As part of Santa Cruz County Arts Month the Santa Cruz County School Superintendent Alfredo Velásquez and his Office had a momentous arts celebration at the 1904 Historic Courthouse in downtown Nogales on October 23rd, 2021. The County honored many local artists by giving recognition to muralists who have beautified our community and presented the Ambassador of the Arts Awards to 10 leaders in the arts. The Courthouse hosted two beautiful exhibits by local artists: painter Luis Preciado and photographer Kevin Zúñiga. There was also live music performed by the talented Rio Rico High School Jazz Band and the Sky Islands Piano Trio of the Santa Cruz Foundation for the Performing Arts. October Arts Month, proclaimed by Santa Cruz County and the City of Nogales, aimed to unify our artistic community and fantastic local arts organizations through events such as hosting the Nogales/Santa Cruz County Chamber of Commerce government affairs meeting, creating a monthly Master Arts and Culture Event Calendar for the county, establishing a county-wide arts committee, and sponsoring the Dia de Muertos Festival.
At the awards ceremony Mr. Velásquez and Arts Director Evan Kory presented many special awards that honor the great artistic talent that exists in Santa Cruz County. The inaugural Nils Urman Mural of the Year Award, in memory of Mr. Urman, who had a major impact in our community through his work as Executive Director of Nogales Community Development and countless projects, was awarded to artist Karla Osete for her mural “Torch Cactus Blooms.” Recipients of the Ambassador of the Arts Award were, Janice Johnson, Sandra Kory, Robert “Bob” Ochoa, Grecia Solorio, Antonio Lucero, Christina Wilhelm, Kevin Zúñiga, Luis Preciado, Mark Dittmar, and Carolina Lopez. The Santa Cruz County School Superintendent’s Office will continue to promote the Arts in our community and looks forward to many more celebrations in the 1904 Historic Courthouse. 

Mexicayotl was awarded in 2020 the National Blue Ribbon of Distinction.  It is the highest award for excellence in education. Only five schools in Arizona have been awarded the National Blue Ribbon of Distinction. Mexicayotl is the only school in our county to have such a recognition. The award recognizes schools across the country based on their performance on student tests and graduation rates. There are two categories: Exemplary High Performing Schools and Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools. 

The coveted blue ribbon acknowledges educators, families, and communities for their hard work in creating welcoming schools where students learn challenging, engaging material.Educators and teachers at these schools know how to help students succeed academically, regardless of their background and income level. In 1997-1998, the school opened its doors. Mexicayotl serves k-8 students in Santa Cruz County. Through its dual education program and unique intercultural curriculum, it distinguished itself from other schools.

“We founded this company because we felt that students in our predominantly Mexican community could benefit from the Nogales experience. We live with the Spanish language and culture every day. Charter schools are public schools and therefore open to all students age K-8.  Families choose the school because they value literacy and want their children to be literate, not just bilingual in English and Spanish.  After enrolling, they must demonstrate a willingness and work ethic that states, "I want to learn", in other words, Ganas,” said Baltazar Garcia, School Director. 

There are 180 students in our charter school, but we can accommodate up to 245 students in grades K-8.  It all depends on how many student openings there are based on space, which at this time is not 245. 

Both my wife and I are founders; she is the principal and I am the director. She has been providing support and education efforts to the school since 2013, resulting in an 'A' rating. 

Mexicayotl is not a private school that charges tuition, but a public school that receives financial support from the State Department of Education, like other public schools in Nogales.  Our requirements and standards, therefore, are the same as those for every public school in this area. Additional funds come from state programs that value and support our academic accomplishments, where we are in the top 10% of the schools that serve low income students. 

Whether you want your child to learn more at Mexicayotl even if they are doing well elsewhere, if you want your child to be challenged on a daily basis, or if you want your child to attend the top school in the region. By giving your school your state tax exemption when you file your taxes, you can help support the school's activities. 

Our school is the only one with a dual language model that values and reflects the culture of the region.  Because the school has achieved academic success, this opportunity for educational excellence is not available in any other school in the state.  Through our educational program, our students learn to become involved in their community.  The ability to value one's identity and culture allows one to value other cultures, which in turn enables us all to interact and work together for the common good.  'Tequio' or our way of observing the world and learning consists of these four words or ideas.  

“Our success is based on our staff's commitment to providing the highest quality education available in the county.  In our experience, our dual language integration  model can educate our youth to a highest level that opens doors for their individual and collective success,”said Garcia. 

It was “On with the Show” this past week as the 2021 Santa Cruz County Fair opened its doors once more in Sonoita. Once again, the Santa Cruz County School Superintendents Office was responsible for the coordination of this great annual event. The majority of the schools throughout our county highlighted the talent from their students and art teachers. These exhibits were all set up on Wednesday, September 15, by the remarkable fair coordinators that took time to drive out to Sonoita and set up the artwork and science projects that the students so carefully prepared for the Fair. On Thursday, September 16, thirty judges from across the county drove out to the fairgrounds and dedicated the entire morning to selecting winners in each Division and making sure that each exhibit received a ribbon.

We want to thank all the schools, teachers and fair coordinators that took the time to prepare the exhibits that these students sent out to present to the public. SCC School Superintendent Alfredo I. Veláquez, Mrs. Patricia Barraza-Preciado and SCC School Superintendent staff send a big thank you to our incredible judges and volunteers, who took time off from their daily responsibilities and drove out to Sonoita to be part of this wonderful event.

Trophy winners in each Division

K-2 grade

Ismael Barrionuevo

Bracker Elementary Painting

3-5 grade

Alejandra Pastelin

Mexicayotl Charter School Space Science

6-8 grade

Dylan Lindsey

Desert Shadows Middle School Physical Science

9-12 grade

Tavania Padilla

Patagonia Union High School Poems

Division 13

Aleck Quintero

Bracker Elementary Poem/Recycled Art

Best in show

Julissa Aguirre

Nogales High School Painting

Best in show

Amanda Pacheco

Lourdes Catholic Art

Best in show

Amelia Salazar

Mexicayotl Charter School Space Science

Best in show

Abigail Duarte

Bracker Elementary Recycled Art

Best in show

Leonel Leyva

Bracker Elementary Recycled Art

Best in show

Group project

Coatimundi Middle School

Best in show

Juan Pablo C.

Mexicayotl Charter School Space Science

Best in show

Little Red Elementary Recycled Art

Best in show

Rodolfo Navarro

Desert Shadows Middle School Physical Science

Best in show

Jesus Castro

San Cayetano Elementary Short Story

On Friday July 30, 2021, the 14th Annual Santa Cruz County Teacher of the Year Awards Dinner Ceremony took place at the Tubac Golf Resort and Spa Geronimo Ballroom. The splendid event was co-sponsored by the Santa Cruz County School Superintendent Alfredo I. Velásquez, the Nogales Rotary Club and coordinated by the Santa Cruz County School Superintendent’s Accounting Specialist/Special Events Coordinator Patricia Barraza-Preciado.

The night started with the acting 2020 Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Michelle Sebert of Elgin School District leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Superintendent Alfredo I. Velásquez welcomed all guests and thanked all nominees and every teacher in our county, for their extraordinary dedication and commitment to the students of Santa Cruz County. While the guests enjoyed an exquisite dinner, over 30 door prizes donated by local businesses were raffled to those in attendance. All proceeds from the ticket sales for the raffles are to be designated to the William I. Rothstein Memorial Scholarship for graduating students in our county.

Mrs. Patricia Barraza-Preciado introduced each of the 20 Teacher of the Year Nominees with a short video on their philosophy on teaching, as they took center stage they were presented a trophy by Santa Cruz County School Superintendent Alfredo I. Velásquez. They also received a Teacher of the Year Appreciation Platter consisting of a cash reward and assorted gift cards.

Given the difficult task of selecting the 2021 Santa Cruz County Teacher of the Year, were five incredible judges chosen from across the county. We are proud to announce and congratulate Mr. Mark Dittmar from Mountain View Elementary, for being the recipient of the 2021 Santa Cruz County Teacher of the Year Award. Mr. Dittmar will now represent Santa Cruz County at the state competition in Phoenix, this fall.

Mr. Dittmar was awarded the Teacher of the Year Trophy, $2,000.00 check, BBQ Smoker Grill, Samsung Galaxy Tablet, a one-night stay and two rounds of golf for two from Tubac Golf Resort and Spa, $500.00 for Professional Development and prizes and gift cards from local community members, valued close to $4,000.00.

We also want to congratulate the 2021 Santa Cruz County Teacher of the Year Runner-up from Patagonia Union High School, Mrs. Ann Gortarez. Mrs. Gortarez received the Runner-up trophy along with a $1000.00 check, a fire pit donated from Home Depot, Samsung Galaxy Tablet, a one-night stay at Tubac Resort, $250.00 for Professional Development along with prizes and gift cards from local community members, valued close to $2,300.00.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the Sponsors and Donors that made this event possible and a great success. We appreciate your support.

On May 11th, Santa Cruz County Schools Superintendent Alfredo I. Velasquez office hosted the 3rd Santa Cruz County South32 TECHNOLOchicas Conference. TECHNOLOchicas is an afterschool club that encourages young Latinas to pursue careers in STEM-related fields (STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). 

Over 80 students from across Santa Cruz County participated in this year’s conference, which was held online due to the pandemic. A panel of three prominent Latinas in STEM- Professor Hau Moy Kwon, Salt Lake Community College; Melissa Delgado, a cybersecurity expert at Morgan Stanley; and Jaritza Verdin, a cloud support engineer with iManage- talked to students about how they started their careers, and offered them advice on breaking into STEM-related spaces. Students also participated in a series of workshops designed to hone their math and programming skills. Notable guests included Arizona State Senator Rosana Gabaldon, Arizona State Representative Andrea Dalessandro, Arizona State Representative Daniel J. Hernandez, Jr., and South32 Hermosa Project President Patrick Risner, among others. 

Most of all, the conference was a testament to the incredible work and dedication of this year’s TECHNOLOchicas instructors: Mrs. Betsy Hughes, Calabasas School; Ms. Ruchi Chhabra and Mr. Ajay Parnache, Coatimundi Middle School; Ms. Martha Morgan, Desert Shadows Middle School; Ms. Elizabeth Lemons, Patagonia Elementary School; and Mrs. Deborah Oaks, Wade Carpenter Middle School. Their efforts made the program a success this year, in spite of very difficult circumstances. 

In addition to the Santa Cruz County School Superintendent’s Office, TECHNOLOchicas in Santa Cruz County is made possible by the generous support of the South32 Hermosa Project, and the Televisa Foundation. 

 Freshmen Gear Up students at Nogales High School, Rio Rico High School, and Patagonia High School have thankfully had an extra support during the spring semester as they struggle to learn 9th grade math concepts virtually. The Santa Cruz County School Superintendent’s Office C-CREO Gear Up Program launched the Math Mentorship Project in January, 2021, after freshmen and upperclassmen mentors who participated in the high school transition mentorship indicated they appreciated both the support, and the sense of helping others in their school community. With the help of math teachers, Mr. Ravi Dutt from NHS, Ms. Marinez Alvarez from RRHS, and Ms. Cynthia Quinonez from PUHS, along with Gear Up Success Coaches, freshmen math students who could benefit from after-school math tutoring and juniors and seniors who were confident in math, were grouped together in-person or in their Google classroom. The purpose of the program is to build a math identity in young students, learn resilience and the ability to overcome challenges in their math studies, and develop confidence and the motivation to succeed. The math mentorship looks a bit different on each campus as it was designed to fit the needs of each school and its students. One common factor between all projects is participants have found that asking for help when you’re struggling and giving back to those who need support give a sense of belonging and gratitude. The C-CREO Gear Up Program will continue the mentorship programs in the upcoming school year as well.

Rio Rico High School- Rio Rico High School freshmen were given the opportunity to receive math tutoring through a Math Mentorship Program provided by Gear Up. Freshmen students needing math tutoring were paired up with an upperclassman mentor that provides the student with individualized help in areas they are struggling with. “The mentors and mentees meet for approximately an hour a week.  I am able and ready to provide guidance and assistance with concept help. The freshmen students are really thriving, said, Mrs. Martinez Alvarez.

According to Mrs. Shukla an Algebra 1 teacher, stated she has seen a significant change in her students. She has noticed the students are more confident and more interested in the concepts they are learning. The upperclassmen are doing an amazing job of not only reviewing the concepts with their mentees but also making a personal connection with them. When the freshmen students come to tutoring without any reminders and want to continue coming, we know the program is being successful! 

Nogales High School-“I would like to thank our first batch of Math mentors who came forward to help and guide our freshmen students in these unprecedented times. They have shown great determination and leadership qualities to help our struggling freshmen. However, it was tough for them to reach out to students in this situation, but they tried their best to support them,” said Mr. Dutt  Regarding the Math Mentorship Program, I think it will provide an opportunity for our juniors and seniors to see things from a broader perspective. They will be able to sharpen their knowledge and leadership skills, and as well as they will be contributing to support the academic achievements of struggling freshmen. I want to thank our principal, Mr.Colgate, for supporting the program and providing all the necessary help to the gear-up coaches and our mentors to impart the program successfully. 

Patagonia Union High School-Ms. Cynthia Quiñones is the sponsor for the math mentoring program at Patagonia Union High School. During this school year, she outlined the following positive outcomes of the program: Students have overcome their fear of asking questions. Students have realized that math is not as hard as they once thought it was.  She also had one student successfully exit the program due to his improved math skills. 

   The Santa Cruz County School Superintendent’s Office and School Superintendent Alfredo I. Velásquez, celebrated, along with 15 Private, Charter and Public Elementary Schools within our county, National Read across America/Dr. Seuss Week from

March 01, 2021 – March 05, 2021.

With the coordination of Ms. Patricia Barraza-Preciado (Santa Cruz County School Superintendent’s Office,) the schools throughout our county had over 78 volunteers conduct virtual visits and read to each classroom in our educational community. The main goal of this annual event is to encourage our children to read and to love reading at an early age. It’s one of

the most significant actions we can accomplish as parents and as a community. It sets the foundation for a lifetime of success.

The Santa Cruz County School Superintendent’s Office, would like to thank each and every one who volunteered a couple of hours of their busy day to participate in this wonderful event. The children of Santa Cruz County, THANK YOU as well.

A VERY SPECIAL THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING VOLUNTEERS and SPONSORS

Ms. Lee Ann Richards (McDonald’s sponsor) Mr. James Quinet (McDonald’s sponsor)

Volunteers

Representative Andrea Dalessandro Sheriff David Hathaway

Mrs. Karen Hathaway Chief Deputy Mario Morales

Chief Roy Bermudez Chief Carlos Jimenez

Mr. Rudy Molera (SCC Supervisor)

Mr. Alfredo Velasquez (SCC School Superintendent) Ms. Suzie Sainz (SCC Recorder)

Mr. Juan Pablo Guzman (SCC Clerk of Courts) Lieutenant Gerry Castillo

Lieutenant Raoul Rodriguez Corporal Oscar Mesta

Lt. Juan Bermudez Lt. Veronica Hernandez

Division Supervisor Steve Snead Sgt. Oscar Lechuga

Sgt. Basilio Angulo Officer Victor Hetherington

Officer Martin Quezada Mrs. Cynthia Matus-Morriss Dr. Stella Perez

Ms. Georgina Tavera Mr. Fernando Parra Mrs. Angel Canto Mrs. Mayra Zuniga Ms. Alba Quijano Ms. Claudia Wise Mr. Robert Astengo

Mr. Nohe Garcia Mrs. Cecilia Kory

Mr. Fernando Sandoval Mr. and Mrs. Manuel Coppola

Mrs. Adriana Romero Ms. Lourdes Jeong Mr. John Hays

Mrs. Susan Faubion Mrs. Christine Bachelier Mr. Peter Hooper

Mr. Francisco Padilla Mrs. Christina Pereda

Mrs. Romina Bermudez Mrs. Patty Azcue Mrs. Maria Martinez Mrs. Sonia Jones

Mrs. Alicia Valenzuela Mr. Luis Preciado

Ms. Berenice Arellano Mr. Chris Young

Mrs. Maya Donnelly Ms. Terri Sprigg

Ms. Christie Monreal Mrs. Maritza Cervantes Ms. Liz Tolano

Mr. Chris Bierle

Mr. Adrian Chamberlain Mrs. Marisol Chiquete Mrs. Melissa Gallegos

Mr. Evan Kory Mr. Robert Brubaker Ms. Paloma Barraza

Ms. Alma Feria Ms. Georgina Parra Mrs. Ruth Plascencia

Mrs. Patricia Barraza-Preciado Mrs. Sonia Sanchez

Ms. Grissel Tapia Ms. Ally Alvarez Mrs. Danna Rivera Mrs. Ely Alcantara Mrs. Sandra Davila

Tubac FF Marc Caschera Tubac FF Ricky Rodriguez Tubac FF Rudy Romero Mr. Luis Martinez

Mrs. Erika Mezquita Mr. Emmanuel Rodriguez

The 2021 Santa Cruz County Spelling Bee was held the morning of Wednesday, February 17th with a twist. Due to the pandemic, the annual competition, which consists of 20 Elementary and Middle School winners from across Santa Cruz County, was held 100% online. The Bee started off with a welcome message from Santa Cruz County School Superintendent Alfredo I. Velasquez and followed with an oath and an explanation of the Arizona State Spelling Bee Scripps template guidelines. The Santa Cruz County School Superintendent’s Office Spelling Bee Coordinators, Marisol Chiquete-Bolaina, Julie Ulrich, and Adrian Chamberlain monitored the students as they went through the questions online. Once all contestants had finished, First Place went to 6thgrader Michael Pentland from Desert Shadows Middle School and Runner Up went to 5th grader Memphis Parks from San Cayetano. 

On Friday, February 19th, there was a drive through ceremony at the 1904 Courthouse on Morley Avenue to honor all of the participants. With banners, balloons and a cheering section, students rode with their families to take pictures and receive their gifts. All contestants were given a tablet, and a backpack filled with school supplies. The drive-thru event was attended by students, parents, and staff who enjoyed a fun-filled day of suspense and surprises. Special thanks to our sponsors for their continued support: LeAnn Richards and James Quinet from McDonalds, Santa Cruz County Attorney George Silva, Treasurer Elizabeth Gutfahr, Jovanna Lopez a State Farm Insurance Agent, Rio Rico Rotary Club, and the Santa Cruz County Superintendent’s staff for their help. 

The Santa Cruz Valley Unified School District No. 35 (SCV35) is pleased to announce Calabasas Preschool has earned accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)—the world's largest organization working on behalf of young children. 

NAEYC Accreditation is a rigorous and transformative quality-improvement system that uses a set of 10 research-based standards to collaborate with early education programs to recognize and drive quality-improvement in high-quality early learning environments.

To earn NAEYC Accreditation, Calabasas Preschool went through an extensive self-study and quality-improvement process, followed by an on-site visit by NAEYC Assessors to verify and ensure that the program met each of the ten program standards, and hundreds of corresponding individual criteria. NAEYC-accredited programs are always prepared for unannounced quality-assurance visits during their accreditation term, which lasts for five years.

In the 30 years since NAEYC Accreditation was established, it has become a widely recognized sign of high-quality early childhood education. More than 7,000 programs are currently accredited by NAEYC—less than 10 percent of all child care centers, preschools, and kindergartens nationally achieve this recognition. 

“NAEYC-Accredited programs bring our definitions of excellence for early childhood education to life each day,” said Kristen Johnson, senior director of Early Learning Program Accreditation at NAEYC. “Earning NAEYC Accreditation make Calabasas Preschool an exemplar of good practice for families and the entire community.”

“Our District has always been committed to providing quality early childhood education to the children and families of our community,” said Assistant Superintendent of Student Services, Melisa Lunderville.   “It is a great honor to receive accreditation from this organization.”

For more information about NAEYC Accreditation, visit the NAEYC website. 

The Los Padres Home Visitation Program, funded by First Things First, and operated by the Santa Cruz County Schools Superintendent’s Office of Alfredo I. Velasquez, celebrated their first graduation on November 13th. A class of eleven children completed the program and will be transitioning to Kindergarten next year. Collaborating agency representatives, including Jennifer Argyros, Director of the Family Resource Centers, Yara Castro, Director of Mariposa Community Health Center Visitation Program and Laura Monarquez, representing Wade Carpenter Middle School, helped congratulate the children and their families during the ceremony. The drive thru celebration took place in the parking lot of the Santa Cruz County Complex with County School Superintendent Mr. Velasquez presenting the diplomas to the children. The children also received gifts from their Parent Educators.

The “Los Padres” Home Visitation Program provides a hands-on approach to learning through parent-child interaction and teaches the importance of learning through play. Los Padres Parent Educators serve a minimum of 62 families in our community with various needs. All families with children ages 0-48 months are eligible to participate in the program in addition to teen parents, first time parents, grandparents raising grandchildren and court appointed legal guardians. It is important to note that the program is not income driven, which means that we enroll ALL families, regardless of income. Also, in attendance and representing the Santa Cruz County School Superintendent’s Office was Chief Deputy Chris Young and Accounting Specialist Pat Barraza.  From the Los Padres Team Director, Gina Parra, and parent educators, Melissa Gallegos, Alma Feria, Ericka Mezquita, Ruth Plascencia and Paloma Barraza attended.

“Los Padres” staff and the Santa Cruz County Schools Superintendent’s Office welcome and encourage any enrollment inquiries or questions. Please contact Georgina Parra at gparra@santacruzcountyaz.gov or at 520.375.7951 for additional information

  Alfredo I. Velásquez, Santa Cruz County Superintendent, is proud to announce a new grant funding recently awarded to his office. The proposal entitled “Promoting Healthy Students Initiative” was approved by the United States Department of Justice under the Bureau of Justice Affairs: STOP School Violence Program. The project will receive approximately $670,000 over the next three years.

The grant will provide school- based resources to support families and students in the county. This three-year initiative seeks to prevent violence in the community by implementing school- wide programs that will raise awareness through training and proactive measures. In addition, PHSI seeks to institute positive learning environments, while providing small group and individualized services.  The project will also create partnerships with community-based agencies and local law enforcement in a coordinated effort to reduce incidences of violence in the county. 

With the unique challenges created by the pandemic and distance learning, Promoting Healthy Students will work diligently to address the needs of our county students. Their overall health and well-being will be of upmost importance as the program moves forward. For more information on the program, contact Teresa A. Sprigg at tsprigg@santacruzcountyaz.govor at (520) 375-7952.

RRHS teacher and Hawk Theatre Director Joseph Ellison has been awarded the Arizona Thespians Teacher of the Year Award for the south region, which includes Tucson all the way south to Nogales.

Ellison was notified via email by Steve Abaroa of the Arizona Thespians Executive Board. “This award is given annually to a teacher that demonstrates exceptional courage and devotion to the Performing Arts Program at a school. It is a prestigious honor that recognizes the best of the best within our ranks.”

The award is typically presented at the annual State Thespian Festival, which was canceled for 2020. Although disappointed he would not be able to accept the award in person, Ellison expressed his gratitude for being recognized. "Words cannot express the pride I feel for receiving this award. I owe so much to my students and this award is a reflection on their hard work just as much as mine. Theatre is a collaboration of heart and soul and my students show that with trust and hard work you can truly bring out creation in any circumstance.”

Ellison has directed the Hawk Theatre Company for the past four years, his second year under principal Hector Estrada. Estrada spoke highly of Ellison’s achievement, “What a tremendous accomplishment and recognition. Both you and your students deserve this as you all epitomize the district mantra, #SCV35AbovetheBar with the attitude of "The Show Must Go On!"

Mr. Ellison was recently interviewed and can be viewed on #SCV35AboveTheBar on the SCV35 Communications YouTube channel. https://youtu.be/NqkGR6iVs8