CCUSD to host 2 budget forums

The Cave Creek Unified School District is holding two community forums ths month concerning its budget.

CCUSD’s Associate Superintendent for Operations and Finance Kent Frison and a team from the Long Range Planning Committee will present information on the future capital needs of the district June 11 and 18.

The forums, called “Budget 102: District Long Range Planning Needs,” will be held the first week at 6 p.m. at Sonoran Trails Middle School, 5555 E. Pinnacle Vista Dr. The second forum is at 7 p.m. at the district Fine Arts Center at 33606 N. 60th St.

Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and give input that will be directed toward the governing board.

For information, call Vanessa Poincelot at (480) 575‑2021.

Former O’Connor student is new ‘American Idol’

Former Sandra Day O’Connor student Jordin Sparks won Fox‑TV’s “American Idol” contest two weeks ago. Sparks, who is daughter of former professional football player Philippi Sparks, attended O’Connor as a freshman and sophomore, but was home‑schooled during her junior year. The 17‑year‑old has not yet decided how to finish her schooling next year.

CSHS student writes nation’s top essay

Cactus Shadows High School student Nicole Liebgold finished her sophomore year on a high note. Liebgold took first place in a national essay contest with her piece on Korean King Sejong.

Students in teacher Barbara Hatch’s AP World History class submitted essays along with other U.S. students, and Liebgold finished first in the high school division. Liebgold collected $500 for her winning essay.

School resumes in Aug. for ’07‑’08

School will return Aug. 13 for students in the Cave Creek and Deer Valley school districts. The districts have firmed up their 2007‑08 calendars and each district begins the same day.

New teachers will report Aug. 6 for both districts, while continuing teachers return Aug. 8. The high school AIMS test is slated for Oct. 30‑31 and Nov. 1.

The Deer Valley Unified School District will break for Christmas on Dec. 20, while Cave Creek Unified School District schools will end their semesters a day later.