Academics

Looping

Looping in education refers to the practice of having a teacher remain with the same group of students for multiple years, typically for two consecutive school years. In this model, the teacher moves up a grade level with their students, allowing them to teach the same group for two consecutive years.

AVID

As of 23-24, Echo Canyon offers AVID for all Middle School students. AVID stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination. Our middle school teachers have received and will continue to receive on-going professional development to support our students with rigorous academic preparedness, opportunity knowledge and student agency. AVID’s mission is to close the opportunity gap by preparing all students for college and career readiness and success in a global society.  Our goal is to spend a few years as a school developing our middle school program and then rolling out school-wide. 

Spelling Bee 

Every year we have a spelling bee for our students in grades 3-8.  Teachers are responsible for conducting classroom spelling bees.  Each class will send 2 representatives to participate in our school Spelling Bee. The winner of the ECS Bee will be invited to participate in the SUSD Spelling Bee. If our winner places well at SUSD’s Bee, they can participate in the regional, state and national Scripps Spelling Bee!

The Gardens

The gardens encourage exploration, problem solving, critical thinking and collaboration as students learn how to grow and eat healthy foods. Research shows that students who are familiar with growing their own food tend to eat more fruits and vegetables and are inclined to continue healthy eating habits into adulthood. Healthy students are better learners too. Research from the CDC shows that nutrition is linked to higher academic achievement, increased memory function and reduced absences. 

We have distinct garden areas: certified monarch waystation, National Wildlife Federation Certified Sonoran Desert Tortoise Habitat, Ancient Cultures Garden, Succulent Hanging Garden, Native and Heirloom Agriculture, Organic Gardening and Composting. Plans are in the works to create a garden area to grow and highlight native low water use plants to serve as a springboard to learn about water conservation and the need to care for this precious desert resource. Additionally, 6th graders learn about the science of composting (and the byproduct of organic fertilizer) while delving into the subject of sustainability. 3rd graders learn about plant propagation of indoor house plants and some outdoor plants through hands-on science practices in the classroom. 4th graders will focus on pollinators and learning about water conservation through delving into the Sonoran native plant varieties and animals. Our garden's academic value includes real-world science and engineering practices, cross-cutting concepts and core ideas about science through using natural phenomenon to pique student curiosity. Social learning in the gardens fosters responsibility, connections, teamwork and cooperation, problem solving skills, respect and aesthetic appreciation. Emotional learning in the gardens helps us to understand failure is a part of learning, persistence, patience, mindfulness, stress management and emotional regulation.