Updated: September 25, 2008

CHARACTER COUNTS PROGRAM: Ambuehl, like many schools throughout the nation, implements the Character Counts program. Students can receive Character Counts certificates on any given school day from staff members and may also win a variety of prizes in the Character Counts Raffle, which is conducted over Soaring Eagle Radio on Mondays and during Magnificent Monday Assemblies that are held on the first Monday of each month. Students will also be recognized for exhibiting Character Counts traits during Soaring Eagle Awards Assemblies on Formal Fridays, which are held three times per school year. Below are the “Six Pillars of Character” that are shared with students throughout the school year.  

Trustworthiness: Be honest, do not deceive others, do not cheat on tests and school work, do not steal items from others, be reliable (do what you say you’ll do), have the courage to do the right thing, and be loyal (stand by your family and friends)

Respect: Treat others with respect, follow the Golden Rule (treat others how you want to be treated), use good manners, do not use profanity, be considerate of the feelings of others, do not threaten others, do not physically hurt anyone (hitting, kicking, etc.), deal peacefully with others if you are angry, and feel insulted, or are in disagreement

Responsibility: Do what you are supposed to do (do the right thing), persevere (keep on trying), always do your best, use self-control, be self-disciplined, and think before you act (consider the consequences and take responsibility for your actions)

Fairness: Follow the rules (in the classroom and on the playground), take turns and share, listen to others, do not take advantage of others, and do not blame others carelessly

Caring: Be kind and compassionate (show you care), express gratitude, forgive others, and help people in need

Citizenship: Do your share to make your school and community better, cooperate with others, stay informed, be a good neighbor. obey laws in the community and rules while at school, respect authority, and protect the environment

SOARING EAGLE RADIO: 1st - 5th grade students broadcast over the school's PA system from Mr. Visca's office each morning at 7:50 a.m. Each broadcast begins with a welcome by Mr. Visca, then the Pledge of Allegiance is led by a student, followed by other student announcements. Soaring Eagle Radio supports the English-language Arts Content Standards that students will write and speak with a command of standard English conventions that are appropriate to their grade level.

FORMAL FRIDAYS: Back by popular demand, teachers will select students from their classes three times per year to be honored at Ambuehl’s Soaring Eagle Awards Assemblies in various areas (Character Counts, academics, sportsmanship, and special projects).  These assemblies will be held on Formal Fridays where students, teachers, and staff members “dress for success” in gowns, suits, and formal attire.  Students receive a special certificate.  Parents are invited.

SCHOOL SITE COUNCIL: Consisting of elected staff members and parents, School Site Council meets approximately six times per school year to review a variety of school-related items. Meetings typically include reviewing the Single School Plan for Student Achievement, new and current programs, student data, and approving categorical funds (SIP, grants, etc.) expenditures that benefit Ambuehl School. Members of the public are invited to these meetings. Click on the PDF link(s) below for further information on 2008-09 school year documents. School Site Council minutes are posted once they are approved. Additional School Site Council documents are available in the front office, upon request.

• Ambuehl's School Site Council Bylaws
• School Site Council Agenda (9-24-08 Meeting)
• School Site Council Minutes (6-4-08 Meeting)

STUDENTS AGAINST VANISHING ECO SYSTEMS (SAVE) CLUB: Under the leadership of Ambuehl staff members, students in this environmental club explore the surrounding wilderness trail, lead garden parties, run Ambuehl’s recycling program, and help keep Ambuehl "green" and clean!

AMBUEHL AMBASSADORS: Ambuehl 4th and 5th grade students are elected by their peers to represent the school and to organize fun school events for students. There is a President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, Reporter, Library Chairperson, and Lost & Found Chairperson. These leaders inspire school spirit, develop leadership skills, learn about teamwork, and also participate in community service projects. K – 5 students enjoy Ambuehl Ambassador sponsored events such as Crazy Hair Day and Mismatch Day.

BOOK OF WINNERS: Students who are recognized for academic achievement and/or citizenship will receive a certificate and are invited to sign the Book of Winners in the front office.

CHESS CLUB: 4th and 5th graders can challenge their minds as they learn new strategies and play chess on Thursdays and Fridays in the library during lunch recess. Community volunteer “Papa” Lingel has enjoyed working with students over the years at Ambuehl as they sharpen their chess skills. He even played Mr. Visca in a few rounds of chess!

BLOCK MUSIC: CUSD is recognized throughout California for its music program, which fosters creativity, effective communication, self-discipline and commitment. Funded by the district, all 4th and 5th grade students have an opportunity to participate in CUSD’s award-winning music program two days each week during the school day.

PRIMARY MUSIC: Funded through the Ambuehl PTA and a state music grant, Ambuehl kindergarten through 3rd grade students enjoy weekly music instruction from a credentialed CUSD music teacher during the school day.

AMBUEHL PTA: Parent Soo Wise is the 2008-09 PTA President. PTA meetings are held every other month at Ambuehl School. Parents are encouraged to join and participate. The PTA supports and funds a variety of programs, such as Meet the Masters, Reflections, and field trips. There are a variety of family-centered PTA events that take place during the school year, such as the 50’s themed Ice Cream “Meet and Greet” in the fall. Elvis (Mr. Visca) is planning to make another appearance! Ambuehl’s Carnival is a big hit with families in the spring. Families can bid on silent auction items, eat a lot of yummy food, and play a variety of games. Sponsored by the PTA, volunteers are needed to help organize and run this event each year. Cut and paste the following link in your web browser: http://ambuehlpta.org/ to review the Ambuehl PTA website.

THANKSGIVING FOOD DRIVE: Students enjoy bringing canned food items to the school site that will go to help needy families in the community.

CAROLING AND COCOA: Children, parents, and staff members enjoy Ambuehl’s tradition of singing and sipping hot cocoa in December.

THE GIVING TREE: Ambuehl families make the holiday season brighter for those in need by placing gifts (new toys, clothing, etc.) under “The Giving Tree” in the front office each December. These items are then given to the Orange County Fire Fighters as part of their “Spark of Love” toy drive.

HOOS’GOW DAY: Hoos’gow Day is a San Juan tradition every March! Bringing a taste of the Wild, Wild West back to San Juan Capistrano, the “Sheriff” and “Deputies” of the Fiesta Association dressed in their traditional black and white western wear and roam the city in search of “city slickers.” If you’re not wearing western wear watch out – you might just be roped into the fun! The Deputies “arrest” anyone not dressed in western attire, or any man who is clean-shaven. At Ambuehl, students dress in western clothing and have a good time!

SWALLOWS DAY PARADE: Each March, the swallows return to San Juan Capistrano, and Ambuehl students participate in the San Juan Capistrano Swallows Day Parade.

SPRING CARNIVAL & SILENT AUCTION: Ambuehl’s Carnival and Silent Auction is held in May each year. Sponsored by the PTA, the Carnival takes place from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and the Silent Auction takes place from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. The food booth typically include Baskin Robbins ice cream, snow cones, churros, nachos, hamburgers, hotdogs, pizza, popcorn, soda, and water. The game booths usually include the Lollipop Pull, Gold Fish, Bean Bag Toss, Duck Pond Scoop, Candy Test Tubes, Derby Races, Wiffle Ball Toss, Fun Photos, Pirate Treasure, and Face Painting. The rides typically include an Obstacle Course, the Giant Slide, a Bungee Run, a Joy Joust, the Pirate Ship, Home Run Baseball, and Laser Tag. There are also community booths, such as the San Juan Police Department, Casper’s Park, and CARE Animal Rescue. Over 200 silent auction items are also on display! All funds raised will support programs at Ambuehl Elementary School. Invite your friends and neighbors!