Exciting New Programs Await Havasu Students in the 2024-2025 Academic Year

The Lake Havasu Unified School District is gearing up for another promising school year.

District teachers returned on Friday after spending summer vacation. Besides the familiar faces, new programs are also in place, as detailed by Superintendent Rebecca Stone.

With classes starting Thursday, teachers are preparing their classrooms. Here’s what parents and students need to know.

Open Houses

Open houses begin Monday. Lake Havasu High School will have its event on Monday night from 5-8 p.m. Thunderbolt Middle School follows on Tuesday from 6:30-7:30 p.m., while elementary schools have scheduled theirs from 5-6 p.m. on the same day.

Effective Learning

One notable initiative across the district is the Leader in Me program, inspired by Stephen Covey’s “7 Habits of Highly Effective People”. It aims to instill goal-setting, teamwork, proactivity, and task prioritization skills in students. According to Stone, this program will foster positive school culture and essential life skills.

New High School Activities

This year, Lake Havasu High School introduces a Girls Flag Football program. Stone expressed optimism about community support for the program.

Parent Involvement and Performing Arts at Thunderbolt

Thunderbolt Middle School is hosting a Parent Orientation on Tuesday, Aug. 27 at 5 p.m. Parents will learn strategies to support their children and discover ways to get involved at the school. New performing arts options include an advanced band club and an after-school theater club.

Language and Service Programs at Havasupai

Havasupai Elementary will continue offering English language instruction through its returning EL program. Additionally, a partnership with the Lake Havasu Rotary Club will introduce a Rotary for Kids club to enhance students’ communication and team-building skills.

End-of-year Trips for Jamaica Elementary

The JET Club, a new initiative at Jamaica Elementary School, will offer students opportunities to explore destinations within Arizona, such as Antelope Canyon, the Colorado River, and the Grand Canyon.

Preschool and Projects at Nautilus

Nautilus Elementary is opening a preschool with two new educators joining the team. Additionally, the school is adopting a project-based curriculum merging arts and STEM for advanced students. Also, the school’s gym floor remodel is completed, enhancing safety for school events and physical education.

Classical Learning at Oro Grande

Oro Grande Classical Academy celebrates its sixth year of providing a classically-enriched education. Emphasizing respect, kindness, and good manners, the curriculum aims to foster lifelong learning and curiosity.

Engaging STEM at Smoketree

Smoketree Elementary introduces a weekly 30-minute STEM period called ROAR Time. During this session, students will engage in activities aligning with Arizona Science Standards and Career Literacy Standards, following the 5E Lesson Plan model.

Service Clubs and Community Engagement at Starline

Starline Elementary’s Kid City gifted program returns, along with new Rotary for Kids and Kiwanis for Kids clubs that focus on improving students’ communication, service learning, and team-building skills.

Reading Changes for Elementary Students

The Beanstack platform replaces the current Accelerated Reader program in all elementary schools. This new platform aims to foster a love of reading without the stress of point systems and quizzes, offering reading logs and tailored reading challenges instead.