Newsletter

November 9, 2018

Lake Forest Elementary showcased their new Innovation Lab with a grand opening ceremony on November 5. Students hosted a “sneak peek” of the lab before the ceremony to show off all the possibilities the lab has to offer. Students showcased projects created with Makey Makeys and demonstrated how Spheros, Ozobots, Make Dos and Dash Robots can be programmed and used. Other students showed their innovative thinking using the Lego wall (the #SVInnovates photo above is from this fun wall) and guests were able to take pictures in front of the green screen. Students in kindergarten through 6 ^th grade will have access to the Innovation Lab.



LFE's mission is to increase student engagement through innovative STEAM challenges, giving students a deeper understanding of standards and raising achievement. STEAM projects will enrich student experiences by providing meaningful learning tasks in science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics that promote critical thinking, problem solving, collaboration, communication, and innovation to prepare students for success in 21st century careers! A big thank you to the LFE PTA, staff, volunteers, and community partners who helped make the lab a reality!

2nd Annual City of Mission Viejo Scarecrow Contest

For the 2nd year in a row, La Paz Intermediate is a winner in the City of Mission Viejo's Scarecrow contest! Mrs. Dekofsky's class created and submitted a scarecrow titled "Boo...to those who don't support inclusion". Winners were chosen in 4 different categories, and La Paz won the "People's Choice" award.

Thank you to everyone who voted and a BIG congratulations to the students and Mrs. Dekofsky on their 2nd win!

El Toro High School has started a new student support program titled "Wellness Wednesdays" in order to help meet student needs. The idea was a result of the school's 1st Mental Heath Awareness Fair that took place on campus last year. After the Fair, a student driven focus group was created to bring awareness to the importance of self-care and mindful practices. Each session focuses on a different topic of awareness and attendance is voluntary. During the last Wellness Wednesday, Deputy Jones of the OC Sheriff's Department spoke to students about the risks of exploitation on social media sites, and shared resources and tools available to help support students. Wellness Wednesdays will continue through the year and ETHS is excited to offer this supports to students.

Print Flyer

Superintendent, Dr. Turner, Trabuco Mesa Elementary Principal, Caryn McGrew, Current and founding member SAKtivists, Teacher, Mandy Kelly, and Board Vice-President, Suzie Swartz.

In the last edition of the SVUSD Newsletter, the student-run organization, The SAKtivists, was highlighted. A few SAKtivists and their teacher, Mrs. Mandy Kelly, and Principal, Mrs. Caryn McGrew, of Trabuco Mesa Elementary attended the November Board meeting to share their story and message of kindness. You can read all about this inspiring group and what they do in this Orange County Department of Education article.

Adult Transition Resource Night

Career Start hosted an Adult Transition Resource Night at Esperanza Education Center on October 18 ^th. District Coordinators, Erin Spillane and Shelly Stewart, along with Adult Transition teacher, Stacy Eldred, gathered over 20 different community resources for students and families in the area of vocation, independent living, post-secondary education, recreation/leisure and social-emotional supports. It was well attended by families, caregivers, students and even SVUSD staff looking for resources for students.

Two Way Immersion (TWI) teachers from Gates Elementary, Los Alisos Intermediate, and Laguna Hills High School, along with their principals, gathered with Dr. Rowena Mak, Services for English Learners Coordinator, and Karin Fortt, District TWI/ELD Resource teacher, on October 16. The purpose of the meeting was to articulate among the upper, middle, and high school levels to ensure a seamless TWI program. 

The day’s objectives were to reflect on the effectiveness of the program based on a specific rubric provided by California Association for Bilingual Education (CABE) and to identify areas of strength and future areas of growth in SVUSD's award-winning TWI program. Learning and reflection was based on the Guiding Principles for Dual Language Education . Participants were joined by Sara Ruiz Ibañez, Instructional Assistant from Spain, who collaborates and supports the learning of the Spanish language through culture and conversation in TWI classrooms.

Every October, all SVUSD school sites, as well as the District Office, participate in the Great California Shakeout. The purpose of the drill is to practice how to protect students and staff, should a major earthquake occur. The goal of the drill is to help prevent major disasters from becoming catastrophes, and the principles practiced on this day apply to many other hazards . The drill was a success across the district and another tool SVUSD utilizes to help ensure the safety of our students and staff.

Shannon Norris was formally introduced at the November Board Meeting. Shannon has begun her role as the new Coordinator of Fiscal Services.

SVUSD has an array of employment opportunities available throughout the year. The positions represent openings across the district and various divisions. All SVUSD openings can be accessed through the following EdJoin link, which is updated regularly:

EdJoin

November 12

November 19 - 21

November 22 & 23

Dec. 24 - Jan. 4

Veteran's Day - District Holiday

Non-school Recess Days

Thanksgiving Holiday

Winter Recess

SVUSD BOARD OF EDUCATION

The Saddleback Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees encourages community members to attend and participate in its business meetings whenever possible.

Closed session board business is typically conducted at 5:00 p.m. followed by open session business typically beginning at 6:00 p.m. Meetings are held in the SVUSD Education Center Board Room located at 25631 Peter A. Hartman Way, Mission Viejo.