Dr. Amrik Singh 
​Principal

My name is Dr. Amrik Singh, principal for the 2022-2023 school year. It is my 12th year at Sacramento Valley Charter school. 
I came to SVCS in 2011 with 20 years of teaching experience both at primary school and the college level. I started my career in Elk Grove Unified School District in 2006. I earned my Teaching Credential and Administrative Services Credential from National University of San Diego.  In the same year, I was offered an Adjunct Professor position at Sacramento State University which afforded me the opportunity to work with college students that I continue to enjoy after all these years. I became excited to bring in my two decades of experience as a professor of English language and Linguistics in colleges of Panjab University Chandigarh (India).  
I earned a Masters 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 Masters in Special Education from National University, California.
As your principal, I am committed to creating 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 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. Mathis
1st. Grade Teacher

Hello SVCS families! My name is Rebecca Mathis and I am excited to be teaching first grade this school year! I received my BA in liberal studies from California State University, East Bay in 2018 and recently completed my M.Ed in elementary education at Grand Canyon University. Last school year, I student taught in a first grade classroom and fell in love with teaching. 
 I grew up in Woodland and lived in the Bay Area while I attended CSU East Bay. I moved back home to Woodland after completing my BA and was the lead teacher for an after school program while I completed my M.Ed. I enjoy working with children and serving my community. In my free time I love to read and spend quality time with my loved ones. I am looking forward to building relationships with students and families as I become a part of the SVCS community! 
 

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Mrs. Cheema
2nd. Grade Teacher

My name is Preet Cheema. It has been a wonderful journey teaching at Sacramento Valley Charter School. I teach Second grade and this is my eighth year here.
I bring along 23 years of teaching experience ranging from (k-8). I hold a clear California Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential and have completed The English Learner (EL) Authorization and Cross Cultural, Language, and Academic Development (CLAD) Certificate from Alliant International University, San Diego.
 I have earned my Bachelor's degree from Punjab University Chandigarh, and have completed my B.Ed with emphasis on the teaching of Language Arts and Social studies. I have also completed a diploma in Early Childhood Care. I have had an opportunity to study abroad in the United Kingdom which was an enriching experience overall. I have taught at Delhi Public School and Mayor World School for a period of about 14 years in India. I taught in Roseville for a year before becoming a team member at SVCS 8 years ago.  I am dedicated to promoting academic performance along with fostering creative, social, and character development skills in my students. In my free time, I enjoy reading books, catching up with friends, painting, watching movies and traveling with my family. Thank you for entrusting your child in my care and allowing me to be a part of their journey here at SVCS.

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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 8th 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 everyone! My name is Zowee Church and I am so excited to be returning for my
third year at SVCS. I graduated from CSU Sacramento with my bachelor’s degree in Health
Science, multiple subject credential, and my Master of Arts in Teaching. My thesis was centered
around growth mindset and goal setting and both concepts are an important part of my teaching
philosophy. I taught 4th grade during my first year at SVCS and 5th grade during my second
year. I am looking forward to teaching 5th grade again!
In my free time I enjoy reading, traveling with my husband, snuggling with our dogs, and eating delicious food! I look forward to meeting all of the new 5th grade students and making memories this school year.

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Mrs. Nijjar
​Punjabi Teacher (Elementary) K-4th

My name is Sarbjeet Kaur Nijjar and this is my ninth 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 hold clear credentials in World language Punjabi. I have completed the
English Learner (EL) Authorization and Cross-cultural, Language, and Academic Development (CLAD) Certificate from Alliant International University, San Diego. Throughout my eight 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 concluded 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 25 years of teaching experience. Before joining SVCS, I taught multiple subjects for 16 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 working as a Computer Engineer at Intel and my daughter is working at Caltrans as a Civil Engineer. I am looking forward to having a wonderful time with my dazzling stars from kindergarten to 4th grade!

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Dr. Boudreau
​Middle School Science Teacher

I am looking forward to starting my fourth year at SVCS. My teaching style is facilitative, and I enjoy using technology to address the needs and interests of all learners. I am currently finishing my master’s degree in education. As part of my master’s thesis, I am conducting research on the use of technology and gamification to improve student engagement and learning outcomes in the science classroom.  
STEM education has become a passion of mine. With a previous career in medicine, it is especially rewarding when I can relate the concepts my students are learning in class to real-life experiences I have had in the operating room, in the clinic, and in the laboratory.
When I’m not teaching, I’m hanging out with my kid, our two dogs, and our two cats. 
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Mr. Sidhu
​Technology Coordinator 

Greetings! My name is Josiah Sidhu. It is a great pleasure of mine to be of service to all of the SVCS community as your technology coordinator for the 2022-2023 school year. This will be my fourth year here at SVCS and I look forward to working with familiar faces and new faces alike. I am only ever an email away even when I’m not on campus, and I’m happy to help at any time.​

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 Gurpreet Kaur
Principal Admin Secretary 
​

​Hello SVCS community! My name is Gurpreet Kaur and I am pleased to be the  admin secretary here at Sacramento Valley Charter School.  I am devoted to making sure all students, parents, and staff are content, informed, and safe. Given the opportunity, I am super excited to work with the students and parents! I graduated with a Bachelors of Science from John Jay College of Criminal Justice and I am originally from New York. I am fairly new to California so I have a lot to explore. Outside of the office, I look forward to enjoying my time focusing on my jewelry business, spending time with my husband and finding different activities to do in California over the weekend! 

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Ms. Rennie
School Psychologist

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Hello, my name is Heather Rennie and I am excited to serve as your school psychologist this year! I worked as a school psychologist in the Bay Area for four years, before my husband and I moved to Sacramento. This past year, I took some time to stay at home with our now 19-month-old daughter. Before that, I graduated with a BA in psychology from Providence College then went onto graduate school at Northeastern University, where I received a Master's in school psychology. I also worked as an aide for students with autism for a few years. In my spare time, I enjoy running (especially marathons!) and coach a few adult athletes as well. I also like baking and experimenting with gluten/dairy free recipes. I'm looking forward to returning to the school setting this year! 
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Ms. Whiting
​Kindergarten Teacher

​Hello to the SVCS community! My name is Genora Whiting but you might know me around campus as Nora. I am very honored to join your incredible staff. I have always enjoyed working with younger students and I am very excited to get to know every scholar at SVCS!  I graduated from California State University, Sacramento with a Bachelor's Degree in American Sign Language and Deaf Studies. I currently live in Natomas with my boyfriend and cat (Wednesday). In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family and taking the time to get outdoors to recharge my social battery. I also like to paint, read, and take drives to the ocean. I look forward to a great school year!

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Mrs. Kang
Kindergarten Teacher

Hello SVCS families.
My name is Sandip Kang. 2022-2023 school year will be my ninth year as the Kindergarten Teacher at SVCS.  I completed my Bachelors 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 college this year. My son is in eighth grade.  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.  I have enjoyed getting to know my students and their families over the last eight years. I’m really looked forward to meeting my students in person and getting to know them this year.

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Ms. Ramos
1st. Grade Teacher

​Hi! My name is Carra Ramos and I am so excited for the 2022-2023 school year! This will be my second year teaching first grade at SVCS. I received my bachelors degree in Liberal Studies from Sacramento State University in 2020. I also received my Masters of Education from Alder Graduate School of Education in 2021. During my free time I love soccer, yoga, and spending time with my boyfriend and family. ​

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Ms. Reis
2nd Grade Teacher 

Hi! My name is Melanie Reis. I am so happy to be teaching 2nd grade this year. I have worked as a preschool teacher for 15 yrs before moving up to an Elementary level teacher. I went to Brandman University and received a BA in Liberal Arts and an MA in Educational Leadership. I was a 5th grade teacher, 6th grade and 3rd grade teacher before joining SVCS .
Education was always important to my family and I am glad to impart this love of learning to my students. I received my AS degree when I was 18yrs old because my parents had a respect for learning  and encouraged my sisters and me to do our best. They also expected us to volunteer in our community while being focused on our studies. This has also led me as an adult to give back to my community. When I am not teaching, I am a foster parent to over 30 children over the years. I believe every child is capable of learning and needs positive support to fully meet their potential. 

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Mr. Steele
4th Grade Teacher
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My name is Chris Steele and I am excited to teach fourth grade at Sacramento Valley Charter School for the 2022-2023 school year! Being a father of a young child, I understand the importance of good care, quality education, compassionate discipline, as well as stability and structure for a growing child. I bring to the school, a Bachelor’s of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of California, Santa Cruz, as well as a deep insight into education, mathematics, and the English language. Currently I am in the process of enrolling in a teaching credential program that partners with SVCS in order to produce top quality educators. I want to thank your family from my own family as we come together at this fine institution to bring forth a bright future for the generations to come.

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Mr. Nijjar 
​Punjabi Teacher Grade K-5th

Hello, My name is Amarjit Nijjar, and I am very excited to join SVCS team again for the 2022-2023 school year! This will be my fourth year at SVCS as a world language Punjabi teacher. I have earned my bachelors and 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 have earned my teaching credentials in Punjabi from Alliant International University, San Diego.

I played volleyball as a sport for six 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 also 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. I look forward to building new great relationships with my upcoming students and staff this upcoming year.​

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  Mrs. Huff
  Middle School English Teacher
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My name is Ginny Huff, and I am excited to begin my 8th 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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Mrs. Duhra
​Middle School Math Teacher

Hello! My name is Apparjit Kaur Duhra. This will be my Seventh-year teaching middle school math at Sacramento Valley Charter School. Math has always been my passion. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from California State University of Northridge and 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 daughters’ school where I realized how much I enjoyed working with children. This experience taught me how important it is to give quality time to our children for their success in the future.
I then went on to earn my teaching credentials in Mathematics from the National University. Outside of teaching, I enjoy spending time with my family, listening to music and participating in cultural and outdoor activities.​

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Mrs. Sekhon
​Punjabi Teacher Grade 6th-8th

 Hello! My name is Manjit Kaur Sekhon and I am so excited to start my 5th semester ( 2022-23) as an SVCS Middle Punjabi teacher.It has always been my favorite career. I always feel that I am going to school as a student to learn not to teach. 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 West Sacramento as an adjunct professor is another asset to innovative 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. Looking forward to meeting with my scholars shortly. 

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