In this edition ...

• From the desk of Mr. Baier
• Board meeting review: New Superintendent, Special Ed, Multilingual Learner / English Learner Program, Reading Difficulty Risk Screener, National Arab American Heritage Month, and Staff Housing
• New principals for 2025-26
• Spring Break
• High Fives
  

From the desk of Mr. Baier

Dear Families,

I’m honored to officially step into the role of Superintendent of the Mountain View Whisman School District. After serving as Interim Superintendent for the past couple of months, and having started my teaching career right here in this district,  this role feels like coming home. This community isn’t just where I built my career, it’s also where a piece of my heart is. My wife is a proud graduate of Bubb and Graham, which makes this opportunity to serve even more meaningful for our family.

Over the past few months, I’ve had the chance to connect with many of you, and I’ve seen firsthand the strength and dedication that make this community so special. I believe that partnership, relationships, and trust are essential to creating the best possible learning environment for our students. As we move forward, I’m committed to nurturing those connections and working side by side with families and our staff members to support our children.

My approach to leadership is rooted in servant leadership; putting the needs of others first, listening with care, and empowering those around me to be their best. When we empower our teachers, staff, families, and students, we create an environment where everyone can thrive… especially our children.

Our students will always be at the heart of every decision I make. Their success, growth, and well-being guide our work. I’m excited to continue building a district where families and schools work hand-in-hand to ensure that every child has what they need to succeed.

Thank you for your trust, your partnership, and the warmth you’ve shown me during this transition. I’m excited for what’s ahead, and grateful to lead in a community that means so much to my family and me.

Warmly,

Jeffrey Baier
Superintendent

Superintendent Employment Agreement: The Board approved the employment agreement with Jeffrey Baier as MVWSD’s Superintendent, effective April 1, 2025. You may read more here. 

Special Education Update: Frank Selvaggio, Director of Special Education, gave an update on ongoing efforts to improve services for students with disabilities. Key initiatives include expanding inclusive education, addressing disproportionality, enhancing parent engagement, and investing in staffing and professional development.  Read more here.

Reading Difficulty Risk Screener Adoption: Staff recommended that the Board adopt Amplify mCLASS DIBELS and Lectura as our universal reading risk screener for grades K-2. The screener is needed to identify students at risk for reading difficulties early, enabling timely, literacy support and ensuring all students receive the instruction they need to succeed. Read more here.

Multilingual Learner / English Learner Program: Staff presented an update on Multilingual Learner (MLL) and English Learner (EL) programs, focusing on student progress in English proficiency, reclassification rates, and academic outcomes. MVWSD continues to support English learners—especially those who are Hispanic, socioeconomically disadvantaged, or have disabilities—through targeted instruction, newcomer programs, and enhanced progress monitoring. Read more here. 

Resolution Recognizing National Arab American Heritage Month: The Board passed a resolution recognizing the importance of honoring the achievements of our Arab American community members. Read more here.

Rent Concession - Staff Housing:  Staff recommended a rent concession for the District’s staff housing, offering eligible new tenants two months' rent free starting April 4, 2025, across 40 leases. This common lease-up strategy aims to boost occupancy, provide financial relief, and support long-term housing stability without creating additional debt for MVWSD. Read more here.

New Principals for 2025-26

As you likely read in your email, we have three new principals for the 2025-26 school year! Please join us in congratulating Ms. Pohlman, Ms. Contreras and Mr. Taylor.  Read more here.

Spring Break

Mountain View Whisman School District is on spring break April 7-11. School offices will be closed. The District Office will be closed April 11. Have a safe and restful time away!

High Fives

Film festival winners

The third annual District Film Festival, “Spotlight on Solutions”, was held on April 1 at the Graham Middle School Auditorium. This inspiring event showcased the creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills of K-8 students as they explored real-world challenges through film. Finalist films highlighted the power of research, science, and technology in developing meaningful solutions. Congratulations to our winners:

2-5th Grade Winners: 
Bullying Across the World by Mitsuha, Siona, Bethel (Imai) 
Air Pollution in CA Caused by Cars by Aran, Arhan (Imai) 
Problems & Solutions: A Game Show by Logan, Selena, Ansel (Mistral) 

6-8th Grade Winners: 
Sustainable Energy by Emory, Omri, Steven (Graham)
Social Media and Mental Health by Ming-Yang, Paxton (Graham)
Vaping by Julia (Crittenden)
Road Safety by Nathaniel, Jeremy, Jens (Graham) 

Environmental Literacy summit

Our MVWSD School Site Sustainability Committee leads will be presenting at the SCCOE Environmental Literacy Summit on April 5. Justin Gorman, Sarah Stacy, Heidi Baikie, and Shams Verdiyeva work with MOT Director Dalewyn Spinks to seek opportunities for energy conservation and waste reduction at every campus. They work with staff and students to plan green monthly teacher/student-led activities. For event registration: https://sccoe.to/ELS2025.

Musicals wrap up

Our middle school performing arts students dazzled audiences with incredible performances! Crittenden’s Willy Wonka Jr. enchanted audiences with its whimsical charm, while Graham’s The Pirates of Penzance Jr. delivered laughter and adventure. Congratulations to our talented students, dedicated staff, and supportive families for making these productions a success!

Day of the Military Child

Monta Loma Elementary School proudly hosted a celebration on April 3rd for the Month of the Military Child, honoring the resilience and sacrifices of children in military families. This special event began with a breakfast social in the library, followed by a recognition ceremony in the MUR. We appreciate everyone who joined us in recognizing and supporting our military-connected students and their families.

Growing Natives Garden Tour

We are excited to share that the Living Classroom gardens at Crittenden Middle School and Monta Loma Elementary will be featured in the California Native Plant Society Growing Natives Garden Tour on Sunday, April 13, 2025, from 10 AM to 4 PM. Visitors can explore these beautiful native plant gardens, participate in a Garden Tea lesson, and enjoy a scavenger hunt while learning about sustainable, local gardening. The tour is free, but registration is requested at gngt.org. For questions, contact Patti at [email protected].