Education
Camp Colton tests new curriculum, more additions in the works. See more local education news here
After more than 40 years as a beloved outdoor learning center for northern Arizona’s sixth graders, Camp Colton is modernizing, starting with its curriculum.
This month, educational staff members at the 44-acre camp tucked into the western slope of the San Francisco Peaks have been piloting new forest health lessons for use in the coming school year. Educational programs are one component of a 50-year master plan that the team has been developing for the last year. The plan features forestry plots in areas of differently spaced trees, cabins to replace platform tents, preservation of the stream that runs through the property, expansion of the historic lodge and more.
Legislative GOP leaders share budget bills highlights with lawmakers. See more state education news here
Details of the $11.9 billion proposed budget plan by Republican Legislative leaders who worked on the deal with Gov. Doug Ducey were released Monday evening.For education, the budget proposal includes funds for the 5 percent teacher pay raise, $15 million for school counselors and police officers on campus, $25 million for school building repairs, an increase to $136 million to partially restore additional assistance funding that public schools use to pay for books, software, buses and other soft-capital needs.The budget proposal also includes a $542 million deposit into the state’s rainy day fund and $325 million in tax breaks.
New Study Highlights How Divisive Political Rhetoric Can Seep Into America’s Schools, Prompting Heightened Bullying. See more national education news here
Heated political debates that center on marginalized communities can lead to negative consequences for students, according to a study published Monday that found an uptick in anti-LGBTQ bullying at California schools during a statewide push to ban same-sex marriage.
The study, published in the journal Pediatrics, suggests that high-profile debates involving marginalized groups can lead bullies to target young people who are central to those conversations.
Kathy Marron of Thomas Elementary School in Flagstaff honored by the Arizona Department of Education
Kathy Marron, an art teacher at Thomas Elementary School in Flagstaff, was recognized for Excellence in Art Education by the Arizona State Board of Education during a recent Board Meeting. Superintendent Kathy Hoffman spoke to the importance of art education as part of a well rounded and highly engaging educational experience.
High school students earn scholarships from Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth’s Williams Child Abuse Prevention Council
Isabel Cristina Ortiz Salazar believes anyone suffering from abuse should have at least one person “they can trust just enough to tell them about the pain they are going through.
Kascyanna Lowe is planning on using her life experience to help others overcome challenges.
Paola Naselli Belmontes said the key to preventing abuse is helping local parents practice good parenting skills and hopes Williams can create such programs.
Salazar, Lowe and Belmontes are the winners this year of scholarships presented by the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth’s Williams Child Abuse Prevention Council during the recent annual Williams High School Academic Awards & Scholarship Night.
Basic (June 11) and Advanced (June 12) Victims Rights training available in Flagstaff
Basic Victims’ Rights training will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, June 11 at the Law Enforcement Administration Facility, 911 E. Sawmill Road, Flagstaff.The Basic Victims’ Rights presentation is highly recommended for employees new to victims’ rights or for anyone who needs a refresher. Content covers fundamental information about victims’ rights for adult and juvenile crimes in Arizona.
Arizona Center for Afterschool Excellence (AzCASE) update for May 18 — Looking for Summer Learning Activities? Try BioBlit
BioBlitz Summer 2019: Help your kids become citizen scientists! Free tools from National Geographic will help you organize a BioBlitz where students observe and analyze the biodiversity in your community. It’s an easy activity with a big impact where you see nature in a new way.
First Things First update for May 16 — Nominations Open for Eddie Basha Award for Service and Leadership
Because you are a passionate supporter of early childhood, I’d like to invite you to recognize the extraordinary work being done on behalf of young children and families in Arizona communities by submitting a nomination for the Eddie Basha Regional Partnership Council Excellence Award.
Navigating road blocks: Flagstaff grads advised to stay flexible in life. See more local education news here
“When a road is blocked off or is jammed up – as happens often in this town – we may have to go around,” graduating student Richie Szopinski said to about 80 fellow graduates at Coconino Community College’s first commencement ceremony Friday morning.”Sure, it may take us a bit longer, and we may not like it initially, but we should never underestimate it. Who knows, you might just find something out about yourself that you might never have if you had taken the alternate route,” he said.
Advocates: Results-based funding increase could be put to better use. See more state education news here
Gov. Doug Ducey’s budget proposal calls for $98 million in results-based funding, but education advocates say the substantial increase from the $39 million allocated in 2017 could be used to more equitably benefit K-12 students throughout the state.
