Greetings!

While it’s only February, planning for the 2021/22 school year is well underway in the Cypress School District. Once again, the district is planning to offer families three school schedule options in the event we must continue to comply with COVID-19 safety guidelines and maintain physical distancing. Next month, the district will email a “soft” survey to gauge parent interest in these options. In late April or early May, families will have the opportunity to make their schedule selections. Our goal is to complete and communicate all student and staff assignments for the 2021/22 school year before summer recess.

In the meantime, teaching and learning in the Cypress School District continue to impress. This issue of our e-Newsletter highlights the accomplishments of in-person and distance learning as well as the many great things happening in our schools despite COVID-19. We hope you’ll take a few minutes to explore… it’s sure to warm your heart!

Sincerely,

Anne Silavs, Superintendent

STEM projects are a clear student favorite at Arnold! Teachers successfully support student engagement and hands-on learning while maintaining student safety during the pandemic. Most recently, kindergarten students investigated the forces of energy in their “Pushes and Pulls” unit. Students were tasked with designing a house for the Three Little Pigs that the Big Bad Wolf couldn’t blow down. Within the constraints of the challenge, students tested the ability of their designs to withstand the force of wind at different velocities.

Mrs. Leong’s first grade Distance Learning class, which is comprised of students from King, Landell, and Luther, recently participated in a virtual talent show. The theme of the event was “Be Bold, Be Heard!” Students shared their talents in a wide range of areas including art, dance, instrumental and vocal music, and even engineering. Family members far and wide were able to enjoy performances they would have otherwise not been able to attend. The event also enabled students to make connections with their classmates and helped foster a sense of community, even in a virtual school environment.

In partnership with the American Heart Association, Landell kicked off its Kids Heart Health Challenge this month. First-grade teacher Mrs. Robledo facilitates the program and sends out challenges each week which include cardiovascular exercise such as learning a new dance routine or doing jumping jacks. In addition to promoting a healthy lifestyle, the program also incorporates other activities to support heart health including thanking others, being kind in both words and actions, expressing feelings, and being a good listener.

Each year, Luther sixth graders participate in the Police Interacting with Youth program as part of a school partnership with the La Palma Police Department. This year, of course, the program was delivered virtually. Over the course of eight weeks, students engaged in lessons and activities designed to help them develop their problem-solving skills, avoid dangerous behaviors, and cultivate self-respect and respect for others. At the conclusion of the program, students wrote an essay about what they learned and received a certificate of participation.

Like many other school activities, PTA family events have been reimagined during this extraordinary COVID year; but just because events have to be virtual doesn’t mean they can’t be fun! Case in point, the Morris PTA recently hosted a family cooking night featuring Chef Ava, who shared a recipe from her YouTube channel “Ava’s Menu.” She even had the school mascot helping out in the kitchen. The event was a great way to engage families and bring the Morris community together despite the need for everyone to keep a safe distance.

Teachers and staff at Vessels strive to provide unique learning opportunities for students that will help them succeed beyond the elementary classroom. This includes integrating real-world experiences that teach resiliency and tenacity and give students a jump-start toward career readiness. For example, fifth-grade teacher Mrs. Maples sponsors a coding club that meets during lunch. Students learn the basics of computer science and develop their technology skills using a variety of online tools. These activities encourage students to be persistent when facing new challenges.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES 

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

Anne Silavs