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July 17, 2022

Gilbert Public Schools announces 8 new principals GSN NEWS STAFF

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ilbert Public Schools has announced eight new principals for the 2022-23 school year.

Here’s a rundown on them.

Dr. Sean Jonaitis Highland Junior High Dr. Sean Jonaitis is the new interim principal of Highland Junior High School. Dr.

Jonaitis joins the Highland Junior family after having served the last five years as the assistant principal of Campo Verde High School.

With nearly two decades of experience in education, “Dr. Jonaitis is excited to step into a new role and focus on see

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Sean Jonaitis

Mary Longnion

Julie Oster

Kari Ramirez

EVIT expands Power campus, renovates main

BY CECE TODD East Valley Institute of Technology

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he 2022-23 school year at the East Valley Institute of Technology will include expanded programs at the Power Campus, renovations at the Main Campus and reorganization as EVIT prepares to grow its adult programs, offer associate degrees and create more opportunities for youth in foster care.

In the spring, state lawmakers approved legislation that will allow Career Technical Education Districts (CTEDs) like EVIT to offer associate degrees. Gov. Doug Ducey also signed a new state budget that includes $10 million for EVIT to construct a residence hall for foster youth on its Main Campus.

“EVIT’s foundation is rooted in seeking ways to support students and communities that at times have been overlooked, underserved and under-supported,” said Superintendent Dr. Chad Wilson.

For instance, he said, “Arizona has a qualified labor shortage and poor education attainment levels. With CTEDs being able to offer associate degrees, adults will have another option for obtaining the training and education they need to be successful.”

Arizona also has a growing number of youth who are facing significant challenges as they transition out of foster care. EVIT offers a program that allows foster youth to enroll in EVIT career training while they work toward Welding is one of three new programs that the East Valley Institute of

EVIT changes lives.

see

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Technology has added to its Power Campus this year. Other new programs at Power include criminal justice and aesthetics. (EVIT)

480-461-4000 • www.evit.com

GILBERT SUN NEWS | JULY 17, 2022

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | JULY 17, 2022

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | JULY 17, 2022

PRINCIPALS from page BTS 1

building connections between students, families and staff,” the district said in a released. “The feeling of family is what Dr. Jonaitis loves most about working for Gilbert Public Schools. He truly believes students are positively impacted when the entire community works together.”

Tracy Kukuk Smith Finley Farms Elementary Tracy Kukuk Smith is the new principal of Finley Farms Elementary. She is honored to join the Falcon family, and looks forward to carrying on the tradition of educational excellence and the family atmosphere.

Kukuk Smith “is deeply passionate about education, having spent nearly three decades working in schools,” the district said, noting she is a second generation educator. Her mother served as a principal for 20 years in Maryland. Kukuk Smith is also the parent of two Gilbert Public Schools graduates.

the district’s legacy of excellence and having witnessed its continual growth,” the district said.

She served as principal at two other schools in the Valley and “is overjoyed to have the opportunity to create a welcoming Brian Yee atmosphere for GreenTracy Smith Scott Thomas Jodi Smith field Elementary students, families and staff,” the district said, adding: “She says the best part about GPS Mary Longnion “It is Ms. Oster’s desire to continue is the commitment to helping stuGlobal Academy Mary Longnion returns as prin- dents and families succeed,” the dis- building on the school’s success cipal of GPS Global Academy, serving trict said. “At GPS Global Academy, while maintaining a positive, nurnow in the role full time. In addi- she is eager to continue working to turing and safe environment for all tion to that role, Longnion will also provide high quality and rigorous learners. serve as the program administrator education to students in grades Kari Ramirez for the brand new Gilbert Public K-12.”

Mesquite Junior High Julie Oster Schools Certification Pathway ProKari Ramirez is the new principal Greenfield Elementary gram, supporting and mentoring Julie Oster is the new principal of Mesquite Junior High School. This new teachers across the district.

Longnion just completed her 20th of Greenfield Elementary. The Arizona native “spent years admiring year with GPS. see PRINCIPALS page BTS 6

NOW ENROLLING FOR THE 2022-2023 SCHOOL YEAR! PLAY

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EDUCATION

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FAMILY

• Best of the Best 2018, 2019, 2020 & 2021 Charter School • Voted 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 & 2022 Best Charter & Preschool in Mesa Voted Best of the Best Charter School • Award-Winning Full-Day Pre-K tuition-based Programs ($500 / month) Four Years In a Row! • Kindergarten-8th Grade (Free Tuition) BESTOF • Free Breakfast, Lunch, & Transportation 2022 • 8 Specials a week (2-PE, 2-Art, 2-Music 1-Social Emotional Learning, 1-Garden) • 3 Recesses / Daily • Finland Educational Model Strategies (Education, Play, Family, NO HOMEWORK!) • 2019 KaBOOM! Playground Grant Recipient • 2019 & 2020 NFL Play 60 Grant Recipient • Before & After Care (YMCA Partnership) • Gabriel’s Angels Pet Therapy & Reading Program • BARK to Excellence PBIS Model 3015 S. Power Rd. Mesa, AZ 85212 • After-School Clubs 480.830.3444 Brady Wald • Community Events Every Month libertyartsacademy.com E. Guadalupe Rd.

S. Power Rd.

Principal

brady.wald@leonagroup.com

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | JULY 17, 2022

GPS Superintendent looks forward to new year

BY DR. SHANE MCCORD GSN Guest Writer

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ear Community and GPS Family, Welcome to a new school year GPS Family! We are excited to get started with our Gilbert Public Schools students and fami-

lies joining us and returning for the 2022/23 school year. Thank you to our incredible employees who have been working hard this summer to ensure our campuses are ready for your return, including the addition of a number of safety and security initiatives which we look forward to sharing with you. We are ready for a positive and supported start to the new school year.

The success of our students and our schools is greatly supported by the relationship we have with our families and our community. Thank you to our students and families for your continued support of the ER! WINNer School t r a h Best C Gilbert in

Dr. Shane McCord

important work that takes place in our schools every day. Together we are a family, thank you for choosing Gilbert Public Schools.

Our focus this year will continue to be what is best for our students. Together we work every day towards student success, delivering academic excellence, the very best educators, supportive learning environments, and access to a wide range of educational choices for our students and families.

This year we have introduced and expanded a number of programs including Accelerated Classrooms at five of our elementary schools, Gilbert Accelerated Middle School, and the Performance Academy. We

are excited to continue to offer our community educational choice so that you can find the right choice for your child’s education within Gilbert Public Schools. All of our schools continue to deliver excellence, with a foundation of connecting, creating and caring.

Our highly trained, certified educators remain committed to each and every student, focused on supporting students to thrive. I invite you to visit our website to learn all about our incredible schools and what we offer our students and families every day – gilbertschools.net/ explore.

Over the summer you may have seen some work being done to upgrade and improve our campuses, including the installation of new secure entrances and video intercom systems. see

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We look forward to seeing our students and families Tuesday, July 26, 2022

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | JULY 17, 2022

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will be her second year working with Gilbert Public Schools and her 15th year in education.

As principal of Mesquite Junior High, Ramirez wants to increase community involvement and foster a sense of family on the school’s campus.

“She is a strong advocate of education, having been the first person in her family to pursue college. In her new administrative role, she will focus on creating a school atmosphere that values all people and helps students strive to become better academically and personally every day,” the district said.

Jodi Smith Greenfield Junior High Jodi Smith is the new principal of Greenfield Junior High School. Originally from Oregon, Smith has an extensive educational background, including teaching experience from kindergarten through adult education. In the last two years, her family has grown to love the East Valley and “Smith genuinely looks forward to connecting with Greenfield Junior staff and families to help students thrive in the classroom,” the district said, adding: “Ms. Smith believes every student can succeed and as the new principal of Greenfield Junior, she plans to work toward strengthening the partnership between school and home to provide a strong foundation for students as they strive for academic excellence.”

Scott Thomas Spectrum Elementary Scott Thomas is the new principal of Spectrum Elementary. The Arizona native has been with GPS for 17 years and has served in a variety of roles, including as a physical education teacher and a school administrator. When he was a wrestling coach at Highland Junior High, Thomas helped lead several teams to the state wrestling tournament.

“As the new principal of Spectrum Elementary, Mr. Thomas hopes to challenge students academically while supporting their learning and growth. He wants to ensure that all students and families feel safe and welcomed at Spectrum,” the district said.

Brian Yee Highland High Brian Yee is the new principal of Highland High School. He joins the Hawks after serving as principal for the past decade at Greenfield Junior High School and before that four years as principal of Highland Junior High School.

He has several career accomplishments, including leading Greenfield Junior High to being recognized twice as an A+ School of Excellence.

“Mr. Yee loves the GPS community.

As the new principal of Highland High, Mr. Yee wants to see the continuation of school traditions and the creation of new opportunities for students and staff to showcase their talents,” the district said.

We look forward to sharing all the details with you. Thank you to all GPS staff who have worked so hard to make this possible. We are committed to continuing to provide supportive and safe learning environments that inspire our students to learn and do their very best.

It is truly my honor to serve you and our community and I am excited

for a positive start to this new school year. Thank you for being an important part of our GPS Family.

Together we continue to make this district the very best, with our students at the center of it all.

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-Shane McCord Superintendent, Gilbert Public Schools

SEE MORE ONLINE: WWW.GILBERTSUNNEWS.COM

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EVIT does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, age, or sexual orientation in admission and access to its programs, services, activities, or in any aspect of their operations, including hiring or employment practices. Contact the following employees regarding non-discrimination policies: Title IX/Title VII/EEOC Coordinator, EVIT Superintendent, 1601 W. Main St., Mesa, AZ 85201 or call (480) 461-4000, or by email at superintendent@evit.com; Section 504/ADA Coordinator, Tony Niccum, STEPS, 1601 W. Main St., Mesa, AZ 85201, or call (480) 461-4154 or by email tniccum@evit.com

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Adult programs offered at the most affordable tuition rates. Students in some programs may qualify for financial aid.

Adults may be eligible to enroll in select high school career training programs, or may be interested in our high school equivalency preparation assistance.

Enroll today at 480-461-4013 or visit evit.com/adulted

1601 West Main Street, Mesa, AZ 85201

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | JULY 17, 2022

After 13 Years, Bella Montessori under new ownership

BY COTY DOLORES MIRANDA Contributor

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well-respected Gilbert Montessori school serving Chandler, Gilbert and Mesa, has undergone an ownership change.

Bella Montessori began in 2009 in Davina Goff’s home before growing into a site at 700 S. Island Drive West in 2011.

It is now owned by Mary Navarro, a former special education and high school math teacher who has been an instructor with Montessori for years.

A Chandler resident and mother of four, Navarro met Goff in 2016.

Goff’s daughter, Bella, was one of her students, and the two women bonded and became friends.

Their association grew as both were teaching colleagues at the Arizona Montessori Teacher Education Program, the Montessori training center located at Bella Montessori.

When Goff considered selling the

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obtaining their GED. The residence hall that will be constructed will provide additional services and support.

“EVIT now has the opportunity to truly change their lives by giving them the structure and support they need to transition into a better future,” Wilson said.

EVIT will be laying the groundwork for associate degree and foster care initiatives this year by seeking approval from its accrediting body, the Council on Occupational Education, to offer associate degrees, reorganizing and hiring staff, and renovating the Main Campus.

Upon approval by COE, EVIT plans to offer its first associate degree in registered nursing in 2023-24. EVIT has also entered into a partnership with Heritage Academy to allow the charter school to open a high school on the Main Campus that will give preferential placement to foster

Bella Montessori teacher Corina Brajerich offers encouragement to Asher Redshaw during a learning session. (Special to GSN)

6,500 square foot, multiple- classroom school, she suggested Navarro might consider taking it over.

For Navarro, the opportunity was exactly what she’d hoped to explore

in her future.

“It’s always been a long-term goal of mine to start a Montessori school,” Navarro confessed. “I’ve worked at many Montessori schools in the state,

Campus, 6625 S. Power Road, to better meet the needs of the growing population in the southeast Valley.

Facilities have been expanded for the veterinary, aviation and engineering programs and renovated and upgraded for cosmetology and health care proEVIT’s medical assistant program is one of about a dozen health- grams.

The Power care career programs offered by the East Valley Institute of TechCampus also has nology. (EVIT) three new proyouth. The charter high school will grams this year – criminal justice, aesthetics and welding – that are also open in 2023-24.

Meanwhile this school year, EVIT offered at the Main Campus.

“The expansion of these programs has expanded programs at the Power

that because of size and administrative complexity, never quite measured up to my expectation of what Montessori should be.”

To her, Montessori schools meant enriching their charges by utilizing cooperation between the teaching staff, parents and students.

“I’ve always envisioned a small community that could serve staff and families with a holistic approach - not only for the child but for the families and staff as well,” she said.

“Raising littles doesn’t come with a manual, and having a village of support can be life changing.

“The impact parents and teachers can have in brain development early on in childhood is astronomical, and at Bella we strive to optimize that window by building strong family partnerships, and ongoing staff professional development to maintain the best practices while maintaining Montessori as our core.” see

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will allow students in the southeast Valley to attend EVIT closer to home,” Wilson said.

At the Main Campus, 1601 W. Main St., Mesa, EVIT offers over 40 career training programs for high school students and a dozen post-secondary programs for adults. EVIT also provides programs at a branch campus at Apache Junction High School.

Over 5,000 high school students and adults are currently enrolled at the three campuses for the 2022-23 school year. High school students attend tuition-free; adults pay tuition with financial aid available in some programs for those who qualify.

Enrollment is still being accepted for 2022-23. Start the process at evit. com/enroll. For more information, visit evit.com.

CeCe Todd is the public information officer for the East Valley Institute of Technology.

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | JULY 17, 2022

Goff received her Montessori certification through the Center for Montessori Education/New York and is currently an instructor for a valley Montessori training program.

She said life changes spurred her letting go of the school that she named for her daughter.

“I absolutely loved my time as owner/teacher at Bella, but my life is shifting with my son, Mason finishing his software engineering degree at ASU, and my daughter Bella, beginning her second year at NAU,” she said.

“Mary and I met while she worked for another local Montessori and she was one of my daughter’s teachers.

Both my husband Aaron and I really appreciated the way she fully embraced the Montessori philosophy,” Goff continued.

“Mary has always been well respected in the Montessori and educational realms, and I knew from Mary’s passion for Montessori and education that she was the one to carry on the legacy that my husband and I built.”

“The stars aligned and we talked about it and here we are. I truly could not have hoped for a more amazing person to pass the torch to than Mary.”

Located at the border of Chandler

and Gilbert, the spacious and bright classrooms house separate spaces for the toddler, primary and elementary students and the NIDO Program for infants beginning at six weeks.

Enrollment is currently underway for the new fall session that begins Tuesday, Aug. 2. Free tours of the school can be scheduled at www.bellamontessori.com. Tours are offered year-round except during the first two weeks of each school session.

Both the new owner and Bella’s previous owner are instructors for Arizona Montessori Teacher Education Program helping train Montessori teachers from throughout the state.

Bella Montessori full-day classes run from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, and half-day programs 8:30 to noon. Extended care hours are available for an additional cost. Information: BellaMontessori. com.

Scholarships are available in Kindergarten-3rd grade through Arizona Tuition Connection.

All Montessori Schools follow the Montessori methodology, an education approach developed by Italian physician Maria Montessori. The approach focuses on independence and hands-on learning.

G W IN NO LL RO EN

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