It was great to see so many of you on campus for conferences over this past week. It’s hard to believe it, but we are already half-way through 3^rd quarter, and Spring Break is right around the corner! We are grateful to have such a supportive group of families that help make SV such a strong community.

Please see the attached flyer for future DVUSD volunteer training dates. If you have not yet been volunteer trained, you must attend one of these sessions before you are cleared to volunteer on campus, or at a campus events such as field trips. Please be sure you submit the training paperwork to Mrs. Olofson and contact her at Karla.Olofson@dvusd.org if you have any questions, or to verify that you are on the approved volunteer list.

Attention all 5^th – 8^th grade gamers! Sierra Verde is starting up an eSports club. 5^th and 6^th grade will meet on Wednesdays and for 7^th and 8^th grade will meet on Thursdays starting next week. Please see the attached flyer for all the details and registration info. We still have a few spots remaining for each day.

PTSO wants to hear from you about our Boosterthon event this year. We want to get your feedback so we can continue to make this event better each year. Please take a minute to let us know how you felt the event went this year by submitting your responses on this survey.

Next week, our staff will be finalizing our state testing schedule for all 3^rd through 8^th grade students. The window for state testing for Sierra Verde will be March 30 – April 16 this year. If you are a parent of a 3^rd-8^th grade student, we kindly ask that you ensure your kids are in school for the duration of the day for this entire window unless they are ill. Please avoid scheduling any appointments or trips so they have the opportunity to do their very best during our testing sessions.

Next Friday will be a 2:00 pm early release for our teachers to work with their collaborative teams in our Professional Learning Community.

Thank you all so very much for helping to make this the most successful Boosterthon drive ever! Due to your donations and support, Sierra Verde has raised over $35,000 to date to help update and revamp our media center! We have hit our goal and that means that I will be running a marathon on campus on a day to be determined in March where some of the kids can join me in the celebration of all their hard work. Special thanks to our PTSO and all of you who helped mark laps and hand out water yesterday.

Congratulations to our 7th and 8th graders who made our baseball and softball teams for the spring season. Next Wednesday, there will be an informational meeting in the MPR at 5:30 pm for all softball and baseball parents.

Spring pictures are here next Wednesday, 2/19. We will have class photos for grades K-6 and individual photos for all students K-8.

The Sierra Verde Honor band will be participating in the DVUSD Honor concert Tuesday 2/18 at Sandra Day O'Connor H. S. at 7:00 PM. Doors open at 6:30.

Attention all 5th – 8th grade gamers! Sierra Verde is starting up an eSports club in two weeks. This club will have one day for 5th and 6th grade and one day for 7th and 8th grade. Please see the attached information for all the details and registrations. Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. There are still a few spots remaining for each group.

Next week is our official conference week. Teachers have sent out information regarding the scheduling of conferences at each grade level or homeroom. Be sure to sign up for an appointment. Thursday and Friday will be a true half-day of school and all students will be dismissed at 12:05 pm.

We are officially underway in our Boosterthon “Run Wild” Fundraiser. By now, hopefully you have helped your kids register and start to collect pledges as we raise money to give our media center a refresh and restock with new books and titles to provide every student access to relevant and engaging stories here at SV. Our goal is to raise $35,000 over the next two weeks, and we need your help in getting the word out to help revamp our media center. Additionally, we'd love for you to join us as our students run the Obstacle Course but please keep in mind that no siblings are permitted during the run. If you are available to volunteer that day for even an hour, it would be greatly appreciated, please sign up here.

Congratulation to our middle school boys basketball team who won the District Championship title last Saturday at Sandra Day O’Connor HS. It was great to watch you all compete so hard and walk away as champions, thanks to all who came out to support all our athletes in the winter season! Next week softball and baseball will hold tryouts Monday through Thursday from 3:30-5:30. All athletes must have their paperwork on file with Mrs. Cullen prior to tryouts, please email her at sara.cullen@dvusd.org with any questions.

Attention all 5^th – 8^th grade gamers! Sierra Verde is starting up an eSports club in two weeks. This club will have one day for 5^th and 6^th grade and one day for 7^th and 8^th grade. Next week a flyer will be sent out and registrations will be capped at 25 kids for each day. Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. The cost for this club will be $125, stay tuned for more details next week.

Student Council is selling Valentine's Day Grams for $1. You can buy a silk rose or Hershey kisses and a kind note for $1. We will be selling Valentine's Day Grams before and after school from February 10 to February 13. Valentine's Grams will be delivered to classes on Valentine's Day. Buy them for friends, family and teachers! Valentine's Day Grams will also be available in the office for parents to purchase. Don't miss out!

Next Friday, February 14 is an early release and students will dismiss at 2:00 pm for our teachers to participate in their professional learning communities (PLCs).

Happy Friday Vipers,

Another amazing week at SV, as our kids continue to work hard to accomplish huge goals. Congratulations to our Cheer team led by Coach Hamblen and Coach Christensen on their 1^st place finish at the DVUSD Cheer Competition last Saturday! We also want to congratulate 8^th Grader Nicole Radan who won 5th place, and 5^th Grader Charlotte Kennedy who won second place at the District wide Spelling Bee this past Monday. Both girls will go on to compete at the Regional Spelling Bee next month.

Tomorrow, our boys will play in the District Championship Basketball Game beginning at 10:00 am at Sandra Day O’Connor HS. We wish them good luck along with all of our kids competing in the Rubik’s Cube Tournament at ASU West at the same time.

Sierra Verde Parents and Families! We’re only THREE DAYS AWAY from kicking off the Run Wild SV Obstacle Course fundraiser! This year, our goal is to raise $35,000 to put into our Media Center, including new and updated books and print materials, AV equipment, seating, and more! The fun officially begins on Tuesday where students will have their Kickoff Pep Assembly in the afternoon. Additionally, we'd love for you to join us as our students run the Obstacle Course. If you are available to volunteer that day for even an hour, it would be greatly appreciated, please sign up using this link.

The staff performance of Frozen Jr. is nearing. Tickets go on sales next week beginning Monday Morning, they are only $6.00 Come see many of your favorite teachers and staff members perform. This is a fund raiser for the drama program. Shows are February 6th and 7th at 6:30 pm. (Doors open at 6pm)

Our Spirit Wear drive is closing on February 7^th, be sure to get your order in before the window closes. Go to https://www.spiritgeardirect.com/shop and select Sierra Verde to get the latest Viper gear.

Next Friday, February 7 is an early release and students will dismiss at 2:00 pm for our teachers to participate in their professional learning communities (PLCs).

Have a Wonderful Weekend,

Happy Friday Vipers,

It was a fast four days this week as we move towards the last week of January.  Thanks for all of you who came out for the Art Show on Wednesday as well as our Girls basketball game last night. 

Sierra Verde Parents and Families! We’re only TWO WEEKS AWAY from kicking off the Run Wild SV Obstacle Course fundraiser! This year, our goal is to raise $35,000 to put into our Media Center, including new and updated books and print materials, AV equipment, seating, and more! We can’t wait to have fun with our students as we help our school! Be on the lookout for more information soon!

We'd love for you to join us as our students run the Obstacle Course. If you can be available to volunteer that day for even an hour, it would mean so much. Sign up using this link

Tomorrow is the Deer Valley cheer competition at Barry Goldwater HS.  The competition will begin at 9:30 am and tickets are $5.  Viper Boys Basketball with host a playoff semi-final game at home next Tuesday, January 28th at 4:30.

2020-21 Kindergarten Kickoff/Preview night is Thursday January 30th from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm. Students are welcome to attend with parents.  This is an open house style format where you are welcome to drop in anytime during this window. 

Sierra Verde is looking for someone to coach our baseball team. The season starts in the beginning of February and ends mid-April. Any interested candidates can apply on-line through the district website and be able to start practices at 3:30 pm. If you are interested or have any questions, please contact our Athletic Director Sara Cullen at sara.cullen@dvusd.org

Next Friday, January 31 is an early release and students will dismiss at 2:00 pm for our teachers to participate in their professional learning communities (PLCs). 

It was another busy week on campus, our students are settling into 3^rd quarter and working hard every day. This week, the Deer Valley Education Foundation opened up nominations for Teacher of the Year. The Deer Valley Education Foundation's Teacher of the Year Program is designed to celebrate and honor the contributions of Deer Valley School District's teachers - we want to celebrate and spotlight those exceptionally skilled and dedicated teachers who have gained the respect and admiration of students, parents, and co-workers and who have the superior ability to help students achieve. SV is blessed with many teachers who possess all these qualities. Please honor these teachers by nominating them for Teacher of the Year! Nominations need to be e-mailed to marie.brennan@dvusd.org by 4PM on January 28th, 2020.

Over the winter break, the Partin family lost their home to a fire here in Sierra Verde. Miles and Ezra are two students here at SV, and there classmates have started a “GoFundMe” campaign to raise support for the Partin family through this difficult time. If you are willing to help in anyway please go to their GoFundMe site here and help them through this process of rebuilding.

Next Thursday, January 23, is our 3^rd quarter PTSO General Meeting at 6:00 pm in the media center. All parents are welcome and we encourage everyone to come out and get involved. Our PTSO is in need of volunteers to help with the Boosterthon Obstacle Run on Thursday, February 13, to sign up and volunteer use this sign up genius link. Additionally, please take a moment to fill out this Deer Valley survey on budget priorities for the 2020-2021 school year.

The SV Annual Student Art Show will take place in the MPR on Wednesday, Jan 22, 2020 from 4:30-6:30pm. Parents are welcome to bring cash or check to buy the framed artwork of their children. Please see the attachment for more details.

We have a new Spirit wear campaign that has started, be sure to check out the attached flyer and order your Viper pride gear. All orders must be in by February 7.

Please be aware that Glendale Police Department has been actively patrolling our parking lots here at SV. They will issue parking tickets to any vehicles that are not in the proper parking spaces or do not have a valid placard/plate displayed for the front spaces designated ADA handicap.

On Friday, January 24, we will not have an early release. Next Friday, students will dismiss at 3:30 pm. Also just a reminder that there will be no school on Monday in observance of MLK Jr. Day.

Happy New Year Everyone,

I hope that all our families were able to spend some quality time together over the winter break. It was so good to see all our kids back on campus and eager to innovate and create. We’re excited for another semester and another decade to partner with you all in our mission to provide amazing opportunities for all students.

Next week our Boys and Girls Basketball teams along with our Spirit line, will wrap up the regular season. On Tuesday, January 14, SV will travel to Paseo Hills for back-to-back games at 4:30 pm. On Thursday, January 16, we will host Canyon Springs for our final two home games. Good luck to our Vipers!

Next Thursday, January 16, is our 3rd quarter Papa John’s Restaurant night. Be sure to visit Papa John’s and mention that you are with Sierra Verde so our PTSO will get 20% of all sales. Our PTSO Boosterthon/Fun Run is just under a month away. Check out the latest PTSO Newsletter, our PTSO is also in need of volunteers to help with the Boosterthon Obstacle Run on Thursday, February 13, to sign up and volunteer use this sign up genius link.

The SV Annual Student Art Show is right around the corner. The show will take place in the MPR on Jan 22, 2020 from 4:30-6:30pm. Parents are welcome to bring cash or check to buy the framed artwork of their children. Please see the attachment for more details.

Mountain Ridge High School is holding a Little Lions Cheer Camp for 1st - 8th graders. The cost is $40, which includes, a shirt, cheer ribbon, and entrance fee into game. The camp will be Saturday, January 25th from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. They will perform at the halftime game at Mountain Ridge on Tuesday, January 28th @ 7:00 p.m. If you are interested, please fill out the attached flier and contact Head Cheer Coach Tiffani Morrison @ tiffani.morrison@dvusd.org.

Our SV Rubik's Club will start Wednesday January 15th for students 4th through 8th Grade. Please see the attached flier for details.

On Friday, January 17, we have an early release at 2:00 pm for our staff to participate in Professional Development. Students will be follow their normal Friday early release schedule and will have lunch as usual. Also just a reminder that there will be no school on January 20 in observance of MLK Jr. Day.

Have a Wonderful Weekend,

Tony Galietti
Principal

Happy First Friday Vipers,

Our kids have had another fantastic week working hard on campus.  Our teachers have been able to screen almost all of our students with beginning of the year reading and math assessments in these first 8 days of school.  These results will allows us to group students and put interventions in place to ensure that all our Vipers are growing with the support they need in class and during Response to Intervention (RTI) time.

Viper Spirit Gear is still available for purchase until next Wednesday when the online shop closes for print and delivery.  See the attached flyer or visit www.spiritgeardirect.com/shop to check out new styles. 

PTSO had its first meeting last night, and we had over 20 parents in the media center to help share ideas, plan events, and develop strategies to help build our SV community this year.  We have a lot of exciting events and opportunities coming, please get involved and support our school. Be sure to visit their website at https://sierraverdeptso.weebly.com and sign up to volunteer.  Even just 1 hour of your time all year makes a difference.

Curriculum Night is next Thursday, August 22, for all grades.  Each grade level will have a designated half hour time to present.  Below you will find the list and locations for all our teams.  Just a reminder, that this is an informational night about curriculum, and teachers will not be able to conference or answer questions regarding individual students.

Our drop off and pick up are continuing to get faster and we wanted to remind everyone of a few policies to keep all our kids safe.

• Placards: Please remember to have your placard visible in the dash when you are in the front pick up line. If you need any additional placards, please pick one up from the office or let your teacher know and we can send one home with your student.
• Potter Gate: This gate will be closed beginning Monday, August 19. Students may enter at one of the three other gates or use the front parking lot drop off loop. Please visit our website to view the map for locations.
• Front drop-off/Pick-up Loop: Please remember to stay in your vehicle when you are in the unloading/loading zone. Teachers are available to assist students.

Remember next Friday, August 23 will be another 90-minute early release day. We will dismiss at 2:00 pm and lunch will be served to all students.

Have a safe and relaxing weekend,

Happy First Friday Vipers, 

It is so great to welcome everyone back to campus for the 19-20 School Year!  Thanks for helping to make it a great first week of school.  Our kids are already settled into their classroom routines, learning about new grade level expectations, and are diving into their work. 

Viper Spirit Gear is now available for purchase.  See the attached flyer or visit www.spiritgeardirect.com/shop and be sure to order your Viper pride shirts before August 21 when the online shop closes for print and delivery. 

PTSO is having its first general meeting open to all on Thursday, August 15, 2019 at 6:15 pm in the Media Center.  We have a lot of exciting events and opportunities this year, please get involved and support our school. Be sure to visit their website at https://sierraverdeptso.weebly.com where you can become a member and get plugged in to the SV community. 

This year we are hoping to strengthen connections and keep all our families informed with the extraordinary experiences that happen at Sierra Verde each and every day. Head on over to our Sierra Verde website where you can now stream our daily announcements each day and stay-up-to-date with our campus.  Our website has just been updated, be sure to read about our newest teachers, learn how you can donate to our teacher’s Amazon wish lists and Donor’s Choose projects, read the Principal’s blog, and listen to Mr. Lane and Mrs. Scofield’s new “Nailed it” Wall Podcast at www.dvusd.org/sierraverde .  Also be sure to follow @SVViperPride on Twitter to see pictures of amazing vipers in action working hard throughout the week.

We would like to thank all of you for helping to shave over 45 minutes off our opening week dismissal process time compared to last year!  We have worked hard to make sure our arrival and dismissal is as safe and efficient as it can be to handle the large volume or parent pick up and drop off here on campus.  We would also like to remind everyone, that parking along Potter in the back of campus and picking up kids is unsafe and creates dangerous situations where kids cross between cars without a crosswalk or adult supervision.  We do not have the staff to safely monitor two pick up locations and we have cleared our front-parking loop in under 20 minutes for the first two days of school.  Please direct your kids to go to parent pick up in the main loop so we can keep them supervised and safely load them into vehicles. We are in contact with the City of Glendale to have signage posted that clearly denotes this information.

Remember next Friday, August 16 will be our first 90-minute early release day for this school year. School will end 90 minutes earlier than the usual end time for teacher collaboration. Lunch will be served on Friday, but all Sierra Verde students will be released at 2:00 pm to allow teachers to attend their Professional Learning Communities (PLCs).  Please contact our office if you have any questions about this release.

Thanks for a great opening of school, have a wonderful weekend,