December 4, 2022
In EUSD, every student is an aspiring energy policy analyst, thanks to lessons that ask students to consider real-world issues such as green technology. In 4th Grade, students are working on an English language arts unit called “Technology for a Green Future.” The unit calls on students to read and analyze informational texts, share ideas, and write an opinion piece, all centered around the essential question, “How do we make decisions about developing new technology?”
On a recent morning in Kelly Mussatti’s 4th grade class at Rose Elementary, students were engrossed in their assignment: to examine the pros and cons of solar energy vs. natural gas energy. The discussion was incredibly lively, as the students exchanged their thoughts and raised points about what works and what does not, the advantages and disadvantages. They asked questions about cost, pollution, geographic location, and the time to build the infrastructure needed to support each system. For example, they got deep and specific when discussing Alaska and how solar energy wasn’t necessarily viable in a state with months of darkness in winter.
This is just one example of the incredible engagement that takes place every day in our classrooms, blending subjects and making them relevant to our world!
Here are this week’s updates and reminders.
Family engagement: The next session in the EUSD Family and Community Engagement Virtual Learning Series is Wednesday, December 7. The topic for this workshop is “Encouraging Youth Mental Wellness.” The workshop will be delivered live via Zoom in Spanish at 5 p.m.; the meeting ID is 880 2409 4772 and the passcode is familias. The session will be delivered live via Zoom in English at 6:30 p.m.; the meeting ID is 865 4096 7002 and the passcode is families. No registration is required.
Meet our specialty schools: Quantum Academy is an EUSD school of choice for grades 4 through 8. Quantum is a project-based learning STEAM school focusing on student choice. Students live by Quantum’s five core values: lead with empathy, ask questions and seek answers, create, impact the community, and perseverance. The school’s vision is to inspire confident leaders who impact the community through empathy, creativity, and innovation. Every Quantum student has a personalized learning plan, with goals outlined for math, English language arts, and social-emotional learning. Embedded enrichment opportunities include Explore and Elements electives and Genius Hour. Enrichment options this year have included game design, competitive sports, watercolors, Lego Mindstorm programming, to name just a few. Families interested in Quantum Academy for their child must submit a School Choice application by January 31. Visit the Quantum Academy website for information on informational meetings and tours. The next session is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Monday, December 11, at 420 North Falconer Road.
School choice: The School Choice application window for the 2023-2024 school year is open now through Tuesday, January 31. School Choice is an opportunity for families to apply for an intradistrict transfer for their child to attend a school other than their neighborhood school of residence, including one of our specialty schools: Quantum Academy; Limitless Learning Academy; Del Dios Academy of Arts and Sciences; Conway Elementary; and Dual Language Immersion at Farr, Glen View, Lincoln, and Pioneer. Explore all of our schools online. Visit our website for School Choice details and application links.
– Luis Rankins-Ibarra, Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools