SanTanValley.com

By now you most likely have heard about the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. While Newtown is far away, Newtown families are near to our hearts. Early reports, not at all surprisingly, indicate that teachers and staff performed remarkably, putting themselves in harm’s way to protect their children, saving many young lives with their actions.

Although we cannot help but feel emotionally connected, there is no indication that this is anything but an isolated incident in a state far from Arizona, Even so, it is only natural that we look now at the security of those who are dearest to us. 

Florence Unified School District Board Members Bob Ingulli, Bob Dailey and Denise Guenther were recognized at the October 2012 FUSD Governing Board meeting for achieving awards for Boardsmanship. The awards, presented by the Arizona School Business Association (ASBA), honor school board members for personal efforts toward improvement; as incentive for voluntary board member in-service training; to promote the idea of better boardsmanship; and for service in ASBA, NSBA, or local board activities and events.

The Florence Unified School District announced today that Jennifer Pesato-Farrlley has joined the administrative team as the new Director of Curriculum. Ms. Pesato-Farrlley comes to FUSD with twelve years of teaching experience: six in New York and six in Arizona. Ms. Pesato-Farrlley obtained her National Board Certification in 2007. Her experience includes: Social Studies Advanced Placement (AP) Teacher, Coach, Advisor, and Facilitator.

We often hear and read that people are very resistant to change. Most certainly that is true. Oh, there are always a few folks who love to be on the bleeding edge and are happy to adopt new practices, but that sure isn’t the norm.

I’m a bit older than most who are reading this column, but I still think young – or I think I do. I get up at 4:30 or 5:00, jump in the shower, and get out loaded for bear and feeling great; then I look in the mirror and think, “Wow. Who is that old sucker looking back at me?”

Hilaria Courtright will be taking advantage of a full tuition waiver through the Arizona Board of Regent’s High Honors Tuition Scholarship (AIMS Scholarship) as she attends the University of Arizona in Tucson this fall. Ms. Courtright passed all three AIMS tests with an “Excelling” score to qualify for the renewable scholarship.