YCIS-SV Community Connection

Dear YCIS Community,

Every day at YCIS, Vivian and I are inspired by the vibrant learning community our teachers and students create together. Through meaningful experiences, our students actively engage and build connections that extend far beyond the classroom, growing both academically and personally.

Over the past two weeks, and in the weeks ahead, our students have had many opportunities to extend their learning into the real world. Here are just a few highlights:

Our Grade 5 students just returned from their 12-day journey to Beijing and Xi’an. This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. From exploring historical landmarks to building independence and lasting friendships, this trip remains a cornerstone of the YCIS experience.
Our Grade 3 students spent an exciting day at the Technology Museum, engaging in hands-on learning and discovering the physics behind roller coasters.
Our Kindergarten students enjoyed a joyful afternoon at a bowling alley, exploring the concept of systems through play and discovery and even getting a behind-the-scenes look at how the equipment operates.

Looking ahead:

On April 12th, 22 of our students will participate in the CLTAC (Chinese Language Teachers Association of California) 50th Mandarin Speech Contest.
This spring, more than 30 students will take part in our first YCIS Young Entrepreneur Fair, with 15 student-led business plans already in development for May.

These experiences reflect what makes YCIS special: learning that is engaging, purposeful, and connected to the world around us. Thank you for your continued partnership as we support our students in growing with confidence, curiosity, and a love of learning.

Warm regards,
Vivian & Kevin

🌭🍉🍔 RSVP Here

Pre-Purchase your YCIS Yearbook Now!

Last Day to purchase is 4/30!

$38.64 Soft cover

$45.80 Hard cover

ECE-8th Grade Yearbook purchase link:

https://www.treering.com/purchase?PassCode=1015525824993591

If prompted for a passcode: 1015525824993591

View a sample of last years here:

Sensory fun in Sea Turtle Class

In the Sea Turtle Class, our learners dove headfirst into a world of tactile discovery and sensory wonder. Our sensory bins, overflowing with a vibrant kaleidoscope of colorful rice, beans, and pom-poms, served as an invitation for fine motor development as the children practiced scooping, picking up, pouring, and feeling the different textures. Beyond just the feel of the grains, the classroom filled with a gentle "patter-patter" as the children listened intently to the unique sounds made when materials cascade and land onto different surfaces like bowls, cups, or plastic tubs. We also leaned into the "sticky side" of learning with hands-on exploration using clear contact paper, colorful stickers, and delicate tissue paper. As the children pressed materials onto the tacky surface, they weren't just playing. They were being exposed to new vocabulary and getting hands-on experience with “sticky, soft, and smooth” surfaces. This blend of auditory, tactile, and linguistic play ensures that every child is engaged, curious, and constantly learning through their senses!

-Mini Camp April 7-10th (Tuesday-Friday) 8am-5pm for those registered

-Spring Break April 6-10th (No School)

-ECE Spring Social: Thursday, April 16th during drop-off 8am-10am (see flyer)

Celebrating Our Students at the ANCCS Chinese Academic Contest Event

Congratulations to our students for their outstanding participation in the 2026 ANCCS event! We are proud to share that 8 of our students received awards—an incredible achievement that reflects their dedication and hard work.

While we celebrate these successes, we are even more proud of the learning journey behind them. Each student showed courage in taking on challenges, perseverance in working through them, and a willingness to step outside their comfort zone. The true accomplishment lies not just in winning a trophy, but in the growth, effort, and joy found in the process of learning and trying something new.

We are proud of every student who participated in the ANCCS contest. Your commitment, resilience, and enthusiasm inspire us all. Keep challenging yourselves and embracing every opportunity to learn!

Congratulations to all—we are so proud of you!

Welcoming Spring in Our Classrooms

Spring is in the air, and our students are embracing the season through joyful and meaningful learning!

In our 1st grade classrooms, students are exploring the Lichun (立春) ， one of the 24 Solar Terms (二十四節氣)， learning about the Beginning of Spring. Beyond understanding seasonal weather changes, students are discovering the cultural traditions behind these solar terms, such as welcoming renewal and celebrating nature’s cycles. To make learning even more engaging, students are singing a lively song about Lichun (立春) and proudly presented it at Monday’s assembly!

Meanwhile, our 4th graders have already begun their garden project, getting hands-on experience with planting and caring for their garden. After returning from Spring Break, they will continue their learning by exploring farming and agriculture in California—understanding how plants grow, how farmers work with the land, and how food reaches our communities. The project also emphasizes wellness, encouraging students to care for themselves, the environment, and their mental well-being. This meaningful work reflects the true spirit of spring—growth, balance, and new possibilities.

As we welcome this vibrant season, our students are growing, exploring, and being empowered through their learning journeys.

5th Grade Explores China

Our 5th grade students recently embarked on their trip to China, beginning in Beijing and continuing on to Xi’an, where each day consisted of rich cultural exploration and historical discovery. From walking along the Great Wall and exploring the Forbidden City to visiting local schools, museums, and ancient landmarks like the Terracotta Army, students experienced China far beyond what a classroom can offer. They participated in traditional art forms such as lacquer fan making, paper cutting, and cloisonné painting, sampled local cuisine, and even engaged in collaborative lessons with students in Beijing. These immersive experiences allowed our students to deepen their learning of Chinese history, traditions, and daily life in meaningful and memorable ways.

Beyond cultural enrichment, the trip also provided valuable opportunities for personal growth. Traveling far from home encouraged our students to build independence, adaptability, and responsibility as they navigated new environments, schedules, and routines. This experience strengthened their confidence and global awareness, helping our 5th graders develop a broader perspective of the world while creating lasting memories together as a class.

Kite Day Brings the YALP Community Together

This Monday, our YALP students enjoyed a wonderful Kite Day on the field to celebrate the arrival of spring.

During the week leading up to the event, students explored the history and cultural significance of kites. They learned that kites were first invented in ancient China more than 2,000 years ago. At that time, kites were not only used for fun but also for military purposes, such as measuring distances, sending signals, and testing wind direction. Over time, flying kites became an important part of Chinese culture and spring traditions, symbolizing good luck and the release of bad fortune. Students also learned the ancient Chinese poem “Village Life” (《村居》) and explored the science and engineering behind how kites fly. Each student designed and created their own kite.

On Monday afternoon, the entire YALP group gathered on the field to fly their kites and take part in a friendly kite-flying competition. It was a joyful afternoon filled with colorful kites, laughter, and the excitement of watching their creations soar in the spring sky.