Dear MVLA Community,
As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, I find myself reflecting on the incredible privilege of serving as your superintendent.
I am grateful for the passion and dedication of our teachers, the hard work and enthusiasm of our staff, the involvement and support of parents - and the countless hours of volunteer service they provide - and the resilience and curiosity of our students. It is the collective effort of every individual in our school district that makes us a community of excellence.
Your commitment to education, collaboration, and the well-being of our students is the foundation of our success. Together, we have created a supportive and inspiring learning environment that empowers students to thrive. And for that, I am deeply thankful.
This Thanksgiving, let us take a moment to appreciate the positive impact we have on the lives of our students and the future of our community. Wishing you and your loved ones a joyous Thanksgiving filled with warmth and appreciation.
With appreciation,
Nellie Meyer
Superintendent
AWARDS AND ACCOLADES
LOS ALTOS HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT OF THE MONTH NOVEMBER 2023 - DANIEL SAGATELIAN
Daniel is the volunteer organizer for the Buena Vista Youth Scholar Club at LAHS. Here, he works with LAHS students and helps tutor over a dozen children at the Buena Vista Mobile Home Park. He is the co-president of the Pickleball Club at LAHS, in addition to being a 4-year varsity athlete on the tennis team.
Daniel’s favorite classes at LAHS have been AP Chemistry, Calc BC, and Computer Science. He hopes to go into the pharmaceutical industry to use his love for chemistry to help people and provide new and better medicines to improve quality of life. Read more about Daniel here and view his Board recognition here at 35:27.
MOUNTAIN VIEW HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT OF THE MONTH NOVEMBER 2023 - MICHELLE SUAREZ MAEDA
At MVHS, Michelle’s leadership shines through various roles: currently serving as the Co-President of the MVHS Folklorico Dance Club and media coordinator for the Japanese National Honor Society. Michelle is an essential member of AVID Seniors, a testament to her commitment to academic excellence and collegiate preparedness.
Michelle also engages in the Health careers department at MVHS, and has used these experiences to talk with people from many different professions, such as dentists, firefighters, and nurses. Looking ahead, Michelle is resolute in her aspiration to attend a 4-year university. Read more about Michelle here and view her Board recognition here at 28:16.
DISTRICT NEWS
MVLA is expanding access to the venerable Middle College program, housed on the Foothill College campus, now offering college access and opportunities to two cohorts of 50 juniors and seniors.
“Middle college high school programs offer several benefits to students,” said Dr. Nellie Meyer, MVLA Superintendent. “They bridge the gap between high school and college, providing a unique educational experience.”
“Students take both high school and college classes to complete their high school graduation requirements,” explained Annett Trail, Middle College Program Specialist. “They also receive individualized counseling and support from their Middle College teachers and have access to all student services provided by Foothill, including college counseling, access to the library, tutoring centers, and the technology center.”
Learn more about research on the benefits of Middle College, and our upcoming timeline for information sessions and application deadlines here.
MLVA CELEBRATES COMPLETION OF NEW FACILITIES
MVLA celebrated the completion of several new facilities across its campuses at a ribbon-cutting event on November 14, marking the completion of the second phase of a multi-phase plan.
The new facilities include a Student Services Center and Auxiliary Gymnasium at MVHS, a Student Services Center at LAHS, and three classroom buildings at Freestyle Academy. Quattrocchi Kwok Architects serves as the designer and RGM Kramer, Inc. serves as the construction manager for the facility improvement projects.
“Our school community is excited about the continued upgrades of our facilities,” said Dr. Nellie
Meyer, MVLA Superintendent. “These facilities are not just structures; they are catalysts for
inspiration, laboratories of innovation, providing an environment where curiosity thrives.”
“As we invest in our facilities, we invest in the limitless potential of our students,” she said, adding that “the spaces we create today shape the thinkers, leaders, and learners of tomorrow."
The projects were funded through Measure E, a $295 million bond passed in June 2018. “We extend our sincere thanks to our local taxpayers who invested in the future through their support of the bond measure,” said Meyer.
Read more here. See ribbon-cutting photos here. Interested in seeing photos of previously-completed projects? MVHS-1 | MVHS-2 | LAHS-1 | LAHS-2
CAMPUS NEWS
The AP® School Honor Roll recognizes schools whose AP programs are delivering results for students while broadening access. Schools can earn this recognition annually based on criteria that reflect a commitment to increasing college-going culture, providing opportunities for students to earn college credit, and maximizing college readiness.
We’re pleased to announce that Mountain View High School made the list of 4,570 schools—which represents 30% of eligible high schools being recognized on the 2023 AP School Honor Roll. Of these schools, 1,770 also received the AP Access Award, demonstrating a clear and effective commitment to equitable access to advanced coursework. MVHS was one of those!
14th ANNUAL MOUNTAIN VIEW HIGH SCHOOL SPARTAN TURKEY TROT
MVHS Sports Boosters is proud to present the 14th Annual Spartan Turkey Trot on Thursday, November 23, at the MVHS track.
People of all ages are encouraged to participate in the 5K Run & Walk and the Spartan Mile. Kids are welcome to participate in the 5k and/or Spartan Mile, plus the 60- and 400-yard dash races.
Prizes are given to the top three M/F finishers of the 5k and the top M/F finishers of the Spartan Mile. Kids in the kids races will receive a finisher's ribbon.All proceeds benefit the MVHS athletics department and supporting teams/clubs.
For more information and to register, visit https://www.spartanturkeytrot.com/.
FOUNDATION NEWS
Your donations to the MVLA High School Foundation help sustain the programs and services that provide opportunities for all students to grow and thrive. Your participation matters, and together we will get to our goal of $2.293 million. Please donate today!
BOARD UPDATE
A regular Board Meeting was held on November 13, 2023. Meeting highlights include:
- Recognition of National Merit Scholarship Finalists
- Recognition of November Students of the Month
- Presentation by the MVLA Mathematics Department
- First Reading of the proposed MVLA Family Engagement Policy
- First Reading of the Draft 2024 Board Meeting Calendar
- Approval of the Draft 2024-2025 Academic Calendar
- Approval of Proposed Courses of Study for the 2024/2025 School Year
The Board has its next regular meeting scheduled for December 18, 2023. The final agenda and associated meeting documents will be available here.
Thanks to an Innovative Learning Grant, funded by the MVLA Foundation, students at Alta Vista were treated to a special assembly with Luis Rodriguez, author of the book "Always Running," a vivid memoir that explores the motivations of gang life and cautions against the death and destruction that inevitably claim its participants.
All MVLA schools undergo a rigorous accreditation process from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Our Adult School recently hosted its annual WASC Advisory Meeting. Special thanks to our students, teachers, employment, and community partners for participating. Check out their presentation here.
Field trips never disappoint! The Health Careers class at MVHS recently visited Mountain View Fire Station 5 where they learned about different paths that they can take to enter the medical field through the fire service.
Throughout the year, Jay Ruby's students in the MVLA Adult Transition Program make creative wreaths and sell them. Proceeds from the sales help fund events for the students; they also learn the value of earning money and vocational and money handling skills.
Mountain View Los Altos Union High School District
Email: mvlahsd@mvla.net
Website: www.mvla.net
Location: 1299 Bryant Avenue, Mountain View, CA, USA
Phone: (650) 940-4650
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mvlahsd
Twitter: @MVLAHSD
