As students across Gilbert Public Schools (GPS) enter the second semester, the district emphasizes building on progress made during the first half of the year rather than starting anew. From elementary through high school, educators and programs work together to help students grow and prepare for future challenges.
In GPS elementary schools, efforts in the first semester focus on developing core academic skills, establishing routines, and helping students identify strengths while addressing challenges. By January, many students have become more confident readers, writers, and problem-solvers.
One initiative supporting this growth is the tutoring club at Spectrum Elementary. The program pairs volunteers with K-6 students for small-group instruction targeting specific skill areas such as reading, writing, or math. Teachers identify where support is needed so that assistance can be individualized.
“It’s not a homework club,” said Laura Castleton, a teacher at Spectrum Elementary. “We identify specific areas for students and focus on supporting them in those topics. Some students just need help in a certain area, and some of them just need confidence. They know the skills, they just need an extra boost to believe they can do it.”
The tutoring program is free for families and relies entirely on volunteers—many from Campo Verde High School—who are matched with elementary students by grade level and subject area over five-week sessions.
“You’re not just teaching them – they’re teaching you, too,” said one Campo Verde High School student who volunteers as a tutor. “I’ve learned patience, curiosity, and how to really think about where someone else is at before trying to help them.”
At the junior high level within GPS schools, teachers aim to connect lessons from earlier in the year with new material introduced in the second semester. Mark Williams, a physical education teacher at Mesquite Junior High, structures his curriculum so that foundational skills transfer between sports units.
“When we’re planning, we start with skills that will transfer,” Williams explained. “In the first semester, we might start with hockey – learning positions, angles, and how the game works. Those same concepts apply to soccer and lacrosse. When we move into lacrosse in the second semester, the skills and drills are the same. We’ve just changed the object.”
This approach allows students to recognize familiar concepts as they tackle new subjects.
“They’ll say ‘Oh I know this from last semester. I know exactly what to do,’” Williams added. “That lightbulb moment is pretty cool to see.”
Students also experience progression through long-term goal setting and measurable academic growth throughout junior high.
“It’s all connected,” Williams said. “Everything we do in the first semester prepares them for what’s coming next. Now in the second semester we’ll finish off the school year strong and prepare them for high school.”
For high schoolers across GPS campuses—which serve over 32,000 students across 39 schools according to their official website—the transition into second semester often highlights increased autonomy as they manage coursework alongside extracurricular activities.
“At the beginning of the year everything felt foreign,” shared a Campo Verde High School student about adjusting to higher expectations. “There were so many deadlines… Now it’s still challenging but I’m accustomed to it so it’s more comfortable.”
The student added: “I’ve learned time management is the biggest thing… It’s not about having more time; it’s about knowing how to use it.”
GPS uses systems such as its grading platform to encourage self-reflection among high schoolers.
“I like that grading system shows where I can improve,” said another student volunteer tutor from Campo Verde High School.“You can learn from it and build from it instead of just moving on.”
Teachers play an important role by offering advisory periods or individualized support when needed.
“My teachers really listen,” one student said.“If you’re struggling they help you adapt.They’ll explain things differently,give you more practice or walk you through until it makes sense.”
Gilbert Public Schools has operated for over a century and provides various educational programs including accelerated learning,gifted options,and special education.The district serves both Gilbert and Mesa communities,has earned A-ratings,and aims“to inspire excellence”in children preschool through twelfth grade within supportive environments.
To learn more about academics or curriculum offered by Gilbert Public Schools visit GilbertSchools.net/Teaching-Learning.
