Families

3/8/2025: Camellia’s Spring School Beautification: A Community Effort

Spring has arrived at Camellia, and with it came a wonderful transformation of our school grounds! Thanks to the leadership of our amazing teacher, Ms. Her, and the dedication of our students, staff, and families, our Spring School Beautification event was a huge success.

From planting fresh flowers to sprucing up our garden areas, every helping hand made a difference in creating a welcoming and vibrant campus. Volunteers worked together to clean and refresh different areas of the school, making Camellia an even more beautiful place for our students to learn and grow.

A heartfelt thank you to all the volunteers who took time to give back to our school. Your hard work and commitment to our community truly shine!

2/28/2025: Camellia Celebrates Black History Month with Art, Music, and Culture

At Camellia, we honored Black History Month with a celebration of art, music, and culture that brought our school community together in meaningful ways. Throughout February, our lobby and cafeteria walls were transformed into vibrant displays of student artwork, each piece reflecting the rich history, achievements, and cultural contributions of Black leaders, artists, and changemakers.

To conclude our month-long celebration, Ms. Feliciano and PTSO coordinated an engaging and energetic assembly featuring the Fenix Dance and Drum group. Their powerful performance immersed our students in the rhythms and traditions of African music and dance, creating an unforgettable experience filled with learning, joy, and appreciation.

Thank you to our students, staff, and families for making this celebration so special. As we continue to embrace diversity and history, we remain committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all voices are heard and valued. 

1/22/25: A Wonderful Evening at Family Art Night

Our Annual Family Art Night was a fantastic success! Families, teachers, and staff gathered to enjoy a night filled with fun, creativity, and connection. Students and parents explored hands-on art activities like painting, drawing, and crafting, creating wonderful memories together.

We are so grateful for the hard work of our Family Art Night Committee, made up of dedicated teachers and staff who planned and organized this special event. Thank you for your effort and commitment to bringing joy and creativity to our school community.

Thank you to all the families who joined us—we can’t wait to see you at next year’s Family Art Night!  

12/20/24: Hot Chocolate with the PTSO - Warming Up Our Cougars

A big thank-you to our incredible PTSO for spreading warmth and cheer by serving hot chocolate to our Cougars on a cold morning! The sweet treat brought smiles to our students and staff and added a little extra joy to the day.

We are so grateful for the PTSO’s dedication to our school community. Events like this remind us how much their care and support mean to everyone at Camellia.

Thank you, PTSO, for making our school a warmer, happier place—one cup of hot chocolate at a time!

Go Cougars!

12/20/24: Camellia’s Annual Holiday Sing-Along Brings Joy and Community Together

This year’s Annual Holiday Sing-Along was a heartwarming celebration of music, laughter, and togetherness! Students from every grade level took the stage to perform festive favorites like Jingle Bells and Feliz Navidad, filling the room with holiday cheer.

Families, staff, and neighbors came together to enjoy the performances, creating a sense of community that truly defines Camellia Elementary. The highlight of the evening? Our students singing the grand finale while staff members joined in with fun and lively dancing! The crowd erupted in applause, marking the perfect end to a joyful event.

Thank you to everyone who made this celebration so special. Moments like these remind us of the power of community and the joy of the season.

Happy Holidays from all of us at Camellia Elementary! Click HERE to see our amazing Cougars & staff members celebrating the special event!

11/22/24: Celebrating Culture and Community – Our Hmong New Year Event!

Camellia proudly hosted its annual vibrant Hmong New Year Celebration, bringing students, families, and staff together to honor the traditions and heritage of our Hmong community. The event featured colorful traditional attire, captivating cultural performances, and engaging activities that showcased the richness of Hmong culture.

Students and families participated in meaningful customs, including traditional dances, storytelling, and the cherished ball-toss game, symbolizing friendship and connection. It was a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together and learn more about this beautiful culture.

A heartfelt thank you to our fabulous Hmong New Year Committee, Ms. Her and Mr. Morehouse, our PTSO, and the families who generously donated delicious cultural food for our staff to enjoy. Your hard work and contributions made this event truly special for everyone involved.

Celebrating our diversity strengthens our Camellia community, and we are so grateful to share in these traditions together.

Go Cougars!

 

10/25/24: October Highlights: Camellia’s Month of Achievements & Fun!

The month of October was filled with excitement and memorable events at Camellia!

Our Chess Club, led by our dedicated third-grade teacher, Mr. Lundstrom, continues to thrive. Students are sharpening their skills and learning strategy, patience, and critical thinking along the way. Way to go, young chess masters!

We also wrapped up our Flag Football season. While Camellia didn’t bring home the championship, our team demonstrated incredible perseverance, teamwork, and sportsmanship. It’s not just about winning but about the skills we gain and the memories we create. Great job, Cougars!

In recognition of our efforts, Camellia achieved the Top Overall Attendance Rate for the month of September across the district! This achievement earned us a special visit from the Student Attendance and Engagement Team, our Superintendent Lisa Allen, and SCUSD’s very own mascot, Crispin. Let’s keep up the great attendance streak!

To end October with a bang, we hosted our Annual Halloween Parade, where students dazzled in their creative costumes. The event was paired with the school district’s Red Ribbon Door Decoration Contest, and we’re thrilled to congratulate Mr. Lundstrom’s third grade class for taking first place, and Mrs. Nguyen’s and Mr. Morehouse’s classes for earning third place! The decorations were spooktacular!

Way to go, Cougars! Let’s keep the momentum going!        

8/23/24: Happy First Week of School, Cougars!

Our teachers have been busy getting classrooms ready to be both welcoming and challenging, creating spaces where every student can feel at home and thrive. We can’t wait to see how our students will shine this year, whether it’s through academic achievements, new friendships, or simply growing in confidence.

This year is sure to be packed with amazing moments, learning opportunities, and plenty of growth. Whether you’re returning or new to our Cougar family, I’m excited to see all the incredible things you’ll accomplish.

Let’s make this year one to remember! Go Cougars! 

Camellia’s 2024 Annual Spaghetti Feast, Live Auction, & Talent Show!

Camellia’s Annual Family Spaghetti Night kicked off with an electrifying start as our talented students took to the stage for the much-anticipated Talent Show. The air was filled with applause as each performer, from singers and dancers to piano players, shared their passion and skills, setting a joyful tone for the evening. Following the performances, the cafeteria buzzed with excitement from the live auction and raffle, captivating everyone from students to families to staff. The entire night was a delightful celebration of talent, community, and of course, delicious spaghetti. Whether bidding on unique items or cheering for their favorite performers, the sense of camaraderie was palpable, making it a truly memorable event for all families and staff involved. 

A Heartfelt Day of Celebration: El Día de los Niños at Camellia

At Camellia, El Día de los Niños—or Day of the Child—is more than just an event; it’s a heartfelt celebration deeply embedded in our school’s annual traditions, reflecting the diverse cultures that make up our vibrant community. This year, we kicked things off with an exhilarating assembly that filled the room with the rhythms and colors of cultural dances from all over the world. It was a vivid start to the day that not only entertained but also opened our eyes to the rich diversity we are fortunate to have around us.  As the morning gave way to a sun-drenched midday, we moved the festivities outside, turning the school lawns into a patchwork of picnic spots. Families spread out their blankets and unpacked baskets brimming with a variety of delicious foods. It was wonderful to hear the park alive with the sounds of laughter and the buzz of conversation, as everyone basked in the perfect weather and the joyous atmosphere.

Among the most moving moments were the smiles and laughter of our children. Their uninhibited joy was truly infectious, reminding everyone present of the pure happiness that comes from simple pleasures. The picnic wasn’t just a pause from the regular school routine; it was a valuable chance for families to connect, share a meal, and experience the school community in a relaxed, joyful setting.

As we look forward to next year, we are filled with anticipation to make El Día de los Niños even more special. But let’s not wait until then to embrace the spirit of this wonderful day. Let’s strive to make every day a celebration of our children’s uniqueness and a reflection of our commitment to nurturing an environment where every child feels cherished, understood, and part of a loving community. 

Annual Science Night 

Camellia’s Annual Family Science Night was an exhilarating evening of discovery, filled with hands-on activities and impressive student science projects.  Students in grades 4 though 6 showcased their experiments, from innovative environmental technologies to captivating physical science experiments, sparking curiosity and excitement among attendees.  This annual event continues to highlight the importance of science education and the incredible talent of our students at Camellia.  

School Beautification Day

Camellia’s School Beautification Day was a resounding success, thanks to the incredible efforts of Ms. Her, our awesome third teacher, and community volunteer, Ms. Xer.  Together, they organized a day filled with gardening and cleaning that brought students, families, both current and retired staff together to enhance our school’s environment.  The energy was palpable as everyone pitched in, transforming the campus into a more welcoming and vibrant space.  This event not only beautified our school but also strengthened the bonds within our community.  Thank you to everyone involved for making such a positive impact on Camellia!  

Chess Club!

Welcome to Camellia Chess Club, where strategic minds meet under the guidance of our phenomenal third grade teacher, Mr. Lundstrom!  Each week, students gather to challenge each other, sharpen their skills, and cultivate a love for this classic game of strategy and foresight.  Mr. Lundstrom’s dedication not only teaches them the nuances of chess but also fosters critical thinking and camaraderie among students.  

 

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.