their performance on multiple AP Exams. AP Scholar Awards come in different levels and types. AP Scholar - Granted to students who receive scores of 3 or higher on three or more AP Exams. AP Scholar with Honor - Granted to students who receive an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams. AP Scholar with Distinction - Granted to students who receive an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams. AP International Diploma (APID) - Visit APID to see the criteria for this award. Congratulations to AP scholars from Mountain View High School and Los Altos High School ! MVLA STUDENTS AWARDED NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS Once again, students from the Mountain View–Los Altos High School District have been recognized in the prestigious National Merit Scholarship Program. Mountain View High School senior Sara John Naisha was awarded a National Merit Siemens Corporation Scholarship. She plans to study Diplomacy and World Affairs at Occidental College this fall. Also honored were Mountain View High School's Yash Chainani and Katerina Matta, each receiving a $2,500 National Merit Scholarship. Yash will pursue a career in computer science, while Katerina is focused on international human rights. Congratulations to all three outstanding students on this well-deserved recognition! CHALLENGE TEAM CHAMPIONS FOR YOUTH AWARD HONORS MOUNTAIN VIEW HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL & STUDENT Congratulations to MVHS Principal, Dr. Kip Glazer, and MVHS student Jaeden Pietrofeso, for being named 2025 Champions for Youth at the recent Annual Champions for Youth Awards. They were honored for creating the MVHS's Principal Tech Internship Program , a student-led and student-managed program to provide tech support for Mountain View High School. The MVLA Challenge Team builds meaningful community partnerships to support the success of children, youth and families in the cities of Mountain View, Los Altos and Los Altos Hills. The Challenge Team brings together leaders from school districts, city and county services, parent and student groups, and other non-profit organizations to serve youth and strengthen our community. The Champion for Youth Award recipients are selected from the members of the MVLA Challenge Team , led by Gay Krause, for their extraordinary contributions to the youth in the communities of Mountain View and Los Altos. ALTA VISTA HIGH SCHOOL HONORED FOR REGIONAL, STATE, AND NATIONAL AWARDS FOR 2024-2025 SCHOOL YEAR Alta Vista High School has been honored at numerous levels this school year. Most recently, Alta Vista was named a Model Continuation High School (MCHS) by the California Continuation Education Association Plus (CCEA+) at its recent conference in San Diego.The MC HS Recognition Program identifies and recognizes outstanding schools that provide comprehensive services to at-risk youth through the use of exemplary instructional strategies, flexible scheduling, and guidance and counseling services. Suzanne Woolfolk, MVLA's Director of Alternative Programs and Alta Vista High School Principal, was named Regional Administrator of the Year at the same conference. Congratulations AVHS team - and thanks to all you do for students! FREESTYLE ACADEMY PRODUCTIONS WIN AT CALIFORNIA STUDENT MEDIA FESTIVAL Two student productions from Freestyle Academy were honored at the 2025 California Student Media Festival . Now in its 59th year, the California Student Media Festival is the nation’s oldest student media festival. Over the past 25 years, the Festival has awarded more than $179,500 to California schools. It has expanded to include the work of more than 6,000 student contestants from schools across the state. Freestyle honorees include: 2025 California Student Media Festival Special Award for STEAM Award Paradox of Humanity by Ash Dillon - Freestyle Class or 2025 Paradox of Humanity Award and Acceptance Speech 2025 California Student Media Festival Special Award for Best Production The Fourth Wall by Autumn Juliano and Ethan Fey - Freestyle Class of 2024 Fourth Wall Award and Acceptance Speech Fourth Wall Finalist LOS ALTOS HIGH SCHOOL TEENS HIGHLIGHTED IN NBC's "BAY AREA PROUD" Inspired by their shared childhood memories at the inclusive Magical Bridge playgrounds , LAHS students Sophia Stavrakos and Ava Randall launched “Magical Tennis,” a free weekly clinic for neurodivergent youth. The teens were recently featured on NBC's " Bay Area Proud " segment. The teen tennis partners, who met in biology class and bonded over their love of the sport, now work alongside other volunteers to offer one-on-one lessons in a compassionate, welcoming environment. Their goal is to create opportunities for kids who may not otherwise access organized sports. For Stavrakos and Randall, the project is a way to give back and carry forward the inclusive spirit that shaped their own childhoods. View the segment here . Who was the special person that inspired your student this year? There is still time to honor a special teacher, counselor, or staff member with an MVLA Foundation Tribute gift . With your $100 donation, the Honoree will be recognized with a special note and certificate. You and the designated honoree will be listed in the MVLA High School Foundation's Annual Report. The Board of Trustees held a Regular Board Meeting on May 19, 2025. ( Agenda | Recording ) Highlights of the meeting included: Approval of resolution designating June 2025 to be Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) Pride Month Measure E Gym Modernization project update Ethnic Studies survey results School Plans for Studnt Achievement (SPSA) for Alta Vista, Los Altos, and Mountain View high schools The next regular Board meeting will be held on Monday, June 16, 2025. The final agenda and associated meeting documents are available here. MVHS wrapped up Spirit Week with an epic End-of-School Rally! From karaoke and musical chairs to performances by Dance Spectrum & Cheer, plus a heartfelt senior montage—it was a celebration to remember! #MVHSPride #SpiritWeek #GoSpartans Alta Vista High School athletes recently took the field against Mountain View Police Athletic League—and brought home another win! Huge thanks to our officers, AVHS alumni, and community for the support, and to PAL for the delicious lunch! #GoAVHS #CommunityStrong #PALsoftball The Los Altos High School badminton team faced Kathleen MacDonald High School in its senior night recently. Before the matches started, the seniors sang their Los Altos High School badminton version of “Party in the U.S.A.” Read more in the LAHS Talon ! Photo Credit: Carolina Yi Dodging for glory! Students at LAHS this week have been participating in the ASB Dodgeball Tournament. Teams of six are facing off through tomorrow. When dodgeballs fly, so does school spirit! #GoEagles MVHS teacher Stephen Widmark and students made a trek into the middle of nowhere to launch their Parabolab rocket (microgravity research rocket) and, closer to home, their Stratolab balloon vehicle (cosmic ray research). Going skyhigh, Spartans, great job! One of the busiest places on our campuses these days are our College and Career Centers. LAHS students this week benefited from some great presentations on college and career options. Oh, the places they'll go! #FutureForward The Mountain View Los Altos Union High School District is always looking for talented people to join its team. Currently, we're recruiting for a number of positions for our Adult School, including for Independent Studies, GED-Math/Science, GED-Spanish, Medical Assistant substitute teacher, and a Certified Nursing Assistant instructor. We're also recruiting for a Science teacher position, and a varsity Wrestling coach. Ready for a career change? Explore the potential for growth and development on our Current Openings page or at https://www.edjoin.org/MVLA . We also encourage families and community members to look ahead to the next school year and get involved as volunteers. Learn more about our volunteer process here and come join us! June 16, 2025 Regular Board Meeting - 7:00 p.m. All agenda items will be posted here . August 4, 2025 Regular Board Meeting - 7:00 p.m. All agenda items will be posted here . August 11, 2025 First Day of School for the 2025-2026 School Year August 14, 2025 , Regular Board Meeting - 7:00 p.m. All agenda items will be posted here . 2025-2026 School Year Calendar Additional important dates are available on our campus calendars: Los Altos HS | Mountain View HS | Alta Vista HS | Adult School Mountain View Los Altos Union High School District Location: 1299 Bryant Avenue, Mountain View, CA, USA Phone: (650) 940-4650 Website: www.mvla.net Email: mvlahsd@mvla.net Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mvlahsd Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/mvlahsd/ X: @MVLAHSD Mountain View Los Altos High School District Mountain is using Smore to create beautiful newsletters Communications for the MVLA High School District
Tuesday, May 27 2025
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BoardBrief May 19, 2025
SPECIAL RETIREMENT CELEBRATION REGULAR SESSION May 19, 2025 ROLL CALL Trustees present for the special session: Cornes, Katz, Levich, Ortiz, Vonnegut. Trustees present for the closed session: Cornes, Katz, Levich, Ortiz, Vonnegut. Trustees present for the open session: Cornes, Katz, Levich, Ortiz, Vonnegut; Bouteille (Student); Absent: Naga (Student) SPECIAL SESSION: 2025 MVLA Retirement Celebration The special session, emceed by Associate Superintendent Leyla Benson, was dedicated to honoring the 2025 retirees. Retiring staff. accompanied by loved ones and colleagues were honored. Highlights included opportunities for the retirees to address the audience, gifts of recognition, and a special video produced by students and staff of Freestyle Digital Academy. 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. Antonio Lee, Adult Transition Program Antonio Lee’s journey is nothing short of remarkable. Once nonverbal, he has blossomed into a confident, self-advocating young man with the ambition and drive to start his own business. His growth is a testament to his resilience, determination, and unwavering spirit. Antonio is an exceptional individual, admired for his strong work ethic and independence. With his dedication, creativity, and inspiring outlook, Antonio Lee is not only a role model but also an invaluable member of our community. We are proud to celebrate him as Student of the Month! Congratulations, Antonio! Soveen Agarwal, MVHS Mountain View High School is proud to recognize Soveen Agarwal as the Student of the Month for May. Soveen’s unwavering dedication to academic excellence, commitment to leadership, and well-rounded involvement in both school and community activities distinguish him as a standout student whose energy and intellect positively impact those around him. Soveen also values the relationships he has built with his teachers, noting how their support and enthusiasm have made even the most challenging classes — like AP Chemistry, AP Physics, and AP U.S. History — deeply rewarding. Looking ahead, Soveen plans to continue his academic journey by studying STEM at a four-year college. With his passion for science, drive for excellence, and dedication to making a difference, there’s no doubt he’ll continue to thrive and inspire others in the next chapter of his life. Congratulations Soveen! Allyson Lingo, LAHS Los Altos High School is proud to honor Allyson Lingo as this month’s LAHS Student of the Month for her exceptional leadership, involvement, and dedication to our school community. Allyson balances an impressive range of activities: she is the Public Forum Captain and MVLASD Debate Public Relations Co-Chair, Vice President of Choir Council, Public Relations Officer for GSA, a member of the Principal’s Advisory Council, a varsity diver, and a committed member of Improv Club, Blue Broadway, and GenAI. She also manages business and marketing for the yearbook. Allyson’s teachers describe her as a standout student. Her AP Environmental Science teacher shared, “With her high level of participation, Allyson is a leader in class. She’s always the first to volunteer and brings strong STEM skills and a genuine curiosity.” Congratulations Allyson! RECOGNITIONS & RESOLUTIONS Resolution No. 24/25- 46: Declaring June 2025 to be Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) Pride Month The board recognized outgoing Student Trustees, Christophe Boutielle (MVHS), and Arathi Naga (LAHS), and introduced the incoming Student Trustees, Claire Schwarzhoff (MVHS) and Lucy Lai (LAHS). Student board members Arathi Naga (11, LAHS, pictured left) and Christophe Bouteille (12, MVHS, pictured below) have served in their respective roles with grace and wisdom during their tenure. Christophe, who graduates this year from MVHS, served for two years in his role as a student trustee. Arathi, who has served this year, will be leaving us to focus on her studies senior year. Lucky for us she is remaining on the MVLA Student Advisory so she will continue to bring her spirit and experiences to the district in a slightly different capacity. They have both been incredibly generous with their time and attention to serving the greater good for all MVLA students and we are incredibly grateful to them both. STUDENT BOARD MEMBERS COMING SOON... The student board team that will be joining us next year includes MVHS' Claire Schwarzhoff (11) and LAHS' Lucy Lai (11). We look forward to having these two dynamic student leaders contribute their perspectives to the work of the district! BOARD MEMBER REPORTS Board member reports can be viewed here. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT Superintendent Volta gave congratulations and legislative and budget updates and thanks to various stakeholders and elected officials. Administrators from their respective sites gave updates on their schools and programs. Comments can be viewed here. PUBLIC COMMENT FOR ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA Public comments can be viewed here. REPORTS, INFORMATION & PRESENTATIONS Measure E Gym Modernization Project Scope and Budget for Los Altos High School and Mountain View High School Ethnic Studies Student Survey Results BUSINESS/ACTION ITEMS School Plans for Student Achievement (SPSA) - Alta Vista High School, Los Altos High School, and Mountain View High School Approved CSEA Classification Fact Finding Reclassification Recommendations Approved Mountain View Los Altos High School District (MVLA) and the Classified School Employees Association (CSEA) Contract Reopeners for 25-25 Approved ITEMS FROM CLOSED SESSION President Esmeralda Ortiz reported that no actions were taken in closed session.
Wednesday, May 21 2025
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BoardBrief May 5, 2025
REGULAR SESSION RECORDING MAY 5, 2025 ROLL CALL Trustees present for the special study session: Cornes, Katz, Levich, Ortiz, Vonnegut. Trustees present for the closed session: Cornes, Katz, Levich, Ortiz, Vonnegut. Trustees present for the open session: Cornes, Katz, Levich, Ortiz, Vonnegut; Bouteille (Student); Absent: Naga (Student) STUDY SESSION RECORDING SPECIAL STUDY SESSION Review of MVLA Courses Meeting California’s World History, Culture, and Geography Requirement Full presentation (materials) The Board held a study session to review the district’s high school courses that currently fulfill the California World History, Culture, and Geography graduation requirement. Staff presented a comparison of course content across World Studies, AP World History, AP European History, and AP Human Geography, highlighting alignment to state standards and areas of partial or full coverage. Teachers representing each course helped to provide additional context and answer Board questions. The session help the Board in determining whether each course should continue to satisfy the state requirement or if adjustments are needed. 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. Nadine Sheridan Freestyle Academy - Student of the Year Award Full Comments Board Presentation Nadine Sheridan has been an enthusiastic learner and enjoyed all the animation projects. I can easily see she always puts a lot of effort into the projects. She always brings a positive vibe and bright attitude with a smile in the class. She cooperates consistently with the teachers and other students, also very kind and helpful to everyone in the classroom. This student was a team leader for the Junior, Senior Narrative animations, both animation projects were very successful and set an example of excellence in leading the animation group projects. Nadine actively participates in Freestyle community projects and is always respectful of other students in the Freestyle community activities. Nadine loves birds. I always enjoy and am happy to find the bird design or bird animation on her Freestyle projects. Congratulations for the Student of the Year 2025; this student totally deserves the great title! - Tommy Cho, Freestyle Academy Animation Teacher Congratulations Nadine! Ash Dillon Freestyle Academy - Achievement Award Full Comments Board Recognition "Over the past two years in my English class, Ash Dillon has grown from a somewhat reserved student into one of the most confident and engaged voices in the room. In our regular discussions about art, current events, and literature, she consistently contributes insightful perspectives and speaks her mind with clarity and conviction. Her ability to reflect deeply on her learning and engage meaningfully in all aspects of our class has made her stand out, earning “Exceptional” assessments on reading and discussion assignments during the recent Worldbuilding Project. For this project, students read Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler as the core text, and Ash brought our conversations to life by asking thoughtful questions, referencing the text specifically, and offering a wide range of interpretations of its figurative elements. She even chose to read the sequel, Parable of the Talents, on her own. Now, she is bringing the same passion and curiosity to our study of Kurt Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse-Five. It has been a joy to work with a student so committed to developing her thinking. Ash’s growth has been both steady and remarkable, setting an example for her peers through her dedication and enthusiasm. She truly embodies what we hope all MVLA students will become: a lifelong learner. " - Jason Greco, Freestyle Academy English Teacher Congratulations Ash! RECOGNITIONS & RESOLUTIONS Resolution Number 24/25-44: Recognizing Classified School Employees' Week. May 18-24, 2025, has been designated as Classified School Employees Week by the California School Employees Association and the State legislature. The theme this year is “Trusted, Inclusive, United”. Resolution Number 24/25-45: Recognition of Teacher Appreciation Day May 7, 2025 has been designated as California's 42nd Annual Day of the Teacher. The second Wednesday in May is designated in Education Code 37222 to recognize teachers in our state. The theme this year is “We Are the Ones We've Been Waiting For”. MVLA Special Spotlight: Todd Wangsness, MVLA Teacher of the Year 2024-2025 Board Presentation The Board and Superintendent recognized Todd Wangsness, Social Studies teacher at Los Altos High School, as the MVLA Special Spotlight recipient for his achievements as the District Teacher of the Year for 2024-2025. STUDENT BOARD MEMBER REPORTS Mountain View High School As we move into our last full month of school, all of our students and staff are excited for the final stretch. The beginning of May is always characterized by AP testing, and this month is no different. Both the gym and the library have been converted into testing centers, with tests going on at all hours. At the end of AP testing, Juniors and Seniors can look forward to Prom 2025, which will be hosted at California’s Great America. Students will have the opportunity to go on different rides while the park is still open to the public and have the entire park to themselves during after-hours. This week is also Staff Appreciation Week, and we’re working hard to show our gratitude for all of the staff who make MVHS the school that it is. ASB worked last week to create posters to put on teachers’ doors to ensure that every teacher was shown our immense gratitude for them and their work. (Written by Christophe Bouteille, Student Board Rep, MVHS; edited.) Los Altos High School Student board member was not present. PUBLIC COMMENTS NOT ON THE AGENDA You may view the public comments here. PRESENTATIONS & INFORMATION Los Altos High School Mural Project Board Presentation The visual arts department at Los Altos High School is working on a school mural to make art more visible on campus and showcase the program. Art Department Coordinator, Jessica Hayes and students will update the Board on the project. The following students are presenting: Noa Amit - 9th grade, Allysa Wong - 9th grade, Fiona Shi - 9th grade, and Tyra Bogan - 12th grade and Rolie Ojeda - 12th grade Freestyle Academy Program Update Board Presentation Freestyle Academy staff presented a comprehensive presentation on their program, recruitment and outlook for 2025. Master Scheduling Overview Presentation Board Presentation Staff presented an overview of the master scheduling process for MVLA's high schools. The presentation outlined the key steps, timelines, and guiding principles used to develop the master schedule. The overview also highlighted how the schedule is designed to support student access to core academic programs, electives, specialized programs, and support services. BUSINESS/ACTION ITEMS Adult School Calendar for 2025-2026 Approved Board Policy 5131.8 Mobile Communication Devices - First Reading This is the first reading of the Mobile Communication Devices Board Policy 5131.8. Policy 5131.8 is a new policy that reflects AB 3216 which requires the Governing Board to, by July 1, 2026, develop, adopt, and update every five years a policy to limit or prohibit student use of smartphones while at a school site or under the supervision and control of district employee(s). The policy provides guidance on the district’s approach to regulating the use of smartphones and other mobile communication devices. ITEMS FROM CLOSED SESSION President Esmeralda Ortiz reported that no actions were taken in closed session.
Tuesday, May 06 2025
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MVLA Families and Staff Invited to Participate - 202...
Superintendent Eric Volta cordially invites interested members of the MVLA parent/family community and staff to participate in the MVLA Family Partnership Council (FPC). Established in 2022, this collaborative council brings together board members, district and site administrators, parents/families, teachers and staff to discuss district progress and initiatives. The purpose of the FPC is to provide an opportunity for parents/families and district staff to: build capacity for staff and family engagement in student learning listen and learn from one another in a spirit of open-mindedness and respect, examine issues from multiple perspectives and engage in collaborative discussions on issues impacting student learning, co-create an ongoing feedback loop within the community of stakeholders, work together to promote equity for all students in the district, develop stronger connections, continuity, and communication throughout the community establish a consistent process for parental engagement in district-wide initiatives with the explicit intent of improving learning outcomes for all students in the district. You can learn more about previous meetings and view materials here . The FPC meets once a month during the school year in the evenings. Due to the progressive nature of the council we ask that members attend as consistently as possible. All participants serve at the pleasure of the superintendent. Please email Michelle.Bissonnette@mvla.net by June 1, 2025 if you have any questions or are interested in being part of the FPC next school year. MVLA Family/Community Members Andi Barnett Peter Chen Amal Khan Andrea Klein Lacy Haritha Naga Sang Peruri Jessica Speiser Jacqui Tanner Alex Levich Catherine Vonnegut Kristine Bardman Archana Upadhyay Azucena Castanon Jane Chen Marilu Cuesta Rigo Farias Chris Hondl Ariana Menhenett Paula Perez Dulce Perez Lori Sevcik Mara Starkey Tara Williamson Cindy Zinn MVLA Staff Members Sarah Alvarado Leyla Benson Michelle Bissonnette William Blair Dave Campbell Darren Dressen Teri Faught Alba Garza Kip Glazer Caitlin Hannon Taica Hsu Jennifer Lewis Neena Mand Mike Mathiesen Kim Rogers Tracey Runeare Amber Woodward Suzanne Woolfolk Eric Volta
Thursday, May 01 2025
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April 2025 Family Partnership Council Meeting Recap
APRIL 2025 RECAP MVHS Principal's Tech Internship Program Presentation The Family Partnership Council was fortunate to hear from MVHS students Jaeden Pietrofeso (12) and Claire Schwarzhoff (11) who are part of the inaugural team of students on the Principal's Tech Internship Program at MVHS. These students along with others have, together with Principal Dr. Kip Glazer , built a student-led internship program that supports student technology needs and brings policy making experience to the students involved. For more information you can view their presentation slides here . MVLA Student Health and Wellness Presentation The council was also fortunate to spend the second part of the meeting listening and learning more about the California Health Kids Survey , which is administered yearly in October. District Wellness Coordinator, William Blair provided insights on key areas of improvement based on student feedback. All students across the district take the survey, and the trends are worth celebrating as we see considerable reasons to be encouraged by our students' health and wellness as they self-report. Slides can be viewed here . The council also provided feedback on some key areas of focus for the MVLA Local Area Control Plan as part of the annual update. All meeting agendas and materials can be found here. 2024-2025 MEETING INFORMATION October 9, 2024 Alta Vista High School - Multipurpose Room November 13, 2024 Los Altos High School - Student Union February 12, 2025 Mountain View High School - Dining Commons March 12, 2025 Mountain View High School - Dining Commons April 16, 2025 Alta Vista High School
Thursday, Apr 17 2025
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Information to Assist Families During VTA Transporta...
Dear MVLA Families, We recognize that the ongoing VTA public transportation strike is presenting challenges for students who rely on public transit to get to school. While this situation is beyond the control of MVLAHSD, we want to assure you that we are committed to supporting affected students during this time. To assist students impacted by the strike: Teachers will excuse tardies, related to transportation delays. Students will have the opportunity to make up any missed work due to transportation challenges. Families are encouraged to explore carpooling options to assist those in need of transportation. The Mountain View Community Shuttle may be a helpful alternative for some students. The District is currently assessing the impact of the VTA strike. If your child is experiencing transportation challenges getting to or from school due to the strike, please let us know by filling out this information form. We appreciate your patience and the community’s support as we navigate this situation together.
Wednesday, Mar 19 2025
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BoardBrief March 3, 2025
RECORDED SESSION MARCH 3, 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; Bouteille (Student), Naga (Student) BOARD MEMBER REPORTS Trustee Cornes reported that the last meeting of the City of MV's Active Transportation Committee included a review of proposed biking, walking, rolling and intersections maps creating a complete network for active transportation including safe routes to schools. She shared opportunities for students and the public to participate on the committee. The AACI is hosting a competition for student submissions in digital and visual arts or essays on Growing Up in America. Trustee Levich attended the Family Partnership Council meeting in February, which provided another opportunity for public input on the Trustee Area Maps as well and an interactive experience with MVLA's Instructional Support Team that led a workshop on the district's instructional model called Constructing Meaning. Trustee Vonnegut attended the Challenge Team meeting and shared that MVHS' Peer Tutoring program* was presented. She also attended the Family Partnership Council. She, President Ortiz, and Superintendent Volta attended a meeting with two Los Altos City Council members to discuss parking near LAHS. (Editorial note: It was the MVHS Principal's Tech Internship Team that presented at the February Challenge Team Meeting). STUDENT BOARD MEMBER REPORTS Los Altos High School After a well-deserved break, LAHS dived right back in! ASB held the beloved annual Valentine's Day Faire in the gym at lunch. This gave clubs the perfect opportunity to fundraise, raise awareness and build community. Sustainability was a focus this year - LAHS’s Green Team and their parent volunteers helped eliminate waste through implementing designated recycling bins. Winter sports wrapped up just before break, with memorable senior nights and the winter athletes awards night, which is happening now, to finish off the season. Spring sports are officially underway! Softball is kicking off the season strong with a tournament this past weekend, while the MVLA Gymnastics team has been hard at work, conditioning for the past month. On campus, changes are happening as well. With the cafeteria undergoing a remodel, the lunch line has temporarily moved from inside to the area between the cafeteria and tutorial center. This week, each class has its monthly class council meeting, where they will be planning for the upcoming Clash of the Classes week in April. This week is Writers' Week, meaning English classes are visited by journalists and authors to talk about their career. Notably, this Thursday evening, the esteemed author, Dave Eggers, will be on campus to talk about his work and career. There are a variety of events for the community to participate in as well. (Written by Arathi Naga, Student Board Rep, LAHS; edited.) Mountain View High School Coming back from break, all of MVHS is enjoying the good weather and ready to finish the rest of the year. One highlight before break was Valentine’s Day, with the entire campus being full of song. The MVHS choir has been working tirelessly, preparing many different songs to serenade the students at MVHS. Classes would be stopped so that singing Valentines could be delivered to the students, with every single card being accompanied by a new song. Starting the month of March, MVHS students have a lot to look forward to. At the end of the month, ASB will host their Spartans Madness. Sixteen different teams of five composed of different groups from all across campus will compete in 5v5 basketball for two weeks. Another highlight of March is the Life Skills Saint Patrick’s Dance that they host every year. Different student groups are invited, as well as Life Skills students from schools across the Bay. Having gone every year, it’s always a fun time and brings the student body together. Sports have been taking the spotlight these past couple weeks, with both of our Boys' Soccer making it to CCS semifinals, and Boys' Basketball to CCS playoffs. (Written by Christophe Bouteille, Student Board Rep, MVHS; edited.) SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT l Presentation l Superintendent Volta shared district updates that included CCS Girl's Soccer accomplishments, an MVLA Golden State Pathways grant award for CTE in the amount of $1.9m, the Family Partnership Council February meeting, the MVLA Student Advisory Council February meeting, and other highlights from the past few weeks. District Calendar: ● Friday, March 21, 2025, Recess Day MVLA Board of Trustees Meetings: ● 7:00 p.m., Monday, March 17, 2025 - Regular Board Meeting ● 3:00 p.m., Friday, March 28, 2025 - Board Workshop ● 9:00 a.m., Saturday, March 29, 2025 - Board Workshop ● 7:00 p.m., Monday, April 21, 2025 - Regular Board Meeting ● 7:00 p.m., Monday, May 5, 2025 Regular Board Meeting Parent Speaker Series: How to Find the Right College Tuesday, April 1, 2025 | 7 PM Mountain View High School Spartan Theatre Hear from professionals involved in recruiting, applications, and admissions on how to find the right college and where to look for great programs that will hopefully lesson the stress of applying. Moderated by Laura Duran, Counselor, LAHS College and Career Center. Los Altos High School Principal Dr. Tracey Runeare shared highlights including: Celebrating Black History Month on campus with free food and the Electric Slide The Annual Frosh Poetry Slam celebrating poetry created in frosh Survey classes (pictured) LUCHA Parent Dinner with staff Taiwanese Student Delegation Visit during February to collaborate on mitigating Social Media Anxiety. Mountain View High School's Principal Dr. Kip Glazer shared highlights including: Lenaea Theater Festival (so many awards!) Dance Spectrum Trip to New York Choir Trip to Puerto Rico University The Principal's Tech Internship presentation on Artificial Intelligence at Challenge Team (pictured) Nor Cal Boys Soccer League Champions Annual Singing Valentine's Alta Vista High School Principal Suzanne Woolfolk's highlights included: Celebrating AVHS' Model Continuation High School award from the California Department of Education Understanding Imimgration Enforcement and community building with the Mountain View Police Department Chief Canfield and School Resource Officers (pictured) Mentor Tutor Connection's field trip with students to Filoli Gardens Adult School Director Julie Vo shared highlights which included: Student success profiles for graduates of Adult School programs (pictured above). Kiwanis partnership scholarship program RECOGNITIONS & RESOLUTIONS BOARD RESOLUTIONS Resolution No. 24/25-23: National Women's History Month Approved Resolution No. 24/25-34, acknowledging seven certifications required to submit modernization and new construction funding applications to the Office of Public School Construction. Approved 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. Anne Rehwald, MVLA Adult School Anne is an excellent example of someone who faced challenges, achieved her goals and set her next goals even higher. She left Germany and came to the US in 2012. She could read and write in English but spoke no English. Anne had been a surgical nurse in Germany and medical terminology was needed in order to development her skills in English to work in the US. After taking several classes with the Adult School to develop her medical technology language skills, she successfully achieved her NCCT Certified Assistant certificate in 2024. She is currently working with the Board of Nursing to pass their language and communication tests. She is grateful to the MVLA for the team of tutors, instructors, and the externship that gave her work preparedness to reach her goals. (Full write-up linked in name above.) Edgar Ortega Flores, AVHS Alta Vista High School is proud to honor Edgar Ortega Flores as our March Student of the Year. Alta Vista presents one exemplary student for the entire 2024-25 school year before our MVLA board of representatives. Edgar joined Alta Vista in the fall of his junior year and truly began a transformative journey. Edgar began to take himself seriously as a learner, and to even be selected for incentive field trips for excellent attendance. Towards the end of 11th grade, Edgar began to plan for his future beyond high school, setting his sights on career training through our MVLA collaboration with SVCTE. After graduating, Edgar wants to continue working to save money, either in his current job, or possibly in HVAC through professional connections he made this year. He has also already applied to Foothill, De Anza Colleges & SJ City College. We are all proud of you, Edgar, and we will collectively continue to support you in your senior year as you continue to pursue your college and career dreams! (Full write-up linked with name above.) PRESENTATIONS & INFORMATION MVLA Adult School Annual Report 2023-2024 The MVLA Adult School Leadership Team presented the annual report for the 2023-2024 school year. The focus of the presentation was an overview of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Goals, progress made towards those goals in each academic core program, program highlights, student success stories, and looking ahead. BUSINESS/ACTION ITEMS 2025/2026 Academic Calendar Approved Board Policy: 6146.1 High School Graduation Requirements - First Reading Information Only Change Order #2A - Between Mountain View Los Altos High School District and Beals Martin and Associates, Inc. to Provide Services Related to the Los Altos High School Cafeteria Modernization Project. Approved Award Bids and Approve Project Budget of $4,900,000 for the LAHS Music Building Project: Approved Bid Package A – General Trades: Plant Construction - $1,012,541 Bid Package D – Electrical & Low Voltage Trades: Cupertino Electric - $690,822 Bid Package F - HVAC Trades: OC McDonald - $413,169 Bid Package I – Roofing Trades: Best Contracting Services - $438,385 2025 California School Boards Association (CSBA) Delegate Assembly Nominations Approved ITEMS FROM CLOSED SESSION President Esmeralda Ortiz reported that actions were taken in closed session. The board also voted 5-0 to approve a Compromise Agreement with a parent of a student to resolve potential or threatened claims against the district in exchange for the cost of $34,290.59 for the funding of an alternative program from July 2024 through January 2025 and $2000 in attorney fees.
Tuesday, Mar 04 2025