Bella Vista Elementary School

🎉 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

🎄 A BIG thank you to everyone who joined us for our Christmas program yesterday! 🎶 We had an amazing time sharing the holiday spirit, and the kids had so much fun performing their wonderful songs for you all. 💕 Your support and presence made the event truly special. Thank you, families, for coming out and celebrating the season with us! 🎉 #HolidayJoy #FamilySupport #ChristmasProgram #CommunitySpirit #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 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

🌟 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

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

🎉✨ 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! 👏💙 🌟 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! 🏆✨ Congratulations to all recipients! 🎓🎉 #PBIS #SVUSDPride #Congratulations #EmpoweringYou #SVUSDProudARatedDistrict

🦃 Thanksgiving is a Time to Be Thankful 🍂 This Thanksgiving, SVUSD is deeply grateful for our incredible staff, students, and community. 💙💛 Together, you make us an A-rated school district, and we couldn’t do it without your unwavering support. Thank you for coming together and being truly amazing! 🌟 Wishing you all a safe and joyful Thanksgiving! #Thankful #SVUSDStrong #CommunityPride #Gratitude #EmpoweringYou #SVUSDProudARatedDistrict

💧🌎 Last week, SVUSD 4th-grade students from Bella Vista, Huachuca Mountain, and Pueblo Del Sol gathered with other 4th graders from the area at Veteran's Memorial Park to celebrate Water Day! 🌊✨ Students enjoyed a morning of hands-on learning with activities facilitated by the University of Arizona's Water Wise and Project WET programs, as well as volunteers from Arizona Water Company and Liberty Utilities. 🚰 They explored topics like groundwater, watersheds, sustainability, and the water cycle through interactive experiments, demonstrations, and fun games. 🧪🎉 A special thank you to Ms. Alex Kosmider, Water Wise Youth Coordinator at U of A, for teaching our 4th graders these important lessons about caring for our planet, both at the event and during her classroom visits! 🌟👏 #WaterWise #ProjectWET #EnvironmentalEducation #4thGradeAdventures #EmpoweringYou #SVUSDProudARatedDistrict

🐾✨ Bella Vista Bobcats had a blast at Camp Kudos! ✨🐾 For the 3rd year in a row, the 305th MI Battalion visited Bella Vista as part of their incredible outreach program. This year, 18 volunteers brought awareness of the daily operations at Fort Huachuca with engaging activities across five stations. The students had so much fun with: 💪 Obstacle and agility courses ✈️ Learning about drones 🩺 Exploring military medical supplies like blankets and tourniquets 🚒 Checking out a fire engine from Sierra Vista Fire and a military police car 🎒 Trying on military backpacks and vests The Bobcats loved every moment, and we’re so thankful for this amazing community partnership. Thank you, 305th MI Battalion, for giving our students such a memorable day! 💙 #BellaVistaBobcats #CampKudos #CommunityOutreach #305thMIBattalion #FortHuachuca #EmpoweringYou #SVUSDProudARatedDistrict

Our SVUSD app keeps getting better and better! Parents/guardians who have already created a Rooms account can now access new app features like chat and class streams via web and in the app. Download for Android https://bit.ly/3JcTPUs Download for iPhone https://apple.co/3OPpfSc

🎄✨ Christmas Fun Meets Childhood Delight! 🎭🎅 Join Buena Fine Arts Productions for their magical performance of The Day Before Christmas! Bring the whole family and experience the heartwarming tale of Santa and his helpers as they work to teach Jack Frost the true meaning of Christmas. 🎁❄️ 📅 Dates: Thursday, December 5th at 7pm Friday, December 6th at 7pm 📍 Location: Klein Center 🎟 Tickets: $7 at the door ❤️ Non-perishable food donations are welcome! Don’t miss this festive event filled with holiday cheer and the magic of giving. See you there! 🎅🎄✨

🍂🦃 Happy Thanksgiving from SVUSD! 🦃🍂 We’re so grateful for our amazing students, families, and staff. 💛 We hope your holiday is filled with joy, gratitude, and quality time with loved ones. We can’t wait to see our students back on Monday, December 2nd, refreshed and ready for learning! 📌 Reminder: All SVUSD offices will be closed from November 25th through November 29th. Enjoy the break, and we’ll see you soon! 😊 #HappyThanksgiving #Gratitude #EmpoweringYou #SVUSDProudARatedDistrict

🎉✨ SVUSD Teacher Feature of the Month: November - Mrs. Natalie Wise, Huachuca Mountain ✨🎉 We’re thrilled to spotlight Mrs. Natalie Wise, an exceptional kindergarten teacher at Huachuca Mountain Elementary School. With six years of teaching experience, Mrs. Wise brings creativity, innovation, and a deep passion for early childhood education to her classroom daily. Married to a retired military veteran, Mrs. Wise began her SVUSD journey as a kindergarten paraprofessional at PDS. Her family’s military path took her from Fort Huachuca to Texas and Alaska, where she earned her degree and spent three years teaching kindergarten. While in Alaska, she embraced place-based education, using the local environment to enrich learning—a practice she now integrates with SVUSD’s new science curriculum! 🌱🐻 Mrs. Wise’s classroom is alive with hands-on learning and joy! From fishing for letters and sight words to math lessons with “Ten Pigs in a Tub,” her students engage through play, movement, and creativity. Yoga brain breaks and midline-crossing exercises enhance coordination and build skills in reading, writing, and math. 🧘‍♀️📚 This year, Mrs. Wise introduced Huachuca Mountain’s Kindergarten Jumpstart Program, helping new students transition smoothly into school life. She also mentors new teachers, revitalized the school garden, and led the Balloons Over Broadway Parade. Inspired by the book of the same name, the event taught students about the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade as they designed their own balloons for a Huachuca Mountain celebration. 🎈🎨 Outside the classroom, Mrs. Wise enjoys hiking, gardening, spending time with her husband and daughters, and working toward her yoga instructor certification. She also revived the district-wide Kindergarten PLC, fostering collaboration among teachers to enhance teaching and learning. Currently pursuing National Board Certification, Mrs. Wise exemplifies lifelong learning and excellence in education. 🌟 We are so grateful to have Mrs. Wise as part of our Huachuca Mountain family. Her dedication to students and the community is truly inspiring. 💛 #TeacherFeature #HuachucaMountainPride #EmpoweringYou #SVUSDProudARatedDistrict

Our SVUSD app keeps getting better and better! Parents/guardians who have already created a Rooms account can now access new app features like chat and class streams via web and in the app. Download for Android https://bit.ly/3JcTPUs Download for iPhone https://apple.co/3OPpfSc

🏊‍♂️🏊‍♀️ SVUSD Story: Congratulations to our Buena Swim Team and Mountain Bike Team on amazing State performances! 🏆 Swim Team - State D2 Meet Results Individual Results: Emmy K. - 100 Free: 29th Landon L. - 200 IM: 39th Spencer MD. - 100 Fly: 26th Oliver D. - 200 IM: 22nd & 500 Free: 14th Boys Team Relays: 200 Medley Relay: 23rd - 200 Free Relay: 25th - 400 Free Relay: 19th Girls Team Relays: 200 Medley Relay: 23rd - 200 Free Relay: 18th - 400 Free Relay: 22nd 💥 Mountain Bike Team crushed it with an incredible season finish! They took 1st Place in the Southern D1 Conference and earned 2nd Place at State, competing against 14 teams from all over Arizona! 🏅🚴 Upcoming Games 🏈 Girls Flag Football hosts their first-ever playoff game tonight at 6 PM! 🏈 Tackle Football plays on Friday at 7 PM! Let’s show our support! Go team! #ColtPride #EmpoweringYou #SVUSDProudARatedDistrict

All SVUSD offices will be closed on Monday, November 11th, in observance of Veterans Day. Thank you to all veterans for your service and sacrifice! We honor you today and every day. #VeteransDay #EmpoweringYou #SVUSDProudARatedDistrict

🍂🎉 The past couple of weeks have been an absolute blast across all SVUSD schools! Our incredible PTOs hosted festive fall carnivals at PDS and Carmichael, TC had an exciting PBIS Carnival, and HM Student Council held a fun-filled family dance. JCMS celebrated with their 2nd Annual Trunk or Treat, while character parades lit up campuses, Huachuca Mountain held a Fun Run, and Buena hosted an inspiring College Night! 🎃👟📚 We’re also so proud of the celebrations happening in our classrooms! Village Meadows, Carmichael, and Bella Vista held special events to honor student achievements across different categories. PDS 4th graders showcased their Hero Pumpkins, and T&C’s 5th graders wowed us with their Volume Zoo research projects! 🎨📏🎓 And last but not least, SVUSD is officially an A district! All six of our elementary schools received an A letter grade, and Buena received a B. Huge congratulations to our students, staff, PTOs, and volunteers who go above and beyond to make every moment special and memorable. We’re so proud of all your achievements! 💙🎉 #SVUSDProud #CommunityStrong #SVUSDFamily #AchievingExcellence #EmpoweringYou