Celebrating the
Extraordinary in
Every Child

Honors & Gifted Education

Students in kindergarten through second grade are served in the regular classroom with accelerated and enriched learning experiences.  Beginning in third grade, qualifying students participate in pullout programs in math, reading, and non-verbal reasoning, taught by a certified Gifted/Talented teacher.
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English Language Learner (E.L.L.)

The ESL program in the Paradise Valley Unified School District serves the needs of those students whose native language is not English and who have not yet reached a level of English proficiency that will allow them to succeed in regular courses taught in unmodified English.At the elementary school level, the program focuses on the development of oral, reading, and writing skills.  These classes teach the student content necessary to progress toward high school commencement, while providing for continuing work in the English language.  ESL students are tested according to state guidelines and are classified according to English language ability as Beginning, Intermediate, or Advanced.
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Special Education

Education services for students with special needs are provided through the process of identification, evaluation, and placement for programs and related services.  Specialists in psychology, speech and language therapy, occupational and physical therapy are also available. (Back to Top)

Reading Assistance

Our Reading Specialist is trained in the research-based, best practices for early literacy learning.   Identified students in kindergarten through fourth grade will have the opportunity to work with this specialist to improve their reading skills. (Back to Top)

Health Services

A registered nurse works full time at Sandpiper taking care of our daily student needs, directing our health education programs and health services, and serving as our Prevention Coach.  A counselor also provides screening and referral services for student with special needs. Please click here for the Nurse King's Website for information specific to Sandpiper students and families. (Back to Top)

Literacy Programs

Sandpiper develops high-level literacy habits and skills for all students using a wide range of processes.  Students increase the volume, quality, and enjoyment of reading through our Accelerated Reader Program.  Primary teachers have participated in an intensive staff development program that encompasses teaching methods based on the latest research and practice.  All of our teachers use Writer’s Workshop and Six Traits methods to teach writing skills.  Our students publish their work through our publishing center. (Back to Top)

Fine Arts

Sandpiper is staffed with art, music, band and strings teachers.  Students in kindergarten through sixth grade participate in the vocal music and visual arts programs.  Beginning in grade four, students may participate in the band and strings programs, and advanced band students may join the jazz band.  Through Sandpiper’s award –winning art curriculum, students have countless experiences in performing, creating works of art, expressing themselves artistically and understanding the cultures of our world through arts experiences.  Sandpiper is proud to host many visiting artists who have assisted students in creating beautiful murals throughout the school. To learn more about the strings program follow the link to Ms. Ashes' webpage. http://cmweb.pvschools.net/~aashe/home
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MARE Ocean Study

Sandpiper is proud to be the only school in Arizona using the MARE curriculum. Since 1999, Sandpiper has enriched its curriculum with the MARE (pronounced mah’ray) Ocean Study program developed by the University of California, Berkley.  MARE (Marine Activities, Resources & Education) transforms Sandpiper into a laboratory for the discovery and exploration of the ocean. Teachers prepare hands-on thematic lessons and students in each grade level focus on a different ocean habitat, from the rocky seashore to the open ocean.  Every student is engaged in a wide variety of hands-on activities, including dissection of squid, clams, and fish; experiments to test the properties of salt water; seaweed and kelp investigations; and a simulated ocean cleanup. Scientists and speakers from around the country participate in the program, serving as guest teachers for our students. Click here for the colored brochure or visit the MARE website at http://www.lhs.berkeley.edu/MARE/
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Tuition Free All-Day Kindergarten

The Paradise Valley Unified School District offers all-day kindergarten classes at all of the district's elementary schools.  In addition to a strong academic program, kindergarten students participate in music, art, PE and library media services.  If you have any questions regarding PVUSD's Kindergarten program or the registration process, please call the school office. (Back to Top)

Mascot Club (Community Education program)

The Mascot Club is designed to provide a safe and convenient child care solution for school-age children in our district. Mascot hours in the morning are from 6:30 am until 15 minutes prior to school opening; hours after school are from school dismissal until 6:30 pm. Mascot Clubs are licensed by the State of Arizona and DES assistance (602-569-4719) is available before and after school care,
6:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.http://comed.pvusd.k12.az.us/msctclb.htm
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Little Scholars  (Community Education program)

Little Scholars is a tuition-based preschool preparatory for kindergarten, a developmentally appropriate pre-kindergarten program for children who will be four years old by September 1, 2008. Registration begins March 8, 2008.

1. Where: Sandpiper
2. Hours: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm..
3. Cost: $75 per family registration fee; 475 per month. DES accepted.
4. Purpose: To prepare students for entry into kindergarten by facilitating learning experiences which promote development of academic, physical, and social growth.
5. Staff: one teacher and two assistants
6. Class Size: 22 children per National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) recommended group size and ratio.
7. Registration requirements:
   Proof of age
   Copy of child's immunization records including Hepatitis A
   Completion of DHS blue card & registration form (bring 2 emergency contacts w/ complete addresses & phone numbers)
   Payment of $75 registration fee
8. Register at: http://comed.pvusd.k12.az.us/Little_Scholars.htm
   or call (602) 867-5109 or (602) 867-5279

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