Education
The Traditional Academy at Bellair Accelerates Learning, Even During Challenging Pandemic Year
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hile many schools across the state and country remain concerned about kids falling behind during the pandemic, one Deer Valley school is doing so well that its students have moved up to the next grade level.
This traditional school located near the Glendale/Phoenix border at 51st Avenue and Union Hills has a unique curriculum that allows teachers to accelerate instruction. Students, who were ready, started one year ahead of their current grade level in January.
“Even with all of the challenges of opening a new school during a pandemic, The Traditional Academy of Bellair students are thriving,” says Principal Vivian Hunt.
Kindergarten, first, second, and third grade teachers were able to accelerate the entire class to the next grade level curriculum in math by fourth quarter. Many of the fourth, fifth, and sixth grade students have accelerated beyond their grade level as well. “The growth has been phenomenal, and our students are so proud of themselves,” says Hunt. First grade teacher Jane Oura credits students and their families with the high academic achievement this year. “My students are motivated and active participants in their learning and have the full and active support of their families,” says Oura.
DVUSD Provides Curbside Meals Through June
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his summer, Deer Valley Unified School District (DVUSD) will provide free curbside meals to local children through July 1. SOME HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PROGRAM INCLUDE: • Meal pick up is Tuesday and Thursday only. On Tuesdays, children can pick up breakfast and lunch for two days. On Thursday, children can pick up breakfast and lunch for three days. • Children do not need to be present when picking up the meals. • DVUSD staff ask that families stay in their car and meals will be placed in vehicle trunk, cargo space or empty passenger seat. • Curbside meals may require additional heating. 10 • June/July 2021 • DEER VALLEY TIMES
• The district may change and/or add locations or hours depending on demand. DISTRIBUTION LOCATIONS INCLUDE: • Arrowhead Elementary, 7490 W. Union Hills, 9-11:30 a.m. • Barry Goldwater High School, 2820 W. Rose Garden Lane, 9-11:30 a.m. • Constitution Elementary, 18440 N. 15th Avenue, 9-11:30 a.m. MEALS WILL ALSO BE DISTRIBUTED AT TWO DVUSD BUS STOPS: • 24th Avenue and Lone Cactus, 9-9:30 a.m. • 27th Avenue and Adobe Drive, 9:4510:15 a.m. Monitor dvusd.org/food for hour or location changes.
Parents agree that students at this school are eager to learn and get ahead. One mom says her children definitely needed the challenge and acceleration that The Traditional Academy at Bellair offers.
Speaking about future opportunities, Principal Hunt says that students who are excelling by learning above their grade level will have many doors open for them.
“My children come home happy to report when they have excelled in a certain area, improved and grown in another, challenged some of their peers in friendly competitions, and have been recognized for their accomplishments. They have a new level of pride in their school work,” says parent Troi Armendariz.
“Down the road, this will give them a head start to the high schools and colleges of their choice. Their hard work now will pay off in dividends as they move through life with confidence and a mindset of success,” says Hunt.
In addition to strong parent involvement, the daily classroom routine at The Traditional Academy of Bellair includes small group and individualized instruction in targeted skill areas that need more support. “The best part of teaching here is the warm, inviting, and supportive environment. Plus, a rigorous curriculum helps develop critical thinking skills necessary for success now and in the future,” says Oura.
“We feel so fortunate that our children were able to be part of The Traditional Academy this past year,” says Armendariz. Despite a year full of surprises, this new school has been able to create a culture where students are motivated to learn. “The biggest surprise has really been watching how quickly new students have been able to acclimate to the new curriculum and grow by leaps and bounds in their new environment,” says Hunt.
Get Ready for Kindergarten and Beyond by Joining the DVUSD Big Kid Book Club
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f you’re a parent or caregiver for a child between the ages of 3 and 5, the Deer Valley Unified School District (DVUSD) invites your child to join the Big Kid Book Club. “Let us help your child cultivate a love for reading and get ready for kindergarten,” according to DVUSD. HOW DOES IT WORK? DVUSD will periodically send your child a free book in the mail along with helpful advice for parents of 3-5 year olds. You do not need to live within the Deer Valley Unified School District to participate. All children between the ages of 3 and 5, who are not yet attending kindergarten, are eligible to join the Big Kid Book Club. To enroll, visit dvusd.org/bookclub.
MORE READING RESOURCES
One local resource for busy families is the Read On Arizona website at readonarizona.org. On the website, you can use the “Find a Book” tool to find books that meet your child’s interest and reading level; use a reading log to track time spent reading; and find other helpful educational resources. Another resource for families includes Read Across America’s Kids Summer Reading List website at readacrossamerica.org/kids-summerreading-list. Here, families can find an array of reading resources, book recommendations, and parenting tips. Some ideas include joining the Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge, where you receive digital rewards, or the Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program, where young readers can earn a free book. myhyperlocalnews.com
