Hollis Jacob
During the 2016-17 school year, Trails West Elementary continued the Common Sense Digital Literacy and Citizenship Curriculum K-5 and became a Common Sense Certified School for the second year in a row. The curriculum is taught to 1st-5th graders at the beginning of the school year and is supported throughout the year. We recognize that our students' increased participation on the internet both at home and at school requires proactive training in order for them to not only be safe, but also to become good digital citizens.
This year I will continue integrating technology and STEAM projects within the classrooms and co-teaching with classroom instructors. We will utilize a Projects Based Approach incorporating the Engineering Design Process. Students will Ask, Imagine, Plan, Create and Improve upon their projects. Projects include Research, Web Design, Wedo Lego and Vex IQ Robotics, MakeyMakey, Cublets, Computer Programming, 3D Design, Animation, and Problem Solving using Minecraft EDU.
STEAM-a-Palooza: Junkyard Challenge 2015 was a huge success! Trails West Engineering Club participated in the Vex Robotics Highrise Challenge and took home the Sportsmanship Award. This year's STEAM-a-Palooza II theme is World of Tomorrow and Trails West Robotics Club competed in the VEX IQ Robotics Challenge: Crossover.