Valley Christian Elementary Viewbook

Welcome from the Principal

Elementary Principal Dr. Gabe Guven is grateful to lead a staff of experienced educators: “From the classroom, to the band room, to the science lab, we have high-caliber teachers who put together quality classes to help our children discover their talents and develop their skill sets. Our students have unparalleled opportunities to unlock their passions.”

The educational opportunities are just one of the many qualities that make the Valley Christian campus stand apart, with Dr. Guven citing the community as the thing he appreciates the most about VCS both as a principal and a parent of four: “It’s exciting to hear how our parents, students, and teachers appreciate the community here. It touches my heart deeply because it’s a major focus for us. Our effort makes a difference, but I also attribute it to God’s presence. Community, joy, a sense of belonging—that’s God’s presence.”

Gabe Guven,

Principal of

Notice of Nondiscriminatory Policy as to Students

Valley Christian Schools admits students of any race, color, and national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, or national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.

EdD

Valley Christian Elementary School

“We are training our students to become effective, independent learners.”

Learn About Valley Christian Elementary School

VCS MISSION

Valley Christian Schools’ mission is to provide a nurturing environment offering quality education supported by a strong foundation of Christian values in partnership with parents, equipping students to become leaders to serve God, to serve their families, and to positively impact their communities and the world.

DEMOGRAPHICS

0.1% American Indian

40.2% Asian

3.2% Black or African American

22.4% Caucasian

1.4% Filipino

6.4% Hispanic or Latino

8.5% Indian

10.5% Mixed Ethnicities

0.7% Pacific Islander

6.6% Prefer Not to Answer

Based on K-12 2023-24 enrollment information.

ACCREDITATION

24 Average Class Size

447 Enrollment

14:1 Student/Faculty Ratio

20+ Teachers with Master’s Degrees

60+ Faculty & Staff

Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI)

ADMINISTRATION

Principal, Dr. Gabe Guven, gguven@vcs.net Vice Principal, Mrs. Lauren Maslyar, lmaslyar@vcs.net

Spiritual Formation

Students thrive in a Christ-centered learning environment where they are built up, encouraged, and poured into by dedicated teachers. Every student is encouraged to grow in their personal relationship with God and foster the values of wisdom, honor, courage, and sacrifice, which we call “The Way of the Warrior.”

Elementary Faith

SPIRITUAL LIFE

• Biblical perspective integrated into every subject

• Bible classes focused on teaching stories, thematic concepts, and Bible verse memorization

• Fun and lively weekly chapels that include student-led prayer, a time of praise and worship, and messages to help students grow in their relationship with God

• Service opportunities in the past include writing letters to members of our military, participating in the fire department’s toy drive, donating bug nets, creating care packages for the local community, donating turkeys to City Team, and coordinating a food drive for Second Harvest Food Bank

• Character education alongside academics with biblical foundations and practical ways to live by faith daily

• Care for the whole student, which weaves spiritual, social, and emotional well-being into their experience at VCES

Academic Achievement

At VCES, faculty and staff foster a caring learning environment that is patient, encouraging, and tailored to the unique needs of each and every student. Teachers challenge students at their individual levels of learning through differentiated instruction, project-based learning, and the most up-to-date and effective digital learning tools. The core academic program includes Bible, reading, language, writing, math, science, and social studies, and is designed to meet and exceed California state standards in the various academic disciplines. An extensive offering of pull-out classes and after-school programs, created to identify and nurture each student’s Godgiven potential, enhances the general curriculum.

Elementary Academics

NWEA MAP GROWTH ASSESSMENT

Each year, VCES students in grades 2-5 score well above the national average for both Mathematics and Language Usage on the NWEA MAP Growth Assessment.

STAR READING

Students also score well above the national average for reading comprehension.

IPAD PROGRAM

VCS believes in using the most effective digital learning tools, which is why the iPad is used as an interactive, instructional tool in grades K-3. All 4-5 students use Chromebooks.

KINDERGARTEN CURSIVE

All students learn cursive beginning in kindergarten using the Slingerland methodology. This approach allows students to become proficient writers as they move through the elementary years.

CHALLENGE SUCCESS

Partnering with Challenge Success, a national educational organization, VCS’ mission is to create more balanced workloads, raise student engagement, and actively support the students in their pursuit of the biblical definition of success. Part of the initiative has included revisiting the homework policy to eliminate busy work, allowing for much needed downtime in the evening and resulting in positive overall changes both emotionally and academically for the students and their families.

VCES admits students with a wide range of academic abilities, prioritizing a diverse student body that represents many different talents.

1:1 iPad Program Grades K-3

Teachers with Master’s Degrees

Century Learning Environment

Academic Enrichment Programs

MATH OLYMPIAD

Select fourth- and fifth-graders meet weekly to prep for the world-wide Math Olympiad.

SOAR MATH

In lieu of traditional math class, selected fourth- and fifth-grade students meet with a math specialist to learn an accelerated math curriculum and to prepare for various math competitions.

LIBRARY

Students meet with the school librarian twice a month. The focus of Library class is to learn the basics of Library Science and make reading selections based on the students’ interests and reading levels.

WORLD LANGUAGE

Spanish is taught weekly to all students in grades K-4. Instruction in colors, shapes, and numbers begins in Kindergarten. By upper elementary, students are forming short sentences and increasing their vocabulary to include places in the community, months of the year, and days of the week. There is also exposure to the Hispanic culture through various projects.

COMPUTER SCIENCE

Computer science aims to teach basic computer skills to develop 21st Century learners. With the emergence of countless digital learning tools, students must be able to operate in an increasingly digital world. The curriculum focuses primarily on computer fundamentals, digital citizenship, and basic coding.

Applied Math, Science, & Engineering

DISCOVER AMSE INSTITUTE

Discover AMSE is the elementary branch of the Applied Math, Science, and Engineering (AMSE) Institute, which provides Valley Christian students with a K-12 pipeline of inspiration, instruction, and experience so that they might become successful innovators and world changers. Designed to enhance the elementary school’s engaging science and math curriculum, Discover AMSE provides a variety of exciting enrichment and after-school offerings. This allows students to pursue their areas of interest and lays the foundation for future success in these disciplines in junior high, high school, and beyond.

• First and second graders learn the importance of caring for the earth by tending a garden and growing vegetation in our Agri-Tech program.

• Kindergarten through third-grade students discover what lies beneath the ocean deep in our after-school Ocean Discovery program, inspiring scientific understanding of ocean life.

• Math Team participants learn to tackle problems by working with high school mentors in this after-school program. These third through fifth-grade students earn self-confidence and compete in local Math League competitions.

• Third through fifth-grade students can participate in the RoboQuest program, designed to introduce students to the exciting world of robotics through handson learning and engaging activities where they will use their skills to build their own robot.

DISCOVER AMSE SCIENCE

Life science, physical science, and earth science units come alive as K-4 students engage in hands-on experiences that reinforce the concepts they learn. This program excites students’ interest in the discipline of science by teaching a more complete understanding of science concepts and reinforcing their knowledge of God’s Truth as revealed in the physical world.

DISCOVER AMSE AWARDS

ACSI Math Olympics

• Fourteen out of eighteen students received ribbons/medals in Reasoning and Computation

Continental Math League (CML) Computer Science Math competition

• One student was awarded the Western Regional Medal

• The fourth and fifth-grade SOAR team won first place in the Western Regional of CML

Math Olympiads for Elementary and Middle Schools (MOEMS)

• 78% of students participating finished in the top 50%

Discover BEI Business, Entrepreneurship, & Innovation

DISCOVER BUSINESS, ENTREPRENEURSHIP, & INNOVATION

The Discover Business, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation (BEI) program starts by believing that every student is creative and has unique talents to share. VCES students develop their creative thinking, problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills through BEI programs. These offerings provide hands-on, project-based learning opportunities grounded in biblical principles while introducing the concepts of entrepreneurship.

With an emphasis on “serving others,” all student proceeds are donated to a Christian charity, and the value of giving to others is woven into the curriculum. BEI high school students mentor, instruct, and guide our budding entrepreneurs and innovators during the afterschool programs.

ACADEMICS

Creative Design Thinking

5th-Grade Elective Creative Design Thinking is a problem-solving approach that is at the heart of entrepreneurship and innovation. This elective class introduces the concept of creative and hands-on problem-solving through a five-step design thinking process.

PROGRAMS

• Lemonade Day - An experiential, hands-on afterschool program that helps third through fifth grade students develop their entrepreneurship mindset by starting and operating a lemonade stand.

• The Young Expressionists - Valley Christian High School students provide after-school and summer programs in a variety of subjects including story creation, creative writing, science, character design, etc.

250+ students

participated in BEI programs

$5k+ donated to Christian schools in India

Artistic Beauty

The Kidservatory introduces elementary students to the exciting world of creative arts, with school-day enrichment classes, after-school offerings, private lessons, arts exhibitions, and seasonal performances.

• Integrated curriculum with classes in art, music, and choir for all grade levels

• K-12 faculty from some of the finest conservatories in the world including: The Juilliard School, Manhattan School of Music, and the Peabody Institute

• All students graduate learning to play an instrument

• Multiple performances in theatre, dance, and music throughout the year

• Student Visual Arts show every year on the Elementary Campus

• Exciting after-school offerings

Kidservatory Programs

ARTISTIC ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS

Artistic instruction is an integral part of the day-today school program at VCES. Each class meets with a music teacher for weekly general lessons, and by fourth grade, each student participates in the “Fourth Grade Wheel.” Instrumental instruction is part of the artistic, specialized program during the regular school day, and different vocal and instrumental groups perform several times a year at events throughout the community, such as Christmas at the California and the VCS Festival of the Arts.

FOURTH GRADE MUSIC WHEEL

Students participate in a year-long rotation of offerings in the performing arts, including orchestra, choir, drama, and band.

FIFTH GRADE MUSIC

All fifth grade students select an instrument to play for the entire year.

ART

All K-5 students receive a foundation in visual art. Students showcase their work at the annual art show, and selected art is used in VCS publications, such as the all-school Christmas card and program illustrations.

K-3 MUSIC

All K-3 students meet weekly for vocal and general music instruction. Through the Orff Schulwerk approach to student learning, Valley Christian students learn rhythm, beat, melody, and participate in class with xylophones, conga drums, and various small, unpitched rhythm instruments. Student performers also sing at the annual Christmas at the California and Festival of the Arts concerts.

Athletic Distinction

We strive to teach wellness concepts and physical skills that will inspire students to embrace a proactive and healthy lifestyle.

Elementary Athletics

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Elementary students participate in PE twice a week, with a unique motor lab for kindergartners to further develop their motor skills. Some of the units of study include jump rope, bowling, tennis, foursquare, basketball, volleyball, softball, and physical fitness. All students are encouraged to participate and increase their dexterity.

FITNESS BIKES

VCES is committed to creating a classroom environment that speaks to the needs of active young learners –especially the need to move. All classrooms have a kidsized fitness bike that is available for use throughout the day. Several teachers use standing desks and core strengthening sitting options. Both students and teachers integrate time to take ‘body breaks’ throughout the day.

MARCH MADNESS

One highlight of the school year for many students is the double-elimination March Madness Tournament in the spring. Students learn the value of teamwork, a healthy competitive spirit, and how to maintain a positive attitude.

FIFTH GRADE BOYS & GIRLS BASKETBALL

Our Fifth Grade basketball program runs from November to January and is offered three days a week for both boys and girls. Each team plays approximately 3-5 games during the season and is drilled on the fundamentals of basketball. This is a great opportunity for students to improve on their skills and test them in competition throughout the season.

Student Life

Throughout the year, VCES hosts a number of exciting events to continually bring our community together for fellowship and fun.

Elementary Community

Students participate in a variety of group learning experiences throughout the school year, such as field trips and after-school offerings; these provide opportunities for connection with fellow VCES students as well as potential mentor relationships with students from the Skyway Campus. We believe that these experiences are essential in the process of nurturing a strong sense of safety and belonging within our community.

Some of our community events include:

• New Family Warrior Welcome

• Pancake Breakfast

• High School Sports Nights

• Market Day

• Family Fun Night

• Third Grade Grandparents’ Day

• Knight of Passage/Night to Shine (Junior High Transition Celebration)

• Donuts with Dad

• Muffins with Mom

Parents are invited to get involved at VCES by joining our Parent Teacher Prayer Fellowship (PTPF).

Community Building Activities

After-School Opportunities

EXTENDED CARE

Our nurturing extended care staff provides before and after-school care available on all school days and most holidays.

Before School: 7:00am to 7:45am

After-School: School Dismissal to 6:00pm

AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS

VCES consistently strives to meet the diverse needs of growing Silicon Valley families through our wide range of after-school programs. Developing young minds have so many interests and at VCES we offer a wide variety of specialized classes for students to discover and develop their passions in academics, arts, and athletics.

ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT

Business, Entrepreneurship, & Innovation (BEI)Lemonade Day, LEGO Club, RoboQuest Derby, Agri-Tech, Ocean Discovery, Cooking & Tastebuds Kitchen, Money $marts, Elementary Math Team, Debate

ARTISTIC BEAUTY

Adventures in Art, Stitch of Mine, Dance Express, Fun with Drums, Guitar and Ukulele, Kids on Keyboards, Kids on Strings, Musical Theatre.

ATHLETIC DISTINCTION

Golf, Junior Cheer, Little Warrior Nation, Tennis, Ultimate Frisbee, Pickleball, Let’s Get Moving Fitness

LITTLE WARRIOR NATION (LWN)

LWN is an exciting extracurricular opportunity for VCES students to learn the fundamentals of a wide variety of sports from some of the best coaches and high school athletes in the state of California. For grades K-3, our Elementary Physical Education staff leads all-sports camps throughout the year. The fourth- and fifth-graders participate in clinics with our high school coaches and athletes. Highlights include an “Inside Look” at the students’ high school team of choice and an opportunity to sit on the sidelines at games. Through the LWN, VCES students learn firsthand what it means to be a spirited Valley Christian Warrior.

MISSION STATEMENT

Valley Christian Schools’ mission is to provide a nurturing environment o ering quality education supported by a strong foundation of Christian values in partnership with parents, equipping students to become leaders to serve God, to serve their families, and to positively impact their communities and the world.

VISION STATEMENT

A world where every student pursues their personal Quest for Excellence™

FOUNDING STATEMENT

Valley Christian Schools supports the homes and churches of students in providing an education that is grounded in the Judeo-Christian values of the Bible, as reflected in the life and teaching of Jesus Christ. Valley Christian Schools is committed to a Quest for Excellence™ in all of its educational programs, and provides a comprehensive kindergarten through twelfth grade curriculum with a rigorous college preparatory program. Firmly founded on Christian values, Valley Christian Schools challenges youth to aspire toward lives of character, service and influence while pursuing their individual Quests for Excellence

valleychristian vcs_warriors

apply.vcs.net

To support VCS, please call the Extend the Gift Advancement O ce at (408) 362-7644.