Dr. Amrik Singh 
​Principal

    Hello Proud SVCS parents,
My name is Dr. Amrik Singh, your principal for 2020-21 school year. It is my 10th year at Sacramento Valley Charter school as teacher, vice principal, and principal. My pursuit with SVCS started in 2011 when school opened with great hopes. It has been an exciting journey as I saw SVCS  becoming 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 problem solving skills.  It is quite evident from high academic performance in high schools of 90% of students who had studied 4-6 years at 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 t an Adjunct Professor position at Sacramento State University which afforded me the  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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Ms. Olson
Kindergarten Teacher

Hello SVCS family!
My name is Courtney Olson. I am so excited to begin my third year teaching at SVCS and my second year teaching Kindergarten. 
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. I earned my teaching credential at William Jessup University after working as a behavior therapist and substitute teacher for two years. I am currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in teaching and hoping to finish this fall! I enjoy spending my free time with my son, Carson, playing and watching many different sports, and reading.  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. Anaya
1st. Grade Teacher​

My name is Andrea Anaya. I moved to Sacramento from Merced in January 2019 to accept a 3rd grade position at Sacramento Valley Charter School. This will be my second year at Sac Valley Charter. I 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 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.  This year I will be teaching 1st grade. I am so excited to continue teaching at SVCS for the 2020-2021 school year.  

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Mrs. Nijjar
​Punjabi Teacher (Elementary)

 My name is Sarbjeet Kaur Nijjar and this is my seventh 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 cleared Single Subject Credentials in Punjabi. During my six 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. To help my scholars become better ethical thinkers, I have included daily discussions on a topic for about 10 to 15 minutes. 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. I embedded art in my classes and saw a very creative side of my scholars. 
I brought 23 years of teaching experience. 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 and daughter are currently students at Sacramento State University. 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

Hello SVCS families,

My name is Preet Cheema. It has been a wonderful journey teaching here at S.V.C.S so far ,and l am excited for a fruitful sixth year here.

I bring along 21 years of teaching experience ranging from (k-8). I hold a clear California Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential .I have earned my Bachelors degree from Punjab University, and completed my B.Ed with emphasis on teaching of Language Arts and Social studies. I have also completed a diploma in Early childhood care along with multiple training workshops over the years.I have also had the opportunity to study in United Kingdom after my High school in India.I completed my A-Levels in language arts and Biology there.
I have taught in Delhi Public School and Mayor World School for a period of  about 14 years in India .I also have taught in Roseville for a year before becoming a team member of SVCS 6 years ago.I encourage creativity in class where there is room for flexibility,differentiated instruction, projects, presentations, art and usage of technology to aid learning with fun.

In my free time, I enjoy reading, composing poetry, baking, painting, watching movies, and travelling with my family.
I have two daughters .One of them is studying in Arizona State University, and the younger one is in 5th grade. We also have a dog named Milo, who is quite the entertainer of the family.

Thank you for entrusting your wonderful child to me this year and allowing me to be a part of their journey here at S.V.C.S.
I am looking forward to the new session and the adventures it will bring !

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Ms. Provost
​5th Grade Teacher

My name is Kristin Provost, and this will be my third year teaching  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 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 continue teaching 4th grade at Sacramento Valley Charter School. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my daughters who will be in the 3rd and 6th grades next year, camping, bike riding, hiking, reading, creating art and playing games. I am looking forward to getting back into the classroom and meeting my new group of students and their families and having a wonderful school year!  

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Mrs. Duhra
​Middle School Math Teacher

My name is Apparjit Kaur Duhra. This will be my fifth-year teaching Middle School Math at Sacramento Valley Charter School, and I am extremely excited for this school year. Math has always been my passion, ever since I was young, and I started my teaching career in mathematics a little over six years ago.

I hold a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from California State University of Northridge. I worked as a Communications engineers 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 kid’s school and enjoyed working with children.

I then went on to earn my teaching credentials in Mathematics from the National University. I believe it is very important to give quality time to our children for their success in the future. Outside of teaching, I enjoy spending time with my family, listening to music and participating in cultural and outdoor activities.

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Dr. Boudreau
​Middle School Science Teacher

My name is Christine Boudreau and I am very excited to start my second year teaching middle school science here at SVCS, where my daughter is in third grade.

As an undergraduate at the University of San Francisco, I majored in biology. As a graduate student at the University of San Francisco, I majored in chemistry and
served as the teaching assistant for general chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, and analytical chemistry. During my time at USF, I taught and tutored high school biology for the Upward Bound Project. After completing my master’s coursework, I worked as a research associate at UCSF designing and synthesizing compounds to treat asthma.

Just prior to attending medical school at UCLA, I spent a year teaching 7th grade math at a middle school in San Francisco. After graduating from medical school, I trained in general surgery at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston and then trained in neurological surgery at UC Davis Medical Center here in Sacramento. After having my daughter, I took a break from clinical medicine to spend time with my daughter. It is a great pleasure to join my daughter at SVCS and share my experiences in science and medicine with the students at SVCS!

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Mrs. Sekhon
​Punjabi Teacher Grade 5-8

Hello My name is Manjit Kaur Sekhon. I am so excited to begin my third year as a Middle School Punjabi teacher at SVCS. It has always been my dream career. I think If I get  another life, again I choose to go in the same career.

I hold a Master's degree in English and in Punjabi.I also completed a B.Ed, M.Ed and M.Phil. degrees to be eligible to teach in Public school. I believe that is helping me address the learning needs of my scholars coming from both Punjabi and Non-Punjabi backgrounds. My experience at City College W. Sacramento as an Adjunct  Professor is another asset  to innovate Punjabi courses for our Middle School scholars.

My motto in life is, Good-Better- Best, Let's never rest. Till good gets better and better- best. Let's join our hands together and as a team take our goals to the best.  Looking forward to meeting with my scholars shortly. Amen.

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  Ms. Phillips
  Middle School English Teacher

My name is Ginny Phillips, and I am excited to begin my sixth 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 in Illinois, 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. Graffigna
School Secretary

Hello Sacramento Valley Charter School! My name is Lauren Graffigna and I am the new School Secretary. I am very much looking forward to being a part of the SVCS community. Please feel free to come to the front office whenever there is a need; I am eager to offer a helping hand, answer your questions.  I grew up in Southern California in Los Angeles county but moved to Sacramento 10 years ago to pursue higher education. I graduated from Sacramento State University with degrees in Organizational Communications and Theater. I had the rewarding experience of working as a nanny for multiple Sacramento families for the last 7 years. One of my goals in life is to inspire children to pursue their passions and to unlock their endless potential. I am very fortunate to have two parents who are educators, so being on-campus feels very natural to me. Currently, I live in Tahoe Park with my husband, our 2 German Shepherds, and our 3 cats. In my free time you will find me practicing yoga, checking out new restaurants and craft breweries, and hosting friends for board game nights. 

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Mrs. Kang
Kindergarten Teacher

Hello SVCS families.  

My name is Sandip Kang. 2020-2021 school year will be my seventh 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 her junior year in high school this year . My son will be returning with me as a 6th grader here at SVCS.  My free time is spent with my family and friends. My children are involved in sports, music and dancing so they keep me pretty busy.  My kids and I 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 six years. I’m really looked forward to meeting my students and getting to know them this year.

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Ms. Lester
1st. Grade Teacher

​Hi, my name is Madisen Lester. I am very excited for my second year at SVCS and first year in first grade! 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 dogs, Charlie and Levi. I am looking forward to teaching 1st grade this year!

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Mrs. Phillips
​3rd. Grade Teacher

My name is Mrs. Teresa Phillips and I am excited to be returning to SVCS for my 6th 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  hold a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies from Northern Illinois University, with multiple concentrations in Science, Math, Child Development and Language Arts,  as well as my California clear teaching credential. 
In my spare time I enjoy reading, creative writing, gardening, hiking and cycling among many other interests! 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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Ms. Church 
5th Grade Teacher

Hello SVCS families! My name is Zowee Church and I am so excited to teach 5th grade for the 2021-2022 school year! I graduated from California State University, Sacramento in May 2019 with a Bachelor's degree in Health Science and I just finished up the teaching credential program at CSUS about a month ago. I am currently working on my Master of Arts in Teaching degree and will graduate in Spring of 2021. I student taught in 3rd and 5th grade this past academic school year, and I also worked with a 4th grade class in an after school program during the 2018-2019 school year. 

 I grew up in Clovis, a small agricultural town in the Central Valley, but moved to Sacramento in 2014 for college. I have since grown to love Sacramento and the small, tight-knit communities that make up this city. I look forward to meeting all of the SVCS students and families and becoming part of this wonderful school community. One of my biggest goals for this upcoming school year is to create a classroom environment that is welcoming and engaging for all of my learners. In my free time I enjoy reading, spending time outdoors with my dogs, and traveling! I can't wait to meet everyone this fall. Stay safe and healthy.

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Ms. Tompkins
​ELD Teacher

Hello! My name is Anwyn Tompkins and this will be my first year with SVCS as an ELD teacher. Born and raised in Southern Arizona, I earned degrees in English Education and Psychology from Northern Arizona University in 2016 and have been teaching English since. I moved to California two years ago to pursue a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Policy at Sacramento State University, which I will be finishing this semester. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my loved ones, cooking, doing art or craft projects, reading, and traveling (in more normal times!).

I believe that language is our most powerful tool because it shapes the world around us. My passion is helping students find their voice using the very beautiful and complex language of English. I look forward to joining and working with such a small, tight-knit community school!

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Mr. Henderson
Middle School Social Studies Teacher

My name is Brian Henderson and this will be my fourth year teaching Middle School History at SVCS. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in History from the University of Portland and received my Teaching Credential from the California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly). In my class, I focus on teaching students how to use evidence and sources to analyze and defend claims about a specific topic. I also use instruction to help students learn about the amazing variety of cultures and traditions from around the world and how the histories of different civilizations from around the world have created the world we all live in today. My goal is for each student to leave class with a firm grasp of the targeted academic skills as well as an open and welcoming mindset that they can use to form successful relationships with the many people they will encounter later in their lives who will come from a variety of religious, ethnic, racial, cultural, and personal backgrounds. It’s a magical world, let’s go exploring!

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Mr. Nijjar 
​Punjabi Teacher Grade K-5

Hello , My name is Amarjit Nijjar,and I am very excited to join SVCS team again for the 2020-2021 school year! This will be my second year at Sacramento Valley Charter School as a world language Punjabi teacher. I have earned my Bachelor as well as Masters’ degree in Mathematics Honors from Punjab University Chandigarh, India. It was my life’s wonderful experience while staying in dorms for six years in such a profound University situated in the capital of Punjab. I worked and taught in the information and technology wing as a police officer for twenty years. I also worked with special education kids in Elk Grove Unified School District for five years. As a lifelong learner, I am pursuing my single subject credential in Punjabi from Alliant International University, San Diego.  

I played volleyball as a sport for fifteen years. I enjoy setting up the net in the park and playing it with my family and friends on occasions. I grew up playing traditional games and I enjoy teaching them to my kids and students. I enjoy gardening and planting vegetables in my backyard. 
I enjoy teaching and I am very blessed to have this opportunity in my life. I always loved teaching and tutoring kids and I am lucky to do this as a profession now. I look forward to building new great relationships with my upcoming students and staff this coming year. ​

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Ms. Wyatt
5th Grade Teacher

Hello SVCS families! My name is Miranda Wyatt and I am excited to be one of the 5th grade teachers for the 2020-21 school year. I hold a Preliminary Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential from Mills College in Oakland, CA. Prior to this, I earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations from Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts. During this time, I had the opportunity to study abroad at the University of Edinburgh and intern at Scottish Parliament. Following this I worked in finance for five years in Boston and then Northern California. 

After an excellent, rewarding experience volunteering as a literacy interventionist in a 4th grade classroom two years ago, I resolved to return to graduate school with the goal of becoming an elementary teacher. I have taught a 4/5 split class as well as a 1st grade class last school year in Berkeley and Oakland last school year. My goal this school year is to create a welcoming and engaging classroom community where students are encouraged to learn about the world around them. I will work hard to create meaningful lessons throughout the school year and prepare my students for middle school.

I now live in Davis, but I grew up in San Luis Obispo and attended a small, K-8 school with a tight knit community like SVCS. My hobbies include reading, swimming, and walking my dog, Pip.

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