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Monte Vista PTO treasury out of the red BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor
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ix months after discovering thousands of dollars in unpaid bills and more thousands in missing funds, the Monte Vista Elementary School Parent Teachers Organization has bounced back into the black. As a result of the generosity of parents and families, teachers and staff and local businesses and community members, the PTO’s officers announced, “We have managed to pay off our last remaining bill and are now cash-flow positive.” Now they’re trying to compensate for the grants the PTO traditionally gives at the be-
ginning of the school year but couldn’t because the officers – who were elected in May – had no money for them. They’ve teamed up with an unusual nationwide fundraising company called Apex Leadership in order to raise money and simultaneously introduce students to a special two-week program. The program – which started on the Monte Vista Campus on Tuesday is open only to Monte Vista students – it involves a kickoff assembly as well as daily classroom and playground events built around positive messaging for kids concerning physical fitness, character development and leadership. It culminates Nov. 22 with an obstacle
course peppered with unusually shaped or oversized slides, monkey bars and other inventions that are as much about having fun as they are about instilling leadership qualities and a commitment to physical fitness. “Apex is an interactive leadership program that helps schools all over the country raise money, while promoting leadership, good character and fitness,” PTO Co-Vice President Robin Barrett explained. She said students will “learn the habits needed to be a game-changing leader,” getting pledges for the 30-minute run on Nov. 22, including 26 to 36 obstacles.
Eyesore war Driveway artist pits local man vs. city
see MONTE VISTA page 8
BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor
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An Ahwatukee man is battling with Phoenix officials over conditions at various places in and near Mountain Park Ranch. John Broussal said rusting railings, broken drain grates, rubbish that includes broken shopping cards and other eyesores have created “deplorable conditions” that threaten to multiply and ultimately harm property values. While Broussal said some of the problems date back three or more years, he has intensified his pressure on the city Street Transportation and Neighborhood Services officials in the last three months, complaining as well to the City Manager’s office and Councilman Sal
see RANCH page 14
Ahwatukee resident Ashley Renda, 11, is a budding artist who wanted to try a new medium and, apparently, a new “canvas.” So last week the youngster chalked up a kind of beautification victory with colorful results. For details, see page 23. (Pablo Robles/ AFN Staff Photographer)
K Y R E N E FA L L S H O W C A S E N I G H T S
www.kyrene.org/discover #DiscoverKyrene L E A R N I N G. L E A D I N G. A C H I E V I N G.