Elisa Lotti, Sylvandale's treasured Leadership teacher, recently rescued a scared young possum from a tree. After being frightened by the noise of busy students all around, the possum escaped into the upper branches of a large tree. Mrs. Lotti assisted by Principal, Amber Andrade, and student, Giovanni Hernandez, helped capture the poor critter for safe transport back to the wild. A job well done.
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Parents, guardians, staff, and interested community members are welcome to join us for important conversations around the repeal of DACA and other related topics such as immigration and citizenship. Individuals will have a chance to consult with trusted legal representatives and talk to various community based organizations providing legal services in San Jose. Learn more by clicking on Read Full Story.
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A sport has risen out of the depths of Sylvandale history...softball! Softball has now been brought back to Sylvandale, and according to the players, it’s a hit! Ms. Frost (softball coach) decided that Sylvandale needed to bring back the sport.
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The first few weeks of school have been exciting and eventful. During this time Sylvandale added two new teachers. Science 8 (IT) teacher, Charles Carlisle, came to us at the beginning of the school year and ELA 8 (HCA) teacher, Krista Reutter, will be starting this week. Please join us in welcoming them to the Bear Community.
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It’s the third Saturday of the month, the sun is barely peeking through the clouds and people start to arrive at Sylvandale Middle School (SMS) with their carts. Hundreds of families and people from all generations are here early in the morning to stock up on a much needed resource, food. A large truck pulls into the parking lot and volunteers quickly get to work, unpacking, stocking, and organizing thousands of pounds of food, both fresh and packaged. Within a short time they are ready to go, begin handing out food to hundreds of people, and an hour later they are all done!
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Nathalie Tamayo-Hernandez, a much loved Sylvandale student that passed away from cancer in 2015, is not forgotten. Recently, a plaque and tree were dedicated in her name and to her memory. Nathalie was known for her love of life and going to school at Sylvandale, a place she loved very much. In attendance at the dedication were family, friends, and Sylvandale staff. Mr. Fowler, Sylvandale's Principal, assisted in the dedication.
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Congratulations to Ricky Lyman (and, of course, Paige Lyman) for an outstanding Spring concert. The Superintendent remarked on the incredible growth made by the students in the music programs since he last saw them in December and wants to see it continue. It was an amazing experience for all involved. (Click on news title to see an exciting video of the event.)
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Carl White and Maria Castillo were elected by their peers as employees of the year. Carl White, who has been a popular PE teacher at Sylvandale for almost 30 years, is retiring this year. He will be missed by all his current and former students and the teachers that have worked with him over the years. Mr. White says he plans to spend his time surfing and enjoying his life in Santa Cruz. Mrs. Castillo has been the head secretary at Sylvandale for four years, and in that time has won many friends. She is the backbone of the front office and is always there to help our students, teachers, and administrators. Congratulations to them both.
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Amber has served as the College Connection Academy Principal for the last three years. She began her career in FMSD in 2007 where she taught at McKinley Elementary School. Additionally, she served as the Principal of SUCCESS Academy, and Assistant Principal for Sylvandale Middle School. In her three years at College Connection Academy, the School has been awarded with the Gold Ribbon Award, Golden Bell Award, California Honor Roll, Hoffman Award, and Innovate Public Schools Award.
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Wednesday, May 10, was Teacher Appreciation Day at Sylvandale Middle School. Parents treated teachers to a delicious lunch. Students throughout the school thanked their favorite teachers for a job well done. Teachers were humbled and thankful for all the attention that was given to them. It is nice to be appreciated.
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