Stingray News
Dear Stingray Families,
This week, we acknowledge United Against Hate Week (November 10-14). I'm excited to share how our district is coming together to celebrate diversity, build connections, and stand united against hate, bias, and injustice.
This year's #BetterTogetherMVWSD theme — One World, Many Voices— reminds us that every story has many perspectives, every new idea comes from people working together, and every classroom is like our big, connected world. Established in 2017 by Bay Area Cities to combat racism, United Against Hate Week provides an opportunity for our school community to actively stand up against hate and injustice.
Special Activities for UAH Week:
Bingo Cards with engaging diversity and inclusion activities
Bookmarks featuring our "One World, Many Voices" theme
Library Activities highlighting diverse perspectives and stories
Classroom Discussions building empathy and understanding
Throughout the year, we'll continue #BetterTogether work to:
Build connections across different experiences to break down divisions
Share knowledge and respect for community histories
Explore how different perspectives shape the history we learn
Examine historical examples of resilient, coalition-building teams
Celebrate collaboration and innovation that leverages diverse perspectives
Look for posters in your child's school, participate in bingo card activities, and use this week as an opportunity to discuss with your family what it means to stand united against hate. Resources, including Heritage Month information, and Board Resolutions, are available on our website.
Together, we're not just teaching tolerance—we're building a community where every voice matters and every perspective enriches our collective understanding.
With appreciation for our diverse community,
Dr. Megan Pohlman
Principal
This Week
November 13th - Arts Focus
November 16th - K-Pop Dance Hunter Fundraiser - 2:00–3:30pm - Blacktop
Coming Soon
November 19th - PACT Foundation Board Meeting - 5:30–7:00pm - Staff Lounge
November 20th - Arts Focus
November 21st - Stingray Assembly
November 24th - 28th - No School - Thanksgiving Break
December 1st - 5th - iReady Diagnostic
December 3rd - Principal’s Coffee - 8:10-8:55am - Staff Lounge
Trimester end: Report cards coming soon
Nov. 7 marked the end of the first trimester of school. Families can access their student’s Trimester 1 Report Card beginning Nov. 21 after 4:00 p.m. Grade K-5 Report Cards will be sent to you on Nov. 21 via email. TK and Grade 6-8 Report Cards will be available on the PowerSchool Parent Portal at https://ps.mvwsd.org/public/ under “Parent Reports.” Steps for accessing reports on PowerSchool Parent Portal are here: Accessing PowerSchool Parent Portal Reports. If you have difficulty logging into the PowerSchool Parent Portal, please contact your school’s office.
Reporting Absences (Repeat)
Please call the office at (650) 903-6950 or email Stevenson Attendance
stevensonattendance@mvwsd.org to report an absence or late arrival. Provide the following
information: date of absence, student’s name, grade and room number, reason for absence, name and relationship of the person reporting the absence.
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook (Repeat)
- Instagram - @stevenson__elementary
- Facebook - @StevensonElem
Orenda Parent Survey starts Nov. 14
As you know, we are partnering with Orenda Education to take a close, thoughtful look at what’s working for our students and where we can deepen our impact. This work centers on student learning — identifying what truly has the greatest impact for all learners in our schools.
As part of this effort, parents will receive a confidential and anonymous parent survey by email (from supt@mvwsd.org) on Nov. 14. The survey will include two open-ended questions asking:
* What is your school doing that is most helpful for students?
* What suggestions do you have to further support student success?
We ask that you please complete the survey by December 1. Your perspective — what is working for your child, and what could be improved — is a critical part of this process, and will help guide our ongoing efforts to strengthen teaching and learning for every student.
Thank you for your partnership and support of our schools.
Parent University Speaker Series: Understanding Your Child’s Score Reports
Date and Time: December 2, 2025, 5:30-7pm Registration Link: http://mvw.sd/pu120225r
Understanding your child’s district and state test scores is a key part of building a foundation of excellence. Join Dr. Cyndee Nguyen, our Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment as she discusses how to (i) access and interpret score reports and (ii) use the information to engage in a productive partnership with your child’s teacher(s).
To submit questions prior to the event, go to mvw.sd/questions. We will do our best to address your question during the session.
Trimester end: Report cards coming soon
Families can access their student’s Trimester 1 Report Card beginning Nov. 21 after 4:00 p.m. Grade K-5 Report Cards will be sent to you on Nov. 21 via email. TK and Grade 6-8 Report Cards will be available on the PowerSchool Parent Portal at https://ps.mvwsd.org/public/ under “Parent Reports.” Steps for accessing reports on PowerSchool Parent Portal are here: Accessing PowerSchool Parent Portal Reports. If you have difficulty logging into the PowerSchool Parent Portal, please contact your school’s office.
Open Enrollment for 2026-27 starts in January
In January, the Mountain View Whisman School District will be opening student enrollment for fall 2026.
For CURRENT students in transitional kindergarten-7th grade: Parents will be asked by email to confirm enrollment from January 20 to February 6.
For families enrolling NEW students: Please check www.mvwsd.org/register for details about school information meetings held in January, how to locate your neighborhood school, how to explore school options and the four steps to register during the enrollment period held January 20 to February 6.
Click here to learn about which program is right for your young learner: mvwsd.org/kinderready. Please check www.mvwsd.org/register for how to locate your neighborhood school, how to explore school options and the four steps to register.
School meals are free, but fill out the EzSchool Meals application for additional help
If you are currently out of work or furloughed, your student may qualify for the Free and Reduced Price Meals program now for this school year. If you think you could qualify (qualifying income levels listed here), we ask you to apply at EzSchool Meals. If your child is eligible for free and/or reduced-price meals, your family could get medical benefits, housing benefits, afterschool care, utilities benefits and more. Regardless of your status, MVWSD will continue to provide free meals this year to all students as part of California’s universal meal program. For help applying, call your school office or the Office of Food and Nutrition Services at 650-903-6965.
Supporting Students Through Uncertainty: Free Meals and Food Assistance Available for MVWSD Families
When children are properly nourished, they can concentrate better, retain information and have the energy they need for a full day of school. The ongoing federal shutdown is threatening to delay CalFresh program benefits to over 5 million Californians who rely on CalFresh (the state’s SNAP program) benefits for food assistance.
MVWSD wants to help. Free school meals are available every morning and lunchtime at every school. Please encourage your students to take advantage of these meals. For meal menus, click here.
Any families who are experiencing food insecurity can reach out to their school’s SCEF for confidential guidance and help. Albert Carrillo acarrillo@mvwsd.org
Additional food assistance resources for families:
Community Services Agency (CSA) brings their mobile pantry to distribute food at Castro/Mistral Schools on the 1st, 3rd & 5th Wednesdays of every month from 2:00 p.m.-–4:00 p.m. Location: behind the MUR.
CSA also distributes free food at their main office at 204 Stierlin Rd. on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays. For specific timing and more info, call (650) 968-0836 or see CSA’s website
Hopes Corner meals, 748 Mercy Street, Saturdays, 8–10 a.m.
Mountain View Hispanic 7th Day Adventist food distribution, 342 Sierra Vista Ave, 3rd Monday of the Month, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
St Athanasius Church food distribution: 160 N. Rengstorff Ave., 2nd & 4th Saturday, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Hope Hangar Food Pantry: 2440 Leghorn St., 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month.
Reach SV at Menlo Church Drive Thru Food Pantry: 774 Cuesta Drive, 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, 3:30-5:00 p.m.
It’s Giving Season – Maximize Your Impact with MVEF!
We’ve raised nearly $480,000 toward our $1.2 million goal—thank you to all parents, community members, sponsors, ambassadors, and our Board for your generosity!
Ways to Give This Season:
Corporate Giving Days: Check if your company has a Giving Day or matching program.
Google employees: From Nov 10–21, donate your $400 company gift to MVEF (Tax ID: 77-0006770) to support TK–8 public schools!Stock & RSU Donations: Boost your impact and reduce taxes—see instructions here.
Payroll Giving: Set up automatic donations through your employer. Check with your employer.
Corporate Matching: Double your gift—check if your employer participates here.
Monthly Giving: Create lasting impact with an easy recurring donation here.
Give by Giving Tuesday, Dec 2, to make a difference for local students—every gift counts!