Owls Nest Newsletter

Welcome Back Owl Family!

Happy New Year! We hope you had a wonderful break filled with joy and relaxation. As we kick off the new year, we want to extend a warm welcome back to all our students and their families.

As we dive into this semester, we want to remind everyone about the importance of good attendance, being on time, and staying organized. These habits lay the foundation for a successful academic journey. Regular attendance and punctuality ensure that students don't miss out on valuable learning opportunities.

We encourage all students to make the most of the resources and support available from our dedicated teachers, counselors, student support and staff. Whether you need help understanding a challenging concept or guidance on your academic journey, our team is here for you. Don't hesitate to reach out and take advantage of the assistance available.

-Principal Daniels

Getting involved in clubs and sports is a fantastic way to enhance your school experience. It's an opportunity to make new friends, develop skills, and create lasting memories. We have a variety of clubs and sports to suit different interests, so we encourage you to explore the options and find something that resonates with you.

This semester is a blank canvas waiting to be filled with new experiences, achievements, and growth. Let's work together to make it a successful and fulfilling chapter in your academic journey. Here's to a fantastic year ahead!

...

🎄✨ Agua Fria High School's 5th Annual Angel Tree was a triumph with 120 participants, including 52 Agua Fria and 68 from feeder schools (AMS, LC, MAS & ECF). Each received 8-10 gifts, from clothing to toys, and outreach extended to family food boxes, hygiene products, and grocery gift cards for those in need.

💖 Your generosity totaled over $30,000 in donations, distributing 1,200 gifts, 30 food boxes, 120 hygiene bags, and 120 grocery gift cards.

🙏 Gratitude to supporters—Ken Garff Kia Avondale, DLR, CHASSE, and Helping Children Succeed—for making this possible.

🤝 The success is a result of collaborative efforts, from our community liaison, social worker, specialists, student council, clubs, and senior citizens from the Senior to Senior program.

❤️ The Angel Tree event wasn't just a logistical triumph; it resonated emotionally, capturing the true spirit of the holiday season. Thank you for making it a season of joy and giving! 🌈🎁 #AngelTreeSuccess #CommunitySpirit #HolidayCheer

Embark on an exploration of youth mental well-being by Touchstone Services, and a therapeutic Paint Night on February 13th, from 5:00 to 7:30 PM, where creativity becomes a canvas for self-expression and reflection. Spaces are limited so make sure to include total persons attending. Register Here.

Our International Language classes celebrated Día de los Reyes Magos. The day was made memorable by the participation and the generosity of Mr. Murillo, whose donation of Rosca de Reyes significantly contributed to the event's success. Check out the attached photos to relive the cultural richness and joy shared during this special day.

All absences except for medically excused count towards the 10 your student is allowed per semester. With the new semester, the students started with a clean slate. At 5 unexcused absences your student will be placed on an attendance plan and you will be contacted to discuss that. Email reminders will be sent home if your student reaches 6 absences, 8 absences and 10 absences. After 10 absences your child risks losing credit for classes due to attendance. If you have any questions regarding attendance please do not hesitate to reach out to the school.

Diana Martinez

Diana at 14 years old began the season playing goalie for varsity after never playing in that position before! Her character growth on and off the field has been such an experience to witness on and off of the pitch! Diana has also continued to be a stellar student-athlete. She continues to put her school work at the top of her priority list. Thank you Diana, for always working hard and remaining positive. Great job Diana!
– Coaches Butler and Sanchez

Karla Mendez

Karla is a senior and stepped right into a leadership role with our program back in the spring and summer when we started getting ready for our summer play. Karla had 4 A's and 2 B's in the first semester and teachers have told me how much of an example she has been in their classes. Karla is the fastest player we have and is always pushing the next 3 girls to try and beat her when we condition. Karla rarely comes out of games and always gives us 100% in practice and games. She is our energizer bunny......always keeps going and going and going. Karla was voted to the AZ Lutheran All Tourney team from our school over Christmas break and in one game hit 5 three pointers to try and bring us back for the win. We look forward to the rest of our season with Karla being a captain, an example and also bringing the rest of the team together in practice and games.
– Coach Polvino

Albert Laracuente

Albert is currently 22-8, placing 3rd place at the Wickenburg Invitational, 3rd place at Big Red, and 6th place at Desert Storm in Utah. Albert is an exceptional leader not only in the wrestling program but across campus. His involvement with link crew ensuring that all incoming students/freshman feel accepted at Agua Fría is something that all students remember. His willingness to be their first friend, genuine about it as well not just for the day, is what all new students love. He is vocal when needed but his “nose to the grindstone” work ethic with is what others in the room follow the most. He is someone that EVERY adult can rely on and will give you the shirt off his back if needed.
-Coaches Richmond and Higuera

Senior Information: Class of 2024 just a reminder of some important info and dates. Please check these out and if you have any questions, please reach out to Assistant Principal, Kristen Tiffany ktiffany@aguafria.org

Cap and Gown purchases are made through Jostens at jostens.com. Please buy your cap and gown no later than February for a March delivery on campus.

Graduation is Saturday May 18 at 4:30pm at State Farm Stadium. More details regarding arrival time, parking and dress code coming soon.

Some additional important dates include:

January 23-Senior Panoramic during Advisory

February 13-Senior Class Meeting during Advisory

February 29-Deadline to submit to speak at graduation

May 2-Senior Social (mandatory event)

May 7-Senior Honor and Awards Night

May 16-Graduation practice (mandatory event)

May 18-Graduation

Through a grant, Varsity Tutors is available to all Agua Fria students until May 2025. Students can access this through their clever account.

They offer the following:

• On-Demand Chat
• On-Demand Essay Review
• ACT, PSAT, SAT Prep
• Live Enrichment Classes

Counselors will be visiting our 8th grader feeder schools in the month of January. Registration for incoming 9th graders will be from January 19th to February 2nd. Please make sure to complete registration as soon as possible so students have an opportunity to get the elective they want for 9th grade.

The FAFSA is now open. Families can compete applications here.

Agua Fria School District has been working with Billy’s Place to help support our grieving students. The counseling team and social worker will be starting a small grief group for students who have suffered from a loss of a loved one. Please contact our social worker, Lisa Montijo, at emontijo@aguafria.org if your student is interested in participating.

Counselors: Jennifer Ferrante-Jackson Students with last names A-D, T, U

jferrantejack@aguafria.org

Jill Goodall Students with last names E-K, Q, R

jgoodall@aguafria.org

Bill Lucas Students with last names L-P

blucas@aguafria.org

Azalea Flores-Moreno Students with last names S, V-Z and all ELL students

afloresmoreno@aguafria.org

If you have a question or want to speak to an administrator at any time during the year, please reference the alphabetical breakdown below. A specific administrator is assigned to students based on their last name.

A-C-Mr. Jovanelly jjovanelly@aguafria.org

D-J-Ms. Tiffany ktiffany@aguafria.org

K-P-Mr. Gardner agardner@aguafria.org

Q-Z-Ms. Alickovic aalickovic@aguafria.org

Principal Autumn Daniels adaniels@aguafria.org

Regular Communication

Email and the Remind App will be our primary source of communication with parents and students this year. The email address used will be the primary email given at registration. Parents are also automatically added to Remind through the contact information provided in your enrollment paperwork. Students’ Remind accounts are automatically created for students using their student email account.

Join us on the Remind App @aguafriahi

Here are directions to join Remind

Social Media

Click here for all of our Social Media accounts

Website: www.aguafria.org/afhs

Facebook: Agua Fria High School

Twitter: Agua Fria High School @aguafriaowls

Instagram: @aguafriaowls

AFHS Broadcast Student Announcements