Dear Parents and Students,

It’s hard to believe the school year is coming to a close! Our students have worked so hard and learned so much in DigiLab this year — from programming robots and exploring new coding platforms to creating 3D-printed designs and practicing digital skills. I’m so proud of their progress and creativity!

As we head into summer, I encourage students to keep exploring technology at home. Here are some fun and educational tech activities to check out over the break:

💻 Summer Tech Fun for Kids!
Here are a few student-friendly platforms to keep skills sharp and creativity flowing:

• Kodable – Practice coding through fun and colorful mazes.
  🔗 https://www.kodable.com
   
• Scratch – Create interactive stories, animations, and games using block-based coding.
  🔗 https://scratch.mit.edu
   
• Tinkercad – Design 3D models and continue growing your digital engineering skills.
  🔗 https://www.tinkercad.com
   
• Typing.com – Build typing speed and accuracy with fun and engaging lessons.
  🔗 https://www.typing.com
   
• Canva – Create beautiful digital posters, invitations, and slideshows.
   
• Adobe Express – Explore graphic design and storytelling with easy-to-use creative tools.
  (Canva and Adobe Express can both be accessed through the APS Classlink page.)

🔑 Access to APS Classlink at Home
Students can still log into APS Classlink from home to access many learning tools, even over the summer. Just go to:
🔗 https://launchpad.classlink.com/aps

Thank you for a wonderful school year filled with innovation, discovery, and digital learning! I hope you all have a fun, safe, and tech-filled summer. See you next year!

Warmly,
Mrs. Apodaca
 

Dear Parents and Students,

Happy April! Spring is in full swing, and our DigiLab is full of creativity and hands-on learning. Students are continuing to build important technology skills while designing, creating, and problem-solving.

🖥️ DigiLab Learning in Action

Students across all grade levels are strengthening their technology skills through coding, design, and digital creativity. These activities help students think critically, solve problems, and use technology in meaningful ways.

🏠 Extend Learning at Home

Are you looking for ways to extend your child’s learning at home or make screen time more meaningful? Here are a few great resources students can use outside of school:

Students can access APS ClassLink to use many of our DigiLab & Classroom resources:
https://login.classlink.com/my/aps
(Login with student ID@aps.edu and school password)

We are also using Kodable.com for coding. I encourage families to sign up for a Home Access Account so students can extend their learning at home. Paper instructions will be sent home with steps to get started. 

All students also have access to Typing.com to practice keyboarding. Students log in using their student ID number@aps.edu and their regular school password. Practicing at home helps build speed and accuracy.

Thank you for your continued support of the DigiLab. I look forward to all the creativity and learning April will bring!

Warm regards,
Mrs. Apodaca

Dear Parents and Students,

Happy March! This month in the DigiLab, we are focusing on digital responsibility and hands-on robotics. Students are learning how to be safe, respectful, and responsible technology users while continuing to build their coding and problem-solving skills.

🌐 Internet Safety & Cyberbullying Awareness

All classes are participating in important discussions about internet safety and cyberbullying. To help guide these conversations, we are reading Technology Tail by Julia Cook. This story helps students understand how their "digital tail" follows them online and reminds them to think carefully before they post, comment, or share. Through class discussions and activities, students are learning how to make safe choices online and how to respond appropriately if they encounter cyberbullying.

🤖 Robotics Exploration

Students are also diving into robotics this month!

Grades K–2 are working with Edison robots, which are programmed to read barcodes to complete different tasks. Students are learning how simple code can direct a robot’s movements and actions.

Grades 3–5 are using Dash and Dot robots, where they explore basic programming concepts such as sequencing, loops, and problem-solving. These activities encourage teamwork, logical thinking, and creativity as students bring their robots to life.

March is full of meaningful learning and exciting exploration in the DigiLab. Thank you for your continued support as we help students grow into responsible digital citizens and confident problem-solvers.

Warm regards, 

Dear Parents and Students,

Happy February! Our DigiLab is off to an exciting start this month with new equipment, creative projects, and lots of hands-on learning. Here’s what students are working on in the DigiLab:

🎉 Exciting DigiLab Upgrade!

We are thrilled to share that our DigiLab has officially received five new Bambu Labs P1S 3D printers along with a large supply of filament, all made possible by the $5,000 grant from the APS Education Foundation.

These new printers will allow students to:

• Print projects faster and more efficiently
• Explore multicolor and high-quality prints
• Expand their creativity through advanced 3D printing opportunities

We are incredibly grateful to the APS Education Foundation for supporting our DigiLab and helping provide our students with cutting-edge technology.

🧊 3D Design & Printing Projects

Students are continuing to build their 3D design skills using Tinkercad, applying what they’ve learned to real-world projects. With our new printers up and running, students are seeing their designs come to life more quickly and with exciting new possibilities.

💻 DigiLab Learning Across Grades

Students across all grade levels are strengthening important technology skills through coding, design, and creative problem-solving activities tailored to their grade level. These experiences help students develop confidence, perseverance, and a love for learning in the DigiLab.

Thank you for your continued support of our DigiLab program. We are so excited about what’s ahead and can’t wait to see what our students create with their new 3D printers!

Warm regards,
 

Dear Parents and Students,

Happy New Year! As we begin the new year, students are jumping back into creativity, problem-solving, and hands-on learning in the DigiLab. Here’s what students will be working on this month:

Adopt-a-Pet Project (Grades 3–5)

Grades 3–5 will be finishing up their Adopt-a-Pet 3D printing project. Students have adopted a 3D-printed pet and are using Tinkercad to design and create a cage or habitat that meets their pet’s needs. They are also using 3D printer pens to create accessories such as toys, food bowls, and decorations for their pets. This project encourages creativity, planning, and engineering design while allowing students to bring their ideas to life.

DigiLab Skills (Grades K–2)

Grades K–2 will continue building foundational technology skills by working in the Google Suite, practicing basic programming concepts with Kodable, and improving typing skills using Typing.com. These activities help our youngest learners gain confidence with technology while developing essential skills for future learning.

Thank you for your continued support of the DigiLab. I look forward to a fantastic start to the new year and seeing all the creative projects our students will complete!

Warm Regards,

Dear Parents and Students,

Happy December! As we wrap up the semester, our DigiLab is buzzing with creativity, innovation, and exciting news. Here’s what your students have been working on this month:

✨ Exciting News! DigiLab Receives a $5,000 Grant

I am thrilled to share that our DigiLab has been awarded a $5,000 Grant from the APS Education Foundation! This generous funding will allow us to greatly enhance our 3D printing program.

With this grant, we will be purchasing multicolor 3D printers and a large supply of filament so students can create colorful, high‑quality projects all year long. This upgrade will expand students' opportunities to explore engineering, design, and problem solving in hands-on and meaningful ways. Thank you for supporting our growing DigiLab!

🖥️ Tinkercad & 3D Design

Students continue to explore Tinkercad as they design 3D models—learning how to combine shapes, manipulate objects, and prepare their creations for printing.

This month, grades 3–5 are working on an exciting “Adopt‑a‑Pet” project, where each student adopts a small 3D‑printed pet and then uses 3D printers and 3D printer pens to design custom enclosures, accessories, and habitats. This hands-on challenge encourages creativity, engineering thinking, and joyful making!

🔗 Access to APS Classlink

Students can access their APS Classlink—filled with educational apps and resources—by visiting:

launchpad.classlink.com/aps

They will log in using their usual student ID number and password. Classlink supports learning both in and out of the classroom.

Thank you for your continued support. I am so excited about all that’s ahead for our DigiLab—especially with our new grant-funded additions coming soon! I look forward to finishing the year strong and seeing the amazing things our students will create.

Warmest wishes for a wonderful December,

Dear Parents and Students,

Happy November! As we move into the holiday season, our DigiLab is filled with exciting projects and hands-on learning experiences. Here’s what your students are working on:

Tinkercad Creations
Students are beginning to explore Tinkercad, a 3D design software that allows them to bring their ideas to life! They are learning how to create simple shapes, combine objects, and design models that can be 3D printed. Soon, they’ll be printing their own classroom charms to earn for their charm necklaces as they reach classroom milestones and behavior goals. It’s an exciting introduction to the world of 3D design and engineering!

Kodable Coding Adventures
In coding, students are using Kodable, an engaging platform that teaches programming fundamentals through fun, interactive games. They’re learning how to think like programmers by using logic, sequencing, and problem-solving skills to guide their characters through mazes and challenges. These early coding skills build a strong foundation for future projects in robotics and computer science.

Continuing Chromebook Mastery and Typing Skills
Our journey with Chromebook mastery continues as students refine their skills in navigation, file management, and using educational tools. For typing practice, students are using Typing.com to improve their typing speed and accuracy while earning badges and certificates as they progress. These digital skills are essential to their ongoing success in the DigiLab and beyond.

Access to APS Classlink
Your student can access their APS Classlink, which is full of educational resources, by going to https://launchpad.classlink.com/aps. (They will log in with their usual student ID# and password.) This portal provides a variety of tools to support your child's learning both in and out of the classroom.

Thank you for your continued support as we build these essential skills together. We’re excited to see what fun this month holds!

Dear Families,

Happy October! Our DigiLab is buzzing with excitement as we dive into another month full of creativity and learning. Here's what your students have been up to:

Chromebook Mastery
All students are becoming more comfortable with their Chromebooks. We’ve focused on using them efficiently and exploring the many tools they offer for our classwork. Students are practicing how to navigate, manage files, and use educational apps that will enhance their learning experience.

Kodable
Students are exploring programming through Kodable, an engaging and interactive coding platform designed for young learners. With its fun, game-based challenges, Kodable helps students understand the building blocks of computer science, such as sequencing, problem-solving, and logic. As they guide their characters through colorful mazes, students are actually writing code, learning to think critically, and practicing persistence when faced with new challenges. This hands-on experience lays a strong foundation for future programming skills and encourages students to view themselves as creative problem solvers in the world of technology.

Creative Projects with Adobe Express and Canva
In addition to programming, students are exploring their creative side with Adobe Express and Canva. These powerful design platforms allow students to create professional-quality graphics, presentations, and posters. They are learning how to use templates, design tools, and layout elements to enhance their digital projects. It's a fun way for them to express their creativity while gaining valuable digital media skills.

Typing Practice
Accurate and efficient typing is an essential skill in our digital world. Each student has been dedicating time to typing practice to build speed and accuracy. This will help them across all subjects, and it’s wonderful to see their progress each week.

Access to APS Classlink
Your student can also access their APS Classlink, which is full of educational resources, by going to https://launchpad.classlink.com/aps. This portal provides a variety of tools to support your child's learning both in and out of the classroom.

We’re looking forward to a great month as we continue building these essential digital skills. Thank you for your continued support!

Dear Families,

Welcome back to a brand new school year! I’m Mrs. Apodaca, and I’m excited to share all the amazing things your child will experience in the DigiLab this year.

In DigiLab, students will explore a wide range of hands-on and engaging activities, including:

🖥️ Programming & Coding – Building foundational computer science skills using age-appropriate platforms.
🤖 Robotics – Learning to code and control robots through fun, interactive challenges.
🧠 3D Design & Printing – Designing creative models using Tinkercad and bringing them to life with our 3D printers.
💻 Google Suite for Education – Practicing digital literacy skills with Docs, Slides, Sheets, and more.
🔧 And So Much More – Including digital citizenship, typing skills, STEM projects, and critical thinking activities.

I believe that learning should extend beyond the classroom. Your child can access many of the resources we use at school right from home! Simply visit:
👉 https://login.classlink.com/
From there, students can log in with their APS credentials to access platforms like Tinkercad, Typing.com, Scratch, Kodable, Google Drive, and more.

Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. I’m looking forward to a fun, creative, and inspiring year in the DigiLab!