Saddleback Valley Unified School District Newsletter

November 3, 2017

SVUSD Teachers Honored At 2018 Orange County Teachers Of The Year Event

Mary Creager  Rancho Santa Margarita Intermediate                     Alice Donawerth              Rancho Canada Elementary                               Robyn Lee                   Serrano Intermediate

On Tuesday, October 24, 2017, three SVUSD teachers, Mary Creager, Alice Donawerth , and Robyn Lee were honored at the Orange County Department of Education's 2018 Orange County Teachers of the Year event at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim, CA. The Orange County Teachers Of The Year (TOTY) program provides recognition for outstanding teachers in Orange County. Candidates are honored at an annual recognition banquet hosted by the premier sponsor, SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union. The Teacher Of The Year event honored sixty-two educators from Orange County school districts and community colleges to be recognized at the dinner celebration. The SVUSD Teachers of the Year are shown in the photos along with the County Superintendent of Schools, Al Mijares, Ph.D. During the ceremony, Dr. Mijares said " Orange County is home to some of the world's finest teachers, and their contributions go far beyond transmitting 21st-century skills and knowledge. On this day, we get to honor the best our profession has to offer, spotlighting teachers who not only showcase pedagogical mastery, but also exemplify the theme of this year's event, 'Compassion, Kindness and Character ." Congratulations to SVUSD 2018 Teachers Of The Year! Mary Creager: RSM Intermediate Alice Donawerth: Rancho Canada Elementary  Robyn Lee: Serrano Intermediate ‌

Walmart Supports Students Exploring Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)

SVUSD would like to thank Walmart #2218 for their generous donation of $1000 to support students exploring Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). On Tuesday, October 24, 2017, District staff had the privilege of attending the Walmart Academy graduation for it's newest team members. During the graduation, Walmart executives took time to highlight the importance of supporting community partnerships by distributing donation awards. The donation will be used to purchase science experiment kits that all students in grades K - 6 will be using in their NGSS lessons.

NFL Shares Story of MVHS Alum Konrad Reuland

SVUSD would like to thank NFL.com for sharing the powerful story of MVHS Alum Konrad Reuland. NFL.com story about Konrad Reuland Rueland was a 2006 MVHS graduate who went on to play in the National Football League (NFL) from 2011 to 2016. Rueland suffered a brain aneurysm and passed away on December 12, 2016. As an organ donor, Konrad was able to help three people continue with the gift of life, including MLB Hall of Fame player, Rod Carew. On Friday, September 1, 2017, Mission Viejo High School held a dedication ceremony for MVHS Alumnus Konrad Rueland during the Brothers In Arms Classic. During the ceremony, a stone plaque was placed underneath the scoreboard in the MVHS football stadium.

School News

Students Participate in the 29th Annual Mission Viejo Walk Against Drugs

SVUSD students and parents participated in the 29th Annual Mission Viejo Walk Against Drugs on Saturday, October 22, 2017. The walk began at Mission Viejo High School at 8:00 am and concluded at the Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center. The event unites the City and Sheriff's Department with local schools, businesses, residents and community groups to promote healthy choices and a drug-free lifestyle. The Walk Against Drugs kicks off Red Ribbon Week. Red Ribbon Week is designed as a community awareness event to recognize the belief that one person can make a difference in the struggle against drugs. Red Ribbon Week traditionally marks the beginning of the "Four Seasons of Prevention," a year-round focus on prevention.  Cordillera students hold their school sign at the beginning of the MV Walk Against Drugs. Los Alisos students show their spirit at the MV Walk Against Drugs. *Los Alisos placed 3rd in the school participation contest and will receive a champion banner to display at their site.

de Portola students pose for pictures as they assemble at the start of the MV Walk Against Drugs. Montevideo students participate in the MV Walk Against Drugs. *Montevideo placed 2nd in the school participation contest and will receive a champion banner to display at their site. Del Lago students participate in the MV Walk Against Drugs.

La Paz Intermediate Principal Visits China For Schools To Watch

La Paz Intermediate School Principal, Jean Walker, was invited to an educational visit to Hangzhou, China this October. The visit was organized by the Chinese Zhejiang Provincial Department of Education and the National Forum to Accelerate Middle Grades Reform and the National Schools To Watch Program.  The American Delegation consisted of principals from National Schools To Watch and members of the National Forum. The committee visited Yucai Middle School, New Century Foreign Language School, Daguan Middle School, Gaoxin Experimental School, Hangzhou No. 2 High School, and Entel Secondary School 7-12.  Mrs. Walker also participated in the 2017 Sino-US Principal Forum, “How to Build a Quality School,” and presented “Successful Organizational Structures and Processes in Action at La Paz Intermediate School,” to the Chinese principal participants. Congratulations to La Paz staff and students for representing SVUSD as a School To Watch.

Mission Viejo HS Drama Wins at "RoleAbout" Theatre Competition

MVHS drama students competed against 20 high schools at the 15th annual RoleAbout Festival at Irvine High School on Saturday, October 21, 2017. MVHS had 27 entries in the final round of the competition in the areas of monologues, scenes, duets, musical groups and improv theater and 10 winning entries! The RoleAbout Festival was co-created in 2002 by MVHS drama teacher Kathy Cannarozzi Harris; Festival Chairman, along with Heide Janssen; Festival Coordinator. Their main focus is on character development, thus the name RoleAbout, all about roles. This festival takes place in the fall (at a time when festivals are sparse) to give students a chance to concentrate on creating great characters.  What makes this event different from other festivals is that it takes place on one day - preliminaries in the morning; finals in the afternoon. The categories include; classical monologues, classical scenes, cold reading, contemporary comedic monologues, contemporary comedic scenes, contemporary dramatic monologues, contemporary dramatic scenes, film monologues, film scenes and monologues, original monologues, and song. Congratulations to all students participating in the RoleAbout Festival.

RSM Students Celebrate Halloween with a Community Partner

Pumpkins and Pizza RSM Intermediate students received a Halloween treat on Thursday, October 26, 2017.  The Orange County Sheriff’s Department, led by Deputy Briceno, brought pumpkins and pizza to students in Miss DeLand's class.   The celebration was a joint effort with Peer Assistance Leadership (PAL) students decorating for the event and Associated Student Body (ASB) students helping other students decorate pumpkins. The students enjoyed lunch and all of the attention they received from deputies that took time out of their day to participate in the celebration. Orange County Sheriff's Department personnel harvested 150 pumpkins from a local facility and delivered them to students at four elementary schools and RSM Intermediate. Deputy Briceno organized the delivery of the pumpkins and personnel from Rancho Santa Margarita Police Services helped students use markers to decorate pumpkins in time for Halloween. We appreciate the support and dedication of our community partners.

RSM students celebrate Halloween with deputies from RSM Police Services. A student shows his decorated pumpkin with Deputy Briceno at the Halloween celebration.

District Facilities Master Plan

Saddleback Valley Unified School District recognizes that when it comes to educating our children, facilities matter. It is for this reason that a facilities master planning effort is underway to identify the improvements needed to provide our students with the best education possible. Your participation is crucial to delivering a facilities master plan that reflects the needs in our schools. Please take a few minutes to watch the introduction video and take the survey to provide your input (a link to both is provided below).                                                                     Facility Master Plan Survey In addition, Facilities Master Plan Community Outreach Meetings have been scheduled on the following dates and times: 6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m., November 13, Laguna Hills HS, MPR 6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m., November 16, Mission Viejo HS, Little Theatre (Rm 223) 6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m., November 28, El Toro HS, MPR 6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m., December 13, Trabuco Hills HS, MPR

SVUSD Community Services

Recreational Youth Basketball Leagues SVUSD Community Services has partnered with the LA Clippers for recreational youth basketball leagues! Participants in the winter league will receive an awesome Jr. Clippers reversible jersey and shorts for games, a ticket to a Clippers game, and opportunities for giveaways in addition to chances to be part of their sportsmanship program. This is a great opportunity to increase experiences for SVUSD students within the sport of basketball!                                                        For more information or to sign-up call                                                    949-460-2731

Parent Resources

The Saddleback Valley Unified School District believes that parent involvement is an invaluable resource to enhance student success and engagement. Parent resource events will be published as they become available.

Safeguarding Our Children: Debunking the Myths of Marijuana Debunking the Myths of Marijuana presentation will be held on Tuesday, November 7, 2017 at 6:30 p.m. The presentation will be held in the Laguna Hills High School Library. *This presentation is a seminar for parents only* Safeguarding Our Children presentations are held at Laguna Hills High School and are scheduled throughout the year. Presentations topics include: Debunking the Myths of Marijuana Parenting Strong Willed Teens Teen Drug Trends & Symptomology Teen Driving Safety Debunking the Myths of Marijuana

The Parent Project The Parent Project is a 10 week training course for parents that meets once a week for three hours. The Parent Project has qualified instructors from the Orange County Sheriff's Department. The Parent Project helps parents address issues such as: Family conflict Poor school attendance and performance Running away Alcohol and drug use Threats of suicide More information is available at www.parentproject.com and on the flyer below. Parent Project Flyer

Upcoming Events

Veteran's Day November 10, 2017 Schools and District office will be closed

SVUSD CAREER FAIR November 8, 2017 6:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M. Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center 24932 Veterans Way, Mission Viejo Career Fair Flyer

SVUSD DISTRICT INFORMATION

Superintendent Dr. Crystal Turner Board of Trustees President Dolores Winchell Vice President Dennis Walsh Clerk Amanda Morrell Members Suzie R. Swartz Dr. Edward Wong Student Member Daniel Choi

SVUSD Board Meeting Dates

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.