e-News: Happy Holidays from the Cypress School District!

Volume 9, Issue 3

December 2023

While showing appreciation and engaging in acts of kindness are year-round endeavors, the holidays are an especially good time to reflect on blessings and to help others. This edition of our e-Newsletter highlights the ways our students express gratitude, make a difference, and give back to their community. We hope you will spend a few moments to learn more about their efforts. As you will see, altruism is alive and well in each of our neighborhood schools.

On behalf of the Cypress School District and the Board of Trustees, we wish you and your family peace and joy this holiday season!

Sincerely,

Anne Silavs, Superintendent

Arnold Students Spread Joy

In the spirit of giving and gratitude, transitional kindergarten and kindergarten students embarked on a heartwarming mission to bring holiday cheer to veterans. To express appreciation for those who have served our country, these little Arnold lions collected an array of thoughtful and practical gifts, ranging from tasty snacks and toiletries to handwritten cards. Care packages were sent to the Naval Base Ventura County where they were received with appreciation.

King Cougars Contribute

Each winter holiday, students work with the HOPE program at St. Irenaeus to contribute boxes of macaroni and cheese for food baskets that are distributed to people in the community experiencing food insecurity. The Student Advisory Committee promotes the drive by making posters and visiting classrooms to encourage their classmates to make donations. By participating in the food drive each year, King students discover how gratifying it feels to help others.

Landell Leopards Give Thanks

November was the month of gratitude at Landell. Students were given the opportunity to discuss the concept of gratitude and to write down things they were thankful for on a fall leaf cutout. All of the leaves were hung in and around the school office. Students, staff, parents, and school visitors were able to read these statements of gratitude and, in turn, reflect on the many things they have to be grateful for, too. It was a wonderful way to kick off the season of thanks.

Luther Students Make the Season Bright

As students at Luther look forward to the holidays, they also remember those in need. To make the season merry and bright for more children, the Student Council organized a schoolwide toy drive to support young patients at Children’s Hospital of Orange County. Using their recess time to design flyers and create posters, these student leaders have been doing all they can to encourage toy donations for kids who won’t be home for the holidays.

Morris Merry Makers

Through a heartwarming initiative that embodies the true spirit of the holidays, Morris Mustangs partnered with the local fire department to participate in Operation Santa Claus. Students collected new and unwrapped toys to bring smiles to the faces of needy children in Orange County. The goal was not only to gather an array of toys for those who might otherwise go without this holiday season but also to instill a sense of community and social responsibility in students.

Vessels Students Serve Others

The mission of Student Council goes well beyond the school walls; it extends into the heart of the community. With the goal to support and uplift others, these young leaders sponsor philanthropic projects while promoting caring and sharing within their school community. This month, representatives from fourth, fifth, and sixth grade collected toys to spread holiday cheer for those at Children’s Hospital of Orange County. The spirit of generosity enabled students to collect more than 60 toys to date!

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Candi Kern - Sandra Lee - Brian Nakamura - Lydia Sondhi, Ph.D. - Troy Tanaka

SUPERINTENDENT

Anne Silavs