Education

At the beginning of the school year, all children enter the classroom as “A” students. However, as homework is handed in and tests are handed out, that “A” can slowly erode.
Studies show students return to school in the fall having lost some of their reading and math skills. A typical student loses the equivalent of one month’s instruction over the course of summer break, particularly in areas of incremental learning like reading and mathematics.

Trinity Catlin has been a music student at Little School of Music since she was six years old. She is a serious music student with very ambitious goals. Her delightful personality and musical talents set her apart from the rest. This past May, Trinity received the Little School of Music “Student of the Year Award” among many other high honors in music.
Trinity is a well-rounded student and musician. She plays trumpet, piano, guitar, sings, and is a member of the Little School of Music Jam Band and the SCVYO.

In May 2014, SCCS Alumni Ethan and Mary Frank graduated Summa Cum Laude from Biola University; Ethan with a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences and Mary with a Bachelor’s degree in Math. 
Ethan and Mary met at SCCS in their junior year.  After dating for over a year they got engaged and were married in December 2010, while attending Biola.

One has to have empathy for the public schools these days. They are expected to do everything: prepare students for college or vocational technical jobs, enable both brighter and slower students to excel at their respective levels, inculcate the “right” values, teach proper sexual behavior, teach students to think critically, raise the self-esteem of students, discipline children, prevent them from turning to drugs, alcohol, or suicide, teach a wide-ranging curriculum, create racial, sexual, and gender understanding and harmony, win ball games, and do it all in a manner that is pleasing to the students so they will not be bored or discouraged.

Hart School District superintendent, Rob Challinor, announced his retirement effective February 1, 2015. Challinor has served as superintendent in the Hart District for the past five years and the previous four years as superintendent in the Muroc District. He has served in numerous education positions including teacher, assistant principal, junior high principal, high school principal, as well as assistant superintendent during a career that has spanned five decades.

As September approaches and another school year is upon us yet again, things tend to get very busy here at the Academy. We sign up more students during the months of August and September than any other time of year. The one thing I hear from parents, especially of our newer students, is that they can’t or don’t know how to get their kids to practice at home. 

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.

READ WITH ME! is a program that began in fall of 2008. The SCV Education Foundation matches volunteers with public schools who then assign them to teachers.  These wonderful literacy friends work with students one on one or in small groups to assist with improving reading skills such as word accuracy, fluency, and reading comprehension.

Welcome! Come join the hundreds of parents who are enjoying their children’s school experience.  Our parent groups tell us that our parents spends thousands of hours volunteering in classrooms, supporting parent activities and encouraging their children and their children’s friends to achieve academic and personal success. Oh, and along the way, they have a lot of fun, too.

All too often we do not stop to take the time to notice the beauty of time and spaces around us.  Our lives are so frenetic; running from one demand to another for work, community activities, spiritual and religious pursuits - and that is not even taking into account caring for our homes and families. 

Today one of the main goals of high school is preparing students for college.  High school classes and activities play a role in shaping students as both a person and a college applicant.  Regardless of the type of post-high school academic institution chosen, basic requirements must be fulfilled in order to progress to a given level of education. If students want to gain admission to highly selective colleges or have a shot at winning scholarships they will need to accomplish even more.

Get those backpacks ready and pack up those lunches, August is here! With school just around the corner, we asked our readers to send in their stories about why they love their teachers. We received so many wonderful submissions about amazing teachers, so here are a few of our favorites.

With over 20 instructors, seven private studios, a dance studio, and a multi-purpose theatre; VIBE offers something for the entire family. From singing, acting, instruments, and dance, it’s easy to bring performing arts into any household with affordable group classes starting as low as $12. Families can make VIBE a ‘one-stop’ place and even work to schedule classes and private lessons for everyone in one or two days.

On May 28, 2014, the world lost an inspiring voice known for her commitment to civil rights and respected and celebrated as a poet and author.  She was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Presidential Medal of Arts, and three Grammy Awards. Her degrees and accolades are countless.  What inspired the world are her words of truth and overcoming injustice.  She had the “unshakable faith and values of traditional African-American family, community, and culture.”

Preschoolers all want power!  As parents we occasionally struggle with giving our children the appropriate amounts of power.  As a parent of three boys, I understand firsthand how children crave to be in charge.  I like to refer to those times as “choose your battles” and trust me I do!

High School students entering 11th and 12th grade in the fall are invited to attend the Hart School District’s 4th Annual College & Career Fair on Wednesday, September 17, from 6:30 p.m. until 9 p.m., at the Hyatt Regency Valencia. More than 100 colleges and universities from across the country, career technical schools and apprenticeship programs will be available in an exhibit-style format to answer questions about admissions, campus life and financial aid.

When almost anyone picks up a musical instrument for the first time they usually experience feelings of excitement, wonder and anticipation of what’s to come next. This is usually followed by the sobering reality that what’s to come next largely depends on you. In other words, instruments don’t play themselves; it’s the practice that you put into your chosen instrument that largely determines if you will become the next Mozart or the next Milli Vanilli.

Taking your children out on an excursion where everyone has fun can feel like a major accomplishment for any parent. If you have a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), a successful outing may be even more of a challenge, but just as much of a necessity. Regardless of a child’s level of ability, participating in community outings is a skill that will ultimately enhance their quality of life. The following is a list of tools that can empower you to tackle any outing: