Trail Wind Elementary School was built thanks to the community's support of a bond election in February, 1996. Armstrong Architects created the design by combining traditional (rectangular) classrooms with the latest educational technology. At 47,000 square feet, this new facility accommodates approximately 600 students in 20 classrooms for grades K-6.

The new school features a wide variety of multi-media equipment, such as a central network connecting all classrooms, multiple computer terminals in each classroom, tack boards, liquid chalk board systems, and built-in cable-wired TV/VCR units. A variable lighting system makes three lighting levels available in each classroom to facilitate various educational tasks.

In addition, energy management systems such as heating and cooling, security, irrigation, and fire protection are all electronically monitored and programmed from a central data station.

The school was built with masonry and sloped roofs for energy efficiency and low maintenance. As the number of students increased, we implemented a second-phase plan. This provided a wing, adding six classrooms to accommodate an additional 200 students.

OPTIONAL CALENDAR OFFERED

When Trail Wind opened its doors, it also opened up new opportunities for students, parents, and staff members. The 1997-1998 school year marked the start of a unique pilot program, the Optional Calendar, which offers parents and students an opportunity to select a school calendar they prefer.

The Optional Calendar program runs from early August to June mid/end of June, with two three-week breaks, and a six week break during the summer.

ACCELERATED LEARNING CENTER

This center involves a team of teachers brought together to focus on childrens' individual learning needs. It provides an ability to increase the number of students who receive services when identified as accelerated or challenged in various curricular areas. This least restrictive environment focuses on the combination of inclusion and pull out delivery systems.

In the Accelerated Learning Center, teams of special education, remedial reading and gifted and talented teachers work closely together to serve a wide spectrum of students. Speech specialists, school psychologists, physical education teachers, and music teachers also provide assistance in some cases. The Center is a response to the growing number of students with diverse needs and abilities.

OUTDOOR CLASSROOM

Parents, students and faculty collaborated to create an outdoor learning center. This learning area contains gardens, a small amphitheater, a pond, numerous bird feeders and abundant wildlife. Teachers, parents and students maintain the outdoor classroom year-round creating a peaceful, hands-on learning classroom.

COMPUTER LAB AND ART PORTABLE

Trail Wind has a high tech computer lab with 32 new computers and a Smart Board display. Teachers use the lab during the week to give students individual time with the technology. The Art Portable is a very well equipped location that classrooms use to enhance their art curriculum. Art materials of all kinds are available to classes for enrichment.