Governing Board | Learning can Continue over Summer Months

We are fast approaching the end of another school year. Students are graduating, families are making plans for summer fun, and staff are preparing for next year. I remember well what it was like for me as a teacher and a parent during this time. All year long, as I taught, I'd make note of new or interesting lessons to incorporate into my summer school enrichment classes. I taught a class based on a fantasy book that was a favorite of students at the time. Working in the enrichment program was just as fun for me as it was for my students.

While it is very important to get a break from the day-to-day rigor of the school environment, it is also important to do what we can to keep lessons learned from fading away over break. 

To help parents make best use of the summer break the district offers many learning opportunities. The Summer Enrichment program, Have a Monumental Summer, will be at five elementary sites including Grayhawk, Desert Cove, North Ranch, Fireside, and Wildfire. Students from around the district can attend any one of these from June 1 to June 25. Class options include choices such as Art Lab, STEAM Builders, Survivor Science, Sports Academies, Master Builders, Science Fusion, Kindergarten Jumpstart, Game Lab, Junior Chefs, and many more. You do not have to attend the host school to participate in these classes.

This year Camp Mascot will be visiting The Enchanted Forest. Campers will enjoy special events on Wednesdays that include: a glow party, talent shows, tie dye, carnivals, and a camp favorite; The Critter Bus. There will be special spirit dress up days as well.

Camp Mascot also includes the Junior Rangers program which allows our older campers to teach and support our youngest campers.

New this year is the Little Explorer program for infants through three year olds. Junior Rangers will read fairy tales, do magical craft projects and slay dragons in active games with our young learners.

STEM Academy held at PVHS in the CREST Building takes place from May 27 to June 4. Students learn to think like engineers and solve real-life problems.

In July participants can take classes at Desert Trails Elementary including Athletes in Training, Sticky Fingers Cooking (my favorite, yum!), Dino Design, and Engineering, Animation, and more.

Paradise Valley High School is the host of this year's high school summer school. Classes are available for incoming 9th grade students as well as all other current high school students. Students can take classes to get ahead or retake a class that may have proven more difficult. Seniors have the opportunity to finish their academic requirements and graduate during the summer.

High school summer school also includes PVOnline Summer School which offers .5 credit courses for any currently enrolled high school student. It is a three week-long program with one week of finals. Classes run from June 1 thru June 25.

North Canyon has Credit Recovery Classes for current 10th -12th grade students June 1 to June 26.

Greenway Middle School offers Project-Based learning that includes sports, forensics, art, STEAM, theater and more. These classes are for students who will be attending Greenway Middle School the Fall of 2026. There will be an onsite field trip with Inspirato Education. June 1 to June 25.

Palomino Intermediate school will have Project-Based learning for 3rd, 4th and 5th grade Palomino and Larkspur students. This program will have several field trips including one to a Diamondback game (Go D-backs!). June 1 to June 25.

Palomino Primary's program focuses on reading skills and STEM for K-3rd grade students. They will have an on-site field trip with the Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary. June 1- June 25.

At Echo Mountain they have courses for students K-5 who attend Campo Bello, Echo Mountain (Primary and Intermediate), Cactus View and Eagle Ridge. Younger students will focus on reading skills and STEM while the 4th and 5th grade students engage in project-based learning activities in the areas of cooking, math, ELA, art and sports. The younger students will have an on-site field trip including activities from Peru with the Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary and the 4th and 5th graders will participate in on-site activities from Peru with Inspirato Education, June 1 to June 5.

Last but not least, is the After the Bell program. This 21st Century Grant offers specialized classes at five sites. 

Whether your students choose one or more of these opportunities, I hope your summer break is a safe and fulfilling one!