OUR PHILOSOPHY

In the beginning... there were four teachers and one administrator who were assigned the task to create state-of-the art school based on the most current studies on brain research, results of a community Arthur Anderson study, and standards and practices of schools around the country. After a year of exhaustive planning, these professionals mapped out a school environment that included the following:

Brain-compatible components... where the elements of adequate time, movement to enhance learning, enriched environment, absence of threat, meaningful content, choices, collaboration, mastery of skills and immediate feedback are evident in every classroom.

Integrated approach to learning... which means that our teachers design a year-long theme in which they incorporate the core curriculum into rich, meaningful areas of study.

Multi-age and single-grade grade classrooms...Aztec nows offers single-grade classrooms, as well as multi-age. Multi-age, which combine two grades, maximize a safe and nurturing environment which promote the physical, social, emotional and cognitive development of children. Students may remain with a teacher for more than one year at our school (i.e., K/1, 2/3, 4/5, 6). These classrooms reflect real world diversity and provide students with leadership and mentoring opportunities.

Lifelong Guidelines and LIFESKILLS... which serve as the behavior guidelines in our classrooms. The Lifelong Guidelines: active listening, no put-downs, personal best, trustworthiness and truthfulness. The LIFESKILLS are guidelines to help our students evaluate their own performances, and help them understand which social behaviors will enhance their success. They include: caring, common sense, cooperation, courage, curiosity, effort, flexibility, friendship, initiative, integrity, organization, patience, perseverance, pride, problem-solving, resourcefulness, responsibility and sense of humor.

Student assessment and growth plans... that are reviewed at the parent/student conferences held up to three times during the school year. Student growth is viewed on a continuum; there is always more to learn. Student progress is noted as needing more time and support or progressing successfully. A growth plan is designed for each student. Goals are written and evaluated at conference time.

Student placement... which is facilitated by a team that considers such criteria as gender balance, students' special needs, and input from both present teacher and parents when making up a class list.

Special programs... such as art, music, media center, physical fitness and technology staff collaborate with the classroom teachers to integrate their areas of expertise into each classroom theme.

Full day kindergarten... that provides teachers with adequate time to meet students' needs socially, emotionally, and academically.

Technology... one of the tools students and teachers are encouraged to use to access, organize and communicate efficiently and effectively. Computers are integrated in the classroom and we have a state-of-the-art technology lab.

CLASS Council... acts as the local governing board where all ideas/proposals concerning our school are presented to this body made up of faculty, staff and community members. "CLASS" is an acronym for Community Learners Assuring Student Success.

Community partnerships... which are welcomed support from the community for support of innovative programs and experiences for children that will impact their educational development.