Category: Education

Coconino County Board of Supervisors approves more than $2.5 million for local schools

“Education funding in Arizona is at a crisis point,” Coconino County Board of Supervisors Chair Patrice Horstman said. “Coconino County has made strategic decisions over the last two years to leverage additional federal resources for education while continuing to advocate at both the state and federal levels for the funding our schools need. Increasing funding to schools and establishing the Special Needs Allocation Program will help protect educational opportunities for our children and communities.”

CCC Community Education — Now open for registration: Professional Development Series, Foraging, Stained Glass, Comet Talk

Elevate: Leadership, Teams, and Professional Growth

Wednesday, Sept. 16, 30, Oct. 14, 28

9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Develop skills and gain knowledge to support your organizations, advance in your career, and make connections. Sign up for all four, or choose individual sessions.

Elevate – Learn more and register!

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: August 10-14, 2026

The Transcanyon Waterline break located approximately one mile below Cottonwood Campground along the North Kaibab Trail has been fully repaired. Water utility crews successfully began pumping water to the South Rim late August 11, and South Rim tanks are now slowly filling.

Discover Parks and Recreation Summer Adventures with Our August 2026 Newsletter

The 77th Annual Coconino County Fair is Coming September 4-7!
Get Your Kicks and Fair Fix at Fort Tuthill County Park this Labor Day weekend! A clear bag policy is new this year, and volunteer sign-ups are open now.

New clear bag policy in effect for 2026; see details below
Get your tickets online at coconinocountyfair.com and skip the line on fair day!
Early bird carnival wristbands are still available. Get yours today!

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) — Downtown Keynote Recordings & JW Powell Blvd Public Meeting

I’m pleased to let you know that video recordings of the three keynote presentations from the July “Downtown Matters” Conference are now available on YouTube.

Many thanks to Hunter Hebert and the Downtown Business Alliance for making these available to the Flagstaff community!

Get the latest news updates from Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes including ‘Attorney General Mayes Announces Sentencing of Former Border Patrol Agent and Fiancée for Defrauding SNAP, WIC Programs’

Click below for the latest news updates from the:

Office Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes

Get the latest news updates from the Office of the Governor Katie Hobbs including ‘State of Arizona, Hopi Tribe, and Navajo Nation Sign MOU to Create Economic Opportunity in Four Corners Region’

Click below for the latest news updates from the: Office of the Governor Katie Hobbs

Neither bright sunshine nor pouring rain deterred community from celebrating 11th annual Flagstaff Summertime Tardeada on Aug. 1. See new photos from Arizona Daily Sun

FLAGSTAFF — Typical Flagstaff Summer weather — bright and hot sunshine mixed with sudden downpours of Monsoon rains — failed to deter a large crowd of local residents and visitors from attending the 11th annual “Flagstaff Summertime Tardeada — Mariachi and Folklórico Festival” presented on Aug. 1 by Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces.

The annual event, designed to celebrate and recognize Flagstaff’s Hispanic roots, drew over 400 people to Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary.

The event kicked off with the music of Ruben Hernandez, followed by a dance performance by Ballet Folklorico de Colores — Flagstaff, the return of the all-female Mariachi Rubor. The ever-popular New Destiny closed out the event with a spirited performance that had the crowd dancing until dusk.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Coalition provides listing of 2026 Health and Welfare Resource Meetings in region

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

COCONINO COUNTY — Are you a member of a nonprofit or governmental agency seeking to share information with other service providers to help improve the lives and well-being of children and youth in Northern Arizona?

The Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth maintains a listing of health and welfare resource networking meetings held each month in Coconino County and Northern Arizona, including the upcoming Tuba City Community Resource Zoom meeting on Aug. 12 and the Page Community Resource Meeting on Aug. 13.

These meetings offer monthly in-person and virtual community resource opportunities to share information between a variety of nonprofit and governmental agencies who serve children and families throughout Northern Arizona.

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Coconino County Attorney’s Office and Navajo Nation launch historic Peacemaking Diversion Program

The Peacemaking Diversion Program offers eligible individuals an opportunity to resolve criminal cases through a restorative process that brings together participants, victims, family members and community members to repair harm, promote accountability and strengthen relationships. Successful completion of the program may result in eligible charges being dismissed while providing victims with a meaningful voice in the justice process.

Action Alert: Provide Input on Parks Master Plan

F3 encourages you to provide specific FEEDBACK and input on your PRIORITIES for Parks and Open Space, add to an interactive MAP, and complete the SURVEY as the City of Flagstaff starts the process of completing the PROSE Master Plan (Parks, Recreation, Open Space, and Events).

The PROSE Master Plan is a long-range plan (10+ years) that will provide a roadmap and guide the City’s project priorities and funding. This Plan will create a vision for the future and will include both short-term and long-term goals for achievement.

Find Your Next Creative Adventure at Sedona Arts Center

Whether you’re exploring a new passion or building on years of experience, Sedona Arts Center offers inspiring classes and workshops for every skill level. Learn from working artists in a welcoming, hands-on environment while exploring painting, ceramics, jewelry, stained glass, photography, mixed media, and more.

Join us in the heart of Sedona and discover where creativity can take you.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: August 3-7, 2026

Transcanyon Waterline Repair Continues; Water Restrictions Remain in Effect

Water utility crews continue making progress on repairs to the Transcanyon Waterline break located approximately one mile below Cottonwood Campground along the North Kaibab Trail. As of today, crews are back on site fitting replacement pipe as work advances toward restoring water service.

Upcoming Community Meeting on Aug. 18 for the JW Powell Extension Project

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz — The City of Flagstaff, Peak Engineering and Banicki Construction invite you to attend a Community Meeting for the upcoming JW Powell Extension Project. The meeting will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 18, between 5 and 6:30 p.m., at the Flagstaff Aquaplex (1702 N Fourth Street). This meeting will allow community members to learn more about the project, including the plan for the area and how it fits into the City’s transportation system. This meeting is an open house format with no formal presentation; join us anytime throughout the meeting. Project team members and City staff will be available to discuss the project and answer questions. Meeting displays and information will be available on our Project Webpage after the meeting for those who cannot attend.

Coconino County School Superintendent seeks public input on potential appointment to PUSD

COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County Superintendent of Schools Cheryl Mango-Paget is seeking public input regarding the potential appointment of Bob Jensen to fill the current vacancy on the Page Unified School District Governing Board.

The vacancy was created following the resignation of a Governing Board member effective June 17, 2026. The appointment would fill the remainder of the current term, which expires on Dec. 31, 2026.

Coconino County School Superintendent seeks public input on potential appointment to CAVIAT Fredonia

FREDONIA — Coconino County Superintendent of Schools Cheryl Mango-Paget is seeking public input regarding the potential appointment of Corrine Olson to fill the current vacancy on the Coconino Association for Vocations, Industry and Technology (CAVIAT) Fredonia District Governing Board.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Coalition joins partners at grand opening of Peaks Youth Center in Flagstaff

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

FLAGSTAFF — It was a packed meeting room when local non-profit leaders, elected officials, youth and other community supporters joined officials from the Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) for welcoming remarks video clip 1, 2, 3,) and the official ribbon cutting ceremony of the CCHHS Peaks Youth Center on Thursday, July 30, 2026.

The Peaks Youth Center, at 2625 N. King St., Flagstaff, is part of the renovation of the remodeled CCHHS Southern Region Office. Visitors to the front lobby will see a creative children’s play space featuring a hand-painted mural celebrating the unique diversity of Coconino County.

The Center is the result of work that began more than 6 years ago as pandemic-related disruptions and anxieties, social media pressures and increasing stressors for young people showed the need for essential support services, county officials stated in a media release.

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The NAU Review — Expanding your worldview in Puerto Rico + bad news for water in the West

¡Saludos desde Puerto Rico!

At NAU, a journey beyond the continental United States is more than a class; it’s a life-changing adventure. This summer, through the Global Citizens Project Scholars program, Lumberjacks explored cultures, met new people and experienced the world through fresh perspectives, all while discovering that understanding others is the first step toward understanding their own place in the world. ¡Vámonos!

United Way of Northern Arizona — A Fun Way to Roll into Kindergarten

Now in its 21st year, KinderCamp™ has just wrapped up another successful session. You can see the impact it had in the happy faces of the kiddos who participated. (Scroll down to see what I mean).

But it’s what parents, caregivers, and teachers are telling us that really captures how this month-long program is changing the way these children step into school.

KinderCamp is open to 4- or 5-year-olds with limited preschool experience, giving kids who might otherwise begin kindergarten feeling behind a real head start – academically, socially, and emotionally. It is provided at no cost to families.

Coconino Center for the Arts — Arts & Science Grants announcement

We are proud to announce that, this year, Creative Flagstaff has awarded General Operating Support grants to 43 Flagstaff nonprofit organizations totaling $505,000, and Project Grants to 16 organizations and individuals totaling $125,000.

Project Grants are designed to build capacity or expand a program, whereas General Operating Support Grants help sustain organizations. Both grants are intended to engage and enrich the Flagstaff community through arts, science, and culture. Additional BBB funding was allocated to ARTx 2026 Art + Ideas Experience for 23 projects totaling $125,000

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) — Join “Coffee Conversations” with F3’s Director on Aug. 5

Join the monthly “Coffee Conversations” with F3’s Executive Director thisWednesday, August 5th from 9:00-10:00 am at Mayan Winds
(2144 N. 4th St.). We had a great conversation last month!

Learn what F3 is working on, share your thoughts about Flagstaff issues, get updates on ongoing issues, and meet other citizens and members who are or want to be engaged with issues in Flagstaff.

Find your next creative adventure at Sedona Arts Center

Whether you’re exploring a new passion or building on years of experience, Sedona Arts Center offers inspiring classes and workshops for every skill level. Learn from working artists in a welcoming, hands-on environment while exploring painting, ceramics, jewelry, stained glass, photography, mixed media, and more.

Join us in the heart of Sedona and discover where creativity can take you.

Downtown Flagstaff — 11th Annual Summertime Tardeada (Aug. 1), 2026 Flagstaff International Film Festival (Aug. 1-2), Flagstaff Chili Festival Thorpe Park (Aug. 1-2), more events

Discover Flagstaff publishes Flagstaff 365 Happenings on a weekly basis to highlight local events happening in and around Flagstaff. “Flag Happs” is distributed throughout Downtown Flagstaff, displayed in kiosks and storefronts, and also available at the Flagstaff Visitor Center. Below are some highlights of the week.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: July 27-31, 2026

Inner Canyon Waterline Repairs Complete 

Water has been fully restored to Manzanita Rest Area, Cottonwood Campground, and Phantom Ranch following the successful repair of a break in the Transcanyon Waterline. The pipeline was repressurized, water quality samples were cleared, and the water is once again safe to drink. Pumps at Havasupai Gardens are also operating and delivering water to the South Rim.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Coalition compiles growing listing of back to school events

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

COCONINO COUNTY — From Flagstaff, the Grand Canyon to Leupp, Page, Tuba City and other locations, school officials throughout Coconino County continue to prepare for a variety of back to school events in the region.

The following is a listing compiled by the Coalition of some of the back-to-school activities that have been announced in Coconino County. …

If your organization would like to be added to this listing, please send an email to frank@coconinokids.org

The NAU Review — An out-of-this-world family portrait + science in the great outdoors

Two camera systems designed and built by faculty and students at NAU on board NASA’s Mars-bound ESCAPADE captured unique photos of Earth and the Moon in visible and thermal infrared light. Learn more about this mission and what the camera will capture once it reaches the red planet.

Discover Your Creative Potential at Sedona Arts Center

Sedona Arts Center offers year-round classes and workshops designed to inspire artists of all experience levels. From painting, ceramics, jewelry making, stained glass, photography to mixed media and more, our programs are welcoming, hands-on, and taught by working artists in a supportive creative environment.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: July 20-24, 2026

Community Library celebrates Summer Reading Challenge and looks to future
-Caroline Grass, Scientist in Park Intern

As the Grand Canyon Community Library continues to serve residents and visitors and as engagement in their programs increases, plans to better utilize their space in the Old Chase Bank building are underway.

Coconino County Justice Bus receives national Enhancing Justice Award

COCONINO COUNTY — The Coconino County Justice Bus has been selected to receive the 2026 Enhancing Justice Award from the National Association for Court Management (NACM), recognizing the program’s innovative approach to expanding access to justice and improving outcomes for residents throughout Coconino County. The award was announced in a letter from NACM President Kelly Hutton and was formally presented during the NACM Annual Conference on July 16, 2026.

The Enhancing Justice Award honors courts and justice-related organizations that demonstrate exemplary accomplishments and innovative projects that strengthen the administration of justice. The Coconino County Justice Bus was recognized for bringing court services and critical community resources directly to rural and underserved communities, reducing barriers that often prevent individuals from accessing the justice system.

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — Making the Case for Northern Arizona

You already know what makes northern Arizona special. Our region has a natural beauty that has drawn visitors from all over the world for generations. But we also share an unwavering ambition to expand our foothold into some of the most vital and vibrant sectors of the economy, such as bioscience, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and transportation and logistics, as well as traditional tourism sectors.

Now we have a tool that captures all of it in one place. ECoNA’s new recruitment brochure showcases the full range of what the region has to offer. It’s a resource designed to help businesses see, at a glance, why northern Arizona is worth a serious look.

You can see it here.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Coalition joins other partners at Flagstaff back to school event. Also see our listing for other back to school, Summer reading, food security and other programs

COCONINO COUNTY — The Commons area of Sinagua Middle School came alive with more than 200 children and their parents going from table to table to gather information at the Flagstaff Unified School District’s Native American Education Support Program’s annual School Supply Distribution & Expo Fair held on July 14 in Flagstaff. …

The following is a listing compiled by the Coalition of some of the back-to-school activities that have been announced in Coconino County.

The NAU Review — Dispatches from Tonto National Forest, an Etruscan scholar

Going underground to measure fire risk

This summer, NAU associate professor Salli Dymond is working with the Salt River Project and the startup company Growvera to install moisture sensors on plants and dead fuel on the forest floor and underground in parts of Tonto National Forest. Over the course of a year, she and her colleagues will monitor the sensors and analyze the data they generate. Dymond said if the sensors provide accurate enough moisture data, they could be a gamechanger in how Arizona officials communicate about and prepare for wildfire season.

Native Americans for Community Action (NACA) — July – August 2026 E-Newsletter

NACA accepts & provides services to all ethnic groups and all ages while focusing on whole-family health care. We pride ourselves in focusing on Native American health care, with the whole person in mind. Specialty care referrals are available for all patients. Referrals are also available to Native American patients through the Indian Health Services facilities in Flagstaff and in surrounding areas.

Find Your Next Creative Adventure at Sedona Arts Center

Sedona Arts Center offers year-round classes and workshops designed to inspire artists of all experience levels. From painting, ceramics, jewelry making, and photography to mixed media and more, our programs are welcoming, hands-on, and taught by working artists in a supportive creative environment.

Whether you’re discovering a new passion or continuing to grow your skills, you’ll find opportunities to explore, create, and connect in the heart of Sedona. New ceramics classes begin in June, alongside a wide variety of upcoming workshops and studio experiences for adults, teens, and families.

Grand Canyon National Park Weekly Wrap-up: July 13-17, 2026

Monsoon Season Returns to Grand Canyon

Monsoon season has returned, bringing the potential for thunderstorms, lightning, flash flooding, strong winds, and rapidly changing weather conditions through September. Park staff are actively monitoring weather conditions and remain prepared to adjust operations, closures, and visitor access as needed to protect visitors, employees, and park resources.

City of Flagstaff Beautification – Arts & Sciences — News & Opportunities

Call to Artists: Temporary 3D Artworks

The City of Flagstaff seeks proposals for large-scale, three-dimensional (3D) artworks for the 2027/2028 Multicultural County Park Sculpture Exhibition. The exhibition features five sculptures, existing or newly created, that reflect diverse cultural expressions including Indigenous, Black, and Latinx art. Selected artworks can advance essential perspectives and narratives and will invite interaction, conversation, and appreciation.

Coconino Center for the Arts —Celebrate Flagstaff Dark Skies with NightVisions: AMBER through Sept. 26, more events

BECOME A MEMBER Exhibitions Concerts & Events NightVisions: AMBER Exhibition Dates: June 27 – September 26, 2026 NightVisions: AMBER is an international juried art exhibition that seeks to explore and celebrate our deep connections with the night. In its 9th iteration for 2026,…

Early bird tickets now on sale for the 77th Annual Coconino County Fair

FLAGSTAFF — The 77th Annual Coconino County Fair returns to Fort Tuthill County Park over Labor Day Weekend, September 4-7, 2026, and early bird tickets are now on sale. Buy tickets online through July 31 to save on admission and carnival wristbands and skip the wait at the gate.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: July 6-10, 2026

Cliff Spring Fire Update

The Cliff Spring Fire on the North Rim remains at 171 acres with no new growth, no visible smoke, and currently at 40% containment. Fire activity remains minimal, and firefighters continue full suppression efforts while tracking small pockets of interior heat identified during a recent infrared flight.

There are currently no closures associated with the fire. The Cape Royal and Walhalla Plateau backcountry areas have reopened to permit holders.

Coconino County Parks & Recreation — Discover Parks and Recreation Summer Adventures with Our July 2026 Newsletter

• Stage 2 Fire Restrictions in Effect: Parks & Recreation has specific guidelines outlining what is allowed and prohibited during this time. Click here to review the details before your next visit.
• Spots still open for Summer Camp weeks! Fun at the Fort has been enjoying fun themes each week, and we have room for new recruits for weeks 6 and 7. Register to join the adventures.
• Great Programs and Clinics for the summer! Culinary classes, archery, disc golf clinics, and more are coming your way. Visit our calendar to find new adventures.

Find Your Next Creative Adventure at Sedona Arts Center

Art Classes and Workshops
at Sedona Arts Center
Discover the Joy of Creating

Sedona Arts Center offers year-round classes and workshops designed to inspire artists of all experience levels. From painting, ceramics, jewelry making, and photography to mixed media and more, our programs are welcoming, hands-on, and taught by working artists in a supportive creative environment.

Whether you’re discovering a new passion or continuing to grow your skills, you’ll find opportunities to explore, create, and connect in the heart of Sedona. New ceramics classes begin in June, alongside a wide variety of upcoming workshops and studio experiences for adults, teens, and families.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Coalition welcomes board members to new positions

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

COCONINO COUNTY — A leader at a youth services organization. A regional director for a statewide early childhood group. A manager for a statewide organization that advocates for high-quality education for youth — they are just a few of the individuals who are leading the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth in 2026.

Following recent elections, the Coalition has named Kimberly Sevier,MA, as president; Peter Van Wyck, BA, as vice president and treasurer; and Laura Rosensweet, M.Ed, as secretary of the executive committee of its board of directors.

The Coalition wishes to thank immediate-past president Andrea Merronuck of Northland Family Help Center for her dedication and service to CCC&Y, including serving as secretary and as a member of the Coaliition’s Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) Committee.

The Coalition would also like to welcome new board members Laura Valdez Bojorquez, Wendy Kasprzyk-Roberts and Brandy Stuhan.

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The NAU Review — Saving your cup of joe + do you know what Pluto is made of?

Rescuing the world’s coffee

The coffee berry borer is destroying about 30% of the world’s coffee crops annually, costing farmers more than $500 million a year and driving down the supply of everyone’s favorite caffeinated beverage. NAU Ph.D. candidate Lynn Bonomo is on a mission to find a safe, sustainable way to protect coffee farmers’ crops—and your morning jolt. 

Coconino Center for the Arts — First Friday ArtWalk!

Flagstaff’s First Friday ArtWalk is a monthly celebration of creativity that brings downtown to life.

Join us for the next First Friday on July 3, starting at 5 pm, for a western-themed ArtWalk and a celebration of Flagstaff’s local artists!

The 2026 ArtWalk season is generously underwritten by Dapper Dre, supporting Car-Free First Fridays with traffic closures on Aspen St. for art and performance activations.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — 2026 Summer reading, food security and camp program information compiled by CCC&Y. See our listings

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

Please join CCC&Y for its next Prevention Council Zoom meeting at 10 a.m. Thursday, July, 2, 2026. The Council meets the first Thursday of the month.

Our meetings provide our coalition partners with the opportunity to share the latest news about their projects that support children, youth and their families in Northern Arizona.

Want to be a guest speaker at our next meeting? Send an email to CCC&Y Executive Director Virginia Watahomigie at coalition@coconinokids.org​​​​​​​ to be placed on the agenda or to receive a Zoom link to our next meeting.

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