The holiday season is always a good time to take stock of the many things for which we have to be thankful. In the Cypress School District, strong parent and community support, dedicated staff, and hardworking students are among our many blessings.
 
The holiday edition of our e-newsletter features the ways our schools build upon their good fortune and give back to our community.
 
We would also like to take this special opportunity to wish you and your family peace and joy this holiday season!

Sincerely, 
Anne Silavs, Superintendent
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Arnold Students Express Gratitude to U.S. Veterans

As an expression of the character trait "gratitude," students at A.E. Arnold Elementary School honored their military service family members during a Veterans Day assembly this month. The band from Lexington Junior High School also participated by playing the national anthem, and Cub Scout Pack 662 presented the colors. The Arnold PTA provided every student with a flag, and parent Jeremy Cisneros explained to the student body the difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day. Teachers followed up the event by encouraging their students to write letters to our local veterans, thanking them for their service to our country.
King Kids Make a Difference for Others

Bet you didn't know it is estimated that 1 in 6 children in Orange County are living in poverty. In the spirit of giving, students at Clara J. King Elementary School are doing their part to help children and families in need. The Student Advisory Committee is sponsoring a campuswide food drive this holiday season. Student leaders delivered collection boxes to each classroom to assist their classmates in gathering nonperishable food items for Project Hope, a local charity that provides meals to families in northern Orange County. And that's not all, King students are also creating a letter-writing campaign to veterans living throughout the United States, expressing their appreciating for keeping us safe. Any way you look at it, King kids care!
Landell Leopards Support Our Local Community

The Student Council at Margaret Landell Elementary School recently held their annual food drive for the OC Food Bank. The event included a friendly competition across campus to see which class could bring in the most donations. In the end, Mrs. Ahn's third graders took first place, collecting 167 pounds of donated food, followed closely by Mr. Gary's sixth grade students, who came in second place with 142 pounds. Collectively, the Landell Leopards donated a total of 2,178 pounds of food, which is estimated to provide 1,900 meals for those in need this holiday season.  In appreciation for their efforts, the OC Food Bank donated $200 to the Landell PTA, who in turn gave the money to the Cypress Boys and Girls Club to further benefit needy families in our community.
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The Luther Singers
Dreams Really Do Come True

Santa came early this year for students at Steve Luther Elementary School. The Luther Singers were invited to perform at the Disneyland Community Arts Showcase on December 14 at Disney's California Adventure Park. This is an impressive accomplishment as very few elementary school groups are selected to participate each year. Established in January 2015, the Luther Singers is an after-school program founded by Cypress community member and retired music teacher Brian Dennis. Through countless volunteer hours, Mr. Dennis has built an outstanding performance choir in a very short time. Indeed, the program is truly a gift that keeps on giving. Our students learn commitment and perseverance, while developing their confidence and musical talents. A big thank you to Mr. Dennis for making their dreams come true this holiday season!
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Morris Students Step Up and
Do Something Awesome for the World

Inspired by Kid President Robby Novak, students at Juliet Morris Elementary School recently participated in "Socktober," a movement to help others who are less fortunate.  Throughout the month of October, students collected new socks to give to local homeless shelters and other charitable organizations. In total, Morris Mustangs gathered well over 1,000 pairs of socks, warming the hearts and soles of those in need this holiday season. The following video provides more information on Socktober and how you, too, can help. 


Vessels Bulldogs
Remembering our Furry Friends this Holiday Season

For their annual philanthropic project, the students at Frank Vessels Elementary School have once again elected to support the SPCA LA Pitchford Companion Animal Village and Education Center in Long Beach, a nonprofit animal welfare organization. Students will be collecting new and gently used blankets, cat toys, and canned dog and cat food for the shelter.  This is the fourth philanthropic project sponsored by the Student Council at Vessels, and each one has been a huge success! In addition to supporting the community, these projects teach our students the importance of service to others, not only during the holiday season, but throughout the year.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Candi Kern   .  Sandra Lee   .  Donna McDougall   .  Brian Nakamura   .  Lydia Sondhi, Ph.D.