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Each year, Flagstaff Unified School District sixth graders embark on a unique adventure at Camp Colton—an experience that blends science, community, and the great outdoors into memories that last a lifetime. What makes Camp Colton so memorable isn’t just the breathtaking setting on the San Francisco Peaks, but the way students live, learn, and grow together outside of the classroom. For many campers, this is their first time sharing a living space with peers. They wake up together, shuffle into the lodge for breakfast in their pajamas, and spend four days and three nights immersed in nature and community. “The most special element is cohabitating, with peers and educators alike, outdoors for the week,” said Camp Director Jackson Carranco. “It’s a big step for them, and it becomes a big shared experience.”

Thanks to curriculum designed by FUSD teachers and supported by Friends of Camp Colton, students prepare for their visit with lessons before camp and continue learning afterward by analyzing the authentic data they collected during their stay. At Camp, science comes alive—students take tree-core samples, measure water quality by identifying macroinvertebrates, and explore lava river caves with helmets and headlamps. These experiences allow them to engage in real scientific practices that connect directly back to classroom learning. In addition to academics, campers enjoy activities like archery, hikes through Hart Prairie, and unique camp games such as boomball and hunker down. Evenings bring a mix of traditions, from stargazing with telescopes and learning about the cultural importance of the Peaks, to roasting s’mores by the fire and joining in a lively dance party.

Beyond the lessons in science and adventure, Camp Colton nurtures students’ social and emotional growth. Many are experiencing sleeping away from home for the first time, navigating challenges, and learning to support one another. “We love seeing how students who sometimes struggle in classrooms thrive in our learning environment,” Carranco explained. “For some campers, this experience can heal their relationship with learning and encourage them that they belong in educational environments.” Teachers also benefit, as the camp’s environmental educators lead instruction, giving school staff more opportunities to build stronger bonds with their students in new and meaningful ways.

The impact of Camp Colton extends far beyond sixth grade. Many high school leaders return as mentors, inspired by their own camp experiences. One recent leader, who had attended both sixth grade camp and the middle school summer program, shared often with staff and campers about how memorable his time at Camp had been. Returning as a mentor, he guided new campers, modeled positive relationships, and even surprised staff with homemade ice cream as a way to say thank you for the memories he had cherished. Stories like his highlight the lasting influence of the Camp Colton experience.

As much as Camp strengthens academic skills and social bonds, it also helps weave together the larger community. Students deepen relationships with classmates and often meet peers from other schools across Flagstaff and Northern Arizona, building new friendships that sometimes extend long after camp ends. By the end of the week, campers are often seen frantically exchanging phone numbers before boarding buses back to their home schools. Beloved traditions such as archery, dance night, and exploring the lava tubes remain central to the experience, while newer traditions like weekly s’mores nights have quickly become favorites among campers and staff alike.

At its heart, Camp Colton empowers students to see themselves as learners, leaders, and advocates for the land they call home. Carranco hopes that every camper leaves feeling connected to their peers and the environment, confident in themselves, and ready to grow into future leaders. “We hope they leave feeling empowered to use their voice as advocates for this land and its management,” he said. “And we hope they leave proud of themselves for being able to do and enjoy new and challenging things.”

As the autumn leaves begin to change, we mark the successful completion of the first quarter of the 2025-2026 school year. This is a pivotal time to connect and ensure our students are on the path to success.

Next month, families and teachers will have a dedicated opportunity to partner in reviewing student progress. Conferences are scheduled at all FUSD schools from Tuesday, October 7, through Thursday, October 9.

This is a valuable time for a two-way conversation. Teachers will share information on academic progress, classroom expectations, attendance, and evidence of student learning. We encourage you to come prepared to share your child’s interests and needs, and to ask any questions you may have.

Please watch for a ParentSquare message from your child’s school with specific instructions on how to schedule your conference appointment.

By working together, we can build a strong foundation for your child’s success for the remainder of the school year.

Please note that all FUSD schools and offices will be closed for Fall Break on Friday, October 10, and Monday, October 13. I hope our students, families, and staff enjoy a well-deserved rest.

The Flagstaff Unified School District (FUSD) proudly honored four educators with the 2025 Legendary Teacher Award during the Governing Board Meeting on September 23. This award celebrates teachers whose influence extends far beyond the classroom—educators who transform knowledge into life-changing learning, cultivate caring relationships, and set high expectations that inspire students to reach their full potential.

FUSD believes that nearly everyone can point to a special teacher who made a significant difference in their life. Legendary Teachers are those educators who embody three defining tenets: building relationships, engaging deeply with students, and creating high expectations. They are often not fully recognized for their profound impact until long after students have grown, making it all the more important to pause and honor them now.

This year’s Legendary Teacher Award recipients are shining examples of that philosophy:

FUSD affirms its support for Legendary Teachers and encourages our community to reach out to the Legendary Teacher in their own life to say thank you for the difference they have made. By recognizing these educators, we celebrate the lasting impact of teaching and the extraordinary individuals who dedicate their lives to helping students thrive.

The Flagstaff Unified School District (FUSD) FACTS (Family and Community Teaming for Students) program once again brought joy, learning, and community together with its annual Lights On Carnival, part of the nationwide Lights On After School celebration of out-of-school time (OST) programming. FACTS has proudly participated in this event since at least 2005—more than 20 years—and quite possibly since its very beginning in 1999. This year marked the 26th annual celebration across the country, which shines a spotlight on the importance of OST programs that support academic enrichment, STEM exploration, physical education, literacy opportunities, and family connections. A full list of national supporters and partners can be found through the Afterschool Alliance at afterschoolalliance.org/loa.cfm.

This year’s carnival took place on Saturday, September 13, and featured a mix of familiar favorites and exciting new activities. Families enjoyed classics such as face painting, temporary tattoos, and music from a DJ, while new creative arts booths gave children a chance to decorate socks and make puppets. Friendly competitions brought kids and parents together for tug-of-war and giant Four-in-a-Row games. Academic and cultural enrichment was also a highlight: the Museum of Northern Arizona guided students in making shell necklaces using ancient tools, Willow Bend Environmental Education Center brought compost and wind turbine demonstrations, and Coconino Community College shared programs for teens and adults. Coco the Comet made a special appearance, while the Coconino County Coalition for Youth drew big smiles with their always-popular stomp rocket. AZ Gear Girls led a technical bike demonstration, and FLYRS (Flagstaff Youth Riders) brought helmet decorating and bike safety tips. These exhibits were just a few of the many engaging experiences families enjoyed.

Each FUSD elementary school’s FACTS program hosted a booth in addition to the Kinsey 21st Century Learning Center, one of FACTS’ valued partnership programs. Community partners in attendance included North Country HealthCare, Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth, Flagstaff City–Coconino County Public Library, Coconino Community College, Gear Girls, FLYRS, Museum of Northern Arizona, Moms Demand Action, United States Tennis Association, Willow Bend Environmental Education Center, and Chicanos por la Causa. Local companies and organizations also generously donated books, STEM kits, and other raffle prizes, helping connect families with both fun and valuable resources.

The Lights On Carnival continues to be a highlight of the fall season for FUSD students and families. FACTS Coordinator Kyle Christian shared that attendance has grown steadily over the years, with a 20% increase from 2023 to 2024, and strong participation again this year. “This was the first year families specifically called out individual FACTS booths for their teamwork and family engagement, which is huge,” Christian noted. “Lights On is such a great, fun time to see our entire FACTS team in their element, making creative activities and making the community smile.”

Christian also reflected on his own memories of Lights On, recalling his first event as a FACTS staff member in 2007 at Wheeler Park with the Cromer FACTS booth, where kids filled “Lights On Passports” with stamps to earn a dum-dum lollipop. In 2008, while working with Knoles FACTS, he helped children design and test paper airplanes, experimenting with folds, creases, and even adding paperclips for stability. These experiences, he said, demonstrate how the event has always combined fun with learning.

As FACTS looks ahead to future Lights On Carnivals, Christian is excited to continue expanding community partnerships and recognizing the incredible FACTS and FUSD staff who make it all possible. “We’ve come a long way, but the heart of the event has always been the same—fun, learning, and families connecting with each other and their community.”

September is National Attendance Awareness Month, a time to recognize the importance of students being in school every day. Research shows that even missing just two days in September can make it harder for students to stay on track for the rest of the school year. How students begin the year often sets the tone for their learning and attendance habits moving forward.

Starting the year strong helps students build good routines, stay engaged, and identify any areas where they may need extra support. Students who attend regularly in September are more likely to maintain consistent attendance throughout the year. Missing just a few days early on can create gaps in learning, especially in reading, math, and other foundational skills. The first weeks of school also provide the best opportunity for teachers and families to notice if a student might benefit from additional support.

Families play an essential role in building strong attendance habits. Setting regular routines—such as consistent bedtimes and morning schedules—helps students arrive rested and ready to learn. Preparing the night before by laying out clothes, packing backpacks, and organizing supplies can make mornings smoother. Getting to school on time each day ensures students begin the day confident and prepared. Families are also encouraged to schedule appointments or trips outside of school days whenever possible. And if attendance challenges arise, FUSD staff—including teachers, counselors, and administrators—are here to partner with families to find solutions.

Strong attendance benefits everyone. When students are in class consistently, they not only keep up with lessons themselves but also contribute to a more positive and successful classroom experience for their peers and teachers.

With the support of families, FUSD students can start the year off strong. Thank you for helping us ensure that every day counts!

The Flagstaff Unified School District (FUSD) is excited to invite you to our upcoming Career Expo & College Fair on Thursday, October 2, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Flagstaff High School.

This annual event brings together colleges, career organizations, and community partners to provide students and families with valuable opportunities to:

In addition to engaging with exhibitors, families can look forward to great food, family fun, and meaningful connections with our community—all in one evening!

Location: Flagstaff High School, 400 W. Elm Ave., Flagstaff, AZ

Contact: 928-572-6117

We hope you’ll join us for this exciting event and encourage your students to take advantage of the chance to explore their future pathways.

This school year, Mount Elden Middle School 8th Grade Science Teacher, Sara McDermott, has been awarded a $500 grant through Desert Financial’s Adopt-A-Teacher program—an initiative designed to support Arizona educators by funding classroom projects and materials that enhance student learning.

McDermott was inspired to apply for the grant after discovering new lab resources that could help her students deepen their understanding of science concepts. “At the end of the school year, I was given a magazine that had lab material,” she shared. “When I saw that I could apply for a grant to help pay for the items, I went straight to work!”

The grant funding will be used to purchase lab materials that not only benefit students this year but will continue to support learning for years to come. By incorporating more hands-on experiences, McDermott hopes students will gain a deeper understanding of challenging science concepts while building problem-solving skills through experimentation.

Programs like Adopt-A-Teacher have a lasting impact on both educators and schools. “It helps teachers with the burden of buying materials that aren’t normally in the school budget,” McDermott explained. “When the community gives back to the local schools, our students are the ones that benefit the most.”

Grateful to be one of just 100 teachers selected statewide, McDermott expressed her appreciation: “I’m truly thankful for this grant and excited to see how it will impact my students’ learning. THANK YOU, Desert Financial!”

This month, we honor the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans who continue to shape and strengthen our schools, community, and nation.

At FUSD, we are grateful for the traditions, languages, and perspectives that enrich our classrooms and inspire our students every day.

The annual DeMiguel Dash once again brought together the school community for a day filled with energy, pride, and generosity. Organized by the DeMiguel PTO, the Dash is both the school’s largest fundraiser of the year and a cherished tradition. On September 18, 2025, students ran laps in matching turquoise DeMiguel Lobo t-shirts, cheered on by families, staff, and community partners including the Flagstaff Fire Department, Police Department, Arizona Game and Fish, and Guardian Air. A highlight came when Guardian Air received a call mid-event and students paused to watch the helicopter take off—a sight they won’t soon forget. Mary Lara also set up telescopes for solar viewing, adding another unique experience to the event.

This year’s fundraising goal of $15,000 was far surpassed, with more than $20,000 raised by students and families and $13,000 from local sponsors, for a record total of $33,180. DeMiguel PTO Events Coordinator Amber Nill noted that support came from eighteen local businesses—many owned by DeMiguel parents—as well as hundreds of student donations, from sticky coins to folded dollar bills. “These funds will all go directly to support resources, programs, and experiences for our teachers, staff, and students,” Nill shared. In the past, Dash funds have brought back Accelerated Reader, added playground equipment, installed noise redacted in the commons, provided birthday books, supported teacher appreciation programs, and hosted events throughout the year. This year’s ideas include indoor recess games, playground updates, garden beautification, and field improvements.

The Dash is not a competitive race but a collaborative one, designed to teach teamwork and school unity. With more than 600 students and staff in matching shirts, the event created a strong sense of solidarity that continues throughout the year on spirit days and field trips. Families raised funds and cheered from the sidelines, staff encouraged students every step of the way, and community partners enriched the day. “Our Lobo students truly feel supported and celebrated at this event,” Nill said. “Each of these small ingredients creates a much larger experience that fosters a positive environment and lasting relationships.”

Surpassing the goal also meant extra fun at the After Dash Splash, where top fundraisers earned the chance to dunk teachers. Kindergarten raised the most, so all Kindergarten teachers joined the dunk tank lineup—along with Principal Biggs, who had been teased all week by students chanting “You’re getting dunked!” She embraced the fun, noting, “This year’s Dash was a tremendous success. It wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication and generosity of our PTO, families, students, staff, and community partners. The event showcased the strength of the DeMiguel community and created lasting memories for all who participated.”

With more than $33,000 raised and countless smiles shared, the DeMiguel Dash once again proved itself to be far more than a fundraiser—it was a celebration of spirit, community, and the unwavering commitment to supporting every student.

Tracy’s love of athletics runs just as deep as her commitment to education. Raised by a father who was a world champion powerlifter, college football coach, and MLB strength trainer, she grew up surrounded by sports and competition. She competed in volleyball, softball, football, martial arts, and wrestling, and later carried that passion into coaching—first at the high school level and later with her own children in soccer, softball, and football. In Flagstaff, much of her coaching has been on the Sinagua wrestling mats, and she is now in her second year as Athletic Director. “I’m loving every minute,” she shared.

Now in her third year with Flagstaff Unified School District, Tracy is expanding her leadership under the mentorship of the Sinagua Administration team. “I look forward to learning from the great mentors I have here about what it takes to be a leader on our campus,” she said. For her, middle school athletics is about more than competition—it’s about growth, character, and connection. “I want to ensure every student, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to participate, grow, and learn good sportsmanship.” Her vision centers on resilience, leadership, and teamwork while strengthening communication with families, supporting staff and coaches, and building partnerships across the Flagstaff community.

A large part of Tracy’s focus is making athletics a unifying force for the entire Sinagua community. She is working to create consistent communication channels with families so they feel included and supported in their child’s athletic journey. With staff, she strives to build collaboration and a shared sense of purpose, ensuring coaches and teachers feel valued and equipped to help students succeed both on the field and in the classroom. And for the wider Flagstaff community, Tracy is committed to strengthening partnerships with local organizations, businesses, and high schools to create a culture of pride, support, and opportunity for student-athletes.

Tracy’s philosophy is simple but powerful: athletics is an extension of the classroom. Guided by respect, integrity, and grit, she models teamwork, humility, and fair play and strives to make athletics a safe space for students to take risks and learn life lessons. That balance between academics, athletics, and life carries into her time outside of school as well. She treasures time with her husband, Joe—an FUSD behavioral safety technician—and their three daughters, enjoying hiking, camping, stargazing, and road trips whenever they can. Tracy credits Joe’s support as a constant source of encouragement and inspiration, saying his love motivates her to be the best version of herself every day.

As she continues her journey as both a teacher and leader, Tracy is grateful for the opportunity to serve. “I’m so thrilled to be in this new position and am learning new things every day,” she said. “I feel grateful for this opportunity, and I look forward to helping build a strong future for our students and our athletics programs.”

Morgan joined Flagstaff Unified School District three years ago as a physical education teacher. Last year, she expanded her leadership as the After School Activities Coordinator, and this year she has stepped into a dual role—teaching in the mornings and training in administrative leadership in the afternoons. The opportunity to serve as both a Teacher on Assignment and Athletic Director allows her to blend her passion for athletics with her desire to grow as a school leader.

What excites Morgan most about her role is the chance to create opportunities for students to thrive. “Sports were a positive outlet for me, and I want to ensure our students have opportunities to be involved in things that can improve their overall character,” she shared. She hopes to give middle school student-athletes the chance to explore new sports, discover their passions, and grow through lessons in grit, perseverance, sportsmanship, and teamwork—skills that extend far beyond the game.

Building strong relationships is also central to her vision. Morgan is dedicated to using athletics as a bridge to bring staff, families, and the broader Flagstaff community together. She strives to make Mount Elden’s programs welcoming, supportive, and something that the entire community can be proud of. Guided by values of integrity, equity, and student growth, she emphasizes the life lessons of discipline, resilience, fair play, and inclusion as cornerstones of her approach.

Outside of school, Morgan embraces the outdoors through skiing, snowboarding, hiking, running, and yoga. She also enjoys reading, relaxing with a good TV show, and spending time with her beloved dog on long walks.

As she continues to grow in her leadership role, Morgan looks forward to learning all that this position has to offer while empowering Mount Elden’s student-athletes to succeed—not just on the field, but in life.

Amber-Nicole describes her role as both unexpected and inspiring. “I never thought I would be able to land a position like this so quickly and graciously,” she shared. “What inspires me most is watching these kids grow not only in their education but also in their emotional intelligence. Seeing them light up like a light bulb is astonishing and leaves me feeling accomplished.”

Her dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed by her colleagues. “Amber is an exceptional paraprofessional who possesses both a deep passion and care for the well-being of kids,” said Jake Botter, Program Specialist at Kinsey. “She has a natural ability to build relationships with not just the kids she supports but all kids, creating a supportive environment that sets them up for success socially and academically. Amber is kind, compassionate, and versatile—she truly understands her role in helping students gain the independence and skill set they need to move forward successfully. She makes my job more joyful and her students’ learning possible and richer.”

For Amber-Nicole, the best part of her work is the relationships she builds each day. From helping with assignments to sharing jokes, hugs, and heartfelt conversations, she values the trust and connection she has with students. She also appreciates Kinsey’s welcoming environment, noting, “Not once have I been stressed coming or leaving work. Everyone is so supportive in answering my questions and helping me learn how to best support our kids—it’s truly a pleasure to be part of this community.”

Outside of school, Amber-Nicole enjoys drawing, reading, and recently exploring diamond art as a new hobby.

Kinsey is grateful for Amber-Nicole’s creativity, warmth, and dedication, which continue to make a lasting difference for students and staff alike.

Emily moved to Flagstaff to attend Northern Arizona University (NAU) and quickly fell in love with the community and the mountain weather. After graduating from NAU in December 2024, she joined Cromer as the site substitute teacher and later served as a long-term kindergarten sub. With her practicum, student teaching, and now a full-time position, this year marks Emily’s third year as part of the Cromer community—a place she describes as “so community-based” and “a school I already know and love.”

For Emily, teaching 5th grade is especially meaningful because of the unique stage her students are in. “They’re no longer the cute and naive little kids, but not quite teenagers yet. They’re beginning to discover independence and figure out who they want to be, which makes it such a meaningful and exciting age to teach,” she shared. One of her greatest passions is teaching math, where she hopes to change the common mindset that some people “just aren’t good at it.” By incorporating discovery-based, hands-on lessons, she strives to build her students’ confidence and help them find joy in learning math.

When looking back on her favorite teaching memories so far, Emily recalls the kindergarten graduation she helped lead as a long-term sub. “Even though I hadn’t been with them from the very beginning, I loved getting to celebrate the end of their kindergarten journey and watch them move on to 1st grade. It was such a special, emotional, and fun day, and I’ll always remember that class as my first.”

Outside of the classroom, Emily is a talented musician who plays both the piano and the accordion. She enjoys performing and even writing her own music, but she treasures time spent with her husband, their daughter, and their two dogs and cat most of all. Whether at the movies or making music at home, Emily values the balance between family life and her work as an educator.

Cromer is lucky to have such a passionate and dedicated teacher guiding its 5th graders, and Emily is equally grateful to be teaching at a school and in a community she loves.

FUSD Governing Board members, Bond Oversight Committee representatives, and district staff had the opportunity to tour the new Marshall Magnet Elementary School building on Tuesday, September 2, 2025. 

Construction is moving right along, and we are thrilled to see the incredible progress being made. We can’t wait to welcome students and staff into their brand-new school this January!

On September 16, 2025, more than 600 Flagstaff Unified School District fourth graders and 27 teachers from 10 elementary schools traded their classrooms for the outdoors at Foxglenn Park to take part in the 19th Annual Flagstaff Water Festival. Sponsored by the City of Flagstaff and led by Arizona Project WET, the festival gave students the chance to step into the role of scientists for the day—exploring Arizona’s water systems through engaging, hands-on activities.

With the support of more than 60 Northern Arizona University pre-service teachers, students rotated through interactive lessons on the water cycle, groundwater systems, watershed management, and water sustainability. Excitement filled the park as students made connections between what they were learning and the critical role water plays in our everyday lives and in the future of our community.

The festival’s success was made possible by the dedication of many partners. The City of Flagstaff played a key role, even building a last-minute bridge so students could safely cross a muddy section of the park. Within FUSD, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning, Dr. Festa-Daigle, and Transportation Team Leader, Lori Tapia, worked tirelessly to ensure that every student who wanted to attend was able to participate.

For our students, this experience was far more than just a field trip. It was an opportunity to bring classroom learning to life and see how science can be applied to real-world challenges. Since 2000, Arizona Project WET’s Water Festival program has reached nearly 200,000 students across the state, and this year’s Flagstaff festival once again demonstrated the lasting impact these opportunities have in inspiring the next generation of water stewards.

FUSD is proud of our fourth graders for approaching this experience with curiosity and enthusiasm, and we are grateful to Arizona Project WET, Northern Arizona University, and the City of Flagstaff for partnering with us to make the day possible. Together, we are helping students build the knowledge and skills they need to protect Arizona’s water resources for years to come.

To learn more about the Arizona Water Festival program, visit projectwet.arizona.edu/arizona-water-festival.

On September 15, 2025, Flagstaff Unified School District (FUSD) dedicated a full day to professional development (PD) for both instructional and non-instructional staff. The district emphasized its commitment to continuous growth by offering opportunities tailored to every role, highlighting the importance of all staff—inside and outside the classroom—in shaping positive learning environments.

For instructional staff, PD Day centered on ELEVATE 2025—Empower, Learn, Explore, Vision, Aspire, Transform, Engage. The initiative encouraged educators to rise above the everyday by bringing new perspectives, strategies, and collaborative energy back into classrooms where they most impact students.

“These days of PD allow us to stay connected to research-backed best practices and move forward in a unified way to best meet the needs of every student,” shared Heather Zeigler, Assistant Director of Learning, Technology, and Innovation.

Sessions highlighted student engagement strategies, collaborative grouping methods, technology-integrated instruction, and best practices for checking understanding. “It is our hope that teachers will implement these practices in their classrooms and bring them into PLC conversations, helping create school cultures where learning is optimal for every student,” Zeigler said.

Families can expect this professional learning to show up in daily experiences through more cohesive practices, stronger engagement, clearer communication, and improved outcomes.

Planning for ELEVATE 2025 was led by Zeigler, Renda Fisk, and Dawn Anderson, with input from the LTI Steering and Advisory Committees and teacher feedback.

Reflecting on the day, Zeigler added, “Thank you to the planning committee, presenters, and enthusiastic attendees for making this professional development day such a success. Your commitment to growth and collaboration in order to best serve our FUSD students has made this event truly impactful.”

For non-instructional staff, the professional development day brought together bus drivers, custodial staff, food service workers, clerical staff, counselors, paraprofessionals, and others. Organized by a committee led by Kim Aringdale, Director of Materials and Contract Management, the day was designed to ensure every staff member felt valued and connected to the district’s mission.

“The main idea was to help every staff member—no matter their job—feel like they’re an important part of the district and that what they do really matters to our students’ success,” Aringdale explained.

Sessions focused on practical skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, while also highlighting health and wellness. Staff explored ways to strengthen collaboration, build supportive environments, and better understand the impact their work has on students.

“When we give all staff this kind of training, it helps everyone feel connected and part of the team,” Aringdale said. “It boosts morale, encourages working together, and makes people more invested in what we’re trying to do for kids. That teamwork and positive energy help make the district stronger.”

The event was made possible thanks to a dedicated planning committee, including McKenzie Bevirt, Madison Pompeo, Kyle Christian, John DeGraff, Maria Herrera, Nicholas Beasley, Michael Sifling, Ian Hanf, Mikkel Gutzwiller, Laura Chavira, Reyna Rodriguez, and Steve Rhode.

Aringdale also thanked the many staff who stepped up to lead sessions, sharing their expertise and passion with colleagues. “Their knowledge and enthusiasm played a huge role in making the professional development meaningful and engaging for everyone involved.”

By investing in non-instructional staff, FUSD continues to strengthen its school community. As Aringdale noted, “When everyone is working well together and feels good about their role, it creates a better environment for the students to learn and thrive.”

This September, we’re highlighting the Be SMART campaign, a national effort that encourages adults to take simple, practical steps to help keep kids safe.

Firearms are now the leading cause of death for children in the United States, and millions of kids live in homes with unsecured guns. The good news is that safe storage and responsible practices can prevent tragedies—and that’s where Be SMART comes in.

Be SMART is an easy way to remember what we can all do:

Ellen Smith, a Flagstaff Moms Demand Action volunteer, shared:

By practicing and promoting safe storage, we can help protect children, support families, and strengthen our community.

As the school year gets underway, we encourage families to start these important conversations—whether before a playdate, a sleepover, or a visit to a friend’s house. Together, we can Be SMART and keep kids safe.

Learn more at BeSMARTforkids.org.

On Saturday, August 30, Flagstaff High School proudly hosted the Peaks Cross Country Invitational at Buffalo Park, welcoming teams from across the region for an exciting day of competition.

FLAGSTAFF UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

3285 East Sparrow Avenue, Flagstaff, AZ 86004

(928) 527-6000 | www.fusd1.org