Jaguar News

Hello Jaguar community!

We are quickly approaching the end of Quarter 1 with just three weeks left! It's Black Week (start in period 1) and, along with continuing on our learning journey, we have several events to look forward to.

This week, our Snow Cones for Kindness event will reward students who have been recognized by staff for acts of kindness, reminding us that even small gestures can have a big impact.

We are also participating in Start with Hello Week (September 15–19), a national initiative through Sandy Hook Promise that empowers students to combat social isolation and build a culture of connection. Led by our SAVE Promise Club, each day features activities designed to foster empathy, inclusivity, and stronger relationships among peers. From meeting someone new, to showing gratitude for “Upstanders,” to celebrating with a “Green Out” on Wednesday, our students will have many opportunities to practice kindness, gratitude, and belonging.

Finally, I’d like to extend a warm congratulations to Hsaio-Fen Leopold, who was elected by our families to serve as the new parent representative on our School Site Council. Thank you to all who participated in the voting process and thank you to Hsaio-Fen for stepping up to serve our school community!

Together, these efforts support our goal of nurturing a positive and welcoming school environment where all Jaguars feel seen, valued, and connected.

Have a wonderful week!

Warmly,

Ms. Jamie Keith

Principal, Valley View Middle School

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out: keithj@mdusd.org.

Important Links

September 15th - 19th - Start with Hello Week!
September 24th - Picture Day Retakes (for students who didn't take their picture or would like to retake it); PTSA Meeting - 6:30 pm in the library
September 25th - Panda Express Dine Out fundraiser (information below!); School Site Council Meeting (virtual from 2:45 - 3:45 pm)
September 29th - VVMS/CPHS AAPAC Meeting (CPHS Library, 6:00-7:00 pm)
October 3rd - End of Quarter 1; Minimum Day - students dismissed at 12:30 pm.
October 6th - 10th - Fall Break (no school)
October 13th - Indigenous People's Day (no school)
October 14th - School resumes, Start of Quarter 2

A message from our Leadership Class:

We are hosting a fundraiser at Panda Express!

WHEN? Thursday, September 25th, from 9:30 am-9:30 pm.
WHERE? 1041 Arnold Drive in Martinez.
WHY? We would love for you to support us so we can make sure we have the best fright night ever! You can order online using the online code 3846767

Don’t be shy! If you're ordering in the restaurant, make sure you tell our cashier that you’re attending the fundraiser before you pay!

Always email our office of your student's absences and keep us updated on their health status:

Contact our Attendance Office
- email: vvmsattend@mdusd.org
- call: 925-682-8000 x5090

Monday - Homework Club meets from 2:15-3:15 pm
Tuesday - Rainbow Club meets at lunch in room C8; Dungeons & Dragons club meets at lunch in room D6
Wednesday - SAVE Promise Club meets at lunch in room C8; Math Counts Team meets at lunch in room C3
Thursday - Green Team meets at lunch in room C8; Homework Club meets from 2:15-3:15 pm
Friday - No Club Meetings

This week, VVMS Leadership will be rewarding kindness with a special treat! Any student who has received at least one “Kindness Praise” in Minga will be able to enjoy a snow cone at lunch on Wednesday or Thursday.

Wednesday, September 17th: All 7th graders, plus 6th graders with last names A–N
Thursday, September 18th: All 8th graders, plus 6th graders with last names M–Z

Students who already received a snow cone during our last giveaway may participate again if they have at least two new acts of kindness documented in Minga.

✨ Parent Volunteer Opportunity ✨

We need a few parent volunteers to help with the snow cone tables on both days. If you are available between 11:30 am and 1:15 pm on Wednesday or Thursday, please email Ms. Manasewitsch to sign up at manasewitschn@mdusd.org.

Thank you for helping us celebrate kindness and keep our community strong!

PTSA Fundraising Update: In the past 48 hours, many families have jumped in to help our fundraiser by getting registered and sending support invitations to friends & family around the country...Thank you!

To reach our goal, we need EVERY student to register online and add at least 10 contacts. Each student that gets registered will be entered to win from over 1,000 different prizes including Apple Air Pods, MacBook Pros, Visa Gift Card, and more.

Get Registered NOW at: FundPrizes.com

Our first Association Meeting of the year is scheduled for Wednesday, September 24 at 6:30 p.m. in the Library. Come meet our school counselors who will be giving a presentation on their services in support of our kids and families, learn about the new middle school sports league, get an update from Vice Principal Buhler, ratify our budget for the year, and enjoy refreshments and fellowship! The meeting will be optimized for in-person interaction with a Zoom attendance link to be provided closer to the meeting date.

If you have an interest in any Board position, please reach out! We would love to have you “shadow” us before taking on a role like President, Treasurer, Fundraising, Programs & Hospitality, or Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (DEIB) next year or beyond.

2025-2026 PTSA Board Members ~ Lucy, Pavel, Sidney, Blanca, Sabrina, and Juaná

Stay connected:

Gregory Gardens Elementary has reached out to ask if any students at Valley View Middle School might be interested in a fun volunteer opportunity at their school Fall festival.

They are looking for volunteers for Gator-Fest on Wednesday, October 22 from 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm. Click this link to sign up to volunteer: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0849ADA62EAAF5CE9-58398011-gatorfest

A few things to note:

Gregory Gardens PTA is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, so they CAN sign off for students in need of community service hours!
All volunteers will receive tickets to cover a meal and some games.
Volunteers can sign up for set-up, clean-up, work at game booths, snack concession stands, and ticket booths.
Volunteer shifts are pretty short, so volunteers are welcome and encouraged to sign up for more than one shift.
Non-scary, kid appropriate Halloween costumes are highly encouraged!