Welcome to the 2015-16 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 everyday was a chance to learn and grow in that community.
Today, in the Sulphur Springs Union 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 research-based instructional practices to provide our students an education focused on critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, and communication to help prepare them for the 21st Century.
Every classroom in the Sulphur Springs Union 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. 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 Union School District continues to innovate instruction. This year we will continue an After School Coding Club for fifth and sixth graders who will have the opportunity to learn computer programming, design an animated video or game and experience robotics. Several school sites will offer all students the opportunities to learn about coding during the school day. The district also offers fifth and sixth grade STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) learning experiences 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 annual STEAM Expo in April where students will display this exciting work!
All Sulphur Springs Union District schools have been recognized as California Distinguished Schools. Each of the schools also celebrates student learning with school spirit assemblies, Estrella Awards, Accelerated Reader Celebrations, and student learning recognitions. Our small class sizes in TK, kindergarten and first grade allows the youngest of students to get a strong foundation in basic skills before moving into upper grade classes. Student success is a priority in the Sulphur Springs Union School District.
Finally, the Sulphur Springs Union School District believes that 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 elementary 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!