Amenities Laguna Elementary School

By Dr. Gena Aikman Principal

This has been an amazing first year as the principal of Laguna Elementary School. I am so proud of the commitment of the staff for demonstrating quality practices in integrated learning and continuing to earn the distinction of being a Cognia STEM Certified school. For our community we want you to know at Laguna our commitment to STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Math) movement is surging, and Laguna will have a new STEAM Elective for our 3-5 grade students focusing on “Basic Coding!” Mrs. Diana Davis, the new STEAM teacher, will be shared with Navajo Elementary and Laguna Elementary for the 2023-24 school year. This new elective is one more way of advancing our students by including key components that many employers, educators, and parents have voiced as very important for future economic prosperity. The vision of the Scottsdale Unified School District is “Engaging all students in world-class, future-focused learning.” STEAM” is an educational approach to learning that uses Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics as access points for guiding student inquiry, dialogue, and critical thinking (https://artsintegration.com/ what-is-steam-education-in-k-12-schools/)

Why STEAM education is so important? Using STEAM education results in students taking risks, problem-solving, collaborating, communicating, and working through creative processes, when a problem persists. Our learning world is complex, by integrating concepts, topics, standards, and assessments that students can ask each other, research together, will assist students in acquiring both knowledge and skills to collaborate and successfully experience personal meaning.

Laguna has a “Makerspace Lab!” Makerspaces are dedicated areas where students can use hands-on techniques and tools to make something new, discover problems and solutions, and learn how discrete skills and concepts can be applied to real-life. Laguna is one of a few elementary schools to have a Makerspace. In addition to being a STEAM school, we would like the community to know that our staff consistently demonstrates a “culture and climate” to serve and support all students by promoting a safe, supportive, and innovative educational experience. For the 2023-24 school year, Laguna will become “A Be Kind School.” This new initiative was supported by our parent community and our staff. At Laguna Elementary, we’re always looking for a way to help our students and staff to help sustain a climate and culture of being kind, responsible, respectful, and a caring community.

Besides being an innovative school, Laguna offers gifted classes for both math and English, as well as enrichment programs which include Lego Club, Robotics, Makerspace Club, Drama Club, Science Club, Technology Club, Baking Club, and after school tutoring.

Additionally, we will be offering at Laguna a new 2’s program and if you’re interested, please contact and If you have any questions, please email us at earlylearning@susd.org or call 480-484-7900.

We also have availability in Laguna Pre-School class for next year. Children must be 3 by Aug 31 and be potty trained. Please go to this link for pre-school registration: https://drive. google.com/file/d/1e-ts2pTlSwni2jYl2kUEOARhcyhyoPDV/ view?usp=sharing

We welcome all those who seek to have a “world class” learning experience. Please contact the Laguna School Administration for a tour of Laguna Elementary @480-484-2400.

Kind Regards, Dr. Gena

Aikman

SCHOOL IS OUT!

Please keep in mind that most schools are out for the summer which means more children are outside during the daytime.

We would like to remind residents to SLOW DOWN when driving through their neighborhoods. It is up to you to use caution when driving on our residential streets to avoid accidents and/or possible life altering situations.

In accordance with Arizona State Law, the speed limit in a residential district is 25 MPH (miles per hour) with or without the presence of a speed limit sign. Please watch your speed for everyone’s safety!