Parent Survey
You had many questions and comments.
We hope these responses are helpful!
How does the Foundation Board decide to allocate the funds?
The MVLA Foundation Board gathers input from parents from our annual parent survey and uses the results to help with resource planning and decision-making. Our grantmaking committee meets with district staff to discuss school needs, and our board determines the anticipated fundraising capacity to determine the annual grant. Our website shows the current grant allocation.
I don’t know much about the annual grant and its funded programs. I know you ask for money, but how is it used?
You can visit the MVLA Foundation website to see how your student benefits.
STUDENT SUPPORT
Can we find a better solution than Chromebooks?
Macbooks are four times the price of Chromebooks, which makes it cost-prohibitive to purchase Macbooks for everyone. Next year, freshmen will be issued Lenovo 14e Chromebooks Gen3 with a 14-inch screen, which is an upgrade from the current model in use.
MacBooks are available in the library and some classrooms. Classes that require the use of advanced software make arrangements for all students to have access to the appropriate computers.
I wish my student would go to the Tutorial Center. When is it open?
The Tutorial Center is open 8 hours a day with one-on-one tutors, and tutors are also embedded in the classroom for select classes. The center is open during the Tutorial/ACT period, brunch, lunch, and after school to accommodate as many student schedules as possible. Please email the Tutorial Center for more information. (LAHS, MVHS)
Why are Extended Library Hours needed?
Extended library hours provide a warm, dry, safe place for students to study and collaborate after school. This is a service that is greatly appreciated by students who may have school activities later in the evening and by parents who may not be able to pick up students immediately after school.
I did not know about online journal access. How do the students access it?
While it might not be publicized to parents, students are instructed on how to use these resources in their English, history, and science classes. Teachers indicate this is a valuable resource, which is widely used with over 60,000 searches last year. (LAHS, MVHS)
How do I see what is accomplished with the Innovative Learning Grants?
Visit our Innovative Learning Grant page to see featured grants and the full list of projects.
Innovative Learning Grants sound great, but do they work?
The purpose of the grants is to pilot new materials and learning experiences for students to see if they enhance the curriculum. Some projects “work” and are added to the curriculum, and other projects are one-time experiences like a visit to a cultural exhibit that may not be accessible in the future.
The Speaker Series is great, but why aren’t the events recorded?
When possible, there are recordings available for a period of time after the event, but it varies depending on the contract negotiated with each speaker. You can visit the MVLA Speaker Series website for more information.
What’s an intake therapist?
An intake therapist provides an initial appointment to gather information to determine what services are needed and connects students with available resources. Intake therapists are also available to counsel students in crisis.
How many therapists are there?
MVLA has a total of 15 licensed therapists on staff. MVLA also has five associate therapists through CASSY (Counseling and Support Services for Youth) and one associate therapist from Pacific Clinics’ School-based Intervention Team working on our campus sites. MVLA additionally partners with multiple community-based and county-funded agencies to expand services for our community.
SAT
Having the SAT on campus is very helpful. Does it need to be on a school day?
If the SAT is held on a Saturday, the school would be required to open the session to anyone, and seats would fill up with non-MVLA students. By hosting on a weekday, we can guarantee that every MVLA student who would like to take the test has a spot.
I have a junior. How do I sign up for the PSAT/SAT on campus this fall?
Information will be provided to students in September. All sophomores and juniors are automatically signed up for the PSAT/NMSQT. Sign-up information will be provided for students eligible to take the SAT. Check with your school counselor or the CCC if you are unsure which test to sign up for.
Why are you offering the SAT if it’s not required anymore?
After consultation with the CCC staff, we are continuing to fund the SAT for students who choose to take the test for two reasons. The SAT is still relevant for a significant number of private schools, and it is increasingly more difficult to find local sites offering the SAT. We hope that hosting the SAT/PSAT in a familiar setting will decrease some of the test anxiety.
COLLEGE & CAREER CENTER (CCC)
What is the difference between an academic counselor and the CCC?
Your school (academic) counselor assists with course selection, completing graduation requirements, and social-emotional well-being (LAHS, MVHS). The CCC, which is NOT available at most public high schools, supplements the school counseling department and focuses on helping students with college and career planning. The CCC is funded by the Foundation and consists of two staff counselors at each campus. They are available daily for walk-in appointments and scheduled meetings for college or career-specific counseling. The CCC staff sends out communications and visits students of all grade levels in the classroom to inform them of college and career-related events and opportunities.
Can the College & Career counselors do more to reach out to students and parents?
The CCC counselors visit classrooms, host events, and meet with students daily. To best take advantage of the opportunities the CCC offers, please make sure you are receiving and reading their communications. 1) Be sure your email address is up to date on Naviance. 2) Check the CCC events calendar (LAHS, MVHS). 3) Follow the CCC on Instagram (LAHS, MVHS). 4) Bookmark the CCC website (LAHS, MVHS) and YouTube channel, and encourage your student to visit often!
Do seniors really use the advising program during the summer?
Yes! There will be online workshops, drop-in hours, and individual appointments for rising seniors over the summer. There will also be an in-person boot camp and events for rising sophomores and juniors. Look for more information from the College and Career Center in May.
Where do I find the College Counseling Handbook?
A physical copy of the College Handbook is handed out to juniors, and a link to the soft copy is emailed to parents by the Foundation and is available on the College and Career website. You can also download the College Counseling Handbook.
How do parents access Naviance?
Please email Laura Duran at LAHS or Jamie Evare at MVHS with your student’s name and a request to activate your parent/guardian account. (LAHS, MVHS)
What is the benefit of attending College Info Sessions?
Info sessions are often with the admissions officer who will be reading your student’s application, so attending them demonstrates your student’s interest. The CCC schedules over 100 colleges to come to campus and hold information sessions for students. This is great for students who may not be able to travel to visit schools.
Why does the Foundation invest so much in the College and Career Center?
The MVLA Foundation funds the CCC, which includes the salaries of four full-time staff members. Based on student, teacher, and parent feedback, we believe it is an important resource for our students.
Do we still need to hire a private college counselor?
The College and Career Center at each school is a valuable resource and provides opportunities and support for students who visit and attend events. The more events and workshops students and parents attend, the better prepared they will be for the application process. Some families still choose to use a private college counselor to provide more regular, personalized attention.
How can I schedule an appointment with the college counselor together with my student?
Your student can visit the College and Career Center website (LAHS, MVHS) and schedule an appointment online.
AVID, PEAK & More!
What does AVID stand for?
AVID, an acronym for Advancement Via Individual Determination, is a national program designed to close the opportunity gap in college graduation rates among diverse and underrepresented demographic groups.
What is PEAK?
PEAK (Pathways, Exposure, Academic Connection, Knowledge) is an innovative program unique to the MVLA school district that enriches the AVID program by broadening student connections and experiences. Some initiatives include visiting local companies, job shadowing, and holding mock interviews. These are experiences that would otherwise be unavailable to first-generation AVID students who don’t typically have exposure to professional career paths. This experience is also available to Spartan Scholars, LAHS Academy, and Supervised Study classes.
My personal financial situation does not allow me to contribute the suggested donation, and I believe the contribution I might make would be too small to matter.
Please consider a donation in any amount that is meaningful to you. Every donation, no matter the size, is valued and really does make a difference.