Havasu Kicks Off School Year: 11 Essential Updates You Need to Know

The Lake Havasu Unified School District is primed for a promising new school year, with staff already back from their summer break. Superintendent Rebecca Stone outlined several new programs and activities to be introduced across the district’s schools.

Starting this Monday, Lake Havasu High School will host an open house from 5-8 p.m., with Thunderbolt Middle School following on Tuesday from 6:30-7:30 p.m. All elementary schools will also hold open houses on Tuesday from 5-6 p.m.

Superintendent Stone announced the introduction of the “Leader in Me” program, which is based on Stephen Covey’s “7 Habits of Highly Effective People.” The program aims to build a positive school culture by teaching students essential leadership and life skills.

New extracurricular activities at Lake Havasu High School include the debut of a Girls Flag Football program. Stone is confident the community will support this new addition, enhancing the school’s diverse set of clubs and sports.

Parents of Thunderbolt Middle School students have the opportunity to attend a Parent Orientation on Aug. 27. The event will offer strategies for supporting students at home and ways for parents to become involved. New after-school clubs at Thunderbolt include an advanced band club and a theater club, both of which are set to enrich the students’ performing arts education.

Elementary students at Havasupai Elementary will continue to receive support through the school’s English Language Learners program. A new Rotary for Kids club, in collaboration with the Lake Havasu Rotary Club, aims to teach students communication and team-building skills, along with service learning.

Jamaica Elementary School introduces the JET Club (Jamaica Educational Tour Group), through which students will visit sites like Antelope Canyon and the Grand Canyon at the end of the school year. These trips are designed to enrich students’ learning experiences outside the classroom.

Nautilus Elementary is expanding its offerings with a new preschool and a project-based curriculum for advanced students that integrates STEM and the arts. Additionally, the school has completed a gym floor renovation to ensure safety for future events and physical education classes.

Oro Grande Classical Academy is entering its sixth year of providing classically-enriched education, aimed at developing lifelong learners. The curriculum emphasizes respect, kindness, and good manners, allowing students to become well-rounded individuals.

Smoketree Elementary will introduce “ROAR Time,” a weekly 30-minute STEM session incorporating hands-on activities aligned with Arizona Science Standards and Career Literacy Standards. This program uses the 5E Lesson Plan model to engage students in educational yet enjoyable experiments and projects.

Starline Elementary’s Kid City gifted program returns, continuing its collaboration with city officials and small businesses. New Rotary for Kids and Kiwanis for Kids clubs will help students develop communication, service learning, and team-building skills.

A significant change for all elementary students is the switch to the Beanstack platform, replacing the Accelerated Reader program. Beanstack offers reading logs and tailored reading challenges, aimed at fostering a love of reading without the stress of point systems and quizzes.