School News
From David Wilce, Village School Principal
In our fall edition of the Village Voice I wrote about Universal Design for Learning (UDL). This educational framework is based on research in the science of learning and guides the development of flexible learning environments and opportunities that accommodate individual learning differences.
While UDL does ask that we consider the physical space, the classroom configuration, it also requires that teachers provide a choice of tools, materials and resources. Then they must work with students to help them…
more… Under the twinkling lights party goers wandered the enchanted forest, feasting on magical bites, drinking potions, and casting spells in hopes of winning prizes.
From Snow White, to forest elves, to horned deer people, the Village party goers arrived in fine fantastical form. There were class snack services, margarita and tea party invites, and a year’s supply of Ike’s sandwiches to be won. A marvelous time was had by all Villagers at the Enchanted Forest.
And in the end, at final tally, we raised over $20,000 to support our children’s education. Thank you to the Auction Team…
more… Our Village community is wonderfully diverse! Our families hail from all around the world, practice a variety of religions, and speak many different languages. We’ve compiled a fascinating glimpse into the lingual diversity of our student body. Prepare to be amazed!
Data does not reflect all of the languages spoken by students at Village. It was compiled by survey of raised hands in each classroom and teacher/parent input. Results may not be 100% accurate.
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more… By Amilia, Village School Parent
Our second graders are officially engineering geniuses — at least, that’s the conclusion perpetuated by my proud-mom-bias. Last month, in a culmination of their one-month STEAM study on structures, the Surfin’ Second Graders and Wise Watermelons presented their popsicle stick bridges for strength testing in front of the entire school and throngs of excited parents.
For those of you new to Village, our second grade curriculum consists of a unit on Structures. Although science and engineering is the focus, the unit…
more… By First Grade Teacher Talia
It was a typical morning. The kids were eating breakfast at a snail’s pace. “We have five minutes until we have to leave, and you still have to brush your teeth. Please finish eating!” I said to them as I walked out of the kitchen and down the hall to brush my own teeth. An all too familiar feeling of anxiety was beginning to creep in, and I silently told myself that today would be the day we get out the door without a fight. A few minutes later, Robby came into my bathroom.
“Mom, I have a ques-”
“Have you brushed your teeth yet?” I…
more… Spring 2018
Not the mission project you remember: Our 4th grade students were assigned a portion of the mission grounds to research. They built a 3 dimensional model and programed a Dash Robot to negotiate their model. Some groups were assigned the orchards, some the actual mission structure, some the gardens and so on. The Dash Robot then moved about the map on a student-programed route stopping at programed spots. The robot then delivered a student-created script describing the unique features of the location on the map. The individual maps were then combined to…
more… Village is unique in so many ways. Of course, our students learn traditional subjects like reading, writing and arithmetic, but where else (other than ‘The Farm’) can one train to be a spy or study the art of Jedi mind control? Learn more about two of our newest and most unique STEAM Centers to date, and beware the skills your budding secret agents and Jedi bring home!
Spies Among Us
By Amy, Spies Center Lead and Village Parent
Students in the brand-new Spies Center try their hand at investigative activities such as fingerprinting…
more… By Amilia, Village Parent
I like to consider myself a world traveller. I love to visit new places where the language, culture, food, geography and general way of doing things are different. But, despite a good deal of experience on the global scene, the second graders at Village have me beat on at least one intriguing measure. Although I have visited a fair number of countries, I have certainly never created my own.
Yes, you heard me correctly! Our second graders created their own countries, complete with constitutions, laws, national flags,…
more…
A Message from Superintendent
Dear CUSD Families:
As another school year closes, I want to thank you for being our partner in providing the highest quality educational programs possible for all of our students.
We made great strides in 2017-18, refining our focus on preparing students for the rigors, challenges and opportunities of their future. I look forward to working together on that important job in the coming school year.
For now, I thank you, and I hope you and your family will take the time to enjoy some well-deserved summer fun.
Sincerely,
Shelly…
A Message from Superintendent Shelly Viramontez, Ed.D.
We want students to begin to own their own learning, be empowered, and actively engage in their education. For that reason, we must give students a voice and hear directly from them about what they like, want and feel they need in their school experience.
To gather that input, we chose a Student Voice ThoughtExchange, an easy-to-use and interpret method with questions for our students in grades 3-8. Nearly all of them participated in the…
more…