Several events have and will be taking place at a preparatory school in Redlands called Valley Preparatory School (VPS). On April 17, an open house was scheduled, allowing parents and children to get comfortable with the offerings of the school, as well as a book fair on April 18 and a Culture Day on April 25. VPS is open to ages from preschool to 8th grade. The school is currently in the midst of a three-year implementation of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program (IB-PYP). The IB-PYP program utilizes a thematic approach to teaching and learning, which emphasizes the need to make connections across the curriculum, with the aim that it will allow students to develop their problem solving and critical thinking skills. Under the umbrella of the IB-PYP program is a “STEAM” program, which includes Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. The addition of art within a STEM emphasis provides the typical STEM classroom with new playful opportunities. With art in the same vicinity as subjects such as engineering, students can incorporate those subjects into their creative process. STEAM projects also foster collaboration. With the addition of the arts as an area of emphasis, it allows students to develop their creativity and self-expression. The Barnes & Noble book fair happening on Thursday, April 18 will be from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. Attending the event will be author of the book “How the Firefly Got Its Light,” Sharon McCann, and she will also be signing copies. The Culture Day on Thursday, April 25 is an event from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. that celebrates art and culture from around the world. Different tables representing different countries and regions will be assembled. Students are invited to dress in clothing that represents their culture. For more information, visit our website at www.valleyprepredlands.org.

Education Fun and Culture