WWW.PEORIATIMES.COM
JULY 18, 2019
Paramount Academy improvements continue BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Peoria Times Executive Editor
Paramount Academy is nearing completion of its redesigned playground area that added blue rubber mulch to create an equipment safety zone. This marks the fifth year of new construction and improvements for one of Arizona’s longest-running charter schools. Paramount Academy has also added an indoor auditorium and offices, along with a soccer field, solar, a fresh coat of paint and a resurfaced parking lot. Paramount Academy parents and families aided in the school’s new electric scoreboard, marquee entry sign
and now sand removal and the playground’s redesign. Paramount Academy was established in 1996 by retired teachers who wanted more freedom as well as change in the public school system. The school’s improvements were made as its phenomenal teachers continued to provide a quality education. The community has provided outstanding support over the years and has made the improvements possible. Paramount continues to be a top-rated charter school with a private school feel. Paramount Academy is located at 11039 W. Olive Avenue, Peoria. For more information, call 623-977-0614 or visit paramountacademy.com.
Parents of Paramount Academy students recently helped make improvements to the building and the surrounding area. (Photo courtesy Paramount Academy)
HopSkipDrive makes transportation easier for parents BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Peoria Times Executive Editor
Joanna McFarland and her neighbors were busy parents in Los Angeles who needed help shuffling their eight children to their six different schools and extracurricular activities. Four and a half years ago, they founded HopSkipDrive, which expands to the Valley on July 30. HopSkipDrive is similar to other ride-share companies, except it only services kids ages 6 and older. The drivers (called “CareDrivers”) have extensive background checks and are required to have at least five years of caregiving experience. “Phoenix metro has a lot of congestion,” McFarland said. “Phoenix metro also has school of choice and open enrollment, which makes transportation to and from the school really hard. This is a problem we can help solve.” Rides may be reserved as little as
HopSkipDrive takes its services to Phoenix on July 30. (Photo courtesy Zion & Zion)
eight hours in advance or by 7 p.m. the night before for morning rides. Families book rides through the app or online at hopskipdrive.com, then HopSkipDrive matches ride requests to a CareDriver and sends parents a picture and CareDriver profile to share with their children before the ride. Par-
ents receive progress alerts at pickup and drop-off for added peace of mind. “You can customize the ride notes, too,” McFarland said. “You can put in instructions like go in and sign my child out of school. You’ll get a picture and profile of the driver, and you can show that to the school to authorize
school sign-outs. Parents can track everything in their app. We also have a safe ride support team, live and in real time.” She said the price is “roughly the same cost of a babysitter who drives.” The service is available already in California, Colorado, Virginia and Washington, D.C. “Nearly 1 in 2 parents say they feel they put their jobs at risk to meet their children’s transportation needs,” McFarland said. “Parents shouldn’t have to choose between their careers and their children’s education and activities, but that tough choice is very real for countless families. HopSkipDrive wants parSEE HOPSKIPDRIVE PAGE 3
2
Peoria Times
BACK TO SCHOOL
July 18, 2019
Pendergast: The district Biswas strives to make clients feel comfortable in their skin that ‘bee’-lieves in you BY DR. LILY MATOS DEBLIEUX Pendergast Elementary School District Superintendent
The Pendergast District is focused on educating the “whole child” through research-based academics, fine arts, physical education, technology, extra-curricular programs and a full-time counselor on each campus. Leadership opportunities are encouraged for students at each grade level that include clubs, organizations, student government and community service. The district has signature STEAM academies, including Dual Language, Ethnic Studies, GCON Design and Build, Computer Science, Agriculture Ecosystems, Energy, Conservation and Efficiency, Orcutt | Winslow Architecture, Planning, and Construction, Leadership and Accelerated Math, Banner Health, Medical & Forensic Sciences, Entrepreneurship and Next Level Leadership. Character education is promoted on each campus through the Be Kind Pro-
gram. The Speak Up, Stand Up, Save a Life Movement is working to eradicate bullying, and focus on issues plaguing youth today, by sharing positive solutions on each of Lily Matos DeBlieux. the 12 cam- Dr. (Photo courtesy Pendergast puses. Elementary School District) The district is also known for its eight-grade superintendent’s student council, which mentors and trains youth to be the leaders of tomorrow and focuses on career and college readiness and community service. Pendergast is the district that believes in you. Come join us today.
Registering now for accelerated fall classes! • CNA TRAINING PROGRAM • PHARMACY TECH TRAINING PROGRAM • PHLEBOTOMY TRAINING PROGRAM
Call now for details 623-773-9000 Tours available at 13760 N. 93rd Ave., Suite 202 Peoria, AZ 85381 www.medstaracademy.com
BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Peoria Times Executive Editor
For Dr. Atanu Biswas, being involved in the community is just as important as the success of his practice, Biswas Plastic Surgery. Specializing in a full range of aesthetic and reconstructive procedures, Biswas understands aesthetic priorities evolve as people progress through life. At his office at 9401 W. Thunderbird Road, Suite 140, Peoria, Biswas offers reconstructive and aesthetic surgical procedures such as breast reconstruction, abdominoplasty, blepharoplasty and face lifts. On-site med spa treatments like laser resurfacing, Botox, fillers, CoolSculpting, microneedling with platelet rich plasma, facials, microblading and chemical peels are on the docket as well. The spa features the Jan Marini MD Skincare line. Biswas is board certified in plastic surgery and a is diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Sur-
gery. He is a graduate of Mayo Clinic Arizona’s Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Residency program. Biswas and his family were happy to establish the practice in Phoenix, so he can give back to the community that has been vital to his career’s development.
Biswas Plastic Surgery 9410 W. Thunderbird Road, Suite 140, Peoria 623-594-7400
July 18, 2019
Peoria Times
BACK TO SCHOOL
3
Medstar Academy guides students with high-quality teachers BY PEORIA TIMES STAFF A state-licensed medical training school, Medstar Academy in Peoria offers five programs — certified nursing assistant; licensed nursing assistant; pharmacy technician; phlebotomy technician; and basic life support and first aid. The fast-paced learning environment gives students the skills they need to pass their state exams. The students’ career paths are guided by high-quality teachers. Medstar Academy’s mission is to provide students with the knowledge and technical skills they need to become a valued member of a health care team, providing the kind of quality care everyone deserves. In Peoria for more than 10 years, Medstar Academy is located at 13760 N. 93rd Avenue, Suite 202, on the southwest corner of 93rd Avenue and Thunderbird Boulevard. It can be reached at 623-773-9000 or at medstaracademy.com.
HOPSKIPDRIVE FROM PAGE 1
ents to take comfort in knowing they have someone to rely on to get their kids where they need to go, safely and without worry.” Every CareDriver must pass a 15-point certification that includes fingerprinting, FBI and Department of Justice background checks, driving record checks through the DMV, and an in-person meeting with the HopSkipDrive team. “I think we’re really on a mission to redefine safety,” McFarland said. “It’s the most comprehensive vetting standard in the industry. They are fingerprinted, background checked. We meet every driver in person. We do more than most families do to vet a nanny or babysitter.” “We’re really excited to be bringing this to Phoenix,” she said. “There’s a huge opportunity there, not only to help busy parents get everybody where they need to go, but to help a lot of the school districts.” She added they have partnerships with local school districts, but would not reveal them.
A state-licensed medical training school, Medstar Academy has been in Peoria for more than 10 years (Photo courtesy Medstar Academy)
BACK TO SCHOOL Is your skin ready?
TEEN PACKAGE
This package includes four 30-minute sessions, spaced two weeks apart. A detailed skin analysis will be performed to help customize a treatment plan for your areas of concern including acne, clarity, texture, hydration and oiliness - $150
Phone: 623-594-7400
SPA TREATMENTS
9401 West Thunderbird Rd. #140 - Peoria, Arizona
www.biswasplasticsurgery.com
4
Peoria Times
BACK TO SCHOOL
July 18, 2019
PARAMOUNT ACADEMY K-8 Public Charter School 11039 W. Olive Ave. • Peoria, AZ 85345
623-977-0614 • paramountacademy.com HOMHEE OF TRS! TIGE
Back-To-Basics Education Strong Academic Foundations
All-Day Kindergarten • School Uniforms • Before & After School Programs
Extracurricular Sports
Computers, PE & Theatre
One FREE Uniform Polo* for all NEW ENROLLMENTS!
*Must present ad to receive free polo. Polo will be provided at open house.
After School Clubs
ATTENTION PARENTS! Are you ready for a change in your child’s education?