NURTURE

INSPIRE

EMPOWER

WE ARE EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE...

We continue to live our vision at DU to nurture, inspire and empower our students by adding in school clubs during the school day on Fridays!! Each teacher will host a club and students will sign up for a club that interests them and they will attend it every Friday. We know the addition of interest based clubs will inspire our students to follow their interests and as well as gain new interests.

At Discover U we know that success is not only academics but also social and emotional learning. That's why we will have yoga, technology and PE for specials. Discover U has partnered with Ignite Yoga Studio who will be running our weekly specials class. This class will emphasis postures, anti-bullying, breathing techniques, self esteem and stress management techniques. It will help our kids to build confidence, improve focus, increase flexibility and develop relaxation techniques to help with difficult times.

Here are a few articles that explain the benefit of yoga for kids.

http://nprillinois.org/post/yoga-mindfulness-come-springfield-public-schools#stream/0

https://www.cnn.com/2016/11/04/health/meditation-in-schools-baltimore/index.html

https://www.doyouyoga.com/8-benefits-of-yoga-for-kids/

Every child matters at Discover U and we know that one size does not fit all when it comes to classroom instruction. Therefore, next year all students will know their individualized learning goal based on where they are at. Students will receive practice, support and enrichment based on where they are at as a learner. Teachers will work with students in small groups for reading and math to help students with their individualized learning goals.

We believe learning by doing makes the most impact on our students' education. Learning is more than a worksheet. Therefore, we will continue to make learning at Discover U hands on in every classroom! Students will participate in Daily 5 for reading and do the work of a reader through reading to self, reading to a partner, working on word work, listening to reading and writing about reading. Math will be taught through the use of manipulatives, online practice with videos, collaborative work and solving real world problems. Science and Social Studies will continue to inspire and empower our students through daily project based learning.

Technology is the way of the world and the way of Discover U. We have had 1:1 technology this year and will continue having technology in every classroom. Students will work with Google Suites (Google Doc, Google Slides, Google Classroom, etc.) and use technology to create, collaborate, communicate and learn. Technology will continue to be supported in specials where our students learn to code and create.

As Explorers we practice being kind, respectful, proactive and courageous everyday. Our teachers and students use this language and practice these important life skills on a daily basis. We believe it is important to continually celebrate our students! Next year we will celebrate Exceptional Explorers weekly as they demonstrate these life skills!