SVUSD eNewsletter
February 24, 2023
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SV Connects video series shows you the moments that connect us. SV Connects by focusing on equitable, intentional, and engaging practices which provide opportunities for each and every student to be successful. Click here to view SV Connects video series.
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San Joaquin
Hosts Career & College Week
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San Joaquin Elementary proudly hosted Career and College Week, merging aspects of SVUSD's vision of college and career readiness and the AVID Elementary program. They had the honor of hosting guests from the Sheriff's Department, the Marines, and an author, all of whom shared their college and career path taken to achieve their desired careers. A film crew from Filmtechnic USA, brought their stunt film car, complete with remote controlled UCRANE arm and camera. They explained that the four person crew has to work as a team and each has a specific role to play (2 Stunt Drivers, Arm Operator, and Camera Operator) in order to successfully film action motor vehicle scenes in movies and commercials. All students, from Kindergarten through sixth grade, were empowered to not only chat with the crew, but operate the arm and camera! |
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Principal for a Day Program Returns to SVUSD |
Making connections with our SVUSD community and forming partnerships to benefit our schools is an important part of being a school administrator. On February 23, 2023, local community and business leaders were invited to participate in Principal for a Day. Guests toured our schools and got an inside look at a day in the life of a principal, then gathered together for a luncheon at the District Office. Esperanza students greeted guests, created beautiful centerpieces for the tables, and hosted a coffee and iced-tea cart. SVUSD thanks SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, Saddleback Valley Management Association, and Handel’s Homemade Ice-Cream in RSM for their generous support of this event. |
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SVUSD Student Advisory Council Meeting |
Facilitated by Student Board Member and LHHS student, Kaitlyn Heinecke, the Student Advisory Council met for a full-day of providing input to District leadership, networking with each other, and learning. Students from each SVUSD high school tackled topics important to them such as Facilities, Safety, Tech, School Funding, Career Technical Education, Mental Health, Food Services, and LCAP. Students also got to know Superintendent Dr. Crystal Turner, as well as worked in collaborative groups to plan a District-wide philanthropic project supporting the Student Marketplace. |
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National Merit Scholarship Finalists |
Three SVUSD seniors have been named National Merit Scholarship FINALISTS! Congratulations to these amazing scholars:
- Jonathan Chi, El Toro High School
- Clair Stuvland, Trabuco Hills High School
- Harika Amineni, Trabuco Hills High School (not pictured)
In addition, Mission Viejo High School students, Justin Leonard and Jeremy Li, received Letters of Commendation in recognition of their outstanding academic promise.
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Valencia Elementary School's
Night of Giving
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On February 16th, Valencia held their 2nd Annual Night of Giving in the Grove. The event, held during Valencia’s Kindness Week, was an opportunity for families to participate in different stations benefiting eight different local charitable organizations. The event was sponsored and run by Valencia’s Kindness Club. Board Trustee Amanda Morrell joined Valencia families for this wonderful evening. Our Valencia students and families created the following items: 44 foster youth backpacks, 105 Blessing Bags for the homeless, 91 placements and 36 cards for Meals on Wheels, 82 NEGU (Never Ever Give Up) cards, 13 YANA (You Are Not Alone) tied fleece blankets, 76 Sensory Jars for Gigi’s Playhouse, 32 dog toys and 46 bandanas for Pet Project Foundation, and countless Kindness Rocks for the school Kindness ROCKs Garden! |
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Anaheim Ducks Educator Appreciation Night |
The Anaheim Ducks invite all members of the education community, as well as their families and friends, to Educator Appreciation Night on March 17th, 2023 at 7PM as the Anaheim Ducks face-off against the Columbus Blue Jackets! The school district with the highest attendance will receive the game night Silent Auction check as a donation! Tickets purchased through the below link include a special discounted rate. Be sure to mark your district or school when you checkout!
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Silverado Students Receive Kiwanis Awards |
The Kiwanis Club of Mission Viejo recognized Silverado High School students for outstanding contributions to Silverado and the community. Congratulations to Tamika Bush-Craig, Morgan Fram, and all of the students that were recognized for their efforts. |
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Serrano Intermediate's
New Banner
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Serrano Intermediate School's ASB leadership students initiated, funded, and approved the design and placement of their school's new banner. The banner can be found over the entrance to the gym and is one of two recently installed banners at Serrano. The other banner can be found over the school's library. |
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2023 - 2024 Student Transportation Plan Input |
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The District is soliciting public input on the proposed Student Transportation Plan for the 2023-2024 school year. The Plan is designed to provide safe and consistent transportation services for our families with a specific emphasis on our primary and special needs students. Please click here to complete this survey.
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Familias del SVUSD, el Distrito está solicitando la opinión del público sobre el Plan de Transporte Estudiantil propuesto para el año escolar 2023-2024. El Plan está diseñado para proporcionar servicios de transporte seguros y consistentes para nuestras familias con un énfasis específico en nuestros estudiantes de primaria y con necesidades especiales. Por favor complete esta encuesta para dar su opinión.
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TLC (The Learning Connection) |
There are so many cool things happening at SVUSD's TLC before and after school program! Teachers and leaders are engaging children in a variety of fun sports and outdoor games, art rotations teaching children new techniques, and even STEM building using coding and VEX Robotics!
Interested in learning more or seeking employment at TLC? Click the button below.
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Ms. Amy's Preschool Connection class at La Tierra has had an action-packed February! Last week, children embarked on a culinary adventure where they worked together with their classmates and explored different senses while practicing fine motor skills. Unique classroom activities like these can foster an interest in food, cooking, healthy eating habits, and build self-confidence!
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2023 - 2024 Transitional Kindergarten |
For the 2023-2024 school year, SVUSD offers Transitional Kindergarten (TK) for those children who will turn 5 years old between September 2, 2023 – April 2, 2024. Registration begins on March 20, 2023. Our program is a half day program with childcare available through TLC for those who need before or after-class child care. Please use the links below for additional information and registration. For students with Individualized Education Plans, please consult with your student’s IEP Team for TK placement.
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2023 - 2024 Kindergarten Registration |
Registration for SVUSD's full day Kindergarten program opens on Monday, March 20, 2023 for the 2023-2024 school year. Registration will be conducted online and you will be able to register your child from the comfort of your own home! Childcare is available through TLC for those who may need before or after class child care. Click below for general registration information and assigned neighborhood school locator. For site-specific registration information, please visit your school’s website and view the “Enrollment” page under “About”.
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This event combines all the information found in the Resource Fair with all the fun of our Special Needs Dances! Come learn all about the amazing programs and organizations designed to help you and your loved ones thrive in Orange County. There will also be a full dance floor and activity area hosted by none other than the famous Mr. DJ Noah as well as a delicious lunch provided on the outside patio area. This event is open to everyone so feel free to bring your friends and invite anyone who you feel could benefit. |
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In this week's episode, see how Esperanza students in the GROW program are learning the skills needed to work on a farm, nursery, or garden center through a collaboration between SVUSD and the University of California's Agriculture and Natural Resources department. |
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2023 Orange County Music & Arts Administrators Award Ceremony |
From the left: Sabrina Skeels, Erin Lopes, Chris Hixson, Barbara Schulman, Tina Van Dam |
On February 8, 2023, the Orange County Music and Arts Administrators (OCMAA) honored several of SVUSD's dedicated arts supporters at its annual awards ceremony. The OCMAA is a network of district leaders, community arts educators, businesses, and parents dedicated to quality, equity, and access to arts programs for all students.
Congratulations to:
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Erin Lopes, Secondary Visual Arts Nominee
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Barbara Schulman, Arts Advocate Award
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Tina Van Dam, Arts Advocate Award
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MVHS Teacher Named IB World Schools Exemplary Educator of the Year |
From the left: IB Teacher Patrick Lohmeier, AP Cina Abedzadeh, Award Winner Kimberly Gerwatosky, SVUSD Director of Secondary Education James Newton, IB Coordinator Sandy Hanneman, IB Teacher Daniel Holley |
Congratulations to MVHS Social Science Teacher Kimberly Gerwatosky on being selected as the California Association of IB World Schools Exemplary International Baccalaureate Educator of the Year Award. Her passion and commitment for IB education is evident to all. Mrs. Gerwatosky teaches students the skills to engage in critical analysis and how to express their views with purpose. Her enthusiasm and dedication distinguish her as an outstanding educator. |
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Laguna Hills HS
Varsity Girls' Wrestling Team
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Congratulations to the LHHS Girls' Wrestling program on capturing their first league championship! The Hawks were CIF-SS Division II Dual Runner-up, and 12 members qualified for CIF-SS Individual Divisional Championships, including three individual league champions. |
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Los Alisos
Opens New
Wellness Center
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Los Alisos has a new Wellness Center! This dedicated space with a calming environment provides a place on campus for students to take a break, practice self-care, do mindful activities, and relax before returning to learning. School counselors and mental wellness counselors will also use the space to support students by teaching effective coping strategies, how to communicate needs, and naming emotions, thus empowering students to handle their stress and increase in their resiliency. |
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MVHS Students Receive
Kiwanis Award
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The Kiwanis Club of Mission Viejo recognized three Mission Viejo High School students for outstanding contributions to MVHS and the community. Congratulations to Katherine Stiverson, Judd Karn, and Lillian Gonick. |
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School News
Roll Call
February Edition
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The February 2023 Edition of the School News Roll Call magazine is now available! Read highlights from each of our schools and divisions.
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SVUSD New Administrator Announcement
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Lindsey Gatfield, District Coordinator, TK-6 STEM, Educational Services |
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Last week, Ms. Monica and Ms. Mary's Preschool Connection class celebrated Groundhog's Day! Students were challenged to mix and match different groundhogs and shadows together. We're looking forward to six more weeks of winter! For more information on Preschool Connection, click the button below! |
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TLC (The Learning Connection) |
TLC is hiring! Explore our open positions and find an opportunity perfect for you. We currently have full-time and part-time positions, as well as opportunities for High School students. For more information, click the button below or email dalton.tringali@svusd.org.
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Saddleback Valley Parent Teacher Association |
Help strengthen our community & make an impact by joining one or more of our SVUSD school PTAs. |
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Saddleback Valley Educational Foundation |
The Saddleback Valley Educational Foundation (SVEF) is dedicated to supporting SVUSD in our efforts to maintain a high quality educational program with a priority to impact STEM access for all students. Check out SVEF's website for programs, and contribution and volunteer opportunities. |
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Follow Us on Social Media for the Latest Updates |
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Superintendent
Dr. Crystal Turner
Board of Trustees
President
Barbara Schulman
Vice President
Dr. Edward Wong
Clerk
Suzie R. Swartz
Members
Amanda Morrell
Dan Walsh
Student Member of the Board
Kaitlyn Heinecke
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SVUSD WEBSITE QUICK LINKS
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Thank you for subscribing to the official Saddleback Valley Unified School District eNewsletter. We welcome your feedback, any news that can be shared with the community, and appreciate comments and suggestions. Contact the District Office directly with inquiries. Please do not reply to this e-mail as we are unable to respond to messages sent to this address.
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