In an era where technology is revolutionizing education, ASU Preparatory Academy Pilgrim Rest is raising the bar. Building on their existing partnership with Jamf, a global leader in device management, they recently hosted a hands-on workshop that let elementary students experience fun and cutting-edge tech. This exciting collaboration is a game-changer, unlocking new possibilities for student success through innovative learning.

ASU Prep Pilgrim Rest and Jamf share spirit of innovation

Jamf specializes in supporting educational institutions with seamless integration of Apple devices, boasting partnerships with over 43,000 schools worldwide. Their expertise lies in facilitating the large-scale rollout of these devices, making it easier for students and teachers to use technology for enhanced learning experiences. Dr. Suraj Mohandas, Jamf Vice President of Education Strategy, describes the company’s role as “the wizard behind the curtain,” allowing teachers to focus on instruction rather than device management.

Mohandas highlights the transformative potential of technology-enabled active learning (TEAL), saying, “This approach shifts the classroom focus from teacher-centered lectures to student-centric activities. It enables teachers to act as facilitators, helping students engage actively with technology tools across various subjects like math, coding, and geometry.”

The spirit of TEAL perfectly aligns with the goals of ASU Prep Pilgrim Rest, which is dedicated to personalized, student-centered learning experiences. This partnership particularly emphasizes the importance of STEM literacy from an early age. By fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, this “kinder to career initiative,” as Mohandas calls it, prepares students for the future.

Hands-on learning with Sphero workshop

A recent workshop led by Dr. Dave Saltmarsh, Senior Director of Community Education Initiatives at Jamf, exemplified the power of TEAL in action. The event featured 28 third and fourth graders who were given iPads to control a Sphero, a durable, plastic robotic ball. Rather than providing direct instructions, Saltmarsh encouraged students to figure out how to pair the Sphero with the iPad, control it, and even code it to perform specific tasks.

Lily Grijalva, Assistant Principal at ASU Prep Pilgrim Rest, praised the process: “You’d think it would be chaos, but the students were engaged the entire time! The kids had to figure out how to connect the Sphero robot ball and teach each other. They learned to make the Sphero bounce, change colors, and navigate specific paths—all through inquiry-based learning.”

Another component that impressed Grijalva were the teacher-enabled pop-up messages that would provide all of the students with the next bit of instruction or guidance. Mohandas describes this as “just one of the simple things we can do to streamline instruction time.”

Learning through productive struggle

The concept of “productive struggle” emerged as a cornerstone of the workshop. This approach encourages students to grapple with challenges, fostering resilience and deeper understanding, as evidenced in their interactions with the Sphero. 

“Productive struggle is crucial in STEM spaces,” emphasized Rachna Mathur, Senior STEM Strategist at ASU Prep. “It’s okay to have a productive struggle, and we don’t have to be the experts in the room. That was also important to understand as a teacher, you’re acting as a facilitator and not necessarily as an expert.”

Grijalva echoes this sentiment, highlighting that the workshop was a valuable learning experience for both students and educators.

ASU Prep Pilgrim Rest: A center for STEM literacy

Mathur describes ASU Prep Pilgrim Rest as an “innovative center within the community,” offering various programs to promote STEM literacy. Their annual summer camp, sponsored by STEMology Club, invites K–8 students to learn fundamental coding concepts using Scratch and Osmo, with no prior experience needed. 

ASU Prep Pilgrim Rest also sets itself apart as the first and only K–8 school in the nation to offer a Dreamscape Learn Pod, an immersive learning and entertainment platform with cutting-edge virtual reality technology. This gamified curriculum allows students to visit virtual locations from Ancient Egypt to the surface of the moon.

The partnership with Jamf furthers ASU Prep’s mission by showcasing how technology-enabled learning encourages students to explore STEM, not only enhancing their immediate educational experiences but also preparing them for future success in technology-related fields.

What’s next?

Looking ahead, ASU Prep Pilgrim Rest has ordered a classroom set of Sphero robots to continue these hands-on learning experiences. The future of the partnership with Jamf involves engaging local Jamf employees with students through mentoring and volunteer opportunities at ASU Prep’s Pilgrim Rest and Downtown Phoenix campuses. Additionally, Jamf is collaborating with ASU Prep Digital to develop CTE engineering pathways and offer Jamf certifications.

Learn more about ASU Prep Pilgrim Rest’s commitment to helping students pursue their passions, achieve their goals, and build a lifelong love of learning.

On December 8, the ASU Preparatory Academy Pilgrim Rest campus was buzzing with excitement, color, and creativity. The occasion? The inaugural Creative Fusion Festival – a vibrant celebration of global cultures, creativity, and community engagement.

Just as the school focuses on a unique blend of arts and STEM, so did the festival. Visitors were treated to free food and entertainment with an array of arts and crafts tables, hands-on STEM activities, grade-level musical performances, and a student art project showcase. There was also face painting, a photo booth, and even a raffle with the chance to win an iPad among other cool prizes.

For student Valerie, the festival was a lot of fun. “There’s activities, a lot of food, pictures, and there’s also a lot of games,” she said. Teacher Adrienne Henderson-Cole was happy families were able to support the student performers, whom she described as “super cute and super excited.”

Beyond the fun and festivities, the Creative Fusion Festival served a deeper purpose. It was about bringing together community partners, showcasing student talent, and “welcoming our community into our school,” as Principal Marissa Schneckloth explained.

Principal Schneckloth saw the event as an opportunity for parents and guardians to experience the school’s unique blend of academics and arts. “Having the music element and the arts and the STEM, all come together in one, really gives parents and guardians the opportunity to see who we are and what we can bring to their children,” she expressed.

Families were thrilled with the festival and the school’s efforts to engage them in their children’s educational journey. Joseph Taylor, a parent, shared, “I’ve never seen the involvement of the parents as they are here and the willingness to partner with the parents. Being able to partner is awesome. That makes being a parent here just a wonderful experience.”

Principal Schneckloth agreed, and emphasized the importance of community partnerships. “They can bring in their resources and expertise and experience and expose our students to things outside of their dreaming and just really motivate them to learn,” she said.

The inaugural Creative Fusion Festival at ASU Prep Pilgrim Rest was both a celebration of creativity and community involvement. It was a fun evening filled with joy, learning, and inspiration, leaving participants eagerly anticipating next year’s festival.

On the eve of the Arizona Diamondbacks’ first 2023 World Series game, beloved mascot Baxter ignited enthusiasm in young fans when he stopped by ASU Prep Pilgrim Rest. The jersey-wearing bobcat paid students a special visit and brought more than just fun and games. He also brought books and a powerful message about the importance of STEM education.

The books distributed to elementary students feature Baxter as the main character and merge STEM and baseball themes—an innovative collaboration between Honeywell and the Diamondbacks—making reading and learning fun! Local Fox 10 News featured the special visit as Baxter, along with representatives from the Diamondbacks and Honeywell, interacted with ASU Prep students.

The Diamondbacks are not just heroes on the baseball field, but also in their local community. Players have consistently been role models for ASU Prep Pilgrim Rest students, dedicating countless volunteer hours to our campus, which is situated just a mile from their home at Chase Field.

The Diamondbacks and Honeywell are making a significant difference in the community by using their resources and platforms to inspire and educate—one book, one student, and one game at a time. We’re definitely fans of their community commitment.

For more information about our innovative and personalized, tuition-free PreK-12 education programs, visit ASU Preparatory Academy’s website.

 

Key Points

• Model as a leader how you create relationships. Walk across the street and meet with the community.
• It’s essential that students feel embraced and included and that they know how to include others.

Thank you to BetterHelp for sponsoring this episode. Speak with an affordable, licensed therapist at your convenience and save 10% on your first month at BetterHelp.com/GettingSmart.

On this episode of EduCatered we’re joined by Heidi Alexander, Founding Principal at ASU Preparatory Academy – Pilgrim Rest Elementary.

We love getting to work alongside ASU Prep in a number of ways and are always blown away by their incredible innovations and most of all… their incredible people. Heidi is one of those amazing individuals. Alongside her team, she keeps ASU Prep Academy at the center of their community.

Let’s listen in as they talk about food, belonging and how to best communicate with families.

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ASU Prep is excited to launch ASU Prep Academy Pilgrim Rest, a new public charter school in the ASU Prep Academy network. We’re looking for a diverse group of passionate and talented teachers interested in becoming founding members of this innovative school.

We’re enrolling learners in grades PreK–6 to start in August 2022 on the downtown campus of Pilgrim Rest Baptist church in Phoenix, AZ. Community-driven and innovative by design, Pilgrim Rest aligns with the ASU Prep mission to build new models for educational success and raise academic achievement for all learners.

A commitment to strong literacy skills, STEM, visual and performing arts, leadership and health and wellness guide the program. Community integration, family partnerships, personalized learning, project-based approaches and culturally relevant pedagogy support these commitments.

This is an amazing opportunity to be part of a new school launch. We’re seeking education professionals with a strong growth mindset, innovative approach, leadership skills and a commitment to the success of every learner.