Borton Magnet Messenger

What a wonderful first quarter we have had at Borton! This Messenger will highlight some of the successes at Borton and is built around the 5 Pillars of effective magnet schools as established by the Magnet Schools of America: Diversity, Innovative Curriculum and Professional Development, Academic Excellence, Leadership, and Family and Community Partnerships.

At Borton, we celebrate the diversity and creativity that make our community unique. Over the past month, students participated in two events that highlighted these values: Mes de la Cultura and International Dot Day.

Mes de la Cultura

2nd and 3rd graders honored Mexican American and Latinx heritage with a special presentation. Thanks to Mexican American Student Services, students enjoyed a culturally responsive story time, celebrating the diversity, resilience, and creativity of these communities.

International Dot Day

Students joined a global celebration of creativity, inspired by Peter H. Reynolds' book The Dot. Led by the Dot Day committee—Angie, Devin, Lupita, and Margaret—students explored their talents through art, embracing the idea that a single dot can spark endless possibilities.

These events reflect Borton’s spirit of inclusivity and creativity. We are proud to foster a community where every student can make their mark, learn from diverse perspectives, and express themselves with confidence. Let’s keep celebrating what makes Borton shine!

Outdoor Learning with Miss Mikaela brings hands-on, engaging activities that connect students with nature. Recently, students have been using Systems Thinking to explore Growing Minds and Gardens.

Growing Minds and Gardens

Students mapped out what makes – and hinders – a healthy garden. They considered essentials like water, sunlight, and nutrients, along with challenges like overwatering and crowding. They discovered a reinforcing loop: healthier gardens attract more pollinators, which help gardens thrive. Now, they’re planting eggplants and kava beans, nurturing a cycle of growth and care.

A Delicious Collaboration with Blue Watermelon Project

Students this quarter teamed up with the Blue Watermelon Project to make Sweet Corn Chowder! From prepping to tasting, they learned about corn, tried new flavors, and honed their cooking skills. The feedback was enthusiastic:

- "This is the best day ever!"

- "I want seconds."

- "I'm glad I tried this!"

Responsibility in Action

Outdoor Learning is also about civic responsibility. Students take on tasks like watering plants, feeding chickens, caring for the fish in the aquaponics, recycling and composting, learning to care for their environment while working together.

From gardening to cooking, Miss Mikaela’s class helps students connect with nature, understand systems, and develop practical skills that last a lifetime.

Borton students are encouraged to engage deeply with complex ideas, think critically, and explore diverse perspectives. Recent lessons led by Master Teacher Angela Hixon and Magnet Coordinator Sara Stewart highlight our commitment to academic excellence through higher-order thinking.

Literary Exploration with Ride the Tiger

Angela Hixon introduced students to Ride the Tiger by Eve Bunting, a story about the dangers of peer pressure and the difference between respect and fear. Through higher-order questions, students explored themes like ego, representation, and the juxtaposition of power and vulnerability. They analyzed how changes in the illustrations added layers of meaning, making inferences based on the text and visuals.

Angela’s lesson also connected to students' backgrounds, encouraging them to see how their personal experiences shaped their understanding. This awareness fosters empathy and richer comprehension.

Cross-Disciplinary Learning

Teachers extended the lesson by comparing Ride the Tiger with The Other Side by Jacqueline Woodson. One 4th-grade student insightfully remarked, “The books are similar because both end in acts of kindness. The difference is that Ride the Tiger shows how you have to stay away from the wrong crowd, while The Other Side is about breaking the status quo.” Another class paired the story with music, helping students see how different art forms convey similar emotions, highlighting our whole-child education approach.

Systems Thinking and Resource Sharing

Sara Stewart led a lesson using the Ladder of Inference and Common Ground by Molly Bang to explore the "tragedy of the commons." Students took on perspectives of villagers who either cooperated to preserve resources or used them for personal gain, encouraging critical thinking about the long-term impact of actions on communities.

Building Critical Thinking Skills

Through these lessons, Borton students learn to analyze, infer, and connect ideas across subjects. They develop empathy, perspective-taking, and the ability to navigate complex issues, equipping them with essential skills for future success.

At Borton, we are dedicated to fostering an environment where students think deeply, ask questions, and appreciate diverse viewpoints, promoting academic achievement and a love for learning.

This summer, a dedicated team of teachers and administrators attended the PBL World Conference, diving deep into Project Based Learning (PBL) to discover new ways to enrich our students' educational experiences.

One of the highlights was the awe-inspiring keynote from Dr. Gholdy Muhammad, renowned author of Unearthing Joy: A Guide to Culturally and Historically Responsive Teaching and Learning. Dr. Muhammad shared her insights on how PBL can bring joy to both teachers and students, emphasizing the importance of culturally responsive teaching. Her message left us inspired and energized, ready to bring more joy and connection into our classrooms.

During the conference, our team focused on key themes that align with Borton’s educational vision, including:

- Sustained Inquiries in Equity: We explored ways to create more inclusive and equitable learning environments, ensuring that every student’s voice is heard and valued.

- PBL in Social Studies and Science: New strategies were shared on making lessons in history, geography, and science more engaging, helping students connect classroom learning to real-world challenges.

- Improving the Quality of Student Work: Our educators gained tools to help students produce thoughtful, detailed work that reflects their highest potential.

- Exploring Projects in Sustainability: With sustainability as a priority, our team is excited to implement eco-friendly projects that will inspire students to be responsible environmental stewards.

- Enhancing Social Emotional Learning: We learned innovative ways to weave social-emotional skills into daily lessons, helping students build empathy, resilience, and effective communication.

- Persuasive Writing: Effective communication is essential. We gained new methods to teach students how to articulate their thoughts and ideas persuasively and confidently.

Every teacher walked away from the conference having built a PBL lesson that they are excited to implement with their students this year. Additionally, our Magnet Coordinator has been guiding our teachers in the first quarter through a series of professional development sessions on PBL, ensuring that projects are ready to launch in the second quarter.

Our team is eager to put these strategies into action, continuing to lead with creativity, collaboration, and a passion for innovative teaching. Through PBL, we aim to nurture curious, confident learners who are equipped to tackle the challenges of the future.

Thank you to all the families for your incredible support of our students, teachers, and school community! Your involvement through donations, volunteering, and participating in events has made a significant difference. Whether it was attending Meet the Teacher Night, Open House, Parent-Teacher Conferences, or Middle School Night, or sharing your voice at Cafecito, the Family Engagement Committee, or Site Council, your engagement helps create a vibrant and connected community. We appreciate everyone who enjoyed the Movie Night, or the K-1 Club or cheered on our cross-country runners. The PTA also plays a crucial role in fostering our school spirit and we thank all involved!

If you are interested in volunteering, please go to Tucson Unified District - VOLUNTEERS 2024-2025 SCHOOL YEAR (tedk12.com)

Upcoming Events

Mark your calendars for these exciting upcoming events:

-PTA Meeting: October 22

- K-1 Club: November 2

- Cafecito: November 6 and December 4

- Math and Science Night: November 22

- Movie Night and Silent Auction: December 12

Engaging with Your Child’s Learning

To foster deeper conversations about your child’s day at school, consider asking specific questions instead of the usual "What did you learn?" Here are some ideas:

- What was a rose, bud, or thorn from your day? (Something good, something you're looking forward to, and something challenging)

- What made you smile or laugh today?

- How did you show kindness to someone?

- What book did you read in class today?

- What made you feel proud today?

- Was there anything frustrating about your day?

- How did you see another student showing Borton’s BEST today?

- What are you looking forward to tomorrow?

- Teach me something new you have learned!

These questions can help spark more meaningful discussions and encourage your child to share their experiences at school. Thank you for your continued support in making our school a great place for learning!

The application period for the TUSD Magnet Lottery opens on November 2, 2024, and the first lottery drawing will take place in mid-January. Word of mouth is our most effective recruitment tool, so please share the good news about our wonderful Borton community whenever you can! If you know anyone interested in our school, encourage them to reach out to sara.stewart@tusd1.org or visit Tour-Enroll (tusd1.org) to schedule a tour. We may also have a few spots available for new students in upper grade levels as well.

Did you know you can direct your Arizona tax credit to Borton? The amount you donate is subtracted from the Arizona state taxes you owe, giving you a 100% refund on your contribution! These funds help support after-school programs, extended library hours, field trips, sports, and more. You can make your donation online at TouchBase Signin (intouchreceipting.com)

or stop by the front office for assistance. Learn more at Tucson Unified School District (tusd1.org)

We’re excited to enhance our students' learning experiences by involving community experts in their projects! Many parents and family members possess valuable knowledge and skills in diverse professions, trades, and hobbies. If you’re interested in sharing your expertise, please contact Borton’s Magnet Coordinator at sara.stewart@tusd1.org. We’re particularly looking for experts in graphic design, book publishing, engineering, shop ownership, and artists who utilize mathematics in their work. Your insights can make a significant impact on our students' education!

Parents and guardians, we kindly ask you to take a few moments to complete our survey. Your feedback is crucial in helping us improve family involvement and create a better experience for our school community. https://forms.office.com/r/mTsHD1m3yg

Follow @bortonmagnetschool on social media for the latest updates and news.