There are many preschool options available to parents throughout the Valley. How will you determine which preschool is the right learning environment for your child? At PVSchools, we offer a variety of early learning programs that will fit your child’s learning style and needs. Our youngest learners receive the foundation and building blocks needed to prepare them for success in elementary school.

Gifted Preschool

PVSchools is one of the few public school districts in the nation to offer Gifted Preschool programs. This program is offered at four locations, including Desert Trails Elementary School, Desert Cove Elementary School, Fireside Elementary School and North Ranch Elementary School. Our established Gifted Preschool programs ensure that advanced learners can experience a challenging curriculum and innovative instruction. The program provides accelerated learning opportunities, embeds critical and creative thinking processes and integrates technology into daily instruction.  Class size for the Gifted Preschool programs is limited to 22 students, and classes are taught by teachers who are Early Childhood Certified and hold a Gifted Endorsement. Learn more at about Gifted Preschool.

Montessori Preschool

Our Montessori Preschool program is offered at two locations - Desert Shadow Elementary School and Mercury Mine Elementary School. PVSchools’ Montessori Preschool programs are based on the principles of Dr. Maria Montessori. Three and four-year-olds will flourish in this multi-age classroom environment designed to promote critical thinking, discovery, creative invention, and thoughtful analysis. Class size for the Montessori Preschool programs is limited to 22 students, and classes are taught by experienced Montessori-certified teachers.

Traditional  Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten

PVSchools offers both traditional preschool and pre-kindergarten programs for three and four-year-olds. The Mini Scholars Preschool and Little Scholars Pre-Kindergarten use the Core Knowledge® curriculum that has been adopted by many of our elementary schools. The Core Knowledge® sequence guides academic success through hands-on and engaging activities that prepare students for academic success. PVSchools also offers Little Scholars Pre-Kindergarten Core Knowledge Signature Programs, including Suzuki Strings at Desert Shadow Elementary School and Spanish Immersion at Sandpiper Elementary School.  Both the Mini Scholars and the Little Scholars classes are taught by certified teachers.

Special Education Preschool

SUN Kids Preschool provides special education services for three to five-year-olds with

special/unique needs who are not yet eligible for kindergarten. All students must be screened prior to placement in the program, and screening appointments are available year round. SUN Kids Preschool provides experiences to enhance learning in all developmental areas with an emphasis on meeting each student’s individual needs.  This language-based program provides a foundation for support of future literacy skills. These foundations teach preschoolers the “ready to learn” skills necessary to acquire future academic concepts.

Our preschool and pre-Kindergarten programs are open to students across the Valley, not just to students residing within our district boundaries. To learn more about the preschool programs, please view our Preschool Universe Guide or visit www.pvschools.net/prek.

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It’s officially Monsoon season in Arizona even though a drop of rain isn’t in the forecast. Arizona’s monsoon season is from June 15th through September 30th.

Dust Storms  

Dust storms may arrive quickly without any warning. It’s important to know that if you are driving when a dust storm hits, you should do the following:

• Pull off to the side of the road and turn off your car lights, including emergency flash.
• Set your emergency brake and remove your foot from the brake.
• Keep your seatbelt fastened.
• Wait it out until the dust storm has passed.

For more helpful tips, watch the Pull Aside, Stay Alive video.

Heavy Rain

• Slow down when driving in the rain, especially when it’s heavy rain, as tire traction is reduced and will cause vehicles to hydroplane.
• Vehicles traveling at high speeds can send sheets of water on to your car.
• Don’t drive through rain-swollen washes as you may get caught in a flash flood. Arizona has a “Stupid Motorist Law.”
• Check road restrictions and closures, call 5-1-1 or visit www.az511.gov.

Flash Floods

With heavy rains, there is always the possibility of flash floods. Under no circumstance should you drive your vehicle intentionally through a flooded area as Arizona has a “Stupid Motorist Law.” If you’re caught in a wash during a flash flood, follow these steps:

• Call 9-1-1.
• Get onto the roof of your vehicle and wait for help to arrive.
• If the water is shallow and slow moving, wade to safety.
• Be aware of debris and potential wildlife.
• Check road restrictions and closures, call 5-1-1 or visit www.az511.gov.

Excessive Heat

With the temperatures rising in the Valley, there will be more excessive heat warnings in effect throughout the summer. What do you need to know about these warnings?

• Be sure to drink plenty of water even if you’re not thirsty. Avoid caffeinated beverages.
• When you’re out in the sun, protect your face and head by wearing sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat.
• Never leave your child or your pet in the car.
• On a 90-degree day, the interior temperature can reach as high as 160 degrees in less than 10 minutes. If you see a child or pet locked in a car, call 9-1-1. If the child or pet is in distress, break a window to get the car unlocked.
• The best way to stay cool is to stay inside during the peak hours. If you have to do yard work, work in pairs and take frequent breaks.
• Check in on your elderly and sick neighbors as they are more likely to become victims of excessive heat.
• The Arizona Department of Health Services has more information about how to stay safe in this extreme heat. You can also sign up to receive future heat alerts.

Lightning/Thunderstorms

Lightning can strike 60 miles away from the nearest rainfall. If you hear thunder, you can be struck by lightning. Here are a few precautions to take during a thunderstorm.   

• Take shelter during a thunderstorm and lightning and stay put until the storm has completely passed, which is approximately 30 minutes after you hear the last thunder.
• Stay away from trees, porches, swimming pools and open areas.
• When indoors avoid touching any wires and plumbing. Do not use corded telephones or any electrical appliances.
• If someone is struck by lightning, call 9-1-1.

Fires

Often when lightning strikes, it increases the chances of causing a wildfire. Here are a few tips to protect your home from a fire.

• Clear brush at least 30 feet away from your home.
• Trim tree branches away from chimneys and electrical lines.
• If a fire erupts, call 9-1-1.
• Develop a home evacuation plan and practice it.
• Establish two exit routes out of your neighborhood.

Visit Arizona Emergency Information Network to learn more about monsoon preparedness.

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The Paradise Valley Unified School District’s Governing Board unanimously approved staff salary increases at the June 5th Governing Board meeting. In April, the Board previously approved 3 percent increases to all employees due to the passage of a Maintenance and Operations Budget Override Election from last November. With the adopted State budget and increases to K-12 funding, the following was added:

• For Certified staff (teachers), an additional 9 percent increase to the base was approved. In total, certified staff will receive a 12 percent base increase. The starting salary for entry level new teachers with Bachelor of the Arts or Bachelor of the Science degrees hired for 2018-19 school year will be $39,240.
  
  
• For Educational Support Professionals (support staff), an additional 6 percent increase on the base to all employees at $11.01 and above, including classified exempt. In total, a 9 percent base increase was approved.
  
  
• For Administrators, an additional 2 percent to the base.  In total, a 5 percent base increase.

The approved salary increases will be effective July 1, 2018, for the 2018-19 school year.

In her remarks, President Nancy Case also thanked the PV community members for their continued support and expressed her gratitude that these increases were possible. According to Mrs. Case, “these increases wouldn’t be possible without the increased state funds and the amazing support of our voter approved override. The new starting teacher salary for the 2018-19 school year will be $39,240. Though not as much as our neighbors in contiguous states, it is certainly an improvement.”

According to Dr. Troy Bales, assistant superintendent of Human Resources, “the increases have immediately helped with retention and is a great beginning. We still have a long way to go, but are grateful and thankful for a step in the right direction.”

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Artwork from selected students from the North Valley Arts Academies - Shadow Mountain High School, Paradise Valley High and Pinnacle High School, will be on display at the Emerging Artists of PVSchools Art Exhibition in the Lobby of the Performing Arts Building at Paradise Valley Community College (PVCC).

The exhibition features a variety of media such as painting, drawing, cut paper and ceramic sculpture. Each piece is unique in its theme and composition and ranges from the surreal to the hyperrealistic.

Emerging Artists of PVSchools Art Exhibition is open to the public during the following dates and times:

• June 11th-June 14th - Monday -Thursday from 8 a.m.-9 p.m.
• June 18th-July 1st - Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-9 p.m., Saturday from 5-10 p.m., and Sunday from noon- 5 p.m.
• There will be an opening reception on June 21st from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Anyone attending the reception can attend PVCC's production of Disney’s Peter and the Starcatcher for free that same evening at 7:30 p.m.

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Summer is here, and one sure way to stay cool this time of year is water.  Parents and children need to play it safe around water whether it’s pools, splash pads, water parks, lakes or oceans. Here are a few tips to help keep you safe this summer.

Adult supervision

Adult supervision is the key to ensuring that your child is safe around the water. Never leave your child alone around water, not even for a second. When supervising children around water, it’s important to stay focused on the swimmers without distractions such as reading a book or talking on the phone. Keep a cell phone nearby in case there’s an accident and you need to call 911.

Play it safe in the sun 

Wear protective clothing, including hats, sunglasses and UV shirts. Don’t forget to use sunscreen that has an SPF higher than 15, and remember to reapply liberally according to the directions.

Swim with a buddy

Never swim alone. Designate a swimming buddy before heading to the pool, beach, lake or water park.

Know your limits

don’t swim out too far if you are not a strong swimmer; stay in shallow areas. Get out of the water when you start to feel tired. If a summer storm is approaching, get out of the water and find shelter.

Swim in safe areas

Never swim in murky water or strong currents.

Get certified

Knowing CPR can mean the difference between life and death. Become certified in infant and child first aid and CPR.

Stay hydrated

Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated when you’re outdoors.

Safety first

Always have your child wear a lifejacket when on a boat, water skis or other personal watercraft.

No horsing around

Remind your child not to run around the pool as the deck, most likely, may be slippery and your child could slip and fall. Don’t push others into the pool or dive into shallow areas of a pool. Establishing rules will ensure that no one gets hurt.

Pool safety gates

If you haven’t already installed a safety gate around your pool or hot tub, this would be a great time to do that. When leaving the pool, make sure to secure the gate with a lock, so no one can accidentally get in. Also, it’s a good idea to repair gates when needed.

It’s also important to keep tables and chairs away from pool fences as children may use these items to climb over safety gates.

Cryptosporidium

If you’re infected with the Cryptosporidium, a germ that causes diarrhea, do not go swimming as the germ is spread by swallowing water that has been contaminated. Cryptosporidium can survive for days in properly chlorinated and well-maintained pools.

Related content:

Resources from the Drowning Prevention Coalition of Arizona

• Drowning Prevention Resources
• Learn CPR
• Learn to swim

Facts About Cryptosporidium and Swimming Pools

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School may be out for summer vacation; however, childhood hunger doesn't take a break. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), 13 million children under 18 years old in the United States live in households where they are consistently unable to access enough nutritious food necessary for a healthy life.

Across the nation, students and their families who rely on Free and Reduced Price School Meals during the school year often face financial hardships during the summer months when school is not in session, including the 35.2 percent of students in PVSchools who participate in the program. The federally-funded Summer Food Service Program helps alleviate these hardships by providing free meals for individuals of the community that are 18 years and younger. Summer Food Service Program sites are available throughout the Valley, visit www.eatwellbewell.org/summerfood or www.azsummerfood.gov/resources for additional details about the program.

Need Assistance

For individuals and families who require assistance, the Paradise Valley Emergency Food Bank (PVEFB) provides wholesome and nourishing meals to those who reside within the boundaries of the PVSchools. PVEFB offers families with children up to eight food boxes per calendar year. The boxes contain food valued at $20 per person. During the summer months, families can self-refer with proof of residency within the PVSchools boundaries, or they can contact the PVSchools' Nutrition and Wellness Department at 602-449-2274.

How you can help

Food banks, including PVEFB, rely on community members and organizations to provide donations throughout the year, not just during the holidays. In addition to canned food items, the PV Emergency Food Bank is also in need of hot and cold cereals, juices, dry milk, spaghetti, macaroni and cheese, peanut butter, jelly, baby food, soap, toilet paper, diapers and personal care items. View the list of items needed.

How the PVEFB helps students in PVSchools boundaries

• In 2017, the PV Emergency Food Bank assisted more than 3,886 families comprising 10,388 individuals, which includes 3,895 children.
  
  
• In 2008, the PVEFB launched the "Backpack Program" to provide breakfast, lunch, and snack items to students for the weekend during the school year. Today, this program provides weekend meals for 700 students in 19 schools.
  
  
• The Nurses Program, which provides juice and crackers for use when dispensing medicines at school.

How to make healthy eating choices during the summer

Making healthier eating choices can be as simple as encouraging your child to eat more fruits and vegetables or choosing low-fat milk. To help your family eat more fruits and vegetables parents can:

• Keep a bowl of fruit on the table.
  
  
• Keep pre-washed and cut-up fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator.
  
  
• Buy fruits and vegetables that are in season.
  
  
• Pack fruit and vegetables in your child’s lunchbox.
  
  
• Stay hydrated by drinking water instead of sugary beverages.

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PVSchools' award-winning Volunteer In Paradise (VIP) program is seeking volunteer tutors for the 2018-19 school year.  The first volunteer orientation will be held Tuesday, June 12th from 9-11 a.m. at the PVSchools Community Resource Center.

Established in 2013, volunteers, called VIPs, tutor students who need extra academic support, and in turn, help increase student academic achievement. The VIP program matches dedicated qualified volunteer tutors with students at participating schools. Volunteer tutors work with students in either a one-on-one setting or in small groups with the goal of increasing student achievement.

Volunteer tutors are needed in all subject areas in kindergarten through 6th grades. Opportunities may be available at one or more of the following elementary schools: Arrowhead Elementary School, Campo Bello Elementary School, Desert Cove Elementary School, Desert Shadows Elementary School, Echo Mountain Intermediate School, Echo Mountain Primary School, Hidden Hills Elementary School, Mercury Mine Elementary School and North Ranch Elementary School.

Learn more about the VIP program at www.pvschools.net/VIP.

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PVSchools’ graduating class of 2018 is eligible for nearly 1,640 scholarships worth more than $60.3 million.

Scholarships awarded by schools:

• Horizon High School - more than $15 million
• North Canyon High School - more than $10.1 million
• Pinnacle High School - more than $ 20.7 million
• Paradise Valley High School  - more than $10.1 million
• Shadow Mountain High School - more than $4 million
• PVOnline - $229,000

Our graduating class of 2018 have been accepted into hundreds of colleges and universities throughout the United States, including Arizona State University - Barrett Honors College, Brigham Young University, Cornell University, Duke University, Fordham University, New York University, Northern Arizona University, Pepperdine University, Princeton University, Purdue University, Seton Hall University, New York University, University of Arizona, University of Miami and Yale University.

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The 2017-18  school year was a big year for PVSchools! Take a look back at some of the memorable highlights, including various student and staff achievements, as well as district events.

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Michael Linn, director of the Community Education Department, recently received the 2018 Community Educator of the Year Award from the Arizona Community Education Association (AZCEA).  He was honored on April 20th at the AZCEA Awards Banquet. The AZCEA National Conference and Vendor Fair followed on April 21, in Chandler, Ariz.

The Community Educator of the Year Award is reserved for someone who repeatedly exhibits leadership amongst their peers in all aspects of their work, which results in a high level of community impact for a significant amount of time. The recipient must have at least 15 years of service in this field. One individual is selected each year.

Mr. Linn was instrumental in establishing the AZCEA in 2007.

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In Arizona, there are so many outdoor activities that we can enjoy doing all year-round, including hiking, biking, jogging and swimming.  When spending time outdoors, it’s important to play it safe.

June is Sun Safety Month; however, these sunwise tips will help keep you safe all year long.

1. Apply and reapply sunscreen

   Sunscreen isn’t just for beach days. When purchasing sunscreen look for one that protects against UV and UVB and has an SPF higher than 15. Throughout the day, remember to reapply liberally according to the directions.
   
   

2. Wear protective clothing

   Don’t leave home without your wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses. Wearing long sleeved shirts, UV shirts and long pants help lessen sun exposure.
   
   

3. Stay hydrated

   Taking water with you everywhere you go is the best way to stay hydrated when you’re outdoors.
   
   

4. Avoid activities during peak hours

   The hours between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. are when UV light is the brightest. Limit your outdoor activities during these hours.
   
   

5. Check the UV Index daily

   When planning outdoor activities, it’s a good idea to check the UV Index. The UV Index provides a forecast of the expected risk of overexposure to UV radiation from the sun.

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Did you know that over the course of summer vacation, students can lose academic skills and knowledge that took 180 days of instruction to learn? In most cases, teachers will spend four to six weeks re-teaching material that was not retained during the eight weeks of summer vacation. Students who continue learning during the summer will be more successful in the long run. We’ve put together a few tips to help you keep your child engaged in learning this summer.

Math

Students can lose more than two months of math knowledge during the summer. Incorporate math lessons at home by teaching your child to cook with step-by-step instructions and recipes. Cooking with Kids has measurement reminders, safety tips and information for involving children in the cooking process. Practice math skills in the car by calculating time and mileage. When you eat out, have your child help calculate the tip.

Writing

Encourage your child to keep a journal during the summer. Journal writing is a great way for your child to express feelings and creativity while practicing writing, spelling, grammar and punctuation. Motivate your child to write a short story, screenplay or a biography about a family member.

Reading and Spelling

An adventure is waiting for you at the public library. Keep your child engaged by exploring different topics and let your child pick books that interest him or her. Library cards are free, and you can borrow books, CDs, DVDs and audiobooks. Reading not only expands your child’s vocabulary, but it keeps his or her cognitive abilities sharp.  Encourage your child to start a book club with neighborhood friends.

History

Learn about National Parks, monuments and historic sites at WebRangers. Children can customize their Ranger Station, solve mysteries, solve puzzles, learn history, play games and earn rewards.

Local Field Trips

The Valley has many museums, zoos and cultural events that you can visit and attend to keep learning alive such as the Musical Instrument Museum, Phoenix Art Museum, Arizona Science Center, the Phoenix Children's Museum and much more. Make the most of your trip by asking thought-provoking questions about what your child has learned. Have your child write or create a drawing about his or her experiences.

Art

Visit art museums and art walks to get inspiration for an art project whether it’s creating a painting, drawing, ceramics or photography. Encourage your child to experiment with different art mediums and to learn about different artists and techniques.

Science

Learning about science can be as easy as going to your backyard. During the day, children can identify insects, birds, animals and plants. At night, you can stargaze and map out constellations. Summer in the Valley brings monsoons and dust storms, which makes it easy to track the weather. If you have a garden, have your child measure and track the growth of the plants.

Physical Activity and Healthy Eating Habits

Establish a fitness routine and healthy eating habits before the summer. Find activities that you can do as a family such as walking, riding a bike or swimming.

Vacation

If you are going on vacation this summer, have your child help with the research and planning of the trip. If you are planning a road trip, ask your child to view the map, view the route you plan to take and identify the states you will be visiting.

Workbooks

Set aside quiet time for your child to work in workbooks. Purchase books at big box stores or online. Skills gained throughout the school year will be easily retained by encouraging this activity.

However you decide to spend summer vacation, PVSchools hopes that you have a safe, fun and relaxing time off while learning continues to happen.

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Watch the Class of 2018 congratulations video from Superintendent James P. Lee, Ed.D.

Descargar el guión en español del video de felicitación a la Generación 2018.

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Joshua Atkins, a vocal music teacher at Quail Run Elementary School, and Holly Gorman, a Jobs for Arizona Graduates teacher at Paradise Valley High School, were selected to participate on the Maricopa County Superintendent Teacher Advisory Team (STAT) for the 2018-19 school year.

STAT is an initiative of Steve Watson, the Maricopa County School Superintendent, with the purpose of increasing teacher voice and include classroom perspective during discussions about education practice and policy. STAT meets quarterly and will discuss topics such as school funding priorities, teacher retention strategies and accessibility of instructional resources.

Teacher representatives are selected through an application and interview process and represent a diverse cross-section of geographic locations, content specialties and experience levels. This year, 323 applications were received from 85 school districts and charters.

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Four PV Schools have been designated as No Place for Hate® schools by the Anti-defamation League® (ADL).  In total, 36 Arizona schools received the designation for creating safe and respectful learning environments, bringing awareness to issues of bullying and bias throughout the 2017-18 school year.

The four PVSchools that received this designation are Aire Libre Elementary School, Campo Bello Elementary School, Greenway Middle School and Vista Verde Middle School.

Each school will receive a personalized No Place for Hate® banner from the ADL.

Since its inception in 1999, No Place For Hate has directly reached over 3.5 million people and is currently active in more than 1,500 schools and communities nationwide.

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Phoenix Police Officer Charlee Morton, a School Resource Officer (SRO) at Aire Libre Elementary School and Campo Bello Elementary School, was selected as the Anti-defamation League® (ADL) 2018 Educator of the Year.

Officer Morton was selected by the ADL Arizona’s Education Committee for her unwavering leadership as the site coordinator at both schools. Officer Morton has been a terrific partner for ALD and the No Place for Hate initiative as the school site coordinator.

The No Place for Hate Initiative provides schools and communities with an organizing framework for combating bias, bullying and hatred, leading to long-term solutions for creating and maintaining a positive climate.

ADL, founded in 1913, is the world’s leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.

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Pinnacle High School won the 6A State Softball Championship on May 14th, which was played at Arizona State University’s Farrington Stadium. The team defeated Hamilton High School with a score of 4-0.  This is the team's first state championship. The head coach for the team is Bobby Pena, and the assistant coaches are Robert Stock, Greg Bueno, Jeff Adams and Jim Sgambati.

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PVSchools is proud to have one of its teachers complete the process to become an Arizona Master Teacher through the K12 Arizona Center. Michele Fowler, a 6th grade teacher at Eagle Ridge Elementary School, has earned the distinction of Arizona Master Teacher.

According to the the K12 Arizona Center, “A Master Teacher is an individual recognized for excellence in the classroom, including the ability to improve student achievement, the ability to mentor other teachers in achieving excellence in their classroom, and the ability to communicate effectively with their community.”

The qualifications to become Master Teacher include:

• Have a minimum of three years teaching experience.
• Achieve National Board Certification or successfully complete Components 2 or 3 with a score of 2.75 or higher.
• Have a baccalaureate degree and be fully licensed in the subject or grade level currently teaching.
• Have positive teaching evaluations, with no formal plans of improvement related to job performance anytime in the three years prior to application.

“After accomplishing National Board Certification in 2011, my desire has been to continue to improve my practice so that I can work with other teachers to advance the teaching profession. It is vital to our profession to continue to grow and develop future teacher leaders. I hope to be a part of that process moving teachers forward in their practice and helping them recognize and develop their ability to lead others, ensuring success for future students. Working through my Professional Learning Plan in the Master Teacher Program has given me the opportunity to understand and reflect on how I can affect change on a bigger level, as I move beyond the walls of my classroom and my school community,” said Mrs. Fowler.

The process to become a Master Teacher is designed to be completed over at least two or three months. As part of this process, Mrs. Fowler was planning, implementing and reflecting on her practice. Even though the writing itself took place over a couple of months, the work she was reflecting on was over the last year of teaching.

“The Arizona Master Teacher process helped me to reflect on my practice and my growth, gain new insight into what was important to me as a teacher, and envision what my next steps will be. If you choose to move your practice forward through this process, it will be time well spent that will benefit not only your practice but impact other educators and students as well,” she said.

Mrs. Fowler has been a teacher for 14 years and has been teaching in PVSchools for 10 years.

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The Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA) held its annual Track & Field State Championship meet May 2nd-5th at Mesa Community College. The best high school Track & Field athletes in Divisions I, Division II, Division III and Division IV all competed for the coveted state championship title.

Division I State Champion - Pinnacle High School

• Jaylen Coleman won the Boys Triple Jump at 46 feet 6 inches.

Division II State Champion - North Canyon High School

• Jadyn Mays won the Girls 100 Meter at 11.71 seconds.
• Jadyn Mays also won the Girls 200 Meter at 23.84 seconds.
• Jadyn Mays won the Girls Long Jump at 18 feet 10.25 inches.
• Dominique Mustin won the Girls 800 Meter with a time of 2:14.11.
• Tyrees Moulton won the Boys 400 Meter at 47.86.
• Boys 4X400 Meter Relay winner at 3:17.68 - Matt Palmer, Tanner Hagstrom, Alphonso Taylor and Tyrees Moulton.
• Girls 4X400 Meter Relay winner at 3:46.08 - Jadyn Mays, Jayde Charlton, Dominique Mustin and Delphine Dah.
• Girls 4X800 Meter Relay at 9:24.22 - Makyah Richard, Dominique Mustin, Stefana Purkovic and Andrea Diaz.
• Girls Team Champions with 94 points.

Division III State Champion - Shadow Mountain High School

• Meagan Van Pel won the Girls 3200 Meter at 11:10.21.
• Robby Foster won the Boys 800 Meter at 1:56.90.

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Before they even receive their high school diploma, three Horizon High School students have earned their Associate of Arts degree through the Dual Enrollment program at Rio Salado College.

On May 9th, Sarah Baughman, Cecelia Guthrie and Kristen Laine Waddle received their diploma at the Rio Salado College’s commencement ceremony.

On May 24th, they will receive their high school diploma. Their hard work and determination have paid off. Now, they will now enter college two years ahead of their peers. Dual Enrollment allows students to earn high school and college credit at the same time. In some cases, students can earn an associate's degree by the time they finish high school.

In the fall, Sarah will attend Colorado State University, and Cecelia will attend the University of Arizona. Kristin is taking a year off.

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Horizon High School has once again made the U.S. News & World Report 2018 Best High School list.

Horizon High School was ranked No. 47 in Arizona and No. 2549 nationally. Thirty-eight Arizona high schools, including Horizon, received Silver Medals.

According to U.S. News & World Report, more than 20,500 public high schools in the United States and the District of Columbia are awarded gold, silver or bronze medals based on their performance on state assessments, graduation rates and how well they prepare students for college. View the complete list.

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At PVSchools, we understand that nurses are integral to the health and well-being of our students and have school nurses at all of our campuses. As we celebrate National School Nurse Day on Wednesday, May 9th, we would like to thank our school nurses for taking care of our students. Whether it's bandaging scrapes and cuts, helping students overcome stomachaches or headaches, administering medications or wiping away tears, we appreciate the services our PVSchools nurses provide.

Since 1972, National School Nurse Day has been set aside to recognize school nurses. National School Nurse Day is celebrated on the Wednesday within with National Nurse Week.

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In June, students will be enjoying their much-deserved vacation; however, PVSchools will be extremely busy with summer construction projects. During the 74 days of summer vacation, 40 schools and support sites are slated for various construction projects.

These projects are being funded with the 2015 voter-approved bond and would not have been possible if it weren’t for the continued support of our community. Thank you for supporting public education and the students of PVSchools!

Some of the projects will include:

• Sunrise Middle School’s cafeteria will receive a new walk-in cooler-freezer, a reconfigured restroom in the stage area that meets Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards, renovated locker rooms, and a renovated nurse’s station to create an ADA accessible water closet. 
  
  
• Hidden Hills Elementary School will receive demolition and removal of existing cabinets, plumbing fixtures, lighting and existing flooring and replacement with new cabinets, plumbing fixtures, LED lighting, carpeting and polished concrete. Building A and the Multi-Purpose Room will receive new paint.
  
  
• Elementary schools, middle schools and high schools will receive new stage and Performing Arts Center curtains.
  
  
• Shadow Mountain High School, Shea Middle School and Desert Cove Elementary will receive new outdoor signage for the North Valley Arts Academies.
  
  
• Other projects include new generators, mechanical upgrades, flooring updates, fire alarm and security updates, roofing repairs, interior paintings, card readers/ID badge updates, PA systems upgrades, restroom upgrades and concrete work.

While summer construction projects are exciting and expectations are raised, inconveniences can occur. Even with a well-choreographed plan, issues arise during these projects that can affect the outcomes. The Facilities Department does their best, but with an ambitious schedule, the patience of the staff at the various sites has always helped them achieve their goals.

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Parents want their children academically prepared with the 21st century skill set to compete and succeed in a global marketplace. PVSchools provides students with the pathway to achieve this goal, starting with our Mandarin Language Immersion program at Whispering Wind Academy.

Learning a second language at a young age has many benefits such as developing cognitive functions, enhancing problem-solving skills and scoring higher on standardized tests. Learn more about the Mandarin Chinese Language Immersion Program on Wednesday, May 23rd at 6 p.m. at Whispering Wind Academy. During the presentation, you’ll have the opportunity to observe and participate in a real life 15-minute lesson with your child.

Students enrolled in the Mandarin Language Immersion program are immersed in the language and culture while gaining invaluable insight into global awareness, as well as expanded language skills.

Related content:

• PVSchools Builds Competitive Edge with Mandarin Immersion
  
  
• PVSchools Mandarin video
  
• The Benefits of a Bilingual Brain

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Graduating high school is a great accomplishment for students and one of the proudest moments for parents, grandparents and family members. On May 24th, approximately 2,349 seniors will graduate from Horizon, North Canyon, Paradise Valley, Pinnacle and Shadow Mountain High Schools and Sweetwater Community School. PVOnline will host a Celebration of Graduation on May 22nd.

• Horizon High School

  Approximately 495 seniors will graduate on May 24th at 7:30 p.m. at the Football Stadium at Horizon High School. Special guests at the ceremony include Governing Board Member Anne Greenberg and Assistant Superintendent Dr. Dan Courson. Student speakers will include Aidan Smith, Rajan Vivek, Emily Moore and Jordan Bates.  The Class of 2018 Choir Members, Step on Stage and Towne Criers will sing "This is Me."
  
  

• North Canyon High School

  Approximately 390 seniors will graduate on May 24th at 7:30 p.m. at the Football Stadium at North Canyon High School. Special guests include Governing Board President Nancy Case and Superintendent Dr. James P. Lee. Student speakers are Austin Armstrong, student body president; and Mackenzie Huggins, senior class president. North Canyon’s Advanced Choir will perform "The Climb." Kevin Garcia and  Solomon Enis will present the Senior Gift of a scoreboard.
  
  North Canyon will recognize First to Graduate students during the ceremony, which is part of the Commitment to Graduate program. Students who are the first in their immediate family to graduate from high school are given lime green cords at graduation. Many of these students are the first to attend college.
  
  

• Paradise Valley High School

  Approximately 450 seniors will graduate on May 24th at 7:30 p.m. on the Football Field at Paradise Valley High School. Special guests attending the ceremony include Governing Board Member Dr. Sue Skidmore and Assistant Superintendent Dr. Troy Bales. Student speakers include Jennifer Chavez, Hailey Hill, Luke Meyer and Jackie Moran . The choir will perform during the ceremony.
  
  

• Pinnacle High School

  Approximately 623 seniors will graduate on May 24th at 6:30 p.m. at the Peoria Sports Complex. Special guests attending the event include Governing Board Member Julie Bacon and Assistant Superintendent Laura Felten. Student speakers include Catherine Morenzoni, student body president; Jenna Knight, senior class president; Logan Powell, Matthew Ott and Sadie Ravnitzky. The Pinnacle High School Choir will perform “Bridge Over Troubled Waters,” and the band will perform the “National Anthem.” The Alhambra High School Army JROTC will conduct a Presentation of Colors.
  
  

• Shadow Mountain High School

  Approximately 316 students will graduate on May 24th at 7:30 p.m. at Victory Stadium/Football Field at Shadow Mountain High School. Special guests at the event include Governing Board Member Mark Lane and Assistant Superintendent Dr. Jason Reynolds. Student speakers include Kalyani Weiss, Rose Sarkisian, Michael Jones and Julia Taggart . Voices of Shadow Advanced Choir will perform Phil Collins’ “You’ll be in My Heart.”
  
  

• Sweetwater Community School

  Approximately 75 graduating seniors will receive their diplomas on May 24th at 5 p.m. in the Auditorium at Paradise Valley High School. Special guests at the ceremony include Governing Board Member Mark Lane and Assistant Superintendent Dr. Kim Guerin.  Each year, Ms. Goudzward compiles a video slideshow with music highlighting each of the graduates. Sweetwater Community School has a wonderful tradition in which every staff member selects a graduate to honor and present a certificate and a trophy.
  
  

• PVOnline

  PVOnline will host a Graduation Celebration on May 22nd at 2 p.m. in the Multipurpose Room at PVOnline.

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