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Catalina Foothills board honors National Merit semifinalists and showcases fifth-grade deep-learning project
Summary
The board recognized National Merit semifinalists and commended scholars, celebrated choir and band successes, and heard a fifth-grade 'Boston Massacre' deep-learning showcase where students interviewed parents, examined primary sources, and presented evidence-based findings.
Board member Gina Maymert and Dr. Chris Lambert recognized a slate of student honors: commended scholars Sebastian Cross, Ella Hennings, Lillian Lee, Sienna Mayfield, Brandon Mactarian, Kiri Pappas, Nina Raju and Zach Young; and National Merit semifinalists Joseph Drexler, Fox Foster, Sarah Christina Nielsen, Neelay Patel, Carson Ruiz, Talia Zook and Brian Chang. Dr. Bartlett noted Sunrise Drive Elementary earned a perfect score on 2023 testing and the CFHS choir and marching band recently received top festival honors.
The board then heard a deep-learning showcase from Canyon View Elementary teacher Samantha Tessa Thompson. Thompson described a two-session immersive project in which fifth graders conducted a CSI-style investigation of the Boston Massacre: parents acted as witnesses (some in costume), students examined primary documents, interviewed witnesses, compiled crime-scene files and practiced evidence-based historical reasoning. Thompson said the project required about four hours of in-class work and culminated in student presentations and peer feedback.
Board members praised the students’ work and encouraged staff to share the project video and materials with participants and the wider community.
