Spring break is here and that means a much-needed break for teachers, students and parents. However, just because students get a break from the classroom doesn’t mean our kids should stop learning. In fact, spring break offers the opportunity for parents to explore creative and fun ways to keep their kids engaged in learning activities -- activities that challenge them and help them develop critical-thinking and other skills that will help them succeed in college, career and life.

We are pleased to see that Gov. Brewer has prioritized resources for the implementation of Arizona’s Common Core Standards in her fiscal year 2014 budget.

Gov. Jan Brewer called Monday for Arizona to make performance part of the formula that allocates school funding.

In the midst of election season, as we are pulled in multiple directions for our vote, we need to look seriously at one of the election’s most important issues — education, and why it matters for Arizona’s future economic vitality.

In the midst of election season, as we are pulled in multiple directions for our vote, we need to look seriously at one of the election’s most important issues – education, and why it matters for Arizona’s future economic vitality.

Construction cranes looming over Intel Corp.’s Ocotillo campus helping assemble a $5.2 billion chip-fabrication plant will employ 1,000 people.

Expect More Arizona’s Pearl Chang Esau’s passion for education is a testament to her family’s history and her own upbringing.

Before we get into the second-annual year-end Hammer awards, I want to share with you the following quote that I think makes clear how fortunate we are to live in America.

Pearl Esau told a Sun City West audience this week that educational excellence and equity must become Arizona’s most pressing priority. “Teach For America has become a sought-out partner to raise the bar for student achievement and catalyze education reform across the state,” said Esau, Teach For America Phoenix executive director.

Two 20-year-old men who shot and killed each other during a party on Sunday in Mesa, where one died behind the wheel of his car as he drove away from the scene, were identified by Mesa police on Tuesday.

Special thanks Adam Carry PhotographyAFCCAhwatukee Foothills Family YMCAAhwatukee Foothills NewsAji Spa at Sheraton Wild Horse Pass ResortAll Brand Computer Services American Cancer SocietyAmeriprise Financial ServicesA-Peeling Faces Skin Care & Massage TherapyArbonne InternationalArizona Laser & SkinArizona’s VisionAZ Allergy & Asthma SpecialistsAZ-Tech RadiologyBeach BlingBear 2 Protection BeeKeeper Candle CompanyBella Vista DentalBig Brothers ProductionsChris’ Water & IceCrafter LSECulligan Water CurvesD & Q Treats, Inc.Edward Jones InvestmentsEmpire West Title AgencyEnergy Design & ConsultingEsau WilliamsExpressions of ThanksFarmer’s Insurance - Greg GeryackFit 2 a T LLCFoothills Family ChiropracticHeritage Makers (Scrapbooking)It Works Ultimate WrapJamba JuiceJuvenile Diabetes Research FoundationKate & Co. EventsKettle Corn Kyrene Early Learning CentersLeather MedicLifestyles ApparelMail & MoreMarket America/Transitions LifestyleMarketing MattersMax CrummMidFirst BankMile Auto RepairNationwide Insurance/Kendree AgencyNorma’s Fine Oriental Rug CleaningPapa JohnsPhoenix Holistic Health CenterPostal AnnexPremier Designs JewelryRP Ryan Insurance Inc.Ruffino Italian CuisineRWK ElectricSafety First Security DoorsSafeway (Chandler Blvd. and Foothills)Salt River Project (SRP)Seattle Sutton’s Healthy EatingShannon Allen PhotographyShellie E. CreationsSimply Skin by ParrishSky Renewable Energysmart fortwo smart center ChandlerSmart Saver South Mountain Community CollegeSportsClips Sun Devil AutoThe Art CompanyTLC Pediatrics PLLCTri-Lite BuildersVinago JewelryWax Hand ExpressionsWiggles and Wags K-9 TrainingWOW GreenYashi Fine FoodsY-Knot Party Rentals Recently, the Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual business and community expo – Live SMART Expo. With over 75 businesses represented in one location, we were able to showcase our own community. It is the chamber member businesses of Ahwatukee that make the biggest impact. They say it takes a village to raise a child, but it really takes a community to make a difference. The people and the businesses of Ahwatukee Foothills are always willing to support events.