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.

In line with Borton's dedication to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion, the TUSD Magnet Department has acquired age-appropriate and relevant sets of inclusive literature for our students. These carefully selected books include:

· "A Boy Called Bat" by Elana K. Arnold

· "Soar" by Joan Bauer

· "The Girl Who Thought in Pictures" by Julia Finley Mosca

· "UGLY" by Robert Hoge

· "Charlie and Frog" by Karen Kane

· "Not If I Can Help It" by Carolyn Mackler

· "Upside Down Magic" by Sarah Mlynowski, Lauren Myracle, and Emily Jenkins

· "Guts" by Raina Telgemeier

· "Thank You, Mr. Falker" by Patricia Polacco

These books cover a range of topics, including disabilities, neurodiversity, friendship, and acceptance, which align well with the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Reading these stories can help students develop empathy, gain a better understanding of different perspectives, and appreciate the value of inclusivity in the school community. It's a great initiative by the TUSD Magnet Department to enhance the educational experience at Borton Elementary Magnet School.

This quarter at Borton, our students had a blast with outdoor learning! With the Blue Watermelon Project, some classes got creative in the garden, using garden resources in unique ways. Others became culinary detectives, using their senses to uncover the "secret" ingredient in a mystery recipe. There were also fantastic explorations involving worms and the tools of a system thinker, helping students understand the mutually beneficial connection between worms and a healthy garden. Plus, students delved into chicken care, aquaponics, and garden tending. Regardless of the lesson, the skills, and experiences they gained extended far beyond the classroom!

Outdoor learning takes our kids on real-world adventures, teaching them to explore, experiment, and learn by doing. Ms. Mikaela encourages them to be curious explorers who ask questions and work together to find answers. The best part is that, as with PBL and Systems Thinking, outdoor learning makes school exciting and unforgettable.

The Behavior-Over-Time Graph (BOTG) is a Systems Thinking tool we use at Borton to help students better understand stories and improve their reading skills. Instead of focusing on individual events, it shows the overall trends and patterns in a story. This helps students identify key moments in a narrative, such as turning points, conflicts, and resolutions, making it easier for them to predict and follow complex stories. BOTG simplifies stories and encourages a more visual and analytical exploration of how they progress, making it a valuable tool for our students.

Ms. Amanda, our Curriculum Service Provider at Borton, is currently undergoing training to lead professional development sessions on the concept of Teacher Clarity, both within our school and the district.

Teacher Clarity in education places a strong emphasis on the importance of clear and straightforward communication between teachers and students regarding learning objectives, expectations, and instructions. The concept of Teacher Clarity is highly compatible with Project-Based Learning (PBL), as they both share the common goal of ensuring that students have a clear understanding of what they are learning and what is expected of them.

In PBL, students engage in hands-on, real-world projects, and having clear guidelines and objectives is crucial in helping them perform at their best and stay actively engaged. Think of it as having a roadmap for a fun and meaningful educational journey.

Throughout this year, Borton's teachers will have the opportunity to participate in Teacher Clarity professional development sessions, with the valuable guidance and support of Ms. Amanda as they implement these practices in their classrooms.

This quarter was a whirlwind of family fun and engagement at Borton! From Community Time and Cafecitos with Principal Eric to PTA meetings, Open House, and cheering on our fantastic students at a Cross Country meet, it's been a blast. We're so grateful for all the ways our families got involved, and we're already gearing up for even more family excitement next quarter! Don't forget to mark your calendars for our upcoming Movie and Silent Auction Night on November 17 and Borton’s Math and Science Curriculum Night on December 14 – you won't want to miss it!"

Our school is something special thanks to our unique magnet theme of PBL and System Thinking. We're overjoyed to start welcoming the next class of kindergarteners, and we're on the lookout for families who appreciate real-world learning, critical thinking, hands-on exploration, student agency, and collaborative, authentic education opportunities.

Mark your calendars! The application period for the TUSD Magnet Lottery begins on November 6, 2023, with the initial lottery drawing in January.

Here's where you come in: your word of mouth is our most potent tool for recruiting. If you know anyone eager to join our school, please encourage them to reach out to sara.stewart@tusd1.org or call (520) 225-1000 to arrange a school tour. We appreciate your role in our lively community and for helping share the excitement of what Borton has to offer.

Did you know that you can give your Arizona tax credit to Borton? The amount you donate is subtracted from the amount of Arizona State taxes that you owe. You get a 100% refund on your money! These funds are used to support after school programs, extended library hours, field trips, sports, and so much more. The front office can help you make your contributions, or you can make it online at https://az-tucson-taxcredits.intouchreceipting.com

As our students work on projects, we love involving experts from our community. Many parents and family members have valuable knowledge and skills in various professions, trades, and hobbies that can enrich our students' learning experience. If you're interested in sharing your expertise, please reach out to Borton's Magnet Coordinator sara.stewart@tusd1.org