This October, we stitched our stories a little closer. Read on for the students, staff, and moments that made our month. |
We're excited to give a well-deserved (though delayed) shout-out to the Cactus Canyon Jr. High Boys Cross Country Team for winning the Cross Country Championship in their very first season!
At their athletic conference meet at Combs, the Cougars dominated the 2-mile race with an impressive 29 points, far ahead of San Tan Mountain (67), J.O. Combs (68), and Florence (71).
The team showed incredible depth with strong performances across all grade levels. Top finishers included Logan Armagost (4th place, 14:03), Iker Garcia Hernandez (5th place, 14:03), and James Ingersoll (6th place, 14:18). Seven runners placed in the top 20, demonstrating the team's competitive strength from top to bottom.
This championship marks an outstanding start for the CCJH cross-country program. Well done, Cougars!
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The Apache Junction High School Performing Arts Department transformed the stage into a cozy Coffee House! Audience members were invited on stage to enjoy delicious treats and coffee while our talented students delivered an incredible lineup of musical performances.
The intimate setting created the perfect atmosphere for showcasing student talent, with audience members getting an up-close experience of the amazing musical acts and songs performed throughout the evening. What a wonderful celebration of the arts at AJHS!
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Peralta Trail Elementary 2nd graders received an important lesson in fire safety from Tina Gerola of Superstition Fire & Medical District!
Students learned about respecting fire, the importance of checking smoke alarms regularly, and creating a home fire safety plan with their families in case of emergency.
The excitement continued as students explored the inside of a real fire truck and met local firefighters, who demonstrated the specialized tools and gear they use to protect our community.
Thank you to Superstition Fire & Medical District for helping our students stay safe and informed!
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ABC15's Nick Ciletti visited Mrs. Sanchez's 1st grade Dual Language class at Four Peaks Elementary! He interviewed students and Mrs. Sanchez to learn more about how the program is progressing in its early years—especially significant since this is the first year the Dual Language program has been offered at the 1st grade level.
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Mrs. Jones's kindergarten students at The Classical Academy at Superstition Mountain practiced their math skills through the classic card game War!
Each student placed a card down, then counted and compared numbers to determine the winner—whoever had the higher number won both cards.
This engaging, hands-on activity made learning about number recognition and comparison exciting and fun. What a creative way to build essential math skills!
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Desert Vista Elementary hosted their annual Spooktacular, and it was a frightfully fun night! Students, teachers, and staff showed off their creative costumes while enjoying games, tasty treats, and dancing the night away.
The festive event brought the Desert Vista community together for an evening of spooky celebration and fun. We're already looking forward to next year's Spooktacular!
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The Early Learning Center had a special visit from Mrs. Karen with Ironwood Children's Dentistry.
Students learned proper tooth-brushing techniques, discovered which foods and drinks to avoid keeping those pesky sugar bugs away, and even received toothbrush kits to take home.
Thank you, Karen and Ironwood Children's Dentistry, for helping our youngest learners build big, healthy smiles!
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To cap off the month of October, our schools celebrated Red Ribbon Week with spirit and purpose! This national campaign, held annually in October, is the oldest and largest drug prevention program in the country, dedicated to promoting awareness and prevention around alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.
Throughout the week, students and staff showed their commitment to living drug-free through fun theme days—including "Teachers are Students and Students are Teachers" Day, wacky hat day, and favorite book character dress-up.
Our older students also attended engaging assemblies that emphasized the importance of making positive, healthy choices and standing up against substance abuse.
Red Ribbon Week serves as a powerful reminder that we can all work together to create safe, drug-free communities for our children.
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The Classical Academy at Superstition Mountain is launching AJUSD's first-ever Junior Master Gardener Program in partnership with the Superstition Mountain Master Gardeners, beginning after winter break!
This international youth gardening initiative, managed through Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, will provide Academy students with unique hands-on learning experiences as they design and build raised vegetable gardens, a succulent garden focused on water conservation, and a monarch butterfly waystation garden.
Through the program, students will gain environmental science experience, develop leadership and stewardship skills, complete service-learning projects, and work toward Junior Master Gardener certification. Certified Master Gardeners will provide instruction, with Master Gardener Tricia Schaeffer leading facilitation alongside Academy staff.
"Students won't just read about science and stewardship—they'll experience it firsthand," said Principal Brett Bitterman. "Working in the garden gives them a real sense of purpose, pride, and connection to the natural world."
Interested in learning more about enrollment? Contact the school office or visit our Enrollment Page today!
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Apache Junction High School NJROTC Cadets Maximino Filippi, Ari Cameron, and Shawn Spallina were honored with challenge coins during a special award ceremony.
The cadets received this prestigious recognition for their professionalism, dedication, and support during the funeral service of fallen Apache Junction Police Officer Facio. Mesa PD Lt. David Stiers presented the coins and an accompanying note, commending the cadets for their exemplary conduct during this solemn occasion.
We are incredibly proud of these outstanding cadets who represented our school and community with such dignity and respect.
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Looking for a great way to advertise your business while directly supporting Apache Junction High School? Secure a spot in the AJHS Yearbook! Ad space is filling up fast, so don't miss this opportunity to reach the community and show your school spirit.
Give the Gift of Memories
Did you know you can also make a lasting impact by donating a full or partial yearbook to a student? It's a fantastic way to ensure every student can cherish their high school memories.
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November
5th - Early Release Day
11th - Veteran's Day: No School
26th - 28th - Thanksgiving Break
December
10th - Early Release Day
19th - January 6th - Winter Break
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Are you a dedicated and compassionate individual looking to make a difference? We are currently seeking professionals to join our team in supporting our special education students.
Help us create inclusive learning environments where every student can achieve their full potential and thrive. If you are committed to student success, we encourage you to apply and become part of our mission!
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Are you skilled in maintenance or dedicated to the upkeep of facilities? We are looking for reliable and committed individuals to join our team as Maintenance Technicians and Custodial Staff!
Help us ensure our schools remain safe, functional, and welcoming spaces for our students and staff. Apply today and become a vital part of the AJUSD community!
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The Apache Junction High School Performing Arts Department is bringing this beloved musical to life for 2 nights only—November 6th and 7th at 7pm!
Don't miss this incredible production featuring our talented AJHS students. Scan the QR code or visit ajhsdrama.ludus.com to grab your tickets and reserve your seats before they're gone!
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Be in the know! Follow AJUSD and your school on Facebook! Click below to find your school’s page and stay connected.
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Whether you sing, dance, perform stand-up comedy, or have another unique talent, this is your chance to take the stage in front of a live audience.
The final day to audition is November 10th, so don't wait—sign up today.
The final performance will be held on January 31st. We can't wait to see what our talented students have in store!
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As we enter November, a month traditionally associated with thanksgiving and reflection, I'm reminded of the powerful connection between gratitude and giving. True gratitude isn't just about counting our blessings—it's about sharing them with others.
I am deeply grateful for our AJUSD community—our dedicated staff, supportive families, and incredible students who make our schools vibrant places of learning and growth each day. It is this strong sense of community that enables us to support one another, especially during challenging times.
As Albert Schweitzer once said, "At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us."
This November, our district has an opportunity to be that spark for families in need. Many in our community have been affected by the recent SNAP benefit disruption, and we're collecting food donations throughout the month to provide support. Food donations can be dropped off at the front office at any AJUSD school or at the District Office.
I encourage our students, staff, and families to participate in this effort. Teaching our children about gratitude through action—by helping those who are struggling—is one of the most valuable lessons we can offer. When we give from a place of genuine thankfulness for what we have, we create a ripple effect of kindness that strengthens our entire community.
As we approach Thanksgiving, may we all find moments to reflect on what we're grateful for and look for opportunities to extend kindness to those around us.
Wishing you and your families a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with warmth, gratitude, and togetherness.
Dr. Robert Pappalardo
Superintendent, AJUSD
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Many families in our community are being hit hard by the sudden SNAP changes — and AJUSD is not sitting on the sidelines.
Now through November 21st, ALL AJUSD schools are collecting non-perishable food to support local pantries and the families who rely on them.
- canned goods
- pasta + rice
- cereal + oatmeal
- peanut butter + jelly
- baby food + formula
Drop your donation at ANY school's front office, or the District Office. Thank you for your help!
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If you or someone you know is facing food insecurity, help is available in our community. Local food pantries offer free, nutritious options for families in need:
- Genesis Food Kitchen – Hot meals M–F, 12–2 PM
- St. George's Catholic Church – T–Th, 9–11 AM
- Gold Canyon Methodist Church – M–F, 9–12 PM
- AJ Reach Out Food Bank – M–Th, 2–4 PM
- Salvation Army – 605 E. Broadway Ave., T–Th, 9–12 PM
- East Mesa Baptist Church – Wed, 10–11 AM
- United Food Bank: unitedfoodbank.org
Please share this information with anyone who may need support.
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