Dr. Amrik Singh  
            Principal

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My name is Dr. Amrik Singh. I am honored to have been appointed your principal for 2018-19 school year.  I come to you with 7 years of experience at SVCS which includes three years as a teacher and four years as principal and vice principal. My pursuit with SVCS started in 2011 when school opened with great hopes in the community. It has been an exciting journey as I saw SVCS growing into a unique institution over the years. In my capacity as a teacher of English, and World Language Punjabi, I took guidance from the latest research which upholds that learning a world language starting from Kindergarten leads to higher academic achievements on standardized tests, provides cognitive benefits to students, and strengthens their social and problem solving skills.  It is quite evident from high academic performance in high schools of 90% of students who had studied 4-6 years in SVCS.
I came to SVCS in 2011 with 20 years of teaching experience both at school and college levels. I started my career from Robert J. Fite Elementary school in Elk Grove Unified School District and on getting teaching credential from National University, joined Franklin High School as English Teacher in 2006-2007. In the same year, I was offered the position of an Adjunct Professor at Sacramento State University which afforded me an opportunity to work with college students that I continue to enjoy all these years. I became excited to bring in my two decades of experience as professor of English language and linguistics in colleges of Panjab University Chandigarh (India).  
I earned a Master in English and an M.Phil. in Anthropological Linguistics from Punjabi University Patiala, and a Ph.D. in English from Panjab University Chandigarh (India). Continuing my education in the US, I earned a Master in Special Education (M.S.) from National University, California along with Single Subject Credential in English, Single Subject Credential in Punjabi, and Administrative Service Credential.
As your principal, I will create a positive school culture that promotes learning and engagement; that makes possible to provide a rigorous, standard-based curriculum for all SVCS scholars; and that creates a safe and compassionate environment for social, emotional and intellectual growth of your child.
As administrator, I am committed to support an environment of high expectations, outstanding achievements, and good citizenship. I will spare no effort to create a spirit of mutual trust, productive collaboration, and continuous effort to make SVCS a premier institution in the region.

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Mrs. Nijjar
  Punjabi Teacher (Elementary)

     My name is Sarbjeet Kaur Nijjar and this is my fifth year at SVCS  as an elementary Punjabi teacher. After completing  my bachelor’s degree from Guru Nanak Dev University Amritsar, I earned a master’s degree in Economics. I joined the teaching profession after completing a  bachelor’s degree in Education. In addition, I have earned a Single Subject Credential in Punjabi. 

During my four years at SVCS,  I have enjoyed the company of my beautiful stars. My students not only learn to read, speak and write in Punjabi, but they also sing Punjabi poems, multiplication tables (ਪਹਾੜੇ) and make better ethical choices. By learning multiplication tables, scholars were able to perform better in their math classes. For the incoming students, I have made the curriculum simple and easy enough for them to smoothly transition into. 
 Starting last year, I began to teach art to students once a week. I saw a very creative side of my scholars.
Before joining SVCS, I taught multiple subjects for 15 years at many government schools in India. I also have one and half years of experience working as an instructional assistant with Elk Grove Unified School District. 
I love spending time with my family. We enjoy watching TV and going on long trips! My son is currently a student at Sacramento State University and my daughter is a freshman in college. I am looking forward to having a wonderful time with my dazzling stars from kindergarten to 4th grade!

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Mrs. Cheema
2nd. Grade Teacher

    ​Dear wonderful SVCS family,

My name is Preet Cheema. It has been a pleasure to be working at SVCS for the past four years. I am excited to be teaching second grade again this year! I bring along 19 years of teaching experience in public and private schools.I have earned my Bachelors degree from Panjab University Chandigarh, and also completed my B.Ed(Bachelor in Education)with emphasis on Teaching of language arts and Social studies. I hold a clear California Multiple Subjects Teaching credential.  ​I have also completed a diploma in Early childhood care.I enjoy painting,reading,travelling and spending time with my family in my free time.
I encourage creativity in class where there is room for flexibility,differentiated instruction,lots of reading ,projects and learning with fun.
Looking forward to an enriching experience with our wonderful second graders this year!

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Ms. Anaya
3rd. Grade Teacher​

My name is Andrea Anaya. This will be my first year in my own classroom. I am very excited. I just completed the Multiple Subjects Credential Program at California State University, Stanislaus. In 2017, I graduated with my Bachelor's Degree in Liberal Studies with a concentration in TESOL (Teaching English to Students of Other Languages) from California State University, Stanislaus. I have worked with 2nd and 4th grade during my student teaching in the credential program. I have also worked as a Substitute Teacher for elementary grades and adult ELD classes. I grew up in Merced, CA and I am now making the move to the Sacramento area to start my new career and to continue my life with my fiancee. I am a very creative and patient teacher. I enjoy reading and arts and crafts. I love working with children and their curiosity of the world that surrounds them. I want the best for each and every student. 

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Ms. Champlin
4th Grade Teacher

My name is Molly Champlin, and I was born and raised in Rochester, NY. I have been teaching for 6 years, and will begin my 7th year at Sacramento Valley Charter. I received my undergrad in Teaching English as a Second Language at SUNY Oswego. I then completed my Master’s in Literacy at St. John Fisher College. In addition to my education I spent some time teaching overseas in South Korea teaching English as a Foreign Language. 

I am moving to Sacramento from Salt Lake City, UT. I am looking forward to teaching at the Sacramento Valley Charter School and learning about the community in Sacramento. In my free time I love to ski, run,  bike, and hike with my dog Genny. 
I look forward to a great year with 4th grade!

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Ms. Provost
​4th Grade Teacher

My name is Kristin Provost, and this will be my first year teaching 4th grade at Sacramento Valley Charter School. I have a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology with an emphasis in Linguistic and Cultural Anthropology that I obtained at Sacramento State University. I worked at the University of California, Davis as an external fellowship analyst and advisor for graduate students and post-docs for several years running the Fulbright program and National Science Foundation fellowship programs. My passion has always been to be an elementary school teacher and I was afforded the opportunity to go back to school and get my teaching credential a few years ago and I jumped at the opportunity. I received my teaching credential through California State University, Fresno and did my student teaching in the Davis Joint Unified School district in the 2nd, 3rd and 6th grades. I have also worked as a substitute teacher for 2 years with several long-term substitute positions in Davis as well as Arbuckle. I have never felt as passionate and fulfilled as I have teaching in the classroom and creating a wonderful student focused environment and community of learners. I am very excited to begin teaching 4th grade at the Sacramento Valley Charter School. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my daughters who will be in the 2ndand 5th grades next year, camping, bike riding, hiking, reading, creating art and playing games. I am looking forward to meeting all my students and their families and becoming part of this wonderful school community!

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Mrs. Duhra
​Middle School Math Teacher

My name is Apparjit Kaur Duhra.   I am very excited to teach Middle School Math for my 2nd year.  Math has always been my passion. Ever since my school years and helping my own kids with their math classes.  I hold a Bachelor Degree in Electrical Engineering from the California State University of Northridge. I earned my teaching credential in Math from the National University. I worked as a Communications Engineer for the City of Los Angeles for 10 years before I decided to stay home with my two daughters.  My interest in teaching began when I volunteered at my kids’ school and enjoyed working with children.   I believe it is very important to give quality time to our children for their success in the future.  This will be my Fifth year with Sacramento Valley Charter School.       Outside of teaching, I enjoy spending time with my family, listening to music and participate in cultural and outdoor activities.

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Mr. Henderson
Middle School Social Studies Teacher

Hello, my name is Brian Henderson and this will be my second year teaching Middle School Social Studies at Sacramento Valley Charter School (SVCS). As your student’s Social Studies teacher, I will be helping your student to build a wide-reaching understanding of the cultures, people, events, religions, and ideas that have helped to create the world as we know it today. Your student will work to master an array of academic skills such as analytical reading, evidence-based writing, and organized public speaking to build an understanding of the class content and for their future as they continue their educational development beyond this coming year. I look forward to working with your student to continue their growth into becoming capable and confident scholars.

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English Learners Teacher Assistant

Ms. Ibrahim​

My name is Nadine Ibrahim and I am excited to work with your kids this upcoming school year. This is my first full year support teaching at SVCS. I have an extensive background in linguistic studies and teaching. I studied foreign language at CSU Sacramento, earning my BA in French. I completed most of my MA in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) and have experience working with ESOL students. I am also a mother of two children, one of which is also a second language learner. I believe that learning another language makes scholars more capable both in and out of the classroom. I look forward to helping your children learn and grow this school year.

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  Ms. Phillips
Teacher In Charge &
  Middle School English Teacher

​             My name is Ginny Phillips, and I am excited to begin my fourth year as the 6-8 English Language Arts teacher at Sacramento Valley Charter School! I hold a bachelor's degree in English and education from Augustana College, as well as my California clear teaching credential. My goal is to help students become lifelong readers, writers, and learners. I believe that it is my job to provide students with the tools and support they need to engage in a deep understanding of what they read and write. In my spare time I like to read (especially mysteries!), work on art projects, hike, and camp. I look forward to the new school year with your scholars!​

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Ms. McKoy
​School Secretary 

My name is Allie McKoy, and I am your new School Secretary at SVCS. I started at SVCS in April of 2019 and I am here to join the clerical team and become a  positive resource to all parents, scholars, and staff alike. I have a BS in Public Relations from San Jose State University in San Jose, CA. I also recently accepted my admission offer to attend University of San Francisco, this fall, where I will begin my studies to ultimately receive my MA in Marriage and Family Therapy. I love working with youth from all different walks of life and I want to assist in providing you with a encouraging and enriching learning environment. I have a myriad of experience ranging from ABA and behavioral therapy, theater directing, wedding and event planning, and office management which have prepared me to thrive in my new capacity as School Secretary. In my spare time I enjoy thrifting, party planning, travel, and reading fictional novels. Please do not hesitate to stop by the office to talk to me about anything. I look forward to serving you in this position!

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Mrs. Kang
  Kindergarten Teacher

     My name is Sandip Kang. This will be my fifth year as the Kindergarten Teacher at SVCS.
I completed my Bachelor's in Business Administration from CSU Fresno. I soon realized I was happier when I was working with children. I went back to school and earned my multiple subjects credential from Brandman University.
I am married and have two beautiful children.  My daughter will be starting high school this year . My son will be returning with me as a 4th grader here at SVCS.  My free time is spent with my family and friends in Yuba City. My children are involved in sports, music and dancing so they keep me pretty busy.  We love visiting our local library. They enjoy reading a good book just as much as I do. I have enjoyed getting to know my students and their families over the last four years. I’m really looked forward to meeting my students and getting to know them this year.

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Ms. Olson
Kindergarten Teacher

​Hi! My name is Courtney Olson and this will be my second year at Sacramento Valley Charter School.  I am very excited to get a start to my career here at Sac Valley Charter!

​ I grew up in Southern California and received a softball scholarship to continue my education at William Jessup University where I earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology. After graduating I became a behavior therapist which is how I fell in love with teaching. I earned my teaching credential at William Jessup University and I am currently pursuing a master’s degree in teaching.
I enjoy spending my free time reading, playing and watching many different sports, training for and running half-marathons and spending time with my family and friends.
I love teaching and believe that every student can and will learn. I am looking forward to building relationships with students and watching them grow both academically and socially this upcoming year.

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Ms. Ruffino
1st. Grade Teacher

My name is Cammi Ruffino. I moved to California in 2015 and have greatly enjoyed my time here. I received my Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from Southern Illinois University. I hold a teaching credential for K-9 in both Illinois and  California. This is my 5th year teaching and my 3rd year working at SVCS. I have taught in all grades K-2. This year I am happy to be teaching 1st grade. 
In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family, including my infant son Forrest. We love to spend our free time outdoors at the river, beach, or hiking. I also have a huge love for reading! I hope my love of reading encourages my students to read for enjoyment outside of the classroom.
In my free time I enjoy traveling, hiking, cooking, reading and hula-hoop dancing. I enjoy being active and encourage my students to do the same. I try to find the positive in every situation and always keep a smile on my face. If the teacher is happy- the students are happy! 

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Mrs. Phillips
​3rd. Grade Teacher

Dear SVCS   Parents, Scholars and Friends,
 
My name is Mrs. Teresa Phillips and I am excited to be returning to SVCS for my 4th year. I bring to SVCS over twenty years of experience working with students K-12 in multiple subjects.  For the 14 years prior to my work at SVCS, I also taught piano and guitar.
I earned my undergraduate degree in Liberal Studies at Northern Illinois University, in DeKalb Illinois, with multiple concentrations in Science, Math, Child Development and Language Arts. I hold a Creative Writing Certificate and have been honored to earn scholarships for poetry writing.  I received my California teaching credentials through the graduate program at Alliant International University. 
​I look forward to helping your students grow in citizenship as well as their scholarship over the next several months.  I believe every child is a treasure. Thank you for entrusting yours to me.​

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Mrs. Koven
​5th Grade Teacher

Hi folks! My name is Kristine Koven and I have two passions in life. My family and teaching, and I am excited to be a part of the SVCS team again for the 2018-2019 school year! Having earned my bachelor’s degree in education and then professional certification to teach K-9 in multiple subjects with a minor in English after earning a degree in broadcast news and communications in 1998 has kept me busy working with kids ever since. This will be my fourth year at SVCS and having gained such insight with the families here I have learned much and have so much to give. Here I can share my now twenty years of experience working with kids. Having taught in Washington for over 10 years and Southern California before that gives me a wide array of skills to teach with. My two children are now off to university and the military. The oldest is taking his time at E.W.S.U. studying computer animation and the youngest is in the U.S. Marines and studying fire science.

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Ms. Lester
​5th Grade Teacher

​Hi, my name is Madisen Lester. I am very excited to start my first year at SVCS! I grew up in La Quinta, California and later attended Cal Poly where I received a Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Studies with a minor in Child Development. In January 2019, I completed my Multiple Subject Credential and Master’s in Elementary Education at Western Governors University. During the credential program I was a student teacher in a third grade classroom. Shortly after, I was a long-term substitute teacher in sixth grade. I believe in educating the whole child and creating an inclusive classroom environment. I hope to foster a growth mindset and cultivate resilience in all students. In my free time I enjoy reading, hiking, camping, and exploring with my dog, Charlie. I am looking forward to teaching 5th grade this year!

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Mr. Turner
​Middle School Science Teacher

​Hello, My name is Jeremy Turner and I am very excited to be your new science/STEAM teacher. Second to being a great dad my passions in life include many things but most of all I like to explore and enjoy the mysterious world around us. I am a father to a wonderful son who is full of life and inquiry of the natural world and like me he has passion for science, construction, art, and having fun. I have an extensive working background in energy, food, entrepreneurship, technology, teaching/training adults, and having fun along the way. Most of my formal education has been in science and technology but I have also completed major coursework in community program management which granted me a BS in Recreation Administration from local Sac State. I have also received many energy and building science industry certifications which has helped me to work on many dynamic energy related projects and as well teach energy and building science certification classes to professionals throughout the state. I hold clear CA teaching credentials in both foundational level general sciences and industrial technology education. As a former high school teacher I designed curriculum and taught courses in information technology, engineering, solar energy, robotics, and graphic art. I am a life-long learner who has the ability to share what I have learned with passion and clarity to those around me. I am excited about this new year and I look forward to understand better this wonderful planet and universe we all call home together with the students at SVCS.

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Mrs. Sekhon
​Punjabi Teacher Grade 5-8

My name is Manjit Kaur Sekhon. I am really excited to start my career as a Middle School Punjabi Teacher. It was my longtime dream career. I  hold a Master's degree in English and a Master's in Punjabi. I also completed a B. Ed. and M.Ed.  degrees to be eligible to teach in public schools. I believe that will help me address learning needs of students coming from both Punjabi and Non-Panjabi backgrounds. My experience at City College W. Sacramento as an adjunct Professor of Punjabi will further assist me to innovate Punjabi courses for our middle school scholars. 

           My motto in life is, 'Good- better- best, Let's never rest.'  Let's join hands together and take our goals to the Best. Looking forward to meeting with my students shortly.






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