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Winter Break Adventures: Keeping the Learning Alive and the Fun Flowing!

How to keep your student engaged in learning over the winter break.

Photo collage of student activities

While a well-deserved rest is certainly in order, these next two weeks offer a fantastic opportunity to explore, create, and keep those bright minds engaged. This break isn't just a pause—it's a chance to turn everyday activities into exciting learning adventures! 

Here are some fun, low-cost, and easy ways for students of all ages to continue learning and stay busy until the new year begins:

At-Home Learning and Creativity

The best classroom might just be your living room!

  • Become a Kitchen Chemist: Cooking and baking are perfect ways to practice math (measuring, fractions, ratios) and following directions. Try a new recipe together—it's delicious learning!
  • Family Book Club: Dedicate 30 minutes each day to family reading time. Have each family member choose a book, a comfortable spot, and read. Or read a book together. Follow up with a simple discussion: What was your favorite part? What do you predict will happen next? This boosts literacy and comprehension.
  • The Power of Play: Dust off the board games! Games like Monopoly, Scrabble, or even a simple deck of cards teach strategic thinking, basic arithmetic, and vocabulary in a competitive, fun setting.
  • Design & Build Challenge: Use materials found around the house (cardboard, paper tubes, tape) to tackle a challenge: build the tallest tower, a vehicle that rolls, or a cozy home for a toy. This promotes engineering and problem-solving skills.

Exploring the Local Community

Check your local area for unique, enriching experiences—many are free or low-cost!

  • Library Liftoff: Local libraries are a treasure trove! Beyond books, check out their free programs, movie screenings, and computer access. Ask a librarian for recommendations based on your child's favorite school subject.
  • Museum Marvels: Many local history, science, or art museums offer discounted or free days. Exploring exhibits connects classroom concepts to the real world and sparks curiosity.
  • Volunteering Vibe: Spend an afternoon helping others. Contact a local food bank or animal shelter. This teaches invaluable lessons in community service, empathy, and social studies through direct action.
  • Nature Walks and Observation: Even in the cold, a trip to a local park is great for physical education and science. Bundle up and look for animal tracks, identify different types of trees, or collect pinecones and leaves for a craft project.

 The 'Three P's' of Productivity

These simple habits can keep minds sharp and bodies active:

  1. Project: Start a personal project. This could be writing a short story, learning a few chords on a ukulele, creating a photo album, or coding a simple game. The goal is self-directed learning and skill-building.
  2. Physical Activity: Don't let the cold sideline fitness! Use a rainy day to create an indoor obstacle course, look up a fun kids' yoga video on YouTube, or just play freeze tag. Movement is essential for brain health and boosts mental health.
  3. Planning Ahead: Take an hour near the end of the break to organize school supplies, decorate a planner for the new year, or write down a few academic goals. This eases the transition back into the classroom routine.

Wishing all our students, families, and staff a restorative, joyful, and knowledge-filled winter break! We can't wait to see you back, refreshed and ready in the new year!

Embracing Our Diverse Winter Traditions

The winter holidays offer an amazing opportunity to explore diversity, traditions, and acceptance.

Photo of snowflake on a pine tree

The winter season is a tapestry woven with traditions from around the globe. In Campbell Union School District, we encourage students to share the unique ways their families mark this special time, fostering an environment of respect, understanding, and curiosity.

  • Global Festivities: Beyond familiar celebrations, our students teach us about the significance of holidays like Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights; Kwanzaa, which celebrates African-American heritage and community principles; Día de los Reyes Magos (Three Kings' Day) in many Latin American cultures; and festivals like Bodhi Day in Buddhism.
  • Learning Through Sharing: Classroom activities, cultural exhibits, and school-wide events provide platforms for students to discuss the history, customs, and symbolic importance of these different holidays. This shared learning deepens empathy and strengthens the bond among our student body.
  • The Power of Inclusion: By acknowledging and celebrating these diverse traditions, we send a clear message: every student's background is valued and integral to the fabric of our district.

We invite all members of our school community to participate fully in the spirit of this season:

  • Share Your Story: Speak with your child’s teacher about sharing a simple, appropriate aspect of your family's winter tradition with the class.
  • Attend School Events: Check your school's calendar and join us for the winter performances and gatherings. Your presence is the best gift!
  • Focus on Joy: Take a moment to pause, reflect, and consciously create a happy memory with your children this winter. These are the threads that build a strong family and a unified community.

We know that this time of year is a busy one and often involves family engagements and travel. While we encourage you to make the most of family time, it is also important that students are maximizing their instructional time. Please plan your travels around the planned winter break. 

The winter break is also an opportunity to visit your local library, museums, and parks. Learning can continue in conversations in the car, at the dinner table, and while running errands. Together, let's continue to illuminate our students’ lives with celebration, acceptance, and the beautiful memories we create side-by-side.

School Site Council Meeting: December 4th

Dear Lynhaven Families,  Our next School Site Council Meeting is scheduled for December 4th at 2:30. We will meet in the Library.  The agenda can be accessed  here .  In partnership,  Ms. Callaway-Wilson…

Dear Lynhaven Families, 

Our next School Site Council Meeting is scheduled for December 4th at 2:30. We will meet in the Library. 

The agenda can be accessed here. 

In partnership, 
Ms. Callaway-Wilson

Showing Our Appreciation: Cultivating Gratitude in CUSD

November is a month a gratitude practice in CUSD. Establishing a gratitude practice leans in directly to our District's core values.

Gratitude definition from CSI's student rally.

We know that life can be hectic and messy; school is no exception. With the bustle of lessons being taught, friendships being formed, and futures being shaped, it's easy to focus on the next goal or the immediate challenge. But sometimes, the most important lesson we can learn is to pause and give thanks. Gratitude isn't just a fleeting feeling; it's a foundational value that strengthens our schools, enriches our lives, and empowers our entire community.

Acknowledging Our Shared Foundation: We Are Learners

At the heart of our mission is the value that we are learners. We recognize that learning extends far beyond the classroom walls. Every challenge is a lesson, and every success is a chance to grow. This spirit of continuous learning is fostered by a deep sense of gratitude for those who guide and support the process.

We are grateful for our dedicated staff—our teachers, administrators, and support personnel—who commit themselves daily to helping students reach their highest potential. Your innovation in the classroom, your tireless effort, and your commitment to every student's potential make all the difference. We are learning alongside you, and for that, we thank you.

Strengthening Our Bonds: We Are Collaborators

Our success is built on teamwork. Our core value of being collaborators highlights the essential partnerships that create a thriving educational environment. We are thankful for the incredible synergy that exists between all members of our district family.

We extend immense gratitude to our students, who are not only the reason for our work but also active collaborators in their education. Your curiosity, your energy, and your willingness to work together in groups and teams are inspiring.

To our families, your role as co-educators is invaluable. Your partnership in supporting learning at home, communicating with our schools, and volunteering your time is the foundation of a strong, collaborative system. Thank you for entrusting us with your children and for being such active participants in their growth.

Impacting Our World: We Are Community Builders

The commitment to being community builders means recognizing that our schools are integral parts of the larger world around us. This is where the power of community partnerships truly shines.

We are deeply grateful for the businesses, local organizations, non-profits, higher education institutes, and countless volunteers who invest their time, resources, and expertise into our schools. These partnerships provide invaluable mentorship, real-world learning opportunities, and essential support programs. These partners are the visible hands of a caring community, and we are grateful for their commitment to building a brighter future alongside us.

The Ripple Effect of Thanks

When we intentionally practice gratitude, it creates a powerful ripple effect. It enhances well-being for students and staff, fosters a more positive school climate, and strengthens the ties that bind us together.

As we move through this academic year, let us all take a moment—students, staff, families, and community partners—to recognize and appreciate the unique role each of us plays. Gratitude is not just about what we receive; it's about acknowledging the effort, commitment, and kindness that surrounds us every day.

Thank you. Your dedication allows our district to live out its core values, ensuring every student has the opportunity to learn, collaborate, and grow into a strong community builder.

🍎 Making Every Day Count as we close out November!

Dear Lynhaven Families, As the days grow shorter, our school is buzzing with energy and incredible learning opportunities! November is a crucial month for building foundational skills, and we want to encourage you to continue to prioritize regular and…

Dear Lynhaven Families,

As the days grow shorter, our school is buzzing with energy and incredible learning opportunities! November is a crucial month for building foundational skills, and we want to encourage you to continue to prioritize regular and on-time school attendance for your child.

Every day in the classroom counts. Consistent attendance ensures your child doesn't miss out on important lessons, collaborative activities, and the joyful connections that make learning stick.

Here is a glimpse of the exciting and enriching curriculum completed, in process, and planned for November: 

TK: Building the Foundation 🧱

Our youngest learners in Transitional Kindergarten (TK) are fully immersed in foundational skill development:

TK is all about school readiness! We blend social-emotional learning with academic foundations. 

  • SEL: Students are mastering self-regulation (sharing, taking turns, and managing emotions) and independence (self-help skills)

  • Fine Motor Skills: We focus on strengthening fine motor skills through hands-on activities. 

  • Pre-literacy skills: Academically, students are building pre-literacy skills like alphabet knowledge, phonological awareness, and vocabulary. 

  • Number Sense:  Students are exploring math concepts like counting, geometry, and measurement to build core problem-solving abilities.

Kindergarten: Exploring Our World 🌎

Kindergarteners are becoming amazing writers and observers!

  • Writing & Vocabulary: We're engaging all five senses to describe the world around us.

  • Science: We'll explore the natural world, focusing on plants, animals, and people.

  • Math: Students are learning new ways to count by mastering counting by 2's and doubling!

  • Art: Our artists will create beautiful pastel fall pumpkin art.

  • SEL & Activity: We're focusing on gratitude, continuing to build skills in respectful listening and responsibility, and practicing friendships and boundaries. We have had a great transition to the big yard!


1st Grade: Building Literacy and Math Foundations ✍️

First graders are solidifying essential skills that support all future learning.

  • Writing: We are mastering the mechanics of writing, focusing on using complete sentences, proper letter formation, finger spaces, punctuation, and capitalization.

  • Math: We're developing strong number sense by exploring different strategies for adding and subtracting within the teen families.

  • Science & Art: Students will study the life cycles of pumpkins and learn about primary and secondary colors through Art Vistas. We will also explore the themes of The First Thanksgiving and use lines and color/shading to create fall pumpkins.

  • SEL: We are developing empathy and understanding how to be good friends.


2nd Grade: Developing Deep Comprehension and Fluency 🧠

Second graders are deepening their reading and problem-solving abilities.

  • Literacy: Students will write personal narratives, read about characters who face challenges, and practice reading fluency and note-taking for reading comprehension.

  • Science & Math: We'll be learning about different landforms. In Math, students are building addition/subtraction fact fluency using XtraMath.

  • SEL: We are focusing on cultivating gratitude.


3rd Grade: Research, Data, and Adaptation 📈

Third graders are becoming excellent researchers and scientists.

  • Writing & Math: We're concentrating on informational writing and understanding data through graphing.

  • Science: Students will learn about animal adaptations and observe the plant life cycle by growing plants in the classroom.

  • Math Fluency: A major focus is mastering multiplication fact fluency.

  • Art & SEL: Art Vistas lessons will explore portraits using warm and cool colors, and our SEL focus is on gratitude and cultural appreciation through Los Dichos.


4th Grade: California History and Advanced Math 🗺️

Fourth graders are launching into a fascinating study of our state.

  • Social Studies & Writing: We are starting Unit 1, focusing on the Regions of California, which will involve intensive informational writing.

  • Math: Students are diving into our double-digit multiplication unit and early division concepts.

  • SEL & Literacy: We are cultivating gratitude and reading and writing seasonal poems.


5th Grade: Exploring History and Decimals 📚

Fifth graders are engaging with complex literature and mathematical concepts.

  • Writing & Social Studies: Students are working on narrative writing and learning about Early Explorers in History-Social Studies.

  • Math: We are focusing on adding, subtracting, and rounding decimals.

  • Novel Study & Art: Students will engage with the powerful themes in our novel study: Esperanza Rising. Art Vistas will explore “American Artists.”

  • SEL & Literacy: We are working on Gratitude Writing and engaging with the ABC Reader/Los Dichos Reader.

By supporting excellent attendance, you are providing the foundation for their best possible learning experience.

We look forward to wrapping up this fantastic month of growth as we celebrate the great learning we have achieved throughout November!

In partnership, 

Ms. Callaway-Wilson