We are pleased to be able to provide our students, parents, staff and community with the latest information about our Mt. Pleasant Elementary School District community through this newsletter. Please join us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube to connect with us daily!
|
|
Dear Mt. Pleasant Elementary School District Community -
The holidays are officially here! Despite the challenges presented by the pandemic, we embrace this time as an opportunity to celebrate life, those we love, and the things that matter most. The unique circumstances we face bring to light the simple joys and remind us that kindness and love are what make the world go around.
I would like to take this opportunity to share with you that our Board of Trustees has determined that we will not return to in-person instruction any sooner than February 19, 2021, with the exceptions of specialized and targeted services for identified Special Education students, and child care and supervision services for some of these students. With these exceptions, we will continue Distance Learning.
My deepest thanks to all of the teachers and staff for their dedication to ensuring that our students receive the support that they need during this difficult time. Our team has done incredible work to engage our students virtually, and to prepare our facilities and programming for our small cohorts of Special Education students. Please join me in thanking our magnificent team!
As we prepare for our Thanksgiving holiday break, we urge our families to carefully read the safety guidelines issued by the Santa Clara County Public Health Department. In order to prevent the spread of Covid-19, we must approach Thanksgiving differently, with new, safety practices. It is tremendously important that we work collectively as a community to follow these guidelines.
Once again, on behalf of the Mt. Pleasant Elementary School District Board of Trustees and administration, we would like to wish all of our students, parents, families, staff and community, a wonderful Thanksgiving break. We thank you for your tremendous support and partnership throughout this year.
In community spirit,
Dr. Elida MacArthur
|
|
CLICK BELOW FOR A SPECIAL VIDEO MESSAGE: |
|
Recommendations for a Safe Holiday Season |
|
Please read the following joint recommendations from 10 Bay Area Public Health Agencies:
- If you gather in person, keep it small, short, stable, and outdoors.
- Nonessential travel, including holiday travel, is not recommended.
- Travel outside the Bay Area will increase your chance of getting infected and spreading the virus to others after your return. If you travel outside the Bay Area, it is strongly recommended that you self-quarantine for 14 days after your return if your activities while travelling put you at higher risk of getting COVID-19.
The safest way to celebrate this holiday season is virtually or with members of your household. Gathering with people outside your household – even extended family – increases the risk of getting and spreading COVID-19. There are many ways to enjoy the holidays with loved ones without gathering:
- Enjoy holiday traditions at home with your household
- Decorate your home and/or yard
- Share a virtual meal with family and friends
- Host online parties and/or contests
- Prepare meals using traditional recipes and deliver to family and neighbors
- Attend holiday movie nights at drive-in venues
- Visit holiday-themed outdoor art installations
- Participate in drive-by events where everyone stays in their vehicles
For more information, please visit here.
If you have questions or concerns about Covid-19, please call 2-1-1 or text 211211. They can provide information about free testing, as well as accessing support services if you have contracted the virus and cannot work, including rent and food assistance. Help is just a call or text away.
|
|
Thank You for Supporting Measure Q |
|
The MPESD District is extremely thankful for the community's continuous support. On November 3, 2020, the Mount Pleasant Community overwhelmingly approved a $12,000,000 bond. The bond may be used to acquire equipment/instructional technology to improve distance learning and internet access; renovate heating/cooling systems; aging restrooms; upgrade school emergency preparedness; outdated electrical wiring; handicapped accessibility; and renovate facilities. Money from the bond should not be used for administrators' salaries, pensions, or benefits.
We are also grateful to our: board members, community partners, classified staff, certificated staff, and administrators who helped distribute door hangers and yard signs to display in their homes and the community.
Once again, thank you for supporting Measure Q! Thank you for investing in education! Together, we are preparing our community’s future leaders!
|
|
As hospitals and clinics feel the strain of Covid-19, health officials are urging the public to get vaccinated for the flu (influenza).
Early and timely flu shots can prevent a disease that hospitalizes 200,000 Americans every year. To keep yourself and your family out of the hospital, doctors recommend an annual flu shot for everyone age 6 months or older.
Flu Shots are available on Saturdays at the Fairgrounds in San Jose. Here are more details:
- Saturday, November 21, 2020, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
- Car entrance for general parking: Gate D, 2542 Monterey Road, San José, CA 95111
- Pedestrian entrance and disabled parking: Gate B, 344 Tully Road, San José, CA 95111
- Continues Saturdays September through mid-December. No flu shots available at the Fairgrounds on Thanksgiving weekend, Saturday, November 28, 2020.
- No appointment needed
- All are welcome regardless of immigration status
- No cost
- Shots available at this location for everyone age 3 years and older. Children aged 3 - 17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Younger children should get a shot from their regular pediatrician.
-
Right next door to free County COVID-19 testing. Get a COVID-19 test at the same time!
For more information, please click here.
|
|
Citizen Bond Oversight Committee (CBOC) |
|
We would like to introduce our new members of our CBOC and recognize the dedication of those who have been serving. Our new members will serve in the following roles:
- Lissa Oros - Parent of students in our district and active member of the PTA and SSC.
- Maribel Carrillo - Member of the community at-large
- Sarah Carruth - Member of the community at-large
Additionally, two members whose terms expired in June 2020 have also agreed to serve another term. They will also be serving in the following roles:
- Lynda Medeiros - Member active in a senior citizens’ organization
- Jim Willey - Member of the community at-large.
We still have a vacancy for a business representative, someone who is active in a business organization to join our group. Please contact adelarosa@mpesd.org if you have questions or would like to apply.
We thank all of our CBOC members for their service to our community, including Debbie Hermange (Chair), Lynda Madeiros, and Wendy Nichols.
|
|
As we enter the holiday season, it is important to recognize that this time can also be a time of stress and hardship for some. This pandemic has added an enormous amount of pressures and challenges as we balance work, family, distance learning, and a new way of life.
We would like to encourage each and every member of our community to be kind to yourself and to reflect on your wellness and needs. Do you need a little break? Would it be helpful to talk to a professional if you are feeling sad or depressed? Perhaps you or someone you know needs some additional support during this time. You are not alone.
|
|
You can also ask your teacher or principal for a referral to one of our local partners. We encourage you to reach out if you need support.
Schools Office Hours
Beginning on November 30, schools offices will be open to the public from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. We encourage everyone to make an appointment prior to coming to the office, you can contact the schools at:
August Boeger - 408-223-3770
Ida Jew Academy - 408-223-3750
Mt. Pleasant - 408- 258-6451
Robert Sanders - 408-258-7288
Valle Vista - 408-238-3525
Furthermore, we would like to invite you to some of the Prevention and Early Intervention Workshops that we are hosting with the Alum Rock Counseling Center and the County of Santa Clara.
|
|
We can save lives during this holiday season by reaching out to someone in need. If you see something, please reach out. Let’s lean on each other and support one another. We are one MPESD family!
|
|
- We will be off for Thanksgiving week from November 23-26th!
- Our holiday break will begin on December 21st, 2020. We will return to Distance Learning on Jan 5th, 2021.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
