Principal’s Message:

Hello Dolphins,

Monday marked the start of National Hispanic Heritage Month. National Hispanic Heritage Month runs through October 15, 2025. One way we can observe this month is through ceremonies, activities, and programs that celebrate Hispanic heritage and recognize the impact Hispanic peoples have had on our Nation. 

At Castro, posters of famous Hispanic individuals are posted throughout the school with information on how individuals have been influential. This week, students are excitedly doing a scavenger hunt around the school to learn about the positive impacts that each has made for our nation and culture! 

On Tuesday September 23 and Friday September 26, we are asking for volunteers to come on to campus to support lunchtime activities in the Wellness Center. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Miguel Meza at [email protected].

While we support students in exploring different identities and cultural backgrounds at school, it is also important for students to develop a positive cultural identity at home. Below is an article from Project Cornerstone’s Asset of the Month program that provides some discussion topics you can utilize with your child. 

 

The Importance of Positive Cultural Identity

It is important for youth to feel that they belong. Positive identity brings self-assurance, a sense of belonging, a positive view of personal future, and better success in school. Developing a positive cultural identity—a critical element of personal identity—can be difficult for young people, especially when they may be bridging more than one culture. 

The way that youth are treated in regard to their ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or gender directly affects their ability to develop a positive personal identity. As adults, it’s critical that we model recognition, understanding, and celebrating all cultural identities, including the cultures to which we and/or our children do not belong.

Sharing and celebrating different cultural identities increases self-esteem and promotes cultural competence among all young people. The diversity of Silicon Valley is a benefit to our youth as they are exposed to many different cultures.

The following discussion topics* can help families talk about their cultural identity:

• What is our cultural background?

• What are some things that you value about our culture?

• What are some things about our culture that you would like other people to know?

• Do you know anyone who’s from a different culture? In what ways are your cultures similar and different? Do your cultural differences make it difficult to be friends? How can you share your cultural differences in a positive, nonjudgmental way?

 *Adapted from the Canadian Child Care Federation’s “Supporting Our Children’s Social Well-Being… It’s a Team Effort!” workshop

This article was provided courtesy of Project Cornerstone’s Asset-a-Month program. For more information, visit www.projectcornerstone.org. 

 

In Partnership, 

Principal Taylor

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Events Calendar

September

 

October

 

November

 

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In this Newsletter

School News:

Is your Student Too Sick for School? – Flyer 

Introducing the after school Arts Wheel!

Picture Day is coming Monday, September 22 

Showing Up Matters….for learning, for friendships, for success - Flyer

Mountain View Library Bookmobile - Sep. 23- Flyer

New TK/K afterschool sports program - Flyer

Reporting an Absence

 

Flyers:

2025 -2026 School Year Calendar - Here

September Menu Here

 

District News:

Non Discrimination Notice

The Board of Trustees will meet on Thursday, September 18 at 6 pm.

Suicide prevention 

MVWSD seeks parents & staff members for Health and Wellness Committee

Parenting in the Digital Era: Building Healthy Tech Habits

MVEF funds essential programs – Back-to-School is the perfect time to give!

Get Involved And Become an MVEF Ambassador!

Community Partners

Make a Difference in Your Community: Volunteer with Mentor Tutor Connection! - Flyer 

Family Health and Wellness Fair 

Upcoming Programs at Mountain View Public Library - ( Flyer Model UN) 

Learning Challenges events for Fall 2025   

 

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School News

 

Is your Student Too Sick for School? – Flyer 

As we enter the cold and flu season, it’s important to know when your student should stay home to rest and recover, as well as to prevent the spread of illness. Please take a moment to read the attached MVWSD’s Back to School Health Guidance flyer. It includes information on when your student should stay home, illness prevention tips and COVID guidelines. Knowing when to keep your student home helps keep our school community healthy and safe. Thank you for your cooperation!

 

Introducing the after school Arts Wheel!

What is it?

The Arts Wheel is a new, free, weekly after school class for our students in grades K-5. We will have multiple fun themes over the course of the year such as Crafts, Painting & Murals, and Digital Photography & Graphic Design. The classes will be taught by local teaching artists Shivika Nayyar, Eddie Ramirez, and Sophie Twitchell.

Why is it called a “Wheel”? 

Each after school class teacher will spend 8 weeks at a school before moving on to another school for the next “rotation”. This way, all participating schools will be able to experience the topic in which each teacher specializes. 

How frequent are the classes, and how long is each class? 

The once-per-week classes will be approximately 45 minutes long and take place over 8 weeks. For Rotation 1, our Arts Wheel teacher will be on campus daily.

Who is it for? 

**If your child is already participating in after school YMCA or Beyond the Bell, they will automatically participate in the Arts Wheel through their after school program - no need to register!**

If your child is not in YMCA or BTB, keep reading for registration details...

How do I register my child?

For students not in YMCA or BTB, registrations for Rotation 1 (Week of Oct 20- Week of Dec 15) will open on September 22 and end on October 5. Please note that registrations are not first-come, first-served - if there aren’t enough spots, we will conduct a lottery and students on the waitlist will have priority in the next Rotation.

Remember: if your child is already participating in after school YMCA or Beyond the Bell, they will automatically participate in the Arts Wheel through their after school program - no need to register!

Questions?

Please feel free to contact [email protected]

 

Picture Day is coming Monday, September 22 

You can place your online orders by following the instructions below.  

If you order before midnight on Picture Day to get FREE shipping! Order forms went home last week with your student. 

 

Mariano Castro Elementary School

Weblink: mylifetouch.com

Picture Day Date(s): Monday, September 22, 2025

Picture Day ID: EVT6R9HMK

Showing Up Matters….for learning, for friendships, for success - Flyer

Is your student chronically absent? Students who are “chronically absent” typically attend school fairly regularly, but miss a few days here and there. Both excused or unexcused absences count toward chronic absenteeism. This loss of time in school negatively affects the student’s learning.

 

Chronically absent students miss 10% of the time that school has been in session. An average of 2 days absent a month means a student is chronically absent.

 

The District is required to track this data and report it to the state. MVWSD contacts parents when students reach concerning absence levels, but if not remedied, the students and their families may be referred to the District’s Student Attendance Review Board. Please contact your school counselor, At Risk Intervention Supervisor or School Community Engagement Facilitator if you need support with your child’s attendance.

 

Mountain View Library Bookmobile - Sep. 23- Flyer

The Mountain View Public Library’s Bookmobile will be visiting Mariano Castro Wednesday September 23rd, and every three weeks (not including breaks) there after. Please see the attached flyer with the upcoming dates.

New TK/K afterschool sports program - Flyer

Our school, in partnership with Kassirer Sports,  is offering a new afterschool sports program for TK and Kinder students. Please see the attached flyer or www.kassirersports.com for more information and registration.

 

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

 

Non Discrimination Notice

MVWSD is committed to providing a safe, positive environment for all. In accordance with our annual distribution of District policies requirements, please click here for MVWSD's non-discrimination statements, responsibilities, policies, contacts and complaint procedures.

 

The Board of Trustees will meet on Thursday, September 18 at 6 pm. Open session will begin at 7 p.m.

 

Some of the topics include:

• Landels Pilot Child Nutrition Dishware

•  i-Ready Diagnostic 1 Report

• Contracts, Purchasing, and Checklist Review

• Assessed Value Growth and Budget Information

• MVW Residences Appointments
  
  

For meeting details and agenda, please click here: https://www.mvwsd.org/trustees.

 

Suicide prevention 

September is Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month. Know the warning signs of suicide risk in young people. 

Behavior changes can include:

• Talking about or making plans for suicide

• Expressing hopelessness about the future

• Displaying severe or overwhelming emotional pain or distress.

• Worrisome changes in behavior.

 

If you or someone you know is displaying these warning signs, help is available. Text, call, or chat 988 from anywhere at any time. Visit 988lifeline.org for more information.

Content provided by: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) 

MVWSD seeks parents & staff members for Health and Wellness Committee

Committee and task force members lend perspective and expertise to important district work that benefits our students. Please consider serving on the Health and Wellness Committee. Applications are due by September 30 and can be found here: http://mvw.sd/health.

Health and Wellness Committee Task: To align District efforts to support student wellness through health education, physical education and activity, health services, nutrition services, psychological and counseling services, and a safe and healthy school environment.

Interested applicants would have some experience, knowledge, or interest in the content as described above. We are seeking at least 1 parent and 1 certificated representative per school site and 1 community-based organization representative. The maximum capacity of the group is 15 participants.

Time commitment is four meetings this school year, one hour per meeting, and all meetings are virtual. Those who are interested in participating and would like to learn more, please join us for our first meeting to learn about our work firsthand. 

Tuesday, Sep 23, 2025; 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm Via Zoom

Meeting Link:  https://mvwsd.zoom.us/j/87804100042  

Meeting ID: 878 0410 0042

By Phone: (669) 444-9171

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2025-2026 Health and Wellness Committee Meeting Schedule

Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025; 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm

Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025; 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm

Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026; 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm

Tuesday, Mar. 24, 2026; 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm

 

Parenting in the Digital Era: Building Healthy Tech Habits

Date and Time: September 30, 5:30-7:00 p.m.     

Registration: http://mvw.sd/pu093025r

Did you know that experts estimate that the average American teen spends 7-8 hours each day on their screens? It’s no wonder that this is a critical parenting topic. Fear not: our friends at My Digital TAT2 are returning to Parent University! At this Speaker Series event, MDT2 will update us on the latest tech trends and discuss the key topics of media literacy, misinformation/ disinformation, and social media influencers. They will also address the burning question: “When is it ok to give my kid a cell phone?” You will be equipped with fresh knowledge and useful strategies to help your family maintain a healthy relationship with tech...and with one another. 

To submit questions prior to the event, go to mvw.sd/questions. We will do our best to address your questions during the session.

 

MVEF funds essential programs – Back-to-School is the perfect time to give!

Imagine school without art or music, without hands-on science in the garden, without middle school sports or clubs, and with larger English classes… 

MVEF donors make so much more possible. Extra English teachers in middle school keep class sizes manageable, CSMA art and music teachers spark creativity in elementary classrooms, and Living Classroom lessons bring science to life. And middle schoolers can discover sports, clubs, and performing arts—all because of MVEF funding.

Now is the time to become a donor—or renew your gift for this school year. The suggested donation for 2025–26 is $1,100 per student, but every amount makes a difference for our students. All gifts are tax-deductible, and many employers will match your donation to double that impact. Click here to give!

Get Involved And Become an MVEF Ambassador!
Are you passionate about education and community? Become an MVEF Ambassador! Ambassadors are volunteers who help raise awareness, support outreach, and strengthen the connection between our schools and MVEF. We are especially looking at the following schools: Monta Loma, Castro, Imai, Vargas, and Theuerkauf.

What Ambassadors Do:

• Share updates with your school community

• Represent MVEF at events

• Help with outreach and fundraising

• Provide valuable feedback

Who Can Join:
Parents, teachers, alumni, and community members — all are welcome!

 

Time Commitment:
Just 2–4 hours/month (flexible) + optional events

 

Perks:
Volunteer hours, MVEF swag, community connections, and more!

Interested? Contact us.

Let’s make a difference together!

 

MVEF Welcomes All Families to the 2025–26 School Year!

We hope you enjoyed BTS Nights at our elementary and middle schools. You likely heard from both your school’s PTA/PACT and MVEF leaders about the importance of family support.

Why give to both MVEF and PTA/PACT?
MVWSD is a community-funded district - most of our funding comes from local property taxes rather than the state. While this provides stability, it doesn’t cover all that our students need. That’s where family contributions make the difference.

 

PTA/PACT strengthens each individual school community with events, classroom support, and family engagement.

MVEF fills districtwide gaps by funding programs that benefit every student, at every school:

• CSMA Art & Music classes and performances TK-5

• Environmental Science: Living Classroom classes TK-7; 4th–5th grade field trips

• Two middle school ELA teachers (reducing class sizes by 25%+)

• Athletics, clubs, and instruments for grades 6–8

Together, MVEF and PTA/PACT ensure that every learner has access to a complete educational experience — in every classroom, every day.

Both organizations are 501(c)(3) nonprofits and rely on family donations (tax-deductible) and employer matches. Please consider supporting both:

• Donate to MVEF here!

• Find your PTA/PACT donation link here!

 

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From Our Community Partners

 

Make a Difference in Your Community: Volunteer with Mentor Tutor Connection! - Flyer 

Are you passionate about helping students succeed? Mentor Tutor Connection is seeking dedicated volunteers to mentor high school students or tutor K-8 students in math, writing, or reading at local public schools in Los Altos and Mountain View.

 

Why Volunteer with MTC?

• Make a Lasting Impact: Help underserved students reach their full potential, both academically and personally.

• Support Future Leaders: Mentoring high school students or tutoring younger students can help students navigate challenges and build confidence.

• Join a Community of Like-minded Volunteers: Connect with other compassionate individuals and gain a deeper sense of purpose by helping others.

Get Involved: Join us for a Volunteer Information Session on September 18th at 12 pm online. During this session, you’ll learn about our mentoring and tutoring programs, and have the chance to ask any questions you might have.

 

To register for our Volunteer Information Session or to learn more about MTC, please email [email protected] or visit mentortutorconnection.org.

 

Family Health and Wellness Fair 

Assemblymember Marc Berman invites you and your family to the Family Health and Wellness Fair. In partnership with San Jose Councilmember Rosemary Kamei and the Campbell Union School District, they’ll be giving out free groceries and snacks, school supplies and backpacks, diapers, flu shots and much more. 

Local healthcare professionals will be on-site to offer free health screenings for children and adults. Learn more here.

Saturday, September 20, 2025
1:00 – 3:30 PM
Castlemont Elementary School
3040 E. Payne Ave.
Campbell, CA 95008

RSVP here.

Upcoming Programs at Mountain View Public Library - ( Flyer Model UN) 

AMPLIFY: Model UN Workshop

This fun and engaging workshop introduces Model UN to students in grades 5-9. We will cover all the Model UN basics and build critical life skills, including public speaking, esearch, paper writing, and creative problem-solving. This is an interactive chance for students to learn more about global affairs, collaborate to create solutions on key issues, and practice public speaking in

learning environment.

 

Saturday, Sept. 20

2:00-4:00 p.m.

Grades 5-9

First Floor Program Room

Register here or with the QR code on the attached flyer.

 

Learning Challenges events for Fall 2025   

For local coverage of issues related to learning challenges and special education, please check out the Learning Challenges Committee. 

 

Calm Down Kit Making Sessions 

Volunteers will make Calm Down kits for classrooms throughout Mountain View and Los Altos and learn how to make their own for their home!  Wednesday August 27 11-1, Thursday September 26 (5-7 pm), Tuesday September 30 5-7 pm. For location, contact [email protected].

 

Learning Challenges Committee General Meeting

October 7, 7 pm in person (TBA) and Zoom hybrid

We will be finishing up the Wellness Wish List and will likely need a work session to finish up packing orders for delivery to classrooms! For more info, email [email protected].

 

Evening Let’s Talk Parent Support group

October 15, 7 pm  on Zoom.

IEP/504 support group. Have questions about the process to get help for your child? Have an IEP but are not sure how to make changes? Need to vent? This is your confidential group. Register here.

 

Missed past Parent Education events?

We have a YouTube channel with many of our past events including the recent talk on Assistive Technology, info on summer camps and recreational activities, Anxiety and Depression in Children with Learning Challenges, SMART Goals and IEP Troubleshooting, and more. Channel is here.