Volume 4, Issue 4

November/December 2018

Greetings! As we enjoy the holidays with friends and family, it’s a good time to reflect on life’s blessings. While being kind to others and helping those in need are important things to do all year long, they are especially appreciated this time of year. We hope you will spend a few minutes learning more about how students in the Cypress School District are expressing gratitude and caring for others this holiday season.  Best wishes and happy holidays, Anne Silavs Superintendent

A Season of Giving at King School The Student Advisory Committee was created to give King Cougars a voice and an opportunity to participate in decision making and planning events and activities at school. Committee members also focus on being contributors at school and in the community at large. Each month, the committee selects a classroom for a random act of kindness. Students report they get a tremendous sense of fulfillment when they give to others. In November, the committee initiated a campaign to support a local food bank. Students collected over 500 boxes of macaroni and cheese to include in food baskets over the holiday season.

Morris Mustangs Making a Difference! Did you know the Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County estimates that over 300,000 people are at risk of hunger each month? In schools, more than 100,000 public school children rely on free or reduced-price lunch and breakfast programs as their major source of nutrition. Food insecurity is a problem for older students, too, and that’s where the Morris Mustangs jumped in to help. They recently sponsored a food drive to support the Cypress College Food Pantry and collected over 600 nonperishable items for local community college students in need.

Arnold Appreciates the Armed Services In November, the Arnold school community honored local heroes during its annual Veterans Day assembly. Family members who are currently serving, or who once served, in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, or Coast Guard were recognized. The Lexington band performed the Star Spangled Banner during the flag raising ceremony. Guest speaker Lieutenant Commander Whitten reminded everyone of the many sacrifices our veterans have made in the name of freedom. The Arnold community appreciates its veterans and is grateful for their service to our country.

Landell Students Spreading Joy Landell's Student Council sponsored its second annual toy drive in November. Students and families were encouraged to donate toys for patients at Children’s Hospital of Orange County and Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles. The outpouring of support from the Landell community was overwhelming, and students were very excited by the number of new toys they were able to collect this year. The Landell Leopards hope that in some small way they are able to lift spirits and bring smiles to children who cannot be home for the holidays.

Luther Lions Give HOPE Luther School promotes good character and citizenship by focusing on a specific character trait each month. The focus in December is on sharing. During the week of November 26-30, Luther’s Student Council conducted a food drive to benefit HOPE Food Bank, which provides food to those in need in our local community. Donations are used to assemble special meal baskets during the holiday season. It is never too early to teach students the importance of giving back to the community, and this is a perfect opportunity for them to experience the joy of giving to others.

Vessels Students Lend a Helping Hand This holiday season, Vessels Bulldogs are eager to help others around our local community. For instance, students are collecting new and gently used children’s books to be donated to Miller Children’s Hospital. Books bring joy to children and will help spread a little cheer to those who are hospitalized during the holidays. Students are also gathering items to create personal hygiene kits for an organization called “Helping Other People Everyday,” or HOPE. These projects allow students to make a difference for someone this holiday season, one book and hygiene kit at a time.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES   Candi Kern - Sandra Lee - Brian Nakamura - Bonnie Peat - Lydia Sondhi, Ph.D.    SUPERINTENDENT  Anne Silavs