Dear Parent, Guardian, Student of Ash Fork Schools, I’m sure the news from Governor Ducey came as just as big of a shock to you as it did to us. Having such a strange and unusual fourth quarter last year we were all looking forward to moving on and getting back to empowering. Despite our best wishes, fate would have us once again looking at a campus shutdown... READ MORE >
NEWS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Yavapai County School Superintendent Tim Carter has announced a vacancy on the Ash Fork Joint Unified School District Governing Board. The opening was created by the resignation of Board President Mike Wilson, who did not identify a reason for his departure. The resignation was effective on September 9,... READ MORE >
Ash Fork School Reopening Plan August 31 I’m sure all of us can agree that we are excited to begin on campus instruction for the 20-21 school year. The Ash Fork School Board decided that it was in the best interest of all Ash Fork families to wait until Yavapai County had met all ADHS Benchmarks before beginning a hybrid plan for instruction on campus. ... READ MORE >
Ash Fork School Covid 19 Mitigation Plan Dear Parent/ Guardian, I know all of us have been wondering how school will look as we begin the 20/21 School Year. I hope this document will help both student families and staff understand how we can be proactive in staying healthy, but still maintain an environment that is beneficial for learning and... READ MORE >
Social skills are weaved into the fabric of our day to day living. As children learn these skills at home and in a school setting they may be easily picked up on while some take longer to acquire. I think we should always be adjusting our social skill set. The adults in children’s lives can help them to develop social skills that will help them navigate... READ MORE >
About mid-year, 4th grade students Kaylee and Audrina asked if they could come into my 1st grade classroom and help out with a lesson I was teaching. I gladly said yes to the girls, but I wasn’t sure how to have them help. When they arrived in the classroom for teaching the lesson the girls did a great job helping out groups and went above and beyond to connect... READ MORE >
I want to take the time to thank all of my fabulous first grade families for their hard work and stellar efforts to help their children during this school year, especially this last quarter. I have been so appreciative of your efforts at home! I wish I could have spent the last quarter teaching in our room at school, but you stepped it up and filled in for me... READ MORE >
Parents can do a great deal to support their children’s summer learning through educational and engaging home-based activities that will help keep them mentally and physically fit, and ready to start the new school year with success. Here are five ways to get started: Read to your children -- or encourage your children to read -- books recommended by their... READ MORE >
Ash Fork High School announces the first graduating class from its associate’s degree program in conjunction with Yavapai College. By Al Wood While high school seniors across Northern Arizona were struggling to transition their final quarter of high school to online learning, five seniors at Ash Fork High School were managing the transition... READ MORE >
I’m sure that we have all heard some discussion on the recent issues surrounding the coronavirus. I want to give some recommendations and also inform you of what we are doing here at Ash Fork Schools. At this time, school closures are not recommended by the Arizona Department of Health Services or any county Department of Public Health. We will close... READ MORE >
Harnessing the ability to read well is a key for success in school. In the lower grades we use strategies to help engage students before, during and after they become proficient readers. However, kids should also have fun and enjoy their reading. One way we have been practicing this in our classroom is reading a book in 3 ways. The first way to practice... READ MORE >
Test Taking Skills Being able to take a test is a vital skill necessary for nearly any career choice. The idea that taking tests is simply for academic pursuits is an archaic misconception. Test taking and career choices can no longer be separated. Certification at nearly any level and professional path is part of our modern reality. Weather one is working... READ MORE >
2nd Quarter Team Building Reward Trip At the beginning of the 3rd quarter, twenty-eight of the middle school students went swimming at the flagstaff aquatic center. The team building trip was a reward for students who showed academic and behavioral excellence during the second quarter of the school year. To be eligible for the trip, students had to maintain a... READ MORE >
The 2019 middle school girls' basketball season showed promise of a strong group of young ladies. We started the season off with 20 athletes spread throughout three teams. Violeta (point guard & wing) and Julissa (wing, middle & down low) played basketball each year in middle school and will be joining the Ash High School basketball team next year. 5th graders... READ MORE >
‘Twas the Month After Christmas By author unknown 'Twas the month after Christmas, and all through the house Nothing would fit me, not even a blouse. The cookies I'd nibbled, the eggnog I'd taste At the holiday parties had gone to my waist. When I got on the ... READ MORE >
We introduced the very first Gingerbread Decorating Contest for the high school art classes – and what a success it was! Students were divided into teams with each creating a gingerbread farm, village, or train. It was quite an experience learning how to put the figures together and then start the decorating. As time went on, the students became more and more... READ MORE >
Physical fitness helps children to feel better, think better, and move better. This quarter, middle school PE students have started to learn about the importance of being physically fit. And while at first many students struggled with conditioning, they are now finding that their bodies have grown stronger and the conditioning less intimidating. The majority of... READ MORE >
The High School Physics class takes part in a summative unit project to show off what they have learned. The project itself is to build a “catapult” to support and highlight the physics “behind” the catapult, specifically, forces, energy, and projectile motion. The rationale is to make the Physics class more project-based, meaning they apply the skills they have... READ MORE >
On Wednesday, December 18, parents were able to come and pick up their donations from Toys for Tots. Toys for Tots mission is to collect new unwrapped toys and distribute those toys to less fortunate children at Christmas. This year, Toys for Tots provided the joy of Christmas to 121 kids (ages 0-14) at Ash Fork Schools. Thanks to the many generous donors of... READ MORE >
Returning from winter break marks the beginning of scholarship season! I like to think about quarter 3 as scholarship season because this is the time that seniors should be completing scholarship applications to pay for college or university. Today, the Google Classroom Scholarship Page has 21 applications and links for seniors to consider, and a few of those... READ MORE >
The month of November was eventful for our Ash Fork Cadets. We kicked off the month with a special Marine Corps Poolee meeting where our cadets learned about the Marine Corps traditional cake cutting ceremony. The customary celebration honors the birthday of the United States Marine Corps which is 10 November 1775. Cadets and poolees observed the tradition... READ MORE >
Sleep is an important part of our everyday life and getting enough is especially important for school aged children. While we sleep our body has time to repair, grow and sort information gained throughout the day. Not to mention good sleep helps our immune system fight off infections. School aged children, 5-12 years old, should get 10 -11 hours of... READ MORE >
Our recent trip to Washington D.C. gave me a chance to reflect on how fortunate I have been to be part of such a special team. The journey from an under performing school to a nationally recognized Blue Ribbon school has taught me more than I can share in this short article. I have been blessed to be part of such a motivated team of teachers, supports staff,... READ MORE >
3rd-5th grade took a trip to Wildlife World Zoo in Phoenix. They had the opportunity to see a variety of animals up close. In their ELA class they will be asked to chose an animal that they observed and write a research paper on it. READ MORE >
I think it would be safe to say all parents want their children to be successful in school. One of the most important skills I teach in first grade is reading. A child’s ability to read affects all areas of their learning from kindergarten through college. It is an important life skill. Below I have listed some tips on how to help your child become a... READ MORE >
Kindergarten The class began the day with great excitement, being able to wear the special Ash Fork T-Shirts was a treat. Of course – being sized medium, the shirts were a bit large… Kricket’s remark, “It looks like a dress!” was echoed by several more boys! Creative tuck-in 101, was then the course of action! Knowing that at least one... READ MORE >
Heritage Zoo Field Trip This week Kinder, First and 2nd grade students took a trip to zoo in Prescott. It is a small zoo, however, provides opportunities to for us to get a close look at native and nonnative species of Arizona. As second graders we get a chance to talk about animal categories. We looked at physical characteristics, animal senses and ways... READ MORE >
First grade began a study of “Forces and Motion” this month. Students learned that a force, such as a push or a pull, puts objects and/or people into motion. We used playground pieces, something first graders are very familiar with, to connect the concept of force and motion. Students started out by mapping equipment on the playground. Students were asked to... READ MORE >
Not only am I your child’s history teacher, but I also act as their guidance counselor. As guidance counselor, your children frequently ask me what they should do after high school. And if they aren’t asking me this question, then I’m asking them. Opportunities are limitless for high school graduates, but only if they plan in advance. Depending on their... READ MORE >
Travis Howard, Salvador Ayala and Adrian Mendoza played an essential part in moving the dugouts this week. They are doing construction on the fields and dugouts had to be moved. They are very heavy structures so Mr. Tiedeman devised a way to move them. The students worked as a team to jack up the dugout and lift it onto an axle. They welded the frame to an axle... READ MORE >
Hello Ash Fork Community! As the new Art Teacher, I’d like to show you what we’ve been doing in the Fine Arts classes so far this year. Our Art Gallery is located on the second floor of the school. A basic introduction to The Elements of Art and the Principles of Design began our year. Our first project was creating a design using the nine different types of... READ MORE >
The HS Physics class has been working on vectors and projectile motion and we went out to the soccer field for a real life lab. The purpose of this lab was to study the properties of projectile motion. We first dropped the soft ball off the roof, to determine the vertical rate of falling and then launched with a water balloon slingshot on the soccer field. From the... READ MORE >
Reading Fluency Reading with fluency is important because it allows students to focus on making meaning from the text rather than devoting time and energy to sounding out words. Fluency can be developed by modeling fluent reading and engaging students in repeated oral readings. Additional strategies to aid in improving fluency are: 7 Research-Based... READ MORE >
Student’s Teaching The Fifth Grade Spartans had a blast creating math lessons for the Third grade. I couldn’t be more proud of the amazing lessons produced by this group. The quality and creativity far exceeded my expectations. Watching their intrinsic motivation, improved confidence, and leadership skills was a true joy. After being assigned... READ MORE >
Ash Fork Cadets tested their limits at Flagstaff Extreme’s Adventure Course. While there, they completed 17 obstacles that included zip lines, rope swings, scrambling walls, hanging nets, and wobbly bridges. It took less than three hours to complete the green, silver, blue, red and black levels. The cadets had a great time encouraging and laughing with one... READ MORE >
What a great way to start the week! Resource received a new sporty adaptive tricycle. There’s hardly a more motivating activity for improving leg strength, balance, fitness and endurance. It is also giving the teachers a work-out, since we have to run after them J! Children with special needs can have the freedom to take off and go. The students who took the bike... READ MORE >
100 Mile Club We officially kicked off our 100 Mile Club for the 2019/2020 School year on Friday, August 16, 2019. The goal of the 100 Mile Club is to encourage our students to be more active. We do this through offering students prizes for miles walked! Students have punch cards to help them log laps around our track. Every morning before school... READ MORE >
Jeaneen Leach, 12 August 2019 Last year Ash Fork High School welcomed the new Cadet Corps leadership program. The mission is to assist students in becoming the best version of themselves. Emphasis is placed on military history, leadership, uniforms, physical fitness and nutrition. Students learn how to be responsible in a rigorous environment where high... READ MORE >
In this age of technology, kids are spending more time on devices and less time in nature. I felt that exploring the beauty of West Fork with the 5th graders was a great way to celebrate their time in elementary school. This is the third year this class has been with me and I will miss them greatly! I wish this middle school class the best of luck! READ MORE >
First grade has been studying all about bees, their colonies, jobs, physical attributes and most importantly why their numbers have been on a steady decline over the past several years. They discovered how important bees are in the growing of our food. Bees pollinate the flowers of plants that produce our food but with the use of pesticides on an incline, bee... READ MORE >
This week Middle School Science had their first dissection lab. In this lab the 6th and 7th grade students got hands-on experience exploring the muscular system, by comparing the similar structure of chicken wings to human arms. Students identified the three types of muscle tissue (cardiac, smooth, skeletal) and discovered how muscles and bones interact. In... READ MORE >
Middle School Students Solve Global Issues through Model United Nations Meetings By Al Wood This year, all middle school students learned about world geography in their social studies class. A new element of my geography class this year was to experiment with students conducting Model United Nations (UN) meetings. These UN meetings were a great success... READ MORE >
Mr. Tiedeman would like to showcase Ian Atkinson. Ian is a senior and has taken 3 years of welding. He has earned 6 welding certifications and enjoys working with metal. He has an eye for detail and has made many creative works of art. The latest is shown in the photo above. Ian will be missed in the welding shop next year. Mr. Tiedeman is very proud of Ian and... READ MORE >
8th grade canoe trip 2019 It’s that time of year again! For three years now, the 8th graders have been fundraising and canoeing the Colorado River from Willow Beach to the Arizona Hot Springs. This year, students raised enough money to buy another canoe to our collection and buy some cots and folding tables. There is a lot of preparation and work that... READ MORE >
On April 1st Mr. Tiedeman's students took their American Welding Society (AWS) certification tests. The certifications vary in type from 2G 70-18 with backing to 6G Open Root on SCH 80 6 inch 6010/7018 pipe. in aluminum TIG welding and 3G Open Root TIG welding and 4G Open Root MiG welding. All but one passed, out of 19 students. Mr. Tiedeman is very proud of... READ MORE >
This year in middle school PE, students learned about the importance of physical fitness, health, and wellness, and physical activity. Students learned that the benefits of a healthy lifestyle are looking good, feeling good, enjoying life’s activities and being able to meet emergencies. To help students understand how these concepts work together, they... READ MORE >
Elementary Move- Up Day Our elementary K-2 classes participated in a Move- Up Day. What is that exactly? It is an opportunity for each class to see what their new teacher and classroom will be like. Today, Thursday, May 9, elementary students moved up to experience their new teacher or teachers. This opportunity gives everyone, students and teachers, a chance... READ MORE >
Water Conservation Project Students learned about water conservation, the water cycle and had fun exploring the states of water. The third through fifth graders developed real life solutions for helping their families conserve water, educate them on the importance of water conservation and maybe even save them some money. Here is a list of ways the students... READ MORE >
I would like to thank the parents of the students of the Class of 2019. You have raised children who are on their way to be leaders in their chosen career field. While I understand that they are still children, their behavior has been like nothing I have ever seen before in a class of such diversity. Since the first day they have been respectful, focused and... READ MORE >
1st Grade Students in first grade are reaching their reading goals using LEXIA Core 5 Reading. LEXIA is a web based program that provides personalized learning in the areas of reading instruction explained below. 1)Phonics – a method for teaching word identification strategies based on the relationship between letters and sounds. 2)Automaticity &... READ MORE >
The school store was started in 2011 with a grant. The Legion has also given us money along the way. Mr. Tiedeman re-purposed the cabinet and put in shelves. It is on wheels so we can move it out in the hall for events like graduations and school dances. The store is open on Tuesday and Thursdays. Student sign up to help and learn customer service and how to... READ MORE >
Work Ethic By Mr. Holladay Recently Ash Fork Elementary Schools has become one of six Arizona schools to be nominated this year to be nationally recognized as a Blue Ribbon school. After thinking long and hard about what makes our school special, I came to the conclusion that though we do excel at many best practices and... READ MORE >
Springtime is knocking in Northern Arizona, and that can only mean one thing, wind, rain, snow, and softball. And, while we certainly have seen a lot of rain this spring, that hasn’t deterred the Lady Spartans softball team. This year there are fifteen ladies on our softball team. We have seven returning players on the team: senior Andrea Tellez, senior Celeste... READ MORE >
The High School Physics students work in groups to create the Periodic Table of the Elements in class using cards that they completed as homework. This is meant as a review of the Periodic Table and a direct illustration of how Dmitri Mendeleev first organized the elements like cards in a game of solitaire using chemical properties ad trends as guides. READ MORE >
Get Ready for the AZMerit Writing Test! In the coming weeks, Ash Fork students will be preparing for the AZMerit Writing Test. Students will take the test during the week of April 8th. Students’ essay scores will be combined with their AZMerit Reading Test Scores to calculate their overall score on the AZMerit English Language Arts Test. On the... READ MORE >
Limiting Screen Time We have electronic devices that contain a world of information and distraction. Due to this fairly new level of access to media devices we are still learning to curb and even understand its effects on our society and learning. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests limiting screen time for children 2 and up to 1-2... READ MORE >
The High School Physics class takes part in a summative unit project to show off what they have learned. The project itself is to build a “catapult” to support and highlight the physics “behind” the catapult, specifically, forces, energy, and projectile motion. The rationale is to make the physics more project-based by being more hands on which has been proven to... READ MORE >
Last semester cadets were given the opportunity to speak with Lieutenant Colonel Philip Laing who served as the Commanding Officer for the 3rd Division Armored Reconnaissance Battalion in the United States Marine Corps. While Lieutenant Colonel Laing has a lengthy list of beyond noteworthy and honorable achievements, he remained humble and stellar as he took time... READ MORE >
Middle School Q3 Team Building by Erika Acosta 2/26/2019 We kicked off quarter 3 this year with a field trip to Flagstaff. Students loaded the bus right after lunch and we headed straight for Buffalo Park. Many of the students had never been to this area of Flagstaff. The trails were slippery, snowy and muddy making the walk even more enjoyable. The trails... READ MORE >
Multiplication Fact Mastery is the single most important math skill that you can teach your child. It is the foundation to the majority of the higher order thinking math skills grades 2nd- 12th. Many of us want to help our children succeed in math class, but don’t feel we have the tools to do it. Common Core standards can be overwhelming and sometimes confusing to... READ MORE >
The 3rd-5th grade classes had a special guest come from the Western Yavapai Conservation Education Center. The third and fourth grades learned about cattle ranching, and 5th grade learned about cattle byproducts. Students were surprised to learn that items such as marshmallows, lipstick, asphalt, gummy bears, allergy medicine, and crayons were all byproducts... READ MORE >
Yavapai county offers grants every year to school in the county. This year I applied for money for an aquarium for our room. We had a small aquarium and wanted to expand. We found that it was very relaxing for children that were stressed. It also gave us teaching opportunities to learn more about aquatic habitats. Children that are reluctant to do their work... READ MORE >
In grade 3-5 we are excited to be using a new program called Lexia® Core5® Reading. It is a fun computer-based program that has helped millions of students. The activities in Core5 support and build on our classroom curriculum and focus on developing reading skills in six areas: phonological awareness, phonics, structural analysis, fluency, vocabulary, and... READ MORE >
20 Students Completed Yavapai College Classes This Semester Ash Fork High School had a successful semester continuing our Associate of Arts Program and Concurrent Enrollment Program. The Associates Program allows highly prepared, teacher-recommended freshmen to begin taking classes through Yavapai College and graduate from Ash Fork High School with both a... READ MORE >
I think it would be safe to say all parents want their children to be successful in school. One of the most important skills I teach in first grade is reading. A child’s ability to read affects all areas of their learning from kindergarten through college. It is an important life skill. Below I have listed some tips on how to help your child become a... READ MORE >
As the year 2018 winds down, many of us look toward 2019 filled with hope and expectation. We look forward to the chance of starting fresh, and many of us will make New Year’s resolutions. Myself included. The coming of the new year encourages us to evaluate our needs and wants and set goals. Throughout the first semester, I have been working on two goals. My... READ MORE >
Hello Everyone, You can “officially“ purchase our 2018 yearbook! Our complete-year edition books were delayed. This is what’s new: There are 2 book covers to choose from. Each book has the same content inside. One design was voted for by Kindergarten through 8th grades, and the other cover design was chosen by the 2018 Graduates! Please see... READ MORE >
Pumpkin Patch at Mortimer Farms In October Kindergarten through 2nd grade had the opportunity to attend the pumpkin patch at Mortimer Farms. The week before they attended, they also had a presentation from Agriculture in the Classroom. Our presenter, Cassandra Manifee, explained the Pumpkin Life Cycle with a nonfiction rhyming book and a pumpkin life cycle... READ MORE >
All for Maxine Howington. On December 4th , 2018 we surprised our school nurse (head chief) Max! It has been the longest year to hold onto this big secret. We dedicated our 2018 yearbook to her. Our school administrators, staff, and her family were the key elements involved in helping us bring this together for her. All the details had to be slightly delayed to... READ MORE >
Middle School Team Building On Thursday, October 18th, the Ash Fork middle school students were a little more excited about school than usual. This was not because it was a half day but because this day was team building. It has been part of the culture at Ash Fork School to take at least one day out of each quarter where students can connect in a different... READ MORE >
October 31st 2018 High School English students were introduced to literary text through the use of analyzing Edgar Allan Poe poems. Teams were assigned different POEms to annotate literary elements and then tasked to decorate cupcakes to best exemplify those elements. Students in every class period brought their interpretations of their poem to life... READ MORE >
Here at Ash Fork Schools we are fortunate to have many great employees and volunteers. I would like to dedicate this article to an employee who has been at the district longer than anyone else. The employee I’m talking about is Mrs. Di Rudnick. I had the opportunity to interview Mrs. Rudnick and I think you’ll enjoy her responses. 1. What brought you to Ash... READ MORE >
Spartan Welding Ash fork welding students are getting ready for the Skills USA competition later this year. They are also training and practicing for their AWS welding certification test. In addition to mastering welding standards, students hone their skills by performing real world tasks. READ MORE >
In September kindergarten celebrated Grandparent's Day. Ms. Maria has been a grandparent Volunteer in kindergarten for the last 7 years. Thank you for all your help and hugs! READ MORE >
Positive school culture thrives with Spartan Time! After two full years of the program our elementary has seen significant growth in student motivation, academic performance, character building and a drop in disciplinary issues. Each week, third through fifth graders are rewarded for demonstrating exceptional work ethic and character in and outside the classroom.... READ MORE >
Dear Middle School ELA Families, It is hard to believe that second quarter is already here. During the first quarter, middle school ELA students worked on the standards related to strand one-main ideas and details. Strand one reading standards asked students to look closely at the text and read for understanding. Throughout the second quarter, students will be... READ MORE >
Ash Fork school has been a member of the 100 Mile Club since 2003. We walk laps before school and have walkathons several times a year. The students have punch cards to record their laps. When they have walked 25 miles they earn a gift card and a T-shirt. We have had a number of students walk 25+ miles each year. I would like to challenge our students to walk... READ MORE >
OdySea Aquarium Field TripThe 3rd-5th grade went on a field trip to Odysea aquarium in Scottsdale. Student learned about aquatic life through interactive exhibits. They had the opportunity to roll up their sleeves and touch Russian Sturgeon, Stingray sea stars, pelagic rays, benthic rays, and sea anemones. In addition, students also watched 10-minute... READ MORE >
Kindergarten and 1st Grade hosted their first “Family Fun Night” of the year! Students, parents and teachers had a blast! Students decorated folders with fabric, puff paint and sequences. Students also decorated book marks with stickers, paints and sequences while munching on cookies and pizza! We are all looking forward to the next one! READ MORE >
Twenty Minutes a Day Reading is an everyday and 21st century necessary skill. Reading happens every day. Everywhere you look you will see print. Signs, menus, food containers, articles and, yes, even social media feeds. However, students need to read books and articles critically and with good comprehension. With a 20 minute a day mantra starting at an... READ MORE >
New Textbooks Build Rigor for Honors World History Students By Al Wood Last month, the Ash Fork JUSD Governing Board approved the purchase of a new textbook for my honors world history class. This completes my goal of having a set of AP-approved, high-rigor textbooks for my college-prep students to use in each of my high school honors social studies... READ MORE >
Ash Fork Cadet Core LISTEN UP! Ash Fork High School has a new leadership development program! The Cadet Core program is open to all High School students who are open to accept the challenge to take on a program that instills discipline and expects excellence. The mission is to assist students in becoming the best version of themselves. Emphasis is... READ MORE >
"Eighth grade has begun our study of DNA, heredity and genetic inheritance. You’ve probably learned or heard about DNA, but have you ever seen it? With the Strawberry DNA experiment, Eighth Grade extracted, isolated, and observed the DNA of a strawberry in a matter of minutes. It sounds impossible, but thanks to special characteristics of strawberries, it’s... READ MORE >
Welcome to Ash Fork Schools! Ash Fork is a small rural community located at the junction of Interstate 40 and highway 89 in Northern Arizona. Ash Fork Schools had its first graduating class in 1929 and has been a pillar for the community ever since. Our district serves nearly 300 students and 35 staff members. We pride ourselves on giving students as many... READ MORE >
Sent to www.afjusd.org Ash Fork Joint Unified School District #31 will be participating in the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program. As part of this program, Ash Fork Elementary, Middle, and High Schools are implementing Special Assistance Programs will offer healthy meals every school day at NO COST to the students due to the... READ MORE >
AFJUSD Vision Statement All students graduate prepared for a career or college. ... Mission Statement Our mission, in partnership with students, home and community, is to create responsible citizens who are lifelong learners, ready to succeed in a diverse and changing world. ... We believe that: Children are our first priority Children need to know that we... READ MORE >
Though school is officially out, Ash Fork students are staying busy and active this summer thanks to the robust Athletics Department. The boys’ basketball team is participating in three team camps in preparation for next season. The first will be the Embry-Riddle Men’s Basketball Team Camp June 8th-9th, and the second shall be the University of California San... READ MORE >