Town & Country Elementary

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

📚✨ Town and Country PTO Book Fair Alert! ✨📚 We're gearing up for our Book Fair happening January 27th through January 31st! 🗓️ Start your shopping early and create your eWallet today at Scholastic Book Fair – Town and Country. Remember, every purchase helps build our teachers' classroom libraries! 📖❤️ Stay tuned for more info about opening times. Thank you for supporting our Roadrunner PTO! 🚀 #TownAndCountryPTO #BookFairFun #ReadersAreLeaders

🌟🎉 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

🐾 Raining Cats and Dogs Day at Town and Country! 🐾 Yesterday, it was all about Cats vs. Dogs as students and staff showed off their favorite furry friends with fun gear! 🐶🐱 Our Cornerstone class even took a poll to settle the debate: Are we a dog school or a cat school? The results are in, and... Town and Country is full of dog lovers! 🐕💖 📢 Don’t forget: Tomorrow’s theme: Dress as your favorite dog! 🐕🎭 Reminder: Tomorrow is also the final day for our animal shelter supply drive. Let’s make a difference for our furry friends! 🐾💙 Check out these fun photos from the day and let us know: Which team are you on—#TeamDog or #TeamCat? #RainingCatsAndDogs #TownAndCountryPride #SVUSD #FunAtSchool #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

🐾✨ The Town and Country Roadrunners kicked off their 100 Dogs-Gone Days of School Spirit and Supply Collection Week in style! 🐶🎉 Today, we had a special visit from one of Sierra Vista's amazing Animal Control officers, who gave a fantastic presentation to our students. They learned about her job, how to care for animals, and how to stay safe around them. Thank you for teaching us so much! 💙 This Friday, we’ll be celebrating the 100th day of school, and we invite everyone to join in the fun by embracing this paws-itively adorable theme. 🐾 🐾 Tomorrow’s Spirit Day: Wear black, white, or polka dots! 📦 Donation Drive: Don’t forget to bring items for the Nancy J. Brua Animal Shelter Supply Drive. Let’s make this week one to remember! #100DaysOfSchool #RoadrunnerPride #CommunitySpirit #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

✨ 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

🎄✨ Roadrunner Holiday Spirit in Full Swing! ✨🎄 ‘Tis the season, and the holiday cheer has been everywhere at Roadrunner this week! 🐦❄️ On Monday, we celebrated achievements at our monthly Roadrunner Rally! 🏆 Students were recognized with awards for academics and PBIS, and then enjoyed a special treat—a unique staff performance featuring an Ugly Sweater Runway Show and a fun rendition of the 12 Days of Christmas! 🎅😂 On Wednesday, we welcomed parents to our annual Holiday Show. 🎤 Each grade sang a song and performed something special, with the grand finale featuring our talented 3rd graders performing a song, reciting poems, and showcasing festive costumes. 🎶🎭 Thank you to everyone who made these events unforgettable! ❤️✨ #RoadrunnerPride #HolidayCheer #MakingMemories #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

Last Week the 6th and 3rd-grade classes at Town and Country experienced a magical treat, thanks to the generosity and creativity of the Buena Culinary Chapter of FCCLA! Both the chef classes at Buena High School took the holiday spirit a step further by baking a 2D gingerbread house for each student. The High School students then brought the festive cheer to the elementary school, joining forces with the students to decorate the gingerbread houses. Each Roadrunner received their decorating supplies, including frosting, gum drops, teddy grahams, marshmallows, candy canes, and more. A heartfelt thank you to all the Town and Country teachers, students, and their Principal for allowing our Buena Culinary students to connect with our local youth through their FCCLA community outreach project.

🎉🌿🐾 Amazing Work, First Graders! 🐾🌿🎉 Over the past two weeks, our first-grade students took on an exciting challenge: designing and building zoo habitats for a pair of animals of their choice! 🦁🐒 🌟 Here's what they accomplished: Formed teams and researched their animals' needs Mapped out and planned habitat features Built impressive 3D models with thoughtful details like: 🫐 Berry bushes & fish ponds for food 🌳 Trees for climbing 🏠 Shelters for protection 🧸 Enrichment structures & toys On the final day, students proudly presented their creations to parents, sharing their learning and creativity! 💡👏 We are so proud of our young zoologists and their hard work! 🐾💚 #FirstGradeInnovation #FutureScientists #HandsOnLearning #EmpoweringYou #SVUSDProudARatedDistrict

🎄✨ A Magical Christmas Experience! ✨🎄 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." 🎭🎅 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. ❄️🎁 The excitement was palpable when Susi Snowflake made it snow on stage! 🌨️ The kids couldn’t 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. 🚍💖 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! 🎉🌟 #SVUSD #BuenaTheater #ChristmasMagic #TheDayBeforeChristmas #HolidayCheer #EmpoweringYou #SVUSDProudARatedDistrict