Walking on the campus of the former Eisenhower Elementary School, there exists an excitement of change since the school has been repurposed to Eisenhower Center for Innovation.
Mesa Public Schools has many types of schools in the district aiming to reach all the needs of their diverse population. The Eisenhower Center for Innovation is the newest. The passing of the bond election made this possible, along with the support of the district, in terms of additional contracts and support staff.
The Center for Innovation is set apart from other elementary schools. Their campus has a full-time art teacher and two full-time educational technology specialists who help with the technology. The students are part of the iPad Initiative, which means their learning is happening on iPads, along with Apple TV, in the classrooms. In addition, every intermediate student is required to play an instrument. Media arts classes, computer programming, along with critical and scientific thinking, is at the core of the student’s learning.
Tracy Yslas, the center’s principal, has a working relationship with her feeder schools. This will provide smooth transitions for her students, and guarantee their success in the future. Eventually, the Center for Innovation wants to reach the level of individualized learning whereby the strengths and interests of each student will morph into project-based learning. The objective is to reach the technical and creative side of their students.
Family involvement is a critical aspect to improve the student’s educational experience. They now have an official PTA with 50 members, as well as the Family Literacy Program, which will bring parents into the classrooms as volunteers. In addition, English as a Second Language and parenting classes are available. “We are committed to provide opportunities to kids in order for them to find their strengths and talents no matter what they choose to do,” said Principle Yslas. “We have to sustain things that are working and move on when things are not.”
Principle Yslas has embraced this new challenge wholeheartedly. Her experience is vast, including being a principal in Mesa and Pendergast, along with working at the district level in various departments. There is growth to achieve. However, with her dedicated staff and positive community involvement, she knows, in due time, it can be done.
When your school’s philosophy is Every child is ours, and we help all to succeed, wonderful things are bound to happen. Communication is a key component. Therefore, when there exists a common language within the school, along with teachers who review data, share ideas, and constantly are open to modifications and adjustments, learning will be at its best for their students. “We want to be partners with the parents, and have our parents feel they can be involved in school,” Principle Yslas stated. “We want them to be empowered to participate and be advocates for their children.”
The Eisenhower Center for Innovation is located at 848 N. Mesa Drive. For more information, contact Tracy Yslas at (480) 472-5200. Visit the Web site at www.mpsaz.org.