Summit School Newsletter

Dear Summit Community,

I hope this message finds you well and rejuvenated after a restful holiday break spent with loved ones. Welcome back to school for the second semester! We're thrilled to have each and every one of you back on campus, ready to dive into another semester of learning, growth, and shared experiences.

On a personal note, I am delighted to share some exciting news with you all. On December 15, my first grandchild, Luka, was born! As you can imagine, our family is overjoyed, and we are very proud grandparents.

I am looking forward to reconnecting with all of you and hearing about your holiday adventures. Let's make the second semester memorable and filled with success and joy.

Here's to a fantastic semester ahead!

Warm regards,

Dr. Stephanie Nardi

I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education from Arizona State University. I have taught at Tempe Union High School and in the Mesa Public School District over the course of 10 years.

I have a passion for working with students with special needs and decided to go back to ASU for Speech and Hearing Science. I became a speech therapist and worked with a private company providing services to children and adults with autism and other speech and language deficits.

I had my son in 2017 and decided to become a full-time parent. He is now in first grade at Summit School.

I started working at Summit in the fall of 2023 as a substitute teacher to get back in the workforce and immediately took a long-term substitute position in first grade for eight weeks. I have also served for five years as the Board Secretary for Pawsitive Friendships, an organization that provides therapy animals to schools, doctors offices, hospitals, and private facilities.

I am originally from Yuma, Arizona. I graduated from the University of Arizona in 2006 with a

Bachelor’s in Education. I earned a Master's degree from Arizona State University in 2009 in Curriculum & Instruction and in 2019 I received a Master's from Northern Arizona University in Educational Leadership. My teaching experience includes Junior High Mathematics, Academic Coach, Literacy Coach, Academic Interventionist, Fifth Grade Mathematics & Language Arts, Assistant Principal, and running my own tutoring business to support students in Mathematics and Language Arts instruction.

I married my husband Jeremy in 2013. We have three daughters, Jillian age 10, Julia age 8, and Jessa age 3. In my free time I enjoy running and training for half marathons, baking, and family time. Teaching is my passion and math is my favorite subject. I look forward to getting to know the Summit School community and building positive relationships with students and their families. My goal is for students to feel empowered and confident in their math skills while challenging them to make significant gains.

World-class mountaineer, adventurer, coach, teacher and speaker Kevin Cherilla was presented with a miniature version of the Summit School of Ahwatukee flag to carry with him on his climb to the summit of Mt. Everest.

Summit students were awed by Cherilla's multi-media presentation. He educated the students about the very real dangers and physical challenges the climb would present. Students learned that 90% of the climbers who attempt to reach the top of Mt. Everest fail. Some die in pursuit of this lofty goal. They also learned that despite the odds, climbers can succeed and this success is contingent on many factors - mental and physical preparation, patience, determination and teamwork. In particular, Cherilla focused on the role of "patience".

Upon on his return from Mt. Everest, he commented to Kathy Evans, Summit School of Ahwatukee Assistant Principal, that he used his own advice when he had to turn back on his initial attempt at the summit of Mt. Everest and wait another two weeks before finally succeeding.

From April to June (2007) Summit students tracked Cherilla's progress to the 29,035 foot summit using images from "Google Earth". He spent 46 days on the mountain last spring in his first attempt to climb it.

Congratulations to these Sabrecats for being sent to Mrs. France with POSITIVE office referrals!

Mr. Pray said, "Matthew is incredible at working with and mentoring the preschool kids during enrichment class. They love being around him and he sets an awesome example."

Mr. Pray said, "Declan is extremely unselfish and looks out for others. He is also an extremely hard worker who wants to be challenged."

Mr. Pray said, "Nathan has the best manners. He is always concerned for others and does whatever he can to help when needed."

Mr. Pray said, "Ries exemplifies the best manners. He takes initiative to help others and he sets an incredible example for preschoolers during enrichment class."

Mr. Pray said, "Ethan really tries to engage with preschoolers during enrichment class. He sets a great example for them!"

Mr. Pray said, "Melissa sets an incredible example for the preschoolers during enrichment class."

Ms. Horne stated, "I can always count on Layla to work hard, be a good listener, and be respectful to others during class."

Ms. Horne stated, "Margot was so helpful before break as she brought her classmates their water bottles and returned two balls to the ball cart after recess. This shows a true caring for our school!"

Happy New Year! Wishing all our incredible alumni a year filled with cherished memories, continued success, and endless joy. Today we throw it back to the heartwarming visit in 2006 when alumni from the class of 2006 and former principal, Kate Ford, came to visit Mrs. France to welcome baby Marissa into our Summit community. Marissa is currently a senior and working at Summit in extended day! Let's celebrate the journey that brought us all together and the milestone we've achieved since. Here's to the bonds formed, the growth experienced and the bright future for all ahead! May this year bring you all happiness, prosperity and many more shared moments of connection and achievement. #summitschoolaz #summitalumni #sabrecatpride

Did you know that you qualify for significant tuition reimbursement through the Arizona Universal ESA program if you have a Summit Student in K-8? This program is designed to support families in securing the best education for their children.

To discover more about the Arizona Universal ESA program and how it can benefit your family, we encourage you to visit our dedicated Tuition Assistance page at https://summitschoolaz.org/tuition-assistance/. Here, you will find valuable information, resources, and guidance on the reimbursement process.

For any specific inquiries or assistance related to the program, please do not hesitate to contact Carrie Slade at Carrie.Slade@SummitSchoolAZ.org. She will be more than happy to address your questions and provide personalized support.

At Summit School, we are committed to making high-quality education accessible to all families. We believe that this program can make a significant difference in your educational journey, and we are here to assist you every step of the way.

Thank you for being part of our Summit School community, and we look forward to helping you explore this valuable opportunity.

The Diaper Drive kicks off January 3! Please plan to join the Student Council to collect as many diapers as possible in the month of January. Donations can be accepted in the form of cash, deliveries from Amazon etc., or brought into the classrooms. Can we collect more than 15,000 diapers this year?

"Diaper needs are a growing problem in our country. A clean diaper means a happy baby, but according to new data from The NDBN Diaper Check 2023: Diaper Insecurity among U.S. Children and Families, 1 in 2 U.S. families cannot afford enough diapers to keep their infant or child clean, dry, and healthy. These babies are more vulnerable to painful rashes and urinary tract infections and have more trips to the doctor. 3 in 5 parents miss work or school because they can’t afford the diapers required to leave their baby in Childcare. Clean diapers are a basic need of every baby and toddler." - National Diaper Bank Network

Wednesday, January 17

Presented by science

Wednesday, January 31

Presented by kindergarten

Wednesday, February 14

Presented by grade 1

• Guardians are responsible for transporting their children to and from school.

• Guardians and visitors must park in designated lined parking spaces only.

• Do not park in such a way to hinder the flow of traffic or jeopardize the safety of children.

• Parking is not allowed along the red curbs.

• Do not park in the designated spaces purchased by guardians at the annual Summit School Auction.

• State law prohibits neglect and endangerment of children. Never leave children unattended in a vehicle at any time, and always use car seats and seat belts.

• Students cannot be dropped off in the parking lots.

• Pedestrians are not permitted to cut through the carline.

• Please do not try to meet with teachers while they are supervising carline.

• There is no use of wireless phones (or other digital devices) while in the carline.

• At dismissal, please do not arrive earlier than 15 minutes before your child’s dismissal, time as this blocks our fire lane and inhibits emergency vehicles from entering our facility.

• Summit School is not responsible for damage to vehicles or theft. Please secure all valuables and use caution while moving through the parking lot and carline areas.

• Key fobs will allow access to campus on scheduled school days at the following times/locations:

• Front Office doors during office hours (7:45 AM – 3:45 PM)

• Front blue gate during drop off (8:00 AM – 8:15 AM), pick up (3:15 PM – 3:30 PM) and afternoon extended day (3:30 PM – 6:00 PM)

• Front Office doors will be unlocked for drop off until 8:30 AM. After 8:30 AM, K-8 students must be walked into the office by an adult that will need to sign the student in to school using the School Check In system located in the front office.

• When leaving campus, you must exit through the Front Office during the school day (8:15 AM – 3:15 PM) and not through the outdoor gates.

Email: Summit.School@SummitSchoolAZ.org
Website: https://summitschoolaz.org/
Location: 4515 E Muirwood Dr, Phoenix, Arizona 85048, USA
Phone: 480.403.9500
Facebook: www.facebook.com/SummitSchoolAZ
Twitter: @SummitSchoolAhw