Page 14 January 2012 Schools, plants and horses By Jamie Killin Arizona Agribusiness and Equine Center is a district of fi ve charter high schools where students can focus on plant, equine, veterinary, or animal science. Students begin their science courses with an introduction to agriculture science before proceeding to other sciences such as biology and chemistry, said Cindy Erwin, an administrator who has worked at both the Paradise Valley and the South Mountain campuses. “The Paradise Valley campus has a large equine program, about 30 percent of the students (are involved),” she said. Continued on page 15 KIHJRZJVTMHUMLZ[ Religious Instruction • Strong Academics • Religious Instruction • Strong Academics • Cutting Edge Technology Cutting Edge Technology Leadership Programs • PE and Interscholastic Sports • Instrumental and Vocal Music Leadership Programs • PE and Interscholastic Sports • Instrumental and Vocal Music “Arts Attack” Program • School Nurse • Bus Transportation Available “Arts Attack” Program • School Nurse • Bus Transportation Available Offering Spanish to All Grade Levels Visit our Open Houses: January 10 January 10 from 9am - 2pm & & 5pm – 7pm February 12 February 12 from 3pm – 5pm 3901 East Indian School Road • 602-957-7010 • www.clsphx.org CHRIST LUTHERAN SCHOOL Christian Values. Quality Education. Preschool through Grade 8
Page 15 January 2012 Horses Continued from page 14 William Conley, the assistant superintendent of student services, said all campuses other than the Paradise Valley campus, which currently is looking for a new facility for its horses, have horses on campus. Students who choose to focus on equine science can begin with a horsemanship class as a freshman and progress to equine science courses. Students can also take up to four years of veterinary science courses and after the completion of those courses have a good chance of passing an exam to become certi fi ed veterinary technicians, Conley said. About 40 percent of students choose to focus on agriculture science, he said. However, Linda LaFontain, the South Mountain campus’ principal said, “That isn’t all we do, academics are our focus.” The schools offer students the opportunity to be concurrently enrolled in high school and community college. Conley, said, “Of the 30 percent that graduate with an AA degree, 92 percent attend a university the next year.” The average student graduates with between 45 and 48 college credits and all credits are transferrable, Conley said. The school pays for the students’ community college credits. There are fi ve campuses in the Arizona Agribusiness and Equine Center school district, all located on or within walking distance of a community college. They include: Paradise Valley, Estrella Mountain, Prescott Valley, Red Mountain, Paradise Valley, and South Mountain. Sarah Juno Allen, an English teacher who has taught in public and private high schools, at community college, and on both the Paradise Valley and South Mountain campuses said, “(The students) like the college classes and take them seriously. Community college is pretty diverse and they gain exposure to that diversity.” The school’s program includes intramural sports and clubs, including an honors society and sign-language club. “We have a prom we hold all together,” LaFontain said. For more information go to http:// aaechighschools.com. Ballet Arizona and Desert Botanical Garden will present the Arizona premiere of MOMIX: Botanica Jan. 27-28 at the Orpheum Theater. The show includes giant puppetry designed by Michael Curry, acclaimed production designer for Cirque du Soleil, Disney and the Metropolitan Opera. Scheduled for 8 p.m. Jan. 27 and at 2 and 8 p.m. Jan. 28, tickets are $17-$121, available by calling 602-381-1096. I.S.A . CERTIFIED ARBORISTS ON STAFF & CREWS Fully Insured / Licensed / Bonded Contractor - ROC # 251150 Call us at 480.820.3939 or visit us at Bartlett.com 480-820-3939 Call for a Free Consultation Professional Pruning Root Zone Fertilization Insect & Disease Management Hazard Tree Evaluations & Removals Root – Rx Program Aerial Lift Technical Support by our Research Laboratories Cabling & Bracing Serving the Valley for over 25 years! Serving the Valley for over 25 years! 2-Stage Systems Twice As Nice… $1,000.00 OFF THE Price* Plus applicable Utility rebates *Discount applies to select systems and cannot be combined with other offers. Expires 2-1-12 Call today and schedule your FREE in home consultation. 480-945-7200 See what a new Energy Efficient Heating & Cooling system can do for you. ROC #101485 C39R / ROC#129482 L39 Licensed * Bonded * Insured