COUGAR COUNTRY | Summer 2023 | A Talking Glass Media publication in support of CVUSD

TOWN

2023 CALENDAR

FROM THE DESK OF JOHN SCHOLL

Cougar Country is published & distributed by Talking Glass Media, LLC. in collaboration with Chino Valley Unified School District, the Town of Chino Valley, and the Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce.

C.V.U.S.D.

650 East Center Street | Chino Valley 928.636.2458 | ChinoValleySchools.com

JOHN SCHOLL, SUPERINTENDENT jscholl@chinovalleyschools.com

TALKING GLASS MEDIA, LLC

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Elicia Morigeau, Sales Director 928-642-3552

Assistant Editor/Digital Kristina Abbey

Art Direction Dina Ponder

Graphic Designer Wilson Van Ness

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Executive Editor Guy Roginson

Celebrating Summer, Success in Education, and Collaboration in Business: This is Chino Valley, AZ.

Summer’s already here in Chino Valley and it’s always great to celebrate a new season when it comes with shining success and regional collaboration.

In this edition, we cover a Chino Valley High School student’s success. This success in education is complemented by the announcement of new leadership and a new direction for our Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber’s advocacy for small businesses in our town is incredibly important. This new start for our chamber is being made possible by local volunteers and regional collaboration. A special thanks to Max Bledsoe, Chamber Chair & Associate Dean of Career & Technical Education at Yavapai College, Chino Valley Center, and John Courtis, retired Executive Director of the

Yuma County Chamber of Commerce. John is stepping up as interim director for the Chino Valley Chamber. Both Max and John deserve a big thank you for their service to our community and its businesses. Finally, a big shout out to Sheri Heiney and the Prescott Chamber of Commerce for providing essential resources during the chamber transition. Sheri and her team are perfect examples of how regional collaboration makes things happen. We are always better together.

Enjoy the outdoors this summer and all that the Town of Chino Valley and the region has to offer.

Sincerely,

Guy Roginson Executive Editor Talking Glass Media, LLC. A Fain Signature Group Company

COUNTRY COUNTRY COUNTRY COUNTRY

THIS NEW, QUARTERLY PRINT PUBLICATION IS DESIGNED, PRINTED, AND DISTRIBUTED BY TALKING GLASS MEDIA IN COLLABORATION WITH THE CHINO VALLEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT (CVUSD), THE TOWN OF CHINO VALLEY, AND THE CHINO VALLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

Charlie Marriott Real Estate Agent

OUR MISSION IS TO CONTINUALLY ASSESS THE EDUCATIONAL, CULTURAL, HEALTH AND WELLNESS, AND SOCIAL NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY AND DESIGN LIBRARY, RECREATION, AQUATICS, AND SENIOR PROGRAMS TO MEET THESE NEEDS; PROVIDE THESE SERVICES IN A PROFESSIONAL, COURTEOUS, AND ETHICAL MANNER; FOSTER VOLUNTEERISM; AND JOIN OTHER DEPARTMENTS TO CARRY FORTH THE TOWN’S MISSION.

TOWN OF CHINO VALLEY

THE TOWN OF CHINO VALLEY COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS COMPRISED OF FOUR DIVISIONS: LIBRARY, AQUATICS, RECREATION AND SENIOR SERVICES.

EACH OF THESE DEPARTMENTS PROVIDE A WIDE ARRAY OF OFFERINGS AND SERVICES TO CHINO VALLEY AND THE SURROUNDING AREA RESIDENTS.

The Town of Chino Valley’s Recreation and Aquatics divisions are committed to providing safe and welcoming recreation facilities, programs, and events that encourage a healthy lifestyle, citizen participation, and a strong sense of community. Our Aquatics Center has pledged to offer the best aquatics programming and venue in a safe and fun environment. At just over 5,500 square feet our Community Center offers meeting space and activities.

Our Aquatics division is gearing up to open at the end of May. Programs and offerings include:

• Lap Swimming

• Open Swimming

• Swimming Lessons

• Water Aerobics

• Water Slide

• Zero Depth Pool Entry

We are currently recruiting lifeguards, cashiers, swim instructors, and managers for the 2023 season.

For more information about programming, classes, aquatic positions, or rental of the facilities, call (928) 6362646 ext. 1312.

Chino Valley Public Library strives to serve the informational needs of our community. We commit to creating a friendly environment that connects people with resources, programs, and technology to enrich their lives and expand their knowledge. As a member of the Yavapai Library network, we have over 54,000 titles to check out in our library plus other items such as videos and new to the collection, WiFi hot spots. The library network has over 50 libraries to choose from for your reading needs. eBooks are quite popular through the network, there are 283,242 loanable books. We offer over 100 children’s programs a year. This summer, Community Services is pleased to announce numerous new movies, guest storytimes, and weekly live events to be held at the library.

For more information or to register for a class or the Summer Reading Program, call us at (928) 636-2687

Chino Valley Senior Services division provides opportunities and participation for social interaction, education, recreation, nutrition, wellness, and referral information to enhance the quality of life for the adult population of Chino Valley. Besides daily congregate meals we are also the hub for the Meals on Wheels program in the Chino Valley area. Senior Services is excited to offer Living Your Best Life talk series. Our March topic will be, “Am I an addict? Where does addiction begin”. Followed in April with, “Marijuana as medicine, is it right for me?” We’ll end our spring session with “Don’t forget about dementia”.

For more information regarding classes, events Meals on Wheels, or our daily congregate meals, call (928) 6369114.

SUMMER EVENTS

MOVIE IN THE PARK

Grab your blankets and chairs and join us for a movie under the stars!

Ages: All ages

Cost: FREE

Location: Memory Park Palomino Rd & North Road 1 W

Date/Time: June 9 •July 28 • August 4 • Dark

MOTHER & SON DANCE

Come join the Community Services Department for a SuperHero Dance! Let your son get dressed as his favorite SuperHero and spend a special evening with his mother or a special female figure in his life. A DJ, decorations, treats, random drawings, gifts at the door, and a posed picture to capture the memory are all a part of this funfilled evening. Tickets may be purchased at the Library or Senior Center.

Ages: All ages

Cost: $10/per pair • $5 ea. adult person

Location: Memory Park Palomino Rd & North Road 1 W

Date/Time: June 17 • 5:00 - 8:00pm

ALL AMERICAN BASH

Join us at Memory Park for a hometown community bash! We will have live music, food, and games, you don’t want to miss this!

Ages: All ages

Cost: FREE

Location: Chino Valley Senior Center 1021 Butterfield Rd

Date/Time: July 8 • 5:00 - 8:00pm

COMMUNITY CENTER

4-H CLUB MEETING

4-H gives youth that extra edge for life success by offering numerous opportunities to develop leadership, responsibility, and citizenship.

Ages: 4-18

Location: Chino Valley Community Center 1527 N Road 1 East

Date/Time: 4th Mon. of the month • 5:30 - 8:30pm

KARATE

Each class will consist of the basic training of kicking, punching, blocking, stances, along with Japanese etiquette and terminology. The techniques will become more advanced as the student advances, incorporating different combinations of the basics. Students will learn katas (choreographed techniques or forms) designed specifically for each belt level. Age and rank-appropriate sparring (fighting) will be taught, with proper equipment use, technique, and rules. Visit PrescottMartialArtsCenter.com for more info.

Ages: 5+

Cost: See website for details

Location: Chino Valley Community Center 1527 N Road 1 East

Date/Time: Tuesdays & Thursdays

CHIVAL ART GROUP

For more info., call Mary Jean Hallam

928.925.4414 or visit ChinoAZ.net.

Location: Chino Valley Community Center 1527 N Road 1 East

Date/Time: Tuesdays • 1:00 - 4:00pm

YOGA

Learn the basics of yoga. Students will be introduced to yoga postures through step-by-step verbal description and demonstration. For more info., call Virginia Grothe 530.409.2702 or visit ChinoAZ.net.

Location: Chino Valley Community Center 1527 N Road 1 East

Date/Time: Mon. & Wed. • 8:30 - 9:30am

PING PONG

Join us for friendly games of ping pong (table tennis), the most popular racket sport in the world! Not only is it fun, but ping pong boasts many health benefits, such as improved hand-eye coordination, mental acuity, balance, and reflexes.

Location: Chino Valley Community Center 1527 N Road 1 East

Date/Time: Sun., Wed. & Fri. • 1:00 - 4:00pm

SENIOR CENTER

WEEKLY CALENDAR

WEEKDAY CONGREGATE MEALS

Served Monday through Friday

11:30am - 12:30pm

$6 for those 60 and under $4 suggested donation for those 60+

MEALS ON

WHEELS

MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY

Meals are prepared and packed at the Chino Valley Senior Center and delivered to clients in the Chino Valley area by volunteer drivers. Recipients must qualify for this program.

$0 required • $4 suggested donation

TUESDAY & THURSDAYS

Gentle Exercise • 9:30am

FRIDAYS

Mahjong • 1:30pm

Painting • 1:30pm

1st and 3rd Friday of the month

CHINO VALLEY SENIOR CENTER IS LOCATED SOUTH OF MEMORY PARK. THIS BEAUTIFUL FACILITY PROVIDES DAILY LUNCHES, ACTIVITIES, INFORMATION, AND REFERRAL SERVICES AS WELL AS AN ACTIVE MEALS ON WHEELS PROGRAM FOR THE HOMEBOUND.

FUNCTIONS

The 155-seating capacity facility can be rented out for special functions, meetings, receptions, birthday and anniversary parties, etc. Some of the groups who use the facility on a regular basis are the Lion’s Club, the Elks Club, Chino Valley Historical Society, and K-9 Club.

PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES

Senior Services proudly offers the following: Line Dancing, Painting Classes, Grief counseling referrals, Billiards, Horseshoes, Bridge, and Pinochle groups. We also offer Medicare Adviser referrals.

MEALS ON WHEELS

The Meals on Wheels program is always in need of drivers to deliver meals. These volunteers are a vital part of the Meals on Wheels program. Requirements are minimum 2 hours per week, a valid driver’s license, willingness to help, and a smile. For more information contact the Senior Center at 928-636-9114.

CYNDI THOMAS

Community Services Director

Phone: 928-636-9114

1021 BUTTERFIELD ROAD • CHINO VALLEY

PUBLIC LIBRARY

STORYTIME

Fun-themed Storytimes perfect for young families! Stories, songs/games, a craft, and a snack. We are taking a break during June/July due to our busy Summer Reading Program, however, we will start up again in early August. Do you have a day of the week/time that is better for your family to attend? Let Mrs. Rebecca know to help guide her scheduling. RLaurence@chinoaz.net or 928-636-3162.

Ages: 0-8yrs

Cost: FREE

Location: Chino Valley Public Library 1020 W Palomino Rd

Date/Time: Will resume early August. Visit chinoaz.net for updates

TOOTHTIME WITH CHOMPERS - MY KIDS’ DENTIST STORYTIME

Young children can learn about oral health and hygiene with fun activities, friendship stories, and complimentary goodie bags! Hosted and designed by My Kids’ Dentist in collaboration with Chino Valley Public Library.

Ages: 0-8yrs

Cost: FREE

Location: Chino Valley Public Library 1020 W Palomino Rd

Date/Time: June 9 10:00 - 11:00am & 11:00am - 12:00pm

STORYTIME AND FATHER’S DAY CRAFT WITH LOCAL AUTHOR T.D. MCCLEAN

Young children come hear local Chino Valley author T.D. McClean read positive motivational kids’ books about the “I. Can Man” and “Shirley I. Can”. Afterwards we’ll make a special Father’s Day craft for our Daddies/Grandpas/ Father figures!

Ages: 0-8yrs

Cost: FREE

Location: Chino Valley Public Library 1020 W Palomino Rd

Date/Time: June 16 • 10:00 - 11:00am

PET PARTNERS - READ WITH ME

Come meet certified therapy dogs who visit the library just so kids can read to them! With a listening ear and a friendly paw, these pups are sure to be a willing audience for your young reader. Kids can choose their own book from home or on the library shelves to read. Perfect for kids who are gaining confidence with reading, speaking, or being around animals!

Ages: Ideal for reading-age children

Cost: FREE

Location: Chino Valley Public Library 1020 W Palomino Rd

Date/Time: June 15

June 27 • July 11 • July 25 1:00 - 2:00pm

WEEKLY CHESS GROUP

All ages and skill levels come join this casual group to enjoy learning and playing chess. Held year-round, except on National Holidays. Join our FREE Chess Tournament on Sat. June 17 at 10:00am!

Ages: All ages • Elementary - Senior Citizen

Cost: FREE

Location: Chino Valley Public Library 1020 W Palomino Rd

Date/Time: Mondays • 3:00 - 6:00pm drop-in/out

S.T.E.A.M. WORKSHOP

Kids and Teens come explore fun kits and gadgets that help teach STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) in a fun and engaging way! For Summer Reading Program events (June 9 and July 14) we will have some fun projects that align with our “All Together Now” theme!

Ages: Elementary - Middle School

Cost: FREE

Location: Chino Valley Public Library 1020 W Palomino Rd

Date/Time: June 9, July 14 • 3:00 - 5:00pm

EDUCATIONAL BOOK GIVEAWAY & SWAP

Just in time for Back to School! Whether your family attends Homeschool, Private/Charter School, or Public School, you are welcome to stop by and select 2 free, used educational books per child to support their education. If you would like MORE than two books, bring some of yours that you no longer want to trade! (Please no workbooks with writing inside.) Children may select their own books or an adult can choose on their behalf.

Ages: All ages

Cost: FREE

Location: Chino Valley Public Library 1020 W Palomino Rd

Date/Time: July 27 • 12:00 - 3:00pm

FREE SUMMER READING PROGRAM

JUNE - JULY 2023

All ages under 18 are welcome, even if your child can’t read yet (you can read to them!)

Individuals with special needs (of ANY age) are also welcome to participate.

Kids earn prizes for reading, and we have weekly activity packets and fun family events!

Be sure to come get your RED WELCOME BAG with all the important info to get started reading.

“My fellow Chino Valley Area Chamber of Commerce members. As most of you already know, Lorette Stewart has stepped down from her position as President of our Chamber. I want to thank Lorette for her years of service, and I am especially appreciative of her handoff of volumes of pertinent information to help us succeed in the future. Please join me in wishing Lorette all the very best in her next endeavor.

In the interim, we have help from some local Chamber professionals. Sheri Heiney, President and CEO of the Prescott Chamber of Commerce, has stepped in to offer not only her 20plus years of personal expertise in Chamber operations but her own team to assist us in managing membership files, financial analysis, short-term and long-term financial planning, bylaws adherence, and board development.

In addition, John Courtis, the retired Executive Director of the Yuma County Chamber of Commerce (see bio below) has offered to be our Interim Volunteer Director. John will be the face of the Chino Valley Area Chamber of Commerce while we seek out Lorette’s replacement.

These are exciting times for the Chino Valley Area Chamber of Commerce and our future is bright. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact John or myself. In the meantime, let’s all embrace these changes, and work together for a better Chino Valley.”

JOHN COURTIS

John Courtis, 68, is the retired Executive Director of the Yuma County Chamber of Commerce. He started his sales and marketing career 50 years ago at his hometown paper, the Independent, Press-Telegram in Long Beach. CA.

Courtis was on the sales and marketing teams of big newspapers like the Los Angeles Times and the Kansas City Star and was the General Manager of small weekly papers like the Dandy Dime in Tucson, the Super Shopper in Yuma, and the Prescott Sun Shopper. His media consulting career took him to Pittsburgh, Chattanooga, Panama City, Louisville, Marysville, Memphis, and Oklahoma City.

As the Executive Director of the Yuma County Chamber of Commerce from 2014 to 2020, Courtis doubled the revenues in his first three years, grew the Ambassador team to over 40 volunteers, created the Summer Works in Yuma program to give teachers summertime income, and created membership levels for annual programming for more highly engaged members. He created one-hour training sessions for the members to include Customer Service, Team Building, the Communication of Sales, and Marketing Strategies, and also advanced the Military Affairs Committee to give Christmas to over 200 service families at Marine Corps Air Station, Yuma, and the Army’s Yuma Proving Ground.

His bi-monthly Legislative Affairs lunches were attended by State legislators from both parties, City Councilpersons from several cities, County Supervisors, Mayors, and more.

Courtis has been married to his wife Deb for 22 years, has four grown children and seven grandchildren, and retired to the Prescott Country Club in October of 2020.

John Courtis is happy to step in as the interim director for the chamber. “This is an exciting time for the Chino Valley Area Chamber of Commerce and the Chino Valley community as a whole,” says Courtis. “I look forward to talking with Town leadership and the business community. Please feel free to stop in our Chamber office, I will be here each and every Tuesday and Thursday during business hours and available any time via cell phone at 928-920-7390.”

The Chino Valley Chamber is pleased to welcome John as the volunteer director as the search continues for a new chamber director. The Chamber offices will be staffed by board members and volunteers throughout the week.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON UPCOMING EVENTS, VISIT CHINOVALLEY.ORG, FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA, AND SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PODCAST.

Max Bledsoe, Chino Valley Area Chamber of Commerce Board Chair, shares how the community of chamber professionals have come together to continue to provide service to residents and professionals of Chino Valley.

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Sept. 30 - OCT. 1 | findlay toyota center

Get outdoors with a curated exhibitor list, subject matter experts & exciting off-road experiences.

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TO LEARN MORE, VISIT

PRESCOTTVALLEYOUTDOORS.COM

Welcome to our summer edition of Cougar Country. This past year flew by in the wink of an eye and I’m sure the upcoming year will as well. Although most of our students are off for the summer, there is still a lot going on in Chino Valley Schools.

We offer some summer programming for specific groups of students. Chino Valley High School is offering credit recovery classes in June. Math and language arts classes will be held in person along with computer-based instruction for other classes. Our special education department is offering extended school year programming for specific special needs students. The TECC preschool is offering programming for existing preschool students. And finally, the District will be offering a free summer feeding program for all kids up to age 18 at TECC. Parents can bring their kids and buy an adult meal or kids can come on their own and it is a great place to go for a meal before or after heading to the town pool.

The summer is the best time for our facilities department to get into our buildings and take care of maintenance and repairs. Our custodians are able to get into classrooms for the annual deep cleaning after a year of student use. Our $20 million plus air conditioning project should be kicking off late

summer. This project will likely take 18-24 months to complete. Our teacher housing village behind Del Rio should be in full swing as well. New bleachers should be installed at the HMS and CVHS gyms along with a new gym floor in the west gym at CVHS. There are also a number of other projects going on throughout the District.

We had two principals, Heidi Wolf from Chino Valley High School and Julie Bryce from Heritage Middle School, move into other positions in the District. We are very excited to welcome Justine Crawford as our new CVHS principal and Kaitlin McGill as our new HMS principal. You can find out more about our new administrators in this issue of Cougar County. Our two new principals have big shoes to fill but we are confident that they are up to the task.

July is going to be a busy month for Chino Valley Schools. We welcome our newest students to TECC on July 17 as part of our Kinder Jumpstart. Starting this week as well, Chino Valley High School will start distributing schedules, beginning with incoming seniors, on July 17th. We will welcome approximately 20 new teachers to the District starting July 19 with teacher training. New staff will continue their training until July 26th when our existing staff returns from summer break to prepare for the new school year. This leads to the remainder of our staff returning on July 31st with the first day of school on Wednesday, August 2nd.

Enjoy this edition of Cougar Country.

Sincerely,

John Scholl, Superintendent

Chino Valley Unified School District

Moving to the Chino Valley area in junior high from the Verde River area, McNett had already developed a desire to help others and serve his community. When he began his educational career as a CVHS freshman four years ago, he began searching for an outlet for that desire.

“When I heard about the Student Council elections that were coming up, I decided to give it a try,” says McNett. He earned a spot on the Freshman Student Council, a place where he could strengthen his leadership skills. In addition to his student civic duty, McNett tried his hand with the basketball team for a couple of seasons, developing friendships on the court that would lead to his love for and dedication to Track &and Field.

“I met a lot of cool people playing basketball, and while I didn’t pursue that, it led me to the Track and Field program where I have competed for four years, and I absolutely love it!” says McNett.

His time with Student Council, starting out in the supporting office roles led to his election win last year placing him as the 2022-2023 Student Body President.

“Through Student Council, where we put on most of the events and fundraisers. This is a great opportunity to learn things you won’t learn in other classes or programs,” McNett said. “You learn everything from finances in dealing with the budgets, leadership in the organizing, and since we present to the other students and the community at various events, public speaking is also a big part and that’s a skill I can use in every aspect of my life.”

During his sophomore year, McNett had the opportunity to enroll in the Sports Medicine program through the Careers in Technical Education (CTE) program at CVHS. While he wasn’t interested in Sports Medicine as a career, McNett soon realized that the medical foundation he was learning there would be a great start to what now is his main focus- of becoming a first responder.

“I really wanted to find a career that would allow me to help people and serve the community. To be someone that people can look up to and trust,” said McNett. He found that the CTE Sports Medicine program was a great gateway to the EMT program at Yavapai College.

After completing his two-year CTE program, this past fall McNett enrolled in and completed his certification as an EMT through Yavapai College.

“I’m looking forward to completing the paramedic course at Yavapai College and then to join a local ambulance service here in the Prescott or Chino Valley area,” says McNett.

The community thanks you for your commitment and looks forward to seeing your career develop.

From the basketball court to the exam table, to earning the office of Student Body President, Chino Valley High School (CVHS) senior Wesley McNett has tackled and succeeded across the board as a Cougar.

CULINARY

THROUGH FAMILY AND EDUCATION

Cultivating a love of cooking at an early age, learning from her mother and grandmother, Jaqueline Ocampo Guarda has become an all-star in the Chino Valley High School Culinary Arts Department.

Cultivating a love of cooking at an early age, learning from her mother and grandmother, Jaqueline Ocampo Guarda has become an All-Star in the Chino Valley High School Culinary Arts Department.

Working in one of the largest commercial kitchens in Yavapai County housed in the CVHS Careers in Technical Education (CTE) Dept., Ocampo has also branched out into the Family, Career & Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) division of Culinary Arts, where she has earned high honors in competitions locally and throughout the state.

The CVHS senior didn’t limit herself to the kitchen during her four years as a Cougar, she also was a multi-sport athlete in Track & Field and Cross Country.

“I made a lot of friends through Track and Cross Country,” says Ocampo. “From my teachers, coaches, teammates, and even the teams we competed against, I have made friends all over the state.”

Ocampo adds that she also learned much about her own strengths and limitations through both sports and her culinary endeavors, exploring ways to both compete and cook in a way to better herself physically.

Ocampo has found cooking to be an enjoyable creative outlet, putting her culinary skills to work as a member of the National Art Honor Society. Where most would think

of painting, sculpting, or photography as an expressive art form, Ocampo uses pots, pans, and recipes to create edible art, specifically in the field of baking.

“I love to create and share my art throughout the community,” says Ocampo. “For me? I express my art through culinary, through baking, through decorating. For me, making a delicious cupcake is really creating art.”

Ocampo is also very involved with the CVHS Unified Sports Program, a partnership with the Special Olympics, where she works with students in the CVHS special needs classes.

The Unified Sports Program, a division of the international Special Olympics connects Special Olympic athletes with “Partners” who then mentor and participate in events with the athletes, not only on campus but also in multischool and even multi-country competitions.

“This is a great opportunity to work with and include all of the students at the school,” says Ocampo. “It’s such an amazing club. You get the chance to meet and compete with some amazing people.”

Ocampo hopes to continue her education in the culinary arts and one day see her dream of opening her own restaurant become a reality.

“My love of cooking comes from my mom and grandma who have always been in the kitchen teaching me,” explains Ocampo, adding that baking however was not their focus. “I am the first one in my family to really get into the baking side of cooking. I would like to open a coffee shop where I can display my baking and pastries. Create a really nice place where people can come in, relax, and enjoy what I bake.”

NEWWelcome

LEADERS

TO CHINO VALLEY SCHOOLS

Chino Valley Unified School District welcomes two new principals to the district. Justine Crawford takes the helm at Chino Valley High and Heritage Middle School welcomes Kaitlin Crain. Get to know the new principals of your schools!

Kristina Abbey | Talking Glass Media

Justine Crawford

CHINO VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL

Talking Glass Media (TGM): Where were you working prior to Chino Valley High?

Justine Crawford (JC): I have been working at Durango High School for nearly 8 years. I was a Dean for four years, and I am wrapping up my fourth year as an assistant principal. Before Durango, I was a middle school band director for seven years.

TGM: What do you look forward to working in Chino Valley/ what brings you to Chino?

JC: I am a bonus mom to two kids. My husband and I are looking forward to living closer to the kids. We’ve been talking about it for a while, but Christmas made us pull the trigger on getting to a place where we can do life with them and support them by being in the same city/area. I’m looking forward to being in a small town again where I will get to know people better.

TGM: What would you like to share with parents, students, and the community of Chino Valley?

JC: I love education. I knew when I was twelve I wanted to be a teacher and I’m still living that dream. I’m convinced it’s one of the most meaningful and important careers out there. I would want people to know that I have the very best intentions for CVHS students. I’m excited to see how the next year goes.

I also want people to know that I’m a total cliche! I’m an introvert who likes to read and enjoy the sound of leaves wrestling in the gentle breeze. I like the feeling of a good workout, but I don’t particularly enjoy working out. I’d much rather eat or enjoy a meal with a small group of close friends or family. I am the oldest of the siblings so that makes me the best sibling, just ask my brother and sister. In short, I’m a simple gal. What you see is what you get.

Lastly, I recently married my husband, Jordan, in June of 2021 and we are raising two fur babies. I grew up in Las Vegas to moving to a new place where I don’t have my immediate family nearby is a little nerve-wracking, but I am also looking forward to this new season of life.

Kaitlin Crain

HERITAGE MIDDLE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL

Talking Glass Media (TGM): Where were you working prior to Heritage Middle School?

Kaitlin Crain (KC): I started my education career working in Casa Grande, Arizona where I had the best teacher mentor who helped me see my potential as an educator. I fell in love with teaching secondary science. Then I moved with my husband (US Coast Guard Veteran) on the East Coast, being stationed and teaching in Connecticut and Virginia. After getting out of the Coast Guard, we moved to sunny Yuma, Arizona. I have worked for Crane Middle School for the past 6 years.

TGM: What do you look forward to working in Chino Valley/ what brings you to Chino?

KC: I am looking forward to working in a small rural town. I grew up in a small rural town and I loved it.

College brought me to Prescott and I graduated from both ERA and Prescott College. I loved living in the Prescott area. Specifically the weather, beautiful views, and friendly people. My husband and I always knew we wanted to move back to the area one day. Well I am proud

to say, it is happening. We are buying some land, so our children can grow up with animals and live that smalltown life that I loved living as a child.

I am excited to work for Heritage Middle School. The culture of the school is very positive and I love how the teachers and staff clearly put the students’ education first. I feel that my passion for education aligns with the school and the district’s mission.

TGM: What would you like to share with parent’s, students, and the community of Chino Valley?

KC: Here are some facts about me. I am a mother and a wife. I have 2 beautiful young daughters, a 10-year-old and a 4-year-old. I have been married for 15 years. We are active in our local 4H club. We have pet chickens and I am planning on expanding the flock once we move. We are looking forward to getting some goats too and maybe a horse one day. I grew up in 4H and I love seeing my girls participate and learn from it. We love swimming, going for walks with our dog Poppy, and golfing. Recently I have developed a passion for space and astronomy. I look forward to using my telescope in the dark skies of Chino Valley.

WE HAVE YOU COVERED ON & OFF THE FIELD!

Men’s Sports

FOOTBALL | GOLF | CROSS-COUNTRY | BASKETBALL | SOCCER

WRESTLING | BASEBALL | TRACK AND FIELD

Women’s Sports

VOLLEYBALL | CROSS-COUNTRY | BASKETBALL | SOCCER

SOFTBALL | TRACK AND FIELD | SPIRIT LINE | WRESTLING

PURPOSE AND PHILOSOPHY OF THE INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETIC PROGRAM

The Chino Valley High School Athletic Department is an extension of the high school curriculum that provides activities for the growth and development of our student-athletes. The administration believes that interscholastic athletics contributes significantly to preparing our student-athletes for becoming productive, contributing citizens of our community and society. A comprehensive program of athletic activities expresses our commitment to ensure the development of physical fitness and personal health, the acquisition of competent performances, and the achievement of excellence in the student’s chosen sport.

In addition, our aim is to develop a student-athlete with an improved self-image, the ability to learn a new skill, and an intrinsic motivation for growth and development. We want to see a student-athlete who will demonstrate a willingness to accept responsibility for their actions, measure themselves against standards of quality, express ideas and solutions to problems, and value fair play, honesty, and cooperation. We wish to excel in athletics, just as we desire to excel in all activities and functions in the name of the school.

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