In this edition ...

• Board meeting review: LGBTQ+ History Month, and Math Programs and Curriculum, Financials
• Supporting students on Oct. 7
• Safety month: How we protect students and staff
• Parent Involvement Board Policy
• High Fives

Resolution in Support of LGBTQ+ History Month: At the beginning of this honorary month, the Board passed a resolution in recognition of the achievements of our LGBTQ+ community members. Read the resolution here. 

Math Programs and Curriculum: Staff presented an overview of the two-year process to update mathematics programming and curriculum for grades K-8. This year, MVWSD will focus on research and collecting parent and staff feedback. The California Department of Education estimates that it will adopt an approved list of materials in November 2025. In the fall of 2025, MVWSD plans to convene a Mathematics Programming and Curriculum Adoption Committee, with teachers as a majority of members. Read more here.

Finances: The District is in the process of adding new financial procedures to promote transparency, accountability, and informed decision-making (Read Dr. Rudolph’s Oct. 2 letter here). We want to ensure that our resources are used efficiently and in the best interest of students, staff, and the community. This is even more important as we move into a time when our 2024-25 Budget outlook includes multiple uncertainties, such as unknowns about the status of Shoreline funding, the parcel tax on the Nov. 5 ballot, and leases for vacant schools.

Budget Advisory Committee: We are forming a new committee, with representative members including parents and staff, to ensure financial transparency, foster understanding among stakeholders, and promote public participation in financial decision-making. This advisory body will meet quarterly. Read more here.

Vendor Approval Process: MVWSD is updating its contract process to vet companies that provide services.  This process will help ensure we get the best value for our money. This clear, structured process for selecting vendors and entering into contracts reduces the risk of favoritism or overpricing.  Read more here.

Supporting students on October 7

October 7 marks the one-year anniversary of the violent start of the most recent conflict in Israel and Gaza, a day that carries deep significance for many of our families. These events have a profound impact on those in our community with loved ones and connections to the region, where people are facing unimaginable danger. Even if we don’t have direct ties, witnessing the suffering, uncertainty, and fear of families in that area is heart-wrenching.

It’s important to acknowledge that this day, along with current events, may stir strong emotions. We want every student to feel safe and supported at school, no matter their nationality or background. If any student feels anxious or unsafe, for any reason, we encourage them to reach out to an adult. We are here to provide a safe space and support for all students.

Each school has a counselor available, and we want families to know that there are age-appropriate resources to help guide conversations with children who may be struggling to understand these difficult events. Here is a resource that may help: How to talk to your children about conflict and war

This day serves as a reminder of the many families across the world who are fleeing conflict, war, violence, and hunger. We are here, committed to the well-being of our students, with a focus on their needs and the support of their families.

Safety month: How we protect students and staff

For students to learn, they must feel safe. Our district is responsible for the safety of 4,500 students and over 600 staff members daily. While we can't control everything, we do everything possible to prevent issues and act quickly in dangerous situations.

Safety in MVWSD includes prevention programs like bike safety, mental health, disaster training, and digital citizenship. It also involves physical improvements like better lighting, ventilation, secure campus perimeters, and procedures for handling emergencies such as bad air quality, intruders, COVID, earthquakes, or fires.

In 2022-23, we reviewed emergency practices district-wide, including safety audits at each school and collected input from parents, staff, and students. Our Safety Advisory Task Force used this data to help the district create both short- and long-term safety priorities. In Fall 2023, we updated our comprehensive school safety plan, guiding each school's specific plan. 

Plans are only effective if practiced. We conduct regular staff and student training to prepare for emergencies:

• Oct. 17: We will hold an earthquake drill as part of the Great Shakeout to practice evacuation, student reunification, and emergency operations.
• October: Elementary schools will practice responding to dangerous intruders with discussions and age-appropriate videos (elementary video is here). Middle schools will hold similar drills, incorporating new door-locking systems. More details and timeline will come from your principal.
• Fire drills: Already underway, these will continue throughout the year to ensure preparedness.

We approach all drills with sensitivity and age-appropriate methods. While it may be uncomfortable, practicing ensures students are more confident and prepared to stay safe. Thank you for supporting our safety efforts. For more details, visit mvwsd.org/safety.

Parent involvement Board Policy

Families, thank you for your engagement and involvement with our schools. Our sustained partnership is a big part of our continuous improvement as a district. Per California Department of Education guidelines, here for your review is the most recently updated version of our Board Policy on Parent Involvement. Any questions should be directed to Geoff Chang, Director of Federal, State, and Strategic Programs ([email protected]).

MVWSD School Counselors volunteered their time at the communitywide Health and Wellness Fair on Sept. 21 to share about MVWSD School Counseling and encourage stakeholder input on the SEL and School Counseling programs. The District Office Health and Wellness team also worked to coordinate the event with Assemblymember Marc Berman’s office. Thank you to all who made this opportunity a reality for our families!