Admissions lotteries coming up on Feb 15! 

February 10, 2017
SVA News & Notes
What's Happening at SVA? 

Feb 11 -- Party Train Family Fun & Games 

Feb 13-17 -- Charter Rivalry Week

Feb 15 -- 2017-18 Admissions Lottery

Feb 16 -- Basketball Home vs. Valley Life

Feb 20 -- HOLIDAY *NO SCHOOL*

Feb 16 -- Basketball Home vs. Valley Life

Mar 8 -- PTO Jog-a-Thon



The Academies in the Spotlight

TCOE ran an article highlighting The Academies in their February edition of  their monthly newsletter,  The News Gallery. The article announces the beginning of our relationship with TCOE as authorizer.  "We are delighted to welcome Sycamore Valley Academy and Blue Oak Academy to TCOE," said Tulare County Superintendent of Schools Jim Vidak. "We look forward to good things to come from the addition of their expertise within our Instructional Services division and other charter schools under our umbrella." 

The Academies administration is looking forward to the relationship with TCOE as authorizer.   "All of my experiences with TCOE staff over the last five years I've directed SVA have been positive. I am looking forward to deepening the relationships between our staff and TCOE's," said Superintendent Dutton. "I believe our organizations share a vision for moving toward student-centered, experiential learning, and empowering students as learners who will navigate the complexity of the 21st century." 

BOA Admission for Current SVA Students

Dear SVA Community,

As members of the SVA family, we want to be sure you know that if you wish to transfer your current kindergarten or first grade student to Blue Oak Academy next year, you must notify us by February 14 th  at 4:30 PM. This deadline allows us to offer the remaining seats to applicants through our lottery on February 15th.  If you wish to make the transfer, please email Joy George,  [email protected],  so we may hold your child's seat at BOA.

As one of our family members recently pointed out, Sycamore Valley Academy and Blue Oak Academy are giving the city of Visalia a great big hug.  Both schools are on the outskirts of town, with SVA off Caldwell to the west and BOA off Caldwell to the east. If a move across town would suit your family, but you're not sure about making the switch, please come talk with us. We're happy to answer any questions you may have about the new campus, leadership at BOA, and our staffing plan. 
 

Thank you,
 
Damien Phillips
Principal
Sycamore Valley Academy

PS:  Look for our official announcement about staffing for next year in next week's News & Notes


THIS WEEKEND!

Superintendent Dutton will be out at the Visalia Farmer's Market this Saturday, February 11 spreading the word about our schools. Grab a friend or neighbor and stop by to say "hello"! 

The Academies Ambassador Street Team will be accepting admissions applications on the spot.

Thanks for your support! 

RAK Week

February 12-18 is Random Acts of Kindness week! Let's turn the world kind. Check out randomactsofkindness.org for ideas and inspiration. 
#RAKWeek2017


Pennies for Patients is on Now! 

The SVA Student Council is collecting pocket change for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's annual fundraising drive. To contribute to the cause and to and help Student Council meet their community service goal, send the contents of your change jar to your child's classroom by Friday, February 24. 
SVA Theater 

Save the date! 
May 5
El Diamante Theater
5PM & 7PM





Miss Chan and her theater troupe will put on a spring production of Disney's Peter Pan Jr. The part of Peter will be played by 5th grader, Georgia Dowdy. Congratulations Georgia! 

Basketball Update

On Thursday , in front of the largest home crowd ever at SVA, the Varsity Boys team put on an amazing show against Sequoia Union only to fall short in overtime by one point, 35-34. The entire crowd held their breath in both the fourth quarter and overtime periods as the see-saw battle saw six lead changes in the final twelve minutes. Tied 30-30 at the end of regulation, the Explorers held a 34-33 lead with 47 seconds left in overtime. After two free throws by the visitors, Coach Bennett called a time out with seven seconds remaining to draw up one final play.  It almost worked, as Jewell received a tip pass from Gair and launched a final shot towards the rim that fell just short. "Holy Toledo! I think I need to go see my cardiologist tomorrow !" said Coach Bennett after the game. "The boys have arrived as a serious basketball team now, and it's because of their understanding that they are ultimately accountable to each other as teammates." Z Serna led the way for the Explorers with a season high 20 points, and Kylie Lara continued to show why he is one of the best defensive players in the league.

The Explorers now turn their full attention to Rivalry Week, where the team will try to win the first annual Charter Cup Trophy against Valley Life Charter. If the team is victorious, the Charter Cup will be displayed in the cafeteria for all to see. The  morning of game day, next Thursday, a pep rally will take place on the SVA campus where the Charter Cup will be displayed, and the varsity girls and varsity boys teams will be introduced to the entire school. "Charter against Charter in the ultimate rivalry....It doesn't get any better than this!" said Coach Bennett.

The team has a bye Tuesday , so their next game will be Thursday  at home for the Charter Cup. 


2017 Basketball Schedule

1/24 - Three Rivers @ SVA
1/26 - @ George McCann
1/31 - Ivanhoe @ SVA
2/2 - @ CVC
2/7 - @ Oak Grove
2/9 -  Sequoia Union @ SVA
2/16 - Valley Life @ SVA
2/21 - Willow Glen @ SVA
2/28 - @ Valley Life
3/2 - @ Sequoia Union


JOG-A-THON Business Sponsors Needed! 

Save the date! March 8  is the 5th Annual Jog-A-Thon. 

SVA PTO is looking for business sponsors for this annual event.  If your business or one you know is interested in a sponsorship opportunity, please see/share the letter and sponsorship form

Sponsors names/logos will be included on this year's jog-a-thon t-shirts as well as on signs around campus.  It's a great way to advertise AND support our school.  

PTO is hoping to get more business sponsors this year and students who secure a $500 sponsorship will win one of the coveted spots to go Bowling with Mr. Benton (includes lunch and limo ride to/from bowling alley!) in March. 

Individual pledge forms for students to collect donations will come home with kids at the end of February.  
Party Train! 



It's not too late to grab your tickets to upcoming party train events. Tickets to each event are limited, so buy now! 

Click here to see a complete list of parties happening now through spring. 

Up Next: 

Family Event: Saturday, February 11, 11AM-2PM - 3rd & 4th Grade Fun & Games   Calling all 3rd and 4th grade students and families to participate in fun and games! Board games and snacks will be provided.

Kid's Event: DATE CHANGE! Saturday, March 4, 12:30PM-2:30PM -  Wanna be a Video Star?  Come out and join Mrs. Andrews and Mrs. Cazarez for a groovy, dance-tastic event and pizza lunch! All K-8th graders are welcome.

Lunch Menu

Monday 2/13 - Soybutter & Jelly Sandwich
Tuesday, 2/14 - Spaghetti w/Meat Sauce
Wednesday, 2/15 - Hamburger
Thursday, 2/16 - Chicken Taquitos
Friday 2/17 - Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Click here to download the February lunch menu.
For more information about lunch at SVA, visit our website


New Postings Are Here!

Our 2017-18 job postings are now on edjoin.org  and linked through our websites. 

Site Principal for Blue Oak Academy

The Academies Charter Management Organization is hiring a Principal for our new school. If you are someone you know is interested in joining our team, check out the job posting on EdJoin

Substitute Teachers Needed

Sycamore Valley Academy has a experienced and dedicated teaching staff, but we are always looking to expand our sub list. 

If you or someone you know has the desire to be a substitute teacher at our amazing school, has a bachelor's degree, has passed the CBEST, and is willing to get a substitute credential and fingerprint clearance we would love to grow our team.  

Substitute Instructional Aides Needed

Sycamore Valley Academy Aide Subs minimum requirements are a high school diploma and fingerprint clearance. 

If you are interested please email Shauna Dolin at  sdolin@sycamorevalleyacademy.org

Next PTO Meeting

Monday, February 13 
6:00PM

Round Table Pizza
4035 S. Mooney Blvd. 
Community Events

Children's Art Classes

Arts Visalia, a local nonprofit organization, is holding children's art classes this spring. 

Arts Visalia offers classes for both adults and children in their on-site classroom. Classes are designed for both beginners and more advanced students to explore their creativity, expand their technical skills and learn at their own pace. Small class sizes provide a hands-on experience that encourages artistic engagement with instructors and fellow students.

To enroll your child, please fill out the enrollment form and return it to Arts Visalia. Class sizes are limited with enrollment on a first-come first-served basis. To guarantee a place in a class, tuition must be paid at the time of enrollment. 

Arts Visalia
214 East Oak Avenue
Visalia, CA 93291
(559) 739-0905

  Download more information and registration forms here. 

High School Summer Science Program

The College of Chemistry and the Berkeley Global Science Institute present SciTech, a program for rising high school students (grades 9-12) who are interested in enhancing their understanding of the problems facing the world, learning about the relevance of science and technology in addressing such problems, and being inspired to pursue careers in science and technology that will ensure their contribution to positively impact the world.

Please visit their website for more information or click here for their brochure. 

To Apply:

SciTech is now accepting applications! For more information about the application process, please click   here . They will be accepting applications until April 30, 2017.
Sycamore Valley Academy | 559.622.3236 | [email protected]
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