FUSD Newsletter
MAY 2024
A PDF version is available
Jeremiah Smith of Coconino High School is named the Coconino County Teacher of the Year and Emily Cartwright of Marshall Elementary School is named Rookie Teacher of the Year. Photos, top: Jeremiah Smith accepting his award. Bottom: Emily Cartwright accepting her award.
Smith Named Teacher of the Year, Cartwright Named Rookie Teacher of the Year
2023-2024 End of Year Message
As we close the Flagstaff Unified School District’s (FUSD) 2023-2024 school year, I’m filled with immense pride for all we accomplished together. Our students shined with persistence and ownership for their learning, and cultivated valuable skills for their future. This wouldn’t have been possible without the support and partnership of our families. You strengthened our schools and fostered a sense of community that truly mattered.
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Photos, top: Jordan Morales who was Superintendent for the day meets with Ginger Stevens, director of Finance and Business Services, in the Superintendent’s Office to discuss the school district budget. Middle: Valerie Angello and staff at Coconino High School enjoy a Pancake Breakfast served by Superintendent Penca and members of the Cabinet. Bottom: Superintendent Penca helping a student in Ms. Morales’ fifth grade class.
FUSD Workplace Campaign Raises $7,852 for United Way
In a remarkable show of community spirit and generosity, participants in the 2023 Flagstaff Unified School District (FUSD) workplace campaign raised a substantial $7,852 for the United Way of Northern Arizona. This contribution will support local organizations and KinderCamp, an initiative benefiting young children within the school district and community.
NAU Basketball Players Visit Knoles for a Day of Fun, Learning
On April 19, kindergarten students at Knoles Elementary School were treated to a special visit from Northern Arizona University (NAU) women’s basketball team members. The students had the opportunity to interact with the athletes, play games, and learn some basketball basics.
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DeMiguel Elementary School Launches Inaugural “Space Week”
DeMiguel Elementary School proudly launched its first “Space Week” from May 6-10, inviting K-5 students and staff to embark on an exciting space exploration journey.
To kick off Space Week, all students had the opportunity to tour the Walker Observatory. Under the expert guidance of Mary Lara, a former DeMiguel teacher and current Walker Observatory director, Michelle Weidinger, a 5th-grade teacher at DeMiguel, and Ed Anderson, an astronomer from Northern Arizona University (NAU), students peered through telescopes and witnessed the sun flares.
Lara has been instrumental in the observatory’s activities. She led the tours during Space Week, with Weidinger facilitating the telescope viewing. Lara’s dedication and passion for astronomy have been a driving force behind this initiative.
Walker Observatory houses a 14” Newtonian reflector telescope, originally willed by Kenneth Walker, an educator and amateur astronomer from Holbrook, Arizona. In 2001, the dome and telescope were moved from their original location to DeMiguel Elementary School, with the observatory foundation constructed entirely with donations and volunteer labor. The observatory has recently undergone a refurbishment project to ensure its usability for future generations.
Thanks to Lara’s dedication to astronomy education, the DeMiguel community has experienced a significant impact. The week-long Space Week event has not only enriched the students’ knowledge of space but also ignited their curiosity and passion for astronomy. This event has paved the way for a bright future for the young explorers at DeMiguel Elementary School, ensuring a continued interest in space exploration.
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CHS, FHS Join Forces to Cultivate Sustainability and Community Engagement
In an inspiring display of cross-campus collaboration, Coconino High School (CHS) and Flagstaff High School (FHS) have embarked on a joint project aimed at promoting sustainability and agricultural literacy. The initiative, led by Francy Solarte, Spanish Teacher at CHS, and Nicole Taylor, ELL Specialist at FHS, focuses on the theme “sustainability requires accessibility.”
CocoNuts Achieve Top Honor with 2024 FIRST Championship Impact Award
The CocoNuts, the robotics team of Coconino High School, secured the prestigious 2024 FIRST Championship Impact Award, entering the FIRST Hall of Fame after a competitive event from April 17-20.
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Breannah Harvey
CCC Honors Breannah Harvey with Prestigious Dual Enrollment Award
Coconino High School celebrates the outstanding achievements of senior Breannah Harvey, who has been honored with the Dual Enrollment Student of the Year award by Coconino Community College (CCC). This remarkable recognition highlights Breannah’s dedication to excellence in her academic pursuits.
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FUSD Receives Grant for New Health Screening Equipment
The Flagstaff Unified School District (FUSD) has been awarded a generous grant to enhance its health services with new hearing and vision screening equipment. This significant contribution will benefit all health offices within the district and the preschool evaluation program.
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FUSD to Sponsor Summer Food Service Program Starting June 3
The Flagstaff Unified School District will sponsor the Summer Food Service Program to ensure all children in the community, ages 18 and under, have access to nutritious meals during the summer months.
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FLAGSTAFF UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
3285 East Sparrow Avenue, Flagstaff, AZ 86004
(928) 527-6000 | www.fusd1.org