Families

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT CAMELLIA SCHOOL?

Overview
Welcoming the Year of the Dragon:  A Spectacular Lunar New Year 

On February 9th, 2024, Camellia Elementary School was ablaze with color, music, and the joyous spirit of celebration as we welcomed the Year of the Dragon with our very own Lunar New Year parade and lion dance.  The air was filled with excitement and the warmth of community as students, staff, and families came together to honor and partake in this rich cultural tradition.

Here’s to a year filled with prosperity, joy, and the continued celebration of our diverse and vibrant community.  Happy Lunar New Year to all!  May the Year of the Dragon bring you  and your loved ones happiness, health, and prosperity!  

Dinger Brings Home Runs of Motivation to Camellia Elementary!

Camellia Elementary had the incredible opportunity to welcome a very special guest who knocked our expectations out of the park — Dinger, the beloved mascot of the Sacramento River Cats!  The event was a grand slam, inspiring students with messages of positivity, perseverance, and the importance of attitude, attendance, and academics!  

We extend our deepest gratitude to Dinger and the Sacramento River Cats for making this memorable event possible.  It was a home run that will undoubtedly inspire our students for the rest of the school year and beyond.  At Camellia Elementary, we believe in the power of community partnerships to enrich our students’ educational experiences, and Dinger’s visit was a testament to the incredible impact these collaborations can have.  Here’s to hitting more home runs in attitude, attendance, academics!  Thank you, Dinger, for inspiring us all to swing for the fences in every aspect of our lives! 

Buzzing with Knowledge: Camellia Elementary Hosts “Fight the Bite” Assembly

Camellia Elementary School had the pleasure of hosting an enlightening and engaging assembly titled, “Fight the Bite,” in collaboration with the Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District.  The event was a buzzing success, providing students and staff with invaluable information about mosquito control and prevention, all while fostering a spirit of community responsibility and environmental stewardship.     

January 2024: A Celebration of Creativity and Community

Camellia Elementary School transformed it’s cafeteria into a vibrant hub of creativity, laughter, and shared experiences, as families gathered for the much anticipated Family Art Night.  This event, an annual highlight for our school community, once again proved to be an inspiring showcase of artistic talent and family engagement.  The atmosphere was charged with excitement, as students, parents, and teachers alike prepared to dive into an evening dedicated to art, expression, and connection.

Perhaps the most significant impact of Family Art Night was its role in strengthening the Camellia community.  Art has a unique way of breaking down barriers and opening up lines of communication.  Families shared stories and laughter, teachers and students connected outside the traditional classroom setting, and everyone left with a deeper sense of belonging and community spirit.  

12/22/2023: A Celebration of Community

As the chilly winds of December blew across our beloved Camellia Elementary, the school was abuzz with excitement, anticipation, and a profound sense of community.  The last week before the winter break was nothing short of magical, filled with memorable events and heartwarming moments.

The festivities kicked off with our Annual School-Wide Sing Along.  The multipurpose and hallways echoed with the charming sounds of our students’ voices, singing their favorite holiday tunes with vim and vigor.  There was an infectious sense of joy and camaraderie as students and staff came together to celebrate the season through the universal language of music.

But perhaps the most touching event of the week was the gift-giving event.  Thanks to the generous efforts our PTSO president, our diligent staff, and our dedicated parent volunteers, every child at Camellia received a special holiday gift.  The delight in their eyes as they chose their gifts was a sight to behold.  It was not just about the presents, but the realization that they are part of a caring, supportive community that cherishes them.

12/11/2023 Spreading Love and Joy: Camellia’s Annual Wee Bazaar!

At Camellia, we believe in fostering a sense of community and providing our students with opportunities to learn and grow beyond the classroom.  One such event that captures the spirit of love and generosity is our Annual School Wee Bazaar!  This unique event allows our students to explore their creativity, practice financial literacy, and purchase heartfelt gifts for their loved ones.  It also serves as a reminder of the values we hold dear and the importance of spreading joy and kindness in our school community.

11/17/2023  Celebrating Hmong New with a Vibrant Parade

At Camellia, we recently had the pleasure of celebrating the Annual Hmong New Year with a lively and colorful parade.  It was a wonderful opportunity for our students, staff, and community to come together and learn about the rich cultural traditions of the Hmong people.  As we continue to embrace diversity, we look forward to more events that celebrate and honor the various cultures represented within our school community.     

10/31/2023  Spooktacular Fun at Our Halloween Parade and Costume Contest!

Get ready for some spine-tingling excitement!  Our school recently hosted a Halloween Parade and Costume Contest that turned our blacktop into a thrilling spectacle of creativity and fun.  The Halloween Parade was a vibrant and lively showcase of the incredible creativity and imagination of our students.  Decked out in their funniest, most creative, and most original costumes, our students paraded through the blacktop track, delighting everyone with their unique transformations.  From adorable superheroes to silly monsters, the parade was a visual feast for all!   

Who wore it best?  The highlight of the event was the highly anticipated Costume Contest.  Our staff and students had put their hearts and souls into their costumes, and it was time to let their efforts shine!  The judges has the challenging task of selecting the winners from an array of extraordinary outfits.  Each category, such as as “Most Creative,” and “Funniest Costume,” brought its own set of jaw-dropping entries, making the decision-making process even more challenging.  

This event not only provided a fun-filled morning but also encouraged our students to express themselves and fostered a sense of community and belonging.  As we bid farewell to this memorable celebration, we eagerly anticipate the magic and excitement that future events will bring to our school community.    

10/27/2023  A Bountiful Fall Harvest Carnival

Camellia PTSO recently hosted a Fall Harvest Carnival, a festive event that brought our community together for a day of laughter, games, and delicious treats.  It was a celebration of the season’s bounty and a fantastic opportunity for families and friends to enjoy quality time together.  It was a testament to the incredible spirit and support of our parent and staff volunteers and our PTSO board members.  We are immensely grateful for their dedication and hard work in making this event a memorable experience for everyone.  As we look back on this wonderful celebration, we are reminded of the strength and unity that the Camellia community possesses.        

10/23/2023 Uniting for a Drug-Free Future: School Red Ribbon Spirit Wear 

Red Ribbon Spirit Wear Week was an incredible experience that united our school community in the fight against drug abuse.  Through the power of red ribbons and spirited attire, our students showed their commitment to living a drug-free life and supporting one another.  The themed days added a fun and engaging element to the week, fostering conversations about healthy choices and personal empowerment.  Congrats to Ms. Her and Ms. Feliciano’s classes for winning the ice cream party for the most participants!  

Celebrating Excellence: A Student Award Assembly with a Twist!

At Camellia, we believe in recognizing and celebrating the achievements of our students beyond just their academic performance.  Our special award assemblies not only honored outstanding academic but also highlighted good citizenship.  To add an extra layer of excitement and unity, we introduced a fun group game contest for the award recipients.  By combining awards, recognition, and a game contest, we aimed to instill lifelong values in our students.  Through this innovative approach, we hope to inspire our students to continue striving for excellence while embracing the values of empathy, unity, and collaboration through their lives.  

Exploring the Magic of Seeds: A First Grade Adventure

In the fascinating world of nature, few things hold as much wonder and potential as seeds.  Recently, Ms. Student’s first grade class embarked on an exciting journey of discovery as they delved into the mysteries of seeds.  Through hands-on experiences and planting adventures, our young learners had the unique opportunity to embarked on this journey that ignited curiosity and nurtured responsibility.  This hands-on adventure will forever leave an imprint on their young minds, fostering a lifelong appreciation for the beauty and potential hidden within every seed.   

10/20/2023 Unleashing Team Spirit!

Sports play a crucial role in a well-rounded education, teaching students valuable life skills beyond the classroom.  Camellia participated in the SCUSD flag football league that may not have ended in victory, but it was a resounding success in terms of fostering teamwork, camaraderie, and sportsmanship among our students.  Through the joy of participation, they learned the power of collaboration, the value of fair play, and the importance of embracing challenges with a positive mindset.  Our flag football event was a testament to the fact that the true spirit of sports lies not only in winning but in the invaluable life lessons learned along the way.   

10/11/2023 Camellia Walking Wednesdays!

Walking Wednesday is an initiative that sets the tone for a positive and productive day.  Each Wednesday morning, all students, staff, and parents/guardians participate in a 25-minutes walk before class begins.  This simple yet powerful routine not only promotes physical fitness but also creates an opportunity for students to connect with their peers, teachers, and the surrounding environment.  Walking together encourages conversations, laughter, and a sense of camaraderie, building relationships that extend beyond the classroom walls.

10/4/2023 Meet the Courageous Cougar!

Representing our school spirit and determination, our mascot, the Courageous Cougar, embodies the values we hold dear.  The Cougar symbolizes strength, resilience, and unity, inspiring our students to embrace these qualities in their daily lives.  Here at Camellia, the Courageous Cougar unites us as one big roaring family, fostering a sense of pride and belonging within our school community. 

8/25/2023 Embracing Unity and Empowerment

At the heart of Camellia’s success are our exceptional teachers.  They are the guiding stars who ignite the love for learning in our students.  With their passion, dedication, and innovative teaching methods, they create an engaging and nurturing environment where every student feels valued and supported.  From their infectious enthusiasm to their unwavering commitment, our teachers truly make a difference in the lives of our students, helping them grow academically, socially, and emotionally.  

8/21/2023 Sweet Beginnings

At Camellia, we believe in starting the school year on a sweet note!  As a way of welcoming parents, students, and staff back to campus, PTSO hosted an exciting Welcome Back to School Ice Cream Social & Root Beer Floats for our families.  This creates an opportunity for our school community to reconnect, build relationships, and set the stage for a successful academic year.

Welcome Back to School is a highly anticipated event that brings together families, teachers, and students.  The Back to School Ice Cream Social event truly was a sweet treat for all.  But…what made our ice cream social and back to school night even more special is the addition of root beer floats!  The fizzy excitement of making and enjoying root beer floats added an extra layer of fun to the event, making it a memorable experience for everyone.

  

CBES Family Science Night and Science Fair

Each year in the Spring, Camellia Basic Elementary School holds an annual ‘Family Science Night’ and Grades 4-6 Science Fair conjointly.  The intent of this event is to give all CBES students the opportunity to experience hands-on science and create some science of their own.  Thank you to our Science Fair coordinators, judges, support staff, and families for making this event a huge success!

   

CBES Tree Planting Day

CBES students, staff, family volunteers, and STF staff gathered together on March 24th to plant several trees on campus.  The trees will provide much needed shade.  Each classroom will adopt a tree to name and serve as guardians.

         

Cougar Basketball Team

The Cougar Basketball Team gave a strong effort in every game.  Our players never give up during the game and continue to give their all!  Their dedication is undeniable!  Keep up the hard work, Cougars!

  

ASES Chopped Challenge 2023

Congrats to our students who represented Camellia Basic during the SCUSD Hiram Johnson Feeder Pattern Chopped Challenge. It is a cooking competition where students are divided up into a Primary and Intermediate division competing against other schools, Phoebe Hearst, Peter Burnett, Nicolas, Pacific, Caleb Greenwood, and Camellia. Every school had a different country with ours being Turkey. 

Camellia placed 1st for Primary (returning champion), and Intermediate placed 2nd. We are so proud of our Cougars, the Team Leaders, Cayleigh and Karen, who helped them, AND the teachers who taste test, Mrs. Pham and Mr. Fadum.

    

January 2023: Lunar New Year Celebration!

We kicked off 2023 by celebrating our Annual Lunar New Year with students, staff, and Camellia families on January 27th!  It was such a joy seeing our community come together as we welcome the Year of the Rabbit!  PTSO also hosted a very successful bamboo plants sell!  Thank you to everyone who participated in our Lunar New Year Parade and bamboo plant fundraiser!  Celebrating the Lunar New Year was a great opportunity for our Cougars and families to foster global understanding and learn about other cultures.

     

December 2022: Wee Bazaar & Schoolwide Holiday Sing-Along

Our Cougars participated in a schoolwide old-fashioned holiday “Sing Along”. It was very informal and a lot of fun!  

Wee Bazaar was held on the last week before Winter break.  The purpose of this project was to have fun making crafts and promote sales at the Wee Bazaar- hoping students would want to buy what they made for their families.  

 

November 2022: Hmong New Year 

CBES celebrated Hmong New Year with presentations from HUSA (Hmong University Student Association from CSUS) and renown dancer Kazoua Yang.  

  

October 2022: Harvest Carnival, Halloween Parade, & Red Ribbon Week

October was a busy month for Camellia!  CBES prepared three fun-filled events for our staff, students and families!  Our annual Harvest Festival was held on Friday, October 28, 2022 at 2:00pm and the annual Halloween Parade was held on Monday, October 31, 2022 at 9:30am.  

Students and staff kicked off Red Ribbon Week by participating in daily spirit wear.  Red Ribbon Week is to celebrate alcohol, tobacco and other drug violence prevention awareness.