Trustees present for the closed session: Cornes, Katz, Levich, Ortiz, Vonnegut
Trustees present for the open session: Cornes, Katz, Levich, Ortiz, Vonnegut, Lai (Student), Schwarzhoff (Student)
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MVLA is proud to spotlight the incredible work of the English Language Development (ELD) Leadership:
- Taica Hsu, ELD District Coordinator/Teacher on Special Assignment (pictured, right)
- Adriana Sanchez, ELD Department Coordinator, LAHS (pictured, middle)
- Yoli Raicovich, ELD Department Coordinator, MVHS (Interim)
- José Rosario, ELD Department Coordinator, MVHS (On-Leave)
for their extraordinary work in building, strengthening, and sustaining our ELD program.
They have helped to build a program rooted in care, high expectations, belonging, and opportunity for our students. Through their dedication, expertise, and persistence, they have helped shape a learning environment where multilingual students are not only supported but genuinely seen for the strengths and assets they bring to our schools.
Their impact also reaches well beyond the classroom walls. They support students academically and emotionally. They notice when students need encouragement. They help them navigate school systems when they feel unfamiliar. They advocate, guide, celebrate, and help students build confidence in themselves and in their future. For many students, they are not only teachers, but they are also trusted adults, mentors, and steady sources of support.
They have created meaningful field experiences and trips that expand students’ worlds and deepen their connection to school and community. These opportunities matter. They give students a chance to learn in real and memorable ways, to see themselves in new spaces, and to imagine broader possibilities for their futures. None of this happens by accident. It happens because of their commitment, their heart, their professionalism, and their belief in students.
We honor Taica, Adrian, Yoli, and José for their leadership, their collaboration, their advocacy, and the care they pour into this work. Thank you for reminding us what is possible when talented educators work together with purpose and passion.
-Teri Faught, Associate Superintendent, Educational Services; edited
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Throughout each school year, the MVLA Board of Trustees recognizes the achievements and accomplishments of selected students: MVLA Students of the Month.
Students are selected for this honor based on a variety of factors. A prerequisite for selection as a Student of the Month is outstanding academic achievement, defined as a weighted current GPA of 3.5 or higher, although other factors may be considered in the selection process.
These other factors may include but are not limited to extracurricular successes, community service, character values, involvement on campus, exemplary leadership skills and/or outstanding accomplishments outside of school. Students of the Month shall exemplify the core values, qualities, and vision of the MVLA District.
Some examples of past Student of the Month recipients include academic scholars, presidents of active clubs, multiple sport student-athletes, and students who are widely involved in organizations on campus.
Broad school involvement is not a prerequisite for selection, but all Student of the Month recipients must demonstrate a positive work ethic, moral character, and an appreciation for our community’s diversity.
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MVLA and the Adult School proudly recognize Chewang Norbu Pakhrin Lama as the MVLA Student of the Month and the Adult School Student of the Year. He is a shining example of an adult student who has achieved success through great determination and focus. Chewang was born in Nepal and came to the United States with the hope of building a better future for himself and his family...Some friends introduced him to MVLA Adult School, so he decided to visit the school to get more information. The Staff encouraged him to begin with ESL classes, and he enrolled right away.
In ESL, he worked hard to improve his English. After a few months, he moved into the GED program. During this time, his mother suffered a serious fall that caused a severe head injury. As a result, she has been paralyzed on one side for the past two years and is fully dependent on care. Chewang became her primary caregiver, which made continuing school very challenging. With encouragement from his teacher, he found the strength to continue and successfully earned his GED. While caring for his mother, Chewang saw nurses and physical therapists help her with kindness and compassion. Their care inspired him to pursue a career in healthcare. ...cont'd. (Full write-up linked in name above.)
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MVLA is proud to recognize the Alta Vista Aztec Student of the Year, Jayden Tamimi. In each of his three full school years with us at Alta Vista, Jayden has been recognized with an Aztec Achievement Award, which is our student of the week; and as he nears graduation, Jayden is the overwhelmingly strong selection to be awarded this honor.
There are so many qualities and characteristics that make Jayden exceptional. From his very start with AVHS in the 10th grade, Jayden said his friends at AVHS gave him reassurance, and reminded him “that he can get it done” here, and he has been on a steady path to success ever since! Jayden says Alta Vista has helped to support him, and shows students that not “getting it done” the first time does not mean you’re a failure.
Jayden’s effort and consistency stand out, year after year. He is a school leader on the AVHS volleyball, football and basketball teams, and also a leader in our larger school community. He is curious and engaged in the classroom, making meaningful contributions... cont'd. (Full write-up linked in name above.)
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BOARD MEMBER REPORTS
(In speaking order - Listen to full comments by clicking on board member's name below.)
Clerk Alex Levich elaborated about the DELAC meeting and emphasized its importance for parents and families who are unfamiliar with the US education system.
President Cornes reported that she attended the Community School of Music and Art's Gala where MVLAHSD received the first Community Partnership Award. She also shared information about the Challenge Team and her participation in the SCCOE Hoffman Awards Program.
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I’m excited to share a few highlights from campus that reflect the energy and engagement of our students as we move into the spring season.
First, our school is preparing for the Clash of the Classes rally and spirit week, which has shifted from last year’s night rally to a daytime rally. Students from each grade level will participate in friendly competitions, themed dress-up days, and rally activities that celebrate school spirit and bring our campus community together. Events like these give students a chance to build connections across grade levels while showing pride in their class and school.
We’ve also recently completed our incoming freshman tours, where we welcomed prospective students and families to campus. Student leaders played a major role in guiding tours, sharing their experiences, and helping future students get a sense of what life is like here. It was a great opportunity for our current students to demonstrate leadership while helping the next class begin to imagine their place in our school community.
Another exciting new initiative happening this week is our first-ever Eagle Talent Show, which will take place this Friday. This event is being organized and hosted by students and will showcase a wide range of talents—music, dance, and other performances. Because this is the first time we’re putting on the event, there’s a lot of excitement around building what we hope will become a new campus tradition that celebrates creativity and student expression.
Recently, students also wrapped up our March Madness basketball tournament, which brought together teams from across campus in a fun and competitive series of games. The tournament concluded alongside one of our popular Blue Friday spirit days, where students dressed in school colors to show their pride and support for their classmates. It was a great example of how athletics, school spirit, and student involvement can come together to create a strong sense of community.
Finally, as we move further into the semester, spring sports are now fully underway. Our student-athletes are competing across a variety of sports, representing our school with dedication and teamwork both on and off the field. We’re excited to continue supporting them throughout their seasons.
Overall, it’s been a vibrant and active time on campus, and we’re proud of the leadership, creativity, and spirit our students continue to demonstrate. Thank you for your continued support of our students and school community.
(Written by Lucy Lai, Student Board Rep, LAHS.)
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I’m happy to share a few highlights from this past month at Mountain View High School and recognize the many accomplishments across our campus community.
ASB elections have concluded, and the newly elected students are listed on the MVHS ASB Instagram, @spartythespartan. Notably, Kapil Shastry will serve as the next School Board Representative!
Similar to Los Altos, ASB also hosted the annual Spartan Madness tournament, where hundreds of students filled the big gym daily to cheer on 16 competing teams. The student Minion team won the tournament, with MVHS teachers taking victory in the final exhibition game.
Winter athletics wrapped up with strong performances across all teams. Boys Varsity Soccer earned the title of CCS Champions, and Mountain View’s girls wrestling team became league champions, alongside many other winter teams that contributed to an exciting and competitive season. We look forward to carrying this momentum into the spring.
Throughout February, students engaged in Black History Month through daily announcements and a collaborative workshop hosted by Ambassadors, BSU, and Justice Vanguard featuring artist Masud Olufani, who explored the Black diaspora through art. Ambassadors also hosted a transfer picnic and are preparing for Mental Health Awareness Week (March 16–19) and their upcoming COPA soccer tournament.
Student groups continue to thrive, including Madrigals’ successful Heartbeat concert and ongoing club events featuring panels, guest speakers, and community engagement.
Overall, it's been an eventful and exciting month for many groups on our campus and I thank you for your time.
(Written by Claire Schwarzhoff, Student Board Rep, MVHS.)
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Superintendent Volta ceded most of his report time to the site leadership due to the anticipated length of the meeting. He closed by thanking the MVLA Advisory Council for their time and feedback, as well as thanking all the administration and staff for their work to help navigate the challenges presented by the changes in the recent graduation requirements.
Site Administration Reports:
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Resolution No. 25/26-16 recognizes the important historic and ongoing contributions of women in our society.
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MVLA Adult School Annual Board Presentation
The MVLA Adult School Leadership Team presented the annual report reviewing progress made for the prior school year. The presentation detailed the comprehensive adult school data used to inform school and programmatic improvements for this current year. The team focused on WASC Goals, progress made towards those goals in each academic core program, program highlights, student success stories, and looking ahead.
Annual ELD Program Progress Report & Recognition of Staff
ELD staff provided an informational update on the MVLA English Language Development (ELD) program, including student data, program structure, and in-class learning opportunities designed to support multilingual learners’ language development and academic success.
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Other business items on the agenda were tabled until the next board meeting.
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President Thida Cornes reported that action was taken in closed session.
The board voted 5 to 0 to approve a compromise agreement with parents of a student to resolve potential and threatened claims against the District in exchange for funding of private services and an alternative program for the student during the 2025-26 through 2028-29 school years, in an amount not to exceed $178,000.00.
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