Greetings,
Since 2016, the Cypress School District has sponsored an Every Student Succeeding awards breakfast in partnership with the Kiwanis and Rotary Clubs of Cypress. Inspired by a statewide program of the same name created by the Association of California School Administrators, this award honors students who succeed in school despite personal obstacles or other life challenges.
While the COVID-19 pandemic prevented us from holding the event this year, students from each school in the Cypress School District, as well as from other schools within our community, were honored with medals of excellence and certificates of recognition for their fortitude in the face of adversity.
In this issue of our e-Newsletter, we highlight the stories of these remarkable students and hope you find them as inspirational as we do!
Sincerely,
Anne Silavs, Superintendent
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✮Teiya
When Teiya was two years old, she was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumor. Despite early treatment, the cancer reappeared during her kindergarten year, and she was unable to attend school. When she returned to school in first grade, she was uncomfortable playing with other students because she had spent so much of her young life isolated from others as a result of cancer treatments and the potential risk of infection. However, with the love of her family and lots of school support, she quickly became an active member of the school community and remains a healthy and happy fourth-grader today!
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✮Graciela
Graciela’s parents emigrated from Mexico to pursue the American Dream for their daughters. Despite linguistic and cultural challenges, Graciela was committed to being a successful scholar in honor of the sacrifices her parents made. In addition to excelling in academics, she is also an accomplished athlete and a community volunteer. Through her quest to help others, Graciela formed the Association of Latin American Scholars, a club whose mission is to provide a supportive environment for students and help them navigate the complexities of the college application process. She is a true leader with a bright future!
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✮Lathan
Lathan has overcome personal obstacles in his life with the love and support of his family and the school team. In first grade, Lathan was quick to express his frustration through physically aggressive behaviors that posed a risk to himself and others. He attended a special school that taught him how to develop and effectively use coping skills to self-regulate his behavior, which enabled him to successfully return to public school. Lathan continues to thrive and grow both socially and academically. He shows a keen interest in bettering himself and is determined to succeed in school!
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✮Tyson
Without the foundation of kindergarten to support him, Tyson was academically behind when he started school. However, his eagerness to learn, perseverance, and kind-hearted spirit enabled him to quickly acquire basic skills and begin working on first-grade standards. Tyson would regularly choose to stay inside during recess because he wanted to complete his assignments. His teachers had never seen such dedication or amazing work ethic in a six-year-old boy. With support from his teachers, Tyson was well-prepared this year for the rigors of second grade, and nothing can stop him now!
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✮Amanda
Amanda is finishing her second year at Cypress College, having completed all of her general education requirements with a cumulative GPA of 3.76. She is enthusiastically awaiting word on her application to the school’s Radiologic Technology Program. Amanda has experienced financial and personal struggles as a single mother of two young children. Yet, even in the face of a global pandemic, she has managed to keep up with her studies while juggling work and school and helping her son with distance learning. Throughout it all, she has shown courage and is a role model for her children!
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✮Hailey
Last fall, Hailey tragically lost her best friend and classmate to brain cancer, which left her with many conflicting emotions. As she put it, “I felt like a horrible person.” A fresh start was necessary to support Hailey through this difficult time, so she changed schools. The new environment provided some relief from painful associations. It also enabled her to make new friends, one of whom said, “She really knows how to talk to people!” Hailey’s teacher describes her as a focused student with a mature disposition. Indeed, coping with loss can have that effect, but Hailey has shown she is strong!
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✮Jean
Jean is a resilient sixth-grader who has overcome difficult life circumstances. Despite these challenges, she has never once complained or made excuses for her situation. She remains focused on school and always performs at high levels. Jean's teachers characterize her as a compassionate student. She mentored a kindergarten “buddy” for two years, and she continues to be a buddy and a good friend today. When Jean grows up, she wants to become a veterinarian. Given her commitment and strong work ethic, there is no question that she will achieve her goals!
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✮Xander
The word “succeed” means to achieve a desired result. However, that word does not fully capture what Xander has accomplished. When Xander started kindergarten, he struggled socially and behaviorally. He attended a special school to address these needs until it was time to transition back to public school. Initially, he doubted himself in this new environment, but he has since found his stride. Through perseverance and hard work, Xander is experiencing school success. He is well-liked and has become an engaged member of the school community!
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BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Candi Kern - Sandra Lee - Brian Nakamura - Bonnie Peat - Lydia Sondhi, Ph.D.
SUPERINTENDENT
Anne Silavs
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