Sycamore Valley Elementary Shark Bites Newsletter |
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Message from Principal Kawahara February 20, 2025 |
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Recess with Danville Police Dept.
Dear Sycamore Valley Families:
I hope all is well with you and your family. I hope you enjoyed the long weekend. This short week is flying by! The highlight has been having recess with the Danville Police Department. The officers led games and handed out stickers. Fun was had by all!
Danville PD visited with our students during lunch recess today. The officers and the students had a wonderful time. Keep reading for some dates to remember, a few reminders, information about the upcoming Teen Esteem assembly and some district updates. Dates to Remember: 02/24 - 5th Grade group photos will be taken for the yearbook
02/28 - African American Showcase - MPR -2:30pm 03/03-03/07 - Words Matter Week 03/04 - Teen Esteem Assembly - K - 5th grades 03/07 - Family STEAM Enrichment Night 03/10-03/13 - Staff Appreciation Week 03/14 - No School 03/19-03/21 - Conference Days 03/20 - Dyslexia Simulation event - 6:00 - 7:30pm - District Office
03/24-03/30 - Sycamore’s Online Auction 03/31 - 2nd Grade Speak Up & Be Safe Assembly #1 04/15 - 2nd Grade Speak Up & Be Safe Assembly #2 February Schedule At A Glance
Reminder: State Testing (CAASPP) from 04/28/2025-05/16/2025: Please make sure your 3rd-5th graders are here for testing! February Read Aloud will be The Lion Inside by Rachel Bright and Jim Field. The character trait for the month is Courageous. Such a fun story! The classes and I have enjoyed this rhyming story with some surprise twists!
Read Aloud: February 24/25 - Final
March Read Aloud: The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires March Read Aloud-Final Teen Esteem Assembly:
As part of our Words Matter Week we are having a Teen Esteem assembly on March 4th. Teen Esteem, a local program, has been partnering with us for the past few years thanks to a generous donation. The assembly will focus on the importance of being kind and understanding the impact of our words. District Updates: Transfer and Enrollment Reminder =
2025-26 SRVUSD Intra-district Transfer Request Forms Open
For 2025-26, all Intra-district Transfer Requests must be submitted by May 1, 2025. Visit the Intradistrict Transfers webpage for more information. Please note that if your student is currently attending school in the district and will be moving on to middle or high school next year, and they are planning to attend the school they are assigned to based on residence, you do not need to submit a transfer request or submit a new student enrollment application for their enrollment to move from elementary to middle or from middle to high school.
In-person Dyslexia Simulation-An Interactive Event for Families & Staff =
The SRV Council of PTAs’ Exceptional Education Committee is hosting an in-person, interactive workshop that will help individuals gain a better understanding of and empathy for children and adults with dyslexia. Leaders of Decoding Dyslexia CA’s Tri-Valley Dyslexia Support Group will facilitate the experience. The event is designed for adults, but families with older children may wish to participate together. Guests from other school districts are welcome! See their flyer for more information.
WHEN: Thursday, March 20, 2025, from 6:00-7:30 pm WHERE: SRVUSD Boardrooms
Please keep reading for some upcoming event information, important dates and other PTA/Shark Fund News. Thank you,
Patricia Kawahara Principal |
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Important Dates to Remember |
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02/24 - 5th Grade Group Photos 11:45am
02/26 - Sharky Fit Club - 1:00pm 02/28 - African American Showcase - MRP - 2:30pm 02/28 - Deadline to sign up for the Variety Show (see information below) 03/03-03/07 - Words Matter Week 03/04 - Teen Esteem Assembly - Grades: K - 5th 03/06 - Site Council Meeting - 4:00pm - Virtual 03/07 - Family STEAM Enrichment Night - MPR 03/10-03/13 - Staff Appreciation Week 03/12 - Sharky Cinema - 12:50-2:30pm 03/14 - No School 03/19-03/21 - Conference Days - Minimum Schedule
03/20 - Dyslexia Simulation event - 6:00 - 7:30pm - District Office 03/24-03/30 - Online Auction 03/26 - Sharky Fit Club - 1:00pm
03/26 - 5th Grade Math Placement Test for Middle School 03/31 - 2nd Grade Speak Up & Be Safe Assembly #1
04/02 - Variety Show Dress Rehearsal 1:00 PM in MPR
04/03 - Variety Show 6:00 PM in MPR 04/07 - 04/11 - Spring Break 04/15 - 2nd Grade Speak Up & Be Safe Assembly #2 |
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Reminder:
If you need to drop-off items for your child or their teacher, Please call the school office when you arrive
at the main gate. (925) 855-2800 |
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Attendance Line
Please call the attendance line to report
your child's absence: 925-855-2898
AR 5113 States that all absences which are not cleared within two days after a student's return to school shall be recorded as unexcused (CUT). |
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Help us raise $50K during our Shark Fund Online Auction! We’re planning for our biggest fundraiser of the year - the Shark Fund Online Auction, March 24-30, 2025!
DONATE TO OUR AUCTION!
From weekend getaways to sports tickets, culinary experiences to unique talents—whatever you've got, we want it! Your generous donations make a huge difference in supporting our school. Click here to donate: https://ourschool.auction/sycamore2025
_______________________________________________________________ Calling All Sycamore Families: What treasures do YOU have to contribute? Whether it's a getaway, tickets, or your unique skills, your donations help make our auction a success! Spread the word to grandparents and friends. Every contribution counts!
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HOST A SYCAMORE SOCIAL - MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
Parents, your kids need you! Hosting a Sycamore Social isn't just a party—it's supporting education and building community. With events raising $2,000 - $7,000 each, your impact is huge! We need hosts for adult, kid, or family socials. Contact Adele Young at sycamorevalley.edfund@srvef.org to sign up. Let's make memories and a difference!
Please reach out to sycamorevalley.edfund@srvef.org with any questions |
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OUR VARIETY SHOW IS BACK FOR 2025 AND WE ARE EXCITED!!
Does your child love to perform on stage? Would they like to present an entertaining act of their choice in front of an audience? Solo or in a group, we would love to see your rising star showcased in this year’s Sycamore Valley Variety Show!
2025 Variety Show Information
IMPORTANT 2025 VARIETY SHOW DATES: Deadline to submit Registration and Music: Friday, February 28th Variety Show Dress Rehearsal: Wednesday, April 2nd at 1:00 PM in MPR
Variety Show: Thursday, April 3rd at 6:00 PM in MPR
Please read the attached "2025 VARIETY SHOW Info" document for all information pertaining to this year’s show and how to get your act signed up in time! If you have any questions, please contact Variety Show Directors Marisa Montierth and Kali Fama
(marisamontierth@gmail.com, kalifama@hotmail.com) |
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| African American Showcase:
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African American Showcase:
Please join us for Sycamore Valley’s 5th Annual African American History Showcase on Friday, February 28th from 2:30-3:30 in the MPR. This year’s theme, Breaking Barriers: Celebrating African American Olympians and Paralympians will focus on the perseverance and determination of African Americans to compete in the Olympics and Paralympics. All Sycamore students are hard at work creating materials that showcase these extraordinary athletes. We hope to see you there!
Highlights Will Include: - Exhibits featuring student artwork, informational posters, and projects
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Posters presented by SLAM students
- Take-your-own podium photos
- Olympic-themed activities
- Olympic crafts
- Interactive scavenger hunt with prizes
We are looking for volunteers to help with this fun, educational event! Please use this Sign-Up Genius Link to volunteer either with set-up, during the event, or organizing student materials after the event. |
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Sycamore PTA Family STEAM Enrichment Night Save the date! Ticket sales start February 20th!
Come join us for our first ever Sycamore PTA Family STEAM Enrichment Night- Friday March 7th from 6:30-8pm at the Sycamore MPR.
Tickets are $10 per child. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
This is not a drop off event. Space is limited.
Tickets are available starting Thursday, February 20th here:
https://sycamorevalley.futurefund.com/store/campaigns/45841-family-steam-enrichment?c=1
If you would like to volunteer to be a part of the Family STEAM Night Planning Committee, please email
steamenrichment@sycamorevalleypta.org. |
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Click here for the Spiritwear Sale
Shark Spirit Clothing Sale - Save $8 On All Long Sleeve Tees
This week, we are featuring big savings in the Sycamore Valley store! You'll save $8 on all Bella+Canvas long sleeve tees! Hurry, this offer is valid through Sunday 2/23/25. Shop Now!
In addition, all orders over $75 will receive free shipping. Shop Now!
Store Link: https://1stplace. FREE SHIPPING $75+ |
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Sharky Fit Club -
Ready to start your child’s journey to become fit for life? We started Sharky Fit Club on Wednesdays after Dippin Dots in MPR! Sharky Fit Club will be a 20 min overlook of Danville Gymnastics program combining strength and coordination of the athlete with the elegance of dancing. We will practice yoga poses, dance steps, tumbling such as forward/backward rolls, and sometimes (depending on attendance) handstands, cartwheels, walkovers & more! All levels welcome. Kids will become stronger in core, improving flexibility, muscle tone, coordination & balance.
Please bring a yoga mat to use in the MPR.
Permission Slip attached.
Future Classes: February 26
March 26
More dates will be announced soon.
For more information, contact Deniz Ozek at deniz.c.ozek@gmail.com |
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In-person Dyslexia Simulation -
An Interactive Event for Families & Staff
The SRV Council of PTAs' Exceptional Education Committee is hosting an in-person, interactive workshop that will help individuals gain a better understanding of and empathy for children and adults with dyslexia. Leaders of Decoding Dyslexia CA’s Tri-Valley Dyslexia Support Group will facilitate the experience. Thursday, March 20, 2025
6:00 to 7:30pm in the Board Room at the San Ramon Valley Unified School District Education Center - 699 Old Orchard Rd., Danville, CA 94526
Please REGISTER to attend so that we have enough materials for everyone and can plan accordingly.
Dyslexia is a language-based learning difference that makes learning to read, spell and write difficult. Participants will be guided through a series of exercises that simulate how those with dyslexia experience reading, writing and processing information in the classroom.
The experience is designed for adults, but families with older children may wish to participate together. Guests from other school districts are welcome! |
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SF Giants Camp
Giants Baseball Camps is running several week long sessions of camp this summer and they are offering friends and family of Sycamore Valley Elementary an exclusive $75 discount on the cost of enrollment!
Giants Camps is filled with week long friendly competitions that encourage teamwork, sportsmanship, and enhances the love for the game of baseball. Our curriculum caters to boys and girls, ages 4-14 and embraces all skill levels. Giants Camps will have a reunion event at Oracle Park where we invite Camp families to watch and cheer on our Giants!
To view locations and access this exclusive promotion, please visit WWW.SFGIANTSCAMPS.COM and enter SVE75 in the promo code section of the application. This promotion will expire on March 7th, 2025.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact San Francisco Giants Baseball Camps at 415-800-2014 or via email at info@sfgiantscamps.com. |
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YEARBOOK SYCAMORE FAMILIES!! WE NEED YOUR PICTURES! There is a new yearbook site for sharing pictures, it's user friendly and simple. When pictures are submitted please add event, grade, student names and teacher. You can't tell us too much. The more pictures you share the better the yearbook will be! |
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RESEARCH PROJECTS
The research project topic for this month will align with the upcoming 5th Annual African American History Museum. The theme for this year's museum is Breaking Barriers: African American Olympians and Paralympians, which will focus on the perseverance and determination of African Americans to compete in the Olympics and Paralympics.
Students can pick any topic for their research presentation that is related to this year's theme. However, we encourage kids to pick a different Olympian than the ones their grade levels will be focusing on in school. Areas of research may include African American Athletes who have broken barriers and left a lasting impact on sports (Basketball, Track, Tennis, etc.).
Presentations can be a trifold and/or poster board. Trifolds for projects are available in the front office. For this research topic we will not be accepting slideshow (ppt), audio or video presentations as all research presentations will be displayed in the MPR at this year’s African American History Museum (AAHM). Students may work individually or in pairs.
Presentations are due to the front office by Thursday, February 27th. Students should include their Name and Teacher on the back of their trifold. Presentations will be displayed at the African American History Museum on Friday, February 28th from 2:30pm - 3:30pm in Sycamore's MPR, and then returned to students on Monday, 3/3. If your student(s) is interested in participating, please sign up here: Sign-Up Genius for AAHM Museum. For any questions, please contact Raj (rajiedeol@gmail.com). BOOK CLUB: 3rd-5th and 1st-2nd
BOOK CLUB 3rd-5th grade Thank you to all the students that were able to attend the last book club session! The next book club meeting is on Wednesday, February 26th, from
1-2pm in the library. The focus of the discussion will be Amari and the Night Brothers by B. B. Alston, and The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster. For any questions, please contact Jyoti (rekhij@gmail.com).
The following book club meeting will be on Wednesday, March 19th, from 12-1pm in the library. Please note that this falls during conference week with minimum days, so the book club will be at 12 noon (instead of the usual 1pm). We will be discussing the books The Lost Library by Rebecca Stead, and Ferris by Kate DiCamillo. For any questions, please contact Jyoti (rekhij@gmail.com).
BOOK CLUB 1st-2nd grade
Our first book club for 1st and 2nd graders will be next month! The books to read for the first meeting are Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak and Magic Treehouse #1: Dinosaurs Before Dark by Mary Pope Osburne. The first book club meeting will be Tuesday, March 4 at 2:30-3:30pm at the school library. For any questions, please contact Raj (rajiedeol@gmail.com).
BATTLE OF THE BOOKS:
The book list is now available for Battle of the Books! Please contact Nida Qadeer nuq101@gmail.com for the book list and any questions about the program. STEAM ART:
Signups for November-May STEAM Art classes have gone out. For any questions, please contact Kristina ( kristinabuskirk@gmail.com). Due to the large response to this class, new student sign ups are now closed for the year. MATH OLYMPIAD:
We have now completed 3 out of the 5 contests for the year. Congratulations to Contest 2 top scorers, Karthik J.& Jaden G., and Contest 3 top scorers, Karthik J., Saanvi L., & Richard Li.! Two more contests left for the year, which will be conducted in February and March. WORDMASTERS:
Our Wordmasters 2nd/3rd and 4th/5th graders recently completed the 2nd Challenge. 2 down, 1 to go! Congratulations to 2nd/3rd graders Skylah T. (perfect score!), Luke S., Vihaan K., Kyle Z. and 4th/5th Graders Karthik J., Lauren E., Griffin R., Daniel K., Lohith H. for the highest scores on Challenge 2.
Challenge Set 3 will be distributed around February 24 and our students will take Challenge 3 between March 28 and April 18. For any questions, please email Kathryn Rapp, Wordmasters Coordinator, at kathryn.montilla@gmail.com.
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Be A Mentor: Volunteer Clearance - Reminder We ask all of our parents/guardians to register w/ Be A Mentor for level #1 - general volunteer. This clearance will allow you to be on campus and/or in the classroom with the children.
Here is the link to sign up. Be A Mentor Click on the New Volunteers Apply Now on the bottom right side of the page. A TB test is a new requirement. The risk assessment form is to be completed by your doctor. You will need to upload, to your Be A Mentor account, either the completed risk assessment form or the negative TB test result form from your doctor.
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| Dippin’ Dot Calendar: Feb. 26
Mar. 12, 26 |
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Dippin Dot Pre-pay Punch Cards are Back!
Punch cards can be purchased for $25.00.
Prepay for 5 Dippin' Dots, get one free Save time in line No need to bring money to school Families can share one card 100% of proceeds benefit your students at Sycamore |
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Thank you "Dippin' Dot Dana" and her team for hosting the Dippin' Dot sales after school on selected Wednesdays each month. |
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School Site Council Update |
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Please refer to Peach Jar for after school enrichment opportunities that are offered for Sycamore students. Sycamore Valley Peach Jar |
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With the change of weather our lost and found is growing!! Take a look at the Rack and in the Yellow Bin.
You may be surprised and find a sweatshirt / jacket / or sweater that you did not know was left behind.
Please make sure that your child's name is marked on their clothing. Smaller Lost & Found items are in the Office.
Water Bottles and Lunch Boxes are on the shelf in the MPR. |
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2200 Holbrook Dr., Danville, CA 94506
(925) 855-2800 |
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