National publication captures Desert Arroyo snapshot

CAVE CREEK – Photos from the National Junior Honor Society at Desert Arroyo Middle School were published in the newly released official guidebook of the National Association of Secondary School Principals. The association sponsors the society.

Hospital awards  New River nurse

NEW RIVER – New River Elementary School Nurse Nancy Townsend was recognized by the Deer Valley Education Foundation and John C. Lincoln Hospital as the Deer Valley Unified School District’s Nurse of the Year. She received a plaque and a $100 prize, matched by a $100 donation to the school.

Eligible nurses promote positive student interaction and display knowledge of community resources and current children health issues. School nurses consult doctors at Mendy’s Place, the pediatric emergency room at John C. Lincoln Deer Valley, whenever they need advice.

Fifth graders sing through history

CAVE CREEK – The fifth grade students at Lone Mountain Elementary School will perform a patriotic musical pageant “Sing, America, Sing. Sing, America, Sing” to showcase their year‑long study of American history through drama, song and dance from the explorers to present day. A special portion will honor veterans.

The performance will be held May 17 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. The school is located at 5250 E. Montgomery Road in Cave Creek. For more information, call (480) 437‑3000.

Early registration for summer camps, classes ends May 19

DESERT FOOTHILLS – Desert Foothills Community Education has an extensive catalog of camps and classes for student enrichment throughout the summer. Camps, programs and classes are open to children from all school districts, whether home‑schooled or from charter and private schools.

Registration began in March and continues until programs are full ($10 late fee for

registrations received after May 19). For more information contact DFCE at (480) 575‑2075, or go to www.ccusd93.org and click on “Desert Foothills Community Education” link on the right‑hand side for the catalog and registration forms.

Gavilan Peak science fair earns A+

ANTHEM – The Arizona Educational Foundation recognized Gavilan Peak School with the A+ Exemplary Program Award, marking the second distinction awarded in two years. It was honored for its Multicultural Appreciation Week held in December.

During that week, 7th and 8th graders executed a business plan as part of their economic studies by hosting an activity booth representing a particular country during a fair. The younger students visited the booths and paid one quarter to participate. The school raised more than $1,400 which was sent to Gavilan Peak’s sister school in India.

Strings musicians across district perform

CCUSD – The Cave Creek Unified School District held its first district‑wide Strings concert May 16, featuring students in fourth grade through high school. Each ensemble–from grades 4‑5, 6‑8, and high school–performed their own pieces.

The students also performed several combined pieces.

Students sell artwork

CAVE CREEK – Students from Ventana Academy, a private school in Cave Creek, hosted an art show where they had the opportunity to feel like professional artists by selling their masterpieces created throughout the year. The artwork was on display May 10 during a Mother’s Day tea in the school’s garden.

Fourth grader donates hair

ANTHEM – Diamond Canyon fourth grader Mary Claire Danilevics donated 11 inches of her hair to Locks of Love. Locks of Love is a nonprofit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children under the age of 18 experiencing hair loss during m edical procedures.

Donors provide a minimum of ten inches of hair for the manufacturer to create custom‑fitted wigs. It takes six to ten donors to create one hairpiece.