Volume 10, Issue 1

September/October 2024

Greetings,

Every day, teachers and staff in the Cypress School District work tirelessly to ensure our students not only master grade-level standards but also thrive in a supportive and engaging learning environment. Beyond academics, we prioritize helping students develop essential interpersonal skills while fostering a positive school culture where everyone feels safe, valued, and excited to come to school. In this issue of our e-Newsletter, we share snapshots of the many great things happening across our schools. We hope you’ll take a few moments to celebrate these highlights with us.

Sincerely,

Anne Silavs, Superintendent

Team Arnold: Working Together to Achieve the Goal!

Team-building activities are an important part of the school program at Arnold. More than just fun and games, these experiences help develop trust, collaboration, and a sense of belonging in the classroom. Recently, second and third graders participated in an activity to promote collaboration. Students worked in teams to untangle themselves from a human knot. This activity required them to practice patience while exercising their communication and problem-solving skills. Students also learned how to take leadership as well as receive direction from others. By working as a team, students discovered they could conquer even the most challenging task to achieve their goal!

School Buddies Make an Impact at King

The Buddy Program at King develops leadership and essential life skills by pairing fifth graders with students in transitional kindergarten for weekly collaborative activities, academic games, and art projects. Through these interactions, students develop empathy, patience, and trust in a meaningful, hands-on environment. Many fifth graders, like Nadia, cherish the opportunity to give back, remembering how much their own buddy visits meant to them when they were younger students. Nadia shared that being part of the program now as a fifth grader allows her to create those same special memories for her own little TK buddy.

Landell Students Leading the Way 

Student Council has been busy this fall, planning and organizing a variety of fun and impactful activities to foster a positive school culture and a strong sense of community at Landell. From spirited dress-up days to memorable PBIS experiences, they are ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy at school. Beyond event planning, these student leaders are also setting an important example by promoting kindness and demonstrating integrity, making them positive role models for all students on campus. With their dedication, the Student Council is set to make this school year at Landell a truly unforgettable experience!

Watching Our Garden Grow at Luther

The school vegetable garden offers Luther students a unique and engaging recess alternative that promotes both social interaction and physical activity. Students learn to plant, nurture, and harvest their own crops. This hands-on experience not only promotes teamwork and collaboration but also instills a sense of responsibility as they care for their garden. As students watch their plants grow, they develop a deeper appreciation for nature and gain an interest in healthy eating habits by enjoying the fruits of their labor. The garden has become a favorite spot for many, providing a fun and educational space where learning extends beyond the classroom.

Setting the Tone for a Safe and Inviting School Environment at Morris

Mustangs kicked off the new school year with the annual PBIS assembly, which provided students an opportunity to reconnect as a community and revisit the school's core values of responsibility, respect, and safety in their daily interactions. Emphasis was also placed on promoting a culture of kindness, encouraging students to support one another and contribute to an accepting and inclusive school environment. The assembly was more than just a welcome-back activity, it was an important reminder of the shared commitment to create a school where every student feels welcome and valued!

Vessels Earns Platinum Recognition – Again!

Once again, Vessels has been 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. 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 for students to thrive and grow!