New educational opportunities for 2014-15 at PV Schools District launches four new instructional programs to spark student success
By Marty A. Macurak
PV School District
The Paradise Valley Unified School District has announced the launch of four new educational programs as well as enhancements to existing services to parents of students from kindergarten through high school.
CREST Computer Sciences – new high school focus area
Continuing the district’s tradition of integrated application and problem-based learning, the Center for Research in Engineering Science and Technology (CREST) will begin offering an information technologies program starting August of 2014. Featuring honors-level classes, college credit, community outreach, and internship opportunities throughout the Valley, students will work alongside industry professionals and gain skills critical for a career in areas including programming, networking and data analysis. CREST is located on the campus of Paradise Valley High School at 3950 E. Bell Rd. in Phoenix. Admission is by application only. Call 602-449-2102.
Suzuki Strings at Desert Shadows Elementary
Some 50 years ago Shinichi Suzuki, a violinist and educator, realized that children have a natural ability to learn languages with ease and applied the basic principles of language development to the learning of music. Suzuki teachers believe that musical ability can be developed in all children and begin music instruction in early childhood. Suzuki strings begins in August 2014 at Desert Shadows Elementary for all students from preschool to Grade 6. Desert Shadows is located at 5902 E. Sweetwater Ave. in Scottsdale. Call 602-449-6900.
Mandarin immersion at Whispering Wind Academy
With more than one billion speakers, Mandarin has more native speakers than any other language. As China grows into one of the world’s great trading partners speakers of Mandarin will be at a considerable advantage. Starting next school year, Mandarin immersion will be offered for kindergarteners and 1st Grade students as well as a special program class for grades 2-6. Whispering Wind Academy is located at 15844 N. 43rd St., just south of Bell Road. Call 602-449-7300.
Gifted Education continues to expand
PV Schools offers a variety of programs district-wide for gifted and talented children from preschool through high school early graduation. The offerings include accelerated and honors classes, self-contained and cluster groupings, and programs for profoundly gifted and uniquely gifted students. All programs emphasize critical and creative thinking, problem solving, reasoning skills and logic, and testing is required for admittance. Visit pvschools.net/gifted for more information.
