Board recognizes volunteers, staff and students; district notes local donations for fields and programs
Summary
At the meeting the board recognized winners of a Bill of Rights essay contest, volunteers and staff and several students of the month; district leaders also noted recent community donations to school facilities and programs including Friends of AJ and local businesses.
The Apache Junction Unified School District Governing Board used part of its meeting to recognize volunteers, staff and students and to note recent community donations to district programs and facilities.
Kim Grady, a community volunteer who organized a Bill of Rights essay contest, introduced the event and Judge Daniel Washburn served as an essay judge; Grady described the contest as a community awareness project and encouraged continued participation. The board presented certificates and cash prizes to winners; staff asked parents to encourage student participation in next year’s contest.
District staff recognized volunteers and employees of the month, including Christina Hafer (volunteer of the month), Kyra Gilberg (classified staff member of the month, cafeteria manager) and Teresa Edwards (certified staff member of the month, kindergarten teacher). Multiple principals and staff praised the honorees for classroom work, student support and community involvement.
Superintendent Dr. Pappalardo and board members also noted recent community donations: Friends of AJ donated $1,500 to help restore Davis Field; local businesses donated chalk paint and seating/fertilization support for the field; and Resolution Copper has provided multiple donations to district programs and to Peralta Trail Elementary (discussed separately under the funding agreement item).
Board members held a brief public recognition segment and then recessed for a short break.
