9 minute read
Education
CCUSD Returns with Excellence
By Debbi C. Burdick, Ed.D., Superintendent of the Cave Creek Unified School District
After a summer of meetings and discussions with parents, staff, and experts, CCUSD had its academic plans for Returning with Excellence as well as its Logistics Plan for mitigating the spread of the virus, approved by the Governing Board in July. While it felt like the COVID-19 information from the experts was changing day to day, CCUSD tried to be thoughtful and nimble, adapting as verifiable information became available.
The District convened three groups in the spring and summer to help make decisions to guide learning and safety. The Return to School Team studied the plans suggested by the Arizona Department of Education to determine the overall structure of the academic plans. This team was comprised of parents, staff and administration. Once they made recommendations, staff worked on the details for the academic plans. The Logistics Committee consisted of CCUSD staff that would be critical in maintaining safety. This committee included the District nursing staff. The Social Emotional Well-being Committee was staffed with parents and experts in the social emotional professions—both internal and external—to design a plan to support the wellness of students and staff. All members of these committees met countless hours to make sure they were researching and designing viable learning and safety protocols for the District. We cannot thank them enough for their time, expertise and efforts.
The final academic plans for CCUSD began on August 5, our official first day of school. For K-8 students, the choices were Option I: Distance Learning to begin the school year that transitions to in-person learning when the Arizona Department of Health Services’ metrics are met; and, Option II: the Academy of Excellence—a full-time online school for the entire school year. For Cactus Shadows High School, there were three choices— Option IIIA: Distance Learning to begin the school year that transitions to in-person learning; Option IIIB: Falcon e-Campus—a full time online school for the entire school year; and, Option IIIC: Falcon Specialty e-Campus—these students will not attend school in person with some of their classes accessible online through webcams. Currently, District-wide, we have almost 4,800 students signed up for Distance Learning to in-person classes and over 600 students signed up to stay online throughout the school year.
In addition, in the last two Executive Orders, school districts were asked to provide Onsite Learning for students in special categories, including students of first responders and those requiring special services, until school reopens for in-person learning. Onsite Learning is not an academic option like the school plans but more like a study hall where students have a safe place to be during the school hours while they access their classes online. The onsite learning is supervised by the CCUSD Education and Community Services Department as well as paraprofessionals and other staff, not our teachers since they are teaching their classes.
CCUSD cannot wait until school returns to “normal,” but until that time, we will continue to provide an excelling education, which is our hallmark.
Desert Foothills Theater presents
Show Dates: Sept. 18 - 27 Fri. & Sat. at 7:00 pm, Sun. at 2:00 pm
Tickets:
General Admission $15
NEW COVID-FRIENDLY PERFORMANCE VENUE!
THE HOLLAND CENTER 34250 N. 60th St., Bldg. B, Scottsdale 85266
TICKETS: DFTheater.org (480) 488-1981
JOIN CCUSD AND Learn with us!
Desert Willow Elementary School SPANISH IMMERSION INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL SPANISH PRE-K-6
Black Mountain Elementary School
PERFORMING ARTS
SPANISH K-6 Horseshoe Trails
Join our CCUSD community as we INSPIRE EXCELLENCE at our five Elementary School CHINESE IMMERSION
A+ elementary schools – each with HORSEMANSHIP its own signature curriculum – plus Preschool at each location. Desert Sun Academy CHINESE PRE-K-6
is inspiring excellence in young minds. CONTACT US TODAY TO LEARN MORE! STEAM SPANISH PRE-K-6 Lone Mountain Elementary School
STEM PROGRAM CHINESE PRE-K-6
480.575.2000 www.CCUSD93.org
Cover Story
Make a Splash!
By Michelle Talsma Everson
When you talk to Sherry Scott about her new venture, Goldfish Swim School – North Scottsdale, you can hear the excitement in her voice. The state-of-the-art swimming facility dedicated to teaching children as young as four months to swim just opened its doors at the Scottsdale 101 Shopping Center (7000 E. Mayo Boulevard). The school is the first Arizonabased franchise of the popular national chain and Scott, its owner and general manager, is excited to bring the concept to the Valley.
“Instilling confidence in children is such a rewarding experience and we are grateful to have the opportunity to bring such an incredible and necessary business like Goldfish Swim School to the Scottsdale community,” Scott says. “Swimming is a lifesaving skill every child deserves to have access to and Goldfish Swim School has found a way to make it fun and memorable for children.”
At Goldfish, children ages four months to 12 years old sign up for weekly swim lessons. These lessons take place in an indoor, 90-degree pool, that is 70- by 25-feet and holds 8,700 square feet of water. Lessons are provided six days a week, including evenings and weekends, and are ongoing throughout the year—meaning you don’t need to worry about your child having to re-learn how to swim every summer.
“Each school offers swim lessons and programs using a proprietary philosophy, The Science of SwimPlay, to build life skills both in and out of the water using play-based learning in a fun and safe environment,” according to Goldfish Swim Schools. “Each school’s number one focus and main priority is always the same – educating children on water safety while teaching them how to swim and respect the water.”
Scott shares that Goldfish Swim School operates with busy families in mind. For example, she explains, parents and caregivers can download an app and, if they cannot make a class, they can easily let Goldfish know with the click of a button. The
school also allows multiple make up classes, doing its best to accommodate its customers.
Another benefit of Goldfish Swim School to parents of little ones are its “Mommy and Me” style classes where caregivers can get in the water with their littlest swimmers. Scott shares that one unique perk is that, if a young swimmer is able to safely be in the water without a caregiver, then mom and dad don’t need to get in.
In addition to highly qualified swim instructors, all of whom are background checked, the pool has a lifeguard on duty at all times whose sole job it is to watch the water. “Added to the lifeguard, every 30 days, our team does an in-service training to learn how to handle different water emergencies,” Scott says.
With COVID-19 at the top of everyone’s minds, Scott assures that Goldfish Swim School – North Scottsdale is taking all of the precautions necessary. She notes that all swim instructors have face shields, all swim lanes are spaced properly apart, and only one parent or caregiver is allowed in per student. Of course, all high touch surfaces are sanitized multiple times per day.
Scott’s journey to owning and managing a Goldfish Swim School location here in the Valley began in 2018. Entrepreneurship is nothing new to the long-time Scottsdale resident as she and her husband own Cute Smiles 4 Kids & Orthodontics, with 17 doctors and four locations in Arizona and Texas.
“I’ve helped grow our dental practices from the ground up, so I am passionate about the health of children and the communities we do business in,” she says. “Goldfish Swim School is my ‘baby’ though and I am so excited to be a part of the franchise.”
Scott shares that she is passionate about the brand because “Goldfish is so much more than just a swim school.” She says the bright colors, friendly atmosphere, and details—even down to the changing rooms—are geared toward their young swimmers.
The school perhaps puts it best: “You feel it the moment you walk in. Something different. It’s more than vibrant colors chosen to inspire kids. More than a curriculum crafted to not only teach kids to swim but also to build their character through guided play. More than a shiverfree pool heated to 90 degrees. There’s something more. Something unexpected. Something beyond typical. It’s passion. Not just a passion for kids or a passion for swimming; it’s a special passion for changing – even saving – lives by teaching kids to swim and be safer in and around the water.”
Goldfish Swim School plans for the North Scottsdale location to be the first of many Arizona-based franchise locales. With 100 locations open and operating across North America and an additional 129 in development, Goldfish Swim School is continuing its rapid franchise development with eyes on Arizona, according to the company.
“The positive business climate and community-focused neighborhoods directly align with the supportive atmosphere of our schools – making the region an ideal expansion market for Goldfish Swim School,” says Dan Israel, vice president of franchising at Goldfish Swim School. In addition to its swim classes, Goldfish also offers special events like birthday parties. “Members and their party will be able to have the entire pool to themselves, with plenty of room to space out and swim safely,” she explains.
As the space grows, it will offer accelerated Jump Start Clinics and Goldfish Swim Force Team, catered to swimmers who have completed the Goldfish Pro Level.
Since Goldfish Swim School – North Scottsdale is new to the area, Scott says she is offering several new member specials. For example, for those who pay a year in advance for a Charter Membership, they will receive credit for a free party and their child’s handprint on the wall. Those who pre-pay six months in advance for the Golden Membership will receive 50 percent off of a party.
Scott invites curious families to come in and take a look around the facility. They will also host community open houses; locals can find the event dates and times on Goldfish Swim School – North Scottsdale’s Facebook page @ goldfishnorthscottsdale.
PHOTO BY FLYING ROBOT @FRAERIALS
“I’m so passionate about this brand and all it represents and brings to the community,” Scott shares. “I’m honored and excited to share Goldfish Swim School with local families.”
To learn more, visit goldfishswimschool.com/northscottsdale or call 480-470-8231.
We’re Making a SPLASH in North Scottsdale!
Goldfish Swim School is the premier learn-to-swim facility for kids ages 4 months to 12 years. We use our holistic philosophy, The Science of SwimPlay®, to build life skills both in and out of the water using play-based learning in a fun and safe environment.
• CLIMATE-CONTROLLED INDOOR FACILITY • SHIVER-FREE, 90-DEGREE POOL • 30-MINUTE WEEKLY LESSONS • FREE MAKE-UP LESSONS
PHOTO BY FLYING ROBOT @FRAERIALS
NOW OPEN! Register TODAY! NORTH SCOTTSDALE | 480.687.8710
7000 E. Mayo Boulevard, Suite 26 | Phoenix, AZ 85054 goldfishswimschool.com |
