Principal’s Message:

Hello Dolphins,

Schools have traditionally served as a safe place for students and families in our communities. I know that many news reports and changes in policy have made many in our Castro community, specifically those who have immigrated to the US, uneasy and uncertain about sending their children to school. Please know that as the principal of Mariano Castro Elementary School, I will do whatever it takes to ensure that our school remains a safe place for all of our students. You are welcome, you are wanted, you add value to our community, and most importantly you are the community. 

At the Mountain View Whisman School District – and all schools– education is a right, no matter their or their parents' actual or perceived national origin, citizenship, or immigration status.

• Schools do not ask for or maintain data on Social Security numbers or citizenship status

• Student records/info cannot be shared without legal authorization (court order or judicial subpoena)

• Schools must provide equal access to education regardless of immigration status

Additionally, we have board policies that reinforce our commitment to the education of all families. The MVWSD School Board publicly supports families Board Resolutions: Resolutions in 2025 and in 2017.

Furthermore, please be assured that:

• Immigration officials are not allowed on school grounds without authorization.

  • They can visit the office only (designated public space)

  • Authorization means a signed judicial warrant or demonstrated exigent circumstances (hot pursuit of criminal)

• No requests yet for information or access to our campus by any immigration official

Below is a list of resources that you and your family can use:

• Immigration-Enforcement Actions at California Schools Guide for Students and Families

  • Fact Sheet English 

  • Fact Sheet Spanish

• Resources for families and children experiencing immigration-related stress

  • Social emotional resources for kids (parents)

• If they see ICE in the community, call:

  • Rapid Response Network - 408-290-1144.

  • Know Your Right ”yellow cards” are here.

  • Link to National Immigration Law Center (here)

• Make a family plan for childcare just in case

  • Template is here (Website is available in Spanish, Tagalog, Chinese, and Vietnamese)

I am an ally for you, please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have concerns or need support. 

A few reminders

Next, Wednesday, January 28 is the 100th day of school. Our students, staff, and parents will have engaged in 100 days of learning and growing our minds and skills. I feel honored to celebrate these first 100 days of the 2025-26 school year with our fabulous Dolphin community! As we work to finish the rest of the school year, I wanted to take some time to thank you for all your cooperation and partnership these first 100 days. 

 

I would also like to remind everyone that the end of the second trimester is fast approaching. Friday, February 13, 2026 marks the end of the second trimester for this school year! 

Just a gentle reminder that during that week we have 2 minimum days, Thursday is our normal minimum day with dismissal at 12:10 PM. Friday, February 13, 2026, the last day of the trimester, will also be a minimum day with a 12:10 PM dismissal.  

In Partnership, 

Principal Taylor

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Events Calendar

January 2026

 

February 2026

 

March 2026

 

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In this Newsletter

School News:

Additional Registration Help

A message from our STEAM Teacher Ms. Data

Open enrollment is open NOW!

For Fifth-Grade Families: Middle School Info Nights on Jan. 22

Mistral/Castro PG&E Work

Lost and Found

Reporting an Absence

 

Flyers:

2025 -2026 School Year Calendar - Here

2026-2027 School Year Calendar - Here

January Menu - Here

 

District News:

Complete your LCAP Survey Starting January 26!

Special Education Parent Advisory Committee

MVWSD Student Film Festival

Let’s Kick Off the New Year Strong by Supporting MVEF!

Community Partners:

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School News

Additional Registration Help

Our office will be offering additional support for families outside of the scheduled Help Nights. If you would like assistance completing your student’s registration survey, please call the school office at (650) 526-3590 to schedule an appointment.

Appointments are available on Thursday, January 21, and Thursday, January 29, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m..

A message from our STEAM Teacher Ms. Data

As of January 2026, Mariano Castro Elementary has collected and recycled 1,000 pounds of non-traditionally recyclable plastic. Our original goal was to reach this milestone by March 2026, and thanks to the incredible support of our teachers, families, community, and the Rotary Club of Los Altos, we achieved it ahead of schedule.

We are excited to add the awarded bench to our campus as a lasting way to commemorate this accomplishment.

Thank you all for your continued help and support!

   

Open enrollment is open NOW!

Bright futures start here! Mountain View Whisman School District student enrollment is officially open for fall 2026. 

For CURRENT students in transitional kindergarten-7th grade: Parents will be asked by email to confirm enrollment from January 20 to February 6.

For families enrolling NEW students: Submit your child’s information during the enrollment period held January 20 to February 6. 

Get in-person help with enrolling your student by joining us for one of our Registration Help Nights! Please bring all necessary documentation. Our staff will be available to answer questions, walk you through the process and ensure your student is fully registered.

Landels: January 21 @5-7 p.m.

Vargas: January 22 @ 5-7 p.m.

Castro: January 28 @ 5-7 p.m. and February 4 @ 5-7 p.m.

Theuerkauf: January 29 @ 5-7 p.m.

Graham: February 3 @ 5-7 p.m.

Note: The Jan. 29 preschool information meeting will be rescheduled. Please check mvw.sd/26meetings for updated information. To view recent school informational meetings: Bubb, Castro, Imai, Landels, Mistral, Monta Loma, Stevenson, Theuerkauf, Vargas, 

Please check www.mvwsd.org/register for how to locate your neighborhood school, how to explore school options and the four steps to register.

 

For Fifth-Grade Families: Middle School Info Nights on Jan. 22

Please join us for fun and informative events at Crittenden and Graham Middle Schools! These events are designed for you and your fifth-grader to learn what middle school life is all about. You’ll hear from our principals, learn about courses and programs, get tips for a successful transition to middle school, and have time to ask questions. Future sixth-grade students are encouraged to attend. 

 

Crittenden Middle School

Date: January 22, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. in-person in the Crittenden Auditorium

Remote option: http://mvw.sd/CRIT122

 

Graham Middle School

Date: January 22, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. in-person in the Graham MUR

Remote option: http://mvw.sd/GR0122

 

Mistral/Castro PG&E Work

PG&E Road Work Notice: Beginning January 26, PG&E will begin essential utility work on Escuela and Latham that is expected to continue over the next four months. 

During construction, one lane may be closed daily on Escuela after 8:15 a.m. through late afternoon. The areas of construction are in the block to the south and west of the 4-way stop intersection of Escuela and Latham (not in the block where the school is located). Construction will likely slow traffic, particularly after morning drop-off and during afternoon dismissal. 

MVWSD has worked with PG&E to minimize disruption as much as possible.

 According to PG&E:

• They will do their best to minimize impacts, but you may hear intermittent construction noise.

• Neighbors may hear a loud and steady noise and notice the smell of gas. This is normal while crews are working.

• Residential gas service should not be interrupted, but PG&E will contact neighbors if there are any changes.

• PG&E will post "No Parking" signs at least 24 hours before work begins

• Traffic flaggers will help to direct traffic

If you have questions about construction, please contact 925-412-8981 or email [email protected].

 

Lost and Found

The lost and found rack is full, please take a look to see if any items belong to your child. The last day to claim any items will be Friday, January 30th. Anything left after dismissal will be donated. 

 

Reporting an Absence

Please call the office at (650) 526-3590 or email [email protected] to report an absence or late arrival.  Provide the following information: date of absence, student’s name, grade and room number, reason for absence, name and relationship of the person reporting the absence.

 

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District News

Complete your LCAP Survey Starting January 26!

The District is updating the LCAP (Local Control Accountability Plan). Your responses to the survey will guide the update of our District plan for the 2026-27 school year.

 

Parents, please click on your unique survey link sent to your email on January 26. Your survey link is unique to your household, and only one parent/guardian can complete it. The survey closes on February 13.

 

Your responses are confidential. Students in grades 4-8 will also be taking the LCAP survey. More information found here: mvwsd.org/LCAP

 

Special Education Parent Advisory Committee

Please join the Special Education Parent Advisory Committee on January 27 from 8:30 am to 9:40 am. While our committee has designated members, we warmly invite all families of students with disabilities to attend if they wish. The meeting will be held both in person and virtually. In-person attendees may join us in Conference Room C at the District Office, 1400 Montecito Ave. We look forward to connecting with you! 

MVWSD Student Film Festival

K-8 students are invited to participate in the upcoming District Film Festival! The theme is Spotlight on Solutions: explore a problem and highlight a thoughtful solution that inspires change or brings hope. Films should be created on WeVideo, a video editing platform in Clever. Your child may be doing an in-class project, but they are also welcome to complete one at home. Films are due March 20th, check out this flyer for more info!

Let’s Kick Off the New Year Strong by Supporting MVEF!

Love seeing your children enjoy art, music, and hands-on science in our elementary schools—and smaller English class sizes, athletics, clubs, and other enriching opportunities in our middle schools? 

These programs are made possible by the power of our community’s support.

MVWSD is home to one of the most socio-economically diverse student populations in the Bay Area. Donations to MVEF ensure that all students benefit from these essential programs, regardless of their family’s financial circumstances.

 

As we begin the second half of the school year, we invite you to make a tax-deductible donation to help sustain and strengthen these programs. Gifts of any amount make a meaningful impact and help MVEF enrich education for every MVWSD student.

 

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From Our Community Partners