OSB (Owl Student Body)
This class is responsible for planning many of the school activities we have on campus, morning announcements, Spirit and Red Ribbon Week, National Charter Schools Week, the school-wide reading program, the Talent Show, and the school assemblies. Students must earn high grades in their classes (as they are pulled from class on occasion to organize activities). Students must be willing to speak in front of an audience and must be leaders on campus.
Please contact Mrs. Kidd and Mrs. Germaine for more information.
Yearbook
This course is designed to teach the skills necessary to produce the school yearbook, which offers a complete record of an entire school year. The year begins by planning the coverage for the school year and designing a unifying theme for the book. Students will study magazine journalism including layout and design techniques, writing and editing copy, headlines, and picture captions. This course provides the study of and practice in gathering and analyzing information, interviewing, note taking, and photography. Students will learn strategies of planning, marketing (ad sales) and distribution of the yearbook. Students will learn proofing strategies and work independently with photographers. At times, deadlines require that staff members work after school, on weekends, and holidays. Students will learn good work habits and are responsible for all phases of yearbook publication.
Please contact Mr. Laney for more information.
Spelling Bee
Students in grades 4-8 will compete in the Valley Life spelling bee in January. The top two competitors will move to the Tulare County Spelling Bee in February.
Please contact Mr. Laney for more information.
Showstoppers
Showstoppers is a song and dance team that meets once a week after school. Taste the Arts, Kids Fest, and school assemblies are a few events we have performed for. We strive to represent Valley Life's mission of Leadership and the Performing Arts. And, of course, have fun while doing it!
Please contact Mrs. Canterbury for more information.
Peach Blossom
The purpose of the Peach Blossom Festival is to encourage elementary school children to gain knowledge and appreciation of literature through oral interpretation. This even takes place annually at CSU, Fresno. The children that attend are from all areas of the Central Valley and may someday be students here. Past festivals have accommodated up to 6000 children. Students will have a choice to perform individually or as part of a small group. Students grade 2nd through 5th may attend. (Signing up for this program is a commitment to attend the festival in March) Students need to attend weekly practice and be prepared for their performance. We will begin meeting mid January and meet once a week to practice until the festival.
Poetry & Prose
Students present poetry to an audience and judges at this county-wide oral interpretation event. Oral and written assessments are offered to each student, along with personalized certificates denoting their rank of Superior, Excellent, Very Good and Good. I would like to make this available for students from 1st - 4th grade.
Please contact Ms. Florente for more information.