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Trailside Point student Andrew Capono was invited to join Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps for the Michael Phelps Foundation’s 10 Years of Water Safety celebration. Andrew is in his fourth year of swimming with Special Olympics and his team was selected to attend the private event.

Trailside Point has once again been designated as a No Place for Hate by the Arizona Anti-Defamation League. They are one of only 36 schools across the state that were recognized for creating safe learning environments, bringing awareness to the issues of bullying and bias, and promoting unity and respect.

This initiative offers students, teachers, administrators and family members the opportunity to work together to enhance a culture of respect in the school community, encourages schools to complete various activities and projects to promote unity and reduce bullying, name-calling and other expressions of bias. The school’s official banner was presented by Carlos Galindo-Elvira, ADL Arizona Regional Director.

Trailside Point Performing Arts Academy has once again been named an A+ School of Excellence™ by the Arizona Educational Foundation.

The A+ School of Excellence program is a comprehensive school assessment program that celebrates outstanding public schools. Schools complete an extensive application which is then followed by site visits by members of the AEF. The A+ School of Excellence™ designation is valid for a three-and-a-half-year period.

Representatives from the Arizona Educational Foundation presented the school with an official banner at a recent student assembly

In February, all Laveen schools participated in Digital Learning Day. Digital Learning Day celebrates innovative teaching and learning through digital media and technology engaging students and providing a rich educational experience.

Each of Laveen’s eight schools submitted a video highlighting the theme, “Every day is Digital Learning Day.” This year’s winner of the video competition was Trailside Point. They were awarded the rotating Digital Learning Day trophy, which has been in their possession for the last four years.

Video

Trailside Point’s third grade ukulele class meets daily to teach students the basics of playing the ukulele.  Students learn to play chords and sing at the same time, read/play individual notes on the treble clef staff and give on-stage performances.  Students learn how to play together as a large group and in small groups.  It is designed to prepare students to play in the 4^th grade String Orchestra (violin, viola, cello) or Band (flute, clarinet, trumpet, etc.).

Congratulations to Trailside Point Principal Sarah Zembruski who received the Exemplary Principal Award from the Maricopa County Education Services Agency.

This award is given to principals who exemplify practices and leadership that contribute to improved student learning; involve staff, parents, and community members in developing an effective school culture; and have a history of high teacher retention.

Watch the video of Mrs. Zembruski being surprised with this award.

Video

Trailside Point seventh grader Berdina Riggs took 1^st Place in Arizona State University’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  art contest.

Her winning poster features a flower with the petals representing flags from various countries. The backdrop is the American flag with this year’s theme of “Look Deeper, Speak Louder” written across the stripes.

Riggs was honored at ASU’s 33rd annual breakfast accompanied by her mother; principal, Sarah Zembruski; superintendent, Dr. Bill Johnson; and teacher, Betty Ehret.  Her artwork was featured on a bookmark provided to attendees.

Trailside Point welcomed the Phoenix Symphony to their school. Students learned about various percussion instruments before an ensemble performed for them. Students also had the opportunity to ask the musicians questions.

As part of his Back to School segment, FOX 10’s Cory McCloskey stopped by Trailside Point’s pep assembly. Check out the clip.