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



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


πβ½π€ΌββοΈ JCMS 3rd Quarter Sports Tryouts are starting soon!
π
When: Monday, January 6th
π₯ Who: 6th-8th grade students
π Girls Basketball: JCMS Gym
β½ Boys Soccer: CafΓ© Ramada
π€ΌββοΈ Wrestling: JCMS Cafeteria
β° Time: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, 4 PM - 5:30 PM
β
Important: Make sure your studentβs 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! πͺ Let's go, Coyotes! πΎ


π Exciting News from SVUSD! π
Weβre thrilled to announce our partnership with Champions! π
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. π
In the spring 2025, Champions will be coming to our SVUSD Elementary Schools! π«β¨
Stay tuned for more updates on this incredible program! ππ‘
#SVUSD #ChampionsProgram #ExcitingNews #ElementarySchools #EmpoweringYou #SVUSDProudARatedDistrict


π Thank You to Our Outgoing Board Members! π
We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Yulonda Boutte and Kale Kiyabu for their dedicated service to our district.
ποΈ 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.
π 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! πβ¨
#ThankYou #BoardService #AchievingExcellenceTogether



π Staff Spotlight: Meet Ms. Glenn! π
Say hello to Ms. Glenn, our amazing Literacy Intervention Paraprofessional at Carmichael Elementary! πβ¨
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 Carmichaelβs 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. π
β¨ Fun facts about Ms. Glenn:
π¨ She loves all things craftyβfrom paper art to sewing and mixed media. She even used to teach craft classes!
π¬ Her favorite motto is: βStrive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.β - Albert Einstein
π¬ Ms. Jimenez, our principal, says:
βMs. 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.β
Thank you, Ms. Glenn, for your dedication, creativity, fun, and positive energy! Youβre truly a valued part of our Bear family. π»π
#CarmichaelPride #BearSpotlight #ThankYouMsGlenn #LiteracyChamp #EmpoweringYou #SVUSDProudARatedDistrict


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


π»β¨ Spelling Bee Excitement at Carmichael! β¨π»
All Bears from grades 3 and up showcased their spelling skills in our annual spelling bee. ππ 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! ππ Now they are preparing to represent Carmichael at the district-wide spelling bee on January 15th. π
Good luck, Bearsβyou're making us proud! πΎπͺ #CarmichaelBears #SpellingBeeChampions #GoBears #SVUSD


π A HUGE thank you to our amazing PTSO! π
Over the past few months, theyβve been working tirelessly to support our school and brighten the days of every student. π
Their latest act of holiday cheer? An elf delivered hot cocoa for EVERY student to take home and enjoy during the holidays! ββ¨
Weβre so grateful for all you do, wonderful PTSOβyou truly make our school a better place! π
#ThankYouPTSO #HolidayCheer #SchoolCommunity #EmpoweringYou #SVUSDProudARatedDistrict


ππ» Carmichael Bears Holiday Journey! π»π
On Wednesday our Carmichael Bears embarked on a magical holiday journey, exploring festive activities in every classroom! πβ¨ Each grade created something special, from making nativity ornaments inspired by Italy, decorating stockings π
, gingerbread men πͺ, and houses π , to crafting beautiful poinsettias. πΊ
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! β€οΈπ¨
#CarmichaelBears #HolidayJourney #CraftingMemories #EmpoweringYou #SVUSDProudARatedDistrict



Mrs. Matthias is more than a teacherβsheβs 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 βjobs,β earn βsalaries,β and pay βrent,β gaining real-world skills in a fun, structured way.
Her classroom is a family built on trust, respect, and teamwork. Activities like βCamping Dayβ reward good behavior with creative projects like writing spooky stories and making sβmores, 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, βMrs. Matthias is exceptional. Her innovative methods, trusting relationships, and dedication create a positive environment where students thrive academically and personally. Sheβs truly inspiring.β
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 familyβs legacy.
Thank you, Mrs. Matthias, for your passion and dedication. Youβre shaping the future and making a lasting difference! π
#CarmichaelProud #TeacherFeature #SVUSDProud #InspiredLearning #CommunityRoots #EmpoweringYou #SVUSDProudARatedDistrict


π’ Reminder for SVUSD Families!
As we head into winter break, please note that Friday, December 20th is a half day for all SVUSD schools:
π₯ Buena High School: 10:30 AM release
π¦ Elementary Schools: 11:15 AM release
π§ JCMS: 12:30 PM release
π We wish all our students, families, and staff a wonderful winter break filled with joy, relaxation, and time to recharge. πβοΈ
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!
π 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 breakβyouβve earned it! ποΈ
#SVUSD #WinterBreak #GratefulCommunity #SeeYouIn2025 #EmpoweringYou #SVUSDProudARatedDistrict



πποΈ A Field Trip to Remember! ποΈπ
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! π»π
This unforgettable experience brought so much joy to our students and teachers alike. A huge thank you to:
β¨ The amazing volunteers who helped make this possible
π
Santa for stopping by to chat with our students
π The St. Vincent de Paul team for your generosity
Our students had a blast, and their smiles said it all! ππ #CarmichaelBears #HolidayJoy #ThankYouCommunity


π Spotlight on Ms. Crawford: A Carmichael Gem π
Ms. Crawford, a dedicated Title I paraprofessional at Carmichael Elementary, is a true testament to the power of giving back to oneβs community. Born and raised in Sierra Vista, she has come full circleβteaching 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 masterβs 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. Crawfordβs care for students extends beyond the classroomβshe 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 sheβs 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.


πβ¨ A Magical Christmas Experience! β¨π
Last Friday, the talented Buena Theater students, under the amazing leadership of Mrs. Duerk and Ms. Hampton, brought holiday joy to all SVUSD Kindergarten through 2nd graders with their outstanding performance of "The Day Before Christmas." ππ
For many of our young visitors, it was their first time ever in a theater, and what an unforgettable experience it was! The kids were absolutely captivated as they watched the heartwarming tale of Santa and his helpers teaching Jack Frost the true meaning of Christmas. βοΈπ
The excitement was palpable when Susi Snowflake made it snow on stage! π¨οΈ The kids couldnβt sit still, clapping and cheering, fully immersed in the magic of the performance. Afterwards, the students showered the performers with hugs and high-fives as they waved goodbye and headed back to their buses. ππ
What a special moment for our young learners and an unforgettable holiday experience! Thank you to the Buena Theater students for bringing so much holiday cheer to our youngest SVUSD students! ππ #SVUSD #BuenaTheater #ChristmasMagic #TheDayBeforeChristmas #HolidayCheer #EmpoweringYou #SVUSDProudARatedDistrict


ππ Carmichaelβs Christmas Spirit Shines Bright! ππ
What an amazing night we had at the Sierra Vista Christmas Parade last Saturday! π
π Our dedicated Carmichael teachers, students, and PTSO came together to create an incredible float in hours of hard work and proudly walked the streets spreading holiday cheer! πΆββοΈβ¨ Oh, what fun it was!
A huge shout out from our PTSO to Home Depot for donating safety vests, keeping our students safe while they showed off their holiday spirit! π¦Ίπ
And the fun isnβt over yet! π The Carmichael PTSO Holiday Shop kicks off on Monday, giving students a chance to find the perfect Christmas gifts! π
Plus, there's an extra shopping opportunity on Wednesday, December 18th from 3 PM to 6 PMβbring the whole family for some festive fun and shopping! ποΈπ
#HolidaySpirit #ChristmasParadeFun #PTSO #FamilyFun #ShopTilYouDrop #EmpoweringYou #SVUSDProudARatedDistrict



π Exciting News from SVUSD! π
Weβre thrilled to announce our partnership with Champions! π
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. π
In the spring 2025, Champions will be coming to our SVUSD Elementary Schools! π«β¨
Stay tuned for more updates on this incredible program! ππ‘
#SVUSD #ChampionsProgram #ExcitingNews #ElementarySchools #EmpoweringYou #SVUSDProudARatedDistrict


π Winter-Related Services Event: Sensory Night π
π Thursday, December 12th
π 4 PM - 6 PM
π Rothery Education Center
Join us for a family-friendly evening focused on sensory-related concerns! π
π¨ Make-and-Take Activities
π‘ Community Resources
π― Games
π Informational Handouts
π€ PT/OT/Speech Therapy Support
Come explore helpful resources, connect with professionals, and enjoy engaging activities designed for families!
βοΈ Let's make this winter season a supportive one! See you there! π
#SensoryNight #WinterSupport #FamilyEvent #CommunityResources #EmpoweringYou #SVUSDProudARatedDistrict


πβ¨ This week at the Governing Board meeting, we proudly honored our PBIS winners for earning top points by being safe, respectful, and responsible at their schools! ππ
π Congratulations to our amazing students and staff:
Bella Vista: Alexia, Michael, Leah, Ms. Altunes, and Ms. Young
Carmichael: Daniel, Ilhsce, Reina, Ms. Lombardi, and Ms. Crawford
Huachuca Mountain: Angel, Dominic, Scarlett, Ms. Neiting, and Ms. Thrasher
PDS: Mia, Londyn, Ashton, Mrs. Whittaker, and Ms. Dortch
Town and Country: Benjamin, Rose, Demarko, Ms. Cooley, and Ms. Herrera
Village Meadows: Tess, Wyatt, Kaylee, Ms. Amaya, and Ms. Caraballo-Ponce
Joyce Clark: Oluwatishe, Hailey, Ms. Sheridan, and Ms. Wolf
Buena: John, Rudy, Hailey, Avery, Mr. Bocharski, and Mr. Benjamin
Your hard work and commitment to PBIS values inspire us all! πβ¨ Congratulations to all recipients! ππ #PBIS #SVUSDPride #Congratulations #EmpoweringYou #SVUSDProudARatedDistrict









π¦ Thanksgiving is a Time to Be Thankful π
This Thanksgiving, SVUSD is deeply grateful for our incredible staff, students, and community. ππ Together, you make us an A-rated school district, and we couldnβt do it without your unwavering support.
Thank you for coming together and being truly amazing! π Wishing you all a safe and joyful Thanksgiving!
#Thankful #SVUSDStrong #CommunityPride #Gratitude #EmpoweringYou #SVUSDProudARatedDistrict

