PACE Academy News 
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 Prescott Valley - 928.775.9675       Camp Verde - 928.567.1805
District Office - 928.775.0719
March 2014
Issue No.14

PACE Monthly Brainteaser

Brain teaser graphic 

 

Hello parents, staff, students, and supporters! This month's brainteaser is a famous and fun

riddle. I hope you enjoy it!!

You are a bus driver. At the first stop of the day, eight people get on board. At the second
stop, four get off, and eleven get on. At the third stop, two get off, and six get on. At the fourth stop, thirteen get off, and one gets on. At the fifth stop, five get off, and three get on.

 

What color are the bus driver's eyes?

One non-student (sorry, staff are not eligible) and one student with the correct answer will win a small prize! Once you have a guess, send it via email to [email protected], with March Brainteaser as the subject. Please include your first and last name and if you are a parent or a student. I will
reply  to let you know if you have got it or not.  

Good luck to you all!

May your brains be teased.

 

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Answer to the February Newsletter Brainteaser:

Pour the five-ounce container full from the jug. Pour the three-ounce container full from the five-ounce container, leaving only two ounces remaining in the five-ounce container.  

 

Pour the three-ounce container back into the jug. Then pour the two ounces remaining in the five-ounce container into the three-ounce container. Pour the five-ounce container full from the jug. Fill the remaining one ounce of the three-ounce container from the five-ounce container and then four ounces are left.

 

*************************************
WINNER of the February Newsletter Brainteaser: Rochelle Rios (parent). 

 

Congratulations!

Your prize will be arriving via e-mail.

 

I had no student entries last month, but I hope to have some this time!   

BUS SCHEDULE INFORMATION

Pace Academy Bus and Van schedules appear below. Please click on the word "HERE" in order to see a .pdf of the schedule.

Please be aware that parents and guardians are responsible for getting their children to and from the bus stop as well as for their behavior while at the bus stop.

Students should be at their bus stop up to ten minutes before the pickup time to allow for the flexibility sometimes necessitated by traffic flow.

The bus routes and numbers are subject to change and pickup times are approximate. They will be adjusted as needed and parents/guardians will be notified.
School Bus
BUS SCHEDULES

Click  HERE for the 
Route 1 Morning Bus
Ashfork

Click  HERE for the
Route 7
Morning Bus 
Prescott

Click HERE for the
Afternoon Prescott Valley First Student Bus Schedule
van photo
VAN SCHEDULES

Click HERE for the Van Runs with both the morning and afternoon schedules for the Camp Verde campus.

Click HERE for the Van Runs with both the morning and afternoon schedules for the Prescott Valley campus.
Greetings!

It hardly seems possible that we are closing in on the end of the 2013-2014 school year. Prom season is approaching  and we're happy to announce that we've decided on a location between both schools, in Jerome, Arizona. The prom will take place on Saturday, May 10th. This year's theme is "A Red Carpet Affair".

We have prepared information that is being enclosed with the prom tickets outlining directions, date, time, dress code and more. Please click HERE to have a look.

Tickets for the prom are $30.00 for one, and $50.00 for two. In order to help students defray the costs of attending this special event, we are holding fundraising car washes on both campuses. Students who attend and work at all THREE of these fundraisers will earn a free ticket. Please see the article below for details.

Transportation to this event will be made available to all students.  This is on a 'first come, first served' basis - please let your teacher know if you'll be needing a ride. You will be provided with a Permission form to be filled out and returned to school.

All information concerning guests and dates is included in the packet along with the tickets. A link to this information can be found HERE.

Because we know that many of the guys don't have access to jackets/dress shirts/ties/pants in order to meet the Dress Code, anyone needing any of these items should be aware that on the day of the Prom Dress Up Event - April 4th in Prescott Valley - we will also be outfitting guys who are in need of appropriate prom clothes.

There will be a photographer on site to document this year's event. There are a number of packages that can be purchased. To view the package prices, please click HERE. There is a plan to have the photographer come to the school to demonstrate and explain what he has to offer. We will announce the date of his visit. A fun addition to this year's photo options is a "Photo Booth" - these photos will be available to view and order on line - separately from the more formal photo selection listed.

Provided as a courtesy to our students, we have hand made wrist corsages and boutonnieres to lend for prom photos.

Parents are encouraged to volunteer as chaperones for this event. You'll not only get to watch the students have a great time, but you'll also be providing a service to the school. Please contact Torey at 928-775-9675 to let her know you'll be attending.

All in all, our goal is to provide the best opportunity for our students to enjoy this special occasion.
 
Sincerely,
Bill Sakelarios
Director, Pace Academy
ADOBE ACROBAT LINK
A number of our links connect to .pdf files.
If you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader (a program necessary to read .pdf documents), click 
HERE
and you will be linked to the Adobe website and guided to download Adobe Acrobat Reader. You will see "Adobe Acrobat XI" and the link "Download Now". Click on "Download Now" and follow the instructions.
 
 
AIMS Testing in April

 

Mathematics AIMS will be administered on Tuesday, April 8th and Science will be on Wednesday, April 9th. All tests are designed to reflect our students' mastery of the content standards mandated by the state of Arizona. 

 

Student performance on these exams is critical for the student, school, and the community. The test scores comprise the bulk of the Adequate Yearly Progress index (AYP), the State of Arizona's benchmark for school performance.

 

The AIMS and AYP scores have serious implications for college admissions, real estate values, community pride, and other comparative measures of "school excellence."  

 

As you can see, these tests are not to be taken lightly. We ask your help to encourage your child to take these tests seriously, and to do their best. These tests don't have to be as daunting as many of the students fear. 

 

We urge you, as parents and guardians and students to realize the importance of doing well in AIMS testing that reflects the true excellence of our student body. No one enjoys testing, we understand that - yet if the students allow themselves to take the testing seriously - a meets or exceeds score will be its own reward, and prove to be a component in the success of that student's high school career.  

 

Being well prepared for these testing days can help. Here are some proven preparation suggestions:   

 

* Get a good night's sleep (7-8 hours is recommended).

* Have a healthy breakfast before going to school.

* Take your time on the test. Read every passage. Read every problem carefully. Don't rush through any portion of a test, you have plenty of time.

* If not sure how to answer a question, skip that question temporarily, continue the test and come back to that question later.

* Ask a teacher for  some other great test taking tips. 

* Relax!  Don't stress. Do your best and you'll do just fine.

 

We wish all our students well.

The Many Paths to Graduation

mary

Graduating from high school is a significant milestone in the life of a student, and although many high school programs look different, the basic requirements are the same.  

 

According to the state of Arizona, the first requirement for graduation is the passing of 22 credits of coursework, some are specifically stated and some are left to the preference of the individual student.  

 

The second graduation requirement currently in place is the passing of the Reading, Writing and Math AIMS exams. As we enter into this season of testing, many juniors and seniors have concerns about passing one or more of these tests. "What if I don't pass my Math AIMS?" is a very common question asked. "Can I still graduate?"

 

The state provides alternate paths to graduation for seniors who do not pass one or more of the AIMS exams. Earning predetermined scores on college-entrance exams like the ACT (American College Testing) or the SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) can replace the AIMS requirement. In my opinion, the ACT is easier than the SAT and the threshold score is set at a realistic level.  

 

Another option is AIMS Augmentation. According to the state, "for students who qualify, AIMS Augmentation adds bonus points, based on grades earned in required courses, to non-passing AIMS scores. If the earned AIMS scores plus the bonus augmentation points are sufficient to meet the passing score then the student has met the AIMS graduation requirement for that content area." (www.azed.gov/hsgraduation) Lastly, if a student has taken and passed another state's exam in math, reading or writing, those scores may be used in place of AIMS.


Mary Augustinovich, Assistant Principal
Pathways after High School

lori

March has arrived, and we have only a few more weeks before graduation. As graduation approaches, it brings with it a mixture of emotions: excitement, happiness, trepidation, and sadness to see high school end. There are so many expectations of all students in the upcoming weeks, to include finishing up classes, looking for summer jobs, or filling out paperwork for college. I believe that the last few months of school are always the busiest. We have so much to get done, while planning changes and new ideas for the next school year.

 

If have already chosen a path for your future after high school, congratulations! However, if you are still undecided about what to do or what to study in college, there are many wonderful 

people who work for colleges, trade schools, universities or the military who will help you chart your path. You can directly call the school or military branch that you are interested in and ask for help. They will guide you with entrance requirements, the application process and procedures for filling out paperwork such as FAFSA. They can also supply with you with important scholarship information.  

 

Another great idea is to Google "Yavapai County scholarship information." You will find information about scholarships that are inclusive for our specific county.

 

If you are thinking about attending a college in another state, I would encourage you to get started on your search and application immediately. You may need to collaborate with a friend or parent to help you in the search for information regarding school admission requirements, out-of-state tuition costs and possible scholarships or grants available at the colleges of your choosing.  

 

We at PACE Academy are willing to help any student in their college endeavors in any way we can. Please talk to any staff member about your college or career concerns.

 

Lori Boyce

 

What Employers Look for in Teenagers

 

pamela As we quickly approach the end of the 2013-2014 school year, do thoughts of long summer days without school begin to tease your imaginations? Are you dreaming of sleeping late, going out with friends, having fun? Then suddenly harsh reality hits you. Many of those summer days and nights are really long and boring because you don't have money to do all of these fun things you want to do. If that is the case, then now would be the time to start filling out job applications.

           

If you are interesting in a job for the summer, http://www.buzzle.com is a website offering several tips for teenagers who are looking for work. Among the most important qualities are:

  • Professional dress and grooming-Don't look like a slob when you go in there! (holey jeans and a dirty t-shirt will probably not get you the job)
  • Energetic nature-Smile and act like you want a job, not like they owe you one.
  • Positive attitude-Show them that hiring you will be good for their business
  • Reliability and Trustworthiness-They want someone who they can depend on

Here is a another tip: Offer to volunteer right now for a place where you'd like to work and show them what a good worker you are. Tell them you will volunteer for one month and then if they like your work, they can start paying you. (Ask the staff at PACE how to turn that volunteer work into class credit. You may earn credit toward graduation, and a new job too!)


Pamela Dunlap

S T E M  Learning at PACE
mindy
 

During the month of March, both campuses of PACE are participating in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) sessions. This is being sponsored by our local 4H and the University of Arizona. The Camp Verde campus had their Design and Engineering STEM session on March 4th and Prescott Valley is due to have theirs on March 25th.

 

The purpose of this session is to spark interest in design and engineering. Students at Camp Verde got together in teams of 3-5 and brainstormed different designs for cargo carrier boats. After designing, the teams built, tested, and ranked their different boat designs then chose the best design for competition amongst the other teams. In addition to building the best cargo carrier, they also looked into the costs of their designs. Students did learn that sometimes the boat which can carry the most cargo isn't always the best choice, due to cost.
   

STEM photo CV 2014 Overall, the students really had a lot of fun, especially when they tested their designs all the way to failure. All of the students who participated in the STEM session said they would love to do something like this again in the future. As an engineering graduate myself, any opportunity to expose the students to engineering is an opportunity I will happily take! We will definitely have more STEM sessions in the future.

 

A BIG thank you goes out to Stacy DeVeau for coming to the campuses to host these sessions, to 4H and U of A for sponsoring them, and to our students who built some awesome boats! No doubt, this will be the first of many sessions to spark some interest in Design and Engineering at PACE.

 

Mindy Dyar

 

PACE Priceless Prom 'Dress Up' Event

Beth Green

As Prom approaches, we at PACE want to do all we can to make sure that every student has the chance to enjoy this amazing year-end event.  

 

In an effort to help students and their families budget the costs of attending a formal event, the combined Student Councils have organized a Prom Dress Up Event.  

 

On Friday, April 4th from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, the Prescott Valley campus will be hosting an event during which
students (both guys and gals) from both schools can select and try on prom clothing.  

 

The dresses are available at no cost to the students and are available in a variety of styles, colors and sizes. This will be a truly FUN event!  

  

Guys will work with Mr. Bill to get outfitted that same day. 

 

Students from the Camp Verde campus will have transportation available to and from Prescott Valley with the PACE van. Sign-up sheets to reserve a seat on the van for this event are available at school. Students must sign up by Wednesday, April 2nd. A $5.00 fee will guarantee your seat and will be RETURNED to you as you board the van.

  

Please click HERE to see the flier created for this event. 

 

If you have any questions about this event, please contact me at the Prescott Valley campus at 928-775-9675. 


Beth Green

Earn your Prom Ticket! 

Earn your ticket to the prom - valued at $25.00

If you would like the opportunity to earn your prom ticket by putting in a little time rather than cash, you are encouraged to
attend and work at three (3) car washes scheduled at each campus.

THREE CAR WASHES = FREE PROM TICKET!

Five (5) car washes have been scheduled at the Prescott Valley campus - three have taken place so far.

The next two (2) are scheduled for
Saturday, April 5th, and
Saturday April 19th at
Oil Can Henry's at 8201 E State Route 69
Prescott Valley from 10 am to 2 pm.

The three (3) scheduled for Camp Verde will be held
Saturday, March 29th,
Saturday, April 5th and
Saturday, April 19th at the
Camp Verde campus on Montezuma Castle highway,
also from 10 am to 2 pm.
 

 

Emergency Response Luncheons

trish The PACE staff is pleased to report that we hosted another Emergency Response Procedure and Guidelines luncheon. This second meeting took place in Camp Verde on March 7th, and we are happy to say that we have now met with the Emergency Response Team representatives from both communities. Their assistance with this important matter is appreciated. Currently we are incorporating some additional information provided at both meetings to update our current Emergency Response Plan. These changes will maximize the safety of our staff and students.

 

With the knowledge provided to us by the first responders, the staff will be conducting school-wide drills to practice the new procedures. These new drills will include different types of emergencies, such as a lock down, fire, and active threats. We are confident that in case of a genuine emergency at the school, our staff is prepared with the correct information, thus ensuring an appropriate and timely response.


Again, the staff at PACE would like to thank the Prescott Valley Fire and Police Departments, Life Line Ambulance Services, the Camp Verde Fire Department and Marshal's Office for helping us to fine-tune our Emergency Response Procedures and Guidelines.


Trish Martin
Work Ethic...

Work ethic is a very complex subject.   

marc
It is defined as a person's attitudes, feelings and beliefs about work.  Having a good work ethic leads to getting better jobs, better job positions, more responsibility, and better chances of promotions.

A good work ethic involves goal setting, communication, timeliness, and leadership.

Try your best and have a great attitude, and you will go far in your working career.

Marc Sterling
 

 

New Reading Program at PACE

 

We are proud to announce the start of a new reading program at PACE Academy. Over the past few months, we have assembled libraries at both campuses of some of the best works of young adult literature for our students. Once the program begins, students will have time each week for Sustained Silent Reading (SSR) during which they will read books of their choosing from the classroom library, from home, or from the public library. During SSR time, everyone reads, without interruption, for twenty minutes. This includes teachers and staff as well!

 

Increasing the amount of reading time has many benefits for students. It improves their comprehension skills and vocabulary, and it exposes them to examples of good writing. Research has shown a strong correlation between reading skills and writing skills. Finally, students who read a wide variety of literature and nonfiction texts gain skills in handling complex ideas that they will encounter either in college or on the job.

 

Parents, you can help out by talking to your teen about what he is reading at PACE. Find out what book he is reading and how he likes it. Ask your student about the characters in the book and what challenges these characters encountered. Ask what he would do in a similar situation or what he thinks the character should have done. You may find that talking about books is a great way to connect with your teen.

 

"Reading is the sole means by which we slip, involuntarily, often helplessly, into another's skin, another's voice, another's soul." - Joyce Carol Oates


Adam Young
 

 

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Bill Sakelarios
Pace Preparatory Academy