Volume 9, Issue 2

October 2023

Fall Greetings,

A visit to any one of our six campuses quickly confirms what we know to be true… many great things are happening in our schools and classrooms. Each and every day, our students are engaged in meaningful learning experiences that develop the skills they need to achieve success today and in the future. The examples below reflect our ongoing commitment to providing a well-rounded educational program and demonstrate that there is simply no better place for students to learn and grow than in the Cypress School District.

Sincerely,

Anne Silavs, Superintendent

A.E. Arnold Elementary School

Helping Students to Achieve Their Hopes and Dreams

Social-emotional learning helps students develop the self-awareness, self-management, and interpersonal skills they need for school, work, and life success. At Arnold, teachers use a number of strategies for developing these important skills. For example, Meet Up (sometimes called a class meeting) provides students with a forum to share experiences, solve problems, and build a strong sense of community inside their classroom. Buddy Up goes even further by creating opportunities for students to get to know each other and form connections. They also practice taking turns, active listening, collaboration, and problem-solving all at the same time. These practices promote self-esteem and positive peer relationships, making it a win-win for everyone!

Clara J. King Elementary School

Promoting a Positive School Environment 

At King, everyone knows and understands the schoolwide P.A.W.S. behavioral expectations which promote students’ personal best and encourage them to act responsibly, work and play safely, and show respect. Equally important, students know what these expectations look like and sound like in different locations on campus. On the playground, they demonstrate respect by playing fairly, including everyone, using kind words to solve disagreements, and listening to adult supervisors. In the cafeteria, they act responsibly by cleaning up after themselves at the lunch tables and sorting their trash in the appropriate waste receptacles. Knowing what is expected enables students to make good choices, instills confidence, and promotes a positive and supportive school environment for all!

Margaret Landell Elementary School

Apples, Apples, Apples!

Kindergarteners at Landell have studied Johnny Appleseed for years. This year, transitional kindergarten (TK) students joined in the fun. John Chapman, also known as Johnny Appleseed, was an American pioneer who introduced apple trees throughout the midwestern United States. Students learned about him through books, songs, videos, crafts, games, and a culminating Apple Day celebration filled with a variety of activities. Kindergarten stations focused on science and math through measuring, weighing, dissecting, and graphing information about apples. TK stations focused on both gross and fine motor skills as students walked with apples on their heads, strung Apple Jack necklaces, and painted with apples. Teachers made learning about Johnny Appleseed both memorable and fun! 

Steve Luther Elementary School

Students Leading the Way

Student Council plays an important role at Luther. Officers are elected each fall by their classmates. Any student in grades 4, 5, or 6 can run for one of five elected positions, and this year there were 15 candidates. Campaigns began with colorful and creative posters displayed at school. On election day, all upper-grade students gathered in the multipurpose room to hear the candidates share their platforms and what they hoped to accomplish. The newly elected officers were introduced at the monthly flag ceremony. Their responsibilities for the year will include planning school spirit activities, managing the school store, and serving as leaders at school assemblies. Student Council is a great opportunity for students to take on leadership roles and experience firsthand the democratic process!

Juliet Morris Elementary School

Here We Grow!

Basil, bananas, grapes, geraniums, and more fill the six beds in the Morris school garden. The garden offers a multitude of benefits. For example, gardening instills a sense of environmental responsibility. Students learn about composting, reducing waste, and conserving water. Additionally, the garden supports students’ emotional well-being, providing a serene space for them to unwind, decompress, and connect with nature. The school garden is also a dynamic educational tool that requires thoughtful planning, ongoing maintenance, and community support. Thanks to the generous support of PTA and the free compost and mulch provided by the OC Waste facility in Irvine, the Morris school garden is thriving with sweet blooms and beautiful butterflies!

Frank Vessels Elementary School

Bulldog Positivity Achieves Platinum

This fall, Vessels was recognized with the California PBIS Platinum Implementation Award for its schoolwide commitment to Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports. PBIS is an evidence-based, tiered framework for supporting students’ behavioral, academic, and social-emotional needs. California PBIS is an organization whose mission is to build school capacity and support effective implementation of the PBIS framework. Schools that apply for recognition are assessed using a variety of criteria. Four award levels range from bronze to platinum. The platinum award reflects the Vessels school community’s pledge to create a nurturing and inclusive environment where every student excels!