Career and Education Opportunity - Summer 2019

Your complete guide to local career and education • Summer 2019

CAREER & EDUCATION

OPPORTUNITIES Special Supplement to The Glendale Star and Peoria Times

INSIDE This Issue

CHAMBER COLLABORATION .. 4 Peoria Chamber CEO looking forward to collaborations

WEST POINT DRAGONS .......... 7 Tolleson Union welcomes West Point Dragons to school family

EXCITING NEW LOCATION ........ 11 Deer Valley Academy moves to new location

Technical education provides college experience

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

Making the choice to pursue a career in technical education does not mean you have to say goodbye to an engaging college experience. Diagnostic medical sonography student Kaleen Langford is here to set the record straight. The West Valley student said her experience at Pima Medical Institute’s Phoenix campus is one that is setting her up for success and creating relationships that will last a lifetime.

“Not only do you have the support here while you’re in your program,” Langford said. “Here at Pima Medical, instructors support you throughout the entire process, into your externship and even on to your entry to the workforce. You never lose the connection or the support.

“I actually wasn’t quite sure what to expect when I got here, and it’s been amazing.

My relationship with my instructors is supportive. They have faith in my abilities and are constantly motivating me to succeed.”

Langford will graduate soon from the DMS program, which is an intensive associate degree that requires a lot of study and hands-on training. Despite all the hard work, Langford has also found time for some extracurricular activities. In addition to focusing on her education, she is the captain of the student fun committee called the “Stu Crew.” In her role, she leads the organizing of campus events like the campus spirit week.

The end of spirit week culminated with a campuswide carnival for students, faculty and staff to let loose and have a little fun including a dunk tank where students could take their best shot at the faculty members willing to brave the icy water.

“Make no mistake, we work very hard here at the Phoenix campus,” said Stacey Nottingham, Phoenix campus director.

Kaleen Langford was the captain of the “Stu Crew” at Pima Medical Institute. She is a diagnostic medical sonography student. (Photo courtesy Pima Medical Institute)

“We also believe in empowering students and staff to find creative ways to award the hard work and success. That’s why the Stu Crew was developed, and I believe it’s making a very positive impact here with students, faculty and staff.”

That is a sentiment Langford echoes.

“There’s a big misconception that if you go to a career college, or small college, Varsity Facility Services is hiring part-time and full-time janitorial positions for offices in the City of Glendale.

that you don’t get to be involved as much,” Langford added. “I’ve made more connections in just the six months that I’ve been here than I believe I would have in an entire program at a traditional college or university.”

Pima Medical’s Phoenix campus offers certificate and associate degree programs.

For more information, visit pmi.edu.

Varsity está solicitando personas para limpieza de oficinas en la Cuidad de Glendale.

Apply in person at: Aplique en persona al:

8930 N 78th Ave. Peoria, AZ 85345

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Career & Education Opportunity

Summer 2019

Varsity Facility Services Cartwright celebrates first celebrating its 60th year female superintendent

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

BY VARSITY FACILITY SERVICES

Work for an industry leader like Varsity Facility Services, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary.

With more than 40 years in Arizona, Varsity Facility Services has been a leader among national janitorial companies, cleaning thousands of customers’ businesses across North America.

Varsity has created a proprietary cleaning process that ensures the cleaning specialists clean efficiently and consistently and work with the least possible strain on their bodies.

The company values people, integrity, service and innovation.

“I am proud of the strong team we have developed in Arizona,” said Kip Whiting, Arizona district manager.

“We work as a team. We support each other. Each person offers unique experience. Each one enjoys working for Varsity and appreciates the culture, values and leadership that make Varsity great.

Our strength in Arizona is from our team and their willingness to get their

hands dirty to deliver for our customers.

Our customers are partners.”

Varsity is a partner with national and local management companies, providing cleaning services for some of Arizona’s most prestigious customers, including municipalities; large manufacturing and distribution facilities; multisite medical clinics; multisite telecom facilities; large educational campuses; and corporate headquarters.

“I am proud of the partnerships we have forged with our customers and suppliers over the years,” Whiting said. “Varsity is grateful to all the employees, customers and partners who helped shape this 60-year legacy of service in Arizona and throughout the nation.”

Come be part of the legacy.

Anyone who’s interested in applying should visit the office at 8930 N. 78th Avenue, Peoria, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday.

This school year, Cartwright School District introduced its first female and Latina superintendent, Dr. LeeAnn Aguilar-Lawlor.

“I don’t think anyone realized it when it happened,” she said.

“The milestone was pointed out when I was named the interim superintendent. I was honored, but it made me kind of sad, too, that it’s 2019 and a female hasn’t been in charge.”

Raised in Tucson, Aguilar-Lawlor earned her undergraduate degree from the UofA and her doctorate at ASU. To help pay for school, she joined the Dr. LeeAnn Aguilar-Lawlor and Cartwright School believe in the motto “One Team, Una Familia!”

Air Force Reserves and was sent District (Photo courtesy Cartwright School District) overseas during Operation Desert Storm to help reopen a hosprogram, or work for police or fire or pital in Lincolnshire, England, that had a journalist. I want them to know they been closed since World War II. have options.”

“That changed what I wanted to do,” Other Cartwright news said Aguilar-Lawlor, who entered colThis year, Atkinson Middle School lege to start a degree in law. “I decided I wanted to become a teacher. I love offers International Baccalaureate and dual-language programs that will be teaching.”

Before her time in the Cartwright introduced at Starlight Park ElementaSchool District, Aguilar-Lawlor ry School for English and Spanish.

Also, this year, free before-school worked for the Glendale Elementary and Pendergast school districts. care will be offered at Cartwright She’s proud to work for Cartwright, schools and 4-year-olds who turn 5 bewhere kids will be exposed to a tre- fore December 31, 2019, can register mendous amount of options like col- for kindergarten.

Cartwright School District is proud lege and career programs, a rigorous STEM education and social-emo- to have the only “A”-rated school in Maryvale. Aguilar-Lawlor believes the tional learning.

“Our kids have an advantage,” she changes Cartwright is implementing added. “The majority started speak- for the 2019-20 school year will give ing a second language, predominately students a first-class, global education, Spanish. By the time they leave our one that will provide them with imdistrict, they’ll know two languages mense opportunities.

“We are ‘One Team, Una Familia!’

— something other kids have to pay to which means we take great pride in learn in college.

“I want them to leave our school dis- serving our community and our stutrict and feel empowered to achieve the dents all year long,” she said.

To register your student, visit csd83. greatest levels they can. They can go to college or a career-technical education org or call 623-691-4000.

Summer 2019

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Career & Education Opportunity

A KBS Company

Varsity Facility Services is hiring part-time and full-time janitorial positions for offices in the City of Glendale.

Varsity está solicitando personas para limpieza de oficinas en la Cuidad de Glendale.

Applicants must:

Los Solicitantes Deben:

• have some janitorial experience; • be dependable and able to communicate with client and supervisor; • have reliable transportation; • be authorized to work in the United States; and • pass a Background Check.

• Tener experiencia de limpieza; • ser confiable y capaz de comunicarse con el cliente y supervisor; • deben tener transportación confiable; • ser autorizados a trabajar en los Estados Unidos; y • pasar una verificación de antecedentes.

Apply in person at: 8930 N 78th Ave., Peoria, AZ 85345 from 9:00am - 4:00pm Monday thru Friday.

Aplique en persona al: 8930 N 78th Ave., Peoria, AZ 85345. de 9:00 am a 4:00 pm de lunes a viernes.

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Career & Education Opportunity

Summer 2019

Peoria Chamber CEO looking forward to collaborations

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

Scot Andrews has been named the Peoria Chamber of Commerce’s chief executive officer, bringing with him a defined leadership vision.

“I’m very excited,” Andrews said. “I have a lot of work to do. I have to sort out priorities and meet as many people as I can.”

Andrews called himself a good listener who prides himself on working as a team. As a leader, he sees himself collaborating with government on the city, state and even national levels.

“All of these organizations have great leaderships,” he said. “They are connections that the chamber can benefit from. I’ve met with the Peoria Unified School District. A friend of mine once said, ‘There are a billion rocks on the moon. What size rocks do you want to pick up?’ I want to pick up a couple big ones. That’s going to be a major vision of mine.”

A Florida native, Andrews was most recently president/chief sales officer of Andrews Performance Inc. He specializes in turning around stagnant growth, lagging new client development and

declining revenue. Andrews hopes to mentor businesses in Peoria to help them improve.

“We’re not selling memberships,” he said. “I believe in the power of a oneon-one. Connecting them. Creating relationships drives business.

“I asked city councilmembers for two to three businesses that were struggling. I walked in those businesses to learn and see what they are doing and how they can improve. I want to help them quickly, so I got out of the office and in the field with the businesses.

Councilmembers do that and the chamber should be the leader of that.”

Andrews said he feels the chamber’s credibility needs to be improved. It’s a strategic organization and it should act and behave that way, he added.

Andrews grew up in Jacksonville and played NCAA Division 1 basketball for the University of South Florida as a walk-on. He earned a full scholarship.

After earning a bachelor’s degree in marketing management in 1981, he attended University of North Florida, where he acquired a Master of Business Administration in marketing and

TOP 10 REASONS TO PARTNER WITH THE PEORIA CHAMBER: 1. Networking with great leaders 2. Publicity & business exposure 3. Building a healthy referral network 4. Developing your business acumen 5. Polishing your credibility 6. Engaging & memorable events 7. Landing page/mini website (comes with your membership) 8. Network w/Community and Civic Leaders 9. Member to member benefits 10. Become a voice for business advocacy

Chief Executive Officer Scot Andrews. (Photo courtesy Peoria Chamber of Commerce)

business development.

Andrews worked as group sales manager for Nestle from 1983 to 1985 in Tampa/St. Petersburg, and from there served as market director for The Coca-Cola Company for 16 years.

He founded Andrews Consulting, for which he was a principal, from 2001 to 2010, and moved on to consulting partner with Miller Heiman in the Valley from 2008 to 2010.

While living in Birmingham, Alabama, he served as senior vice president of corporate career services for

Education Corporation of America. He pursued his other passion in Alabama: Music. He played with the worship team at Church of the Highlands.

“I play mandolin, guitar, the electric guitar — pretty much anything,” he said. “We had a band here called ColdSoup. We’ll probably use them for a couple of our events. They’re friends of mine.”

He’s been married to Donna for 35 years and, together, they have “three troublemaking adult kids,” he said with a laugh.

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Summer 2019

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Career & Education Opportunity

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Westside Head Start expanding services

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Career & Education Opportunity

BY WESTSIDE HEAD START

For more than 30 years, Westside Head Start, a program of Catholic Charities Community Services, has been providing critical early education in the classroom for low-income children, as well as assistance for pregnant women through our homebased program.

Without WSHS, some of these students would not even have regular, healthy meals, much less a chance to improve their socio-emotional, cognitive, and physical, fine-motor skills.

Unfortunately, as poverty increases, the need for services, such as free, early childhood education, also continues to rise. To meet the increased demand and the developmental needs of children within our service area of western Maricopa County, WSHS will add classrooms and expand services.

Thanks to funding from the Office of Head Start, as well as our community partners — Fiesta Bowl Charities, Season for Sharing, Executive Council Charities and more — we are working

toward adding nine new classrooms by the end of 2020. We will also expand our daily hours of service for 18 classroom sessions across the program.

Extra class time can make a world of difference to a child in poverty.

According to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, by third grade, children who spent longer hours in early learning environments continued to score higher in math and reading skills. In addition, they were less likely to show aggressive behavior. Children who can participate in full-day early childhood education fare better in socio-emotional, cognitive, language, literacy and mathematics.

“My oldest has said he wants to be a scientist for a long time,” said WSHS Mom and Policy Councilwoman Jontae Worley. “It started with Head Start and he’s continued to love to learn ever since then. I think every parent should enroll their child in Head Start.”

Apply online at catholiccharitiesaz. org or call 623-486-9868.

Summer 2019

Fiesta Bowl Charities presents WSHS with a $53,000 grant to improve the playground at one of its Glendale classroom locations. (Photo courtesy Westside Headstart)

WHY WESTSIDE HEAD START? • WSHS has been a leader in early childhood education in Arizona for over 30 years • Each year, WSHS makes a difference in the lives of more than 1,100 children • More than 82% of WSHS children live in poverty • WSHS provides nutritious food, a healthy and safe environment, and critical skills to improve learning outcomes • WSHS’ teacher-to-student ratio is lower than most other licensed child care programs.

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Summer 2019

Career & Education Opportunity

Tolleson Union welcomes West Point Dragons to its family

7

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

The Tolleson Union High School District unveiled a new, state-of-theart high school in Avondale recently, thanks to voters. West Point High School is the district’s seventh high school.

“I feel this school is the most unique high school in the state of Arizona,” TUHSD Superintendent Nora Gutierrez said.

All the buildings surround a common courtyard, called a quad, which gives students and staff a 360-degree view of the campus.

“You can stand in the center of the quad and see every single building,” Gutierrez said. “The school was designed strategically and intentionally to ensure safety and security. Everything about this campus is cutting edge and innovative.”

The school’s design pays tribute to a very special partnership with Luke Air Force Base. The school includes an aviation wing theme that is noticeable in the design of the school. It permeates the entire campus.

Gutierrez added that many student

Tolleson Union High School district unveiled West Point High School. (Photo courtesy Tolleson Union High School District)

Tolleson Union High School District Superintendent Nora Gutierrez said West Point High School is “the most unique high school in the state of Arizona.” (Photo courtesy Tolleson Union High School District)

features were incorporated into the school’s design, based on student input.

“The common-area courtyard is equipped with more than a dozen charging stations, so students can charge their laptops and cellphones,” Gutierrez said. In addition, students re-

quested shade, grass and natural light with plenty of windows.

The 2019-20 school year opens with 1,200 freshman and sophomore students, but will eventually serve between 2,800 to 3,000 students.

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Career & Education Opportunity

Summer 2019

Arizona Christian University carries on area’s rich heritage

local businesses, churches and Arizona Christian University is nonprofits. bringing its award-winning, bibliAs an accredited, private, cally integrated liberal arts educanonprofit, Christian university, tion to Glendale.

ACU offers numerous programs Having reached capacity at its of study, including degrees in land-locked 20-acre campus in business, biology and premed, Phoenix, ACU is “taking flight” elementary and secondary eduto a new home: the 68-acre forcation, Christian ministries and mer site of the Thunderbird Biblical studies, music, politiSchool of Global Management cal science, criminal justice and at 59th Avenue and Greenway prelaw, psychology, behavioral Road. With its rich heritage as health, family studies, communia World War II airfield and its cation, broadcast journalism and educational buildings, hotel film studies. and conference facilities, dorm The university recently estabrooms and library, the campus lished a concurrent enrollment will provide the university with program with ASU that allows plenty of room to grow. students to earn two bachelor’s ACU officials are looking fordegrees (one in applied computing ward to serving and investing in from ASU, the other in interdiscithe West Valley community with plinary studies from ACU) in the its cultural and intellectual events, same four-year timeframe.

Christian University is “taking flight” to Glendale this fall. ACU will occupy the former Thunderbird including musical theater and pub- Arizona ACU is excited to be part of the School of Global Management, which has educational buildings, hotel and conference facilities, dorm lic lectures, and a small college rooms and a library. (Photo courtesy Arizona Christian University) community, and for the students, NAIA athletics program. faculty and staff to live, serve and At ACU, student-athletes and teams football, while regularly excelling naIn addition, students will serve the lead in Glendale. To learn more, visit — many of them nationally ranked — tionally as champions of character and community through service projects arizonachristian.edu or email info@arcompete in dozens of sports, including academic all-Americans. at local charities and partnerships with izonachristian.edu.

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

VALLEYLIFE

VALLEYLIFE organization that provides programsthat and LLEYLIFE isis aa non-profit non-profit organization services to men, women, and children with developmental disabilities. vides programs and services to men, women, d children developmental disabilities.

Fullwith Time and Part Time

Caregivers Needed!

Full Time and Part Time Caregivers Needed!

We are currently looking for caregivers throughout the Phoenix metro area including Glendale, Peoria, Phoenix and Scottsdale.

Applicants must pass a are currently looking for caregivers background check and drug throughout test.

Phoenix metrotransportation area including is Glendale, Peoria, Reliable required. oenix and Scottsdale.

Please apply at www.valleylifeaz.org plicants must pass a background check and

Summer 2019

Career & Education Opportunity

VALLEYLIFE helps enhance quality of life

BY VALLEYLIFE

VALLEYLIFE is a nonprofit organization that provides premier services to individuals with disabilities to enhance their quality of life.

The agency does so by enriching their lives with rewarding experiences and valuable opportunities, and enabling them to live a life with choices, independence and dignity. VALLEYLIFE services are delivered through caring and dedicated staff, specialized programs and advocacy.

VALLEYLIFE provides residential services, day services, home- and community-based services and vocational services to people with disabilities.

Residential services operate 26 group homes, which function like traditional family homes, throughout the Phoenix metropolitan area.

Day services provide programs designed to improve independent living, social and recreational skills and offer opportunities for community involvement.

Home- and community-based services provide valuable support to peo-

9

ple with disabilities and their families in the comfort of their own homes.

Vocational services provide opportunities for people with disabilities to obtain and maintain meaningful employment through job search and placement, job coaching and development as well as training opportunities.

VALLEYLIFE members’ diagnoses range from physical, developmental and cognitive disabilities to behavioral health diagnoses, age-related conditions and traumatic brain injury. VALLEYLIFE has an indepth understanding of how to meet the unique needs of each member it serves.

Founded in 1947, VALLEYLIFE has been serving the greater Phoenix area for 70 years. For more information, visit valleylifeaz.org.

For more information visit valleylifeaz.org or contact Dede Houston at 602-216-6328.

VALLEYLIFE members’ diagnoses range from physical, developmental and cognitive disabilities to behavioral health diagnoses, age-related conditions and traumatic brain injury. (Photo courtesy VALLEYLIFE)

Seven steps to restarting your career

BY GLENDALE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Entering the job market after a long absence or making a career change can seem daunting. Here are seven basic steps to follow to land the job you want.

Step 1: Identify what kind of job you want. If you are undecided, take a job-related assessment test to determine your skill set.

Step 2: Update your skills by going back to school to get a degree or certificate or by taking special- Planning to make a career change? Write a resume and connect with free employment programs like ized classes. career services team at Glendale Community Step 3: Write a resume and connect the College and Arizona@Work. (Photo courtesy Glendale with free employment programs like Community College) the career services team at Glendale Community College and Arizona@Work. veloping skills. Nonprofits can be very Step 4: Tell people what your career rewarding for people who are pursuing goals are. You might know someone a particular purpose. who has connections with people who Step 7: Use social media such as can help you.

LinkedIn to promote your professional Step 5: Consider taking a job to get profile for hiring teams to find. Include your foot in the door. If you have iden- what you have done and state the type tified a job that can take you where you of opportunity you are looking for. want to go, take a chance. You will earn Following these steps can increase experience, learn about the organiza- your chances of getting the job you want. tion, make connections and gain skills. Have questions or are unsure on how to Step 6: Volunteering is a good way get started? Contact career services at to get your foot in the door, while de- Glendale Community College.

Make your education happen at Glendale

It’s not too late to get started. GCC offers flexible start dates and low tuition for day and night classes.

Register today for Flexible Start Dates

enroll-gcc.com 623.845.3333 The Maricopa 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: www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.

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Career & Education Opportunity

Summer 2019

Stop by the Airman and Family Readiness Center

BY THE AIRMAN & FAMILY READINESS CENTER

The Airman & Family Readiness Center at Luke Air Force Base offers a myriad of workshops and other programs for DoD military, AFR, ANG, military retirees, DoD civilians and their eligible family members.

In other words, anyone with base access.

While visiting Luke Air Force Base, stop in and take advantage of the fabulous programs offered at your Airman & Family Readiness Center.

The next annual Luke Air Force Base Job Fair is 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, January 22, at Club Five Six, 14000 W. Eagle Street, Building 161, Luke AFB. Hosted by the Airman & Family Readiness Center, the event is open to anyone who has base access.

Network with more than 70 local and national employers, have on-site interviews, visit with airline industries and inquire about health care and top government agencies.

• Career Enhancement Programs: The Department of Labor TAP Em-

The next annual Luke Air Force Base Job Fair is 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, January 22, at Club Five Six, 14000 W. Eagle Street, Building 161, Luke AFB. (Photo courtesy Luke Air Force Base)

ployment Workshop is held for separating and retiring members and their

AIRMAN & FAMILY READINESS CENTER MILITARY MEMBERS, DOD CIVILIANS*, RESERVE, GUARD, MILITARY RETIREES & ELIGIBLE FAMILY MEMBERS

Annual Career Fair • January 22, 2020 SERVICES AVAILABLE:

• Transition Services (Active Duty to Civilian)

- Mandatory Separation\Retirement\Preseperation Counseling - Mandatory 5 Day Department of Labor TAP Employment Workshop - Employment Assistance - SBA quarterly Boots to Business Workshop - Higher Education Training - Resume Writing and Federal Employment Workshops

Monthly Dept. of Labor TAP Employmen t Workshop

• Discovery Center - Resources for relocation, transition, employment, housing, schools, and more!

• AMVETS – Provides medical records screening and assistance with VA disability claims • Personal Development Information & Resources - Like us on Facebook: Luke A&FRC • Military & Family Life Counselor Assistance • Financial Counseling Education • Relocation & Sponsorship Services • School Liaison Officer - Addresses educational issues involving military children and youth in the local school community

Contact us for further information: (623) 856-6550 Email: 56fss.fsfr@luke.af.mil 7282 N. 137th Ave. Bldg.1113 Luke AFB, AZ. 85309 “We’re never the wrong place to go!” *Limited Services for DoD Civilians and their families

spouses. The workshop details job search strategies, networking, resume writing, interviewing, VA benefits and more. The mandatory program officially started in January 2013. “Marketing Yourself for a Second Career” is a professional lecture for officers and senior NCOs leaving the military.

Learn about salary negotiations, benefit packages, networking and resume writing to help compete for jobs in the marketplace.

Mandatory pre-separation counseling briefing on separation/retirement entitlements:

• Discovery Resource Center: Resources for relocations, transition, employment, housing, schools and more.

• AMVETS: Provides medical records screening and assistance with VA disability claims.

• School Liaison Officer: Addresses educational issues involving military children and youth in the local school community.

• Military & Family Life Counselor Program (MFLCs): MFLCs are here to listen and available to help service members, spouses, family members, children and staff. The MFLC program provides confidential support for a range of issues including relationships, crisis intervention, stress management, grief, occupational and other individual and family issues.

• Financial Management Programs: Some of these programs are available to active-duty military only.

• Family Readiness Programs • Relocation Readiness Programs • Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) is designed to provide support to military family members with special needs. EFMP Services include a variety of personnel, medical and family support functions.

Contact Airman & Family Readiness Center for more information: 623-856-6550, e-mail 56fss.fsfr@luke.af.mil, or visit its Facebook page: Luke A&FRC. The address is 7282 N. 137th Avenue, Building 1113, Luke AFB, AZ 85309.

HopSkipDrive makes transportation easier for parents

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

Joanna McFarland and her neighbors were busy parents in Los Angeles who needed help shuffling their eight children to their six different schools and extracurricular activities.

Four and a half years ago, they founded HopSkipDrive, which expands to the Valley on July 30.

HopSkipDrive is similar to other ride-share companies, except it only services kids ages 6 and older. The drivers (called “CareDrivers”) have extensive background checks and are

required to have at least five years of caregiving experience.

“Phoenix metro has a lot of congestion,” McFarland said. “Phoenix metro also has school of choice and open enrollment, which makes transportation to and from the school really hard. This is a problem we can help solve.”

Rides may be reserved as little as eight hours in advance or by 7 p.m. the night before for morning rides.

Parents...continued on page 11

Summer 2019

Parents...continued from page 10 Families book rides through the app or online at hopskipdrive.com, then HopSkipDrive matches ride requests to a CareDriver and sends parents a picture and CareDriver profile to share with their children before the ride. Parents receive progress alerts at pickup and drop-off for added peace of mind.

“You can customize the ride notes, too,” McFarland said. “You can put in instructions like go in and sign my child out of school. You’ll get a picture and profile of the driver, and you can show that to the school to authorize school sign-outs. Parents can track everything in their app. We also have a safe-ride support team, live and in real time.”

She said the price is “roughly the same cost of a babysitter who drives.”

The service is available already in California, Colorado, Virginia and Washington, D.C. “Nearly 1 in 2 parents say they feel they put their jobs at risk to meet their children’s transportation needs,” McFarland said.

“Parents shouldn’t have to choose

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Career & Education Opportunity between their careers and their children’s education and activities, but that tough choice is very real for countless families. HopSkipDrive wants parents to take comfort in knowing they have someone to rely on to get their kids where they need to go, safely and without worry.”

Every CareDriver must pass a 15-point certification that includes fingerprinting, FBI and Department of Justice background checks, driving record checks through the DMV and an in-person meeting with the HopSkipDrive team.

“I think we’re really on a mission to redefine safety,” McFarland said. “It’s the most comprehensive vetting standard in the industry. They are fingerprinted, background checked. We meet every driver in person. We do more than most families do to vet a nanny or babysitter.”

“We’re really excited to be bringing this to Phoenix,” she said. “There’s a huge opportunity there, not only to help busy parents get everybody where they need to go, but to help a lot of the school districts.”

She added that they have partnerships with local school districts, but would not reveal them.

Deer Valley Academy moves into new location

BY BARBARA DALICANDRO Executive Director Deer Valley Academy

Deer Valley Academy is moving to a new location at 2710 W. Bell Road, Suite 1221, next to the Eludesions Escape Rooms.

During the renovations, the school will operate from a remote location. However, administration can be reached at 602-467-6874 or via email at info@deervalleyacademy.org.

Registration for the next session is open through August 20, but there are multiple starting dates throughout the year. Deer Valley Academy works with

Deer Valley Academy opened a whole new world to me. The later hours and smaller environment increased my school performance. Hearing other people’s stories has completely changed my life and perceptions for the better.

– Jordan Raban

Deer Valley Academy NEW LOCATION:

2710 W. Bell Rd. #1221 Phoenix, AZ 85053

folks who are seeking an afternoon/ evening high school program, credit recovery or a second chance at a diploma. The hours are 3 to 5:30 p.m. and 5:50 to 8:30 p.m. Monday to Thursday.

Deer Valley Academy will soon begin working with its neighbors, Super Saver Cinemas, Santisi Brothers and the Eludesions Escape Rooms. Officials believe the collaboration will result in new and exciting opportunities for the school and students.

The school’s goal is to make students feel at home in a learning environment that addresses their academic, social and emotional needs while having fun.

Afternoon and evening high school classes are offered in a small and caring learning environment. A comprehensive selection of courses that meet College and Career Standards are provided.

• Year-Round Calendar • Six Entry Dates Per Year • Monday-Thursday Schedule • Two Classes Each Session • Graduation Requirements: 22 Credits

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Career & Education Opportunity

Summer 2019

CARTWRIGHT SCHOOL DISTRICT 5220 W. INDIAN SCHOOL RD, PHOENIX, AZ 85031 PHONE 623-691-4000 | FAX 623-691-4079

T

he Cartwright School District serves 15,000 students and we provide a first-class, global education with 20 schools and two preschool campuses.

We have a total of 12 K-6 schools, 4 K-8 schools,

4 middle schools, and 2 preschools. We believe we can achieve high levels of academic success if we work together. We are “One Team, Una Familia!” and we produce the best students!

Enroll now by clicking on www.csd83.org or calling 623-691-4000. Here is what we offer:

☛ STEM ☛ COLLEGE AND CAREER PROGRAMS ☛ DUAL LANGUAGE IMMERSION ☛ INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE ☛ SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL LEARNING SCHOOLS

☛ MORE TECHNOLOGY ☛ FREE BEFORE SCHOOL CARE

AFTER SCHOOL CARE, AVAILABLE

☛ 4-YEAR OLDS CAN ENROLL IN

KINDER IF THEY TURN 5 BEFORE DECEMBER 31

☛ ATHLETICS ☛ EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES FIELD TRIPS

☛ BALLET FOLKLÓRICO ☛ MARIACHI BAND