Education

S.T.E.M. Workshop for Women of all ages and Girls

(middle school age and above) Saturday, January 28, 2023 8:30AM to 12:00PM

HURRY! Register early to secure your spot at this informative and fun S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) event hosted by Arts at the Rocks, a Music Ministry of Desert Hills Presbyterian Church. EVENT HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: • Hands-on Robotics/Coding and

Engineering stations with Arizona Science

Center • Master Class on using performance improvisation in school and work with

New York City Actor and Writer, Heather

Massie* • Professors Cynthia Keeler, Banu Ozkan,

Patricia Rankin, and Arumina Singh from The Arizona State University’s

Department of Physics will discuss the exciting research that latest generation of women in Physics is doing and how the fi eld benefi ts from bringing diverse perspectives. After a series of short presentations from the panel the audience will have the opportunity to ask questions. A $10 WORKSHOP REGISTRATION FEE will cover continental breakfast, snacks and drinks.

*Attend the FREE performance HEDY! The Life & Inventions of Hedy Lamarr starring Heather Massie the evening before the Workshop, Friday, January 27, 2023 at 7:00PM

Scan the

QR code to register NOW!

34605 N. Tom Darlington Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85266

www.deserthills.org 480-488-3384

Education

Educational and Sports Highlights from the Cave Creek Unified School District

By Dr. Cort Monroe

As we begin the new year at Cave Creek Unified School District (CCUSD), we are thankful for our employees, students, parents, and community. Here are highlights from the amazing 2022-2023 school year.

BLACK MOUNTAIN ELEMENTARY

SCHOOL: One of the most popular events of the year at Black Mountain takes place every September when the students come together to celebrate all first responders during Patriot Day (9/11). This year, we were excited to combine a Patriot Day ceremony with a Grandparents Breakfast, allowing for the largest group of first responders we have ever had to be celebrated by the largest audience we have ever had. It was quite the site to see hundreds of grandparents join in on the celebration as almost 600 students and staff sang patriotic songs, while unveiling a gigantic American flag. Black Mountain is also honored for the wonderful opportunity to thank even more heroes during the annual Veterans Day Walk of Honor each year. On Nov. 10, BMES welcomed almost 100 veterans to walk through decorated halls lined with hundreds of cheering students and waving flags. Students were able to walk with a veteran or in honor of a veteran who was unable to attend.

DESERT SUN ACADEMY: Desert Sun Academy had an exciting first semester that included student leadership, community involvement, and teaching and learning. The DSA Student Council and Kiwanis K-Kids collected food items to help community members during the holiday season. Meanwhile, French Immersion students celebrated French Week in November to showcase the French culture with all other DSA students. DSA celebrated and honored veterans at the November Flag Raising to thank them for their service to their communities and country. As a staff, we are learning together through professional learning communities and onsite professional development training to ensure effective teaching practices and high expectations for all kids.

DESERT WILLOW ELEMENTARY

SCHOOL: Desert Willow has been able to start more before and after school clubs this year for students to feel more connected to the school and find an area of interest for them. Students were thrilled to join Choir, Mileage Club, and Cross-Country clubs––to name a few. Sixth-grader Roadrunner Leadership volunteers assist with dismissal each day, while building relationships with younger students and families. We also recognized first responders this

Education

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year with me grilling hamburgers and hot dogs for the Daisy Mountain Fire Department and local Phoenix police officers during lunch hours. Additionally, for Veterans Day, Desert Willow honored veterans with lunch, notes, and a kindergarten presentation. We also hosted a visit from the Embassy of Spain to renew their designation as the only International Spanish Academy in Arizona! We are looking forward to beginning our Spanish Conversation Club and Kiwanis K-Kids Club in the next semester. Learning for life––loving to learn!

LONE MOUNTAIN ELEMENTARY

SCHOOL: The first semester at Lone Mountain was an amazing one! From the before and after school clubs and athletics of cross-country, choir, volleyball, and Kiwanis K-Kids, students are learning about ways to make an impact in their community and school. Students academically are focused on the engineering design process in STEAM class, are achieving high levels of learning in the classroom, and practice daily how to be responsible, respectful citizens both at school, home, and in the community. Lone Mountain is a great place to be, and the Eagles are truly SOARing to success as evidenced by an A letter grade from the Arizona Department of Education.

HORSESHOE TRAILS ELEMENTARY

SCHOOL: The first semester at Horseshoe Trails was a smashing success! Student literacy and math stations have been in full swing since September for all grade levels. Students are loving computer science curriculum that’s being offered as a special encore class and Fall Cohort of Stallion Strides Horsemanship classes are wrapping up in December. Teachers have been meeting with their grade level professional learning communities from around CCUSD on each half day to discuss, analyze, and strategize how to maximize student achievement for all students. And the PTO has been amazing at organizing different team building events for our school that also support local businesses in downtown Cave Creek and Carefree.

SONORAN TRAILS MIDDLE SCHOOL:

It was another busy semester at Sonoran Trails. We currently are offering 14 clubs that are student led with almost 300 students participating. Additionally, we concluded baseball and softball seasons where all teams finished in second place in the region. With Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) in place, we collaborate and look at data weekly with departments to focus efforts on helping students succeed. From those strategic meetings, we go back and reteach and/or enrich the learning in classrooms. Students complete a short assessment bi-weekly to show mastery of the Arizona State Standards. Finally, with the rollout of positive behavioral intervention and support (PBIS) in place, we are teaching students how to be STAR students (Safe, Trustworthy, Accountable, and Respectful). There is a common language heard on campus with what students need to do to be successful both academically and behaviorally and it is both reinforced and celebrated with pride.

CACTUS SHADOWS HIGH SCHOOL:

The Falcons had a fabulous first semester. Fall sports participants had a challenging season but continued to work hard. Girls golf brought home a state championship. The student council was hard at work and hosted the Big Blue Pep Rally and Nightmare on Falcon Street Homecoming event, along with a very fun homecoming week. The school was full of spirit, as many of the staff and students participated in spirit week. Teachers were off and running on day one, working in their professional learning communities as departments and collaborating to provide the best learning experience for students. They have begun preparing students for the state standardized tests that they will take in the spring. Meanwhile, winter sports are up and running. Coaches and assistants do a great job with student athletes. We also received news that CSHS is an A-rated high school as rated by the Arizona Department of Education. Plus, we scored in the Top 10 of all traditional, grades ninth through 12th, high schools across the state of Arizona.

Education

PVSchools Community 5K Fun Run Returns

Photo courtesy of Paradise Valley Unified School District

Join the community for the 13th Annual PVSchools Community 5K Fun Run, an event encouraging active lifestyles.

Held Sat., Feb. 4 at Horizon High School, 5601 E. Greenway Rd., Check in starts at 7:30 a.m. The Kids’ Dash for youth ages 10 and under beings at 8:45 a.m., and the main race starts at 9:05 a.m. Awards for first, second, and third place male and female finishers in each age division will be given. Team awards will also be given for race participation. Participants who register by Jan. 6 will receive a t-shirt.

Runners will exit the Horizon High School football field south at the back gate and head east on Nisbet Rd up to Greenway Rd. Runners/Walkers will proceed down 64th St to Acoma then up 56th St back to Nisbet to renter and finish on the field. There are two aid stations on the course: One is on 64th St just south of Greenway. The other is at the elementary school on Acoma near 60th Street.

The 2023 PVSchools Community 5K Fun Run is supported by Race Entry, United Healthcare, VSP, Sun Life Financial, Delta Dental, Valley Schools, and the Paradise Valley Unified School District. For registration and information, visit runsignup.com/ Race/AZ/Phoenix/PVSchoolsCommunity5KFunRunWalk.

WELCOME TO PARADISE

YOUR ACADEMIC JOURNEY CONTINUES AT PVCC

Located in north Phoenix, Paradise Valley Community College (PVCC) serves a broad group of students in a welcoming, inclusive and supportive environment.

Our students experience active and engaged learning, opportunities to enhance critical, creative and entrepreneurial thinking, and ways to positively impact today’s societal issues.. Whether you’re attending college for the first time, taking a class to transfer to a university, expanding your skill set, or wanting to explore a new interest, PVCC can help. We provide an array of services to ensure your success, such as academic advising, career counseling, early college, financial aid (for those who are eligible), a learning support center, and Veteran resources. What’s more, we are the only community college in Arizona recognized as one of the nation’s Top 150 Community Colleges by the Aspen Institute, the nation’s signature recognition for America’s community colleges. Paradise awaits….contact us for a campus tour today!

PARADISE VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Union Hills - Main Campus

18401 North 32nd Street Phoenix, AZ 85032 paradisevalley.edu 602.787.7000

Black Mountain Campus

34250 North 60th Street, Building A Scottsdale, AZ 85266 paradisevalley.edu/blackmountain 602.493.2600

The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District. The Maricopa County Community College District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit http://www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.

Education

PVHS Student Receives Recognition for Excellence

Photos courtesy of Paradise Valley Unified School District

Paradise Valley High School Senior and CREST student Tej Desai was selected as one of the five Arizona nominees for the 2022-2023 U.S. Presidential Scholars in Career and Technical Education honor. This program recognizes and celebrates distinguished graduating high school seniors and is one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students. Desai was selected based on his technical competency, professional employability, skills, ingenuity, creativity, and for maintaining high achievement in rigorous classes.

As one of the five Arizona nominees or semi-finalists in this honor’s selection process, Tej was selected by Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Kathy Hoffman, who submitted his nomination to the Commission on Presidential Scholars at the U.S. Department of Education. This month, Desai will be invited to apply for national review by the Commission on the Presidential Scholars at the U.S. Department of Education. He will find out in May if he is one of 20 students selected as a national winner after being showcased later this year by the Arizona Department of Education.

Additionally, last November, Desai was selected to be part of the Student Discovery Zone Challenge Scholarship by The Arizona Bioindustry Association (AZBio) a not-for-profit, trade association supporting the growth of Arizona’s life science sector.

He submitted his work from his summer research through KEYS at U of A: Use of the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center Data to Examine Normative Cognitive Aging, explaining the research process and findings that industry leaders judged, resulting in him winning first place in the high school student group with a scholarship of $1000.00. The award was presented to him by Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego.

Choose your Journey ofEXCELLENCE

It’s not just open enrollment. It’s open up their full potential enrollment!

 Preschool to 12th grade Gifted services  K-12 International Baccalaureate  District-wide STEM programs  Career & Technical Education  Award-winning Fine Arts programs  Suzuki Strings, violin program  Spanish & Mandarin Immersion

Enroll Today!

›› www.PVSchools.net/enroll 602.449.2000

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