Mountain View Whisman School District embraces its role in establishing its commitment to equity in our district. It is our mission to establish and nurture a supportive culture where every student, staff, family, and community member feel valued and supported while working, learning, and partnering with MVWSD.
We envision a district where our students are empowered to reach their highest potential, acknowledging that this excellence is borne from a deep well of knowledge sustained through our diversity, not stymied by it. We will encourage our students not only to think and feel-- but act -- in a way that aims to disassemble power structures that marginalize historically underserved communities. Lastly, we will empower students to be active participants in a diverse democracy and learn how to be agents of change in their own lives and in the lives of others.
Better Together’s theme this year: Community
This year, MVWSD continues Better Together, a program designed to increase meaningful conversations in the classroom. For the 2024-25 school year, the theme is “Community.” Focusing on community will help ensure that all members of the MVWSD community feel valued, supported, and connected to one another in an often divided world. We look forward to the coming months with the monthly themes and resources, No Place for Hate programming at our middle schools, and the district-wide recognition of United Against Hate week in November.
Monthly informational offerings
Our monthly offering towards MVWSD’s equity goals is titled
Together We Are a Better MVWSD.
Each month you will receive an infographic in both English and Spanish that offers educational tools and community guidance inspired by a national diversity calendar. The theme is guided by the calendared events that are taking place that month.
April: Celebrating our community
March: Serving our community
March is Women's History Month at Mountain View Whisman School District! This special month celebrates the vital contributions, achievements, and influence of women throughout history and in contemporary society. This month, our #BetterTogetherMVWSD initiative highlights "Serving our community/Sirviendo a nuestra comunidad." Community service strengthens our connections, builds empathy, and creates meaningful change through collective action. Join us as we explore how we can work together on projects to make a positive impact in our community.
February: Community helpers
Black History Month provides MVWSD with a meaningful opportunity to celebrate the rich contributions and achievements of African Americans while fostering a deeper sense of community among our students, staff, and families. By learning about influential Black leaders, innovators, and community helpers - from local civil rights activists to Black educators, doctors, and entrepreneurs who shaped our neighborhood - students develop a broader understanding of how diverse voices and experiences have strengthened our community.
January: Exploring our neighborhoods
November & December: Our community is diverse
As we enter the vibrant months of November and December, our school community embarks on a meaningful journey exploring the rich tapestry of cultures that make our community unique and special. During these months, we focus on three important themes that help us understand and celebrate our differences while building stronger connections with each other: Celebrating diverse communities while acknowledging Native American Heritage Month and Special Education Awareness Month. Through these themes, we'll discover that our differences aren't just something to accept – they're something to celebrate. Together, we'll learn how understanding and appreciating each other's unique qualities makes our entire community better.
October: A family is a community
Families come in all shapes and sizes, each one a unique community bound by love, support, and shared experiences. This month #BetterTogether presents the topic “A family is a community”. October is also LGBTQ+ History Month. As we celebrate both of these together, we are reminded of the countless families that have fought for recognition and acceptance, paving the way for a more inclusive understanding of what family means. From single-parent households to multigenerational homes, from same-sex couples to chosen families within the LGBTQ+ community, each family contributes its own special thread to the vibrant tapestry of our society.
September: A classroom is a community
A classroom is more than just four walls and desks - it's a vibrant community where students learn, grow, and support each other. #BetterTogether in September highlights how each student contributes their unique talents and perspectives to create a rich learning environment. September 15th also marks the beginning of Hispanic/Latino Heritage Month. Look out for some additional content mid-month.
