THE NEWSPAPER OF AVONDALE, BUCKEYE, GOODYEAR, LITCHFIELD PARK & TOLLESON
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Ben’s Bells comes to Avondale
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This Week
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The Voice of the West Valley for 32 years
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September 6, 2017
Tartesso program encourages fathers’ involvement By Juan Escobedo
NEWS .............. 3 Luke AFB and police departments train together
SPORTS ........ 13 New Verrado coach brings experience
9 DAYS ......... 16 Looking for something to do? Check out the 9 Days a Week calendar
LETTERS ..........................9 BUSINESS..................... 11 SPORTS ..........................13 FEATURES .....................18 NEIGHBORHOOD......22 SCHOOLS & CLASSIFIEDS.......................23 OBITUARIES .................27
SOUTH
Tartesso Elementary School Principal Liz Burton is touched by the parental involvement at her Buckeye educational facility. But it wasn’t until the school kicked off Watch D.O.G.S., or Dads of Great Students, with an August 22 pizza party that she became emotional. Before the program, only one father regularly attended Tartesso’s events. On this evening, about 120 father figures made their mark. “It brought tears to my eyes when they showed up through the door,” she said. Watch D.O.G.S.’ goal is to encourage father and father-figure involvement by asking them to volunteer at the school at least once a year. Burton called the program “an amazing opportunity.” Volunteers wear Watch D.O.G.S. shirts adorned with nametags, and they welcome students to the school. Then the children announce the Watch D.O.G. of the Day during Tartesso’s morning announcements. They also work alongside the faculty as crossing guards, car/bus rider facilitators, hall monitors, library assistants, lunchroom
John Waid enjoys the time he spends with his daughter, Raegan, at Tartesso Elementary School. (Photo courtesy Tartesso Elementary School)
helpers, classroom and homework tutors and playground/gymnasium coaches. They even attend lunch and recess with the students. Watch D.O.G.S. volunteer John Waid
enjoys the extra time with his 11-year-old daughter, Raegan, a sixth-grader. “It was amazing to see them all at the
Father...continued on page 2
Avondale Police boosts social media presence By Connor Dziawura
There is more to policing than just enforcing the law. This is a sentiment echoed by the Avondale Police Department, which has been increasing its efforts to connect and engage its citizens via social media. For the past three years, the department has been working to strengthen its influence to its more than 10,000 followers. “I think there’s a couple of goals,” said Sgt. Thomas Alt of the Avondale Police
Department about the social media efforts. “Transparency through the department, humanizing police, showing the personal side of us. We’re not just enforcing laws. There’s a human side to policing as well.” But how can the department get important information to its followers while still being relatable to citizens? This is a question posed by Katrina Armstrong, community services supervisor for the Avondale
Police Department, when planning the department’s approach to social media. The department accomplishes this with a blend of real news information, pop culture humor and relevant subjects. Photos poking fun of donuts and selfies are just some of the sillier subjects the department tackles. When the city “added” Iroh,
Police...continued on page 2