East Valley school briefs

Red Mountain FFA honored

Red Mountain High School's AgriScience Department and FFA received the National Chapter Award and a gold rating from the Arizona FFA Association during the state conference last month. The Red Mountain FFA was honored as one of the best overall programs in the state and will be recognized among the top programs in the nation at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis this fall. Agriculture programs throughout the nation must carry out at least five activities in the area of student development, chapter development and community development to be eligible for the award. The chapter hosted a "Turkey Bowl" football game while raising money for families in need, collected food and toys for an animal shelter, and gave special education classes a hands-on gardening and animal tutorial this year, among the activities that led to the award.

Registration for new families

Families new to the Mesa Unified School District can register for the fall semester at the Curriculum Services Center, Building 2, 549 N. Stapley Drive, during the month of July. To enroll, bring the student's birth certificate, immunization records and a document showing where you live. Elementary and junior high schools are closed until July 27. High schools are on summer hours, Monday through Thursday, through July 9. On July 13, high school offices resume a Monday-through-Friday schedule.

Contest nets $3,100 for Mesa schools

Westcor recently gave $3,100 in gift cards to Mesa schools following a spring shopping event. In March, shoppers turned in receipts at Fiesta Mall. That turned into donations for schools in the surrounding area. Washington Elementary School earned $1,000 for collecting the most receipts. Second place went to Roosevelt Elementary School, which received $750. Third-place winner Guerrero Elementary School received $500. Fourth-place winner Crismon Elementary School earned $250.

Sunridge opens registration

Sunridge Learning Center, a Montessori program at 737 W. Guadalupe Road in the Mesa Unified School District, is accepting registration for first grade and afternoon kindergarten. Hours for first grade are 7:55 a.m. to 2:25 p.m. Afternoon kindergarten hours are 11:40 a.m. to 2:25 p.m. Parents must provide transportation. For further information, call Robin Gipper, (480) 472-3575, beginning at 7:30 a.m. July 14.

Summer camp runs through July 24

Kids Express Summer Camp continues through July 24 in the Chandler Unified School District. Camps are offered at four elementary schools. Weekly themes include jungle survivor, Hollywood fun and games, pirates and more. The sites are Conley, Hancock, Haley and Jacobson elementary schools. Information can be found at www.cusdcommunity.com or at the district office, 1525 W. Frye Road, Chandler. Call (480) 224-3915.

Teen Express offered for new year

Chandler school district's new Chandler Traditional Junior High School will offer a Teen Express program beginning in the new school year if there is enough enrollment. The Community Education Department will run the before- and after-school, on-site program for sixth- and seventh-graders. The cost is $150 a month for unlimited access to the program, which will run 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Call (480) 224-3900 for more information or to register.

Chandler board to meet July 15

The next Chandler school district governing board meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. July 15 at the district office, 1525 W. Frye Road. An agenda will be available the week of the meeting. To reach a board member, call the district office at (480) 812-7600.

Teacher orientation begins July 14

The Chandler school district operates on a modified, year-round schedule. New teacher orientation will begin July 14. Returning teachers report July 21, with in-service and workdays running through July 24. The first day for students is Monday, July 27.

Apache Junction, Chandler and Mesa school briefs are compiled by Tribune education reporter Michelle Reese. Contact her at mreese@evtrib.com or (480) 898-6549.