APRIL 25, 2012
3rd graders dream and succeed: “Climb to the Top” rock wall to be revealed at Desert Sun Elementary
CAVE CREEK – A ribbon cutting of a brand-new indoor rock-climbing wall will be held on April 27, 2012 at Desert Sun Elementary School. The ribbon cutting event comes after the hard work of young students who wanted a more exciting and active way to spend their recess and PE time in the early days of the school year when playing outside in the Arizona sun is not an option.
When school started in August 2011 and the temperatures were still triple digits, kids at Desert Sun Elementary School had to play inside. Becka Korn, age 8 and a third grader, had an idea to build an indoor climbing wall for all grade levels to use. After discussing her idea with her parents and brother, Becka decided to put together a team of other students, including classmate Maja Agranius, to brainstorm ways they could raise funds for the climbing wall.
The kids held a lemonade and cookie stand in September 2011, and raised $84.25. Following that, Becka wrote a letter to Kit Crawford, owner of the company Clif Bar, asking for help. Moved by the request, Crawford sent 300 Clif Bars for the students to use to request donations for their Climbing Wall project. Becka sent a sincere thank-you note, as well as a photo.
Shortly thereafter, Desert Sun received a check from Clif Bar Company for $1,000, earmarked for the project. After seeing the tireless efforts of the kids, the Desert SUN PTO agreed to pay the remainder of the budget to complete the project.
The 7 p.m. cutting and dedication ceremony will also honor Becka and Maja for their hard work and perseverance.
Who: 3rd Graders Becka Korn and Maja Agranius
What: “Climb to the Top” climbing wall project dedication and reveal
When: Friday, April 27th 7:00 p.m.
Where: Desert Sun Academy Multi-Purpose Room
APRIL 25, 2012
Bella Vista College Preparatory School graduates first class
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Bella Vista College Preparatory School, one of Arizona’s leading edge learning institutions, will graduate its first group of high school students, three of whom participated in its Early College program, with top honors. Bella Vista College Preparatory School, the only private school with the Early College program, partners with Paradise Valley Community College and Arizona’s three state colleges as part of the program.
Bella Vista College Preparatory School allows its students to go through a block program over a two-year period to earn 35 hours of college credit. Different from dual enrollment programs, students can test into the Early College program and attend classes at the college. According to Principal Lisa Artenian, the courses are selected for Bella Vista students, who take them at the select college campus: 12 hours during their junior year, three hours during the summer and 20 hours during their senior year over a two-year period (in addition to regular high school courses). Graduation from Early College took place at Paradise Valley Community College on April 24.
Bella Vista’s high school graduation will take place on May 18 at 7 p.m. at the Holland Center.
“All of our students meet or exceed AIMS and two have the region’s highest scholarship honors,” says Artenian.
Bella Vista College Preparatory School, which serves kindergarten through high school, offers innovative curriculums and customized programs that incorporate problem solving, critical thinking, global awareness and technology into everyday instruction. Bella Vista College Preparatory School is located at 33401 N. 56th Street, Scottsdale, Arizona, 85255.
APRIL 25, 2012
Cactus Shadows High School Graduation
Cactus Shadows High School Graduation will take place Thursday May 24 at 7 p.m. at Phoenix First Assembly located at 13613 N. Cave Creek Road in Phoenix. This location was selected to accommodate the largest Cactus Shadows High School graduating class and their families and friends.
Mandatory Meetings
All seniors who are participating in the graduation ceremony are required to attend the three mandatory meetings on May 21, 22 and 23. Seniors will check in at each meeting and receive important information related to the graduation ceremony and closing out their high school experience.
Seniors should make arrangements early with their employers to attend the three mandatory morning meetings. Seniors should plan on attending each day from 8 a.m. to noon.
Information that is provided to the seniors at the mandatory meetings will be placed on the school website after the completion of each meeting. Parents are strongly encouraged to review the information.
Event Calendar for Seniors
May 17 – 18
Senior exams given during regular scheduled school days
Senior textbooks returned and all debts cleared in bookstore
May 21
Counselors notify seniors who are not participating in ceremony
Mandatory Senior Meeting 8:00 a.m.-noon FAC
Senior Awards Ceremony 6:30 p.m. FAC
May 22
Mandatory Senior Meeting 8:00 a.m.-noon FAC
Choir and Speakers practice 2:30-3:30 p.m. at Phoenix First
May 23
Senior Breakfast 8:00-9:00 a.m. on site with location TBA
Mandatory Senior Meeting and Slide Show 9:00 a.m.-noon FAC
