UCPS announces elementary school choice options for 2019-2020

Union County Public Schools has announced its elementary schools of choice for the 2019-2020 school year. Earlier this year, UCPS introduced School Choice under Policy 4-13 Student Assignment. Through this option, families may

Sun Valley and Shiloh Elementary Schools host international visitors!

Third Grade Takes on Books and Brackets

Over the last two weeks, the third graders have been building stamina by logging minutes for the county initiative Books and Brackets. This challenge includes all 30 schools in the county and is similar to March Madness. District leaders announced Friday, March 10th that Sun Valley Elementary School was one of the winning Sweet 16 schools that was leading the literacy challenge.

Xcel 2 Fitness Spring is Coming!

The Xcel 2 Fitness Spring season is coming up! Xcel 2 Fitness is an after school program for 3rd-5th grade boys with a mission to use fitness to impact character. The program is carried out through a 6-week curriculum at the school that engages the team of boys through fun speed, agility, strength, balance, and cardio challenges. Every session is embedded with character development through encouraging boys to find their passion, build their team in life, and develop the grit to overcome their obstacles in pursuit of their dreams! The program functions after school 2 days each week for 1 hour.

A Time to Be Thankful

Kindergarten has had a busy month. We’ve been learning all about living and nonliving things with a focus on animals and their characteristics. We studied owls and ended our unit with a visit from the Carolina Raptor Center. They brought 4 different raptors, 2 which were owls. The students loved seeing the different raptors, especially the owls.

Sun Valley Elementary Loves Boosterthon

Sun Valley Elementary School is building its legacy and has turned its focus on Boosterthon for help. This year the school is raising money for its book room, which will empower teachers with resources to improve literacy. The central focus of this year’s Boosterthon character program was “Backyard Box Office.” Principal Susan Rodgers said, “Our Awesome Boosterthon Team is adding to our legacy by building up our staff with positive notes! It is a great day in the Valley!”

Sun Valley Elementary School Students are Ready for the Future

Sun Valley Elementary students are exploring computer science and the skills needed for success in the 21st century.

OMNOVA Reaches Out to Sun Valley Elementary SPLASH students

Sun Valley Elementary School’s Spanish immersion students got a surprise this month when OMNOVA representative, Christie Alexander presented $3,000.00 to buy Spanish library bound books. Second grade SPLASH teacher Camila Caro said, “OMNOVA is amazing! We are so grateful for their generosity. With their help we can now provide greater support for our 4th grade students.”

Safety and Leadership in Global/Leadership Class

Deputy Kay visits Sun Valley Elementary This month, we had a visitor in Global/ Leadership class, Deputy Kay! The Deputy’s purpose was to teach our students how important it is to be safe.

5th Graders Tackle Problem Solving Skills

Sun Valley Elementary 5th grade students worked on their 21st skills when they attended their field trip to Xtreeme Challenge low ropes course on October 11, 2016. Students learned the importance of having good communication skills and problem solving strategies.

Dr. Houlihan launches Listening & Learning Tour

Dr. Houlihan launches Listening and Learning Tour As part of his 90-day entry plan, Dr. Houlihan is launching a Listening and Learning Tour. Beginning Sept. 21, the Superintendent will hold a series of meetings throughout Union County to meet with employees and community members.

The Care Bears, Girls That Give Back

3rd graders, Kaitlyn Fournier, Kara Nowocin and Lexi Smith – The Care Bears, Girls That Give Back, recently raised an additional 450 pounds of food during the Sun Valley Food Drive. That brings their total this year to over 2500 pounds of food for families in Union County. That amount alone will feed over 250 families. Kaitlyn said she loves being able to help those less fortunate. It puts a smile on her face knowing that they are able to feed someone that might not have a meal otherwise.

First Grade Science

“Hey! Look at my roots!” “My stem is crooked.” “Wow, my leaves are uncurling.” These are all comments heard during first grade science lessons at Sun Valley Elementary School. Weeks ago each first grader was given one lima bean seed. These seeds were placed in a terrarium to germinate and placed in the sun. As they developed, the students watched the seed sprout and develop roots, stems, and leaves. Recently these developing plants were placed in dirt. Students will continue to watch the development of these plants while they discuss the parts of a plant. This “hands on” lesson brings science to life.

Cole Hurst named as Teacher of the Year

Sun Valley Elementary was thrilled to announced their Physical Education Teacher, Cole Hurst as their 2015-16 Teacher of the Year! Hurst has been in education since 2011, and is a graduate of Wingate University, NC with a BA in Physical Education. As a Union County native, he has been assigned to Sun Valley since he graduated college. He is married and lives in Union County.

NCCAT Empowers School Library Media Coordinators

For the first time ever The North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching, Inc. provided a seminar that directly impacts School Library Media Coordinators. How Library Media Specialists Can Support Literacy September 22-25, 2015 was held on the Cullowhee NCCAT campus, where Sun Valley Elementary School Library Media Coordinator Kevin Vickers participated.

OMNOVA Believes in Sun Valley Elementary Students

Sun Valley Elementary School’s Spanish immersion students continue to be amazed at OMNOVA’s generosity! The school’s SPLASH program that works with over 80 students in Kindergarten through 3rd grade received a summer grant of $3,800.00 to buy Spanish library bound books in the media center. This generous gift comes soon after OMNOVA awarded the school $2,000.00 in April 2015.