Anthem Area: Back to School 2021

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS

TheFoothillsFocus.com

JULY 21, 2021

Outlets hosting teacher appreciation day

BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

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uane Bluestein of the BluWay Talk Show will emcee “A Night of Teacher Appreciation” from 4 to 9 p.m. Saturday, July 24.

The event is poised to bring awareness to educators’ needs in Arizona.

The event is free and open to the public. There will be food trucks, giveaways, entertainment, a teachers runway show

Choice Academies charter offers long term continuous education from preschool through high school.

and raffle prizes.

The evening is scheduled at Phoenix Premium Outlets, 4976 Premium Outlet Way, Chandler. The featured speakers are Dr. Vernet A. Joseph, who will discuss productive business civility, and Marissa Leinart who will speak about a parent-led academy.

Uncorked the Band will provide music. The title sponsor is Desert Diamond Casino West Valley, with valued

sponsors Planet Fitness, RSL Appraisal, Clamsville Productions, Phoenix Premium Outlets, Ariat, Cabi, J Crew, Watch Station, Asics, Old Navy, Volcom, Lacoste, Bella Butterfly Fashion, Lighthouse Styling and Beauty and Eminent Watches and Jewelry.

The presenting organization, Keeping Teachers Teaching, is dedicated to serving educators by offering general health

programs, health services, discounts from national vendors, continuing education and certifications.

Throughout the shutdown, Keeping Teachers Teaching held monthly Zoom workshops to provide extra support to Valley teachers. Now that the restrictions are easing, Keeping Teachers Teaching is hosting this evening to show its appreciation for educators.

Aspire: Deer Valley’s online academy

BY TYLER WEGLEITNER Foothills Focus Staff Writer

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eer Valley Unified School District now offers online courses for K-12 students in Arizona who seek a robust online school option.

DVUSD has had a robust online program for high school previously. With Aspire, the district will have advanced placement offerings and are working to expand its offerings to dual enrollment options, CTE internships, eSports and honor societies in the near future.

see ASPIRE page 17

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | JULY 21, 2021

Happy new (school) year

BY DR. CURTIS FINCH Superintendent, Deer Valley Unified School District

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elcome back students, parents and guardians. This year will be another exciting opportunity for students to learn just how public education connects everyone to our democracy.

It is in public schools that one learns how to become a contributing citizen through collaboration, problem solving, discussion, debate and inquiry.

Learning comes in many forms, but with the same premise — encouraging students to strive to understand others, themselves and how to make our world a better place.

How can this be your child’s best year yet? Encourage your child to participate in a club, sport, arts program or group that will stretch their knowledge and experiences. Academics are important, but connection with the school community is just as vital for social and emotional well-being. Study after study conclude that students who participate in extra and co-cur-

ASPIRE from Page 16

With this past school year’s parent interest in online schooling for their children, DVUSD determined that there continues to be a need to provide an online option for parents. DVUSD believes providing this choice for parents who want an online education.

What makes DVUSD different and better than other online options?

Students enrolled in Aspire in kindergarten to sixth will engage in synchronous (real-time, teacher-led) instruction. This gives younger students the structure needed to be successful.

Middle-grade students will have a hybrid of asynchronous (prepared resources) and synchronous instruction and 9th- to 12th-grade students will be an asynchronous campus with open

ricular activities, clubs and teams achieve higher grades in school, score better on state and national tests, have fewer absences and are more likely to further their education and training beyond high school.

Participation in a group that is focused on a specific purpose provides a connection to a larger purpose and increases “a sense of belonging.”

The beauty of the Deer Valley Unified School District is its size. Larger suburban public school districts provide more opportunities for academic and socioemotional growth than other systems.

For example, DVUSD has a new K-12 online school, named Aspire (dvusd. org/aspire). We also have a complimentary secondary credit recovery online system called Pathways (dvusd. org/pathways). With Pathways and Aspire tied to DVUSD, students will not have to worry about if an online credit from an outside online system will transfer into DVUSD. Aspire and Pathways are filled with DVUSD’s #extraordinary certified teachers and staff. A DVUSD diploma from Barry lab access to teachers with virtual and in-person office hours.

Aspire teachers are highly qualified and properly certified educators, which sets us apart from other online schools.

DVUSD students can still participate extracurricular activities at their home boundary school. Music, art, physical education and technology are offered at elementary school. Other electives/ exploratory classes are offered at middle school.

For full-time kindergarten to 12th Aspire students, there is no fee. Families electing to enroll in Aspire, Deer Valley’s K-12 online academy need to complete the open enrollment process and follow the same procedures aligned to the brick-and-mortar campuses, detailed at openenrollment.dvusd.org/ application.

Goldwater, Boulder Creek, Deer Valley, O’Connor and Mountain Ridge high schools are highly coveted and come with a sterling reputation; thirteen-years of #extraordinary quality rolled up into that diploma — an educational ticket to anywhere in the world.

DVUSD also offers programs in Mandarin, Spanish, Traditional, Science Technology Engineering, Math (STEM), + Arts (STEAM), Career Technical Education (CTE) as well as almost any club, team sport, extra-curricula or co-curricular activity. Chances are high that the participating students may win a regional, state, or national award, certificate or trophy for their work as well. (dvusd.org/extraordinary) If you value high achievement and wish your child felt more connected, had higher self-esteem, experienced fewer absences and learned to work better with others — encourage your student to join a club, program or team (dvusd.org). Communication

BACK TO SCHOOL

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skills, creative thinking, organization, time-management and real-life application of knowledge are acquired.

Life’s lessons are effectively learned in groups. Speak to teachers, classmates or administration about how your student can be more connected to school and the mission of DVUSD: Graduating life-long learners who will successfully compete, lead and positively impact the world. Welcome back to another #extraordinary school year.

Dr. Curtis Finch can be reached at superintendent@dvusd.org

Enrollment is easy at Deer Valley Unified

BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

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tudents’ #extraordinary future is waiting at Deer Valley Unified School District. Registration for 2021-22 continues for all K-12 students and spots are filling up fast.

For quick and convenient online registration, visit dvusd.org/enroll.

DVUSD Schools Offer: • 92% A- and B-rated schools • Free, full-day kindergarten • 1:1 students-to-computer ratio • STEM and STEAM schools and pro-

grams • Spanish and Mandarin language immersion programs • Award-winning career and technical education programs • Gifted and special needs program • Before- and after-school care • 17:1 student to teacher ratio • Award-winning fine arts and athletics programs • Championship athletic programs Visit dvusd.org/registration to learn more about enrollment at Deer Valley Unified School District.

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BACK TO SCHOOL

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | JULY 21, 2021