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The new school year is in full swing at each of our school sites, and so many great learning experiences are already happening for our students. The Board and I have visited every classroom by this point, and we have seen so much evidence of learning, including lots of small group instruction, students collaborating and producing amazing work, and teachers differentiating to support every student as an individual learner. Most importantly, we see smiling faces in our classrooms and students enjoying both being at school and learning. As educators in Cypress, we are working hard to intentionally create classrooms where every student belongs, joy fuels learning, relationships matter most, growth is the goal, and we are making a lasting positive difference for students. I’m so proud of the work happening across our schools and in our community. It’s great to be in Cypress School District!
Sincerely,
Grant Litfin, Ed.D.
Superintendent
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A.E. Arnold Elementary School
Students Learning About Music
Our kindergarteners gathered in a wide circle on the rug, cross-legged and captivated, for their very first music class of the year. Sitting attentively around colored floor spots, the students listened closely as their teacher, Mr. Dunnahoe, strummed an acoustic guitar, filling the room with melody. Bright music notes and a warm "MUSIC!" set a joyful tone for the lesson, marking a wonderful beginning to their journey of rhythm, song, and creative expression. Music accelerates language and literacy, strengthens mathematical understanding, and fosters social and emotional skills. Here at Arnold, we are thrilled to have music for everyone!
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Clara J. King Elementary School
Second Graders Collaborate, Learn, and Grow
Second grade students are off to a great start with collaborative workstations! Students have been working hard to refresh their skills and review what makes a successful collaborative group, including listening to one another, sharing ideas, taking turns, and working together toward a common goal. These workstations give students opportunities to practice academic skills while also building communication, problem-solving, independence, and teamwork. As students rotate through learning activities, they learn to support one another, stay focused, and take responsibility for their learning. With these important routines in place, our second graders are ready to make collaborative workstations a productive and engaging part of a successful year of learning!
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Margaret Landell Elementary School
Rooted Together: Landell's Hydroponic Garden Takes Off!
At Landell, students rolled up their sleeves and dug into a project that's already growing into one of their favorite memories of the year–planting fresh herbs and greens in the school's hydroponic garden. Side by side, students carefully planted cilantro, dill, parsley, and a variety of lettuce, discovering with wide eyes how plants can grow and thrive without soil. Beyond the science, this was a moment of real connection: students working as a team, celebrating each seed planted, and building pride in something they created together. Once harvested, these herbs and greens will make their way into meals served right in Landell's kitchen, giving students the joy of tasting something they grew with their own hands.
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Steve Luther Elementary School
PBIS Assembly Celebrates Positive Choices
Our students recently came together for a special PBIS Assembly to celebrate positive behavior, kindness, and making good choices throughout our school community. Students learned how their everyday actions help create a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment for everyone. The assembly was also an opportunity to recognize students who consistently demonstrate our school’s PBIS expectations and serve as positive role models for their peers. We are proud of the way our students continue to show responsibility, respect, and kindness each day!
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Juliet Morris Elementary School
Meeting the Needs of Every Student
Small group instruction is an essential part of every day at Morris School, providing teachers with opportunities to meet the unique learning needs of each student. Using assessment data, teachers create differentiated lessons that support grade-level expectations, strengthen foundational reading skills, and foster independence. Evidence-based materials and district-aligned strategies support instruction in reading, writing, vocabulary, and comprehension. While teachers work with small groups, other students engage in meaningful workstation activities, including leveled digital readers, writing assignments, language practice, educational games, and inquiry-based enrichment. This approach ensures that all students remain actively engaged while receiving instruction tailored to their individual learning needs.
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Frank Vessels Elementary School
Student Council Elections
Vessels held its student council elections from August 24-28, giving students in grades four through six an opportunity to participate in school leadership. Each class elected two representatives to serve on the student council, ensuring every classroom has a voice. Students considered candidates, learned about responsibility, and cast their votes. The newly elected representatives will share student ideas, support school activities, and encourage a positive campus community throughout the year. The election gave students meaningful practice in citizenship, teamwork, communication, and decision-making. It was an exciting way for students to help make their school an even better place.
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BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Carrie Hayashida - Jaime Needham - Meghna Parikh - Lydia Sondhi, Ph.D. - Troy Tanaka
SUPERINTENDENT
Grant Litfin, Ed.D., Superintendent
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