A punch to the gut. A smack to the head.

Graduation is just days away. Then, they’ll be moving on to the next phases of their life.

Wayne Brown spent decades working to improve Mesa, from its arts programs to its financial standing. Under his leadership on the city council and as mayor, the city saw a new spring training facilities built, a new convention center created and the establishment of the Mesa Arts Center.

Gilbert district schools will continue to offer free, full-day kindergarten next school year following a vote Wednesday night by the governing board.

One week after a 2-2 vote by the Gilbert Unified School District governing board put into question future discussion about a budget override ballot issue, an agenda was posted showing the board will vote on the matter Wednesday night.

The presence of a cheering Gorilla at Mesa’s Westwood High School could mean one thing: Something big was about to happen.

School districts in the East Valley are working the numbers to figure how much they will have to pay utilities, pay teachers next year or spend on textbooks.

A lone, painted white bicycle sits at the side of Usery Park Road near Bush Highway.

The Gilbert Unified School District governing board failed to approve Tuesday night future discussion about placing a budget override renewal on the November 2013 ballot.

Six Chandler Unified School District students will be honored this weekend for qualifying to compete in the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair, often noted as, "the world’s most prestigious pre-college science competition."

“Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.”

Kismet and Karma chase each other back and forth in their “penthouse.” The kitten and puppy stop to play with a two-legged visitor, then their game begins anew.

Well, this comes as no surprise to this working mom of three! When reporting how much stress they feel, a survey found that moms of three children feel more stressed than moms of one or two children.

Chandler’s Arizona College Prep-Erie earned a Top 100 on Newsweek’s 2013 America’s Best High Schools list.

Behind the mask of Chandler High School’s mascot, Scruffy, Andrew Sanchez found his “voice.”

A helicopter took off one recent Wednesday morning from Mesa’s Falcon Field for a nearly two-hour flight around Arizona.

For months, business owners along Mesa’s Main Street in the city’s downtown have watched as light-rail construction crews slowly crept toward their area.

For months, business owners along Mesa’s Main Street in the city’s downtown have watched as light-rail construction crews slowly crept toward their area.

Mesa’s Red Mountain High School finished fourth overall in its first U.S. Academic Decathlon last week.

Owners of mental health facility planned for a site next a Gilbert elementary school announced it will seek a different location.

The Gilbert Unified School District would have to to cut another $5 million from its budget if an idea to maintain the current primary property tax rate takes hold.

On the second floor of a back building on the campus of Chandler High School, wires, metal and ingenious student planning come together to make an inanimate object come to life.

BASIS Mesa, the acclaimed charter school's newest campus, is taking shape as construction crews move dirt and the school's new leader takes her first steps to recruit students and hire teachers.

Teachers in Gilbert's Higley Unified School District will receive $350 more next year after the district board approved new contracts Tuesday.

With as many as 35 percent of Mesa eighth graders admitting to at least trying alcohol, the Mesa Prevention Alliance is planning an event this weekend to show them there’s another lifestyle to choose.

A decision by the Gilbert Unified School District governing board April 9 means a junior high principal will remain in his job next school year.

The Gilbert Unified School District expects more savings and revenues next year than anticipated, which could help the district with its expected $6 million shortfall, Superintendent Dave Allison told the governing board April 9.

Mesa teachers showed up en masse to the district’s school board's April 9 meeting to show their support, but also remind them that it’s time for a raise.

Leave it to mom to deliver the best news.

Mesa schools would have powerful pepper spray canisters available to front office staff if the district’s chief safety officer can make it happen.

The Mesa Unified School District completed a $46 million bond sale this month, the first of a $230 bond package approved by voters in November.

About an hour after the school day ends, Mountain View High School Principal Craig Luketich leaves a meeting to take a walk around the Mesa campus. He doesn’t get two steps outside the main office doors when he stops to chat with a handful of young men. He then waves to a few other students, says hello to a parent coming on campus, and makes his way into the center of the large school.

Students in school districts and public charter schools across Arizona are preparing for testing this month.

“Don’t call me Mister. Even in high school, my dad had my friends call him Eddie. There are no misters here.”

Mesa Mayor Scott Smith spoke honestly with United Food Bank President Bob Evans on Wednesday.

The Higley Unified School District governing board voted Tuesday to eliminate several positions and make reassignments next year to address a potential $1.8 million shortfall based on current budget projections.

A walk through the Rose Garden at Mesa Community College with its curator includes stops at roses named Chihuly, Julia Childs and Day Breaker. This decades-old garden continues to grow and bloom each year through the work of hundreds of volunteers – and they’re ready to share their expertise.

The Maricopa County confirmed its first positive mosquito sample for West Nile Virus was found last month in the East Valley.

Want to hear some jazz? The place to be is Gilbert’s Highland High School this weekend.

Across the East Valley this week, educators, school leaders, elected officials, family and friends expressed their sorrow upon hearing about the death of Eddie Basha, Jr.

With the need to cut $6 million from its budget next year, the Gilbert Unified School District is looking at shaving school budgets, hiring occupational and physical therapists rather than using contract workers, and raising athletic fees.

Student-athletes in the Gilbert Unified School District could pay higher fees next school year under a plan proposed by school leaders Tuesday.

The Higley Unified School District will need principals at both its high schools next year after leaders at the schools announced plans to pursue opportunities elsewhere.

East Valley homebuilders are charging forward with developments and new construction as customers continue to flow through the doors.

Access in and out of southeast Mesa, including Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, will improve greatly come fall when construction on a part of State Route 24 is complete — years ahead of its original schedule.