I hope students leave my science class with more than just scientific knowledge. I want them to develop curiosity, confidence, perseverance, and a willingness to take risks. I want them to understand that mistakes are part of learning, that failure is often the first step toward discovery, and that asking questions is just as important as finding answers. Most importantly, I hope they leave believing in their ability to solve problems, think critically, work collaboratively, and make a positive difference in the world.

A new Robotics Engineering class at Skyline and Pioneer High Schools is giving students hands-on experience with the kind of technology used in high-tech workplaces.

Students begin by learning to code VEX six-axis robotic arms and control their movements. The arms are known as collaborative robots, or “cobots,” because they are designed to work alongside people.

Students at Carpenter, Lawton, Abbot, and Wines walked and rolled to school on National Walk, Bike and Roll to School Day, with families and buses dropping students off a few blocks away so they could finish the journey on foot. Staff greeted students along the way and joined them for the rest of the trip.

Wines will hold two more Walk & Roll days on October 16 and October 23, and Thurston will join in later this month.

Recess is about more than just play. It’s a chance to learn, practice, encourage one another, and sometimes discover a new skill.

For Mitchell Elementary 3rd- and 4th-graders, the Yo-Yo Zone is a favorite spot to practice the skills they’ve been building since the school’s NED assembly. NED stands for “Never give up, Encourage others, Do your best,” and students are putting that mindset into action as they learn the power of “yet” whether they’re mastering a yo-yo trick or tackling something new in the classroom.

The biggest academic challenge in 4th grade is, as I say, “the training wheels are coming off in 4th grade.” The jump is big, and the supports start to fall off. However, all the students are able to rise to the challenge and become more independent learners. The social aspect doesn’t change much; these kids still very much act like kids. They really start to learn how to handle disagreements in social situations on their own, which is a big skill to learn.