Sycamore Valley Elementary Logo
 

Sycamore Valley Elementary

Shark Bites Newsletter

 

Message from Principal Kawahara       

March 13, 2025

 

 Mrs. O’Malley’s 1st grade class

  

Dear Sycamore Valley Families:

 

I hope you and your family are well.  These past few weeks students have been having fun with shamrocks and leprechauns. From shamrock math facts in 3rd grade to a leprechaun directed draw in Kindergarten, it is wonderful to see how our teachers integrate St. Patrick’s Day fun into their student’s learning.

Keep reading for some upcoming dates to remember, some reminders, April’s Read Aloud, staff appreciation, information about the online auction, and the Student Information form. 

 

Dates to Remember: 

03/14 - No School

03/15 - Giveback - Bamville Sports and Collectibles

03/19-03/21 - Conference Days

  • AM TK- 8:00-10:30        
  • PM TK- 9:30-12:00 
  • All Kinder 8:00-10:30
  • ALL 1st-5th Grades  8:00-12:00 

03/24-03/30 - Sycamore’s Online Auction

03/26 - 5th Grade Math Placement Test - 1:00pm - MPR

03/31  - 2nd Grade Speak Up & Be Safe Assembly #1 

04/03 - Variety Show - 6:00pm - MPR

04/07-04/11 - No School - Spring Break

04/15  - 2nd Grade Speak Up & Be Safe Assembly #2

05/15 - Open House 6pm-7pm

March 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!

 

March Read Aloud: The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires

March Read Aloud Schedule -Final

 

April Read Aloud: 

April’s character trait is Grateful.  We will be reading Watercress by Andrea Wang  and Spoon by Amy Rosenthal to help us explore the trait.
April Read Aloud Schedule-Final

 

Staff Appreciation:

This week was Staff Appreciation Week.  We cannot express how much we appreciate all the love!  From the doors, the food and the flowers - it has all brightened our days! Thank you for taking the time to celebrate our wonderful staff! 

Shark Fund Online Auction:

The online auction is about to go live! Mark your calendars, as the auction will open Monday March 24th at 9am and close Sunday March 30th at 7pm. We need your participation to make this a success - 100% of the auction proceeds stay here in Sycamore’s Education Fund. 

 

We recommend logging in and registering before March 24th, as there are several Sycamore items that will sell out right away. As a reminder, there are two types of items on the site: items you bid on, that stay open through 3/30, and buy it now items like the Sycamore school and Social events (which are all listed under “sycamore” on the site). 

We are also changing the teacher and staff raffles this year, which will be done entirely online instead of physical forms and checks like in the past. 

 

Lastly - do you still have an item to donate or want to host a social? No problem! We are still accepting items / events - click the “donate” button on the site.

Link and QR code below in Shark Fund update

 

Student Information Form:
As we look toward next year it is time for us to start working on class placements.  We work hard to build classes that are balanced from every angle.  While this form is not required, if you feel there is particular information about the environment that will best support your child, please complete a form. Forms are due by April 2nd. 

2025-2026 Student Class Placement form 

 

 

Please keep reading for some upcoming event information, important dates and other PTA/Shark Fund News.

 

Thank you,

Patricia Kawahara 

Principal

 
 

Important Dates to Remember 

 

03/14 - No School

03/15 - Giveback from Bamville @ Blackhawk Plaza  

03/19-03/21 - Conference Days - Minimum Schedule

  • AM TK- 8:00-10:30        
  • PM TK- 9:30-12:00 
  • All Kinder 8:00-10:30
  • ALL 1st-5th Grades  8:00-12:00 

03/20 - Dyslexia Simulation event - 6:00 - 7:30pm - District Office

03/24-03/30 - Online Auction

03/25 - Protecting and Celebrating Our Youth Seminar

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

05/15 - Open House 6:00pm - 7:00pm

05/17 - Truck Time Event - 9:00 am - 1:00pm

 

 

Classroom Placements for 25/26:

Parents you are welcome to complete the attached form if you believe your child has specific needs. 

 

2025-2026 Student Class Placement form 

 

After spring break, teachers will meet with Principal Kawahara to begin building balanced classes for the 25/26 school year. Parents and students will be notified of teacher and classroom placement on August 12th, 2025. Careful consideration is given to the class placement of each student. The primary factors considered in class placement are:
1. Current year’s teacher assessment of the student’s needs.
2. Input from support staff - resource, speech, school psychologist, reading specialists.
3. Class balance: academic performance, test scores, behavior, and boy/girl ratio.
4. Physical, medical, emotional and social development of the child.
5. Parent information regarding student’s specific needs. 

 

This form is not required, however if you believe your child has specific needs and/or excels in a particular type of classroom environment that the staff should consider when placing him/her, you are welcome to complete and return the attached form. Please do not request specific teachers. Letters that state a specific teacher’s name or that try to describe a specific teacher will not be considered. 

 

This form is due to the school office no later than April 02, 2025.

 

 

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 

 
 

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).

 

 
 

New students joining our district and Sycamore can enroll now.

 

Students that are currently attending school with us will automatically roll up to the next grade level and do not need to submit a new enrollment application.

 

2025-26 enrollment for grades 1-12 will open on February 1, 2025. 

https://www.srvusd.net/Departments/Educational-Services/Enrollment-Info/Enrollment/index.html

 

2025-26 TK & Kindergarten enrollment is open. Please see the TK & Kindergarten Specific Information page of our district website for important information and frequently asked questions.

 

Applications should be submitted online.

 
 

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! 

 

The online auction is about to go live! Mark your calendars, as the auction will open Monday March 24th at 9am and close Sunday March 30th at 7pm. We need your participation to make this a success - 100% of the auction proceeds stay here in Sycamore’s Education Fund. 

 

We recommend logging in and registering before March 24th, as there are several Sycamore items that will sell out right away. As a reminder, there are two types of items on the site: items you bid on, that stay open through March 30th and buy it now items like the Sycamore school and Social Events (which are all listed under “sycamore” on the site). 

 

We are also changing the teacher and staff raffles this year, which will be done entirely online instead of physical forms and checks like in the past. 

 

Lastly - do you still have an item to donate or want to host a social? No problem! We are still accepting items / events - click the “donate” button on the site.

 

https://event.auctria.com/21d217c1-fc8f-4337-a1eb-2ebaed3a5b80/

Please reach out to sycamorevalley.edfund@srvef.org with any questions

 

Thank you to everyone who attended our first ever Sycamore PTA Family STEAM Enrichment Night on Friday. It was a fun-filled night of hands-on exploring and creating. Congratulations to everyone who participated in the Science Fair and to those who won awards for Creativity, Presentation, and Most Unexpected Results. We would like to give a special shoutout to all of the volunteers that made the event possible. 

 

SPIRITWEAR

Click here for the Spiritwear Sale 

Shark Spirit Clothing Sale -

 

Spring Sale - Save 20% Sitewide!


The Sycamore Valley Spring Sale has begun, featuring 20% savings across the entire site! Shop for tees, hoodies and jackets, including over 25 new designs! Shop Now!

 

In addition, all orders over $75 will receive free shipping. Shop Now!

 

Store Link: https://1stplace.

FREE SHIPPING $75+

 

PTA Updates 

 

Protecting and Celebrating Our Youth

A not-to-miss event to learn about prescription drug and fentanyl safety, prevention strategies, and be empowered with resources.

 

When: Tuesday, March 25th, 5:30 - 7:00 PM

Where: SRVUSD Board Rooms, 699 Old Orchard Drive, Danville

Register: bit.ly/NCAPDAforYouth

 

Bonus Activity: 7-7:30pm

Overdose rescue training and distribution of FREE Naloxone overdose rescue kits.

 

Truck Time 2025 – Tickets on Sale Now!

Turn imagination into real life! This fun, interactive, outdoor family festival encourages children (and their adults) to explore the trucks and vehicles they see around them all the time, and maybe some they've never seen before.

Saturday, May 17th, 9:00 am to 1:00pm

Parking lot of 2700 Camino Ramon, San Ramon

 

Visit TruckTimeSanRamon.org for additional details and to pre-purchase tickets. Tickets are $7 per person (age 1 and over), if purchased before May 16th, or $10 at the door on the event day.

 

SPECIAL TICKET DEAL for SRVUSD Families and Friends: Family 4-Pack is available for $20 before May 16, 2025.

This event is presented by the Rotary Club of Dougherty Valley/San Ramon. It benefits the San Ramon Valley Education Foundation, the San Ramon Historic Foundation, the Dougherty Valley/San Ramon Rotary Club, and its Foundation.

 

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:  March 26 
More dates will be announced soon.

 

For more information, contact Deniz Ozek at deniz.c.ozek@gmail.com

 

Questions?  Contact Lisa Comeau at comeaurx@gmail.com or
Lisa Chen at lisacquan@gmail.com 

 

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!

 
 

BOOK CLUB:  3rd-5th  and  1st-2nd

BOOK CLUB 3rd-5th grade

The next book club meeting is 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

Thank you to all those that participated and helped in the first book club meeting for 1st and 2nd graders!  The next book club meeting for 1st and 2nd graders will be Tuesday, April 15th at 2:30-3:30pm in the school library.  The books to read will be announced soon.  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 completed all 5 contests for the year. Congratulations to Karthik J. for top score in Contest 4 and to Saanvi L., Jaden G., and Atharva A. for top score in Contest 5! 

 

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.

 

ODYSSEY OF THE MIND:

Our talented team of 3rd/4th/5th graders -- Karthik J., Richard L., Zoe L., Warren C., Satvik C., Derek W., Anirudh J. -- won 2nd place in the Northern California Regional Tournament that took place last weekend in Sacramento! The team has been working together since last October, exemplifying remarkable creativity and teamwork. Congratulations and good luck to the team as they move on to compete at the State finals on March 8th!! 

Contact steamenrichment@sycamorevalleypta.org with any questions about the STEAM Enrichment program.

 

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.

 
 

Shark Fund Updates

 

Giveback:

Mention Sycamore Elementary on Saturday, March 15 for a 15% giveback for our school.

 

Bamville Sports and Collectibles

Located in: Blackhawk Plaza

Address: 3461 Blackhawk Plaza Cir, Danville, CA 94506

Phone: (408) 597-7127

 

Dippin’ Dot Calendar:

          Mar.  26

 

 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 

 

Sharky Shout Out:  

Thank you to the PTA and generous families for hosting Staff Appreciation Week.  Our staff is grateful for the breakfast, lunches and beverages and luncheon that were brought throughout the week. 

 
 

School Site Council Update

 

School Site Council Meeting

                    Date to be Determined

 

 

After School Enrichment

Please refer to Peach Jar for after school enrichment opportunities that are offered for Sycamore students.

 

Sycamore Valley Peach Jar

 

Lost & Found

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. 

 

Child Nutrition

Meals Provided @ Sycamore

 

Breakfast & Lunch will be provided at no cost to all students that request a meal at school.

MENUS

 

For more information about the meals, please visit the Child Nutrition Website.

https://www.srvusd.net/Departments/Business-Services/Child- Nutrition/index.html 

 
 

Read Our Announcements

VIEW ALL ANNOUNCEMENTS
 
 
 

Keep in Touch with Us!

Follow and Like Us!

FacebookTwitterWeb Site
 
 

You are receiving this email because your email address is associated with
Sycamore Valley Elementary
 2200 Holbrook Dr., Danville, CA 94506

(925) 855-2800

Opt Out

Statement of Confidentiality:
The contents of this e-mail message and any attachments are intended solely for the addressee. The information may also be confidential and/or legally privileged. This transmission is sent for the sole purpose of delivery to the intended recipient. If you have received this transmission in error, any use, reproduction, or dissemination of this transmission is strictly prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please immediately notify the sender by reply e-mail and delete this message and its attachments, if any.
(Electronic Communications Privacy Act, 18 USC SS 2510-2521)

Copyright © 2021

Powered by Catapult Connect