SanTanValley.com

Congratulations to the Battle of the Books team from Harmon Elementary, Ms. Carrie Forst-Sponsor, students Chesley Udall, Rachel Alger and Brian Bishop as they secured the “win” at the Regional Championship. The competition took place at the Chandler Center for Performing Arts on May 14.

Harmon beat out all of the top three teams from each of the six East Valley School Districts competing. The team from Harmon did not miss a single question throughout the entire year and did a phenomenal job! Kudos to the other two teams from the Combs District who had great performances, Ranch Elementary and Combs Traditional Academy who also competed at the Regional Championship.

The Advanced Band recently performed three pieces at the Arizona Band/Orchestra Directors Association (ABODA) Elementary/Junior High Band Festival on April 25th.

This year, the J.O. Combs Unified School District has partnered with Banner Ironwood in a Student of the Month program which recognizes one student every month from each of our schools. There is a selection process in place where students get recognized for the various pillars of the Character Counts Program which include Responsibility, Trustworthiness, Citizenship, Caring, Respect and Fairness. This presentation will take place each month at our Regular Governing Board Meeting where a representative from Banner Ironwood Hospital will be in attendance to present each student with a Certificate of Special Recognition.  A photograph will be taken with the representative from Banner Ironwood, the Governing Board, and Superintendent Gayle A. Blanchard.

Kim Myers was acknowledged as Poston Butte's Classified Employee of the Year.

"Kim assumes a task without complaint and then goes on to complete the task competently and with confidence," stated Principal Bob Pappalardo, "Kim is a very conscientious individual.

This year, the J.O. Combs Unified School District has partnered with Banner Ironwood in a Student of the Month program which recognizes one student every month from each of our schools.

There is a selection process in place where students get recognized for the various pillars of the Character Counts Program which include Responsibility, Trustworthiness, Citizenship, Caring, Respect and Fairness.

At Coolidge Unified School District’s March 6th regular Governing Board meeting, Governing Board Student Character Awards were presented to students from San Tan Valley schools.

This award is given to students who best demonstrate any or all of the Character Counts! traits of Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring and Citizenship.

Michelle Sobkoviak, principal at Circle Cross Ranch K-8 in the Florence Unified School District, will be moving out of state at the end of the school year, following her husband, who has accepted a new position in Illinois. Today, at the request of Dr. Amy Fuller, Rebecca Hendry, principal at Magma Ranch K-8, has accepted a lateral transfer to be the principal at Circle Cross Ranch K-8 for the upcoming 2013-14 school year.

Combs High School and J.O. Combs Middle School students recently submitted entries to the 3rd Annual Pinal County Scholastic Essay Contest. The essay topic was “What is the importance of the science of archeology to Pinal County”.

The San Tan Valley Preschool Head Start and Early Head Start programs are now accepting applications. Preschool Head Start is a center based program for 4 year olds. Priority is given to low income families, homeless families, and families with children that have a disability. This is a kindergarten readiness program that provides health and family services.

As Florence USD continues its evolution to excellence, we find ourselves in a year of great change; a new superintendent, new Board officers, and several changes in school leadership positions. What has not changed is our focus on KIDS FIRST. Every decision we make is grounded in student safety, achievement and growth. I am contacting you today to let you know that I will be a part of this ongoing evolution.