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Fountain Hills Unified School District - www.fhusd.org

McDowell Mountain Elementary School
Four Peaks Elementary School
Fountain Hills Middle School
Fountain Hills High School

Fountain Hills is a smaller town, but its schools are achieving in a big way thanks to various learning opportunities, accelerated classes, state of the art technology, motivated students and an involved community.

The Fountain Hills Unified School District covers more than 19 square miles and also draws from the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation and Goldfield Ranch to make up the approximately 2,261 student population.

The four main campuses included in the district are Fountain Hills High School (grades 9-12), Fountain Hills Middle School (grades 6-8), Four Peaks Elementary (grades 3-5), and McDowell Mountain Elementary (grades preK-2). The high school and McDowell Mountain Elementary both recently received the state’s highest label of Excelling while Four Peaks and the middle school achieved the rank of highly performing.

FHUSD is proud to be able to keep the student/teacher ratios well within board-mandated guidelines with a staff of 140 highly qualified teachers. Working hand-in-hand, the administrators and teachers have meticulously molded a strong educational curriculum as the focal point of Fountain Hills’ daily instructional program. Staff members take advantage of the strong professional development program that is offered in-district on the areas of technology and teaching strategies. The district has also continued the award-winning Fountain Hills Mentoring Program, started by MCO Properties 10 years ago. This program pairs Fountain Hills residents with elementary students who are in need of extra academic attention, which operates at around 100 members throughout the school year.

Dr. Bill Myhr serves as Superintendent of FHUSD and began his tenure in Fountain Hills in June 2007.

Facilities and growth
The district operates four school sites. The student enrollment numbered some 2,261 students in the 2008-09 academic year. The School District remains the largest employer in Fountain Hills. There are 140 certified staff positions and 80 classified staff positions currently supported by the district.

Administration
The district’s administrative office is located at 16000 E. Palisades Blvd. on the high school campus. The telephone number is (480) 664-5000. The district maintains a Web site at www.fhusd.org.

Technology upgrades of the district's facilities with modern computer hardware, software and infrastructure are overseen by the director of technology. A budget advisory team and a benefits review committee continue to assist the superintendent with recommendations in those areas.

The district’s most recent addition is the FHUSD Learning Center. This facility, located adjacent to the District Office, provides a meeting place for the school board as well as local classes, clubs and teacher development meetings.

For newcomers
Following is important information for newcomers to the community and district:

· Accommodations for those with disabilities — All facilities are handicap accessible; each school provides state-mandated special education for children with special requirements.

· Crosswalks and crossing guards are provided at main intersections near the elementary schools, and bicycle racks are installed at each school.

· Each school has an equipped nurse’s room staffed with an accredited nurse’s aide. The district’s registered nurse serves all four campuses, visits each on a regular schedule and is available within minutes when needed.

· Students living in designated areas are provided bus transportation. Residents can contact the administration office for specific information, bus routes and schedules. A bus with a wheelchair lift is available for students with special needs.

· Entrance age requirements — Pupils entering kindergarten must be five years of age on or before Aug. 31. A certified birth certificate must be presented at registration so a copy can be made. A "kindergarten roundup" is typically held in April prior to the new year to test students and orient them to the school facility (McDowell Mountain Elementary School).

· Future residents — Children who do not live in the district may be admitted through open enrollment. Parents must provide transportation for pupils not living in Fountain Hills.

· Immunization — All enrolling students must provide proof of immunization as required by Arizona state law. Residents should make sure their child's records are forwarded to the appropriate school in Fountain Hills. An immunization or health record also should be forwarded.

The following is a description of each school and some of the programs  offered:

McDowell Mountain Elementary School

McDowell Mountain Elementary School, 14825 N. Fayette Drive, serves students from the pre-kindergarten level to second grade.

According to the school’s principal, Joanne Meehan, the school prides itself not only on exemplary academic programs, but also on the “pillars of living” necessary for students’ development and fostering parent support of students’ academic and social success.

The school mission statement is: “The McDowell Mountain students, staff, parents and community will cooperatively provide a safe, child-centered environment that builds self esteem, self discipline and the essential skills for lifelong learning, while adapting to the differences of others and by using responsible decision making, students will exhibit citizenship with the motivation to invent, dream, explore and communicate in our changing world.”

One of the ways the school has worked to maintain student excellence is through developing a partnership with the Fountain Hills Mentoring Program.

Meehan said that while the school continually strives to improve test scores and raise the bar where all academics are concerned, the real goal of the school is to give students the social skills and development they will use as they advance through the other grades.

Parent University classes help parents teach their kids how to read, how to choose appropriate books and how to support developing reading.

For more information, the phone number for McDowell Mountain is (480) 664-5200.

Four Peaks Elementary School

Principal Becky Romans said she and her staff of more than 30 teachers at Four Peaks have “a mature third through fifth grade school.”

The school is located at 17300 E. Calaveras Ave.

Outside the basic curriculum, staff members have integrated computers in many areas at Four Peaks School, which has a computer lab providing "hands on" instruction. There also is a separate art room and a band/music room. All students are required to attend physical education classes twice each week. The local Parent Teacher Organization helps operate and equip a science lab. The school has special education classes with qualified teachers to provide individual attention to students with functional and learning disabilities.

The school also offers gifted education services for students who take tests and qualify for the gifted and talented programs. For more information on the school and its programs, contact Four Peaks’ office at (480) 664-5100.

Fountain Hills Middle School

This will be the seventh year the Fountain Hills Middle School will educate students in the sixth through eighth grades at its site on state trust land located on Fountain Hills Boulevard just north of Glenbrook.

Fountain Hills Middle School serves approximately 570 students in a unique atmosphere where each grade level is taught by “teams” of four teachers. According to Principal Tom Brennan, this learning environment promotes a sense of belonging and responsibility for a student’s team as well as his or her own work.

The newer site accommodates the team teaching and middle school approach to teaching students. Three grade houses, which have common areas, science labs and teacher workrooms, make up the main part of the school.  The school also has a gymnasium with basketball and wrestling equipment and an all-weather track, which is used for middle and high school events.

According to Brennan, the school is incorporating a back-to-basics approach into the classroom. He said this allows teachers to focus on the standards and prepare students for standardized testing as well as for the rest of their academic careers.

The district has developed a new science curriculum, new social studies textbooks have been adopted and the sequencing in the science program has changed to reflect FHMS goals.

The school offers a variety of extra-curricular club and league sports for students including flag football, volleyball, boys and girls basketball, soccer, wrestling, girls softball, track and cheerleading.

The band and choirs are continuing to see increases in the number of students who participate and the quality of the curriculum. Dance and art are elective classes that fill up quickly and have won community praise for the caliber of work by the students.

Fountain Hills Middle School’s mission: “Fountain Hills Middle School is committed to providing a high quality educational system of lifelong learning in a safe, motivating environment.” The phone number of the school is (480) 664-5400.

Fountain Hills High School

During the past year, many of the academic and extra curricular programs have brought a great deal of pride to students and teachers alike at Fountain Hills High School.

The Falcon Leadership Team allows high school students to mentor middle and elementary school students in the district. The mentors are encouraged to “walk their talk” when teaching moral and behavioral lessons to the youngsters.

Also, more advanced placement classes have been added to the curriculum to allow students who choose to do so to exceed the state standards in their learning environments. These additions also benefit the three-tiered diploma system which allows highly achieving students to pursue a diploma with honors or a diploma with highest distinction.

The campus setting is a collection of 16 buildings, with 32 classrooms for high school. Former Assistant Superintendent Tom Richards will take on the role of principal in 2009-10 and he will be joined by more than 30 teachers, a librarian, counselors, several special education teachers, a school psychologist and support personnel. High achievement standards have been set and the curriculum includes English, mathematics, science, social studies, physical education, foreign languages, fine arts and practical arts. High school students may enroll in advanced placement classes or dual enrollment classes for college credit as well as vocational preparation classes through the East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT) at no additional cost. Call (480) 461-4173 for information.

Joint-use buildings house art, business, language, life sciences and economics departments, as well as computer and technology labs, a library, a music building, a lecture hall, a cafeteria and two separate gymnasiums. The high school (grades 9-12) had an approximate enrollment of 785 students this past academic year.

High school students have access to state-of-the-art computer technology; the library's card catalog system is computerized; and special opportunities are offered in the alternative education program. A Bio-Technology Lab and a Video Productions unit bring state-of- the-art experiences to students.

Special education programs concentrate on learning and emotional disabilities, speech, physical therapy and occupational therapy.

The high school provides a variety of extra-curricular activities and clubs. Some of the more notable and award-winning programs include band, choir, Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), Student Government (STUGO), Honor Society, Cheerleading, Dance Company and many others. Most recently, the Fountain Hills Science Club, comprised mostly of students, were named one of two high schools in the country to be competing for the $1 million 2009 X-PRIZE for their alternative fuel car project, the Falcon Future.

High school students enjoy interscholastic sports programs such as cross country, varsity and junior varsity football, varsity soccer, girls volleyball, boys and girls basketball, boys baseball, girls softball, boys and girls tennis, wrestling, golf and track and field.

The mission of Fountain Hills High School is to “enable students to discover and develop maximum potential and a life long desire for learning.”

The high school is located at 16100 E. Palisades Blvd. The high school's telephone number is (480) 664-5500.

Charter School

For those looking for a slightly different, more individualized focus to education, Fountain Hills Charter School may be right for you.

FHCS is divided into two adjacent campuses located at 16751 E. Glenbrook Blvd. and 16811 E. El Pueblo Boulevard, east of Fountain Hills Blvd. on the north side of town.

This public elementary school serves grades K-8 and exemplifies the holistic approach to instruction conceived from the philosophies of Dr. Maria Montessori.

The Charter School’s mission is to enable students to develop strategies for the acquisition of knowledge, skills and values needed to participate meaningfully in a pluralistic society.

FHCS offers a choice to parents, students and educators who wish to emphasize self-directed, active and enthusiastic participation in the learning process.

Consistent with this mission, the school's program strives to achieve five key goals: an integrated school environment, a solid academic foundation, strong parent participation, a responsive and certified faculty and a supportive community partnership.

FHCS provides stimulating learning environments that promote each student's personal potential for achievement in academics, creativity, dexterity, empathy, judgment, motivation, personality and citizenship.

The school's mission is to:

·   Provide individualized learning experiences;
·   Ensure a high level of personal achievement;
·   Engage families in the education of their children;
·   Prepare students for successful passage into higher levels of education; and
·   Actively demonstrate the beliefs of a true community school.

The school's philosophy acknowledges that learning is unique to each individual, who may develop in different ways and at different rates. Progress through the program is not dependent on perceived grade level or age but by ability level and motivation.

Children are organized into natural, multi-age groups, not isolated into grade levels. This allows older students to act as mentors, while younger children can learn by the examples of their elder classmates.

A five-member governing board establishes policies for FHCS, and an active Parent-Teacher Organization provides support for the students and educators.

For more information about Fountain Hills Charter School’s programs, call (480) 837-0046 or visit the school’s Web site at fhcspto.org.

Preschools

Choosing the right place to provide care for your children is an important decision. Luckily, there are many childcare options available in the community.

Preschools offer parents options for childcare that will suit the needs of each individual child and parent. The following is a brief description of each:

Creative Child Care Preschool offers structured preschool and kindergarten prep programs for children ages three through five. Two, three, four and five-day programs are available. Hours of operation are 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Creative Child Care’s philosophy is to promote a love for learning through developmentally appropriate materials. Children are addressed socially, emotionally, intellectually, physically, cognitively, and nurtured to build positive self-esteem.

Creative Child Care Preschool is DHS certified. The staff at Creative Child Care Preschool belongs to the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Information may be obtained by calling (480) 837-0282. The school is located at 17150 E. Amhurst Drive.

Here We Grow Learning Center
Here We Grow Learning Center is committed to offering children an environment where they learn as they grow by providing a loving, nurturing atmosphere.

The center’s focus is on enhancing socialization, creativity, language and decision-making skills as well as building self-esteem and self-worth. Above all, Here We Grow’s mission is to have “healthy, happy children.”

The staff believes that every child is unique. For that reason, children proceed at their own pace and are secure in their own accomplishments. The staff also provides activities for pre-reading and language skills as well as social and intellectual skills.

Here We Grow is DHS certified and operates Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Before- and after-school care, which includes transportation to and from local schools, is offered for school-aged children. Breakfast, snacks and hot lunches are provided.

The facility is located at 16901 E. Palisades Blvd. Call Director Sharon Michell at (480) 837-6600 for more information.
 

Maxwell Preschool Academy
Maxwell Preschool Academy offers developmental educational programs for children six weeks to six as well as programs for school-aged children up to age 12. For toddlers, the school provides consistency in care that helps develop both mind and body in a safe, secure and healthy environment. Maxwell is now able to care for children six weeks and up thanks to the recently added infant room.

The curriculum supports children’s learning through active involvement with people, materials, events and ideas. Teachers prepare the environment with a variety of materials and plan activities that build on the children’s interests and expand their learning.

Development is encouraged by observing, understanding and supporting children’s work and offering opportunities for children to engage in activities promoting independent thinking, initiative, creativity, curiosity, decision-making skills, cooperation, persistence and problem solving.

The center is DHS certified and has separate areas for toddlers and older children. Melissa Maisonet is the owner/director. Hours are Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. A summer camp program is offered between June and August for children ages one to 12. The school is located at 15249 N. Fountain Hills Blvd. Call (480) 837-6206.

Promiseland Christian Preschool
Promiseland is a Christian preschool located at Community Chapel Ministries, 15202 N. Fountain Hills Blvd. According to Preschool Director Carri Baker, Promiseland is committed to providing children with a Christ-centered, loving environment allowing them to grow spiritually, physically, intellectually, socially, emotionally and creatively.

Promiseland offers two, three and four day per week programs in half-day formats.

All Promiseland teachers are committed to providing children with a literacy-rich environment where they can develop important foundational skills related to reading, writing and math readiness.

Children participate daily in praise and worship time and learn about God through Bible stories, songs and games.

Call the preschool office at (480) 836-4467 for information. Promiseland is DHS certified and is located at Community Chapel Ministries in the children’s building.

Sunflower Preschool
According to owner Madison Kauffman, Sunflower Preschool has plenty to offer the town’s youths.

 Sunflower Preschool, located at 15055 N. Fountain Hills Blvd., adjacent to the Fountain Hills Charter School, offers options of not only morning and afternoon half and full-day programs, but also extended hours for working parents.

Before school hours run from 6:30 to 8:15 a.m. with half-day schedules beginning and ending at noon. Dismissal will be at 3:30 p.m. with after-school hours stretching all the way to 6 p.m.

At Sunflower, students can expect outdoor playtime, group sharing and discussion, story time, reading, lessons in literature, math, art and science as well as further individual and group lessons utilizing both Montessori and traditional work materials.

Kauffman said Sunflower follows all state guidelines and she has hired only experienced, caring teachers who have spent plenty of time in the field of childcare and education.

Boasting a set curriculum, small class sizes, high standards, individualized attention, extended hours and a year-round facility, Kauffman said she invites everyone to visit Sunflower Preschool and see what it has to offer firsthand.

Sunflower Preschool is DHS certified. For further information, call (480) 836-2255.

Home School

Sometimes parents seek an education outside traditional institutions. For parents who prefer the home school approach, Fountain Hills has a group of likeminded families united as a community of learning.

The Fountain Hills Christian Home Educators (FHCHE) group is a local support system from Fountain Hills’ home school families. Though the group is a Christian-rooted organization, families need not be Christian to participate in activities.

The mission of FHCHE is to glorify God by providing fellowship, educational activities, information, inspiration and support to home schooling families. They believe that Christ is the foundation of learning and seek His loving example when teaching children and serving each other.

Currently, more than 20 families in Fountain Hills are involved in FHCHE.  The students come together several times each month for learning and social opportunities including geography and science fairs, biography night, field trips throughout the Valley, fine arts experiences and graduation.

Members of the group say they are able to network for lesson and extracurricular ideas. Group discounts are also available for field trips.

For more information, check out the group’s Web site at www.fhche.org.