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  • PVSD Newsletter June 4, 2025: Summer Safety, LCAP Up...

    Portola Valley School District Newsletter Have a Great Summer! June 4, 2025 Dear PVSD Families, As we close the final chapter of the 2024 - 2025 school year, I want to express my deepest gratitude for your continued partnership, trust, and support. This year has been filled with meaningful learning, personal growth, and shared celebrations—none of which would have been possible without the strength and care of our community. Thank you for the countless ways you support our schools, whether through volunteering, cheering on our students, engaging in conversations, or simply showing up each day with care and encouragement. Your involvement helps make our district a truly special place. I hope your summer days are filled with rest, laughter, and time with loved ones. We look forward to welcoming everyone back on August 20th, refreshed and ready for another exciting year of learning together. With heartfelt appreciation and warm wishes for a joyful summer, Warm Regards, Roberta   News from Nurse Abbe: How To Keep Your Kids Safe This Summer School is almost out for summer. Kids are ready to spend their days swimming in the pool, riding bikes, and attending camp. But with more activity, heat, and downtime also comes serious safety concerns. There are more injuries in the U.S. during the summer months than any other season. Every age group, from toddlers to teens, poses different risks and challenges. However, research shows more than 60 percent of all summer-related injuries occur in children ages 2 to 11. The most common hazards are falls, drowning, pedestrian and bike accidents, and motor vehicle-related injuries. As the sunshine approaches, talk to your kids about how they can be cautious and still have fun. Together, you can make the most of summer vacation by following these important safety tips: Protect kids' skin Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate Maintain healthy eating habits Beware of hot cars Ride safely Practice water safety Ward off bugs that tend to bite Safely enjoy fireworks Prevent playground mishaps Don't overdo it on the outdoors Read more   Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) Updates The Portola Valley School District has released its draft 2025–26 Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP), which outlines the District’s strategic goals and actions to support high-quality instruction, student wellness, and strong community engagement. PVSD's LCAP Goals for 2025-26: Goal 1: Academic Achievement & Instruction Every PVSD student will benefit from high-quality, standards-aligned instruction designed to ensure equitable academic outcomes. The district is committed to fostering students’ character, creativity, and critical thinking through rich, hands-on learning opportunities. These include integrated experiences in technology, innovation, design, the visual and performing arts (VAPA), and physical education. Goal 2: Wellness, Communication & Safety PVSD will continue to promote a safe, inclusive, and respectful learning environment. The district values the engagement and satisfaction of students, staff, families, and community members as key to student well-being and success. Highlights from the Draft LCAP Key academic priorities include the continued implementation of new English Language Arts and Science curricula, targeted supports for students with disabilities and multilingual learners, and enhanced STEAM learning and VAPA opportunities. The District also reported high student achievement on state assessments, particularly in English Language Arts and Math, with over 80% of students meeting or exceeding standards. To foster student wellness and safety, the District continues to invest in facilities improvements, social-emotional learning, mental health supports, and positive behavior systems. Chronic absenteeism has significantly declined, and both student and parent surveys reflect high satisfaction with school climate and academic outcomes. In the 2025 End-of-Year Parent Survey, 96% of parents reported satisfaction with their child’s academic achievement, and 94% felt their child was engaged in school. Among students, 97% said they believe their school provides a good education, and 94% described it as a safe and caring community.  Get Involved To learn more about the LCAP, please visit the PVSD website. Community members are encouraged to attend the board meeting on June 5 for the draft presentation and the June 17 board meeting for final approval of the 2025-26 LCAP. Please reach out to Minoo Shah, Director of Educational Services (mshah@pvsd.net) with any questions regarding the LCAP.    Screen-Free Activities for Kids and Teens to Enjoy Over the Summer Add fun and learning to your family's routine with these easy activities that don't require screens. Looking to refresh your family's summer routine? Everyone might be using their devices more over the summer, but you can balance that with screen-free activities that keep your kids engaged and learning. Try these ideas to inspire them to get creative and have lots of fun. The activities below are grouped by age, but many of them are great for kids of all ages. Explore them all and see which ones your family enjoys the most! Read more.   June 5 Board Meeting Invitation and May 15 Meeting Summary You're invited to the upcoming PVSD Governing Board meeting on June 5, 2025 at 5:00 pm! The Board will hear presentations, discuss, and /or discuss: Corte Madera Year in Review Reading Difficulties Risk Screener Instructional Continuity Plan Summer Facilities Projects 25-26 Preliminary Student Enrollment Public Hearing for 25-26 Local Control Accountability Plan and Budget Meeting Location: District Office Annex (on Corte Madera campus) 4575 Alpine Road, Portola Valley Google Meet Info: Video call link: https://meet.google.com/rym-eydq-ypb Or dial: ‪(US) +1 385-350-2010‬ PIN: ‪725 251 602‬# Read the full May 15, 2025 Board Meeting Summary here.

    Wednesday, Jun 04 2025

  • PVSD Newsletter May 11, 2025: End-of-Year Survey, Me...

    Portola Valley School District Newsletter May 11, 2025 Hello Portola Valley School District community,  May is a special month to celebrate and honor the incredible people who support our students each and every day. We want to recognize our wonderful teachers, dedicated staff, and inspiring principals who make our schools great places to learn and grow. Thank you for everything you do—your hard work, care, and commitment truly make a difference for our students! May is also Mental Health Awareness Month. We take this time to remind everyone of the importance of caring for our mental well-being and supporting one another. Please take a few minutes to complete our annual end-of-year survey. We thoughtfully review all feedback and make necessary adjustments to enhance your child's educational experience. Happy Mother's Day to all of our amazing school moms—thank you for your love, support, and dedication! Sincerely,  Roberta Zarea Superintendent   Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) Survey Your feedback is important to us! Please take time (approximately 10 minutes) to complete our 2024-2025 End-of-Year Survey. This annual survey is a long-standing tradition. The information gathered provides valuable insights that directly influence district goals, resources, and programs, including our Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP). We thoughtfully review all feedback and make necessary adjustments to enhance your child's educational experience. The survey link will be open until 5:00 PM on Monday, May 12, 2025. Parent/Guardian Survey 2025 Link Thank you in advance for your time and participation!   Mental Health Resources During Mental Health Awareness Month, we shine a spotlight on children's mental health. Early experiences shape mental well-being for life, so we work to create supportive environments at home, in our schools, and throughout our community. We promote open conversations, reduce stigma, and ensure access to mental health resources to empower children to grow into emotionally resilient adults. General Resources for Parents: Mental Health Foundation SAMHSA Family Guide Local Resources: Star Vista Counseling services Kara Grief Support   PowerSchool Cybersecurity Incident Update (credit monitoring has been extended) This is an important update related to the cybersecurity incident PowerSchool experienced in December 2024. PowerSchool has been made aware that a threat actor has reached out to multiple school district customers in another attempt to extort them using data that matches the data previously stolen during the December 2024 incident. Here is a link to the information we shared previously about the December incident. PowerSchool does not believe this is a new incident. Please be assured that both PowerSchool and Portola Valley School District are taking this situation very seriously. PowerSchool has informed us they are working with cybersecurity experts to thoroughly assess this development and have reported it to law enforcement. As a reminder, PowerSchool offered and made widely available credit monitoring and identity protection services for a period of two years to students and staff of the Portola Valley School District (enroll by July 31, 2025): https://www.powerschool.com/security/sis-incident/notice-of-united-states-data-breach/ As was reported earlier this year, PowerSchool made the decision to pay a ransom because they believed it to be in the best interest of their customers and the students and communities they serve. As is always the case with these situations, there was a risk that the bad actors would not delete the data they stole, despite assurances and evidence that were provided to PowerSchool. We wanted to share this update with you immediately. We remain committed to working closely with PowerSchool and law enforcement and will continue to provide information to you as soon as it becomes available to us.   California's New Mathematics Framework: A Guide for Parents On July 12, 2023, the California State Board of Education adopted the 2023 Mathematics Framework, marking a significant step toward enhancing math education across the state. This comprehensive guide aims to provide equitable, engaging, and relevant mathematics instruction for all students, preparing them for college, careers, and real-world problem-solving. 2023 CA Math Framework Highlights: Standards: The Math Subject Matter Common Core State standards remain the same; they have not changed. Real-World Applications: By integrating real-life contexts and data science, the framework makes math more applicable and engaging for students. Critical Thinking: Students are encouraged to develop a deep understanding of mathematical concepts, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills.  Equity and Access: The framework emphasizes inclusive teaching practices, ensuring that all students, regardless of background, have access to high-quality math education. Resources for Parents & Guardians: The California Department of Education offers a variety of resources, including informational fliers and grade-level guides, available in multiple languages. California Department of Education Instructional Materials Timeline: The State Board of Education (SBE) is scheduled to release its list of adopted (recommended) Math curriculums in November, 2025. This process involves reviewing and approving textbooks and programs that align with the new framework. California Department of Education Our Commitment: PVSD is dedicated to effectively implementing the new Mathematics Framework. We are working closely with the San Mateo County Office of Education (SMCOE) to gain a deeper understanding of the Framework and its instructional shifts. Together, we will thoughtfully explore publisher materials—once available—and reflect on our own current practices. We will identify high-quality programs to pilot from SBE’s list and ultimately adopt the ones best suited for PVSD students. We are committed to supporting educators and families throughout this process to ensure all students thrive in mathematics. A brief overview of PVSD’s engagement with the California Math Framework will be presented at the upcoming Board of Trustees meeting on May 15, 2025. All community members are welcome to attend.   Monthly Menus  Every day, the District provides a complimentary breakfast and lunch for all students. Families do not need to pre-order meals –  their students simply come through the lines to select and enjoy a meal. Monthly menus are posted on the links below.  Ormondale School Corte Madera School For questions on the child nutrition program, families can email Connie Ngo at cngo@pvsd.net.   Digital Safety Looking for information on supporting children in this fast-paced digital age? Many relevant and important resources can be found at Common Sense Media. An interesting article to check out focuses on how adults can help children with managing device notifications. This concrete step can promote more positive engagement with devices and less distractions. Read Ditch the Distractions: Supporting Kids and Teens with Phone Notifications here.   May 15 Board Meeting Summary The Board will discuss: Declaration of Gratitude to all Certificated Teachers and Staff Ormondale Year in Review 2024-2025 CA Mathematics Framework Summer School Update Public Hearing and Naming of Corte Madera School Athletic Field The Meet links for the May 15, 2025 Board Meeting are:   Video call link: https://meet.google.com/biv-swen-vmg Or dial: ‪(US) +1 628-888-1454‬ PIN: ‪285 164 265‬# Read the full April 24, 2025 Board Meeting summary (including links to presentations) here.

    Monday, May 12 2025

  • PVSD Newsletter March 20, 2025: Multi Tiered Systems...

    Portola Valley School District Newsletter March 20, 2025 Dear PVSD Families, Happy Spring! As the days grow longer and our campuses buzz with energy, we are excited about the wonderful learning and growth happening in our schools. From hands-on projects to engaging community events, our students are thriving! This season also brings important milestones, including our continued work with the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) to ensure that every child receives the academic, social, and emotional support they need to succeed. We are proud of our teachers, staff, and students for their dedication and resilience. Thank you for your ongoing partnership in making PVSD a vibrant and supportive learning community. Wishing you all a season filled with joy, discovery, and new beginnings! Warmly, Roberta Zarea, PVSD Superintendent   Multi - Tiered Systems of Support The Portola Valley School District (PVSD) presented an update on its Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) during a recent board meeting. MTSS is a framework (not a program) that ensures all students receive academic, social, and behavioral support tailored to their needs. What is MTSS? A structured system for supporting all students. Focuses on proactive interventions rather than reactive solutions. Uses data-driven decision-making to track student progress. Three Levels of Support: Tier 1 (Universal): Support for all students, such as best instructional practices, small group learning, and school-wide social-emotional programs. Tier 2 (Targeted Interventions): Additional support for students needing extra help, including pull-out programs and small group interventions. Tier 3 (Intensive Support): Personalized interventions for students with significant needs, including Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and 504 plans. Academic & Social-Emotional Support Academics: Hands-on learning, project-based education, and specialized instruction. Social-Emotional Wellbeing: School counselors, behavior assessments, and social-emotional learning (SEL) instruction. The district uses the NWEA MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) Growth Assessment to monitor student progress. Partnership with WestEd PVSD is working with WestEd to refine MTSS implementation, focusing on: Using SEL screeners to identify student needs. Standardizing intervention meetings for consistency. How PVSD is Supporting Students Regular intervention meetings (Kid Talks, Student Success Team (SST) meetings, and Building Intervention Team (BIT) meetings) help assess and address student needs. Ongoing data analysis ensures interventions are effective and continuously improved. Why MTSS Matters Teachers, specialists, and administrators emphasize that MTSS helps identify struggling students early, provide targeted support, and ensure all students receive the resources they need to succeed. Next Steps Continue data analysis and improve intervention strategies. Implement the SEL screener to track student emotional well-being. Strengthen communication and collaboration among teachers, specialists, and families. The district encourages parent involvement and open communication to ensure that every child receives the support they need to thrive academically and emotionally. If you have any questions or want to learn more about how MTSS supports your child, please reach out to your school administrators.   Bay Area Health Officials Urge Measles Vaccination and Awareness as Cases Rise Nationally Redwood City — With the recent rise of measles cases nationally, San Mateo County joins Bay Area health officials in urging everyone to get the measles vaccination if they are not sure if they got it or if they did not have measles as a child, and to be aware of the signs and symptoms of measles after travel or exposure.   Measles is a highly contagious virus that can cause serious illness and death, and the safe and highly effective measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine offers the best protection against the virus. Protect yourself by making sure each member of your family who is 12 months to 3 years old is vaccinated with one dose of MMR vaccine, and each person who is age 4 or older has gotten two doses of MMR vaccine. Click here to read more.   Breakfast & Lunch Reminders Every day, the District provides a complimentary breakfast and lunch for all students. Families do not need to pre-order meals –  their students simply come through the lines to select and enjoy a meal. Monthly menus are posted on the links below:  Ormondale School Corte Madera School For questions on the child nutrition program, families can email Connie Ngo at cngo@pvsd.net.   ​March 27 Governing Board Meeting Invitation You're invited to the upcoming PVSD Governing Board meeting on March 27, 2025, at 5:00 PM! The Board will hear updates and discuss the following: Ormondale 2nd Grade Student Showcase TK-8 Instructional Policies Board Governance First & Second Reading of Board Policies Meeting materials can be found here. The meeting will be held at the PVSD District Office Annex at 4575 Alpine on the CMS campus. Google Meet link: https://meet.google.com/kuu-wcrx-mmj Or dial: ‪(US) +1 252-421-3218‬ PIN: ‪728 062 840‬# March 6, 2025 Board Meeting Summary The Board discussed many topics, including: Multi-Tiered Systems of Support Update Universal Meals Update Second Interim Budget Update Report First Reading of Board Policies Read the full March 6, 2025 Board Meeting summary (including links to presentations) here.

    Thursday, Mar 20 2025

  • PVSD Newsletter | February 27, 2025 - Fencing & Gate...

    ​ ​ Portola Valley School District Newsletter February 27, 2025 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Hello PVSD Families, At the February 6 Board meeting, we presented the proposed safety fencing and gates project at both schools to the Board of Trustees. The project is based on expert consultations and best safety practices. We emphasized four key priorities: Safety First: Ensuring the safety and security of students and staff every day. Fiscal Responsibility: Funding for the fencing project has been proactively set aside. Community Access: School fields and playgrounds will remain accessible outside of school hours. Transparency: Maintaining open communication and clear decision-making processes. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ The fencing project is part of broader security enhancements, including security cameras, window blinds, improved lighting, and visitor access controls. The Board, acknowledging community concerns, opened the floor for public comments, which reflected a range of opinions. Ultimately, the Board reaffirmed its commitment to safety by approving contracts for the safety fencing and gates with construction slated for summer 2025. Here is a link to the presentation. Thank you for staying engaged and informed as we continue to prioritize the well-being of our school community. Best Regards, Roberta ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Health Updates from Nurse Abbe ​ This month I am happy to share “Tips for the Fastidious, Fussy, Persnickety, Selective, Finicky Eater” which provides some tips for dealing with a picky eater. -Nurse Abbe Here are some tips for parents to navigate this common challenge: 1. Patience is Key 2. Make Food Fun 3. Offer Variety Without Pressure 4. Lead by Example 5. Sneaky Nutrition 6. Set a Relaxed Tone 7. Stick to a Routine 8. Avoid Food Battles 9. Seek Professional Advice Remember: Every child is different, and some may be naturally more selective than others. Be patient, persistent, and focus on creating positive mealtime experiences. Read the entire article here. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Breakfast & Lunch Menus ​ Every day, the District provides a complimentary breakfast and lunch for all students. Families do not need to pre-order meals – their students simply come through the lines to select and enjoy a meal. Monthly menus are posted on the links below. Ormondale School Corte Madera School For questions on the child nutrition program, families can email Connie Ngo at cngo@pvsd.net. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Five Privacy Tips You Shouldn't Ignore ​ Whether you're a parent interested in protecting your family's personal and financial information, or if you're an educator who wants to keep students' data secure, here are five simple tips from Common Sense Media to keep your data safe on- and offline. 1. Don't ignore requests to update passwords. 2. Require online accounts to verify your identity. 3. Enable automatic software updates for any device that accesses the internet. 4. Routinely review privacy settings and app permissions. 5. Empower kids to understand the basics of cybersecurity. Read the full article here.  ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ PVSD Governing Board Meeting Invitation ​ You're invited to the upcoming PVSD Governing Board meeting on March 6, 2025 at 5:00 pm! The Board will hear updates and discuss the following: Multi-Tiered Systems of Support Update Universal Meals Update Second Interim Budget Update Report First Reading of Board Policies Meeting materials can be found here. The meeting will be held at the PVSD District Office Annex at 4575 Alpine on the CMS campus. The meeting links for the March 6, 2025 Board meeting are: Video call link: https://meet.google.com/yka-gywe-hbh Or dial: ‪(US) +1 636-324-2782‬ PIN: ‪185 044 933‬# ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ February 2025 Board Meeting Summary ​ Read the full February 6, 2025 Board Meeting summary here. The Board discussed many topics, including: Overview of K-8 Visual and Performing Arts Program Update Midyear Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) Update 2024-2025 Comprehensive School Safety Plans Safety Fencing & Gates and ADA Ramp Concrete Contractors (Board approved) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

    Thursday, Feb 27 2025

  • PVSD Newsletter | January 30, 2025 - Children's Dent...

    ​ ​ Portola Valley School District Newsletter January 30, 2025 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Dear PVSD Community,    Thank you for your continued trust as we navigate recent challenges. The safety and well-being of our students has always been our top priority, and we aim to provide a warm, safe environment where students can focus on learning, connect with classmates, and feel supported by our teachers and staff, regardless of immigration status.  As federal immigration policy continues to evolve, please know that PVSD leaders are monitoring it closely and working with local officials and legal experts to stay informed. If you have concerns about your child or family, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s principal or counselor. We will continue to provide updates to ensure your student and family continue to thrive at PVSD.  ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ On another front, we are working closely with PowerSchool to ensure your and your child’s personal information remains secure. For the latest updates, please refer to our FAQ page on our website and the recent message on ParentSquare.    Finally, you are probably aware that the PVSD Board of Trustees has been discussing enhancements to campus safety and security over the last several years. Fencing and gates, when combined with other security measures, strengthens the overall security infrastructure. A comprehensive approach is necessary to ensure safety, with perimeter fencing and gates being one part of a broader security strategy. The purpose of safety perimeter fencing around schools is to provide an additional layer of security to delay potential intruders and give time for a response. By increasing the delay of a successful attack and triggering an alarm during an incident, the fencing helps intercept intruders closer to the point of alarm. Perimeter fencing and gates is also intended to control access points, funneling visitors through the main office for proper check-ins, and securing gates once the school day begins. While fencing is not a foolproof solution on its own, it serves as a deterrent and provides valuable time in the event of a security threat. The Board of Trustees will be taking action on staff’s recommendation for safety perimeter fencing and gates at the February 6 regular meeting. Sincerely,  Roberta Zarea  Superintendent ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ News from Nurse Abbe: Children's Dental Health Month ​ February is a month to focus on our dental health. I hope you find this of interest and helpful to your family. I am looking forward to my classroom visits in February to TK and Kindergarten to talk about dental health. -Nurse Abbe   February is Children’s Dental Health Month Tooth decay is the most common childhood disease and is entirely preventable, yet 60% of children are affected. Every dollar spent on prevention can save $8 to $50 on restorative and emergency procedures. Tooth decay is five times more common than asthma. 57 million school hours are missed due to oral disease. For more information, please click here. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 2025-2026 Enrollment Intention ​ In order to help the District plan for next school year’s enrollment, we ask that each family complete this enrollment intention form for each currently-enrolled child in grades TK-7th grade (as well as for students who will be age-eligible for PVSD enrollment in 2025-2026) by February 12, 2025, at 5 pm.  Thank you in advance for taking the time to share this important information with us! ​ ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Visual and Performing Arts Updates ​ Portola Valley School District provides a wide array of experiences for our TK-8th grade students, including outstanding access to the visual and performing arts (VAPA). Music, art, and theatre are woven into the very fabric of our students’ daily experience at both Ormondale and Corte Madera. Children of all ages engage in numerous standards-based lessons, activities, and classes that promote learning and development in the arts and music. Whether it be singing along in music class in 1st grade, playing the drums in 5th grade band, creating a digital arts portfolio in 7th grade, or showcasing talent during concerts, PVSD challenges students to take risks and be creative! ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ We are deeply proud of the work of all the staff and the students who make the arts happen at PVSD and are grateful for the support of the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) and Portola Valley School Foundation for ongoing contributions to the arts! The Board of Trustees will hear an update about the District's VAPA program at their regular meeting on February 6. ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) Updates ​ As a California public school district, Portola Valley School District writes and submits to the state a Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP). The LCAP outlines PVSD's educational goals, along with the specific metrics and actions used to track progress towards achieving them. It also details how PVSD will allocate and utilize its budget to support the district's strategic objectives. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Here are PVSD’s LCAP goals: Goal 1: Academic Achievement / Instruction All Portola Valley School District students will experience high-quality, robust, standards- aligned core instruction that ensures equitable outcomes for each and every student. Students will have opportunities to nurture their character, ingenuity, creativity, and critical thinking skills through hands-on learning experiences focusing on technology, innovation, design, visual and. performing arts (VAPA), and physical engagement. Goal 2: Wellness, Communication & Safety PVSD will provide a safe, healthy and respectful learning environment to maintain involvement and satisfaction of students, staff, parents and community members. On February 6, 2025, a Mid-Year LCAP report will be shared with the Board of Trustees. All community members are welcome to come and hear more information about the implementation of the LCAP and our progress towards meeting our goals.  ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Food Service Updates ​ Every day, the District provides a complimentary breakfast and lunch for all students. Families do not need to pre-order meals – students simply come through the lines to select and enjoy a meal. Monthly menus are posted on the links below.    Ormondale School Corte Madera School For questions on the child nutrition program, families can email Connie Ngo at cngo@pvsd.net. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ TK/Kindergarten Registration for 2025-2026 School Year ​ Please visit the District website for detailed information about the registration process including all the documentation needed to complete registration. In order to be eligible to attend Kindergarten in the 2025-2026 school year, children must be five years of age on or before September 1, 2025. To be eligible for Transitional Kindergarten, children must be four years of age on or before September 1, 2025.  ​ ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ PVSD Governing Board Meeting Invitation ​ You're invited to the upcoming PVSD Governing Board meeting on February 6, 2025 at 5:00 pm! The Board will hear updates and discuss the following: Visual and Performing Arts Update Midyear LCAP Approve Comprehensive School Safety Plans Facilities Update - Action on Safety Perimeter Fencing & Gates Governors’ Budget Update New Updated Board Policies Meeting materials can be found here. The meeting will be held at the PVSD District Office Annex at 4575 Alpine on the CMS campus. The meeting links for the February 6, 2025 Board meeting are: Video call link: https://meet.google.com/veq-vujz-oos Or dial: ‪(US) +1 585-432-0778‬ PIN: ‪440 236 699‬# ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ January 2024 Board Meeting Summary ​ Read the full January 16, 2025 Board Meeting summary here. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

    Thursday, Jan 30 2025

  • PVSD Newsletter | January 9, 2025 - School Board Rec...

    ​ ​ Portola Valley School District Newsletter January 9, 2025 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Happy New Year! ​ As we welcome the New Year, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude for your continued support and partnership. Together, we've made great strides in ensuring that every student receives the best possible education. I’m excited for all the opportunities and growth that lie ahead in 2025. Wishing you and your family a year filled with happiness, health, and success. Please take a moment to read the articles in this newsletter to learn about our school board, student wellness, our Spanish language program, and more! Warm Regards, Roberta Zarea ​ ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Honoring School Board Members: A Tribute for School Board Appreciation Month ​ School boards are made up of elected community members who guide public schools by setting policies, overseeing budgets, and hiring superintendents. They play a key role in shaping the education students receive, from approving curricula to making funding decisions, all with the goal of meeting the needs of every student. These decisions have a lasting impact on students, families, teachers, and the wider community. School board members are essential to the success of public education, and their dedication deserves our appreciation. Let’s take a moment to thank them for their service to our schools and communities. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Q & A: Why do you serve on the PVSD School Board? ​ Aimee Armsby: I serve on the school board because I love this community and believe that strong public education is essential to a healthy and thriving democracy. My family has benefitted so much from the excellent Portola Valley schools and I want to do my part to ensure that every PV student develops a love of learning and a sense of belonging.  Bob Bauer: I am passionate about ensuring that public education meets the needs of each and every child—from the most privileged to those with special needs— with PVSD curricula that nurtures curiosity and love of learning. It is a privilege to collaborate in developing policies aligned with the “Portola Valley Way” that educate the “whole child,” fostering critical thinking and respectful dialogue among students. Janeen Poutre: I want to understand and engage with the issues that impact our children's education. Being part of the discussions and decisions that shape their learning experience is important to me. I deeply value this community and all it offers, and I see this as a meaningful way to contribute and give back. Kimberley Morris Rosen: I originally joined the school board in March 2019. I sincerely believe that a strong and caring education makes a world of difference for each and every child that attends our schools. I love our community and our school district and I cannot think of a better way to spend my time than supporting our local schools through my work on the Board. The position is intellectually interesting and meaningful. I feel so fortunate that my four children get to attend PVSD and that I am able to contribute to the District's continued success.  Amod Setlur: PVSD has been a huge part of our family for the last decade with both our boys attending the district. With a student-first approach, the district works closely with the parents to provide the best education for its diverse body of students. I want to do my best in partnering with the fellow board members, superintendent, and community ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Student Wellness ​ PVSD staff believes that nurturing the health and wellness of the whole child is essential for academic and social-emotional success. One of the key goals in our Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) directly addresses this value: PVSD will provide a safe, healthy and respectful learning environment to maintain involvement and satisfaction of students, staff, parents and community members. In order to meet this goal we allocate resources and take action to prioritize several important initiatives to support student growth: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ We integrate Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) skills like self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making into all grade levels. We provide explicit instruction and support for essential skills such as organization, project completion, and time management. We educate students about responsible online behavior, academic integrity when online, and student safety and security. We continue to implement Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) strategies to create a positive and supportive school climate. We provide on-site mental health support at each school, ensuring access to counselors. We provide parents with information about valuable community resources for student health and wellness, such as after-school programs, mental health clinics, and community organizations. We offer options for physical engagement through after-school arts and sports. Furthermore, Students have opportunities to develop leadership skills through various committees, student showcases, and service projects. Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) ensures that all students receive the support they need to succeed academically and socially-emotionally. This includes universal screening to identify students who may require additional support and providing targeted interventions at various levels. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ PVSD is grateful for the ongoing effort and commitment from our School Counselors, School Psychologist, and all the teachers and staff that make this work happen. We also recognize and appreciate our on-going collaboration with the Sequoia Healthcare District. Through their generous grant allocation process we have been able to further strengthen our MTSS initiatives. And finally, a big shout out is in order to the parents and families that partner with us in our commitment to student health and wellness! ​ ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Curriculum Highlight: PVSD’s World Language Program ​ PVSD promotes students’ development as curious, engaged global citizens. One key way that we do this is through our World Language Program. The Kindergarten through 8th Grade Spanish Program sparks students' enthusiasm for learning foreign languages. It also provides a foundation to facilitate and accelerate future academic study of Spanish and it seeks to broaden students’ cultural awareness of our multicultural world. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ In an effort to maintain up-to-date, high-quality instructional practices aligned with the California Department of Education’s World Language Standards, PVSD's Spanish teachers recently wrapped up a six month review and analysis of Spanish Language curriculum options. They explored over ten different programs and considered components such as student engagement, curriculum organization, standard-based lessons, and diverse representation of people and cultures. They ultimately determined that Calico (for K-5) and Avancemos! (for 6-8) were the two programs that they recommend PVSD use moving forward.  A summary of the Spanish Curriculum review process will be shared with the Board of Trustees at the next meeting on January 16, 2025. Please tune in and attend if you’d like more information! ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Breakfast & Lunch Menus ​ Every day, the District provides a complimentary breakfast and lunch for all students. Families do not need to pre-order meals – students can simply come through the lines to select and enjoy a meal. Monthly menus are posted on the links below:  Ormondale School Corte Madera School For questions about the child nutrition program, families can email Connie Ngo at cngo@pvsd.net. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ TK/Kindergarten Registration for 2025 - 2026 School Year ​ Registration for the 2025-2026 school year will begin on Friday, January 17. Please visit the district website for detailed information about the registration process including all the documentation needed to complete registration. There will be an orientation for incoming Kindergarten parents on Tuesday, January 14 at 9:00 a.m. at Ormondale School. An orientation for incoming Transitional Kindergarten parents will be held on Thursday, January 16 at 9:00 a.m at Ormondale. In order to be eligible to attend Kindergarten in the 2025-2026 school year, children must be five years of age on or before September 1, 2025. To be eligible for Transitional Kindergarten children must be four years of age on or before September 1, 2025. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ PVSD Governing Board Meeting Invitation ​ You're invited to the upcoming PVSD Governing Board meeting on January 16, 2025 at 5:00 pm! Regular Board Meeting Topics: K-8 Spanish Program Update Student Wellness Update  Approve the 2023-2024 Audit Report  Other Post-Employment Benefits Presentation Meeting materials can be found here. The meeting will be held at the PVSD District Office Annex at 4575 Alpine on the CMS campus. The Meet link for the January 16, 2025 Board Meeting is: https://meet.google.com/mdx-gfjv-thh   Or dial: ‪(US) +1 319-343-8803‬ PIN: ‪431 218 539‬# ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ December 2024 Board Meeting Summary ​ Read the December 19, 2024 Board Meeting Summary here. Citizens' Bond Committee Report Citizens' Parcel Tax Committee Report First Interim Budget Report Facilities Inspection Tool (FIT) Report and Facilities Maintenance Update Payment for Retirement/Non-Return Early Notification for PVTA Amended Declaration of Need for Fully Qualified Teachers First Reading Board Policies ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

    Thursday, Jan 09 2025

  • PVSD Newsletter | Nov 7, 2024 - Campus Security, PVS...

    ​ ​ Portola Valley School District Newsletter November 7, 2024 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ A Message from Superintendent Roberta Zarea about Campus Security ​ Dear PVSD Families, On November 6, the Governing Board held a Campus Security study session, which covered several key areas regarding school security enhancements: Guidepost Solutions Security Assessment: A summary of the Jan 2024 security assessment was presented, highlighting existing conditions, findings, and staff input on security needs. Recommendations addressed issues like signage, doors, locks, lighting, and additional security measures. Security Enhancements Progress: Progress has been made in several areas, including the installation of security cameras and improvements to doors, locks, and lighting. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Fencing & Gates: Fencing and gates are planned at both schools as an added layer of campus security. The design will control campus access by channeling visitors through the main office. The project has involved steps such as board approval for architectural planning, submission to the Division of State Architect, and anticipated final approval by late 2024. Construction is set to begin in Summer 2025, pending board approval in March 2025. Budget: A total of $2.5 million has been allocated for security improvements. The Deferred Maintenance Fund will cover future enhancements, including fencing and access control systems. Future Security Projects: Planned initiatives include research into improved access control for front office doors, a visitor management system, panic buttons, and enhanced staff communication tools. Community Engagement: To address potential concerns and gather community input, the district will engage parents and local residents through various channels, including newsletters, social media, meetings, and FAQs on the school website. This engagement is scheduled from January to March 2025, emphasizing transparency and safety as priorities. This presentation underlined the district’s commitment to security while balancing community input and collaboration. Please let me know if you have any questions. Warm Regards, Roberta ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Portola Valley Schools Foundation ​ On November 22, the Portola Valley Schools Foundation (PVSF) will wrap up its 2024 Annual Campaign! Thanks to the PVSF, we can hire the best teaching talent and offer electives like music, art, and PE in state-of-the-art facilities. Your contributions enable us to maintain a teacher-to-student ratio of only 13:1 (70% lower than the statewide average!) and have dedicated staff for mental health and social emotional learning. All students benefit from small class sizes, excellent staff, and electives, so I hope you will join me in donating! You can find more information and donate here. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ PVSD Students Shine on CAASPP ​ We’re proud to share that PVSD students continued to excel on the 2024 California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) tests. Key Highlights: English Language Arts: 85% of our students (3rd through 8th grade) met or exceeded state standards. Mathematics: 83% of our students (3rd through 8th grade) met or exceeded state standards. Science: 79% of 5th and 8th-grade students met or exceeded state standards. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ These strong results are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students, teachers, families, and staff. We’re committed to providing a high-quality education that prepares our students for success. While the CAASPP results offer valuable insights into student achievement, they are just one piece of the puzzle. To get a more comprehensive view of school and district performance and data, please look out for the California School Dashboard, which will be released on December 1, 2024. This Dashboard provides a more holistic picture of school performance, including factors like attendance, graduation rates, and college and career readiness. The Board of Trustees will hear a report on the CAASPP results at the November 14, 2024 meeting. All community members are welcome to attend. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 2025-2026 Academic Calendar ​ This draft calendar will be presented at the November 14 Board meeting for a final review and Board approval. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Parcel Tax Oversight Committee ​ Would you like to become even more active in the PVSD? We have a great opportunity and immediate need for up to 3 parents & community members! Please consider participating as a member of the Citizens’ Parcel Tax Oversight Committee! The charge of this committee is to ensure that the District is spending voter-approved parcel tax (Measure S) funds as per the ballot measure. The Committee meets annually to review the financials and present its opinion to the District’s Governing Board. Time commitment is about 3 hours per year. If interested, please email Connie Ngo at cngo@pvsd.net. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Updates from Child Nutrition Services ​ Every day, the District provides a complimentary breakfast and lunch for all students. Families do not need to pre-order meals –  their students simply come through the lines to select and enjoy a meal. Monthly menus are posted on the links below: Ormondale School Corte Madera School For questions on the child nutrition program, families can email Connie Ngo at cngo@pvsd.net. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Ten Tips for Healthy Kids (News from Nurse Abbe) ​ Most parents have the same important goal: we want to have happy and healthy children. Yet, doing so can feel overwhelming. The good news is that you’re not alone. Here are 10 tips for raising a healthier, happier child. 1. Encourage healthy eating Remember, what we get out of our kids depends on what we put into our kids. They need the right balance of vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, protein and fat. Think colorful plates full of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Limit sugar (especially sugary drinks like juice and soda), and go for low-fat dairy products. Portion out foods so they understand quality and quantity matter. Set a good example with healthy eating habits and get them involved in the kitchen. A positive, lifelong relationship with food begins in childhood. 2. Prioritize sleep Kids are growing quickly, so both their brains and bodies need a lot of sleep. If they get even 30 to 60 minutes less sleep than recommended, kids can struggle with basic tasks and mood. So, what’s that magic number per day? It depends on their age: Infants: 12-15 hours Toddlers: 11-14 hours Preschoolers: 10-13 hours School-age (6-13 years old): 9-11 hours Teens (14-17 years old): 8-10 hours For most young children, this means a bedtime between 7-8 p.m. is best. Work on a sleep routine and try to stick with it. You’ll have a happier household if everyone is rested. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 3. They’ve got to move it, move it! Kids need at least 45- 60 minutes of exercise a day. Come up with a plan together about how to reach this one-hour daily goal of physical activity. Take walks or bike rides, go swimming and sign them up for sports or dance activities. Maybe you can run around the yard or local playground with them. “Getting their energy out” actually has many benefits to both physical and mental health. This can include lower disease risk, higher life expectancy and improved self-confidence. 4. Set limits with screen time Screens are part of childhood, whether it’s TVs, smartphones or tablets. Just don’t let them be too large a part. Too much screen time can hurt children’s brains by affecting the way they think and function. Screens can harm your child’s ability to focus, concentrate and communicate, which can set them up for failure. To limit time spent on screens, create a family media plan with time limits and rules. 5. Read to your children There is no easier, quicker way to promote lifelong learning and listening in our kids than reading. Reading builds children’s vocabularies, strengthens attention, and sparks curiosity. It can improve their memories and motivate them to learn new facts about their interests. Even older children benefit from hearing adults read to them. ​ ​ ​ ​ 6. Fill your home with words Reading is just the beginning of creating a home full of language. By the time your kid is off to kindergarten, they should have a vocabulary of over 10,000 words. Where can they learn all these words and what they mean? By hearing those words at home! The more parents talk to their children, the faster their vocabularies grow, and the higher their IQ test scores are at age 3 and later. You can expand their vocabulary by explaining daily tasks. Talk about activities, identify objects and help them build connections. 7. Make memories Children want to have fun and make memories. The heart of any meaningful experience is feeling connected. By giving your child full attention, you can make even the simplest activities feel like adventures.  Get out in nature to climb trees and jump in puddles. Even going to the grocery store can be a lesson in foods, colors and textures. If you have the means, take trips to learn about how other people live. You can also make simple crafts, play board games and experiment in the kitchen. Or maybe welcome friends at home and snuggle before bed. Be together and be social. This can help your child learn to love life. 8. Get involved in the things that matter Empathy is a skill that can be taught. Think about how you and your family can get involved in your community. Teach kids the importance of not only doing things for themselves but for others too. Take them out to enjoy nature or go camping. It’s easy to forget to enjoy time in nature, but it plays an important part in understanding our world, and it’s great for mental health. Also, encourage your kids to learn a hobby like art or music. Dance or martial arts can also teach them discipline and about being mindful. ​ ​ ​ ​ 9. Make space for emotions We spend so much time focusing on our kids’ school work and activities, we sometimes forget their emotions. Kids must name and understand their feelings to make good choices and have positive experiences. Emotional intelligence plays a role in our relationships, health and quality of life. We can create a safe place for kids to express feelings with active listening. Start by naming your child’s emotions with reassurance when they’re responding to a situation. Help them acknowledge their feelings and brainstorm ways to feel better. Try opening up about some of your daily challenges so kids can see how you successfully manage emotions. 10. Model what matters Kids are always paying attention. They notice your behaviors, listen to your words and model your choices. As a parent, it’s important to speak respectfully to and about people. You can also model good social skills. Talk to your kids about their day. When you do so, practice active listening so they learn how to do the same! Other ideas include helping someone who’s having a bad day. Take pride in your appearance and care for your things. Work hard and challenge yourself to do better. Create boundaries and achieve balance. Speak clearly and always shoot for a positive attitude. As parents, we still make mistakes, but we can promise to learn from them. Finally, don’t get too caught up in the “happiness trap” of raising kids. Sadness, frustration and disappointment are part of life. Never letting kids fail can actually stunt their growth. When they’re wrong, take time to explain why. Set them up for healthy choices and pay attention to them every single day. ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ PVSD Governing Board Meeting Updates ​ You're invited to the upcoming governing board meeting on November 14, 2024, from 5:00 - 8:00 PM! November 14 topics: Special Education & Student Services Update CAASPP Student Performance Results Approve Payment for Early Retirement/Non-Return Notification Approve 2025 - 2026 Academic Calendar Approve 2024 - 2025 Unrepresented Salary Schedules Board Policies Full agenda posted here. The Google Meet links for the November 14, 2024 Board meeting are: Video call link: https://meet.google.com/wpv-zrzq-xgy Or dial: ‪(US) +1 224-307-6987‬ PIN: ‪131 809 091‬# ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ October 17 Board Meeting Summary ​ Read the October 17 Board Meeting Summary here. New Instructional Materials Rollout (English Language Arts) Emergency Preparedness & Safety Update 2025 - 2026 Academic Calendar ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

    Friday, Nov 08 2024

  • Please Read: Summary of Wildfire Preparedness Presen...

    PVSD's Wildfire Preparedness Presentation Dear PVSD Parents/Guardians, On Wed Oct 23, PVSD and WFPD co-presented critical information about the District's wildfire response plans to approximately 15 parents and community members.  Here is a link to the presentation and a link to the recording of the meeting. VERY IMPORTANT TO KNOW: 1.  Mandatory Evacuation/ Sheltering in Place (slide 11): Per WFPD, in the event of a wildfire, if an evacuation is not feasible due to fast-approaching danger, students and staff will "shelter in place". This means they will stay in designated safe areas at the school, such as the Multi-Use Rooms, which are designed to withstand heat and flames while WFPD deploys all resources to protect the MUR. Sheltering in place is used when moving off campus would pose a higher risk than remaining, particularly during rapidly advancing fires.  Ormondale and Corte Madera buildings are built with fire-resistant materials and have defensible spaces (areas cleared of vegetation to reduce fire risk). Emergency communication will be maintained with parents through ParentSquare, school websites, local radio, and other platforms.  Per law enforcement, it is highly likely that parents will not be allowed to enter the school if there is an evacuation order and students are sheltering in place. 2. Student Release in the event of unplanned controlled dismissal  (slide 13): Site specific instructions will be sent by the site principal In the event of early release, parents/guardians will be notified via ParentSquare Urgent Alert (ensure that information is PowerSchool is up-to-date) Person picking up student(s) must be listed on the Emergency Contact Form (ensure that information is PowerSchool is up-to-date) as someone authorized to pick student/s up, no exceptions  Parents/guardians may not pick up other students for whom they are not an Emergency Contact, no exceptions Valid Form of ID will be required to verify identity, no exceptions  Bring ample patience, understanding, and cooperation  3.  Communication and Situational Awareness  (slides 23-26): Emergency alerts are sent through ParentSquare, social media, and local radio, keeping parents informed of any immediate actions required. Please let me, or Principals Shima or Hovland know if you have any questions. Thank you for your partnership in keeping our students safe! Roberta

    Friday, Oct 25 2024

  • Reminder: Wildfire Preparedness Community Conversati...

    Monday, Oct 21 2024

  • CMS Panther Press 10/14/24

    Corte Madera School Panther Press Principal's Message: October is a certainly a month filled with many activities and events at CMS!  It is also National Bullying Prevention Month- and at CMS we will be focusing on Anti-Bullying strategies. During SEL with Mr. Patterson, students will be defining what a bully is and ways to prevent bullying and eliminate it on our campus. They will be examining three factors and ways to report.  Pattern- Does this keep repeating? Is this just a one time event?  Power- Is there an imbalance of power? Physical or Social?  Intent to Harm- Was this event an accident?  Communicating with your child and modeling respectful behavior in your daily life are also ways to help create a bully-free environment. Encourage your children to standup to bullying by telling others to stop or reporting it to an adult. Students can always report bullying behavior to an adult at school either directly, or by using our black anonymous box that is located in the front office. Mr. Patterson checks this box often.  For resources on anti-bullying strategies visit https://www.stopbullying.gov/ or  https://www.pacer.org/bullying/ Feel free to reach out to me or Mr. Patterson if you have any concerns. Our goal is to create and maintain a safe and positive school culture and climate for all of our students.  Go Panthers! Kristen Shima kshima@pvsd.net CMS News Spring Musical Announcement!! Our student musical selection committee has chosen  "Something Rotten Jr." as our spring musical! It's a hilarious romp through the Renaissance with lots of silliness, great music, and lots of fun roles both on and off stage. Thanks to the students for all of their input in helping to choose the show! Parents interested in learning more can attend an optional informational meeting this  Wednesday, October 16 at 5:00pm via Zoom .  Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87860376741?pwd=hofaKH5tx6YtXFLt5Sckr5GaMKUFbb.1 Meeting ID: 878 6037 6741 Passcode: 990449 If your child is interested in participating, please note: Actors performing in the show will be required to attend rehearsals on  Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 3:20-5:00pm , starting January 9, and should not have recurring conflicts on those days. They may not be called every day during rehearsals, but need to be available on those weekdays during those times. The Tech Crew will have their workdays on  Thursdays from 3:20-5:00pm. If your child would like to be part of the backstage crew or learn about stage management, that may also require some extra days as well closer to the performance or during rehearsals. Auditions, crew interviews, and sign-ups will be held in December. More information and forms will be coming out before the Thanksgiving break. Performances will be  April 1 and 2, 2025.   Want to be part of the team?  **We are looking for a  Parent Producer  to help with recruiting and coordinating volunteers and getting the information out to parents.  **We are looking for parents who can help with  Set Building projects that have some construction/building knowledge. Please contact Juliet Green if you are interested in helping in either capacity at jgreen@pvsd.net Webb Ranch Pumpkin Patch (PTO) - Tomorrow, Tuesday 10/15 4:00-6:00pm All PVSD students, staff, and their families are welcome to join the PTO for a special PVSD night at the Webb Ranch Pumpkin Patch, tomorrow, from 4-6pm! We will get our own private access from    4:00pm - 6:00pm    to all of the activities at the top of the hill, which include bounce houses, a corn maze, a haunted house, hayrides and more. Pumpkins will be available to purchase in the lower lot, and there will be a Taco Truck and   Mister Softee's Ice Cream Truck onsite for you to purchase dinner and dessert! Tickets are $20 per child (adults and children under 2yr are free).  You may purchase your advanced tickets at this CheddarUp   link     through today (Monday, 10/14).    After that, tickets will be available for purchase at the door. Kelly Yang:  Virtual Author Visit, Monday, October 21 at 8:30am Author Kelly Yang, of the popular books Front Desk, Finally Seen,  and now  Finally Heard,  will be speaking to all of our students next Monday during a virtual assembly. In honor of Digital Citizenship Month, she will be talking to our kids about the impacts of social media. She will present the science of social media and discuss how it impacts their brains- in a fun, entertaining, and kid friendly way!   Support the Ormondale Book Fair! The annual Ormondale Book Fair starts this Friday October 18 and ends on Friday, October 25.  The fair is open after school at Ormondale for fun events and family shopping.  This year they are using a new vendor,  Literati Book Fairs.  With Literati, there are many ways to shop.  Read on for dates and times that CMS students and families can visit the book fair over at Ormondale! Dates, Times and Events: Friday 10/18  POPCORN PREVIEW PARTY  open 2:45 to 4:30 pm Saturday 10/19  BAGELS & BOOKS  open 10:00 am to 12:00 pm Monday 10/21, Tuesday 10/22  FAMILY SHOPPING  open 2:45 to 4:30 pm Wednesday 10/23  FAMILY NIGHT  open 4:00 to 7:00 pm Thursday 10/24  FAMILY SHOPPING  open 2:45 to 4:30 pm Private School Recommendations: If your child is applying to a private school, please make sure to first alert Susan Outland in the front office so she can be aware. She is in charge of uploading transcripts, test scores, report cards etc. to the various schools, so it is important that she has accurate information. There is also a $25 processing fee (checks made out to PVSD), so please contact Susan at soutland@pvsd.net. If your child is in need of recommendations, please make sure your child emails the teacher(s) directly to make them aware, ask them formally if they will write a recommendation for them, and then send a Ravenna form. Please DO NOT push a Ravenna form to teachers/ admins/ counselor without having your child first write a personal email-  as this can sometimes be missed/ go into our Junk, and cause confusion.  If your child needs an Admin/ Counselor recommendation for high school, please have your child contact Todd Patterson or Kristen Shima with this request and we will start our process.  If your child is applying to a private school from another grade level, the Admin recommendation will come from Roberta Zarea, our superintendent. Please contact her directly at rzarea@pvsd.net to set up a meeting first and she will then start her process of completing these requests.  All teachers/ admin/ counselor recommendation requests need to be submitted to us by Friday, December 6, 2024 so we have time to complete and process.  Upcoming Events Monday, October 14-  Friday, October 18 : Gram Sales: Student Council will be selling Halloween Grams (candy bags, stuffies, splat balls etc.) at  lunch. All proceeds go towards Student Activities.  Tuesday, October 15:  Webb Ranch PTO Fundraiser: 4-6pm Wednesday, October 16 : Photo Make-Up Day: (email Susan Outland at soutland@pvsd.net if your child needs to re-do their photo) Wednesday, October 16 : Super Staff Lunch sponsored by the PTO Wednesday, October 16: CMS Musical Info Meeting (Virtual): 5pm Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87860376741?pwd=hofaKH5tx6YtXFLt5Sckr5GaMKUFbb.1 Meeting ID: 878 6037 6741 Passcode: 990449 Thursday, October 17 : Great Shake Out: Drop,Cover and Hold On: 10:24am Friday, October 18 : CMS Halloween/ Masquerade Dance: 7-9pm in the CMS MUR. This is for 6/7/8 grade CMS students only. Wear your costume or Black and Orange. Cost to enter is $10. Friday, October 18- Friday, October 25: Book Fair at Ormondale Monday, October 21: 8:30am: Virtual Author Visit- Kelly Yang- for all CMS Students Wednesday, October 23 : 8:45am: Principal Coffee Chat: Virtual: High School Information  meet.google.com/fst-sbqx-vqw Thursday, October 24:  4/8 Buddy Activity: Candy Hunt at lunch Friday, October 25 : 8:00-8:30am Cocoa Breakfast for all students courtesy of the PTO Wednesday, October 30 : 8:30am: PTO Sponsored Assembly: Corey the Dribbler in the MUR for all students Wednesday, October 30 : Class Competition: Spooky Minute-To-Win-It Challenge during 7th period Thursday, October 31 : CMS Halloween Parade 12:15-12:40pm.  Friday, November 1: No School (Teacher Professional Development) CMS Athletics Last week, I sent out sign up information for our Winter Sports Season: CMS Basketball and CMS 7/8 Co-ed Soccer.  If you have any questions about CMS Winter Athletic sign-ups, please contact our Athletic Directors: Dan Flahavan at dflahavan@pvsd.net (for boys basketball and co-ed soccer) , or Kate Cox at kcox@pvsd.net (for girls basketball).  Our fall sports are wrapping up their seasons and they have been doing great! Football has games today, Volleyball and Cross Country have games/ meet tomorrow! Here are some shots from Boys Football last week! Go CMS Panthers- so proud of our student-athletes! Around Campus 4th Grade had their Walk Through California presentation last week! This is always a highlight for the kids- they have such a great time role playing and learning about California history through this interactive presentation.  We had our second Bike, Walk, Scooter, E-Scooter, E-Bike, Carpool, Bus to school day! Students got donut holes for participating.  We are selling Halloween Grams this week at lunch! Candy bags, bat stuffies, brain splat balls, sticky hands, key chains and halloween jumpers. Prices range from $1.00- $4.00 and kids can buy grams for their friends, family, or themselves! All proceeds go towards CMS Student Activities.  Thank you to those that made it to  Bring Your Parent To Lunch Day last Friday! We had over 150 parents/ grandparents/siblings come to campus-  and it was a great turn out! If you missed this one, we will do it again in the spring! Thanks for eating and playing with your kids. They loved it! Parent Education Supporting Boys' Relationships and Healthy Development Judy Y. Chu, EdD, Educator, Author, Stanford Lecturer Wednesday, October 16, 2024, 5:30pm – 6:30pm PT, Virtual Event (Live) Register: https://judychu2024suhsd.eventbrite.com How can we support boys' healthy development? Drawing from her research with boys during early childhood and adolescence, Stanford lecturer Judy Chu, EdD , will provide insight into what boys are capable of knowing and doing in their relationships. Parents/caregivers, students, educators, health professionals, and community members welcome! Simultaneous Spanish interpretation will be available. Free admission. This presentation is sponsored by Sequoia Union High School District , Sequoia Healthcare District , Peninsula Health Care District, and The Parent Venture . Questions? Contact Charlene Margot, MEd, Co-Founder and CEO, The Parent Venture (The Parent Education Series) , at cmargot@parentventure.org .   Understanding Neurodiversity and Neurodivergence: Creating a More Empathetic, Accessible World Amanda Morin, Neurodiversity Consultant, Author, and Educator Thursday, October 17, 2024, 5:30pm – 6:30pm PT, Virtual Event (Live)   Register: https://amandamorin2024ndes.eventbrite.com   We kick off Season 2 of the Neurodiversity Education Series with Amanda Morin , author, educator, and neurodiversity expert. Amanda will provide parents and educators with practical information about neurodiversity and neurodivergence, to help students feel accepted and supported for who they are.   Parents/caregivers, educators, health professionals, and community members welcome! Simultaneous Spanish interpretation will be available. Free admission. The Neurodiversity Education Series is presented by The Parent Venture , Children's Health Council , Compass High School , REEL2e , and The RILEY Project , with major funding from the Sequoia Healthcare District. For more information, please visit www.neurodiversityspeakerseries.org , or contact Charlene Margot, MEd, Co-Founder and CEO, The Parent Venture, at cmargot@parentventure.org .

    Monday, Oct 14 2024