Holiday Greetings!

In this season of giving, the students and staff of the Cypress School District endeavor to make a difference in the lives of others. This month’s issue of our e-newsletter highlights some of the many great things our students are doing in service to others.

Wishing you and your family peace and joy this holiday season!

Sincerely,

Anne Silavs

Superintendent

Arnold Honors Our Veterans

Arnold Elementary School honored local heroes during its annual Veterans Day assembly. The entire school community was out in full force to show support for our military, which includes those who are currently serving or who once served in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, or Coast Guard. The advanced band from Lexington Junior High School was on campus to perform the Star Spangled Banner, and members of our local Cub Scout and Girls Scout troops read poems commemorating Veterans Day. Guest speaker Major Yosiah Hodge, US Army, G8, 79th Theater Sustainment Command, reminded everyone of the sacrifices our veterans have made in the name of freedom. As we enjoy the holiday season, we give thanks to our veterans for their service to our country!

Student Advisors Lead Successful Food Drive at King

King kids have done it once again! For the third year in a row, the student body has orchestrated a successful macaroni and cheese drive under the leadership of the Student Advisory Committee. Each year, the school partners with H.O.P.E. (Helping Other People Everyday) to contribute to food baskets that will be distributed to families during the holiday season. This year our students donated over 600 boxes of macaroni and cheese, which is a new school record. In addition to a sense of accomplishment, participating in the food drive enables students to experience the personal joy of helping others while contributing to a worthy cause in their local community. But supporting others doesn’t stop there. King Student Advisors adopt a grade level each month and perform random acts of kindness that benefit their classmates. In November, Student Advisors wrote a personalized inspirational note to each student in sixth grade. Teachers placed the notes on students’ desks, where they were treated to kind words and encouragement to begin the school day.

Landell Students Give Back to the Community

One of the many worthy goals of the Landell Student Council is to support our local community. During the season of giving, our Student Council sponsored two special events to help spread joy to others. Landell families were encouraged to donate new toys for patients at Children’s Hospital of Orange County as well as collect nonperishable food items for the Orange County Food Bank. Toys were distributed to young patients in need of cheer, and the nonperishable food items provided families with extra meal supplies this holiday season. The Landell Leopards hope that in some small way their efforts lifted spirits, warmed hearts, and brought smiles to those in need.

Luther Lions are Sharing Through Service to Others

Luther School promotes an important character trait each month of the school year. For the month of December, the focus is on sharing with others. In addition to projects that support the local community, such as their annual Holiday Food Drive, students are encouraged to find ways to give back to their school community. One way is through the Reading Buddies program. Older students are matched with younger students so they can serve as role models to developing readers. The older students are taught how to interact with the younger students, model good reading strategies, and engage and encourage the younger students as they read.  The young readers look up to the older students and thoroughly enjoy the individual attention they receive, all while practicing their reading skills. The older students also benefit as they gain confidence in both their reading and leadership abilities. It a great example that giving is receiving this holiday season!

Morris Mustangs Make an IMPACT!

Morris Elementary School’s Student Council, also known as IMPACT, is a leadership and philanthropic group comprised of nearly 15 students in grades five and six. The purpose of IMPACT is to give students an opportunity to develop leadership skills by organizing and carrying out meaningful school activities and service projects. IMPACT students greet families and peers during morning arrivals, make weekly Monday morning announcements, lead the monthly flag ceremony, and share positive messages with the local community. IMPACT also sponsors schoolwide fundraisers, holiday food drives, and student activities to support important causes and give back to others. While these are often activities that people undertake during the holiday season, IMPACT strives to make a difference every day of the school year, because “You are Never too Young to Make an Impact!”

Vessels Students Lend a Helping Hand

During the holiday season, the Vessels community comes together to support causes around our local community to help make the winter months a little warmer and merrier for many families. This year, the Vessels Student Council is collecting gently used toys and books which will be donated to Miller Children's Hospital. Books are just one way to bring joy to children and help spread a little holiday cheer to those hospitalized during the holidays. The Vessels Student Council is also spearheading an effort to gather toiletry items to create personal hygiene kits for families in need. Toothpaste, shaving razors, and soap are some of the many items students are collecting for H.O.P.E. (Helping Other People Everyday). Once again, the Vessels community shows it’s not the presents we receive, but what we can give that truly matters!

BOARD OF TRUSTEES  

Candi Kern - Sandra Lee - Brian Nakamura - Bonnie Peat - Lydia Sondhi, Ph.D.

 

SUPERINTENDENT 

Anne Silavs