Happy New Year!  We are starting off 2011 with exciting news for our school.  Adobe Bluffs is proud to announce the purchase of “Compass Learning Odyssey” by the AB Foundation.  This program specializes in improving student performance.  It provides Research-based curriculum, content that is aligned to the California standards, individualized learning and differentiated instruction.  Our teachers are excited because of the alignment of this program to our MAP testing, and the ability to tailor a program specific to individual student needs. 

The learning activities are enhanced with grade-appropriate content, animations, and audio and video instruction. The focus is to “provide highly engaging, interactive content that fosters an interest in learning.”  While working through the activities, students can use offline resources as well to extend, enhance, and transfer knowledge. Compass Learning is being used by other schools in our district with good success. Our teachers will be trained and the program will be up and running by the time this article reaches you.  Compass Learning can be used at home or at school.  It is accessible to students at any time, including the summer.  We also plan to make it available to students after school in our computer lab.  We look forward to a new year of wonderful learning opportunities.

Adobe Bluffs has applied for and been selected to participate in a radio contact with astronauts in the International Space Station through the ARISS program.  We are scheduled to do so during the next Space station pass, sometime between January 31st – February 4th.  Our students have been preparing by learning about wireless technology, amateur radio and the international space station.  Our local Ham Radio club has done workshops for our students during our Science day, and has also worked with our GATE students.  Our students will be able to ask the astronauts questions and have them respond from the space station.  What a great time to be an Adobe Bluffs Aztec.  

With Aztec Pride,