"Rich Learning Experiences" at Vista Grande

I was able to visit Vista Grande this week to see a wonderful variety of quality educational opportunities with Principal Cordero-Bautista.  In the primary grades, some students were segmenting words with physical actions, while others were using transitional phrases to write their own opinion paragraphs.  Students showed me their iReady data trackers, self-created graphs able to help students see and celebrate their own growth.  In the upper grade classrooms, students were creating arguments and rebuttals in a debate-style demonstration of logic and the power of persuasion.  Following a community assembly, we were also able to take in fourth grade performance of a staff-written musical number about California's robust history.  In every classroom and space we visited, it was obvious each staff member cared deeply for the students they served and were invested in creating an environment ripe with Rich Learning Experiences: challenging, fun and engaging, and balanced.  It's easy to see why there is so much community support for Vista Grande!