Principal’s Message – May Newsletter
Dear Monte Vista Families,
Welcome to our May newsletter! As we enter the final stretch of the school year, this edition highlights many of the incredible experiences, achievements, and important moments taking place across our campus—from student learning and enrichment opportunities to the continued growth of our Eagle scholars.
One of the most important highlights this month is the start of the CAASPP, beginning on May 5th. This is a valuable opportunity for our students in grades 3–8 to demonstrate their learning and growth in English Language Arts and Mathematics.
We encourage all of our scholars to approach testing with confidence and to remember: “Eat right, sleep tight, test bright.” A good night’s rest, a healthy breakfast, and arriving to school on time each day will make a meaningful difference in helping students perform at their best.
Attendance continues to be a top priority at Monte Vista, and we are proud of the strong progress our school community has made this year, with attendance rates steadily increasing each month.
Every day matters, especially during the testing window, and consistent attendance ensures students remain engaged, confident, and prepared. As always, we remind our families that Success Starts with Showing Up, and we appreciate your ongoing partnership in making sure students are present and on time.
As you read through this month’s newsletter, you will see highlights of student achievements, including the incredible accomplishments of our MVSD Run Club chapter, and our Math Field Day team, our focus on the character trait of integrity through Capturing Kids’ Hearts, and the many ways we continue to support the academic and social-emotional growth of our students. Thank you for your continued support and commitment to Monte Vista.
Together, we will continue to ensure that our students don’t just fly—they soar.
With appreciation,
Dr. Fausto Barragán, Jr.
Principal, Monte Vista School
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We are incredibly proud to celebrate our outstanding Monte Vista Math Scholars for their success at the Mountain View School District Math Field Day, held on April 25, 2026!
Under the dedicated guidance of Coach Mrs. Cannon, our team demonstrated exceptional problem-solving skills, perseverance, and mathematical excellence—earning 1st Place in the 7th Grade Division!
A special congratulations goes to 7th grader Quynh Thuy Hoang, who was recognized for her outstanding individual performance in math computation. What an incredible achievement!
Your hard work, focus, and commitment truly represent the best of Monte Vista. We are proud of each and every one of you for showcasing your scholarly abilities and representing our school with excellence.
Thank you, Mrs. Cannon, for your continued dedication to supporting and inspiring our students in their mathematical endeavors.
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🍎 May 1 – Lunch Heroes Day
💙 Let’s celebrate our amazing cafeteria team!
They keep our scholars fueled, healthy, and ready to learn every day.
- 👏 Thank you, Lunch Heroes, for all you do!
🌟 May 4 – May 9 – Staff Appreciation Week
🍎💐 Join us in celebrating our incredible Monte Vista staff!
From teachers to support staff, each team member plays a vital role in helping our scholars succeed.
- 💌 A kind note or word of appreciation goes a long way!
✏️📊 May 5 – May 15 – CAASPP Testing
🧠 Show what you know, Eagles!
Help your scholar be successful by remembering:
🥗 Eat Right
😴 Sleep Tight
✨ Test Bright
- ⏰ Please ensure students arrive on time every day and ready to do their best!
📣 May 16 – MVSD State of the District
📍 Payne Elementary School | 🕘 9:00 a.m. (NEW time)
Join us for our annual State of the District Address featuring student highlights, district updates, breakfast, and a special student meal taste testing event.
🎨 May 19 – MVSD Community Fair: Artists & Writers Celebration
📍 Family Center | 🕠 5:00 p.m.
Celebrate student creativity through writing and art, while connecting with community resources and enjoying family-friendly activities.
🇺🇸 May 25 – Memorial Day (No School)
❤️ A day to honor and remember the brave men and women who served our country.
🌟 We pause in gratitude for their sacrifice.
🤝 May 30 – MVSD Volunteers Recognition Event
📍 Family Center | 🕙 10:00 a.m.
We proudly honor the many volunteers who support our schools and students throughout the year. Thank you for making a difference!
🎓 June 10 – Last Day of School
Wishing all our MVSD scholars and families a safe, fun, and restful summer!
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Congratulations to our Monte Vista MVSD Run Club for an incredible year of accomplishments!
Our students demonstrated dedication, perseverance, and commitment as they trained throughout the year, culminating in participation in the Los Angeles Marathon. Completing a marathon is no small feat—it requires months of preparation, early morning practices, physical endurance, and strong mental determination. Our students pushed through challenges, supported one another, and showed what it truly means to set and achieve ambitious goals.
We are equally grateful to our dedicated coaches and staff who invested their time, energy, and encouragement into supporting our runners every step of the way. Their guidance and belief in our students made this achievement possible. The Run Club is a shining example of what happens when we build a culture of perseverance, teamwork, and high expectations.
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As we enter the month of May, our focus shifts to the CKH theme of Integrity—a powerful character trait that guides how we act when no one is watching. Integrity means doing the right thing, even when it’s difficult. It is about being honest, taking responsibility for our actions, and staying true to our values in every situation.
At Monte Vista, integrity is reflected in our daily actions—how we treat one another, how we approach our learning, and how we hold ourselves accountable. It is the foundation of trust within our classrooms and our school community. When students demonstrate integrity, they build strong character and develop the confidence to make positive choices both in and out of school.
As we support our Eagle Scholars in understanding and practicing integrity, we encourage ongoing conversations, reflections, and real-life connections that help bring this value to life.
“Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.” — C.S. Lewis
Together, let’s continue to model and reinforce integrity so that our students not only succeed academically, but grow into responsible, respectful, and trustworthy individuals who truly SOAR.
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Our middle school Heart and Mind Lab students had the wonderful opportunity to participate in an engaging and educational experience led by State Park Ranger Winter as they explored the scenic bluff trails at Crystal Cove. During this guided walk, students deepened their understanding of environmental conservation and the important role each of us plays in protecting and preserving our ecosystems.
Throughout the experience, students learned about the diverse plants and animals that call Crystal Cove home, and they were especially excited to observe some of these species in their natural habitat. The trip emphasized both environmental responsibility and a sense of curiosity and exploration about the world around them.
Ranger Winter also introduced students to the Junior Ranger program offered through state parks, encouraging them to continue learning and engaging with nature beyond this visit.
For many of our students, this was their very first time visiting the beach, making the experience even more meaningful and memorable. The joy and excitement were evident, with many students sharing that this was their favorite field trip yet!
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As we enter the month of May, we are excited to begin our CAASPP (California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress) testing, which will take place starting May 5, 2026 for students in grades 3–8. These assessments are an important opportunity for our scholars to demonstrate their learning and growth in English Language Arts and Mathematics.
We ask for your partnership in ensuring that every student is set up for success during this important time. One of the most critical factors in student success is consistent attendance and arriving to school on time each day. Testing begins promptly, and late arrivals can disrupt your child’s focus and testing environment.
How Families Can Support at Home:
- Ensure your child gets a good night’s sleep each evening
- Provide a healthy breakfast before school or have your student participate in breakfast at school
- Encourage a positive mindset and confidence
- Maintain regular routines during testing weeks
- Make sure students arrive on time, every day
To help students feel prepared and confident, families can access practice tests online here:
We encourage all of our scholars to remember our testing motto:
“Eat Right, Sleep Tight, and Test Bright!”
Thank you for your continued support, partnership, and commitment to your child’s success. Together, we will ensure that all Monte Vista scholars are ready to soar!
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Monte Vista Counseling Team – May Message
Dear Monte Vista Families,
As mentioned above, May is an important time for our Eagle scholars as State testing is underway!
We want to encourage all students to do their very best, stay focused, and approach each day with confidence. This is an opportunity for students to demonstrate all that they have learned throughout the year. We encourage families to support their children by ensuring they get a good night’s rest, arrive to school on time, and maintain a positive mindset.
Our school counselors are here to support the whole child—academically, socially, and emotionally. During this time, we continue to work closely with students by providing encouragement, helping them manage stress or anxiety, and reinforcing strategies such as goal-setting, perseverance, and self-confidence. Whether through classroom lessons, small groups, or individual check-ins, we are committed to ensuring that every student feels supported and prepared.
At Monte Vista, we believe in our scholars and their ability to succeed. We remind our students that effort matters, growth matters, and most importantly, they are capable of great things.
Monte Vista Counseling Resources & May Events
Resources for Students:
- Foothill Family Onsite Mental Health Consultant: Ms. Leonor Cano
Available: Monday, Tuesday, Friday
Classroom Lessons:
- Test-taking strategies and tips
- Mental health awareness
- Gossip and rumors
- Problem-solving skills
Upcoming Events:
Mental Wellness Support for Testing Students (Grades 3–8)
Location: Room 37
May 13 & 14, 2026
May 20 & 21, 2026
May 27 & 28, 2026
Schoolwide Mental Health Event
Friday, May 22, 2026
During lunchtime
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Monte Vista School in South El Monte, CA serves the educational needs of students from Transitional Kindergarten through the sixth grade and hosts a Head Start early education center on site.
If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us. You can reach out the following ways:
Visit Us:
Monte Vista School
11111 Thienes Ave., South El Monte, CA 91733 ( Google Maps)
Contact Us:
Office Hours:
Monday-Friday: 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
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Principal: Dr. Fausto Barragán
Vice Principal: Melissa Jordan
Dean of Instruction: Angelina Salas
Office Manager: Gisella Garcia
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Our school is a proud member of the Mountain View School District community, which is committed to each student attaining academic success by Inspiring Each Student to Succeed Every Day.
MOUNTAIN VIEW SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF EDUCATION
Jacqueline Saldaña - President
Adam Carranza - Vice President
Veronica Sifuentes- Clerk
Christian Diaz - Member
Cindy Wu - Member
DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION
Raymond Andry, Ed.D. - Superintendent
Darrin De Knikker, Ed.D. - Associate Superintendent of Business Services and Strategic Planning
Mercedes Gomez, Ed.D. - Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services
Roberto López-Mena - Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources
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