“The Devils are here, watch out and move because ASU is coming through!” chanted the ASU Prep Phoenix cheer squad, kicking off their first-ever competition, the CAA Winter Classic Cheer and Dance Championships. That chant and the routine that followed earned the team first place.

The journey to victory

The journey to victory wasn’t an easy one. Last fall the squad was without the leadership of a coach or captain when Coach De‘Shonda Barnes stepped in. Now with her at the helm, the squad is composed of sixteen 6th to 12th graders, led by senior Captain Kamorah Coleman. They were also without uniforms, so Barnes promised them, “I’m gonna make sure that you at least have pom poms and bows…and deliver a fire routine.”

She jokes that the pom poms she purchased online stained the girls’ hands yellow. Thanks to fundraising and community support the squad now has coordinating uniforms, including upgraded pom poms.

And after hours of research and planning, as well as drawing on her own dance and cheer background, Barnes delivered on her promise to create an awesome routine. Two routines, actually.

Perfecting their routine

Before the competition, the squad embraced long Saturday practices and even had the chance to perform at an ASU Prep Phoenix basketball game. Shortly after, they discovered they had to enter a different, higher division for the upcoming competition. This meant learning a revamped routine—in just one week.

When they performed it at the CAA Winter Classic Cheer and Dance competition—full of hip-hop dance moves, stunts, and the signature ASU “Forks up!” hand sign—it was their first time performing it in front of an audience.

After their performance, as awards were announced, the girls held their breath and each other’s hands. When ASU Prep Phoenix was announced for first place in the intermediate division, the squad did what they do best—cheer! And so did the audience of supporters. Coach Barnes shares, “My heart was so filled with joy, I could not stop crying. It was amazing.” Kamorah agrees, describing the special moment as “a blur.”

Hard effort pays off

When talking about the squad and the hard work that’s gotten them this far, this fast, Coach Barnes exudes pride: “What makes the team so special is their dedication. And they’re friends. They love each other. It’s love, respect, friendship, and dedication. That’s a winning combination right there.” Kamorah concurs, adding: “The different personalities and the different grade levels blend so well. It just works!”

Up next, the squad that first expected to compete in the novice category will now compete against intermediate and advanced teams at April’s state competition. But first, they’re celebrating their recent victory with a team bonding sleepover filled with fun and junk food treats, and…more practice, of course.

Learn more about ASU Prep Phoenix

ASU Preparatory Academy Phoenix is a tuition-free, PreK–12 public charter school offering personalized paths to college and career success while helping students prep for college, prep for careers, and prep for life. To learn more about ASU Prep Phoenix, visit our website.

Watch their performance here.

Black History Month is an annual celebration of the profound contributions that African Americans have made to all facets of society. Throughout this month, we come together to honor the legacies and ongoing achievements of Black individuals. Here is a sampling of Black History Month events hosted by our ASU community:

George Floyd Global Memorial to present ‘Twin Flames’ exhibit

This arts experience is a unique partnership between the ASU Art Museum, the ASU Center for Work and Democracy, and the George Floyd Global Memorial. Enjoy an insightful guided walkthrough in addition to a food truck with delicious bites, mocktail bar, and entertainment.

• February 2, 2024, 5 – 7 p.m.
• Free
• Registration Information

Color Cabaret by Music Theatre and Opera

This entirely student-led cabaret helps provide an opportunity for composers, lyricists, librettists, and performers of color, formed through personal connections, friends, and colleagues from all over ASU, to share their creativity.

• February 3, 2024 at 7:30 p.m. and February 4, 2024 at 3 p.m.
• $10
• Registration Information

Black Liberation Through the Marketplace with Rachel Ferguson

Join author Rachel Ferguson as she discusses Black Liberation Through the Marketplace, and come away with a better understanding of Black history and creative ideas for how to make this nation truly one with liberty and justice for all.

• February 6, 2024, 5 – 6:30 p.m.
• Registration Information

International Jazz Day AZ Foundation’s co-presents JADE

Jade Johnson has performed beloved renditions of the National Anthem at Suns, Mercury, Diamondbacks, Clippers and Lakers games, and landed acting roles on TV’s “Blackish” and in theater Off Broadway. From jazz and pop to R&B, hear a focused singer-songwriter hitting her stride.

• February 10, 2024, 7:30–9:30 p.m.
• $25 – $35
• Registration Information

This is Melanin

Step into a world brimming with entertainment and education. This all-ages extravaganza includes food trucks, music, games, vendors, speakers – and good vibes. Brace yourself for thought-provoking panel discussions and workshops focusing on vital community empowerment topics such as finance, home-buying, and more.

• February 24, 2024, 4pm
• Free
• Registration Information

Ms. Agueda Nava Javier, an esteemed academic coach at ASU Prep Phoenix, was recently awarded the Fulbright U.S. Distinguished Teaching Award. This accolade is bestowed by the U.S. Department of State and the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board.

Ms. Nava Javier is one of 20 U.S. citizens chosen for the Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching Short-Term Program in 2024. This award exemplifies her commitment to sustainable education, aligning with the program’s mission to support Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through innovative and climate change curriculum.

Promoting sustainable teaching methods across the globe

The Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching Short-Term Program sends expert K–12 educators to countries worldwide to contribute to projects in schools, teacher training colleges, government ministries, or educational non-governmental organizations.

As part of the program, Ms. Nava Javier will spend six weeks this summer in Batea School in a small town in Spain. There she will help create curriculum, train teachers, and implement a program promoting sustainability. The project will focus on integrating United Nations Sustainability Development Goals into the curriculum, including schoolwide lessons and full curricula that raise awareness among students.

Having dedicated more than a decade to the field of education, Ms. Nava Javier brings a wealth of experience, including teaching middle school math and science as well as chemistry and geometry at ASU Prep Phoenix high school. Her journey into sustainable education began with a profound passion cultivated during her time at ASU’s Rob and Melani Walton Sustainability Teacher’s Academy.

Now an academic coach at ASU Prep in downtown Phoenix, Ms. Nava Javier will serve as a cultural ambassador as part of the program, fostering connections between the United States and Spain. As part of this global initiative, she will collaborate with educators and administrators to advance sustainable teaching methods, focusing on the unique challenges and opportunities presented by Batea School.

The Fullbright legacy comes to ASU Prep Phoenix

Since its inception in 1946, the Fulbright Program has provided more than 400,000 participants from 160 countries with opportunities to study, teach, conduct research, exchange ideas, and contribute to solving global challenges.

Ms. Nava Javier’s journey represents the enduring commitment of the U.S. government and partner countries worldwide to international educational exchange. With a particular emphasis on promoting climate change curriculum and sustainable teaching methods, the goal is to implement more globally conscious education.

Fulbrighters, like Ms. Nava Javier, not only contribute to projects abroad but also expand their professional networks, fostering collaborations that often endure beyond the duration of the program. When they return to U.S. classrooms, they share international experiences and encourage colleagues and students to explore global opportunities, including the integration of an innovative climate change curriculum.

ASU Prep’s vision to integrate sustainability initiatives

Ms. Nava Javier is most enthusiastic about the prospect of implementing the knowledge gained from her Fulbright project in Batea, Spain, into a schoolwide initiative at ASU Prep Phoenix. She plans to share the best practices she learns during her international experience, conducting professional development sessions both statewide and within the ASU Prep school community.

By modeling effective sustainable teaching methods and collaborating with educators, she aims to facilitate the implementation of a comprehensive climate change program, creating a ripple effect extending beyond her own classroom and positively impacting the entire ASU Prep community.

Beyond the journey

The Fulbright legacy of encouraging global exchange aligns seamlessly with ASU Prep’s vision. The benefits of Ms. Nava Javier’s international experience will undoubtedly create a transformative impact within the entire ASU Prep community.

As she integrates her newfound knowledge into a schoolwide initiative, focusing on United Nations Sustainability Development Goals, ASU Prep stands poised to embrace a more globally conscious education, thereby amplifying the institution’s commitment to excellence and international educational exchange.

Disclaimer: This blog post is not an official U.S. Department of State blog. The views and information presented are the Fullbright Participant’s own and do not represent the Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching Short-Term Program, the U.S. Department of State, or IREX.

Frolicking in snow? In Arizona? Only at the coolest event of the year: ASU Prep Phoenix’s second annual Let it Snow winter celebration. With a snow machine, a petting zoo, pony rides, bounce houses, and delicious food truck offerings, there was family-friendly fun for everyone. The festivities also included train rides, a 360-photo booth, arts and crafts, and the chance to win raffle prizes.

Autumn Dvorak, an ASU Prep Phoenix teacher and parent, highlighted the significance of such events, saying, “It’s a great way for us to really support our community and bring everybody together.” These events help strengthen the bonds between teachers, students, and families, creating a warm, supportive environment that extends beyond the classroom.

Noah, a student-leader in attendance, also expressed the feeling of community at the event, saying, “It gives you a sneak peek of what you’re getting into, the family you’re joining if you come to the school.”

Ms. Dvorak also points out the timeliness of the event, explaining, “We worked really hard with all of our students to get them ready with their benchmarks. And it’s a nice opportunity to kind of celebrate all the growth that they’ve made and to celebrate the achievements that they’ve had.”

Noah said it best when he described the event as “a memory maker,” a special life memory to hold onto. ASU Prep believes that a strong and vibrant community is fundamental to the success of our students. Our free, family-friendly neighborhood events are a fun way to encourage active community participation. To learn more about our upcoming events, visit our website.

Check out highlights from our 2023 Let it Snow event here.

ASU Prep Academy is hosting several Kinder Round-Up information sessions at our four elementary locations in the metro Phoenix area.

At the event, families will have an opportunity to meet our teachers, tour our campuses, and learn more about our Kindergarten program, which features:

• Tuition-free full-day options
• One-to-one technology devices
• Individualized learning plans
• Gifted program options in Spring semester
• After-school programming

To learn about Kindergarten eligibility and VIP on-site enrollment, click here.

At ASU Prep, we believe that a strong and vibrant community is fundamental to the success of our students! Our community, composed of dedicated educators, motivated students, and supportive families, forms the backbone of our learning environment.

We encourage active community participation to foster a culture of collaboration and mutual respect. This community spirit extends to our free, family-friendly neighborhood events. We hope you’ll join us! 

ASU Prep Phoenix Downtown is hosting the second annual Let it Snow event Friday, December 15, 4-7 p.m. It will be the coolest event of the year with festive fun for the whole family, including bounce houses, winter-themed arts and crafts, and giveaways! RSVP today.

RSVP Today!

November is Native American Heritage Month, a time to reflect on the rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories of Native Americans and to acknowledge their valued contributions.

In his National Native American Heritage Month proclamation, President Joe Biden stated: “Native Americans are essential to the fabric of the United States. They serve in the United States armed forces at higher rates than any other ethnic group. They continue to steward so many of our great lands. Their contributions to science, humanities, arts, public service, and more have brought prosperity for all of us. Their diverse cultures and communities continue to thrive and lead us forward.”

This month, and all year long, take the time to educate, advocate, and raise greater awareness for the rich traditions and histories of Indigenous communities.

The history of Native American Heritage Month

The journey to recognition was not an easy one. It started with Dr. Arthur C. Parker, a descendent of the Seneca tribe and the director of the Rochester Museum and Science Center, who was one of the first proponents of an American Indian Day back in 1915. His efforts, combined with the relentless work of Red Fox James, a member of the Blackfeet Nation, led to the declaration of the second Saturday of May as American Indian Day by the governor of New York.

Years later, in 1990, President George H.W. Bush approved a joint resolution designating November as “National American Indian Heritage Month”. Since then, this commemoration has evolved into what we now know as Native American Heritage Month. It is an opportunity to educate the public about tribes, raise awareness about the unique challenges Native people have faced both historically and in the present, and honor the vital role they play in enriching our nation.

From the Iroquois Confederacy’s influence on the U.S. Constitution to the Navajo Code Talkers’ contribution during World War II, the impact of Native Americans is deeply woven into the fabric of American history.

Honoring the vital role of Native Americans

Celebrating Native American Heritage Month can come in many forms. One of the most meaningful ways is through education. Take the time to learn about the different tribes, their histories, and their contributions. Many museums, libraries, and educational institutions like ASU offer exhibits, discussions, and resources during this month.

Participating in cultural activities is another great way to honor this month. Many communities host powwows, dance exhibitions, craft fairs, and other cultural events. These gatherings are not only fun but also provide a deeper understanding of the rich cultural diversity of Native Americans.

Consider supporting Native American businesses and artists to show respect and appreciation. By purchasing Native American art, jewelry, food, and other goods, you’re helping to sustain their traditions and support their communities.

Learn about the important contributions of barrier-breaking Native Americans who continue to shape our society, lead their communities, and impact our culture today. Research Marine Colonel Nicole Mann, the first female Native American to travel to space or Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, who became the first Indigenous Cabinet member in U.S. history, among countless others.

Lastly, advocacy is a powerful way to celebrate. Stand with Native communities in their fight for recognition, rights, and respect. Advocate for policies that protect their lands, cultures, and identities. Arizona State University has taken steps to increase awareness & appreciation, as well as motivate advocacy, through the ASU Indigenous Land Acknowledgement, recognizing its campuses are situated on the homelands of many indigenous communities, many of whom continue to live in the area.

Continue to celebrate, learn, and honor

Native American Heritage Month is a reminder of the enduring and resilient spirit of Native people. The richness of their cultures, the depth of their wisdom, and the strength of their spirit continue to inspire us all. In honoring their heritage, we enrich our own understanding and become more compassionate and informed citizens.

This November, let’s take the opportunity to celebrate, learn, and honor the first people of this land. Let’s remember that every day is a good day to respect and appreciate the diverse cultures and contributions of Native Americans.

Ensuring students can read proficiently is a critical goal for schools and educators. ASU Prep is proactively addressing literacy challenges with its Science of Reading training program, which aims to empower educators and improve student literacy. The program is approved by the Arizona State Department of Education, demonstrating the commitment to science-backed teaching methods and student-centered learning.

The primary goal of the program is to equip teachers with the knowledge to make data-driven decisions in the classroom, aligning curriculum with research and data. ASU Prep’s program recognizes many students enter early grades without strong foundational reading skills, relying on pictures rather than phonics-based skills. Teachers are shifting their focus toward addressing the unique needs of their students, as opposed to strictly adhering to a predetermined curriculum or scope and sequence. This shift signifies a move away from a one-size-fits-all approach to education, promoting a more student-centered learning environment.

By focusing on early intervention and equipping teachers with the tools to identify and address struggling readers’ needs, ASU Prep aims to ensure students are proficient readers by the time they reach third grade. This proactive approach can help prevent reading difficulties and empower young readers to become lifelong learners, even though the transition may be challenging. ASU Prep fosters open dialogue and peer collaboration among educators to ease the process.

The success of the program will be measured through pre- and post-assessments for teachers and student outcomes, evaluating knowledge growth and literacy proficiency improvements, and promoting a student-centered learning approach. Student assessments will help determine whether the program leads to increased literacy proficiency.

The Science of Reading training program comprises nine sessions, each focusing on essential components of effective reading instruction, including research findings, structured literacy, phonological awareness, word study, scaffolding instruction, understanding dyslexia, fluency, comprehension, vocabulary, and language structure. The program also offers further learning opportunities through an asynchronous Camp Reading course and a book study on Equipped for Reading Success A Comprehensive, Step-By-Step Program for Developing Phonemic Awareness and Fluent Word Recognition by David Kilpatrick.

Ms. Heidi Morton, Training Specialist and Professional Learning Program Manager, has already observed a notable benefit in the evolving mindset of the teachers enrolled in the training. Within finishing one session, Ms. Marilyn Monroy, a teacher in the program, noted a correlation between Science of Reading lessons and improved test scores among her students. Ms. Monroy praised the implemented mini lessons for improving student assessments, with her students improving on spelling tests and even achieving perfect scores.

The initial 45 hours of the Prep Reading Endorsements are scheduled from August 2023 to May 2024, with the next 45-hour segment happening in the subsequent year for a total of 90 hours, further enhancing student-centered learning opportunities.

ASU Prep’s Science of Reading training program represents a forward-thinking and proactive approach to addressing literacy challenges in education. ASU Prep aims to transform students’ reading outcomes and equip educators with the skills to meet the diverse needs of each individual student. As the program continues to evolve and gather data, its impact on students’ literacy development will become increasingly evident.

For more information about ASU Prep’s training programs, including the Science of Reading training program, visit asuprepdigital.org/professional-development.

In today’s tech-driven world, practical STEM education for high school students is critical. ASU Prep is at the forefront of this initiative, connecting K–12 STEM to everyday life through the Engineering Projects in Community Service (EPICS) program.

What is EPICS at ASU Prep?

Arizona State University’s Engineering Projects in Community Service (EPICS), is an award-winning social entrepreneurship program, which has been adapted for high school students. Now being implemented as a science elective at ASU Prep Downtown and Polytechnic campuses, EPICS High engages students in hands-on STEM activities, equipping them with skills in discipline knowledge, design process, teamwork, communication, ethics, and more.

The design-based service learning program allows students to work on projects that provide solutions to real-world problems in partnership with local partners, focusing on community development, health, sustainability, and/or education. Rachna Mathur, ASU Prep STEM Strategist, is thrilled to have EPICS High at both ASU Prep Downtown and Poly to foster in students a love and curiosity for STEM. She also emphasizes the social element: “A program like this connects the dots between engineering and social entrepreneurship, which is critical in serving your communities.”

Mathur points out the many benefits of working under the guidance of the established ASU EPICS program. Structure and programming are provided, along with the unique advantage of college-level mentors. The university also provides budgetary support as student teams are required to submit their project budgets to ASU, which then provides financial backing for their projects. ASU Prep students in the program are eligible to earn college-level credit and may cross-credit their participation as internship experience.

EPICS at ASU Prep Polytechnic

At ASU Prep Poly, teacher Max Colfer is spearheading the EPICS program in both his beginning STEM class with 24 students and his advanced STEM class with 26 students. Embarking on their journey with a practice run to immerse themselves in the various stages of project development, the students experience the range of responsibilities, roles, and expectations that come with the job.

The students engaged with staff members, conducted a comprehensive needs assessment, and ventured into 3D modeling—planning, creating, printing, and painting nameplates.They also honed their professionalism and communication skills, including proper email etiquette.

Further, they utilized a large format printer to create classroom banners per teacher requests and established a Google Sites website for efficient project and stakeholder management, focusing on the importance of maintaining relationships with stakeholders post-product delivery.

Colfer is inspired as his students imagine and create solutions to improve people’s lives. He shares, “I’m extremely proud of my students. They’ve faced the rigorous EPICS program head-on and what they’ve accomplished in the last two months is nothing short of incredible.” He’s confident they’re ready to advance to the official ASU EPICS projects: “I’m really eager to see what kind of connections we can make on campus and how we can expand our educational network.”

EPICS at ASU Prep Downtown Phoenix

At ASU Prep Downtown Phoenix, teacher Julie Johnson is steering her twelve students through the intricate process of Human-Centered Engineering Design, an approach that equips engineers with the necessary technical knowledge to research and identify user needs, translate those into tangible product or process design ideas, and scientifically evaluate the usability of products or services.

The journey began with a practice run where students crafted duct tape wallets for their peers. This exercise involved needs assessment, planning, and prototype creation. They also practiced the proposal process, presenting to Ms. Johnson ideas to transform an unused downtown lot.

Students are now moving into their official projects. Focused on school improvement in collaboration with Assistant Principal Ms. Muñoz, the students are reshaping campus spaces to enhance community. This hands-on experience underscores the practical application of science and math in K–12 education, illustrating its real-world impact.

The class is divided into three groups of four, with each member assuming a distinct role—leader, partner liaison, materials manager, and budget manager. One group is tackling a media center transformation project, aiming to catalog books, develop a check-in and check-out system, and create flexible study spaces. Another team is working on a garden enhancement project, planning to plant flowers, fruits, and vegetables to harvest, as well as revamping a mural. The third group is focusing on exterior beautification, with plans to improve sports courts and fields and repaint activity areas like foursquare and hopscotch zones.

According to Johnson, a significant advantage of this program is introducing students to a variety of careers within the STEM field: “There are numerous career paths that entail problem-solving.”

Engaging and encouraging STEM passion

The EPICS High program goes beyond academics; it instills in students the importance of service and increases their interest in STEM pathways. The goal? To spark an enduring appreciation for STEM, preparing students for success in college, careers, and beyond. As such, EPICS serves as an essential tool in promoting real-world STEM learning experiences and preparing students for the future.

In designing, building, and deploying systems to solve engineering-based problems for their community, students hone their skills as engineers and social entrepreneurs. They aren’t waiting to graduate to make a difference—they’re tackling real-world problems today, preparing for STEM careers while still in high school.

Learn more

For more information about ASU Prep Polytechnic and ASU Prep Phoenix, please visit asuprep.asu.edu.