Dear Families,

The energy on campus remains high as our Hawks continue to soar through state testing! We are incredibly proud of the stamina our students are showing, and we ask for your continued support in ensuring they get plenty of rest and a nutritious breakfast to set them up for success each morning. Please keep an eye on your mailboxes this week, as progress reports should be arriving shortly. These are a great tool for a mid-quarter check-in to ensure every student finishes the year on a high note.

It’s also a busy week for looking toward the future! We are thrilled to welcome our incoming 6th graders (current 5th graders) to campus for their orientation, and we invite our current families to our final School Site Council Meeting of the year to review our proposed school plan for next year. On Friday, we shift our focus to our departing students as our 8th graders take their official panoramic picture. We will wrap up the week by hosting a Mobile Vaccination Clinic on Friday afternoon.

Let's make it another fantastic week, Hawks!

Warmly,

Mrs. Antuna, Principal

Ms. Coronel, Assistant Principal

Registration is now open!

If you have questions, please see the English Instructions & Spanish Instructions or call our front office for assistance. 

Summer Academy Information:

Dates: June 2 to June 26 (no school on June 19)

Times: 8:30am to 1:00pm (Breakfast starting at 8am)

Location: John Gutierrez Middle School

Please see the information below for Summer Camps:

Keep an eye out this week for progress reports that are being mailed to your homes.

8th Grade Reminder: To participate in the promotion ceremony, students must finish the 4th quarter with no Fs and no more than one D. 

Please make sure to:

We expect students to stay on top of their assignments and finish the quarter with strong academic grades. If they need help, please make sure they're attending our Homework Centers.

Students on a Homework Contract are expected to attend Homework Center at least 1 hour a week.

Please review this presentation for all the details on End-of-the-Year events and for the pricing details of our Promotion Ceremony tickets, Gowns, Six Flags trip, etc. 

Yearbook & Pictures can be purchased online.

Everything else: Purchase in the front office from 7:30am to 3:30pm.

LEAD-HER-SHIP is our summer program for high school bound girls to develop and expand their leadership skills and take charge of their futures, as they learn how to navigate high school and value the importance of higher education in their lives. LEAD-HER-SHIP is a program held at Santa Clara University in 2026.

Program Location: Santa Clara University, 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA 95053

Program Dates: June 30-July 2, 2026

Program Fee: $300*

Application Deadline: May 15, 2026

If you are interested in joining or would like more information, please contact the Girls Inc. of the Central Coast office at (831) 772-0882.

This week all 7th grade students will be receiving lessons from our Positive Prevention Plus curriculum on Health and Reproduction topics during their Science class.

Students will be asked to have conversations with you at home about the things they learned in class.

Resources:

Parent Meeting presentation

Parent letter copy

We are thrilled to announce Jody Rae Lasda as our Hawk of the Week! Ms. Lasda was nominated by her peers for the incredibly innovative and creative ways she brings learning to life for her 6th-grade students. Her classroom is a true living laboratory; on any given day, you might find students harnessing caterpillar cocoons, studying venus flytraps, or observing butterflies to witness the circle of life in real time. By making science tangible—whether through tracking global weather patterns or conducting hands-on experiments—she is inspiring a new generation of scientists and stewards of the natural world.

Beyond her impressive science curriculum, Ms. Lasda is well known for the unique culture she builds within her room. Her two famous class mascots, the skeletons Flaco and Rosie, are staples of the Gavilan View community, often seen dressed up and "living the life" of 6th graders as they visit various classrooms on campus. Ms. Lasda consistently goes the extra mile to make school a fun place, from hosting egg hunts in the garden and rewarding our top readers to providing snacks and treats that make her students feel seen and appreciated.

A true powerhouse on the 6th-grade team, Ms. Lasda manages a heavy instructional load, teaching five different subjects: Social Studies, Science, Math, English, and ELD Level 3. Her experience is highly valued by her peers, who frequently look to her for guidance and advice on curriculum and instructional strategies. Ms. Lasda’s ability to balance academic rigor with a playful environment makes her an absolute standout. Thank you, Ms. Lasda, for making every day at Gavilan View an adventure in learning!

In April, we honor Arab American Heritage Month, celebrating the history and achievements of over 3.5 million Arab Americans. In middle school, recognizing this month is vital for building cultural literacy and ensuring every student feels seen and valued. By highlighting these diverse stories, we challenge stereotypes and help our students grow into empathetic, global citizens.

At home, you can celebrate by exploring the "hidden" Arab influences in our daily lives—from the origins of words like "coffee" and "algebra" to the rich flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine. Encouraging your child to read a book by an Arab American author or research a famous innovator is a great way to spark curiosity and appreciation for the diverse cultures that shape our world.

In April, we join the nationwide move from "awareness" to Autism Acceptance, celebrating the unique strengths and perspectives of our neurodivergent students. Middle school is a critical time for building identity and empathy; by recognizing this month, we teach our children that neurodiversity—the different ways our brains work—is a valuable part of a strong community. Our goal is to ensure every student feels seen, respected, and included for exactly who they are.

At home, you can support this by starting simple conversations about how everyone learns and processes information differently. Encourage your child to see accommodations, like noise-canceling headphones or quiet spaces, as tools for success rather than "differences." Whether it’s watching a movie with a neurodivergent lead or discussing how to be a supportive friend, these small actions help build a culture of belonging that extends from your living room to our classrooms.

April-May - 8th Grade Sales (Gowns, Trip, Yearbook, & Promotion Tickets)

April 13 - May 1 - State Testing

April 29 - School Site Council Meeting

May 1 - 8th Grade Panoramic Picture & Vaccination Clinic

May 4 - May 15 - i-Ready Testing

May 4 - SRUSD Townhall Meeting

May 5 - Cookie Dough Pick Up Day

May 15 - 8th Grade Six Flags Trip

May 18 - May 22 - Chromebook Collection

May 22 - 8th Grade Promotion Dance

May 25 - No School, Memorial Day

May 26, 27, 28 - Minimum Days

May 27 - 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony

May 28 - Last Day of School