A major teaching and learning initiative stemming from the new strategic roadmap is the transition of three MAPS elementary schools to focus schools. These schools offer a specialized theme that is integrated into the curriculum, instruction, and overall school experience. Last spring, Rosa Parks Elementary and Jefferson Elementary were selected to join Bridges Community School as focus schools starting with the 2025-2026 school year.

A key first step in this transition has been exploring various possibilities for enhancing elementary school education. This has involved gathering input from staff, parents, and community members. Task force teams at each school have reviewed feedback on what interested parties consider the essential elements of high-quality education, leading to discussions on a range of potential school themes.

On Monday, October 21, district leaders provided the MAPS School Board with an update on this year’s progress, including three school themes that have emerged: global studies, outdoor education, and STEAM. These themes have broad appeal, expand the learning opportunities within MAPS, are highly relevant in today’s world, and align with the School Board’s vision for a future-focused education system.

At their work session on the 21st, the School Board heard about the work that has been accomplished to date and asked questions and provided feedback that strengthened the finalization of the themes.  
At tonight’s meeting, the School Board is being asked to formally adopt the three focus areas for the three elementary schools beginning in the 2025-2026 school year:

• Bridges Community School - Global Studies Focus
• Jefferson Elementary School - Outdoor-Nature Based Education Focus
• Rosa Parks Elementary School - STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) Focus