Welcome to news and information from your school's Director, Mariann Cooley. We have an open-door policy on our campus - stop by to chat, request a campus tour, or talk about your children's education. You can reach me at 683-1755 or by email at mcooley@collegeschooldistrict.org 

With only twelve days remaining in the 2007-2008 school year, I can’t help but wonder where the school year has gone. Looking back to the first day of school when we had no bells, no office, no computers and no phones, I realize how far we have come. Actually, it has been a really smooth year, even with all the construction. As I look out my office window it seems like the middle school wing has always been there. Our students have made incredible gains as each one anticipates moving to the next grade level. Teachers have done an excellent job preparing them for the transition. The staff joins me in thanking you for allowing us to be part of your child’s life, and trusting us to educate and prepare them for the future.
Math Superbowl
This year a group of math-wise students from the fourth, fifth and sixth grades represented SYVCS at the annual Math Superbowl, along with thirty other schools in the county. While all of our students did an excellent job, the fourth grade team (Jennifer Durant, Ryan McCarty, Luke Meyer and Madison Wright) took second place in the fourth grade team project. Together they created a 6’6” tower out of straw, string, straight pins and one washer. And the structure didn't fall over! Congratulations, we are all so proud of you!
Graduation
For those of you who have been involved at SYVCS, you know that our graduation is more than an 8th grade promotion to high school. It is an all-school event that matriculates all students to the next grade level. Each class offers the 8th graders a gift in the form of a song or presentation. This year our graduation will be held on June, 19th at 4:00 p.m. on our newly renovated school campus! Teachers will let you know what time your child must be here and what the proper attire will be. Because the program is at least one hour long, it is recommended that you have childcare for younger siblings under five years old. If this is not possible, it is imperative that you keep your younger children with you at all times. No youngsters are allowed in the aisles or up on the stage. After the 5th grade performs, students in grades kindergarten through fifth grade will be released from his/her classroom spot, to you. At this time, you may quietly leave. If you choose to remain for the entire graduation ceremony your child must sit with you for the remainder of the program.
Art
This year our art program was based on literature. It began with Aesop’s Fables, Grimm’s Fairy Tales, children’s literature, acrostic poems, poems by Ogden Nash and poems by Shel Silverstein. A month was also taken to draw our dragons, which were displayed during Open House. For the younger grades, the last art project was to create a diorama based on something the student wanted to do, or is going to do during the summer. This year there were regular days of ‘free draw’. All in all it was an exciting year with real growth in art. Their powers of observation have improved as well as their independence as art creators. During your summer adventures, consider taking a sketch book with you. Pick up post cards to put in the sketch book and draw them at a later date.
Lost and Found
Be sure to stop by and check out our growing pile of sweatshirts, jackets and other interesting items. Anything not claimed by the last day of school will be donated to People Helping People.
Good-Bye
Good-byes are always difficult and especially this year, as we say good-bye to Joanna Miranda. Though she has only been with us for one year, teaching middle school language arts and social studies, she has left her mark on our school as she quickly and easily became part of our school team. We wish her all the best as she embarks on her new journey of motherhood. Who knows, maybe she will return in a few years as one of our kindergarten moms!
Hello
John Livingston is our new middle school teacher. Already he has spent hours on our campus meeting parents and students. He even taught a lesson in 7th grade and will be subbing for us later this week. Mr. Livingston comes to us from San Diego and plans to settle in Santa Ynez later this summer. When you see him on campus, please give him a warm Charter School welcome.
Coffee with the Director
Join me for coffee on June 6th at 8 a.m. in the office. This will be our last chance to chat and see what is in store for next year. Or just come by and visit anytime. My door is always open.
In Closing
This will be the last newsletter of the school year. Our office will be closed for the month of July, re-opening on August 4th. A registration packet will be mailed out in August with everything you need to know about next year. Thank you for being a part of SYVCS. We have made tremendous growth as a school community this year, coming together to do what is best for our students. While I always look forward to summer, I equally look forward to starting this amazing job again in September. I hope your summer is filled with lots of opportunities to have family time and create memories that will last forever. Have a wonderful summer!

Mariann Cooley, Director