Owls Nest Newsletter

Hello Owls!

I hope this message finds you all well and in good spirits. As we navigate through the school year, I am thrilled to share some remarkable highlights and exciting upcoming events that truly embody the spirit of our vibrant school community.

First and foremost, let's celebrate the success of our annual Unified Basketball game! Last Friday's event showcased the incredible teamwork, sportsmanship, and camaraderie among our students, particularly our Exceptional Student Services (ESS) participants. The Unified Basketball game has become a much-anticipated tradition, emphasizing inclusivity and the power of unity within our school and beyond. A heartfelt thank you to all who contributed to making this day a slam dunk success!

I am thrilled to report the resounding success of our recent StemCon event. Our students delved into the wonders of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, showcasing their innovative projects and boundless curiosity. It was an evening filled with discovery, learning, and collaboration. I want to extend my gratitude to our dedicated students, teachers, and volunteers whose passion for STEM education made this event truly exceptional.

On the near horizon, we are eagerly anticipating Love Our School Day on Sunday, 3/3, a special initiative where our school community unites to enhance the beauty of our campus and accomplish meaningful projects. This event goes beyond mere expressions of love for the incredible learning environment we've created; it's an opportunity for students, teachers, and families to actively participate in projects that contribute to the overall enhancement of our school. Join us as we collaborate, beautify our surroundings, and strengthen the sense of unity that makes our school community truly special.

Following that, mark your calendars for the District Arts Showcase on 3/23, where our talented students will have the opportunity to exhibit their artistic creations, and show off their skills during their performances. The creativity and passion displayed during this event are always a testament to the diverse talents within our school.

If you're a fan of fitness and fun, get ready for the Hoot 'n' Hustle 5K, an event that combines a healthy dose of exercise with a whole lot of community spirit. Lace up those sneakers and join us for a day of physical activity and camaraderie.

Lastly, as we approach Earth Day, we are excited to host our 2nd Annual Earth Day Activities Fair. This event will provide our students with the chance to engage in eco-friendly initiatives, promoting environmental awareness and sustainable practices.

I encourage each of you to get involved, participate, and embrace the rich tapestry of events that make our school community so special. Your support and enthusiasm contribute to the success and vibrancy of each occasion.

Thank you for being an integral part of our Owl family. Here's to celebrating achievements, fostering unity, and looking forward to the exciting events that lie ahead!

Warm regards,

Principal Daniels

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

STEMCon 2024 was an exhilarating showcase of innovation and scientific exploration. Guest speakers illuminated the event, sharing their insights on cutting-edge advancements in STEM fields. The quiz tournament sparked intellectual battles, testing the knowledge of bright minds.

The Curie Projects and Einstein Displays mesmerized attendees with intricate and impactful projects. From sustainable technologies to breakthrough medical solutions, each display reflected the commitment to pushing the boundaries of scientific discovery.

STEM Vendors offered a spectrum of resources, and hands-on activities engaged participants in interactive learning. The physics competition added an exciting element, challenging students to apply theoretical concepts in real-world scenarios.

STEMCon not only celebrated achievements but also fostered a collaborative spirit among the STEM community. As we reflect on the event, we're inspired by the passion and ingenuity that define the future of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

The first place group's research question was How did the restoration of the Base and Meridian Wildlife Area impact the biodiversity of aquatic invertebrates? The winners were Andres Veloz-Meginnis and Kyrah Veloz-Meginnis.

The second place group's research question was How did the restoration of the Base and Meridian Wildlife Area impact water quality? The winners were John Mbazumutima, Jazmine Mojica-Olivas, and Anthony Soukaloun.

We are thrilled to share the highlights from our highly anticipated annual Unified Basketball game, which took place last week. This event has become a cherished tradition and is undoubtedly the best event of the year, bringing together students from both our school and Buckeye for a day filled with excitement, teamwork, and unforgettable moments.

The Unified Basketball game holds a special place in the hearts of our Exceptional Student Services (ESS) students, who have been eagerly anticipating this event for weeks. Their enthusiasm and passion have created an incredible buzz within our school community, and it's heartwarming to see our students eagerly talking about how they are going to be famous through this fantastic experience.

What makes this event truly extraordinary is the unity it fosters between our students and those from Buckeye. The camaraderie, sportsmanship, and shared joy on the court create a sense of inclusion and belonging that goes beyond the game itself. This is not just a competition; it's a celebration of friendship and the incredible abilities of all our students.

We are immensely proud of our students and the positive impact they bring to our school community. The Unified Basketball game exemplified the values of teamwork, friendship, and the power of inclusivity. As we reflect on this memorable event, let's carry the spirit of unity forward and continue to celebrate the abilities and achievements of every member of our diverse community.

🌼 Love Our School Day - Spring Edition! 🌷

Join us on March 3rd from 8:30 am to 12:00 pm for a day of campus improvement and cleanup projects. Let's come together to enhance our school environment and make a positive impact!

How to Participate:

Sign up here

Make a difference and be a part of creating a more vibrant and welcoming school community. See you there!

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!

Join us for the FIRST EVER HOOT N HUSTLE 5K! AFHS is partnering with the Avondale Parks and Rec to put on a 5k walk/run through Avondale's oldest educational institution and down historic Western Ave to check out our local businesses. End the race with spectators and participants on the AFHS Game Field for a Block Party!

HOO is ready to run? Early bird registration is open for The Hoot 'n' Hustle 5K, with youth rates starting at $25 and adult rates at $35.

Registrants will receive a commemorative race bib, medal, and t-shirt.

We invite AFHS Sports Teams, Clubs, and all community members to join us for the party!

Go to bit.ly/AFHSHUSTLE to register!

🌍 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!

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.

A huge shoutout to our January Athletes of the Month, Brian Aguilar & Quetzali Zacharias!

Brian has always put in effort to support his teammates and gives 100% effort during games and practice. Brian has a tough job of playing keeper for the Mens Varsity Soccer Team and his coach says they can always rely on Brian to come out strong and bounce back even when they are down. Brian honors his team and pushes players to work hard every minute and second of the game and practice.

Q has exemplified what it means to be a hard working, dedicated and a motivated individual in her four years apart of the Agua Fria Wrestling team. But this year, she has taken it to the next level. Her ability to execute the technique and pure dominance in strength is a testament to the hard work that she put in in the offseasons. That has led her to a near perfect record with only ONE loss on the season and multiple first place finishes in tournaments. She recently took FIRST at Girls Sectional that was hosted at Agua Fria and has earned her another opportunity to state. Academically she has the best GPA on the team showcasing that she does not allow for extracurricular activities to intervene in her education. Coach Richmond says it is an "Amazing honor to have been able to Coach her and I am thankful for the opportunity. She has left an impact and mold for the wrestling program that hopefully many follow". Good luck at the State Tournament next week Quetzali!

Congratulations to our 3 wrestling state qualifiers! In their respective weight classes, Lucy Laracuente finished in 5th place, Matthew Cabrales finished in 4th place, and Quetzali Zacarias finished in 3rd place.

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

School Counselors are meeting with seniors this week during their Government classes to go over graduation requirements, plans for the future, and FAFSA completion. These meetings are to help support students as they transition from high school and answer any questions they may have.

The Academic Letter Breakfast on February 27 will be for students who earned a 3.7 GPA or higher last semester. This is a student only event. Students will receive an Academic Letter or a Lamp of Learning Pin.

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:

Tuesday, March 19th

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 Scrubs:

Summer Scrubs is a health career exploration program that helps high school students prepare for their future in the health professions. With this program, students will get the opportunity to participate in professional lectures, health-related field trips and hands-on lab experiences. "Scrub in" this summer at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – located in Phoenix!

Various programs and dates for 9-11th graders.

Reasonably priced with full & partial needs-based scholarships available to those that qualify.

Applications close March 3rd.

https://phoenixmed.arizona.edu/summerscrubs

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

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