San Juan Scene - Aug. 6, 2024
Date
Meeting new friends through American Sign Language
Nearly ten San Juan Unified School District middle school students set a summer goal to learn American Sign Language (ASL) during an enrichment class at Andrew Carnegie Middle School. These ASL learners spent two weeks focused on their goal to better communicate with their surrounding community.
Each student had a unique reason for joining this class, but each one pointed toward a greater goal of making new friends and helping individuals who are hard of hearing to feel understood and welcome.
Lights, curtain, action: Learning the basics of theatre
Sixth, seventh and eighth-grade students spent a week in June at Mesa Verde High School learning basic theatre principles, including pantomime, projection and working with a script. By the end of the week, students prepared a short performance that was open to family and friends.
Sean Melby teaches at Mesa Verde’s Career Technical Education (CTE) Professional Theatre Pathway. As an alum, his hope is to inspire more students to explore their interest in all aspects of professional theatre, from acting to set design and more.
Students learn the art of jewelry making at John Barrett Middle School
Students at John Barrett Middle School spent the summer making jewelry and making friends!
John Barrett Middle School social studies teacher Mattea Davis shared her love of jewelry making with students during the “Beading Room” summer class, aimed at teaching students how to create bracelets, necklaces and earrings using beads, charms and polymer clay. Students crafted countless gifts for friends and family while meeting new people and future classmates.
Students enjoyed creating different charm and bead combinations, such as pearl bead and flower charm earrings, and turning colorful polymer clay into popular necklace charm shapes.
Learn more about what these students created by watching the video!
Bringing ideas to life through the 3D printing summer workshop
Creativity came to life this summer through Bella Vista High School’s computer-assisted design and 3D printing summer workshop.
During the workshop, students learned a wide variety of skills that included how to create and trace sketches, extrude parts and create articulations. They then used their new skills to model several parts, bringing their ideas to life using 3D printers.
The items created were a true testament to their creativity and innovation, and everyone left with some amazing take-home treasures!
San Juan Unified’s newcomer summer program supports over 120 students
Upcoming middle school students joined San Juan Unified School District’s newcomer summer school, a program designed to support English learners who have been in the United States for less than a year. This unique summer program aimed to enhance the English proficiency of newcomer students and address their unique needs as they adapt to a new environment.
The newcomer summer school also featured hands-on activities such as art and music classes, as well as Science, Technology, Engineering and Math enrichment classes through IntelliBricks, where students engaged in activities like Lego engineering. Students also participated in field trips to The California State Capitol and Railroad Museum.
Start off the school year by staying informed! Students, parents, staff and community members are welcome and encouraged to attend the following Board of Education meetings:
Board of Education - Tuesday, Aug. 13, at the District Office Board Room at 6:30 p.m.
Board of Education - Tuesday, Aug. 27, at the District Office Board Room at 6:30 p.m.
Introduce yourself to the teacher. Ask how you can support learning at home.
Share information throughout the year. Tell the teachers about changes at home that may affect your child.
Communicate respectfully. Give busy teachers a few days to answer.