Carmichael Elementary School

🚨 Reminder for SVUSD Bus Riders! 🚌✨ Have you downloaded the My Ride K-12 App yet? If not, don’t wait any longer! This app is a game-changer for tracking your student’s bus in real-time with GPS geolocation. 🎉 Here’s why you need it: ✅ Real-time GPS tracking for all district buses ✅ Secure access to bus stop locations, routes, and pickup times ✅ Easy sign-up using your Parent View email and your student’s SVUSD ID 📲 Download the My Ride K-12 app now on Apple® and Android® devices and stay connected to your student’s transportation like never before! 🌐 For more details, visit our website: https://www.svusd68.org/page/transportation Make transportation easier, safer, and more convenient. Don’t miss out—download today! 🚍✨ #SVUSD #MyRideK12 #RealTimeTracking #SchoolBusSafety #SVUSDProudARatedDistrict

Teacher Feature January: Mrs. Haley Lewis This month, we are thrilled to shine a spotlight on an inspiring educator at Pueblo Del Sol, Mrs. Haley Lewis, our dedicated 4th-grade teacher. Originally from Georgia, Mrs. Lewis’s journey brought her to Sierra Vista through the military. With over three decades of teaching experience—including homeschooling, private school, and eight years in Tombstone—she has found her niche at PDS, where she’s made an incredible impact in the 4th grade. Mrs. Lewis is a proud wife and mother. Her 22-year-old son is in college in Utah, a state she loves visiting for its beauty and family time. Her experiences enrich her teaching, making her an empathetic mentor. She emphasizes creating a safe and supportive learning environment, boosting students' confidence, and guiding them through the transition to 4th grade—a pivotal time in their academic journey. As the grade-level team leader, Mrs. Lewis is a mentor and an inspiration to her colleagues. She collaborates on lesson planning and provides guidance that uplifts her team. Dr. Martinez describes her as “a site leader who demonstrates her heart and passion for student success, setting high standards that her students consistently exceed.” Mrs. Lewis’s classroom is a hub of creativity and connection. Students enjoy earning PBIS points to spend at the Dust Devil Depot, bringing “fuzzy friends” to class, and engaging in innovative projects like the American Hero Pumpkin Biography. She’s currently planning a spring career day to inspire students’ aspirations. Her leadership extends beyond the classroom, boosting morale and fostering collaboration. With life experiences from living in Korea and traveling, she brings a rich perspective to her teaching. Pueblo Del Sol and SVUSD are fortunate to have Mrs. Lewis. Her unwavering dedication, creativity, and compassion make a lasting impact on her students, colleagues, and the entire community. Thank you, Mrs. Lewis, for making PDS a better place for all!💛 #PDSProud #TeacherFeature #SVUSDProud #InspiredLearning #EmpoweringYou #SVUSDProudARatedDistrict

🌟🎉 Friday was an unforgettable day at SVUSD, especially at our elementary schools! 📚 At Huachuca Mountain, it was Awards Day! The Bolts celebrated their academic achievements, spelling bee champions, PBIS winners, citizenship stars, and literacy milestones. Way to shine, Bolts! ⚡✨ 🥳 We also celebrated the 100th day of school, with students and teachers embracing the fun by dressing up as 100-year-olds—talk about aging gracefully! 👵👴 🎸 At Village Meadows, the excitement was turned up a notch with an '80s theme to mark the countdown of the final 80 days of the 2024-25 school year! 🎤🕺 👏 A big shoutout to all SVUSD elementary students for making learning and celebrations so much fun! #SVUSDStrong #100DaysOfSchool #80sFun #ElementaryPride #EmpoweringYou #SVUSDProudARatedDistrict

🎶 A Big Thank You to the Sierra Vista Symphony Orchestra! 🎶 Last Friday, all of Cochise County's 5th graders were treated to an unforgettable experience at the Klein Center during the Symphony's annual Children's Concert. Under the direction of conductor Toru Tagawa, SVUSD's six elementary schools had the incredible opportunity to: 🎻 Hear classical masterpieces, including works by Brahms and John Williams' iconic "Star Wars" music. 🎺 Learn about the different instruments that make up a symphony orchestra. 🎼 Watch talented peers from the Cochise County Youth Orchestra perform alongside the professionals. One magical moment came when members of the orchestra performed Ottorino Respighi's Pines of Rome, bringing the music to life from the back of the Klein Center—just like in Disney’s Fantasia! 🌟 Thank you, Sierra Vista Symphony Orchestra, for inspiring our students and sharing the joy of music! 🎵 #SVUSDProud #CochiseCounty5thGraders #SierraVistaSymphony #MusicEducation #EmpoweringYou #SVUSDProudARatedDistrict

🌟 SVUSD District Spelling Bee Champions! 🌟 Today, the SVUSD hosted our District Spelling Bee, and we are thrilled to announce our winners! 🎉 🏆 Winner: Laila M. (6th grade, Village Meadows) 🥈 Runner-Up: Cullen S. (JCMS) These two outstanding spellers will proudly represent SVUSD at the County Spelling Bee! 🙌 Over 13 exciting rounds, 12 talented contestants from our elementary schools and JCMS gave it their all. The final four rounds were a nail-biting back-and-forth between Laila M. and Cullen S., with Laila clinching the victory by spelling "clandestine" correctly! 🐝 A big round of applause for all our amazing participants: 👏 Gideon S. and Jade B. from Bella Vista 👏 Sophia S. from Carmichael 👏 Vivian M. and Jaryd B. from Huachuca Mountain 👏 Brexen B. and Joshua R. from Pueblo Del Sol 👏 Emma V. and Wyatt G. from Town and Country 👏 Laila M. and Molly N. from Village Meadows 👏 Cullen S. from Joyce Clark Middle School You’re all spelling stars, and we’re so proud of you! 🌟✨ #SVUSDProud #DistrictSpellingBee #AmazingSpellers #EmpoweringYou #SVUSDProudARatedDistrict

🚨 Exciting News for SVUSD Bus Riders! 🚌✨ SVUSD, in partnership with STA, is thrilled to announce the My Ride K-12 App—NOW with GPS Geolocation! 🎉 No more wondering where the bus is—track it in real-time and never miss a ride again! 💡 Features Include: ✅ Real-time GPS tracking for all district buses ✅ Secure access to bus stop locations, routes, and pickup times ✅ Easy sign-up with your Parent View email and your student’s SVUSD ID 📲 Download the My Ride K-12 app on Apple® and Android® devices today and stay connected like never before! 🌐 For more information, visit our website at https://www.svusd68.org/page/transportation Let’s make transportation easier, safer, and more convenient for everyone. 🚍✨ #SVUSD #MyRideK12 #RealTimeTracking #SchoolBusSafety #EmpoweringYou #SVUSDProudARatedDistrict

📢 Reminder: Half Day on Friday, January 17th Attention SVUSD families! 🗓️ This Friday, January 17th, is a half day for all SVUSD schools. Here's the release schedule: 🕥 Buena High School: 10:30 AM 🕦 Elementary Schools: 11:15 AM 🕧 Joyce Clark Middle School (JCMS): 12:30 PM Enjoy a relaxing holiday weekend! 🌟 School resumes on Tuesday, January 21st. #SVUSD #HalfDay #MLKWeekend #EmpoweringYou #SVUSDProudARatedDistrict

🚨 Important Update: 2-Hour Delay for All SVUSD Schools Tomorrow 🚨 Due to forecasted ice and snow overnight, all SVUSD schools will have a 2-hour delayed start tomorrow. 📌 Start Times: Buena High School: 9:20 AM (No Zero Hour) Joyce Clark Middle School: 11:00 AM Elementary Schools: 10:00 AM 🚌 Bus Routes: All stops will be delayed by 2 hours. 🍎 Meals: Breakfast is still available but it will cereal only and lunch will be served as normal. 🧒 Preschool: Morning session canceled; afternoon session will continue as scheduled. 📅 Release Times: Normal schedule. Thank you for your understanding as we prioritize safety. Stay warm and drive safely! ❄️

🏀⚽🤼‍♂️ JCMS 3rd Quarter Sports Tryouts are starting soon! 📅 When: Monday, January 6th 👥 Who: 6th-8th grade students 🏀 Girls Basketball: JCMS Gym ⚽ Boys Soccer: Café Ramada 🤼‍♂️ Wrestling: JCMS Cafeteria ⏰ Time: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, 4 PM - 5:30 PM ✅ Important: Make sure your student’s athletic clearance is completed before tryouts! Visit our JCMS Athletics website for details. Our coaches are excited to meet and work with our amazing athletes! 💪 Let's go, Coyotes! 🐾

🌟 Exciting News from SVUSD! 🌟 We’re thrilled to announce our partnership with Champions! 🎉 Champions works alongside principals, teachers, and parents to create over 600 before- and after-school, as well as year-round, learning environments that spark wonder and inspire children. 🌈 In the spring 2025, Champions will be coming to our SVUSD Elementary Schools! 🏫✨ Stay tuned for more updates on this incredible program! 📚💡 #SVUSD #ChampionsProgram #ExcitingNews #ElementarySchools #EmpoweringYou #SVUSDProudARatedDistrict

🎉 Thank You to Our Outgoing Board Members! 🎉 We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Yulonda Boutte and Kale Kiyabu for their dedicated service to our district. 🕊️ Yulonda Boutte has been a steadfast advocate for our students, families, and community throughout her 8 years on the Governing Board. Her leadership and commitment have left a lasting impact. 🌟 Kale Kiyabu, who joined us in January 2023, has brought fresh perspectives and unwavering dedication to supporting our schools and students. Your contributions have made a difference, and we are deeply appreciative of your service. Thank you for helping us achieve excellence together! 💙✨ #ThankYou #BoardService #AchievingExcellenceTogether

🌟 Staff Spotlight: Meet Ms. Glenn! 🌟 Say hello to Ms. Glenn, our amazing Literacy Intervention Paraprofessional at Carmichael Elementary! 📚✨ Originally from Colorado, Ms. Glenn moved to Sierra Vista in 2007 for warmer weather and quickly found her place in our community. She holds an associate's degree in criminal justice and general education as well as a bachelor's in history. Ms. Glenn loves her role because she gets to positively influence students every day! She works in small groups, using creative tools like word games, scavenger hunts, dice, and Hangman to make reading and spelling fun and engaging. Seeing her students grow and take pride in their success is what makes her job so rewarding! In addition to her literacy work, Ms. Glenn is a key part of Carmichael’s Buddy Program, where she spends time with two fifth-grade students daily, offering them support, guidance, and someone to talk to. This unique program adds an extra layer of care for our students. 💙 ✨ Fun facts about Ms. Glenn: 🎨 She loves all things crafty—from paper art to sewing and mixed media. She even used to teach craft classes! 💬 Her favorite motto is: “Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.” - Albert Einstein 💬 Ms. Jimenez, our principal, says: “Ms. Glenn works closely with students to build their literacy skills and provides the individualized support they need to succeed. Her patience and kindness shine through in everything she does. She even helps keep our students safe by assisting with crossing the street before and after school.” Thank you, Ms. Glenn, for your dedication, creativity, fun, and positive energy! You’re truly a valued part of our Bear family. 🐻💛 #CarmichaelPride #BearSpotlight #ThankYouMsGlenn #LiteracyChamp #EmpoweringYou #SVUSDProudARatedDistrict

✨ From all of us at SVUSD, we wish our incredible staff and families a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful winter break! ❄️ May your holiday season be filled with joy, love, and relaxation. We look forward to seeing you in 2025 for another fantastic year together! 🎉 #MerryChristmas #HappyHolidays #SVUSDFamily #EmpoweringYou #SVUSDProudARatedDistrict

🐻✨ Spelling Bee Excitement at Carmichael! ✨🐻 All Bears from grades 3 and up showcased their spelling skills in our annual spelling bee. 📝🌟 Each classroom winner advanced to compete against one another, battling word by word until only two remained standing. A huge congratulations to our champion Sophia, and runner-up, Isabella! 🎉👏 Now they are preparing to represent Carmichael at the district-wide spelling bee on January 15th. 🏆 Good luck, Bears—you're making us proud! 🐾💪 #CarmichaelBears #SpellingBeeChampions #GoBears #SVUSD

🎄 A HUGE thank you to our amazing PTSO! 🎉 Over the past few months, they’ve been working tirelessly to support our school and brighten the days of every student. 💕 Their latest act of holiday cheer? An elf delivered hot cocoa for EVERY student to take home and enjoy during the holidays! ☕✨ We’re so grateful for all you do, wonderful PTSO—you truly make our school a better place! 💙 #ThankYouPTSO #HolidayCheer #SchoolCommunity #EmpoweringYou #SVUSDProudARatedDistrict

🎄🐻 Carmichael Bears Holiday Journey! 🐻🎄 On Wednesday our Carmichael Bears embarked on a magical holiday journey, exploring festive activities in every classroom! 🎉✨ Each grade created something special, from making nativity ornaments inspired by Italy, decorating stockings 🎅, gingerbread men 🍪, and houses 🏠, to crafting beautiful poinsettias. 🌺 A huge thank you to all the amazing parents who joined us to support this event and work alongside their students on these wonderful crafts. Your involvement means the world to our Bears and brings the holiday spirit to life! ❤️🎨 #CarmichaelBears #HolidayJourney #CraftingMemories #EmpoweringYou #SVUSDProudARatedDistrict

Mrs. Matthias is more than a teacher—she’s an inspiration and a treasure in the Carmichael Elementary community. A Sierra Vista native, she attended Bella Vista and Village Meadows, graduated from Buena High School, and earned her degree from the University of Arizona. Now, she gives back to the community that shaped her with remarkable creativity and heart. In her fifth-grade classroom, Mrs. Matthias brings learning to life with innovative, hands-on activities. Inspired by her love for Dungeons & Dragons, she creates mini-adventures that foster critical thinking and engagement. Her passion for reading helps her students explore worlds beyond screens. Currently, her class is immersed in the Percy Jackson series, sparking excitement for books and lifelong learning. Beyond academics, Mrs. Matthias emphasizes life skills. She founded an after-school Cooking Club, teaching students to measure ingredients, read recipes, practice table etiquette, and prepare meals like cookies from scratch and fettuccine alfredo. In class, students manage “jobs,” earn “salaries,” and pay “rent,” gaining real-world skills in a fun, structured way. Her classroom is a family built on trust, respect, and teamwork. Activities like “Camping Day” reward good behavior with creative projects like writing spooky stories and making s’mores, fostering a strong sense of community. Mrs. Matthias credits her high school teacher, Mrs. Henderson, for inspiring her love of reading and education. Today, she empowers her students to dream big and achieve their potential. Principal Jimenez shares, “Mrs. Matthias is exceptional. Her innovative methods, trusting relationships, and dedication create a positive environment where students thrive academically and personally. She’s truly inspiring.” Outside of school, Mrs. Matthias is a loving wife and mom to two boys, ages 4 and 9. Her older son proudly attends Carmichael, continuing the family’s legacy. Thank you, Mrs. Matthias, for your passion and dedication. You’re shaping the future and making a lasting difference! 💛 #CarmichaelProud #TeacherFeature #SVUSDProud #InspiredLearning #CommunityRoots #EmpoweringYou #SVUSDProudARatedDistrict

📢 Reminder for SVUSD Families! As we head into winter break, please note that Friday, December 20th is a half day for all SVUSD schools: 🕥 Buena High School: 10:30 AM release 🕦 Elementary Schools: 11:15 AM release 🕧 JCMS: 12:30 PM release 🌟 We wish all our students, families, and staff a wonderful winter break filled with joy, relaxation, and time to recharge. 🎄❄️ SVUSD offices will be closed from December 23rd to January 3rd, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back in 2025 on Monday, January 6th! 💙 Thank you to our incredible teachers, staff, families, and community for your ongoing support. We are so grateful for all that you do to make our district amazing! Enjoy the break—you’ve earned it! 🛋️ #SVUSD #WinterBreak #GratefulCommunity #SeeYouIn2025 #EmpoweringYou #SVUSDProudARatedDistrict

🎄🛍️ A Field Trip to Remember! 🛍️🎄 Last Friday, Carmichael 5th graders visited the St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store for a special holiday outing! Each student was given store credit to shop, and oh, did our Bears shop! 🐻🛒 This unforgettable experience brought so much joy to our students and teachers alike. A huge thank you to: ✨ The amazing volunteers who helped make this possible 🎅 Santa for stopping by to chat with our students 💙 The St. Vincent de Paul team for your generosity Our students had a blast, and their smiles said it all! 😊🎁 #CarmichaelBears #HolidayJoy #ThankYouCommunity

🌟 Spotlight on Ms. Crawford: A Carmichael Gem 🌟 Ms. Crawford, a dedicated Title I paraprofessional at Carmichael Elementary, is a true testament to the power of giving back to one’s community. Born and raised in Sierra Vista, she has come full circle—teaching at the very school she attended as a child. A proud 2009 graduate, Ms. Crawford holds a bachelor's degree in early childhood education and is exploring the possibility of pursuing her master’s in reading. Her passion for education and her love for small-group instruction make her an invaluable asset to the Carmichael team. Joining the school in 2022, Ms. Crawford initially supported students in third grades. Now, as a Title I paraprofessional, she works closely with Mrs. Owsley, the Title I teacher, to serve nearly 20 students daily. Together, they provide critical literacy support for students with reading deficits through Title I funding. In her small-group sessions, Ms. Crawford's individualized attention fosters growth, confidence, and a love for learning in her students. Beyond her academic contributions, Ms. Crawford’s care for students extends beyond the classroom—she ensures their safety by helping them cross the street before and after school. Her patience, kindness, and unwavering dependability shine in every interaction, whether with students, colleagues, or parents. When she’s not enriching young minds, Ms. Crawford treasures time spent with her family. She loves shopping, exploring the mall, and playing with her two adorable beagles, who are one and two years old.