Canyon Ridge Frequently Asked Questions
What is Canyon Ridge’s vision?
Canyon Ridge School, Dysart's first concept school, is an integrated learning community of lifelong learners committed to preparing capable citizens with a strong academic foundation, a positive self-concept and an understanding of the individual's responsibilities within the larger society. At Canyon Ridge School the educational experience extends beyond the school day and the school walls. Curriculum and instruction are organized around real-world problems. Students gather and apply knowledge from multiple disciplines with particular emphasis on science, math and health supported by transforming uses of technology. Collaboration, team building and partnerships define interactions among all members of the learning community. Problem-based learning, flexibility in grouping and in use of time, research and assessment to drive instructional decisions, and innovative approaches to teaching and learning are hallmarks of this school and of the future for all schools.
What is Canyon Ridge’s mission?
Our mission is to create a fun, challenging, exciting and safe learning environment that will motivate our students to excel in their education. The personal accountability and responsibility by our students, staff, parents and community will develop higher character expectations in our youth and teach them to be individuals that go above and beyond their daily challenges.
We will provide an education that encourages every child to achieve the academic, social, physical and emotional skills necessary to reach their highest potential by providing the resources, preparation and planning to our staff. We will promote school spirit, sportsmanship and pride in our individuals at our school. With open communication and respect for individuals, our team can only go forward.
What is a concept school?
Dysart’s first concept school is designed to meet the needs of the 21st century learner to ensure his/her future success in the dynamic global economy. Canyon Ridge School will have a comprehensive, integrated curriculum aligned with state standards while emphasizing math and science as focus areas. Technology will be a core component of the instructional program and will be integrated into all subject areas.
What are the needs of a 21st century learner?
Core subjects- more than basic competency, but in depth conceptual understandings of enduring, big ideas with the ability to make connections with previous learning and other subject areas
Learning & thinking skills- critical thinking, problem solving, creativity and innovation
Life skills- leadership, ethics, accountability, responsibility, personal productivity and self-directedness
21st century content- global awareness, civic literacy, health and wellness awareness
Information and communication technology- using technology to learn content and skills in the context of learning core subjects
Rigor- raised expectations and achievement for all students and a belief that each student can achieve excellence
Reflection- learn, relearn and unlearn- the ability to look back to look ahead- adaptability
Relevance- authentic learning experiences and real life connections- engaged in problem based learning
Relationships- students feeling connected to the school- collaboration and communication
How is math taught in a concept school?
Math will receive more instructional time and be integrated with other curricular areas.
Students will develop deep understandings through the use of manipulatives while learning their math skills and then have opportunities for knowledge utilization with real world problems. Cooperative group work, math inquiry, discussion, justification of thinking, analysis, reasoning and problem solving will all be emphasized.
How is science taught in a concept school?
Science will receive more instructional time and be integrated with other curricular areas. Students will develop deep understandings through hands on activities, inquiry learning and problem solving while building science literacy and reasoning. Students will explore science related issues that are encountered in everyday life.
Is Canyon Ridge a technical or technology school?
No. Technology will be a critical, daily component of the instructional program, but will not be taught in isolation. Students will learn technology skills as they use it to enhance their learning in core curricular areas.
What will instruction look like (how will it be different) at Canyon Ridge?
Learning will be student centered and active, teachers will act as a guide. Students will be engaged through hands on learning, inquiry, cooperative learning, and problem solving as they prepare to become successful citizens in the 21st century.
What is ‘Concept' School Enrollment?
A process by which, parents could enroll their children at Canyon Ridge, due to interest in the concept school, regardless of home school boundaries. Placement was based solely on priority in the order which applications were received. 'Concept' students are guaranteed placement at Canyon Ridge as long as they wish to continue enrollment and comply with the student and parent compact.
Transportation is not provided for 'Concept' students.
What is GATE?
GATE is the dual service gifted model for Dysart Unified School District. The two service models include both Self Contained services and Individual Learning Plans.
The Self Contained services are located here at Canyon Ridge. Students attaining a score of 97% on both verbal and quantitative and at least a 90% in non-verbal are eligible for this setting. Students in grades 2-6 are provided gifted services within the Self Contained classroom; whereas, students in grades 7-8 travel as a cohort to each of their classes.
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