Owls Nest Newsletter

Hello Owls!

I would like to wish everyone a Happy Spring Break! We have done wonderful things as a community; let's take this time to reflect, rest, and re-energize!

We have a jam packed 4th quarter as we return from break so we hope you get in involved in one of our many community events and are getting geared up for testing season!

Warm regards,

Principal Daniels

We have one semester to finish strong! Step one to being successful at school is being here and on time.

As we come back from spring break, we are going to be marking tardies at the detectors. If a student is late after 7:15 bell we will ask them for their student ID to mark their tardies. We have noticed an influx of students arriving late especially to their first period. Throughout the day, students may notice campus safety, staff and admin sweeping them to classes to be on time and students that are roaming after the bell may also be marked for tardiness and asked to show their id and pass.

On March 4 at 8:10 AM we had a practice lockdown drill. Teachers were aware it was a drill but students were not made aware until just after the announcement was made. Our hope was that we could get an accurate understanding of how quickly everyone would respond.

We are working closely with the Avondale Police Department to ensure that all students and staff at Agua Fria High School will be safe in the event of an emergency that requires a lockdown.

Please take time to discuss with your student Monday’s drill and how they responded to it. It is of the utmost importance that we as a school family work together to take care of each other and help keep the campus safe.

If you have any questions about today's drill or our safety protocols please contact assistant principal Josh Jovanelly jjovanelly@aguafria.org.

Noah Booras was selected to attend the ALMA High School Journalism Workshop at Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at the ASU Downtown Phoenix Campus.

As a future sports broadcaster, he wanted to get his foot in the door and participate in the hands-on learning that the workshop had to offer. In the timed writing session, Noah got first place for his English-written article on the Arizona Cardinals, which came with a $150 cash prize.

Noah has been an elite sports writer since entering Journalism class in August and has already started a sports podcast with Journalism and Film, which he is also involved in. He is also on the baseball team here at school and is heavily interested in college and professional sports.

Also, feel free to listen to his podcast on Spotify if you haven't already. Click HERE to listen.

Kindly spare a few moments to participate in our 2024 Family Survey! Your valuable feedback is crucial as we strive for continuous enhancement in our family engagement efforts. We truly appreciate your input and contribution to our ongoing commitment to improvement. https://forms.gle/egUAGf6PdStfms8y7

Mark your calendars for an unforgettable day of artistic brilliance at the AFUHSD Fine Arts Showcase on March 23rd, from 8 am to 2 pm at Agua Fria High School! This district-wide event brings together the entire community for a celebration of creativity and talent. Enjoy captivating performances from our outstanding dance, band, choir, music, and theatre groups. Immerse yourself in a vibrant display of visual arts and indulge in culinary delights from local food trucks. Explore the creativity at our free workshops, engage with vendors, and partake in exciting activities for all ages. Don't miss this opportunity to support our students and witness the power of artistic expression. Save the date for a day filled with inspiration, talent, and a community united in the love of the arts!

Agua Fria is partnering with Avondale Parks and Recreation to celebrate the one thing AFHS has that sets us above the rest of the schools in the district and that is our historic connection with the West Valley Community. This 5k Fun Run/Walk will start on the AFHS Game Field and go around campus, showing off our new buildings, go down to Western Ave to show off "Old Avondale" and then come back to finish on the field with a BLOCK PARTY CELEBRATION.

We are trying to add 100 more participants by March 24th! We would LOVE to see Owl families represent!

Here is the link to registration bit.ly/AFHSHUSTLE

T-Shirt & Race Medal are included

Thank you so much for your support,

Join us to receive information on how to help your child with all the state & national tests. Register here: https://forms.gle/cvRR6Wyfp9agio7c7

🌍 Save the Date: Earth Day Activities Fair - 4/27!

Get ready for a day of eco-friendly fun and learning at the Earth Day Activities Fair on April 27th! Join us to support Agua Fria students as they showcase their academic and environmental projects.

🌱 Highlights:

-🌏 Earth Day Projects: Explore innovative solutions for a greener future.

- 🎨 Arts & Crafts: Unleash your creativity with earth-inspired crafts.

- 🍔 Food Trucks: Delight your taste buds with delicious bites from local food trucks.

- 🎶 Live Music: Groove to the beats of live music while enjoying the festivities.

- 🎁 Raffle Giveaways: Exciting prizes up for grabs in our Earth Day raffle!

- 🌈 Family Fun Activities: Engage in entertaining activities for all ages.

Mark your calendar and join us for a day filled with projects, activities, and community spirit. Together, let's celebrate our planet and support the next generation of environmental leaders!

Each year, schools across the country celebrate music programs during the month of March in our efforts to recognize the tremendous dedication and talent that our students demonstrate to our community year in and year out and showcase the role that a quality music program plays in the lives of young people.

Here are some facts about the choir program at Agua Fria:

This is the first year since prior to Covid that choir has had class for a full school year. The choir program has a total of 12 students enrolled and has 0 seniors.

I am looking forward to seeing the program grow under the direction of Mr. Tutnick!

Here are some facts about the band program at Agua Fria:

This year, the band program is graduating 14 seniors, most of whom have been involved in band since they were freshmen.

Fun Fact: 4 of these seniors plan to go into music education, music performance, or music production in college. In order to make it into music school, not only does a student need to academically make it into the University, but they must complete a music audition that includes instrumental aptitude, sight reading, sight singing, piano proficiency, and an interview.

Fun Fact: This year the marching band set the school record for high score in the AZMBA circuit not once, but twice.

Fun Fact: This year, the band is involved with many different activities where students get the opportunity to specialize in different areas, such as United Sound, a special needs band program that meets after school where the typically developing students serve as mentors and educators, an after school Jazz band, and both Winter Percussion & Winter Color guard, both of which are competitive teams that run from November through the beginning of April. This is all in addition to the standard marching band and concert band seasons.

How can I support the music programs?

We have several events during the Spring semester that you can attend to support our kids. All we ask is your time.

District Art Showcase: Saturday, March 23rd

School Musical: April 10th - April 12th

Winter Percussion State Championships: April 12th - April 13th

Winter Guard State Championships: April 5th - April 6th

Spring Concert featuring United Sound, Choir, Jazz Band, Concert Band, and Wigwam Middle School Band: May 6th

Did you know: In 2015, the Every Student Succeeds Act designated for the first time that music is part of a well-rounded education?

If you have any students involved in the AFHS music program, please give them a big congratulations on their accomplishments this year!

For more information on music education or Music in Our Schools Month please head to https://nafme.org/

On Saturday, February 10th, band senior Anasofia Carranza successfully auditioned for the Fred Fox School of Music at the University of Arizona. She will be attending UoA as a music education major as a trumpet student beginning this Fall. Congratulations Anasofia!

On Saturday, our winter percussion team made their WGI Debut, which is a national level competition circuit. Competing against top percussion programs from out of state and in state, our team made it past the preliminary show and into the finals, placing as the 9th best WGI winter percussion program in our division.

When the staff and I decided to attend WGI, we never imagined making it to finals and we just wanted to give the kids the experience of competing amongst the best. We had no clue that we would be in that same echelon.

We know that sometimes we get busy but it is extremely important that if your child is going to be out of school for the day that you notify us. Please call 623-932-7300 and select 2.

When you leave a message please include the following information: Childs Name and ID number, the day/date you are calling your child in and the reason.

Example: This is Sally Fields and I am the parent of Jake Fields ID# 12345, he will be out today Thursday the 8th because he is sick.

Please note that some days due to a high call volume we are unable to enter these absences until the end of the day and our automated phone calls may still call you but we will update the attendance at the end of every day.

Important Attendance Information

• Students who have 5 unexcused absences total in a class will be placed on a campus attendance plan and parents will be notified

• Students who have 10 unexcused absences total in a class will be placed on a campus appeals plan and could lose credit for those classes.

• Any student who has 10 unexcused absences in a row will be withdrawn and parents will need to re-enroll them before they can return.

If you have any questions, please reach out to our campus interventionist Ms. Hodgkin 623-932-7300 ext. 1083

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.

5/2 Senior Social 3pm-5pm *Mandatory event for Seniors *Wear cap & gown

5/6 Practice for Senior Honors Night 2:20pm-3:20pm

5/7 Senior Honors & Awards Night 6pm-7:30pm *Seniors report at 5:15pm *Wear gown, no cap

5/13 & 5/14 Half Days for Seniors (5/14 is last day for seniors)

5/15 Senior Checkout-Specific info to follow

5/16 Graduation Practice (New Gym) 8am-10:30am *Mandatory event for seniors

5/18 Graduation (State Farm Stadium) 4:30pm

*Seniors report 3:15pm

*Please take a look at the above dates and be sure to note all Mandatory dates for seniors.

*Information regarding directions to the stadium, student and family parking, graduate and family entrance gates, and where to meet graduates during the ceremony will be provided at practice, will be emailed to seniors and family, and will be posted on the website.

*Diplomas may be picked up May 20-May 23 in the Counseling Office.

**Seniors who were awarded athletic and/or academic scholarships, academic awards and/or joining the military will be invited to the Honors and Awards Night on May 7. Invitations will go out at the beginning of April. Students must self-report their scholarships (documentation may be required). A survey will be sent out to all seniors the week of 3/4.

***Dress Code for Graduation is formal. Clothes worn with the gown must be: dress pants & dress shirt with tie, dress pants or skirt with blouse, or a dress. Shoes must be: dress shoes-no sneakers or slippers. All attire will be checked upon entrance to the stadium. During the ceremony students will have their gowns fully zipped. All academic adornments can be worn at the graduation ceremony (stoles/cords). Cultural stoles may also be worn with the approval of administration (admin must see the stole for approval). No other adornments may be worn. Caps MAY NOT be decorated. If you have questions about senior events, please contact Assistant Principal, Kristen Tiffany ktiffany@aguafria.org

Dear Parents and Community Members,

The Way Out West Coalition and Youth4Youth had an overwhelming response to last year’s Community Views Survey. We have each of you to thank for that!

Over the past year, we have been working on multiple initiatives that address fentanyl, counterfeit pills, underage drinking, youth marijuana use, and vaping in our schools and community. It is important to gather the views and perceptions of those who live and work in our community regarding these substances as we work together to prevent youth substance use in our teens.

The survey can be completed from your smartphone, tablet, or computer and takes less than eight minutes. The survey is anonymous and will not ask for any personal data. Please complete the general demographic information at the end if you would be kind enough. Buckeye is a truly diverse community, and we want to ensure we are helping all youth reach their potential.

Survey Link:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WOWCommunitySurvey2024

Please share this link with your contacts in our community.

(For more information on Youth4Youth, visit: https://youth4youth.org or information regarding the Way Out West Coalition visit: https://www.wayoutwestcoalition.org/about/ )

Respectfully,

Youth4Youth and the WOW Coalition

Reminder to parents - there is no morning drop-off in the J Bus Loop off Dysart. This loop is for bus drop off only. All parent drop off should occur in the B Loop off Riley Dr. Please reach out to jjovanelly@aguafria.org if your child has special circumstances. Thank you!

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.

• Caesar joined esports last year at the end of the season and took on a game he did not know to ensure our team did not forfeit the remainder of the season. He worked hard every practice to learn the game and his teammates. This season he has at every practice and played in every game. No matter how hard the opponents he has a great attitude and never gives up. He is always asking for feedback on what he can do differently and is willing to offer advice to others as well. I can always count on Caesar to help me out with getting our games up and running and cleaning up after each match. - Coach Hodgkin

• Charles is an extremely hard-working and dedicated student-athlete! He maintains stellar grades (all As and Bs) in honors and AP classes, has *almost* perfect attendance for the year, attended over 80% of off season practices for volleyball, and is an active member of the student council. This season he has shown a strong work ethic, desire to improve, and leadership by offering support to his teammates. He is the first person to offer help to the coaches and players, never complains about a drill or workout, and is always giving 100% energy on the court. In class, he is one of the most attentive students I've ever taught and I love his drive to improve and work through challenging problems. If he doesn't understands something, he advocates for himself and is always willing to help those struggling around him. He is an exceptional student and volleyball player, and I've just been so impressed by him this year! He also CRUSHED it at the Owl Invitational this past weekend. :) - Coach Petruzziello

• Kierra was awarded our Owl Champion Of The Week and has really become the shining light for our softball program this year. Kierra has been all in and bought into our new coaching staff as well as welcomed the new athletes with open arms. Including our scrimmage, tournament games, and first three games of the season Kierra has hit for over .800 batting average (which is amazing). In addition to being an amazing student athlete on the field she also volunteers her time to the AFHS Unified Program and truly loves making connections on campus with various groups of students. - Coach Russell

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

Apply for Scholarships.

The FAFSA is 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.

The College and Career Center is offering FAFSA support for families on the following dates from 5:00-6:30 in the library:

Thursday, March 28th

Thursday, April 11th.

Summer Programs

Summer might seem a long way off but applications for programs are now open.

Take advantage of these opportunities to learn, grown, and have fun!

Something for everyone so check them out.

Cesar Chavez Leadership Institute:

Inspiring and motivating students to participate in the civic, economic and cultural life in their community. Selected applicants will get a week long residential experience at ASU.

Current 10th and 11th graders.

Dates: June 16-20, 2024.

Cost: FREE!

https://eoss.asu.edu/access/cesar-e-chavez-leadership-institute

RISE Summer Leadership Institute:

RISE Summer Leadership Institute is a residential college readiness program for Black and African American students entering 9th-12th grade.

Topics for the camp include but are not limited to: College Readiness, Choosing A Major, Black Excellence, Community Service, and Personal Growth

Date: Sunday June 23 - Thursday June 27, 2024

Location: ASU Tempe Campus

Cost: No cost to apply. If selected to attend, campers pay a $50 non-refundable registration fee.

Priority Deadline: February 23, 2024

Application Deadline: April 5, 2024

https://eoss.asu.edu/summer-program/riseleadershipinstitute

The Barrett Summer Scholars:

Students will have the opportunity to experience college firsthand and prepare for enrollment and success at Arizona State University and Barrett, the Honors College.

Who: Current 9, 10, 11th graders.

Eligibility: GPA 2.7 or higher.

Cost $1,000 (+$50 non-refundable deposit after notification of acceptance)

**Scholarships** are available to applicants who demonstrate financial need (free or reduced lunch).

Various dates and ASU locations. See application.

https://eoss.asu.edu/bss

ASU Universal Learners and

ASU Engineering Fast Track (EFT):

How it works. A new program from ASU. With U.L and EFT, high school students have a unique opportunity to start taking college classes online. Earn college credit without having to incur financial or GPA risks. $25 to take a class. Then $400 at the end of the class IF you want the class on your college transcript. Got a bad grade? Don't pay to add it to your transcript. Re-take it at another time or not at all.

Not going to ASU? Credits are transferable. 7.5 and 16 week online classes available.

Universal Learners= Many general classes. English, Marketing, Astronomy, etc.

https://ea.asu.edu/how-it-works/high-school-learners/

EFT= Just engineering types of classes. Math, Science, Computers, etc

https://engineering.asu.edu/programs/accelerated/fast-track/

UofA Summer Engineering Camps

Various summer programs for different grades and interests. Some are day and some are overnight. $750 for overnight programs but needs based scholarships available for those that qualify. Day camps $300.

Applications open Feb 26.

https://www.engineering.arizona.edu/k12/k12_SEA

Summer Ignite at Universal Technical Institute:

Do you have a goal of being an in demand auto mechanic?

UTI offers Summer Ignite, a three week summer program where you can learn automotive skills — at no cost.

Program is for current 11th graders only.

Date and times TBA. Request for information about the program is open.

https://www.uti.edu/programs/ignite

EMCC:

Get a head start on college and take a class or two over the summer.

Summer schedule and offerings will be posted after spring break.

https://www.estrellamountain.edu/

Avondale Teen Police Academy:

Learn about the many duties and responsibilities of being a police officer as they serve and protect our community.

Open to students ages 14-17. Limited to 12-15 students.

Date: TBA but it has been mid-July in the past.

Application is not yet open but click on the link to read about more details of the application process.

https://www.avondaleaz.gov/government/departments/police/police-department-programs/citizen-police-academy

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University:

Located two hours away in Prescott, AZ, Embry Riddle has a variety of computer, engineering, and flight programs offered to students from 7-18. Be sure to check for details as some are residential and some are just day camps.

https://summercamps.erau.edu/camps

City of Avondale- Volunteer and Job opportunities:

The City of Avondale always has events and needs volunteers. What better way to get community service hours and show you A-Town pride!

https://www.avondaleaz.gov/government/departments/parks-recreation/get-involved/volunteer-opportunities

The City of Avondale also has a new water park opening up and is hiring lifeguards.

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/avondale?department[0]=Parks%20%26%20Recreation&sort=PositionTitle%7CAscending

Life Time Fitness:

The Kids Camp Counselor leads children through a variety of activities including rock climbing, swimming, weekly field trips, arts & crafts, gym games and more. They incorporate nutrition education with weekly-themed camps providing a high level of safety and fun for children from ages three to twelve years.

https://www.indeed.com/q-summer-camp-counselor-l-phoenix,-az-jobs.html?vjk=264dc83bf7b03570

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