
📢 Reminder for SVUSD Elementary Families! 📢
⏰ Friday, February 7th is a half day for all SVUSD elementary schools! Students will be released at 11:15 AM to allow time for scheduled parent-teacher conferences.
Thank you for your support as we continue working to empower every student at SVUSD! 💙📚
#SVUSD #HalfDayReminder #ParentTeacherConferences #EmpoweringYou #SVUSDProudARatedDistrict


Staff Spotlight: Mrs. Twanna Ward ✨
This month, we are delighted to introduce Mrs. Twanna Ward, the Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) at Pueblo Del Sol. A Missouri native, Mrs. Ward moved to Sierra Vista four years ago in search of warmer weather. ☀️ Since arriving, she has worked at Carmichael in various roles before bringing her talents to PDS.
Mrs. Ward’s room is a welcoming space designed to meet the diverse needs of her students. 🏫💙 Equipped with sensory stations, quiet-time tents, a trampoline, deep sensory bins, and a crash mat, her classroom fosters growth and self-regulation for students. 🧘♂️🎉 She believes in creating an environment where students feel understood and supported. 🤝❤️
As a strong advocate of PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports), Mrs. Ward serves as the Tier 3 team lead, guiding staff and students in fostering positive behavior. She is passionate about helping children build essential life skills like problem-solving, teamwork, and resilience, enabling them to exceed their own expectations. 🌟💪
Mrs. Ward’s dedication is deeply personal. As a mother of four, including a son with special needs, she brings a unique perspective and understanding to her work. Her lived experiences have taught her the importance of patience and advocacy, allowing her to connect with her students on a meaningful level. 🤗✨
Dr. Martinez, PDS principal, shares, “Mrs. Ward is the heart and soul of our PBIS program. She demonstrates daily what it means to be safe, respectful, and responsible. Her data collection and observations are invaluable in parent/teacher meetings. She has also designed PBIS training to equip staff with tools for success.” 🌟✅
Outside of work, Mrs. Ward enjoys spending time with her husband, their college-aged children, and her twin sister in California. With over 20 years of experience, she adapts to any situation to find solutions that benefit her students. 💡✨ Her empathy and innovative spirit help her meet the unique needs of every child. 🏅💛
Thank you, Mrs. Ward, for your unwavering dedication. SVUSD is fortunate to have you as a part of our community.


🚨 Reminder for SVUSD Bus Riders! 🚌✨
Have you downloaded the My Ride K-12 App yet? If not, don’t wait any longer! This app is a game-changer for tracking your student’s bus in real-time with GPS geolocation. 🎉
Here’s why you need it:
✅ Real-time GPS tracking for all district buses
✅ Secure access to bus stop locations, routes, and pickup times
✅ Easy sign-up using your Parent View email and your student’s SVUSD ID
📲 Download the My Ride K-12 app now on Apple® and Android® devices and stay connected to your student’s transportation like never before!
🌐 For more details, visit our website: https://www.svusd68.org/page/transportation
Make transportation easier, safer, and more convenient. Don’t miss out—download today! 🚍✨
#SVUSD #MyRideK12 #RealTimeTracking #SchoolBusSafety #SVUSDProudARatedDistrict


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


🎉🎓 Terrific Kids at PDS! 🎓🎉
Our 5th graders at Pueblo Del Sol were thrilled to receive the Terrific Kids Awards from the San Pedro Kiwanis of Sierra Vista, led by the amazing Mrs. Lolene Paholke! 💙✨
Earlier this year, students set personal goals, and now, at the end of the semester, it was time to celebrate their achievements. 🥳 Those who met their goals were surprised with a certificate, a brown paper bag filled with goodies, and even a poster coupon! Inside the bags, students found school supplies, a treat from Culver’s, and other fun surprises. 🎁✏️🍦
In addition, each teacher (Ms.Zavala and Ms. Collins), selected one "Star Student" from their class who went above and beyond in their efforts. 🌟 These exceptional students were recognized with a special prize, highlighting their outstanding achievements! 🏅👏
Mrs. Paholke, a retired teacher, spoke to our Dust Devils about the importance of setting goals and the rewarding feeling of reaching them. 🌟 Now, it’s time for students to set new goals for the next quarter—whether to build on their success or reevaluate and try again.
A huge thank you to the San Pedro Kiwanis of Sierra Vista, all the supporting businesses, and the parents who joined us to celebrate our students' accomplishments! 💛👏
Let’s keep striving for greatness, Dust Devils! 🚀💪 #TerrificKids #GoalSetters #PDSDustDevils #KiwanisClub #EmpoweringYou #SVUSDProudARatedDistrict



🌟🎉 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


🌟 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



🚨 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


🎄💚 The Grinch struck again at PDS! On Thursday, our 1st and 2nd graders got a special surprise visit from the mischievous green guest himself. Mrs. Caggiano’s class celebrated with a Grinch-themed party, but the Grinch couldn’t resist sneaking into other classrooms too! 🎁🎉
Oh, what fun it was to see our students enjoy the holiday cheer—even if it came with a little bit of Grinchy mischief! 🎅✨
#PDSHolidayFun #GrinchVisit #OhWhatFun #EmpoweringYou #SVUSDProudARatedDistrict


🎄✨ Kindergarten Fun Alert! ✨🎄
This week has been full of holiday cheer for our Kindergarten Dust Devils! 🎅🏼👶🏻 They got creative and built their very own gingerbread houses—just look at those smiles! 🏠🍭
But wait, there’s more… they had a special visitor—the Grinch! 💚🎁 He stopped by their classroom to listen as Mrs. French read his story aloud. Afterward, every Dust Devil had the chance to snap a memory photo with him. 📸💚
What a magical week filled with creativity, smiles, and holiday spirit! 🥰 #DustDevilKindergarten #HolidayFun #GrinchyMemories #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
