Tag Archives: Education

Young hunters wanted for Pintail Slough Youth Waterfowl Camp

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KINGMAN — Young hunters who want to learn all about waterfowl hunting are invited to attend the annual Pintail Slough Junior Waterfowl Camp, sponsored by the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) and Havasu National Wildlife Refuge.

The camp will take place Jan. 5-7, 2024 (hunters check in Jan. 5) at Havasu National Wildlife Refuge. The deadline to register is Nov. 10. The event is limited to 18 hunters between ages 12 and 17 (each must be accompanied by an adult). No prior experience is necessary.

All young hunters will learn how to identify, hunt and field-dress waterfowl before putting those skills to use in the Pintail Slough duck blinds.

“If you aren’t getting out, you’re missing out,” said Cody Johnston, wildlife manager supervisor. “This is a great opportunity for parents to get outside with their kids and enjoy the outdoors.”

To request an application, contact Jessica Stephens at jstephens@azgfd.gov, or call AZGFD’s regional office in Kingman at 928-692-7700. A refundable $40 registration fee is required. All participants will be chosen through a random draw and notified by email or telephone.

CCSO Deputies Investigate Unfounded Bomb Threat to Cromer School

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Flagstaff – On August 17, 2023 at approximately 9:00 PM CCSO received a tip that a subject had threatened to “set a bomb off at their daughter’s school.” After further investigation, it was determined this was Cromer School in the Doney Park area north of Flagstaff.

CCSO, in conjunction with the Flagstaff Unified School District, worked through the night and were ultimately able to determine this threat to be unfounded. Deputies and school officials immediately responded to and cleared the school of any suspicious objects or devices. Deputies were able to contact the subjects named in the threat and determine that the threat was baseless.

After assessing the information garnered from the investigation, FUSD determined it was safe to continue with a normal school day. Deputies will remain in the area of Cromer School, but at this point in time there is no information indicating there is any danger stemming from this threat.

CCSO Detectives continue to investigate the tip and its origins. We are unable to release any additional information at this time. If anyone has information regarding this case or any other investigation, they are urged to contact CCSO at 928-774-4523 or Coconino County Silent Witness at 928-774-6111.

Applicants Sought for Three School District Governing Board Vacancies in Coconino County

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FLAGSTAFF — Coconino County Superintendent of Schools Cheryl Mango-Paget is seeking applicants for appointment for the following School District Governing Boards:

Applicants must be Arizona registered voters and residents of the school district for at least one year prior to the date of appointment. Applicants or their spouses cannot be an employee of the district.

Applications can be downloaded at this address: http://www.coconino.az.gov/schoolboardapplication

Completed applications may be submitted by email to mdespain@coconino.az.gov, by fax to 928-526-1469, or by mail addressed to:
Coconino County School Superintendent, 2384 N Steves Blvd, Flagstaff, AZ 86004

For all applications an original, signed document is required. The deadline to submit is January 31, 2023, by 5 p.m.

An advisory committee may be assembled consisting of district residents and a current
board member to conduct interviews and advise Superintendent Mango-Paget on the appointments.

For more information, please contact Michelle Despain, program coordinator for the Coconino County Superintendent of Schools office, at 928-679-8070 or email – mdespain@coconino.az.gov.

Coconino County Education Service Agency Creating a Culture of Educator Appreciation

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FLAGSTAFF — In honor of Teacher Appreciation week, Coconino County Superintendent of Schools, Cheryl Mango-Paget asks us all to take some time to thank the exemplary educators of Coconino County who have made a difference in the lives of our children.

“This is the value of the teacher, who looks at a face and says there is something behind that and I want to reach that person, I want to influence that person, I want to encourage that person, I want to enrich, I want to call out that person who is behind that face, behind that color, behind that language, behind that tradition, behind that culture. I believe you can do it. I know what was done for me.”

—Maya Angelou

In honor of Teacher Appreciation week, Coconino County Superintendent of Schools, Cheryl Mango-Paget asks us all to take some time to thank the exemplary educators of Coconino County who have made a difference in the lives of our children. Think of an educator you know who connects with students, helps them experience and understand the world around them, introduces them to subjects in new ways, and inspires them to take agency over their future. We ask you to take the time to thank these exemplary educators for their work and service to our County’s schools and children.

During Teacher Appreciation Week the Coconino County Education Service Agency would like to congratulate and announce the 2021 Coconino County Teacher of the Year and Rookie Teacher of the Year nominees.

2021 Coconino County Teacher of the Year Nominees:

Alexander Casady, Flagstaff Arts & Leadership Academy
Gretchen Goodley, Sinagua Middle School
Laura Locke, Coconino High School-CAVIAT
Trina Siegfried, Williams Elementary/Middle School
Rosalina Aliboga, Page Middle School
Paul Barton, Sinagua Middle School
Antonia Rucker, Knoles Elementary School
Amy Zwisler-Smith, Kinsey Inquiry and Discovery School (Elementary)
Jessica Donnelly, Kinsey Inquiry and Discovery School (Elementary)
Joshua Brink, Desert View Intermediate School
Tim Begley, Killip Elementary School
Mark Lancaster, Northland Preparatory Academy
Francy Solarte, Coconino High School
Susan Burdick, Thomas Elementary School
Craig Howdeshell, Coconino High School
Donald Morris, Coconino High School
Steve Schober, Williams High School

2021 Coconino County Rookie Teacher of the Year nominees:

Addison Yacko, Sinagua Middle School
Jessica Spink, Sinagua Middle School
Larissa Maye Stack, Mount Elden Middle School
Camryn Donovan, Puente de Hózhó Elementary School
Alianah Mijares, Marshall Elementary School
Yomira Valenzuela, Knoles Elementary School
Angeline Danca (2 noms), Killip Elementary School

Coconino County appoints Cheryl Mango-Paget as Superintendent of Schools

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FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino County Board of Supervisors has appointed Cheryl Mango-Paget as Coconino County Superintendent of Schools effective immediately. Mango-Paget has served as the Associate Superintendent for Coconino County since 2012, holds a certificate to teach in schools in the state of Arizona, and holds Arizona administrator and superintendent certifications.

Mango-Paget has classroom experience as a teacher and administrator, and expertise and passion for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Education (STEM).

“I’m honored to serve Coconino County as the Superintendent of Schools,” said Mango-Paget. “Education is my passion and I look forward to continuing to improve the educational outcomes for our students and training for our teachers. Our future is built on the success we have educating the children and young adults of our county.”

“Coconino County’s educational mission will be well-served by Superintendent Mango-Paget. The Superintendent’s knowledge and
experience, and her passion for serving our children and community are evident. In light of the challenges facing Coconino County due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the board recognizes the need for leadership and continuity in the Office of the Superintendent. We are grateful to have a leader such as Superintendent Mango-Paget to guide this team into a bright future. The Board of Supervisors looks forward to working together with the Superintendent to continue the long history of excellence in education and supporting teachers in our county,”
commented Chairman Matt Ryan.

Mango-Paget earned both a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a Master of Science in Education from Indiana University. Mango-Paget will serve through December 31, 2022.

Grand Canyon School receives approval for ‘game-changing’ fiber project

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GRAND CANYON VILLAGE – A three-year effort by the Grand Canyon School District and the Town of Tusayan to bring high-speed Internet to the region has finally paid off.

A new 60-mile fiber line from near the City of Williams to the School will deliver bandwidth to students whose access to high-speed Internet lags badly behind other Arizona schools.

The $5.6 million project will be funded by the federal E-rate grant program that provides high-speed Internet to schools and libraries, along with a State of Arizona broadband initiative grant contained in Arizona Governor Doug Ducey’s fiscal year 2019 budget. Commnet Wireless, a telecommunications company with other projects and assets in Coconino County and the Navajo Nation, won the contract to build the fiber system.

Since its approval in late 2018, the project faced several hurdles, requiring appeals and a federal waiver to extend the project’s time frame. Representatives from the Grand Canyon School District and members of the Tusayan Town Council successfully worked with Arizona’s Congressional Delegation and federal agencies to secure the final approval from the Federal Communications Commission.

“I am beyond thrilled that this game-changing project was approved,” said Grand Canyon School District Superintendent Dr. Shonny Bria. “Our students will finally have the broadband access they desperately need to excel in school and into their future careers and lives. I am thankful for the Town of Tusayan’s teamwork and support in getting this across the finish line.”

Tusayan Mayor Craig Sanderson echoed Bria’s comments. “Since I’ve been Mayor, one of the top needs of local residents, businesses and tourists has consistently been high-speed Internet. This is a great start.” Sanderson said. “I’m proud that the Town of Tusayan could play a role in getting this project going for local students. In the long run, this will benefit us all.”

According to Commnet Wireless, the project is expected to commence in the coming weeks and will take 18 months to complete.

County Superintendent of Schools to host 2020 Spelling BEE

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FLAGSTAFF – Twenty-two Coconino County students will compete to be the top speller at the 2020 Coconino County Spelling BEE. The County BEE will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, February 8 in the Coconino High School mini-auditorium at 2801 N. Izabel Street, Flagstaff.

The 2020 Coconino County Spelling BEE consists of home, public, charter and private school-students from throughout the County who won their school or district Spelling Bee.

The Rotary Clubs from Flagstaff, Grand Canyon and Williams donate monetary prizes for the top three spellers. The clubs also provide experienced and qualified judges who determine if the contestants have spelled the words correctly.

The winner of the County Spelling BEE will advance to compete with 26 other top spellers at the state level. The Arizona Educational Foundation State Spelling Bee is scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday, March 21 at AZ PBS, 500 N. Central Avenue, 6th Floor, Phoenix, AZ 85004.

The winner of the state bee will represent Arizona at the 2020 Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. in late May or early June.

The County Spelling BEE is coordinated and hosted annually by the County Superintendent of Schools Office. Spectators are welcome to attend.

For information please contact Betsey Williams at (928) 679-8070 or e-mail bwilliams@coconino.az.gov.

Red Cross Offers Safety Tips as Students Are Back in School

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PHOENIX — The school bells are calling students back to the classroom and the American Red Cross wants to make sure your student is safe as they head back to school for the upcoming year.

“While safety is a top priority for all students, there are special steps for parents of younger kids and those headed to school for the first time,” said Jim Gilloon, Regional Communication Manager, “Make sure the child knows their phone number, address, how to get in touch with their parents at work, how to get in touch with another trusted adult and how to dial 9-1-1. Teach children not to talk to strangers or accept rides from someone they don’t know.”

SCHOOL BUS SAFETY

  • If children ride a bus to school, they should plan to get to their bus stop early and stand away from the curb while waiting for the bus to arrive. Cross the street at the corner, obey traffic signals and stay in the crosswalk.
  • Never dart out into the street or cross between parked cars.
  • Teach your student to board the bus only after it has come to a complete stop and the driver or attendant has instructed them to get on.
  • Kids should board their bus only, never an alternate one.
  • Make sure your student always stays in clear view of the bus driver and never walks behind the bus.

GETTING TO SCHOOL BY CAR, BIKE, ON FOOT

  • If children go to school in a car, they should always wear a seat belt. Younger children should use car seats or booster seats until the lap-shoulder belt fits properly (typically for children ages 8-12 and over 4’9”), and ride in the back seat until they are at least 13 years old.
  • If a teenager is going to drive to school, parents should mandate that they use seat belts. Drivers should not text or make calls use their cell phone and should avoid eating or drinking while driving.
  • Some students ride their bike to school. They should always wear a helmet and ride on the right in the same direction as the traffic is going.
  • When children are walking to school, they should only cross the street at an intersection, and use a route along which the school has placed crossing guards.
  • Parents should walk young children to school, along with children taking new routes or attending new schools, at least for the first week to ensure they know how to get there safely. Arrange for the kids to walk to school with a friend or classmate.

DRIVERS, SLOW DOWN!

Drivers should be aware that children are out walking or biking to school and slow down, especially in residential areas and school zones. Motorists should know what the yellow and red bus signals mean. Yellow flashing lights indicate the bus is getting ready to stop and motorists should slow down and be prepared to stop. Red flashing lights and an extended stop sign indicate the bus is stopped and children are getting on or off.

Motorists must stop when they are behind a bus, meeting the bus or approaching an intersection where a bus is stopped. Motorists following or traveling alongside a school bus must also stop until the red lights have stopped flashing, the stop arm is withdrawn, and all children have reached safety. This includes two and four-lane highways. If physical barriers such as grassy medians, guide rails or concrete median barriers separate oncoming traffic from the bus, motorists in the opposing lanes may proceed without stopping. Do not proceed until all the children have reached a place of safety.

PREPARE FOR EMERGENCIES Know what the emergency plan is at your child’s school in case a disaster or an unforeseen event occurs. Develop a family emergency plan so everyone will know who to contact and where to go if something happens while children are at school and parents are at work. Details are available at redcross.org/prepare.

TAKE A FIRST AID CLASS The Red Cross First Aid App provides instant access to information on handling the most common first aid emergencies whether it be before, during or after school. Download the app for free by searching for ‘American Red Cross’ in your app store or at redcross.org/apps. Learn and practice First Aid and CPR/AED skills by taking a course (redcross.org/takeaclass) so you can help save a life.

Superintendent seeking applicants for multiple Governing Board Seats

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FLAGSTAFF – Coconino County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Risha VanderWey is seeking applicants for appointment to five school districts. One seat is vacant in the Coconino Association for Vocations, Industry, and Technology (CAVIAT) Education District in Fredonia, Fredonia-Moccasin Unified School District, Grand Canyon Unified School District, Coconino Community College District #5 and three seats are open in Maine Consolidated School District.

Applicants must be Arizona registered voters and residents of the school district for at least one year prior to the date of appointment. Applicants or their spouses cannot be an employee of the district.

Application information:

Download the application at http://www.coconino.az.gov/schoolboardapplication
Deadline to submit is 5 p.m. on April 30
Submit by email to aterhaar@coconino.az.gov (live signature original required)
Submit by fax to 928-526-1469 (live signature original required)
Mail/Drop off: Coconino County School Superintendent, 2384 N Steves Blvd, Flagstaff, AZ 86004

An advisory committee may be assembled consisting of district residents and a current board member to conduct interviews and assist Superintendent VanderWey in the appointment process.

For more information, please call the Office of the Coconino County School Superintendent at 928-679-8070 or email: aterhaar@coconino.az.gov.

Governing Board applicants sought for appointment

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FLAGSTAFF – Coconino County Superintendent of Schools Risha VanderWey is seeking applicants for appointment for one seat on the Grand Canyon Unified School District Governing Board and two seats on the Maine Consolidated School District Governing Board.

Applicants must be Arizona registered voters and residents of the school district for at least one year prior to the date of appointment. Applicants or their spouses cannot be an employee of the district.

Application information:

An advisory committee may be assembled, consisting of district residents and a current board member to conduct interviews and advise Superintendent VanderWey on the appointments.

For more information, please call the Office of the Coconino County School Superintendent at 928-679-8070 or email: aterhaar@coconino.az.gov.