Welcome to the 2014-15 school year! When many of us think about elementary school, we remember fondly the days of chalkboards, overhead projectors, and dittos. We remember the times teachers helped us, nurtured us, and challenged us to be our best. School was our community as a child, and every day was a chance to learn and grow in that community. Today, in the Sulphur Springs School District, all nine of our elementary schools continue that tradition of community as our teachers work hand in hand with parents to meet the needs of each individual child.
The only difference is that today, we are utilizing cutting- edge technology and instructional practices to provide our students an education focused on critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, and communication.
Every classroom in the Sulphur Springs School District is equipped with SMART Boards, Document Cameras, and all classes are working toward a 1:3 or greater ratio of iPads to students (70% have achieved this). With these digital tools, students are able to collaborate on projects, create and communicate a digital representation of their thoughts and ideas, and share their critical thinking through movies, podcasts, animations, and song.
In addition to providing students a safe and clean learning environment, the Sulphur Springs School District continues to innovate instruction. This year we will be adding an After School Coding Club where fifth graders will have the opportunity to learn computer programming and design an animated video or game. The district is also piloting sixth grade STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) labs in our schools where students will work through real life engineering and design issues by utilizing technology, art, and math to achieve project goals. All sites have fully equipped science and computer labs as well. Watch for the upcoming Student Media Festival where students will display this exciting work!
All Sulphur Springs District schools have been recognized as California Distinguished Schools. Each of the schools also celebrate student learning with school spirit assemblies, Estrella Awards, Accelerated Reader Celebrations, and student learning recognitions. Our small class sizes (22 in a class) in TK, kindergarten and first grade allows the youngest of students to get a strong foundation in basic skills before moving into classes of 28 and 30 students in the upper grades. Student success is a priority in the Sulphur Springs School District.
Finally, the Sulphur Springs School District believes the visual and performing arts are vital to the development and enrichment of our students. Our schools provide an Arts and Music rotation during the school day. After School Band and Chorus give students a chance to express their creative talents, and our Young Authors Program highlights the imaginative minds as students write and illustrate their own books.
At the heart of all of these wonderful initiatives at our nine schools is the community. The community of students, parents, neighbors, support staff, teachers, and administrators that provide each student the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.
Check us out at www.sssd.k12.ca.us.