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An innovative culture of learning

Build, Play, and Learn at BLOCK Fest®

Posted Date: 09/03/26 (09:00 AM)
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Learning can happen anywhere. It happens best when children and families have time to play together.


This school year, families in the West Valley School District are invited to join BLOCK Fest®. These fun, hands-on events will help young children explore early math and science skills through block play.


Here is how it works. During each one-hour event, families move through five block stations. Children can build, stack, sort, and test new ideas. A parent or caregiver is right there with them.


That time together is what makes BLOCK Fest® special. Parents can ask simple questions and talk about shapes and numbers. They can help children think through problems as they play. Children also get to practice language and social skills while building with others.


Minerva Pardo, WVSD Director of Family and Community Engagement, explains how it works, "During each one-hour event, families move through five block stations. Children can build, stack, sort, and test new ideas and a parent or caregiver is right there with them.”  She adds, "The time together is what makes BLOCK Fest special. Parents can ask simple questions and talk about shapes and numbers. They can help children think through problems as they play. Children also get to practice language and social skills while building with others. It’s really beneficial for both the child and the parent!”


This kind of play matters more than it might seem. The Twiga Foundation, which supports BLOCK Fest®, has studied how block play helps children learn. Their research shows that block play helps children feel ready for school and ready to learn, especially with early math and science concepts.


For West Valley families, BLOCK Fest® offers something more – it is an opportunity for children and families to have social interaction while learning something new. It gives families an easy way to support learning outside the classroom.


WVSD will host BLOCK Fest® events throughout the 2026–27 school year. Regular sessions will run from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

  • Sept. 29, 2026 — Ahtanum Elementary

  • Oct. 20, 2026 — Summitview Elementary

  • Nov. 3, 2026 — Cottonwood Elementary

  • Feb. 2, 2027 — Apple Valley Elementary

  • April 20, 2027 — Mountainview Elementary

  • May 4, 2027 — Wide Hollow Elementary

Families can also enjoy a special BLOCK Fest® session during the All-District STEM Showcase on March 16, 2027, at the West Valley Innovation Center.


Programs like BLOCK Fest® show what West Valley education is all about. They give children space to explore, ask questions, and learn with the people who support them most. This reflects the goals of the WVSD Strategic Plan and the WVSD Culture of Excellence. Every child deserves to feel valued, safe, and ready to learn.