YOUTH

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Superintendent Yslas sets goals for 2022

BY SUPERINTENDENT MARK YSLAS

Agua Fria School District Communicate who we are — and who we are not

Happy New Year to the West Valley from Agua Fria High School District. I am not sure where the tradition/custom of creating resolutions for the new year originated. But with the start of 2022 comes the opportunity to reset, refocus energy and declare goals. After my fi rst six months serving our community, I have listened and learned a lot. So, in the spirit of creating resolutions, and as the leader of the district, I would like to share my community goals for 2022.

National news often focuses on stories about divisive issues in faraway places, which do not resemble what we are doing here in our district. So, I will share who we are (and who we are not) throughout the year. This will include clearly stating our values and beliefs as educators as well as how we are different from other districts around the state and nation.

Strengthen our commitment to parents as partners

In other parts of the country, parents and school districts seem to be working against each other instead of WVV Qrter Page Ad (4.9 x 4.9).pdf 3 1/10/22 12:16 PM being partners in education. At Agua Fria High School District, we fi rmly believe that parents matter. We recognize the incredible importance of working together to ensure every student has a pathway to their dreams. In addition to learning the three Rs (reading, writing and arithmetic), we are committed to building character in our kids so when they become adults, they have learned honor and integrity and value an honest day’s work for an honest day’s pay.

Earn and keep trust

I think most will agree that being trustworthy is a must-have quality in one’s character. As such, the district is committed to being transparent, honest and — most of all — fi scally responsible to each and every taxpayer. We will operate within our means and provide clear, understandable communications about our fi nances without too much bureaucratic jargon. We recognize and respect that the taxpayers entrust the district to be responsible for the funds we receive and promise to be good stewards of every penny.

My mom always told me it is much easier to create goals than to keep them. So, I will hold the district and myself accountable to the community by providing monthly updates on the progress regarding these goals. Coming in February, information will be shared about what and how we teach and what is not part of our curriculum and classroom practices.

Here’s where I need your help. Please provide me with feedback after every monthly update. Your input will help shape the future of education and create the best high school district in the nation. I can be reached at myslas@aguafria.org.

Happy New Year.

Goodyear rec campus gives youth work experience

BY LAUREN SERRATO

West Valley View Staff Writer

West Valley kids can add work experience to their resumes, thanks to a new program at the 48,000-square-foot Goodyear Recreation Campus.

Dawn Stipe, recreation coordinator, said GRC University is an opportunity for young adults to give back to their communities, while gaining experience that will prepare them for the workforce.

“It’s basically an opportunity for young adults to gain some volunteering hours here at our recreation campus, as well as prepare themselves to be workplace ready,” Stipe said.

“They’ll be working shifts at the recreation campus as a volunteer, but then also there’s a component of professional development workshops and staff development.”

Stipe said this free program, which begins Jan. 29, is primarily geared toward teens ages 13 to 15, because they’re too old to participate in the youth programs and day camps but too young to work.

“It gives them the opportunity to do something outside of school hours or their summer hours to be involved,” she said. “Also, it does give them a leg up in an interview process to be part of the Goodyear Recreation Campus team and really learn from everyone who works here, both part-time staff and full-time staff, and learn what it takes to really be ready for the workforce when you are old enough to work at places of employment.”

GRC-U participants can work in various roles around the campus, including the welcome center, gymnasium, fitness floor and special events.

“As supervisors, we give the kids some feedback on their work performance, have discussions with them if they’re not showing up for their shift, or do something that’s considered inappropriate or unprofessional,” she said.

“On the other side of it is at the end of the session, they’ll get a letter of completion that they can give to potential employers or to colleges, as well as each of the workshops that we’ll have in the summer.”

In addition to the work experience, the kids will participate in “Lunch and Learn” classes to prepare them for their first jobs and college.

“This will include professional development, mental health, work-life balance classes, financial literacy, resume writing and interview skills,” Stipe said. “Community members who would like to give back and present to these kids are more than welcome to reach out to me as well if they have something that they want to mentor and give a Lunch and Learn.”

Applications will be accepted through Tuesday, Jan. 18. Interviews will then be conducted, and 15 kids will be selected.

“Part of the interview process will include feedback on how they did in their interview, what went well, and what to work on in the future,” Stipe said.

Applicants can list their availability to work shifts at the recreation campus. Shifts are available on school nights from 4 to 7 p.m., early release days from 2 to 5 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon or 1 to 4 p.m.

Workshops and shifts will take place on different nights, so all participants

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The Goodyear Recreation Campus’ new program will allow kids to work at the facility, gain volunteer hours and participate in professional development classes. (Photo courtesy of

Goodyear Recreation Campus)

can attend.

While only 15 kids will be accepted into the program this January, in the summer, Stipe expects to have up to 40 participants. “This is our first time through. We just want to make sure everyone has a good understanding of what’s going on and then summer is really the big time for this type of program where kids need to get their volunteer hours and they have more open availability, so we want to gear it up for the summer,” she said.

For information on GRC University or to find the application, visit recreation. goodyearaz.gov.

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