


May 2025 Newsletter
Wrapping up a busy year
Superintendent Tom Hurt
Congratulations to all the teachers selected at their school sites for recognition during the annual Teacher of the Year celebration. The challenges and rewards of teaching are both high these days and I wholeheartedly thank you for sticking with Yuma County students through thick and thin.
As we come to the end of the school year, take some time to reflect on the growth you've seen in students this year. That might be kindergarteners getting a little self-control, fourth graders feeling comfortable this fractions, or eighth graders thinking about their future. Please also reflect on yourself as a professional and how you have grown--and how you want to continue to improve.
Upcoming Yuma Area Training
Supporting English Learner Writing: grades 5-8
Join us for an interactive and practical session designed for 5th through 8th grade teachers working with English Learners. The morning will focus on essential language structures and grammar concepts. Through hands-on activities and collaborative discussions, participants will deepen their own understanding of grammar.
In the afternoon, we will transition to writing instruction, applying the language structures and grammar skills to opinion/argumentative and informative writing. Teachers will learn practical strategies to help ELs use language structures effectively, furthering clarity, cohesion, and confidence in their writing.
Registration at https://azed.geniussis.com/Registration.aspx search YUMA.
Wednesday, May 28, 2025, 08:30 AM
Somerton School District, Carlisle Avenue, Somerton, AZ, USA
The Well-Managed Classroom
Want to jump start your classroom management skills before the new year starts? Attend this one day training from Arizona Department of Education's Teacher Effectiveness Team. Registration available at https://azed.geniussis.com/Registration.aspx search YUMA. Lunch will be provided.
Wednesday, Jul 23, 2025, 09:00 AM
Wellton Elementary School, San Jose Avenue, Wellton, AZ, USA
April Teachers of the Week
Participate in a FREE two-day workshop for an opportunity to receive fully funded primary or secondary district coaching visits from STAR Autism Support. This initiative aims to assist your team in effectively implementing strategies throughout the year, with additional coaching support available to help reinforce and sustain implementation efforts.
To qualify for coaching visits, certain school team members all must attend. This includes:
✔ Special Education Teacher
✔ General Education Teacher or District Coach
✔ Related Service Staff or Paraprofessional
In Person Yuma: June 26-27
Click graphic for registration
We had a full house for a hybrid training about middle school math group work. Ariel Beggs from the Center for the Recruitment and Retention of Math Teachers came out to support our cohort along with those in person in Tucson. We're looking to grow our math training opportunities so please share if there are things you are looking for!
Rev Up Your Invention Engine!
Saturday April 26 a group of teachers learned about coding sensors and other bits with a team from the Arizona Science Teachers Association and Invention Engine. IE is the same people who created the amazingly fun and usable Edison Robots, so these work along with them. We created moving cardboard projects, sent music across the room, and learned how to lead students in a invention journey. Thanks to the APS Foundation, each teacher got a kit with everything Invention Engine makes to use with their classroom. Soon there will be a full class set of materials in the STEM Lending Library that can be checked out.