Curriculum in Focus

Curriculum in Focus offers teachers an opportunity to highlight learning in action in their classroom. The goal is to provide parents and the community a window into classrooms and the material students are learning. Each month will include a new group of highlights. Please also see MUSD's social media for Curriculum in Focus posts on a more regular basis. 

CURRICULUM IN FOCUS: Students in Monica Arámbula’s Spanish 3 classes at Moorpark High School stepped into Guatemalan culture this week with a hands-on lesson about Semana Santa, or Holy Week. Celebrated in many parts of Latin America, Semana Santa is especially vibrant in Guatemala, where communities create elaborate alfombras—colorful carpets made of sawdust, flowers, and other natural materials—to honor the religious processions that pass through the streets. To bring the tradition to life, students headed outside to design and build their own alfombras. Experiences like this do more than deepen cultural understanding—they help students connect to the Spanish language in meaningful, memorable ways. Through interactive lessons, students not only practice vocabulary and communication but also build a personal connection to the people and traditions behind the language.

CURRICULUM IN FOCUS: In transitional kindergarten and kindergarten classrooms at Mountain Meadows 21st Century Learning Academy, students are building the foundational skills that set the stage for future academic success. From recognizing letters, numbers and basic shapes to practicing early reading, writing and communication, these young learners are laying the groundwork in core subjects every day. But just as important as what happens inside the classroom is what happens outside—on the playground. Recess plays a vital role in early education by giving students a much-needed break from structured learning and supporting their social-emotional growth. During recess, students learn how to take turns, follow rules, resolve conflicts and work together as they play—skills that translate directly to better classroom behavior and stronger relationships. Running, jumping, climbing and imaginative play also promote physical development and help improve focus and cognitive function when students return to class. By balancing academic instruction with play-based learning and unstructured social time, our TK and kindergarten programs support the whole child—academically, socially and emotionally.

CURRICULUM IN FOCUS: Sixth graders in Mrs. King’s science class at @Chaparral Middle School took on the challenge of designing hurricane-resistant structures as part of their Earth Science unit on natural hazards. Combining engineering, problem-solving and creativity, students were tasked with building a structure that could withstand the powerful winds of a simulated hurricane. Their materials? A ping pong ball, popsicle sticks, straws, notecards, tape and string. Their test? A three-speed floor fan acting as the storm. Students earned points based on the height of their ping pong ball and how long their design could stand strong against the “hurricane.” Each class would have a winner and there would be a first place for all six classes. But this was more than a competition. The project was grounded in a larger lesson about interpreting data on natural hazards and understanding how engineers use that data to predict catastrophic events and develop solutions to reduce damage. As they tested and adjusted their designs, students gained insight into the real-world application of STEM—particularly how engineering and architecture play critical roles in preparing for and responding to natural disasters. Through this engaging and hands-on activity, Mrs. King helped students connect classroom learning to future careers and real-world challenges, inspiring the next generation of engineers, architects and problem-solvers.

 

CURRICULUM IN FOCUS: Second graders in Mrs. Bruskof’s class at Arroyo West Active Learning Academy are getting their hands dirty—and their minds growing—as they explore the world of plant life in the school garden. As part of their science unit, students have been learning about seed dispersal and how plants grow in different environments. From wind and water to animals and gravity, they’re discovering the many ways seeds travel to new places. While working in the garden beds, students are investigating what plants need to thrive—sunlight, water, air and nutrient-rich soil—and making observations in real-time. These hands-on lessons not only reinforce classroom learning but also spark curiosity, responsibility and a deeper appreciation for the natural world.

CURRICULUM IN FOCUS: TK students in Mrs. LaRocca’s and Mrs. Heald’s classes at Arroyo West Active Learning Academy explored weather patterns through a hands-on, multisensory project. For two weeks, students tracked the saying “In like a lion, out like a lamb,” observing how March begins stormy and transitions to sunny in April. They recorded daily weather on an interactive graph, using key vocabulary. To bring learning to life, students created a weather-themed craft. They finger painted a stormy sky, wrote the word “lion” to complete a sentence, then counted and cut out cotton balls, lightning bolts and raindrops. Through creative choices and peer discussions, they reinforced key concepts. Next, they’ll create the sun (lamb) to represent April’s transition. By blending subjects into art, Arroyo West teachers make learning engaging and meaningful.

CURRICULUM IN FOCUS: Seventh graders in Ms. Collins’ and Mrs. Barajas’ math class at Chaparral Middle School explored proportional relationships and equations, fundamental concepts that describe how two quantities change in relation to each other. Using real-world applications, students worked on problems like adjusting a recipe to serve more people and calculating the amount of food needed for a crowd based on serving sizes. Other examples included estimating travel time by analyzing airspeed and distance and mixing paint colors in precise ratios to achieve specific shades. By applying these mathematical principles to everyday scenarios, students gained a deeper understanding of how proportions and equations shape the world around them. Ready to put your math skills to the test? Check out the two word problems we included from today’s lesson.

CURRICULUM IN FOCUS: Before Spring Break, Ms. McKagan’s first graders at Peach Hill Academy kicked off the day with some serious math fun! They counted by 10s all the way to 128 (that’s how many school days they'd had so far), practiced quick addition with triple-digit numbers, and spotted odd and even numbers like pros. After the math warm-up, they dove into word problems that challenged them to read carefully, think critically and compare sizes between different objects. You could see the wheels turning as they applied their problem-solving skills in real-time. And to cap it all off, they spent the rest of the morning coding with Scratch Jr.! From math to coding, these students showed that learning is all about thinking, problem-solving and having fun along the way.

CURRICULUM IN FOCUS: Seventh graders in Ms. Noble’s science class at Mesa Verde Middle School took their learning outdoors for a hands-on lesson in observational research. Stepping outside, students explored and catalogued the countless colors and shades that surround us daily, paying close attention to the way nature uses color in different ways. The lesson continued in the school’s garden, where Ms. Noble had hidden small “animals” for students to find—launching a discussion about how creatures use color to blend in, warn, attract or mimic the world around them. By bringing science to life through real-world observation and interactive exploration, creative teachers like Ms. Noble inspire students, showing them that science isn’t just something found in a textbook—it’s all around us.

CURRICULUM IN FOCUS: Fifth graders at Mountain Meadows brought their research to life with a creative and colorful State Parade! After writing informative essays about a U.S. state, students transformed their findings into eye-catching (miniature) parade floats, showcasing key details like the state’s capitol, nickname and famous figures. On Friday, they put their public speaking skills to the test, presenting their floats to fourth-grade classes. It was a fun and engaging way to blend research, creativity and communication!  

CURRICULUM IN FOCUS: Kindergartners in Ms. Resnik’s class at Mountain Meadows 21st Century Learning Academy practiced journal writing with a morning exercise that asked: This or that? As they learned to share their opinions in writing, students also worked on identifying sight words within compound words. The lesson helped build early literacy skills, supporting kindergarten goals in reading comprehension and sentence development. Students wrote a short paragraph explaining their choice and reasoning, strengthening their ability to express thoughts clearly. Ms. Resnik also reinforced grammar, punctuation and spelling. Activities like this encourage critical thinking and lay the foundation for strong communication skills.

CURRICULUM IN FOCUS: Third-grade teacher Genna James transported her students from the icy landscapes of Alaska to the lush rainforests of the Amazon through two lessons. In the first, the Campus Canyon College Preparatory Academy students applied math skills to track mushers racing in the Iditarod, a sled dog race spanning nearly 1,000 miles across Alaska. They calculated travel times, estimated distances and considered real-world factors such as rest breaks and the care of the sled dogs. As part of the lesson, students also learned to read and use military time, enhancing their understanding of time calculations in a real-world context. Each student has been following a particular musher as the race unfolds, engaging in real-time data analysis. The second lesson delved into rainforest conservation through “The Great Kapok Tree” by Lynne Cherry. Mrs. James encouraged students to reflect on the rainforest’s vital role in producing everyday items such as tires, blankets, and spices (vanilla and cinnamon). After discussing the importance of preserving rainforests (students drew connections between the towering kapok trees and California’s redwoods), they crafted a three-paragraph opinion essay on the topic. Through these lessons, students developed critical thinking skills, made global connections, and engaged in meaningful discussions about the world’s diverse ecosystems—all in one morning!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CURRICULUM IN FOCUS: Students in Mr. Guthrie’s Product Innovation & Design class took a break from designing and marketing their own products to take on the Spaghetti Challenge. Using just 20 pieces of uncooked spaghetti, a yard of masking tape, 24 inches of string and a marshmallow, teams had 20 minutes to build the tallest possible structure (with the marshmallow at the top). While engineering skills were key, teamwork mattered even more. Students had to communicate, problem-solve and adapt their designs under pressure. If you haven’t heard of this new course, Product Innovation & Design, a CTE pathway, is open to all Moorpark High School students. It gives students the skills they need to succeed in manufacturing, 3-D CAD modeling, e-commerce, product invention and 3-D printing. With hands-on projects and industry-standard software, students learn to create professional-grade 3-D designs and turn digital ideas into reality.

CURRICULUM IN FOCUS: At the High School at Moorpark College, students had the unique opportunity to experience a powerful David Labkovski Project presentation led by student volunteer Katia Lysobey, a sophomore at HSMC. This gallery-style presentation showcased the work of renowned artist and Holocaust survivor David Labkovski, whose paintings and sketches depict life before the Holocaust, his time in Siberia, the destruction of Vilna, Lithuania, and his eventual renewal of hope. Katia, who volunteers for the David Labkovski Project and other Jewish faith-based organizations, brought this presentation to HSMC as an enrichment to her class’s World War II World History unit. Students also heard from Leora Raikin, Mr. Labkovski’s great-niece and the executive director of the David Labkovski Project, who provided additional insight into the meaning behind his artwork. The David Labkovski Project educates through student-curated exhibitions, creative writing and traveling exhibits that teach lessons of survival, tolerance and the importance of bearing witness to history. Integrating these lessons into the classroom is vital, as it helps students develop a deeper understanding of historical events, fosters empathy and ensures that the stories of the past are not forgotten. By engaging with primary sources like Labkovski’s art, students gain a more personal and meaningful connection to history, reinforcing the importance of remembrance and the need to stand against intolerance in all forms.

CURRICULUM IN FOCUS: Second graders at Arroyo West Active Learning Academy took a trip through history on Friday morning with their amazing Biography Presentations! Ms. Bruskof’s class brought famous astronauts, explorers, scientists, civil rights icons and inventors to life, sharing what they learned about these inspiring figures. As the culmination of their research, students created a presentation and report about their chosen person, then stepped into character to deliver a speech as if they were that historical figure. Not only did they stand up and present with confidence, but they also created their own slide deck to share with family and friends afterward. It was a fantastic mix of hard work, creativity and fun!

CURRICULUM IN FOCUS: In Ms. Harvuot’s marine biology class, Moorpark High School seniors took a hands-on approach to learning by dissecting squid, exploring comparative anatomy and physiology. This lab deepens their understanding of evolutionary adaptations, from the squid’s jet propulsion system to its advanced nervous system, which offers insight into cephalopod intelligence. By examining organ structures, students see firsthand how marine organisms thrive in their environments and adapt to ecological pressures. Dissections also reinforce broader environmental discussions, such as the impact of ocean health on marine species.

CURRICULUM IN FOCUS: At Flory Academy of Sciences & Technology, music isn’t just about playing notes—it’s about discovery. Music teacher Jason Lewis connects students with instruments like drums, keyboards, and guitars, linking them to the songs they hear in films, TV shows, and on the radio. Mr. Lewis, a professional musician, also dives into the science behind sound, sparking curiosity about how music works. It’s all part of Flory’s music enrichment program. And did you know? Jason and his brother, Jayme, won E! Entertainment’s Clash of the Cover Bands, earning the cash prize and the opportunity to perform on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.

CURRICULUM IN FOCUS: Did you know that dance can fulfill your PE requirement while nurturing creativity and discipline at Moorpark High School? Dance teacher Leanna Jarjour—better known as Coach Lee—leads the Intermediate Dance Class at MHS, where students bring their passion and talent to the floor. This audition-only class blends physical fitness with artistic expression, offering students a well-rounded curriculum that supports both mind and body. From perfecting leaps to mastering spins, these dedicated dancers perform twice a year in winter and spring productions. Here's to the power of dance as a part of balanced education!

CURRICULUM IN FOCUS (HOLIDAY EDITION!): The hottest new coffee shop in town—Starbooks—opened on Friday in Ms. Domanski’s classroom at Walnut Canyon Arts and Technology Magnet School, giving fifth graders the ultimate “book-tasting” experience. With a cozy coffee shop vibe, complete with soft jazz, hot chocolate, homemade treats, and a wide selection of books, students explored new literary options by reading a few pages and grading the books they’re excited to read after Winter Break. Creative events like Starbooks help foster a love of reading and show just how powerful it is for elementary school students. Reading builds vocabulary, strengthens comprehension and sparks creativity, all of which are essential for lifelong learning and success.

CURRICULUM IN FOCUS: Study guides met strategy in Mr. Jenkins’ World History class as Moorpark High School sophomores tackled Jenkins’ Jenga! As part of their final exam prep, students pulled numbered blocks and asked their team to define terms from the study guide, covering topics like the rise of democratic ideas, the Scientific Revolution, the Enlightenment, the French Revolution and early 19th-century Europe. It was fun way to combine teamwork, strategy and history review!

CURRICULUM IN FOCUS: What do peanut butter and jelly sandwiches have to do with great writing? Just ask Mr. Pollock’s sixth-grade class at Mesa Verde Middle School. Students worked in groups to tackle the challenge of writing step-by-step directions for making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Some groups nailed it, while others forgot a few critical steps (turns out, “put the peanut butter and jelly between two pieces of bread” isn’t quite enough direction). This tasty activity led students to brainstorm descriptive language for informational essays about their favorite activities. From sandwiches to storytelling, these students are learning how to inform and inspire with their words!

CURRICULUM IN FOCUS: Lights, camera, collaboration! Today in Mountain Meadows 21st Century Learning Academy's STEAM Lab, fourth graders took on the challenge of creating stop-motion films under the guidance of teacher Angie Filer. The twist? Each team had to stay within a set budget while selecting items for their films, blending creativity with practical problem-solving. This hands-on lesson wasn’t just about filmmaking—it taught students important life skills, including budgeting (math), teamwork (collaboration), and using technology in innovative ways (creativity). Who knows? The next animation legend might be from Mountain Meadows!

 

CURRICULUM IN FOCUS: Fourth and fifth graders in Ms. Daniels’ WIN (What I Need) enrichment class at Arroyo West Active Learning Academy turned creativity into engineering with the "Net Activity." Using only string and paper, students transformed 2D nets into 3D shapes, exploring geometry, engineering and even art as they decorated their creations. Students tackled complex challenges, from constructing intricate shapes like dodecahedrons (12-sided solids) to finding creative solutions through trial and error. Ms. Daniels provided minimal direction, encouraging critical thinking, persistence and teamwork. Along the way, students reflected on their successes and challenges, gaining valuable insights into problem-solving and self-discovery. This STEAM activity is more than a hands-on project—it builds skills in geometry, engineering and artistic expression while fostering independence and resilience. Plus, decorating their folders with crosswords featuring the names of their shapes added a fun, personalized twist!

CURRICULUM IN FOCUS: In Mrs. Peters’ Honors Math 2 class at the High School at Moorpark College, freshmen recently took on a geometry-based challenge to determine the length of an arc in a circle. Working in groups, students collaborated to deepen their understanding and ensure everyone grasped the concept—an approach that promotes active learning over passive note-taking. This collaborative problem-solving helps students develop critical thinking skills, as they are encouraged to analyze and apply concepts rather than simply replicate examples. Next, they will extend this knowledge to a real-world scenario by calculating the grazing area available to a cow, linking classroom learning to practical applications. Lessons like this not only reinforce mathematical skills but also foster essential collaboration, analytical reasoning, and the ability to approach complex, real-world problems.  

CURRICULUM IN FOCUS: In Mr. Wallace’s eighth-grade science class at Chaparral Middle School-Moorpark, students engaged in a hands-on laboratory experiment focused on solution mixing and color theory. Working collaboratively in small groups, they used test tubes to precisely measure and combine colored solutions to produce a “rainbow” of colors. Each group documented their precise “recipes” for replicable results, then extended the experiment by designing and naming a new color, requiring iterative testing and adjustments. This lab emphasized the importance of precision in measurement, experimental rigor and collaborative problem-solving. By engaging directly in the scientific process, students deepened their understanding of practical chemistry concepts foundational to advanced studies.

CURRICULUM IN FOCUS: Students in Mrs. Sandoval’s Freshman Advisement class at the High School at Moorpark College participated in a Socratic seminar to discuss a UC Davis article about social media’s impact on mental health. Coming prepared with a Summary, Response, Questions and Answers (SRQA) written the night before, students dove into the discussion. Mrs. Sandoval set a respectful tone by emphasizing active listening, distinguishing between dialogue and debate and ensuring that everyone’s voice was heard. The lesson fostered not only critical thinking but also the skills for civil and respectful discourse.

CURRICULUM IN FOCUS: How do the masses of Earth, Moon and Sun affect their orbitals paths? This was the intriguing question posed to sixth graders in Ms. Noble’s science class at Mesa Verde Middle School. Using computer-generated models, students explored the gravitational forces between the Earth, Moon and Sun, simulating their orbits. The lesson encouraged students to form hypotheses and record detailed observations based on the simulations. By diving into this astronomy-based activity, students engaged in critical thinking, applied physics principles and honed their observational skills, all while exploring the fascinating dynamics of our solar system. Who knows? Perhaps one of these budding scientists will become the next great theoretical physicist, making groundbreaking discoveries that reshape our understanding of the universe.

CURRICULUM IN FOCUS: Students in Ms. Dennin’s Transitional Kindergarten (TK) class at Peach Hill Academy engaged in a variety of pumpkin-themed, hands-on activities Monday morning. At different learning stations, they molded clay to create pumpkin pies, tapped golf tees into pumpkins with small hammers, played with sand, and crafted unique pumpkin artwork with their hands. Each activity was designed to strengthen fine motor skills, spark creativity and introduce early literacy and math concepts. After a brief playtime, where students practiced sharing and using their imagination, they spent time counting pumpkin seeds—an engaging way to reinforce number recognition. It was then time for lunch!

CURRICULUM IN FOCUS: Seventh graders in Mr. King’s Life Science class at Chaparral Middle School-Moorpark recently explored animal biology by using microscopes to examine cells from various animal body parts. Throughout the year, students will build on this foundational study, progressing from cellular biology to body systems and ultimately to ecosystems, deepening their understanding of the connections between humans and the environment.

CURRICULUM IN FOCUS: Students in Ms. McNicol’s 4th-grade class at Walnut Canyon Arts and Technology Magnet School were hard at work crafting amazing personal narratives. From using words like “gazed” instead of “looked” to practicing dialogue with proper punctuation, they’re building strong writing skills and expanding their vocabulary. They also were challenged to add more detail to their stories by underlining nouns to make them more specific—changing 'dessert' to 'fudge brownies,' for example. After writing, students shared their stories with classmates to get valuable feedback. These assignments not only make writing fun but also help students express themselves clearly—a skill that’s important for life. Who knows? The next great author may be in this class! Plus, it’s a fantastic way to spark a love for reading.

CURRICULUM IN FOCUS: In Mrs. Williams' 4th/5th combo class at Walnut Canyon Arts and Technology Magnet School, young writers are crafting their own stories. Today, they dove deeper into personal narratives, exploring how to create a cohesive story with a strong hook, vivid descriptions, action and dialogue. Inspired by examples from the book "Wonder" by R.J. Palacio, students added rich details and figurative language to bring their stories to life. They also shared their stories with one another for additional feedback. The lesson also helps boost writing stamina and strengthen students’ storytelling skills. The ability to write well will benefit them not only in middle and high school, but in every stage of their education and future careers, where strong communication is key.

CURRICULUM IN FOCUS: Sixth graders in Mrs. King’s Earth Science class at Chaparral Middle School-Moorpark used pieces of clay to simulate tectonic plate movements and boundaries. The students documented three types of boundaries: divergent (where tectonic plates move apart, often forming mid-ocean ridges and volcanoes), transform (where plates slide past each other, causing earthquakes) and convergent (where plates collide, forming mountain ranges or volcanic arcs depending on the plates involved). Hands-on activities like simulating tectonic plate movements with clay allow students to visualize and engage with complex geological processes in a tangible way, making abstract concepts more relatable. By actively recreating divergent, transform, and convergent boundaries, students gain a deeper understanding of how these movements shape Earth’s surface, leading to natural phenomena such as earthquakes, volcanoes and mountain formation.

CURRICULUM IN FOCUS: Students from Ms. Daringer's 2nd grade class at Flory Academy of Sciences & Technology dove into hands-on learning in the Science Lab on Wednesday morning, guided by Science Specialist Samantha Wright. Their mission? To uncover the properties of different types of rocks. In small groups, students examined various stones, investigating their weight, magnetic pull, buoyancy (did you know some rocks actually float?), colors, textures, and more! Just like real geologists, they carefully logged their findings, making discoveries that sparked excitement and curiosity throughout the lab.

 

CURRICULUM IN FOCUS: In Mrs. Valencia’s third-grade class at Arroyo West Active Learning Academy, students are learning multiplication through hands-on centers. By grouping objects into equal sets, they can better understand the factors and products involved in multiplication. Using manipulatives gives students a visual way to grasp the concept, making it easier for them to solve problems. Mrs. Valencia said this method helps students explore multiplication in different ways, like using arrays, number lines and repeated addition, while also preparing them for division. The hands-on activities keep students engaged and make learning both fun and effective, which aligns with the academy’s focus on active, practical learning. 

CURRICULUM IN FOCUS: In Mrs. Wagler’s fifth-grade class at Campus Canyon College Preparatory Academy, students presented their “Cultural Boxes” in front of the class, each one a unique reflection of their individual heritage. As part of this engaging activity, students shared details about their cultural backgrounds, such as the countries or regions where their families originated, the languages they speak at home, traditional foods they enjoy, and meaningful customs or traditions. These presentations fostered a deeper understanding and appreciation of diversity within the classroom.

Mrs. Wagler explained that the lesson integrates important educational concepts from multiple disciplines, including social studies, genealogy and public speaking. The social studies aspect encourages students to explore the broader world by understanding how different cultures contribute to society, promoting tolerance and inclusivity. Genealogy allows students to trace their family history, creating a personal connection to the past and helping them develop a stronger sense of identity. Public speaking, a critical skill for their future academic and professional lives, is also emphasized, as students build confidence while articulating their thoughts and stories in front of their peers.

This multidisciplinary approach not only strengthens students’ academic skills but also fosters an environment of mutual respect, encouraging them to celebrate the richness of cultural diversity in their community.

CURRICULUM IN FOCUS: TK students in Ms. Heald’s class at Arroyo West Active Learning Academy were busy last week building, creating and learning in fun and engaging ways!

In one of their first activities, TK students got hands-on with a "Build a City" challenge. Using numbers 0-10, the class talked about how buildings in a city come in all different heights. The students then used unifix cubes to build their city, comparing the heights of their buildings based on the numbers in each box. This activity helped them develop fine motor skills and one-to-one counting skills.

In the next activity, students combined math with letter recognition. They used pattern blocks to form letters of the alphabet, choosing whichever letter they wanted to create. By matching up the pattern blocks to the shapes on the sheet, students practiced identifying letters while continuing to strengthen their fine motor skills.

Also last week, Ms. Heald’s students worked on a letter T book, first reading together in small groups, then coloring the book during center time. Along the way, they practiced the correct way to hold a pencil—a skill that will be reinforced in all small group work.

Finally, the class worked on "pokey-pin" activities, where students use a push pin to poke holes in an object drawn on paper. Because it’s September, the class did an apple this week! This activity helps build patience, stamina and those ever-important fine motor skills.

It was another exciting, skill-building week at Arroyo West, where every day is a new opportunity to grow and learn!

CURRICULUM IN FOCUS: Mesa Verde eighth graders in Mrs. Jones’ Physical Science class dove into the world of measurement! They’re mastering mass, length and volume through hands-on labs. In this experiment, accuracy is everything as students must follow exact lab procedures to create a vibrant rainbow of liquids in their test tubes. Students use graduated cylinders to measure the meniscus down to the milliliter to ensure the liquids were turned the proper color. Teamwork and safety are key as they discover the magic of science—one drop at a time!