Technology- Digi Lab

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!