In April, our team was invited to attend the Deeper Learning 2013 Conference at High Tech High in San Diego. Through various hands-on workshop sessions and conversations among our team members, we were able to gain an understanding that "deeper learning" prepares students to:

• Master core content

• Think critically and solve complex problems

• Work collaboratively

• Communicate effectively

• Learn how to learn (self-directed learning)

Armed with a newfound belief that "play, passion, and purpose" are the qualities that will make an enormous difference in the lives of our students, we headed back to Santa Clarita with materials to share with colleagues and to embed in our weekly Professional Learning Communities.