Dear Gavilan View Community,
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Dear Families,
What a productive week we shared last week! Students worked hard to get caught up and submitted assignments in preparation for progress reports on Wednesday. These reports are a crucial tool for communication, and we encourage you to review them with your student to celebrate successes and identify areas for growth before the break. We also want to thank the students who made our Movie Night on Friday a huge success—it was wonderful seeing so many students enjoying a Friday night together on campus.
In the spirit of gratitude and as we celebrate as Family Engagement Month, we want to express our deepest gratitude for your unwavering support. The difference you make is evident every day in the preparation, encouragement, and time you invest in your child’s education.
This week, we have our annual Turkey Trot event on Friday. We encourage all students to participate. The top 18 winners will win a free frozen turkey and all participants are entered in a drawing to win a frozen turkey. Hope to your children participate and maybe win!
It's our last week of November. A reminder we don't have school on November 24 - 28. We wish you and your loved ones a very happy Thanksgiving filled with warmth, great food, and quality time together. Please enjoy this much-deserved rest. We look forward to seeing our students back, refreshed and ready for December!
Warmly,
Mrs. Antuna, Principal
Ms. Coronel, Assistant Principal
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School Updates & Reminders
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Don't miss this incredibly important meeting for families of English Language Learners!
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WHEN: This Wednesday, November 16, 2025, at 5:00 PM.
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WHO: Parents/Guardians of students learning English.
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WHY ATTEND? We will be sharing CRITICAL updates about the upcoming ELPAC test. Learn the precise steps your student can take in the next two months to dramatically boost their chances of reclassifying (exiting the program). This information is your key to their next academic milestone!
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HOW TO JOIN: Attend in person or virtually. The direct meeting link is available on the school website now!
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Help us create a stronger learning environment for our English Learner Students!
Please complete this survey to help us improve programs and support for English Learners. Your feedback is confidential and will directly influence how we plan parent engagement activities and educational services. Select the option that best represents your opinion. Thank you for your participation!
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The Right at School Program will be closed on
Wednesday, November 19, 2025.
Students who normally stay will need to make alternative arrangements.
** A reminder that GV offers Homework Center on
Wednesdays from 1:15pm to 3:15pm. **
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Progress Reports were completed last week and were mailed home.
They should arrive in the mail this week.
Please make sure to:
- Check Aeries regularly to monitor your child's grades
- Encourage students to take advantage of our Homework Centers
- Communicating with your student's teachers on Parent Square
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Get ready for the most exciting, obstacle-filled, and potentially most rewarding event of the year!
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WHAT: Students will tackle a fun, competitive obstacle course including running, solving puzzles, and completing physical tasks.
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THE GRAND PRIZE: The Top 6 finishers in each grade level will automatically win a FREE FROZEN TURKEY—just in time for Thanksgiving dinner!
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EVERYONE CAN WIN: All students who participate are entered into a raffle for a chance to win an additional turkey prize.
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ACTION ITEM: Students must return a signed permission slip to participate.
- Encourage your student to join the fun and let's see which families win the grand prize this year!
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There is no Parent Walking Group on November 21st.
We resume on Friday, December 5th at 2:30 PM.
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Get ready to recharge! This week is the FINAL school week before our much-deserved Thanksgiving holiday.
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OFFICIAL BREAK DATES: We are off from school from Monday, November 24th, through Friday, November 28th.
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RETURN DATE: School resumes bright and early on Monday, December 1st.
- Plan ahead, enjoy the time with family, and we'll see you in December!
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If you're a position to give this holiday season,
we invite you to help our school community with:
Canned Food Drive
Winter Coat Drive
All donations can be made by December 17th
Bring donations into the front office
A sincere thank you for your generosity!
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We understand that maintaining food security is a major concern for many families. Please know that you are not alone, and there are local resources available to help.
If you or someone you know is in need of assistance with groceries or meals, please utilize and share these important resources:
We encourage you to share these resources with any friends, family, or neighbors you know are in need. Supporting each other is what makes our community strong.
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The Right At School after school program is still accepting registrations.
The Right At School program is offered every day after school until 6:00pm. Students do not have to stay until 6:00pm but there is a minimum of a half hour every day
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Below are flyers for some upcoming community events or programs you may be interested in: |
- Our attendance declined this week. This week's average was 95.49%.
- Morning tardies increased but period tardies decreased: 55 students were late in the morning to school; 23 students were late in the morning and to one other class; and 6 students were on time in the morning but late to at least one class this week.
- We are communicating with the families of all students arriving late.
Talk to your children about the importance of going to school every day
and showing up on time for every class!
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This week, we are thrilled to recognize one of our newest team members, sixth-grade teacher Mr. Jorge Fernandez-Mora, as our Hawk of the Week! Mr. Fernandez-Mora joined us this year, taking on the challenge of a first-year teaching position at GVMS. What makes his dedication even more inspiring is that he is also a student himself, balancing his demanding teaching schedule with evening classes to further his own education. This commitment to continuous learning and professional growth is a wonderful example for our students and reflects the high standard of excellence we value in our staff.
Mr. Fernandez-Mora was recently nominated by his peers for his impressive initiative and success in organizing a major fundraising effort for his sixth-grade core class. He listened closely to his students' requests for more engaging and enriching educational opportunities, and swiftly organized a chocolate fundraising event. What was expected to be a two-month goal was met in just a few short weeks—a truly impressive feat! Because of his efforts and his students' hard work, Mr. Fernandez-Mora has already secured enough funds to plan an exciting field trip to the Aquarium and is looking forward to organizing a second trip for his class in the spring.
Beyond his role as a dedicated educator and successful fundraiser, Mr. Fernandez-Mora is a consistently bright light within the GVMS halls. He is a true team player, always ready with a smile and a positive attitude that spreads encouragement to both staff and students. His enthusiasm for teaching and his commitment to enhancing the student experience make him an invaluable addition to our school community. Please join us in congratulating Mr. Fernandez-Mora on being our Hawk of the Week!
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This month, we shine a special light on Family Engagement Month, celebrating the essential partnership between our school and you, our middle school families.
As your students navigate the middle school years, your support remains one of the most powerful predictors of their success! Research shows that active family engagement leads to:
- Higher grades and better attendance.
- Improved organizational and study skills.
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A stronger sense of belonging for your student at school.
While your student is growing more independent, the way you engage with their education simply shifts, it doesn't stop!
🚀 Ways to Get Involved at the Middle School Level:
We know your time is valuable, so here are a few ways to partner with us this month and beyond:
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Be a Homework & Habits Coach: Establish a quiet, consistent time and space for homework and studying. Ask specific questions like, "What did you learn in Science today?" or "What's your plan for that project?" This simple home-based check-in is vital.
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Attend Key Events: Mark your calendar for events like School Site Council and upcoming school events like our Cafecito or Parent Walking Group. Showing up makes a big impact.
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Join Our School Committees: Consider joining the ELAC, Safety Committee, or a School Site Council. Your voice and perspective are crucial to our decision-making.
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Monitor Progress Digitally: Log in to our Aeries Parent Portal weekly to check grades, attendance, and assignment due dates. Knowing what's happening helps you catch issues early.
This month, let's recommit to working together. Your involvement truly makes a difference in our vibrant middle school community!
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This month, we join the nation in celebrating National Native American Heritage Month. This is a vital opportunity for all families to honor the rich cultures, deep histories, and ongoing contributions of Native American and Indigenous Peoples.
The most important takeaway for our children is this: Native Americans are not a relic of the past; they are diverse, contemporary peoples who continue to enrich our world today.
Simple Ways to Promote Diversity at Home:
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Acknowledge the Land: Talk to your children about the original stewards of the land where we live. You can visit the Native Land Digital map online to find out which Indigenous tribe's territory our community is on. This is a powerful, respectful learning opportunity.
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Read Books by Native Authors: Visit the library or a local bookstore and seek out children's and young adult books written and illustrated by Native American creators.
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Explore Culture through Food: Research traditional foods of the Americas (like corn, squash, and beans) or try an authentic recipe from a specific tribe.
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Be a Critical Media Consumer: Talk to your children about how Native people are often portrayed in movies, TV, or sports mascots. Discuss why stereotypes are harmful and what true, respectful representation looks like.
Let's make this November a time for deep, respectful family learning about the diverse and resilient Indigenous cultures that shape our world.
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November 19: ELAC Meeting
November 21: Turkey Trot
November 24 - 28: No School, Thanksgiving Week Off
December 2: Special Education Awareness Day
December 3: Secure Campus Drill
December 8: SRUSD Town Hall Meeting
December 9: Winter Concert
December 12: Winter Dance
December 17: Cafecito & School Site Council
December 19: 2nd Quarter Ends | Game Day
December 20 to January 12: Winter Break / No School
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Monday, December 8
5:30pm to 7:30pm
New Republic Elementary
Check out the information videos
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Despite the rain, we were feeling the Tropical Vibes on Friday Night watching Lilo & Stitch. |
Congrats to our 6th grade Top AR Readers!
Our AVID Club is learning all about colleges & careers.
Our Staff were celebrating the Season of Gratitude this past week too.
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Yair gave Mr. Hinojosa and Mrs. Antuna a wonderful surprise by serenading us with
"Las Mananitas" for our birthday on Monday.
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The rain and wind were in full force on Thursday during lunch. |
Staff and students were disguising turkeys & reflecting on what we're grateful for this season. |
If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us.
- School Phone Number: (831) 443-7212
- Principal's Cell Number: (831) 444-1348
- Principal's email: santuna@santaritaschools.org
- Assistant Principal's email: icoronelvelazco@santaritaschools.org
- School Website: https://gavilan-view.santaritaschools.org/
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