SUPERINTENDENT’S MESSAGE The COVID-19 pandemic has been shaping the situation across our country in all aspects of life. We are all continuing to adjust to find the right balance of interaction, social distancing and health precautions in our work and personal lives. Those impacts have been felt in our schools also and continue to ripple out as we plan for the upcoming school year. While guiding students on their journey of learning continues to be our goal, our focus for this fall must also be on ensuring the health and safety of our students and staff, to the greatest extent DR. JESSE WELSH possible. When we open schools in the fall, it will Paradise Valley Unified School District be with additional measures in place; sanitizing of surfaces, increased handwashing and sanitizer stations, health precautions and other safety measures. While there is hope that the pandemic may subside, there is also uncertainty. Much like the 1918 Flu Pandemic, we cannot be sure if there will be a “second wave” of COVID-19 cases. Nothing like this has occurred within our lifetimes. We continue to plan for multiple scenarios so that we can be ready, whatever the outcome. In addition to a traditional opening, this includes options both for delaying opening or moving to a distance learning model if necessary. The events of the last several months have weighed heavily on families and our students. We know that, when school resumes, we must address the mental health of our students as well. The uncertainty, disruption, stress and financial strain many have experienced cannot be allowed to impact learning. Yet, in spite of these challenges, we remain resilient. In March, when our schools closed to prevent the spread of COVID-19, teachers pivoted to distance learning within a week. Our students rose to the challenge and, with support from families, continued to learn at home. Whatever challenges we may face this school year, we will be prepared and adapt, maintaining the safety of our students, staff and families. To reach Dr. Welsh or for more information about the Paradise Valley Unified School District, call 602.449.2000 or visit www.pvschools.net.
YOUTH & EDUCATION Maricopa County Launches 2020 Summer Reading Program Homes across the country transformed into classrooms as students left their schools two months before the traditional summer break this year. Now, as the weather warms and the official academic year comes to an end, many worry the impact of the “Summer Slide” — the learning loss experienced while transitioning between school years — may be steeper than normal. Maricopa County officials are encouraging residents — especially young readers — to continue their at-home learning and reduce the “Summer Slide” by including the County’s annual summer reading program into their summer plans. The online platform encourages reading all summer long, while earning great prizes and participating in fun challenges all from the comfort of home at www.read20az.com (English) or www.leepor20az.com (Spanish). More than 60 libraries across Maricopa County participate in the summer reading program, in which people can log their reading online, complete challenges and attend virtual performances to win prizes. “Our summer reading program is not only fun, but it is also one of the County’s major community literacy efforts,” said Cindy Kolaczynski, Maricopa County Library District director and County librarian. “Summer reading keeps literacy and comprehension skills sharp through challenges and experiences that spark excitement about learning and reading.”
From Costume Creators and Pitched Perfect to Scenic Arts with Legos and a Triwizard Tournament, Childsplay has Valley children covered with a virtual summer extravaganza. Every class is taught by professional theater artists with engaging, participatory and dynamic instruction. June Academy will be held online with plans to resume in-person classes beginning in July at Childsplay’s Campus for Imagination and Wonder, 900 S. Mitchell Dr., Tempe. Childsplay’s Summer Academy is designed for children ages 6–17. Online daily classes range from 40 minutes to half day programs, while in person classes in July consist of full and half day programs. Registration is open now. To check out the full roster of programming, visit www.childsplayaz.org.
This year’s theme is “Imagine Your Story” and encourages readers of all ages to read 20 minutes a day. Participants earn one point per minute for reading physical or electronic books (including graphic novels) or listening to audiobooks. Additional points are earned for attending virtual programs and completing online challenges. Prizes include a free personal pizza from Peter Piper Pizza, free lemonade from Raising Cane’s, and an Arizona State Park pass. Grand Prize drawings will also take place at each participating library for the chance to win family passes to Legoland Discovery Center/Sea Life Aquarium. Readers who achieve 1,000 points can choose a free book for their home library or can donate it to a local Head Start classroom. Last year, Head Start classrooms in Maricopa County received more than 1,500 books thanks to the generosity of summer readers. The program runs through Aug. 1. Participating North Valley libraries include Desert Foothills Library (www.desertfoothillslibrary.org), Phoenix Public Library (www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org) and Scottsdale Public Library (www.scottsdalelibrary.org).
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Childsplay Announces Roster for Summer Academy Classes
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