Back to School - 2010

August 4, 2010

First grader, Ben Baldwin, sixth grader, Anthony Bonomolo, and first grader, Chloe Mandeville, are ready to join their classmates from Fountain Hills Charter School and those attending the Fountain Hills Unified School District in beginning the 2010-11 school year.

Already? School starts Monday In Fountain Hills, local schools have become an integral part of town life.

Residents attend ballgames and science fairs. Students donate volunteer hours for local non-profits. Parents take the time to run concession stands and chaperone field trips. More than 100 individuals mentor young students. Teachers take part in community events and the superintendent pops up just about every which way you look.

Only in a town like Fountain Hills can such an educational ecosystem exist and, next week, it all starts up again.

Summer is drawing to a close and students are preparing to load up their backpacks, march onto the buses and head back to school.

To help make the transition from poolside to classroom run more smoothly, The Times has once again put together this Back to School edition with loads of information on individual schools sites, fees, bus routes and more.

With only a few days left before the 2010-11 academic year officially kicks off, now is the time for Fountain Hills Unified School District and Fountain Hills Charter School families to say goodbye to the hot and slow days of summer and prepare for another exciting year of education, sports, clubs and more.

This year, FHCS and FHUSD will be starting in tangent Monday, Aug. 9, with both districts observing half-day schedules for this first day.

There have been no changes to start or end times for the 2010-11 academic year.

McDowell Mountain Elementary runs from 8:45 a.m. to 3:20 p.m.

Morning kindergarten will run from 8:45 a.m. to 11:35 a.m.

Afternoon kindergarten will be held from 12:30 p.m. to 3:20 p.m.

Four Peaks Elementary School will begin at 8:40 a.m. and end at 3:30 p.m.

Fountain Hills Middle School operates from 7:45 a.m. to 2:20 p.m.

Fountain Hills High School will run from 7:30 a.m. to 2:08 p.m.

Fountain Hills Charter School will operate from 8:30 a.m. to 3:10 p.m.

For those with kids and those without, these are important times to keep in mind as pedestrian traffic will be much higher around schools and bus stops, and traffic will become more congested as parents and buses prepare to cart students to and from their destination.

Returning teachers have spent much of their summer hours preparing for the coming year with professional development while new instructors have been eagerly awaiting the chance to finally meet the student body.

The economy has been hard this past year, but both FHUSD and FHCS will be pulling out all the stops to guarantee the best possible education for local youths.

More details on what to expect from each site can be found in this special edition of The Times.

WHAT’S INSIDE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB: The McKee Branch keeps youth active, Page 3

BUS SCHEDULES: Find the closest bus stops, Pages 8-9

FHMS: The quest for excellence continues at FHMS, Page 12

PTOS: Info on local parent/teacher organizations, Pages 4, 5

MCDOWELL MOUNTAIN: Town’s youngest learn at McDowell Mountain, Page 10

SPORTS: A look at last year’s sports and a glimpse ahead, Pages 13, 14

SCHOOL CALENDARS: Important dates for the coming school year, Pages 4, 5

FOUR PEAKS: Four Peaks set for another successful year, Page 11

SUPPLY LISTS: Everything you need to head to school, Pages 6, 7

PRESCHOOLS: A look at local preschools, Pages 11, 12

FHHS: High school continues forward momentum, Page 15 FHCS: Charter School ready for standout school year, Page 16

2 / Back to School

August 2010

Fee schedule for upper grades Note from Dr. Myhr Along with the latest school supplies and trendy wardrobes, some local schools require additional fees be paid for certain clubs, sports and services.

Following is a list of those fees.

High School At Fountain Hills High School, there are several levels of fees: General Fees - These include: a yearly parking fee of $75, an athletic activity card for $30, a locker fee of $5 and commencement fee (for seniors only) of $15.

Co-curricular Fees - These include: a $25 fee for academic decathlon, choir, band, FCCLA, robotics, research club, yearbook and STUGO. Extra-curricular Fees - These include: a $50 fee for jazz band, Key Club, art club, SADD, dance company, band fronts, Teen Court and chess club.

Academic Fees - These include: a $50 fee for fine arts classes such as AP studio art, art history, ceramics and printmaking, a $50 fee for practical arts including elements of design, graphic

communications, and photography, and a $15 fee for dance classes.

Music Fees - These include: a $100 band school instrument fee, $70 choir apparel fee, $50 band apparel fee, $15 band supply fee and $15 guitar music fee.

Science Fees - These include: a $30 science fee per lab course.

Physical Education - These include: a $15 fee for lifetime sports and a $20 fee for PE uniforms.

General Fees - $150 per sport.

Middle School At the Middle School, parents will pay a fee per school sport their students participate in.

To help lighten the financial load, these fees can also be used towards the annual tax credit allowed by the state.

Additional fees include club fees and $20 for PE uniforms.

Specific fee information will be available when registering your child.

For more information, contact the FHHS at 664-5500 or FHMS at 664-5400.

Improving FHUSD Despite the third year of substantial state funding cuts, Fountain Hills Unified School District will continue system improvement during the 201011 school year. A number of new and ongoing initiatives will continue to enhance success and achievements for all students.

Four Peaks Elementary School students will see Ms. Anita Gomez as their new building principal. After four years as Fountain Hills Middle School Assistant Principal, Principal Gomez brings a wealth of classroom instructional knowledge and leadership experience to our grade 3-5 campus.

Secondly, FHUSD continues to expand upon technology tools and software to enhance and enrich student learning. In September of 2010, we will have 20 Apple iPod Touches to use at each of our grades 2-5. We see the Touches’ educational applications being especially useful in language and reading development for our youngest learners. These will also be able to be checked out for home use.

Also, we will expand our academic

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support to include Pearson’s “Success Maker” (K-8) software to offer enrichment support for all learners regardless of achievement level. These software programs offer “real time” formative assessments, allowing students to best learn language, reading and mathematics skills based on individual learning stages.

The Success Maker program can also be accessed from students’ homes. We are also looking at several other support software programs with all set to begin in late September 2010.

Superintendent In terms of Dr. Bill Myhr computer tools, we continue our upgrade of all buildings, adding Smart Boards, Document Cameras, LCD projectors and upgrades to all our elementary computer labs. This technology will enhance our learning environments and allow for our faculty to meet the learning styles of all students.

FHUSD will also begin to offer online courses for both credit and enrichment of our secondary students. We are moving our school system to be 24/7 offering “anytime and anywhere” learning in order to meet the unique needs of all our learners.

Finally, we continue to train our staff on the best instructional strategies with over 40 elementary teachers receiving intensive Orton-Gillingham training over the summer to enhance reading best practices.

Along with the second year of our in-district ATI Galileo Benchmark Assessments and ongoing Academic Walkthroughs, our data warehouse continues to be strengthened on each and every teacher and student.

With no local overrides for four years due to our great school community support, FHUSD is committed to ongoing improvement regardless of our state’s funding challenges. I encourage you to follow our many activities and student/staff accomplishments at our district Web site, fhusd. org, on Facebook at “Fountain Hills Unified School District,” or on Twitter at “bfmyhr5454.”

Together, our commitment to our community’s students will leave a lasting legacy on their future.

Back to School / 3

August 2010

Boys & Girls Club ready to serve The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale – McKee Branch is a comprehensive youth development agency serving youth ages five to 18.

The Fountain Hills facility, which was completed in 2004, consists of a 22,000-square-foot youth and teen center. All programs and services provided are based on the Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Five Core Service Areas: education and career development, character and leadership development, health and life skills, the arts and sports, fitness and recreation.

The health and life skills programs develop young people’s capacity to engage in positive behaviors that nurture their own well-being. Health and life skills offerings include the SMART Girls and Passport to Manhood programs which help teens make their way through their teen years making good choices and developing strong values.

Character and leadership development programs empower youth to support and influence their club and community while developing a positive self-image. The Leaders in Training Program is designed to enhance

the professional development of club members in sixth to 10th grade. The Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year also is part of the character and leadership development program.

Sports, fitness and recreation programs develop fitness, positive use of leisure time, skills for stress management and an appreciation for social and interpersonal skills. Martial arts and gymnastics are some of the featured activities offered.

Education and career development programs enable youths to become proficient in basic educational disciplines and apply learning to every-day situations to embrace technology and optimize employability.

The arts programs enable youths to develop their creativity and cultural awareness through knowledge and appreciation of visual and tactile arts and crafts as well as performing arts.

Hours for youths (Grades K-5th) are 7 a.m. to first school bell and last school bell to 6:30 p.m. during the school year and 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on full days. Summer hours for teens (Grades 7-12) are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and school

Real c i t n e h t Au

year hours (Grades 6-12) will be last school bell to 6:30 p.m.

The Boys and Girls Club has a $25 per year membership fee and additional fees for youth childcare, summer camp and various programs.

The Boys & Girls Club is located next to Four Peaks Park on the corner of Calaveras and Del Cambre avenues.

For more information call (480) 3445400.

Mission To provide a positive environment, quality programs and lifelong learning skills for all school-aged youths in Scottsdale and surrounding communities. Boys and girls are given the opportunity to develop friendships, respect and self esteem. To accomplish this mission, the staff, volunteers and support organizations share the common values of honesty, integrity, demonstrated caring qualities and positive attitudes.

Honoring a ‘youth of the year’ is an annual tradition at the local facility.

Hours of operation: School day hours are 7 a.m. to bell and bell to 6:30 p.m.

Full day hours are 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Website: www.bgcs.org

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4 / Back to School

August 2010

PTO assists teachers and enhances FH education Despite the rough economy, the FHUSD PTO managed to have a very successful year of events and fundraisers in 2009-10 and looks to achieve even more success in 2010-11.

Through fundraisers and countless volunteer hours, the PTO continues to help enrich the learning experience of local students.

• Funds raised throughout the year make it possible for the Fountain Hills PTO to assist in: • Funding libraries with the most current titles • Equipping computer labs with state of the art computers • Providing health screening for children upon entering school • Offering Spanish classes for children wishing to learn a second language • Initiating teacher appreciation luncheons and dinners • Purchasing “make a difference” trophies • Financing field trips to enhance “real world” education • Funding the most recent classroom literacy programs available

• Procuring materials to challenge each child in the mathematical field • Purchasing “Study Island” for children to prepare for the AIMS tests • Providing funding for a self contained Gifted Classroom for grades 3 and 4 • Funding the Four Peaks Science Night attended by over 400 students and families • Purchasing state of the art computer equipment including Smart Boards • And much, much more To get involved with the PTO, find out about this year’s fundraising events or for general questions, visit fhpto.org.

PTO board members for this year include President Jill Reed; past president Dwight Johnson; Secretary Darcy Phillips; Treasurer Karl Gaardsmoe; McDowell Mountain Vice Presidents Lisa Harrison, Elizabeth Jensen and Sheila Dressler; Four Peaks Vice Presidents Laurie Hegna and Jan Zahara; and Middle School Vice Presidents Laura Johnson and Jeanine Carpirchio.

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Busy FHUSD calendar The following is a list of scheduled events for the Fountain Hills Unified School District 2010-2011 year: • July 29- New teachers report • August 2-3- Returning teachers report (optional) • August 4- All staff mandatory return • August 9- Students return/early release • August 27- Staff development/early release • September 6- Labor Day/no school • September 29- Staff development/early release • October 8- End of first quarter • October 14- Parent/teacher conferences (early release for K-8) • October 15- Parent/teacher conferences/no school • October 18-22- Fall break/no school • November 11- Veterans Day/no school • November 19- Staff development/early release • November 24- Early release • November 25-26- Thanksgiving/no school • December 17- End of second quarter/early release • December 20-January 2- Winter holiday/no school • January 3- Students return • January 14- Staff development/early release • January 17- MLK Day/no school • February 18- Staff development/ early release • February 21- Presidents’ Day/no school • March 4- End of third quarter • March 10- Parent/teacher conferences (early release for K-8) • March 11- Parent/teacher conferences/no school • March 14-18- Spring Break • April 22- District recess/no school • April 27- Staff development/early release • May 26- Last student day/early release/end of fourth quarter • May 27- Last teacher day

Early release times: McDowell Mountain- 12:30 p.m.

Four Peaks- 12:40 p.m.

FH Middle School- 11:45 a.m.

FH High School- 11:30 a.m.

Phone numbers: District Office: 664-5000 Four Peaks: 664-5100 McDowell Mountain: 664-5200 Bus Services: 664-5300 Middle School: 664-5400 High School: 664-5500

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Back to School / 5

August 2010

FHCS PTO is a huge help Charter School calendar More than a place to drop off the kids for a few hours of education each day, the modern school has become a community affair, drawing participation and input from teachers, administration, parents and the students themselves.

In a school that values a close relationship between all those involved in the education process, academic and extracurricular success may lie in the hands of a select group of individuals who aim to bridge that gap between the home and the school -- the Parent Teacher Organization.

The Fountain Hills Charter School PTO is dedicated to the enrichment of the learning environment of all children attending the school. The PTO is also involved in supporting the teachers and administration in all areas of the learning process.

From running school-related events to serving hot dogs at a barbecue or chaperoning field trips, members of the FHCS PTO are always on hand to help out.

Reliant on parents involved with

the school to help in a variety of ways, the FHCS PTO is always on the lookout for additional volunteers.

This year’s PTO officers are President JL Jackson, Vice Presidents Gina Duxbury and Donelle Johnson, Treasurers Linda Pileggi and Lydia Dunham and Secretary Sari RothRoemer.

Mission To support and assist in the activities and needs of our school and to work cooperatively with our school’s professional staff for the betterment of our children.

To encourage parental awareness and participation in the development of our children, both in the classroom and at home.

To help promote individual pride and school spirit in the hearts of Fountain Hills Charter School students.

Parents who are interested in finding out more about the FHCS PTO can visit the PTO and school Website at fhcspto.org or contact the school front office at admin@fhcspto.org.

Another option

The following is a list of scheduled events for the Fountain Hills Charter School 2010-11 year: • August 2- Teachers report • August 5-6- PEP Development • August 9- First day of class/early release • August 9-11- Early release for kindergarten • August 27- Staff development/early release • September 6- Labor Day/no school • September 29- Staff development/ early release • October 8- End of first quarter • October 13-15- Parent conferences/ early release • October 18-22- Fall break/no school • November 11- Veterans Day/no school • November 19- Staff development/ early release • November 24- Early release • November 25-26- Thanksgiving/no school • December 17- Second quarter ends/ early release

• December 2o-31- Winter break/no school • January 3- Students return • January 14- Staff development/early release • January 17- MLK Day/no school • February 18- Staff development/no school • February 21- Presidents’ Day/no school • March 4- Third quarter ends • March 9-11- Parent conferences/ early release • March 14-18- Spring break/no school • April 22- School recess/no school • April 27- Staff development/early release • May 25- Last day for students/early release • May 31- Last day for teachers

Early release time: Charter school- 12:30 p.m.

Phone number: FHCS office: 837-0046

Group supports home educators Some families choose to take a more hands-on role in a child’s education, teaching from home.

The Fountain Hills Christian Home Educators group is a local support group for Fountain Hills’ home school families. Though the group is a Christian-rooted organization, families need not be Christian to participate in activities.

The mission of the group is to glorify God by providing fellowship, educational activities, information, inspiration and support to home schooling families. They believe that Christ is the foundation of learning and seek His loving example when teaching children and serving each other.

The time and location for this year’s Back to School kick-off has not yet been scheduled. Once decided, the event’s date and time will be posted on the group’s Web site at fhche.com.

Anyone interested in homeschooling or joining the group is invited to come to the yearly organizational meeting with a time and location still to be determined. Check fhche.com for updated information. Scheduling, curriculum and event planning will go hand-in-hand with a chance to meet and greet other families involved with the organization at this event.

The students come together several times each month for learning and social opportunities including geography and science fairs, biography night, field trips throughout the Valley, fine arts experiences and graduation.

Parents also get together monthly to share and discuss group business.

Members of the group say they are able to network for lesson and extracurricular ideas. Group discounts are also available for field trips.

For more information and updates, check out the Fountain Hills Christian Home Educators Website at fhche.com.

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6 / Back to School

August 2010

Don’t forget those school supplies The following is a list of supplies needed for McDowell Mountain, Four Peaks, Middle School and Charter School students.

McDowell Mountain is requesting no pencil boxes, three-ring binders or trapper keepers and that students use pencil bags or a zip-locked bag to hold supplies.

Four Peaks requests no mechanical pencils and that folders not be labeled before class.

High school supply lists will depend on schedules and will be given out to students during registration.

• 4 beveled pink erasers • Pop-up sanitizing wipes • 2 packs of classic 8 washable markers • 2 boxes of Crayola Crayons; 16 or 24 count • 1 box Kleenex • 1 box gallon size Ziploc freezer bags (boys N-Z) • 1 highlighter • 1 bottle hand sanitizer • 1 ream pastel color copy paper (girls only) • 1 box sandwich size Ziploc bags (boys A-M)

Full Day Kindergarten

Second Grade

• 3 packs of Crayola crayons; 24 count, regular size • 24 Elmer’s Glue sticks; white regular size • 1 bottle hand sanitizer • 2 packs of white copy paper • Washable Crayola Markers “Classic Colors”; 8 count • 8 No. 2 pencils • Fiskar scissors; blunt point • 1 box Kleenex • Baby wipes (girls only) • 1 box Ziploc bags (girls only) Elmer’s bottled glue (boys only) • 1 package brown paper bags (boys only) • 1 container disinfectant wipes (optional).

• 48 No. 2 pencils • 12 glue sticks • 1 Fiskar scissors • 2 yellow highlighter • 2 family size box of Kleenex • 4 large pink erasers • Markers, crayons and colored pencils • 8 plain colored pocket folders; 2 red, 2 green, 2 blue and 2 yellow • Elmer’s glue; 4 oz.

• 1 plastic ruler; 12 inch plus centimeter side • 1 box of gallon and small Ziploc baggies • 1 clipboard • 1 Scotch tape for dispenser • 2 pencil sharpener with removable top cover • 2 ream copy paper • Wet Ones pop-up towelettes • Purell hand sanitizer

First Grade • 6 dry erase markers; blue or green • 1 ream copy paper • 1 box (12) colored pencils • 1 pair Fiskar 5” scissors • 18 glue sticks • 24 No. 2 pencils

Third Grade • 2 packs of wide-ruled notebook paper

• 1 pack red grading pens • 1 bottle Elmer’s glue or glue sticks • 1 package No. 2 pencils • 1 box of dry erase markers, crayons and colored pencils • 3 highlighters (yellow, pink, green) • 3 four ounce bottles of Elmer’s glue and a package of glue sticks • 1 large pearl eraser • 1 pair of Fiskar scissors • 1 ruler • 1 plastic shoebox with lid • 1 box Expo markers • 1 covered hand-held pencil sharpener • 2 family size boxes of Kleenex • 2 boxes of Ziploc baggies (one gallon size, one sandwich) • 3 spiral notebooks (wide-ruled paper) • 8 thin plastic pocket folders (two red, two green, two blue and two yellow) • Wet One’s pop-up towelettes and • Purell hand sanitizer • Scotch brand tape for dispensers • 1 roll paper towels • 1 three ring 1” binder for agenda

Fourth Grade • 4 dozen No. 2 pencils • 2 packs erasers • Crayons and 24-pack colored pencils • 3 highlighters (pink, yellow, green) • 1 package glue sticks • 2 packs wide ruled notebook paper • Zipper pouch pencil case • 2 family size boxes of Kleenex • 1 pair Fiskar scissors • 1 ruler • 1 Expo dry erase marker • 2 packs red pens • 2 containers Clorox Towelettes

• 1 bottle Purell hand sanitizer • 1 covered hand held pencil sharpener • 1 black and white composition notebook • 3 spiral single subject notebooks • Solid color plastic pocket folder (blue, red, yellow, green, purple) • 1 three-ring 1” binder • 1 ream copy paper.

Fifth Grade • 4 packs 3x5 lined index cards • 1 zipper pouch pencil case • 2 dozen No. 2 pencils • 1 box red pens • Colored pencils • Highlighters (pink, yellow, green) • 3 family size boxes of Kleenex • 4 Glue sticks • 1 Ruler (wooden) • Red, blue, yellow, green and purple folder • 4 packs wide ruled notebook paper • Calculator • Scissors • 1 pack Expo dry erase markers • 1 bottle Purell hand sanitizer • 1 quarter-inch graph paper notebook • Organized binder • Scotch tape • 1 ream white copy paper • 1 box Ziploc gallon bags • 2 rolls of paper towels

Sixth Grade • Social studies • 2 spiral notebooks and 1 plastic folder (2 pocket, solid yellow) Math (cont. on Page 7)

A B C 1 2 3 ...

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Back to School / 7

August 2010

Supplies (cont. from page 6) • 1 spiral notebook, and 1 folder (2 pocket, solid blue) Science • 1 spiral notebook and 1 and 1 folder (2 pocket, solid green) • Language arts • 1 highlighter, 2 spiral notebooks General supplies • Eraser • Markers • Pens (blue/black) • 2 red pens • Metric ruler • 2 Kleenex boxes • Whiteboard markers • 3-ring binder • 2-3 boxes of pencils • Hand-held pencil sharpener • Colored pencils • 2 glue sticks • Scissors • 2 reams copy paper • 2 pack looseleaf notebook paper • Paper tabs/dividers Things not to buy • Trapper keeper • White out, calculators

Seventh Grade Social Studies • Composition notebook • Red two-pocket folder Math • Spiral notebook Science • List provided by teacher Language Arts • One dozen No. 2 pencils • 4 glue sticks • 1 pack 4x6 index cards • Pocket dictionary/thesaurus • 1 ream of white copy paper Pre-algebra • Spiral notebook • Inexpensive scientific calculator General Supplies • Filler paper • Mechanical pencils • Colored pencils and markers • 2 Highlighters • Red pens • Box of tissue • Roll of paper towels

Eighth Grade • Eighth grade students will receive supply lists from their individual teachers during the first day of class.

Please show up on the first day with a folder, paper and pencil.

FHMS art supplies • 9x12 spiral bound sketchbook or 1” binder with hole punched copies of plain paper

• Pocketed folder • One box No. 2 pencils • White eraser • Scissors • Ruler • White school glue • 2 one-gallon Ziploc bags • 2 black Sharpie markers, one fine point and one extra fine

Charter School K-1st Community supplies • 2 sets of water colors • 1 box sandwich size Ziploc bags/ 1 box gallon size • 2 boxes colored pencils • 2 boxes of Kleenex • 2 Clorox disinfectant wipes • 8 large glue sticks • 48 No. 2 pencils • 1 bottle Elmer’s glus • 1 ream computer paper • 1 pack colored construction paper • 1 black sharpie • 1 roll Scotch tape • 1 pack of 3 small poster boards Personal supplies • 1 one-inch loose leaf binder • 1 composition notebook • 1 plain spiral notebook • 1 large plain clipboard • 1 box 24 crayons • 1 pack thick markers • 1 pack thin markers • 1 pair children’s scissors • 6 pocket folders • Lunchbox • Water bottle, backpack

Charter School 2nd-3rd Community supplies • 2 rolls paper towels • 2 boxes Kleenex • 2 packs ruled paper • 1 ream copy paper • 8 large glue sticks • 1 small Elmer’s glue • 2 Clorox disinfectant wipes • 1 roll Scotch tape • 2 fine point black sharpies • 2 red pens Personal supplies

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• 1 pencil box • 48 No. 2 pencils • 1 pencil sharpener • 1 pack thin markers • 1 pack thick markers • 6 pocket folders • 1 box colored pencils • 1 box 24 crayons • 1 ruler & clipboard • 1 pair children’s scissors • 2 composition notebooks • Water bottle, backpack

Charter School 4th-5th Community supplies • 2 rolls paper towels • 2 boxes Kleenex • 5 packs ruled paper • 1 ream copy paper • 8 large glue sticks • 1 small Elmer’s glue • 2 Clorox disinfectant wipes • 1 roll Scotch tape • 2 fine point black Sharpies • 2 red pens Personal supplies • 1 pencil box • 24 No. 2 pencils • 1 pencil sharpener • 2 packs mechanical pencils • 1 large pink eraser • 1 pack thin markers • 6 pocket folders • 1 box colored pencils • 6” & 12”rulers

• 1 clipboard • 1 pair scissors with 5” point tip • 2 composition notebooks • Water bottle, backpack

Charter School 6th-8th Community supplies • 3 rolls paper towels • 2 boxes Kleenex • 5 packs ruled paper • 1 pack graph paper • 1 ream copy paper • 8 large glue sticks • 1 small Elmer’s glue • 2 Clorox disinfectant wipes • 1 roll Scotch tape Personal supplies • 1 pencil box • 2 packs mechanical pencils • 1 large pink eraser • 1 pack thin markers • 6 pocket folders • 1 box colored pencils • 12”ruler • Protractor, compass • Calculator • Clipboard • 1 pair scissors with 5” point tip • 2 composition notebooks • 2 packs blue or black pens • White out • Pillow to sit on (optional) • 5 poster boards for projects • Water bottle • Backpack

8 / Back to School

August 2010

School Bus Schedule McDowell Mtn. & Four Peaks Elementary Schools ROUTE #1 – OWL BUS #329 1. La Montana Dr. & El Lago Blvd.

2. Gunsight Dr. & Chama Dr. 3. Hawk Dr. & Malta Dr. 4. Malta Dr. & Warbler Way 5. Malta Dr. & Quinto Dr. 6. Malta Dr. & Rand Dr. 7. Kingstree Blvd. & Walsh Dr. 8. Kingstree Blvd. & Inca Ave. 9. Kingstree Blvd. & Jacklin Dr. 10. Fountain Hills Blvd. & Segundo Dr. Arrive at McDowell Mtn. Elementary Arrive at Four Peaks Elementary

8:15 8:17 8:19 8:20 8:21 8:22 8:23 8:25 8:27 8:30 8:35 8:45

ROUTE #2 – TURTLE BUS #636 1. Palomino Blvd. & Ocotillo Dr. 8:05 2. Palomino Blvd. & Wild Horse Way 8:06 3. Palomino Blvd. & Winchester Dr. 8:07 4. Palomino Blvd. & Bucking Bronco Way 8:08 5. Buffalo Dr. & Sundance Way 8:09 6. Mustang Dr.& Pinto Dr. 8:10 7. Mustang Dr. & Indian Pony Way 8:11 8. Kingstree Blvd. & Appian Way 8:13 9. Indigo Dr. & Emerald Dr. 8:14 10. Fountain Hills Blvd. & Inca Ave. 8:16 11. Fountain Hills Blvd. & Chama Dr. 8:18 12. Cholla Dr. & Barrel Cactus Way 8:20 13. Cholla Dr. & Twin Deer Run 8:21 14. Cholla Dr. & Sumac Dr. 8:22 15. Thistle Dr. & Verbena Dr. 8:25 Arrive at McDowell Mtn. Elementary 8:35 Arrive at Four Peaks Elementary 8:45 ROUTE #3 – BEAR BUS #228 1. Ave. of the Fountains & Westby 2. Crystal Ridge & Fountain Hills Blvd.

3. Fountain Hills Blvd. & Crystal Point 4. El Lago Blvd. & Mountainside Dr. 5. El Lago Blvd. & Mimosa Dr. 6. El Lago Blvd. & Echo Hill Dr. 7. El Lago Blvd. & Cavern Dr. 8. Sunflower Dr. & Tumbleweed Dr. 9. Tumbleweed Dr. & Lost Hills Dr. Arrive at McDowell Mtn. Elementary Arrive at Four Peaks Elementary

8:15 8:17 8:20 8:23 8:24 8:25 8:26 8:27 8:29 8:35 8:45

ROUTE #4 – SQUIRREL BUS #430 1. Glenbrook Blvd. & Bluejay Place 8:10 2. Blackbird & Glenbrook Dr. 8:12 3. Boulder Dr. & Teepee Dr. 8:13 4. Boulder Dr. & Rock Valley Plaza 8:15 5. Richwood Ave. & Skyridge Lane 8:17 6. Richwood Ave. & Dixie Mine Trail 8:18 7. Golden Eagle Blvd. (North Side) & Aspen Dr. 8:20 8. Greene Valley Dr. & Aspen Dr. 8:21 9. Marathon Dr. & Greene Valley Dr. 8:22 10. Golden Eagle Blvd. & Sunridge Dr. 8:25 11. Sunridge Dr. & Shadow Canyon Dr. 8:27 Arrive at McDowell Mtn. Elementary 8:35 Arrive at Four Peaks Elementary 8:45

ROUTE #5 – KANGAROO BUS #737 1. Palmer Way & Nicklaus Dr. 8:04 2. Indian Wells Dr. & Nicklaus Dr. (Golf Course) 8:05 3. Nicklaus Dr. & Greenbriar 8:06 4. Greenbriar & Monterey Dr..

8:07 5. Monterey Dr. & Littler Dr. 8:08 6. Firebrick Dr. & Last Trail Dr. 8:11 7. Last Trail Dr. & Leo Dr. 8:12 8. Leo Dr. & Powderhorn Dr. 8:13 9. Saguaro Blvd. & Technology Dr. 8:15 10. Monterey Dr. & Kensington Pl. 8:17 11. Monterey Dr. & Hillcrest Dr. 8:18 12. Saguaro Blvd. & Ledford Lane 8:20 13. Saguaro Blvd. & Indian Wells Dr. (East Side) 8:22 14. Panorama Dr. & Teal Dr. 8:23 15. Panorama Dr. & El Lago Blvd.

8:24 16. Panorama Dr. & Vista Del Lago 8:25 17. Almont Dr. & Palisades Blvd.

8:28 18. Almont Dr. & Cambria Dr. 8:30 Arrive at McDowell Mtn. Elementary 8:35 Arrive at Four Peaks Elementary 8:45 ROUTE #6 – BLUEBIRD BUS #532 1. Firerock Country Club Dr. & Copper Ridge Trail 7:45 2. Firerock Country Club Dr. & Four Peaks Way 7:55 3. Firerock Country Club Dr. & McDowell View Trail 7:56 4. Firerock Country Club Dr. & Fire Canyon 7:57 5. Palisades & Eagle Mtn. Pkwy 7:58 6. Eagle Mtn. & Centennial Peak 8:00 7. Longfeather & Miramonte Way 8:02 8. Shea Blvd. & Crestview Dr. 8:05 9. Palisades Blvd. & Vista Dr. 8:07 10. Palisades Blvd. & Palomino Blvd.

8:10 11. Palisades Blvd. & Westridge Dr. 8:13 Arrive at McDowell Mtn. Elementary 8:25 Arrive at Four Peaks Elementary 8:40 ROUTE #7 – HIPPO BUS #739 1. Sunridge Dr. & Manzanita Ln. 2. Sunridge Dr. & Sunset Dr. 3. Desert Canyon Dr. & Mesquite Ln. 4. Desert Canyon Dr. & Sunset Dr. 5. Desert Canyon Dr. & Sundown Dr. 6. Sierra Madre Dr. & Dove Dr. 7. Sierra Madre Dr. & Elena Dr. 8. Sierra Madre Dr. & Sunridge Dr. 9. Golden Eagle Blvd. & Cerro Alto 10. Golden Eagle Blvd. (South Side) & (Upper) Aspen Dr. 11. Golden Eagle Blvd. & Nyack Dr. 12. Golden Eagle Blvd. (South) & (Lower) Aspen Dr. 13. Golden Eagle Blvd. & Roadrunner Dr. Arrive at McDowell Mtn. Elementary Arrive at Four Peaks Elementary

8:15 8:16

ROUTE # 8 - McDOWELL MTN. SHUTTLE – BOOKWORM BUS #127 1. El Pueblo Blvd. & Brantley Dr. 8:05 2. El Pueblo Blvd. & Escalante 8:08 3. Four Peaks Elementary (Pick-Up in Parking Lot by Flagpole) 8:10 4. Bayfield Dr. & Ashbrook Dr. 8:15 5. Fairfax Dr. & Brunswick Dr. 8:17 Arrive at McDowell Mtn. Elementary 8:20 6. Bus pull out on Fayette Dr. in front of McDowell Mountain Elementary 8:25 7. Fairfax Dr. & Brunswick Dr. 8:27 8. Bayfield Dr. & Ashbrook Dr. 8:29 Arrive at Four Peaks Elementary 8:30 ROUTE #10 – COYOTE ONE #533 1. Hillside Rd. & Mohave Rd. 8:10 2. Hillside Rd. & Fort McDowell Rd. 8:12 3. Fort McDowell Rd. & Mohave Rd. 8:15 4. Fort McDowell Rd. & Ironwood Rd. 8:18 5. Mohave Rd. & Cactus Dr. 8:21 6. Ji-Voo-dtha Dr. & Estrella 8:23 7. Ji-Voo-dtha Dr. & Mohave Rd. 8:25 Arrive at McDowell Mtn. Elementary 8:35 Arrive at Four Peaks Elementary 8:45 ROUTE #11 – COYOTE TWO #22 1. SuRama Rd. & Homothyah Dr. (South) 8:05 2. SuRama Rd. & Bootha Circle 8:07 3. SuRama Rd. & Duthyanka 8:10 4. Captain Coffe Trail & BoHonnah Rd. 8:12 5. BaHonnah Rd. & Fort McDowell Rd. 8:15 6. Fort McDowell Rd. & Yuma Frank Rd. 8:17 7. Fort McDowell Rd. & Yavapai Rd. 8:20 8. Yavapai Rd. & Cidiya Dr. 8:22 9. H’Man Shawa Pre School 8:25 Arrive at McDowell Mtn. Elementary 8:35 Arrive at Four Peaks Elementary 8:45

8:18 8:19 8:20 8:21 8:22 8:23 8:25 8:27 8:29 8:30 8:31 8:35 8:45

* Bus Stops, Times, and Bus Numbers are Subject to Change During the School Year

STUDENTS SHOULD BE AT BUS STOP 10 MINUTES AHEAD OF SCHEDULE

Back to School / 9

August 2010

School Bus Schedule Fountain Hills High School & Middle School ROUTE #1 - BUS 329 1. Hawk Dr. & Malta Dr. 2. Malta Dr. & Warbler Way 3. Malta Dr. & Quinto Dr. 4. Malta Dr. & Rand Dr. 5. Firebrick Dr. & Lunar Lane 6. Last Trail Dr. & Leo Dr. 7. Leo Dr. & Saguaro Blvd.

8. Desert Vista & Tioga Dr. 9. Panorama Dr. & Teal Dr. 10. Panorama Dr. & El Lago Blvd.

11. Panorama Dr. & Vista Del Lago 12. El Lago Blvd. & Cavern Dr. 13. El Lago Blvd. & Mimosa Dr. 14. El Lago Blvd. & Daniel Dr. Arrive at High School Arrive at Middle School

6:50 6:51 6:52 6:53 6:58 7:00 7:03 7:05 7:07 7:10 7:11 7:15 7:17 7:18 7:20 7:35

ROUTE #2 – BUS 228 1. Saguaro Blvd. & Kingstree Blvd.

6:45 2. Saguaro Blvd. & Indian Wells Dr. (West Side) 6:48 3. Saguaro Blvd. & Palmer Way 6:49 4. Saguaro Blvd. & Monterey Dr. 6:51 5. Monterey Dr. & Hillcrest Dr. 6:53 6. Saguaro Blvd. & Indian Wells Dr. 6:58 7. Saguaro Blvd. & Gunsight Dr. 7:00 8. Fountain Hills Blvd. & Crystal Pt. 7:02 9. Fountain Hills Blvd. & El Lago Blvd. 7:05 10.Ave. of the Fountains & Westby Dr. 7:08 Arrive at High School 7:20 Arrive at Middle School 7:35 ROUTE #3 - BUS 636 1. Pinto Dr. NW of Puma Dr. 6:50 2. Pinto Dr. & Mustang Dr. 6:52 3. Palomino Blvd. & Bucking Bronco Way 6:55 4. Palomino Blvd. & Wild Horse Way 6:56 5. Palomino Blvd. & Ocotillo Dr. 6:57 6. Palomino Blvd. & Indian Pony Way 6:58 7. Kingstree Blvd. & Appian Way 7:00 8. Indigo Dr. & Emerald Dr. 7:02 9. Fountain Hills Blvd. & Inca Ave. 7:05 10. Fountain Hills Blvd. & Chama Dr. 7:06 11. Cholla Dr. & Twin Deer Run 7:08 12. Cholla Dr. & Sumac Dr. 7:10 13. Thistle Dr. & Lotus Lane 7:12 14. Thistle Dr. & Palisades Blvd.

7:13 Arrive at High School 7:20 Arrive at Middle School 7:35 ROUTE #4 - BUS 430 HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS ONLY 1. Sunridge Dr. & Staghorn Dr. 6:55 2. Sunridge Dr. & Sundown Dr. 6:57 3. Sunridge Dr. & Golden Eagle Blvd. 6:59 4. Golden Eagle Blvd. & Palo Verde Ln. 7:01 5. Richwood Ave. & Dixie Mine Trail 7:03 6. Boulder Dr. & Rock Valley Plaza 7:05 7. Boulder Dr. & Teepe Dr. 7:08 8. Blackbird & Glenbrook Blvd.

7:09 Arrive at High School 7:12

ROUTE #5 - BUS 430 MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS ONLY 1. Sunridge Dr. & Staghorn Dr. 7:15 2. Sunridge Dr. & Sundown Dr. 7:17 3. Sunridge Dr. & Golden Eagle Blvd. 7:20 4. Golden Eagle Blvd. & Palo Verde Ln. 7:22 5. Richwood Ave. & Dixie Mine Trail 7:24 6. Boulder Dr. & Rock Valley Plaza 7:26 7. Boulder Dr. & Teepe Dr. 7:28 8. Blackbird Dr. & Glenbrook Blvd. 7:29 Arrive at Middle School 7:35 ROUTE #6 – BUS #532 1. Via Linda & 145th Way 6:35 2. Firerock Country Club Dr. & Copper Ridge Trail 6:49 3. Firerock Country Club Dr. & Four Peaks Way 6:50 4. Firerock Country Club Dr. & McDowell View Trail 6:51 5. Firerock Country Club Dr. & Fire Canyon 6:52 6. Palisades Blvd. & Eagle Mountain Pkwy 6:53 7. Eagle Mountain Pkwy. & Centennial Peak 6:59 8. Summer Hill Blvd. & Crimson Canyon 7:01 9. Longfeather & Miramonte Way 7:02 10. Shea Blvd. & Crestview Dr. 7:03 11. Palisades Blvd. & Vista Dr. 7:05 12. Palisades Blvd. & Westridge Dr. 7:06 13. Palisades Blvd. & Sunburst Dr. 7:09 Arrive at High School 7:20 Arrive at Middle School 7:35 ROUTE #7 – BUS #739 1. Sunridge Dr. & Manzanita Lane 6:58 2. Sunridge Dr. & Sunset Dr. 7:00 3. Desert Canyon Dr. & Mesquite Lane 7:02 4. Desert Canyon Dr. & Sunset Dr. 7:04 5. Desert Canyon Dr. & Sundown Dr. 7:06 6. Desert Canyon Dr. & Golden Eagle Blvd.

7:07 7. Sierra Madre Dr. & Dove Dr. 7:08 8. Sierra Madre Dr. & San Tomas Pl. 7:09 9. Sierra Madre Dr. & Sunridge Dr. 7:10 10. Golden Eagle Blvd. & Cerro Alto 7:12 11. Golden Eagle Blvd. & Aspen Dr. (Upper) 7:13 12. Golden Eagle Blvd. & Nyack Dr. 7:14 13. Golden Eagle Blvd. & Aspen Dr. (Lower) 7:15 Arrive at High School 7:20 Arrive at Middle School 7:35 ROUTE #8 – BUS #737 HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS ONLY 1. Alamosa Ave. & Del Cambre Ave. 6:55 2. Four Peaks Elementary 7:00 Arrive at High School 7:15

ROUTE #9 – BUS #127 HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS ONLY 1. Grande Blvd. & Woodside Dr. 6:54 2. Grande Blvd. & Del Cambre Ave. 6:55 3. Grande Blvd. & El Pueblo Blvd.

6:57 4. El Pueblo Blvd. & Calico Dr. 7:00 5. El Pueblo Blvd. & Calaveras Ave. 7:02 6. El Pueblo Blvd. & San Marcus Dr. 7:03 7. El Pueblo Blvd. & Tejon Dr. 7:04 8. El Pueblo Blvd. & El Sobrante Ave. 7:05 9. El Pueblo Blvd. & Ivory Dr. 7:06 Arrive at High School 7:12 ROUTE #10 – BUS # 737 MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS ONLY 1. Fountain Hills High School 7:20 2. Hampstead Dr. N. of Bainbridge 7:25 Arrive at Middle School 7:35 ROUTE #11 – BUS #127 MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS ONLY 1. Almont Dr. & Palisades Blvd.

7:17 2. Almont Dr.& Cambria Dr. 7:18 3. Hamilton Dr. & Bayfield Dr. 7:19 4. Grande Blvd. & Del Cambre Ave. 7:22 5. Grande Blvd. & El Pueblo Blvd.

7:23 6. El Pueblo Blvd. & Calico Dr. 7:24 7. El Pueblo Blvd. & Calaveras Ave. 7:25 8. El Pueblo Blvd. & San Marcus Dr. 7:26 9. El Pueblo Blvd. & Tejon Dr. 7:27 10.El Pueblo Blvd. & El Sobrante Dr. 7:28 11.Four Peaks Elementary School 7:29 Arrive at Middle School 7:35 ROUTE #12 – BUS #533 1. Hillside Rd. & Fort McDowell Rd. 2. Fort McDowell Rd. & Magoyda 3. Fort McDowell Rd. & Oohula 4. Fort McDowell Rd. South of Beeline (by Gas Station) 5. Mohave Rd. & Cactus Dr. 6. Mohave Rd. & Horseshoe Cir. Arrive at High School Arrive at Middle School

7:00 7:03 7:05 7:08 7:13 7:15 7:20 7:35

ROUTE #13 – BUS #22 1. SuRama Rd. & Homothyah Dr. (South) 6:50 2. SuRama Rd. & Homothyah Dr. (North) 6:52 3. SuRama Rd. & Java Circle 6:55 4. SuRama Rd. & Captain Coffe Tr. 6:59 5. BaHonnah Rd. & Was Sa Ja Rd. 7:01 6. Wa Sa Ja Rd. & Mustang Way 7:03 7. Fort McDowell Rd. & BaHonnah Rd. 7:05 8. Fort McDowell Rd. South of Wa Sa Ja Rd. 7:08 9. Yavapai Rd. & Cidiya Drive W. 7:10 Arrive at High School 7:20 Arrive at Middle School 7:35

STUDENTS SHOULD BE AT BUS STOP 10 MINUTES AHEAD OF SCHEDULE

10 / Back to School

August 2010

McDowell Mountain

Young students get the right start The first day of school can be a frightening thing, especially if it is your first day of school ever. McDowell Mountain Elementary School is home to many of Fountain Hills’ youngest learners, responsible for laying the foundation of what will evolve into these students’ academic history.

That’s a pretty big responsibility to undertake. But according to Principal Joanne Meehan, MMES is up to the challenge. If the 2009-10 academic year is any indicator, she said the results speak volumes.

“This past year went exceedingly well,” Meehan said. “This was the sixth year in a row that McDowell Mountain received the Excelling School label from the Arizona Department of Education.”

Several other accomplishments along the way helped the school reach such prestigious heights.

For starters, two of the school’s first grade teachers, Joan Gambrell and Sheri Schoenthal, were awarded an SRP Learning Grant to creatively implement science performance objec-

McDowell Mountain Elementary School Principal Joanne Meehan. tives via children’s literature. As each science concept was introduced, a fiction book was used to promote questions and hypotheses from the students. All seven first grade teachers used the materials and approach with first grade students.

Another feather in the school’s cap is the men and women who make up the local Fountain Hills Mentoring

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Program, which broke all records in recruiting new mentors this past year.

“McDowell Mountain students benefitted in this endeavor and our children received additional support and enrichment from these valuable mentors,” Meehan said.

Continuing to advance the physical with the mental, the school’s preschools had their playground refurbished, including the installation of a rubberized surface, a much-needed improvement facilitated with bond money, according to Meehan.

As in years past, the FHUSD governing board unanimously supported and approved the continuation of tuition-free full-day kindergarten for 2010-11, and first grade teacher, Judi Pohle, was recognized by the Four Peaks Rotary Club as Teacher of the Month.

Looking forward, Meehan said 2010-11 will not come without its obstacles.

“The ever-present budget limitations are a grave concern and challenge,” Meehan said. “The state’s budget cuts adversely hit children the hardest, be it health care and education. This, in turn, has a domino effect on everyone.”

The McDowell Mountain staff has pulled together, given this challenge, and Meehan said they have come up with some innovative ideas and proposals to give even more support to their students’ learning.

Preparing for this new year, Meehan said she and her staff have kept very busy through the summer, cleaning rooms and readying the facilities for students and teachers. The school has also reinstated computer instruction and Mrs. Lois Rubino will be returning to the computer lab.

“This is a much needed and well received addition to our curriculum,” Meehan said. “Additionally, we are looking forward to some new software and support to enhance reading instruction.”

The staff has also received training in Orton-Gillingham, a reading process that uses a multisensory approach to teaching the basics and mechanics of reading. Additional training has also been provided in Dynamic Indicators for Basic Early Literacy Skills, or DIBELS. “So, this summer, our staff has been on a learning continuum to improve their instructional skills and approaches to teaching,” Meehan said. “We are anxious to apply all of this learning as soon as school begins.”

For students new to the school or district, Meehan said they are going to love McDowell Mountain as it has a highly skilled and educated staff that focuses exclusively on helping children grow and learn to realize their potential.

“Our goal is to provide students with a strong foundation in reading, language and math,” Meehan said.

“Ultimately, we want every child to leave McDowell Mountain prepared and self-assured and able to make his or her way in this world productively and positively.”

Meet your teacher day will be held this Friday, Aug. 6, from 9-11 a.m., giving everyone a chance to get to know each other before the first day of school.

Meehan said students, parents and the school’s staff will meet with success and support in all the educational endeavors they embark on this year, creating a true partnership in learning.

“Rest up and get ready for the best school year ever,” she said.

Basic Facts School: McDowell Mountain Principal: Joanne Meehan Grade levels: PreK-2 Address: 14825 N. Fayette Phone: 664-5200 Web site: www.fhusd.org Times: 8:45 a.m.-3:20 p.m. (PreK-2), 8:45-11:35 a.m. (AM Kindergarten), 12:30-3:20 (PM Kindergarten).

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Back to School / 11

August 2010

Four Peaks

New principal up for challenges After a couple decades’ worth of dedication to the Fountain Hills Unified School District, many of which were spent at Four Peaks Elementary School, former Principal Becky Romans retired in early July of this year.

In her place now stands Principal Anita Gomez, former assistant principal of the middle school, and she says 2010-11 will be as exciting a year as ever for the students, parents and staff of Four Peaks.

The school’s mission is “Four Peaks Elementary School is committed, above all else, to high quality instruction in a caring learning environment which will prepare students for life, both academically and socially.”

Gomez said she has seen Four Peaks excel over her years spent in Fountain Hills and expects to continue that tradition of excellence now that she’s behind the big desk.

“We would like to be excelling off the charts in every aspect,” Gomez said. “The vision for the coming school year is exactly that.”

With only a month or so to acclimate to her new surroundings, Gomez stated earlier that she would be learning the ropes of the school hand-in-hand with new Four Peaks students. She’s done her homework, though, and said goals will be set higher than ever before in the new school year. While she plans to spend time involved with her students, she said she expects to see her students do the same thing with their school.

“More students participated in state competitions than ever before,” Gomez said. “In 2010-11, we’ll work on organizing even more involvement.”

With a little help from the community surrounding her, Gomez said anything is possible.

“The ‘new sheriff in town,’ (that’s me), and my posse (that’s the Four Peaks teachers and students) will get to know each other and work together to quickly initiate plans to emphasis strengths and eliminate weaknesses on our campus,” Gomez said.

Gomez said her staff has been gear-

ing up for the new school year with professional training through the summer while she’s taken a crash course in all the things that happen at Four Peaks. Already planning for the future, she said she plans to continue the evolution of Four Peaks as a school.

“I am ready to get to the business of planning new things with teachers and students that will be beneficial for academics and attitude,” she added.

Gomez gave a big thank you to the PTO for continued support of the Homework Lab, which will once again be available on-campus this year. She said more fun and exciting opportunities will be made available as the school year progresses.

To her soon-to-be new students, Gomez said they should expect to come to school every day and learn something new.

“I am excited to meet [them] and have fun at school while learning a lot of new things,” Gomez said. “Our school will be thinking about new ways to put ourselves ‘on the map,’

Four Peaks Elementary School Principal Anita Gomez. so expect to see new projects and even more opportunities for students to show off their strengths.”

Variety of preschools for the younger set Choosing the right place to provide care for your children is an important decision. Luckily, there are many childcare options available in the community.

Preschools offer parents options for childcare that will suit the needs of each individual child and parent. The following is a brief description of each: Creative Child Care Preschool Creative Child Care Preschool offers structured preschool and kindergarten prep programs for children ages three through five. Two, three, four and fiveday programs are available. Hours of operation are 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Creative Child Care’s philosophy is to promote a love for learning through developmentally appropriate materials. Children are addressed socially, emotionally, intellectually, physically, cognitively, and nurtured to build positive self-esteem.

Creative Child Care Preschool is DHS certified. The staff at Creative Child Care Preschool belongs to the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Information may be obtained by calling (480)

837-0282. The school is located at 17150 E. Amhurst Drive.

Here We Grow Learning Center Here We Grow Learning Center is committed to offering children an environment where they learn as they grow by providing a loving, nurturing atmosphere.

The center’s focus is on enhancing socialization, creativity, language and decision-making skills as well as building self-esteem and self-worth. Above all, Here We Grow’s mission is to have “healthy, happy children.” The staff also provides activities for pre-reading and language skills as well as social and intellectual skills.

Here We Grow is DHS certified and operates Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Before- and after-school care, which includes transportation to and from local schools, is offered for school-aged children.

Breakfast, snacks and hot lunches are provided.

The facility is located at 16901 E. Palisades Blvd. Call Director Sharon Michell at (480) 837-6600 for more information.

Maxwell Preschool Academy Maxwell Preschool Academy offers developmental educational programs for children six weeks to six years as well as programs for school-aged children up to age 12. For toddlers, the school provides consistency in care that helps develop both mind and body in a safe, secure and healthy environment. Maxwell is now able to care for children six weeks and up thanks to the recently added infant room.

The curriculum supports children’s

learning through active involvement with people, materials, events and ideas. Teachers prepare the environment with a variety of materials and plan activities that build on the children’s interests and expand their learning.

The center is DHS certified and has separate areas for toddlers and older children. Hours are Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. A summer (cont. on Page 12)

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12 / Back to School

August 2010

Middle School

New innovations coming for new year The Fountain Hills Middle School had a big year in 2009-10.

Both the baseball team and the girls basketball team were league champions. The fourth annual Arts in the Courtyard event raised a whopping $9,000 for the school’s fine arts programs. A record number of students found their way to the Principal’s List (4.0 GPA), co-teaching was implemented successfully in four classrooms, students were given the opportunity to learn in Catalina Island, Astrocamp, Washington D.C., the Renaissance Festival, and three students even competed in the National History Day finals in Washington.

The list goes on, but Principal Tom Brennan summed it up nicely.

“We continued our fine tradition of fun and engaging enrichment activities for our students,” he said. “We had a successful year at FHMS.” For students first arriving as sixth graders at FHMS, it’s going to be a year full of changes and excitement with added responsibilities going hand-inhand with new freedoms. For those

Fountain Hills Middle School Principal Tom Brennan. returning to the school, however, one big change will be immediately noticeable: Former Assistant Principal Anita Gomez has officially taken up her new post as principal of Four Peaks Elementary School with former high school teacher Anthony Galietti set to take her place at FHMS. “The most noted hurdle to over-

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come is the departure of our wonderful and talented assistant principal, Anita Gomez, as she heads down the street to take the helm at Four Peaks,” Brennan said. “Mrs. Gomez brought such joy, heart and laughter to FHMS, we will really miss her.”

However, Brennan stated this would also be an opportunity for Gomez to grow in her professional pathway while affording another person, namely Mr. Galietti, the chance to do the same as FHMS assistant principal.

“A transition such as this is an adjustment,” Brennan said. “However, I am confident in our ability to adapt, modify and keep on being an excellent place for kids.”

A few changes will also take place in the classroom this year. A period of time for silent reading will be established to take place four times throughout the week.

“Students will have about 25 minutes each day for sustained silent reading,” Brennan said. “There is a tremendous body of research on the gains students make by having time to read each day.”

Gearing up for 2010-11, Brennan said he would like to give a big “thanks” to his dedicated teachers for their performance through a tough economic climate and their continued dedication to education.

“They dealt with some stressful sit-

Preschools (cont. from page 11) camp program is offered between June and August for children ages one to 12.

The school is located at 15249 N. Fountain Hills Blvd. Call (480) 837-6206.

Promiseland Christian Preschool Promiseland is a Christian preschool recently relocated to Christ’s Church, 15555 E. Bainbridge Ave. Promiseland is committed to providing children with a Christ-centered, loving environment allowing them to grow spiritually, physically, intellectually, socially, emotionally and creatively.

Promiseland offers two, three and four day per week programs in halfday formats.

Children participate daily in praise and worship time and learn about God through Bible stories, songs and games.

uations last spring with budget woes, staff reductions and pays cuts, but they maintain their professionalism and excellence in the classroom,” Brennan said. “This year will be another year of adjustments, but I know our awesome staff will be just great.”

Brennan said he will also be counting on his returning students to be positive peer leaders to incoming sixth graders and new Assistant Principal Galietti. To these students and the rest of FHMS, Brennan encourages everyone to get involved with FHMS. “Don’t just ‘go to school,’” Brennan said. “Become a part of your school.”

He said parents and students can do this by keeping up on student progress in the PowerSchool system, joining a club or sports team, coming to school events and, most importantly, staying connected with the teachers.

To begin this process, FHMS will hold its Meet Your Teacher Day this Friday, Aug. 6, from 1 to 3 p.m. The school will open so students and parents can familiarize themselves with the campus and staff as well as get an early chance to pick up PE uniforms and begin a cafeteria account, etc.

Back to School Night will be held Aug. 19 from 6 to 8 p.m., allowing parents to follow an abbreviated version of their child’s class schedule, meet with and hear from each teacher.

Call (480) 837-3121 for information.

Promiseland is DHS certified.

Sunflower Preschool Sunflower Preschool, located at 15055 N. Fountain Hills Blvd., adjacent to the Fountain Hills Charter School, offers options of not only morning and afternoon half and full-day programs, but also extended hours for working parents.

Before school hours run from 6:30 to 8:15 a.m. with half-day schedules beginning and ending at noon. Dismissal will be at 3:30 p.m. with after-school hours stretching all the way to 6 p.m.

At Sunflower, students can expect outdoor playtime, group sharing and discussion, story time, reading, lessons in literature, math, art and science as well as further individual and group lessons utilizing both Montessori and traditional work materials.

Sunflower Preschool is DHS certified. For further information, call (480) 836-2255.

Back to School / 13

August 2010

FHHS athletes excel in sports Girls Soccer

The boys and girls of Fountain Hills High School athletics saw tons of success in 2009-10 with several regional and state honors, as well as a title or two, to show for all their hard work.

Following yet another top-notch season, the high school girls soccer team suffered an early defeat in the state tournament, bringing the 2010 season to an abrupt close.

Qualifying high once again this year, the girls were given a bye through the first round and entered directly into the quarterfinal round of play.

The ladies ended the regular season with a region record of 7-1, earning them a spot as region co-champions for 2009-10. The team won the vast majority of their matches throughout the season, going 13-6-1 overall.

Football It was another big year for the football team as the Falcons marched on to a second straight region title and made it all the way to the semi-final round of state competition.

In the end, the boys in blue wrapped up 2009 with a 10-3 overall record and a perfect 6-0 in region.

To fans attending the early-season games, a rough start appeared to be a bad omen for the upcoming regular season as the boys lost two straight to Wickenburg and Estrella Foothills.

Excluding their final game of the season, this would turn out to be the only losses the Falcons would suffer.

Into regular play and the boys immediately stated their dominance in their win over Santa Cruz. The victories continued to roll in including massive shutouts over Globe, Coolidge, San Tan Foothills and even Window Rock in the opening round of state competition.

The region calendar came to a close when the Falcons took on the then undefeated Empire Ravens in early November to win the region crown. The season came to an end with the team’s 31-7 loss to Show Low in the semifinal round of state play.

Cross Country While not the best season on the books, the high school cross country team performed well through 2009 with some low times and great efforts by the boys and girls squads.

The team began the meet season shy a few runners in early September at Phoenix Country Day School. The event, shorter by half a mile than normal meets, resulted in a sixth place finish for the boys and a second place final standing for the girls.

Later that same month the Falcons returned to PCDS with both squads claiming first place honors.

As the season progressed, the Falcons usually found themselves in the top five at regular meets.

At the regional race, however, the location would prove a huge obstacle to overcome. In the cold, thin air of Safford and once again short a few

Fall football is always a popular sport among fans and high school players.

runners, both teams struggled to keep up with the competition with both the boys and girls coming home with a fourth place final standing.

On to state and the competition was even less forgiving. Despite dropping times, local runners couldn’t keep pace with the best teams Arizona has to offer. In the end, the girls came in 16th while the boys finished the year in 17th.

Volleyball The 2009 season was a huge success for the high school volleyball team as the girls went on to tie the record for the most wins in a season with their overall record of 32-7, 13-1 in power point games.

The girls began the year with a massive seven-game week besting Estrella Foothills and Wickenburg in regular play before hosting their own Fountain Hills Tournament where the girls took second place overall on their 4-1 record through the day.

With only a handful of matches to break up the winning momentum, the girls went on to claim a number of honors including a first place overall standing at the Estrella Foothills Invitational and a first in a Falcon Invitational.

The season drew to a close with the regional and state tournaments. The girls took second in region following a loss to Florence and exited state play in the quarter-final round after losing to Parker.

Overall, 2009 proved to be one of the absolute best seasons for the local team.

Boys Soccer Facing some of the toughest soccer teams in the state, Fountain Hills High School’s boys soccer program once again managed to put together an impressive year.

Despite an early exit from state play, little can be taken away from a 10-4 season with the Falcons going 7-4 in region play.

The team pulled together quite a few wins this season, but head coach Tony Galietti said the highlight had to be besting Valley Christian for the first time in school history.

Next season, the Falcons will be down just two seniors. With such an experienced team taking the field in 2010-11, there’s no telling what the Falcons may be capable of.

season, Johnson said he received much help from a couple of his athletes.

Once the 2010-11 season arrives, Johnson said fans can expect to see a lot of the same staples as this past year, as the Falcons will put a lot of focus on an up-tempo game led by defense.

Girls Hoops With a season record of 13-4, 5-1 in region, the high school girls basketball team completed the most successful season in school history in 2009-10.

The squad spent 2009-10 wracking up a record worthy of a second place final standing in region and the team’s quarter-final showing at the state tournament was the furthest the team has ever gone.

Offensive patience, according to head coach Mandy Baca, proved to be the team’s main weakness last season.

This, and other areas in need of attention, will be a focus moving forward.

With Baca entering her third season with the Falcons, the program has found a sense of stability lacking over the years. This, according to the coach, will be a big asset that will allow younger players a better chance to shine.

Looking ahead, Baca said 2010-11 looks promising. She’ll be bringing back three or four strong players while the team works to develop a point guard. Moving forward, she can foresee several younger athletes rising to the challenge.

Boys Hoops It took a little while for the team to get some traction but, as the season progressed, 2009-10 turned out to be another success for the high school boys basketball team.

Finishing 4-2 in region play, 18-13 overall, the boys in blue wrapped up the year with a third place final standing in the region tournament.

Along the way, several athletes managed to soar a little higher than the rest of the flock, earning big honors.

Head coach Matt Johnson said the beginning of the season was rough on the Falcons as the team’s first two games were against the 2A state champs, Scottsdale Christian, and 3A state champs, Estrella Foothills.

This, coupled with a short roster due to football’s successful efforts in the post season, made for a bad couple of weeks in the season’s early days.

To help get the team over this initial hill, and through the remainder of the

Wrestling With a final dual record of 20-8, the high school wrestling squad had a fantastic year in 2009-10.

Over three months of matches, several grapplers in particular managed to rise to the top, earning special honors along the way. Brandon Bodea became region champion for 2009-10 with Cody Danner, RJ Hughes, Jake Vaught and Jordan Trulson earning spots as runners-up.

The Falcons also saw the crowning of the school’s first ever state champion in the form of Jake Vaught, who overcame sickness and injury to find himself ranked as the top wrestler in the state for his weight division.

Senior Cody Danner, too, had much to be proud of as this three-time state placer went on to earn the second highest all-time win record in the school’s history. (cont. on page 14)

14 / Back to School

Sports (cont. from page 13) Finishing up for the state winners were RJ Hughes in third place as well as Brandon Bodea in fourth and Jordan Trulson in fifth.

The team bonded well this past year, but with each season comes another group of seniors that must bid farewell to FHHS. When one leader leaves, though, another usually steps forward. In 2010-11, spectators will have the chance to see that transition take place firsthand.

Tennis With the girls team only sporting three returning athletes and the boys at four, high school tennis coaches Jean Serrano and Larry Schmit stated early on that 2010 was expected to be a rebuilding season.

While plenty of building did occur, both the boys and girls squads managed to put together a string of successful matches.

The season began with the Falcons taking on Phoenix Country Day

August 2010 School, one of the toughest teams in the entire region.

Despite losses, this early trial by fire gave the Falcons some top-notch experience from day one, helping fuel their flawless victories in their second match against Coolidge.

From there, the Falcons improved by leaps and bounds, leading to a solid 8-2 region record for the boys, 8-3 for the girls.

The team suffered a bit in the second half of the season, going against short-manned teams and resulting in less competition for some athletes, but the end result still saw both teams come home with second place region standings.

Nine players proceeded to the individual state tournament, but all were eventually bested. Both teams also competed in state, exiting in the first round against some tough competition; the girls to the eventual state champs.

Softball At 16-7 overall, the high school softball team completed one of its best seasons in team history in 2010.

A 3-3 standing in Power Point games and an unfortunately early exit from the region tournament, however, once

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again kept a bid on the state crown just out of reach for the Lady Falcons.

Still, after several years of trial and error, the team is coming together nicely. This year saw the ladies trounce a number of teams by more than 10 runs.

Along the way, some of the ladies put together some impressive stats as well.

Anyone who has followed the team over the years knows that the Lady Falcons have had some growing to do.

This year saw the team’s greatest steps forward yet. But like any team, there’s still room to grow and head coach Randy Bragg said he fully intends to keep working, especially on defensive consistency, in 2011.

Golf The 2010 high school golf season started strong with plenty of depth to make up the roster.

With four returners on a 15-person squad, head coach Roy Burcham said he had high hopes for the 2010 season.

Those hopes were pretty well met over the course of three months as the boys and girls of the Falcons squad continued to improve from week to week.

Though the team’s roster dwindled a bit, scores continued to drop following the season-opening win at SunRidge Canyon.

From there, the Falcons continued to finish in the top of the standings, seldom falling below second place.

As the season wound down, the Falcons were unable to repeat the 2009 region championship, but still came away second overall.

Afterwards, tough state competition and even tougher winds made for a nice ninth place final standing for the local squad.

The team will have its work cut out for it in 2011, but with only one athlete lost to graduation, Burcham said he thinks the Falcons are up to the challenge if they’re willing to work, not just during the season, but through the year.

Baseball The high school baseball team had a very young team in 2009. Spending some time in the off season to put in extra work on strength conditioning, the team came into 2010 with a roster sporting just two seniors and seven juniors; still a young squad.

Age did not make much of a difference in the early season, however, as the team got off to a rock solid start with big first week wins over Estrella Foothills (6-1), Horizon Honors (8-0), St. Gregory (29-0) and Mogollon (11-0).

The wins kept coming until the final third of the season when inconsistent play and untimely errors made for a handful of losses to be peppered across the formerly perfect record.

The team got its act back together by the region tournament, though, only losing to Safford in the championship round to walk away with a second place standing and return a week later to defeat the same team during the state tournament.

The Falcons made it to the semifinal round this year, finally brought down by Empire, 8-5.

The Falcons wrapped up 2010 going 11-3 in Power Point games, 24-10 overall.

Most of the team is expected back on the field in 2011, a fact that should make for another outstanding season.

Track Beginning the season with a massive 75-person roster, 20 of whom were returning athletes, Fountain Hills High School track head coach Chris Davis knew 2010 would be a big year for the program.

The Falcons began the season at a locally hosted five-team meet with both the boys and girls squads claiming top honors over region competition.

The girls even managed to rake in 190 team points, the highest accumulated in school history.

This early season show of dominance was followed by a humbling experience at the 25-team Queen Creek invitational.

Sporting some of the best athletes from 3A, 4A and 5A, the Falcons got an early opportunity to compete against the best and grew stronger because of it.

The season progressed with the local runners, jumpers and throwers earning team finishes usually in the top three.

The last third of the season calendar, though, saw the teams slip a bit as conflicting schedules saw many athletes unable to attend multiple meets.

The team was back together for the regional event, resulting in a first-place finish for the girls and a third-place finish for the boys.

With more than 20 athletes headed to state, the Falcons ended the year with the girls placing 12th in all of 3A with the boys winding up in 14th.

The track squad lost 14 seniors to graduation this year, including some top athletes. Head coach Chris Davis said they will be missed, but he feels confident the underclassmen will remain strong.

Back to School / 15

August 2010

High School

Falcons encouraged to ‘get involved’ Go to any Fountain Hills High School graduation ceremony and you’re likely to see a group of young men and women eager to venture out into the “real world” and find a place for themselves.

This sort of confidence to tackle life doesn’t come easy and it takes more than just any old high school. Students need to feel comfortable in their learning environment to achieve and be afforded the opportunities to pursue their interests, no matter what those interests may be. This is, of course, only possible with a dedicated staff driving the learning process.

According to Principal Tom Lawrence, FHHS is such a place. The eagerness of its graduates to take on the next phase of life and their success following the high school years proves it. For students attending the Falcons’ nest in 2010-11, Lawrence said they’re in for another successful year full of challenges and the tools by which to overcome them.

Before moving forward, though, Lawrence took a moment to take a look back and consider the school’s many

Fountain Hills High School Principal Tom Lawrence. accomplishments through the most recent academic year.

“The 2009-10 school year was outstanding for FHHS,” Lawrence said.

Lawrence highlighted several of the school’s accomplishments, beginning by saying the junior and senior classes provided exceptional leadership and school spirit through the year.

“We excelled in academics by maintaining a very high Arizona Department of Education achievement pro-

file and our seniors walked away with over $3 million of scholarship opportunities,” Lawrence said.

FHHS also had multiple extracurricular and co-curricular teams and clubs competing at the state level or being recognized at the state and national level for excellence.

Lawrence said one of the primary objectives for 2010-11 will be maintaining FHHS’ excellent academic and extracurricular programs through tough economic times, a challenge everyone must join together in meeting.

Despite said budget cuts, Lawrence said the school will continue its forward momentum.

“In an effort to build our STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) program, we will be introducing an engineering and analysis class for juniors and seniors,” he said. “We are also currently exploring ways to offer drama for credit by working with offsite organizations.”

The school was also notified over the summer that it has been approved to provide online courses over the next three years with an option for renewal.

Before & After School Child Care

Developing and implementing a plan for these new educational opportunities will be another major goal moving forward.

Lawrence said Fountain Hills can expect to see the continued maintenance and improvement of the already excellent academic programs of FHHS in the coming year and those attending classes can expect a rigorous curriculum that will be continually monitored to ensure educational needs of the 21st century student are being met.

“My advice for students coming to FHHS for the first time is to get involved and become affiliated with a club, an activity or a team,” he said.

“This initial connection in a new environment is a leading indicator of success and happiness.”

To students who will be returning to FHHS, Lawrence’s message was the same.

“Get involved and, if you are already involved, get more involved,” Lawrence said. “Ultimately, it is your school. You will have no regrets about trying harder in class and being more involved.”

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16 / Back to School

August 2010

Charter School

Small class size is a priority The Fountain Hills Charter School is ready to reopen its doors for the new school year and, according to Principal Karyn Miller, it’s going to be another fantastic year.

“I am thrilled to be returning to FHCS for the 2010-11 school year,” Miller said. “Last year was one of those smooth sailing years where, luckily, we didn’t have many bumps in the road.”

This public elementary school serves grades K-8 and exemplifies the holistic approach of instruction conceived from the philosophies of Dr. Maria Montessori.

The Charter School’s mission is to enable students to develop strategies for the acquisition of knowledge, skills and values needed to participate meaningfully in a pluralistic society.

Consistent with the mission, the school’s program strives to achieve five key goals: an integrated school environment, a solid academic foundation, strong parent participation, a responsive and certified faculty and a supportive community partnership.

This year, Miller said FHCS will be

able to continue its small class sizes and full day aides in kindergarten and first grade classrooms, as well as shared aides in grades two through eight.

“With all the talk of continued cuts in the schools Char ter School this coming year, Principal Karyn we are still mak- Miller. ing small class sizes and classroom aides a priority,” Miller said. “Our enrollment is growing as well, and we seem to be growing in our primary numbers, which is a positive for future growth.”

Last year, Miller said FHCS added after-school programs to its operations to help create a tighter student community as well as benefit the individual students’ skills.

“The after-school clubs were a huge success as they were well attended and

students looked forward to the new programs each quarter,” Miller said.

“We will continue to provide students with this opportunity this upcoming school year.”

In support of the Montessori Philosophy, which emphasizes the connection of the natural world, Miller said Ms. Karla will return for her eighth year at the school to the new position of Outdoor Environment Facilitator.

“Ms. Karla will prepare the outdoor environment for students to learn by doing both cooperative and individualized enrichment opportunities,” Miller said. “Students will gain the skills to garden, maintain animal habitats, recycle, compost and more.”

FHCS is also welcoming a new member to the teaching staff this year.

“Carolyn Morrison joins our school as a teacher for one of our multi-age kindergarten and first grade environments,” Miller said.

Morrison holds a bachelor’s degree in child development and is certified by the American Montessori Society.

“She has over ten years of experi-

ence in the teaching profession and has taught in both public and private schools,” Miller said. “We are thrilled to add her to our team.”

Before the school year begins, parents will have received welcome packets that include a letter from the classroom teacher, supply lists and more.

Teachers will also be meeting with parents and students before the first day of class, giving the child a chance to meet their teacher without other students present. At the conference, parents and teachers will also share their goals and expectations for the child, creating a personal education plan.

“I am really excited for the school year,” Miller said. “I know the kids are looking forward to seeing all their friends and teachers. There is always that special feeling you get when shopping for new school supplies and clothes.

“There is so much optimism at the beginning of the school year. Everyone is full of energy and excitement.

I am definitely looking forward to that.”

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