Category: Education

Guest contribution — American Immigration Council — Mass deportations will make us less safe

President-elect Trump’s mass deportation plan will target thousands of people who richly contribute to their families, communities, and our local economies often for decades. While Trump and his advisors claim they will start with “criminal immigrants,” their plans will include millions of people who pose no public safety risk at all—just as we saw during his first administration.

H-1B Modernization Rule Provides Some Comfort But Also Raises Concerns 

By issuing a final rule, the Biden administration has made it more difficult for the Trump administration to reverse some agency practices with which it disagrees.

Superintendent Seeks Public Input on Grand Canyon Unified School District Governing Board Candidates

COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County Superintendent of Schools, Cheryl Mango-Paget, announces that interviews will be conducted for the open seat on the Grand Canyon Unified School District Governing Board.

An advisory committee, consisting of district residents and a current board member, has been assembled to conduct interviews and provide recommendations to Superintendent Mango-Paget regarding the appointment.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Connect in 2025 with our regional Health and Welfare Resource Meetings listing

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

COCONINO COUNTY — As the new year begins, it is time to connect with other individuals and organizations involved in assisting families and youth throughout Northern Arizona.

To aid in that effort, the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth has compiled this listing of virtual and in-person health and welfare resource networking meetings held each month in Coconino County. The meetings offer health professionals and representatives from a variety of governmental and non-profit organizations the opportunity to share information on upcoming programs and events that benefit the educational, health and welfare needs of children, youth and families throughout the region.

Individuals who attended these resource meetings in 2024 have said they offer a great opportunity to share information about the program and services offered by their organizations.

“As we head into the New Year, we at Senior Services continue to support our older adults here in Coconino County!,” said Beth Almquist, community aide with Coconino County Health & Human Services. She most recently attended the monthly Williams Community Resource Meeting. “We are blessed to deliver home care as well as moral support to all the older adults who are on our program in Flagstaff and Williams Arizona. Along with each New Year come challenges, change and new goals. I am truly thankful for one more ‘New Year’ with Senior Services of Coconino County. Let us rise to the occasion.”

Yemisi Agbebi, founder/director of Synergy Creatives Inc. in Page who has previously attended the monthly Page Community Resource Meeting, recently wrote “… To our community partners, your collaboration has expanded our reach and strengthened our efforts. You have helped us build meaningful connections and create lasting change by including Synergy Creatives Inc. in your events and initiatives. We treasure these partnerships and look forward to continuing this important work together … As we celebrate 2024’s achievements, we acknowledge that none of them would have been possible without your hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment. Your generosity and shared vision have driven the positive impact we’ve been able to create together. Looking ahead to 2025, we wish you a year filled with hope, love, unity, and strength. May it bring happiness, prosperity, and success in all your endeavors. We are excited about the opportunities ahead and the chance to continue making a difference with your support.”

The following is a listing of some of those meetings. Please check with individual meeting group coordinators for updated times, dates and meeting links. Please send any updates to frank@coconinokids.org

READ MORE

The NAU Review — Happy 2025. Tips for learning new names, fresh research on antibiotic resistance + ecology, one FEMA volunteer’s story and more!

Bridging gaps for first-generation families

Sending a child to college is stressful for any family. Navigating cultural and language barriers can make it even harder. That’s why NAU’s Family Access, Communication, Transition and Support team developed Team College Bound, a five-lesson curriculum designed to deliver resources and a sense of community to prospective NAU families. There are four programs—one online, one in English, one in Spanish and one first-of-its-kind Indigenous course created in partnership with Indigenous Lumberjacks. The aim? To increase the number of first-generation, rural and underserved students enrolled at NAU.

January at the Museum of Northern Arizona

Welcome 2025! As MNA marks its 97th year celebrating the Colorado Plateau, I’m excited to share a bit about our upcoming exhibits—a mix of art, science, and cultural phenomena.

February: Life Extended: Biology as Metaphor features vivid new works by Flagstaff artist Debra Edgerton that explore the links between biological and human social structures.
March: Collecting in a Changing World showcases recent MNA acquisitions with insights into why the museum collects what it collects.
May: Shifting Life Zones looks at climate-driven ecological shifts in northern Arizona and MNA research that reveals how plants are adapting.
November: Wagon Road to Mother Road marks the Route 66 Centennial with a journey through the rich history of the iconic highway. The exhibit will debut captivating stories about the road’s wild side, unveiled by MNA archaeological research in Petrified Forest National Park.

Coconino County — Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety Partnership

COCONINO COUNTY — Since 2003, the Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) Injury Prevention Program has enjoyed a successful partnership with the Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety in promoting child passenger safety and occupant protection.

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among children ages 3 to 14. Research shows that as children age, they are less likely to be in the appropriate child safety seat for their age and weight. Fortunately, correctly used child safety seats are extremely effective and reduce the risk of injury and death as much as 71 percent for infants and 54 percent for toddlers. Children ages 4-8 using belt-positioning booster seats were 45 percent less likely to sustain injuries than similar aged kids who used seat belts alone.  

Sedona Arts Center — Check out these Art Classes & Workshops!

Our new catalog of classes and workshops is now available!
(You can also check it out online by clicking here)
See what’s new and explore a new class or workshop today!

Sedona is surrounded by a magical landscape of red rock formations and high desert hills with beautiful Oak Creek meandering through it all. Come experience the Shangri-La of the Southwest, a beautiful learning environment with Art Colony roots going back nearly 100 years!

Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library — Happening at Your Library Week of 01/06/25

View this email in your browser January 6th, 2025 Connect with your community Adult & All-Ages Events Book Clubs Youth Events Friends of the Library Technology Help To request a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability, please call 928-213-2331…

Theatrikos Theatre Co. — January Newsletter ~ Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery

Ken Ludwig’s Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery is the hilarious adaptation of Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Hound of the Baskervilles, where Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson are called to investigate a mysterious, deadly hound haunting the desolate Devonshire moors. The Baskerville estate has named a new heir who is the potential next victim. The play features rapid-fire character changes with only four actors playing forty roles, creating a whirlwind of disguises and witty twists as the intrepid duo try to unravel the truth behind the murderous curse.

Sedona Arts Center — Opening Reception this Friday for ‘Earth and Fire’ Ceremics Exhibits

Join us this Friday, January 3, from 4-6 pm for Celebrate Sedona and the opening of “Earth and Fire,” a ceramics exhibition and sale January 3-31, 2025. The exhibition showcases a diverse collection of ceramic pieces and kicks off with an opening reception Friday, January 3, from 4-6 pm, programmed in conjunction with Celebrate Sedona. The afternoon features artist demonstrations, food, wine, beer and music. Both events are free and open to the public.

“Earth and Fire” features a variety of artworks that celebrate and reflect ceramics contribution to the arts in Arizona as well as the artists who’ve graced Sedona Arts Center’s halls over the years. Event attendees will find everything, including decorative and functional pieces.

Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library Weekly Happenings Sept. 1 through 6

View this email in your browser September 1st – 6th, 2025 Special Events Adult & All-Ages Events Book Clubs Youth Events Technology Help To request a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability, please call 928-213-2330 (Downtown Library) or 928-213-2348…

‘From Artemis to Zorya: The Role of the Feminine Divine Throughout History’ event to be held at Flagstaff Ice House on Sept. 5

We’re thrilled to invite you to From Artemis to Zorya: The Role of the Feminine Divine Throughout History, a curated showcase of live performances, visual art, and the fascinating history of the feminine divine, taking place on September 5th at the Historic Ice House Downtown.

Register now for the Northern Arizona Out-of-School Time Community Conversation in Flagstaff on Sept. 6

FLAGSTAFF — The Arizona Center for Afterschool Excellence will be visiting Northern Arizona and we would love to connect with YOU!

The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6 at the Flagstaff Unified School District Family Resource Center, 4000 N. Cummings St., Flagstaff. Brunch will be provided. Register HERE.

Coconino County County hosts public forum on Wildfire-Insurance Crisis in Flagstaff on Sept. 9

FLAGSTAFF — Following a packed first meeting in June that drew significant public participation, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors are inviting residents back for the second in a series of Board work sessions on the Wildfire-Insurance Crisis.

The session will be held from 2 to 3 p.m., Tuesday, September 9, at the Coconino County Administrative Building, 110 E. Cherry Ave., Flagstaff. The link to stream the meeting is youtube.com/coconinocnty

Get your tickets now to hear two powerful speakers at CCC&Y 2025 Conference at Lowell Observatory on Sept. 9

Less than two weeks remain to get your tickets to attend the return of our popular and educational  CCC&Y Conference with this year’s  theme of “Coherence Rising: Inner Alignment as the Catalyst for Systematic Change.” The 2025 conference will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9 at Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff.

Join us in a beautiful setting that reminds us the universe is infinite and so is our potential.

We are joined by not one, but two amazing and powerful keynote presenters who share their expertise, gift for inspiration and profound insights. 

Arizona Clinical Trials — VEN Centers to hold Community Open House in Flagstaff on Sept. 18

FLAGSTAFF — Arizona Clinical Trials VEN Centers hold Community Open House from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18 at 1150 N. San Francisco St., Flagstaff.

We’re excited to welcome our neighbors to Arizona Clinical Trials and VEN Centers for an afternoon of connection,
 celebration, and conversation.

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) — Carbon Neutrality Plan Update: Open House scheduled on Oct. 1

The Flagstaff Carbon Neutrality Plan (CNP) sets goals to guide the City’s climate action and collaboration with the community, with the shared aim of creating a healthier, more affordable, and more sustainable community.

Open house invitation for Community Wildfire Protection Plan for Rural Fire Districts and Tribal Com to be held Oct. 1

Please join the Greater Flagstaff Forests Partnership (GFFP), Coconino County and your local fire departments/districts at five distinct community meetings in support of the development of a countywide Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP).

The dates and locations of each unique community meeting are listed below.

NAU Hispanic/Latine Heritage Month Tailgate Party to be held at Walkup Skydome on Oct. 4

FLAGSTAFF — The NAU Hispanic/Latine Heritage Month Tailgate Party will be held at from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4 at NAU’s Walkup Skydome in the Student Tailgate Section.

Join the NAU Office of Inclusion for music, food and community before chewing on our NAU Lumberjacks.

Coconino Community College to present course on ‘Exploring Flagstaff’s Latino Heritage and Community’ with Eva Barraza on Oct. 30

FLAGSTAFF — Dive into the rich and diverse stories of the Latino communities — Mexican, Basque, Spanish, Chicano — that have shaped the vibrant tapestry of Flagstaff. This interactive course offers a dynamic introduction to the people, traditions, industries, and historic sites that have played a vital role in the city’s development.

This course meets on four Thursdays from 3:30 to 5 p.m.: Oct. 9, 16, 23, 30. $40 registration fee.

From prominent families and community celebrations to hidden histories and cultural legacies, you’ll uncover the often-overlooked contributions that continue to define the beauty, strength, and spirit of Flagstaff. Whether you’re new to the area or a lifelong resident, this journey through local heritage will deepen your connection to the city and its multicultural roots.

NAU Choral Studies to present ‘Abya Yala’ – Matices Latin Ensemble on Nov. 5

I’m very excited to be working with NAU’s Kitt School of Music on the Southwest premiere of my latest composition, Abya Yala Choral Suite. This multilingual composition is the result of many months of research and collaborative work with different poets in Latin America, in an attempt to vindicate historically discriminated languages and communities throughout Abya Yala.

CCA & SOSTA partner exhibition ‘One Blood at the Precipice’ opens with reception on Nov. 14. Other upcoming exhibits

BECOME A MEMBER Exhibitions Concerts & Events Workshops One Blood at the Precipice Reception CCA & SOSTA present Frederica Hall: One Blood at the Precipice Reception Date/Time: Friday, November 14, 4-6pm; artist performance at 4:45pm Location: Sosta Restaurant, 413 N.…

Coconino County Comprehensive Plan Public Hearingson Nov. 18

OPEN HOUSE: Thursday, October 30, 2025, 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., Thomas Auditorium, 2500 N. Fort Valley Rd., Flagstaff, AZ  86001

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS PUBLIC HEARING: November 18, 2025, 6:00 p.m., 219 E. Cherry Ave., Flagstaff, AZ  86001, and online.  The agenda and staff report will be posted prior to the hearing on https://www.coconino.az.gov/AgendaCenter.  

Public hearing set for Coconino County’s updated Comprehensive Plan on Nov. 18

Coconino County is pleased to announce that the public hearings for Envision 2045, the County’s updated Comprehensive Plan have been scheduled.

The updated Plan was developed over the past two and a half years with input from communities across the County, numerous outreach events, surveys, open houses, collaboration with local, State and Federal partners and with guidance by a citizen advisory group.  
The Comprehensive Plan is a long-range policy document that sets out a 20-year vision, based on public input that guides the county’s future physical, economic and social development. Its text, maps, goals, policies and implementation actions guide decisions about the County’s future, in particular land use decisions, and serves as a resource document reflecting information about the county at the time it was updated.

What a year! 2024 at Culture Connection AZ

Dear Friends and Supporters,

As we reflect on 2024, we are filled with gratitude for the incredible milestones Culture Connection AZ has reached this year. Thanks to your unwavering support, we’ve been able to connect our community, celebrate local culture, and amplify voices that have long been overlooked. Our events this year have brought together hundreds of attendees, and we are excited to share with you some of the highlights and successes from the past year.

United Way of Northern Arizona (UWNA) — Make A Difference This New Year’s Eve

As 2024 comes to a close, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude for your support of United Way of Northern Arizona (UWNA). Your generosity reminds us that one person can make a difference – and together, we can drive lasting change in our region.

This year, thanks to donors like you, we’ve celebrated major milestones: tuition-free education for KinderCamp™ graduates at Coconino Community College and Northern Arizona University, a significant boost in children enrolled in the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, and efforts to expand Elevate PreK to serve more working families.

Your contributions have also supported nearly 40 other programs throughout northern Arizona, fueling hope and opportunity for thousands.

Flagstaff STEM City — Congratulations to Citizen of the Year, Sylvia Johnson

This recognition celebrates her dedication to serving our community. Sylvia’s humble spirit and remarkable contributions have touched many lives, and we’re so proud to see her hard work acknowledged in this way.

Join us in celebrating Sylvia and her inspiring achievements!

Community turns out in force seeking answers regarding potential federal immigration sweeps

Organizers plan a follow-up forum in early 2025.

Editor’s note — The first in a series of articles on local immigration rights and information sharing efforts in Coconino County. We encourage community members to provide information on upcoming events, issues and programs by sending an email to fmoraga@amigosnaz.com

By AmigosNAZ.com

While local law enforcement officials stated they do not work for the incoming presidential administration’s immigration program, community members and local immigration officials called for more local law enforcement information on how to protect themselves from potential federal immigration sweeps.

In what promises to be the first of a number immigration information programs in reaction to the potential new federal immigration policies starting on Jan. 20, 2025, members of the Flagstaff community gathered at Killip Elementary School for the “Let’s Talk About the Current State of Immigration” forum on Dec. 3, 2024.

The event, presented by the Northern Arizona Interfaith Council (NAIC), drew more than 150 individuals to the school’s gymnasium, who listened to live presentations by Flagstaff Police Chief Sean Connolly, incoming Coconino County Sheriff Bret Axlund, Flagstaff Mayor Becky Daggett, staff from the Mexican Consulate in Phoenix, plus a virtual presentation from the Mexican Consulate in Phoenix.

Guest contribution — American Immigration Council — This Week in Immigration

Biden makes critical last-minute change to help combat USCIS backlogs. More options available. Immigrant farmworkers make our holiday meals possible

***

President Biden has just over one month left in office. He can still take decisive action to protect people at risk of indiscriminate immigration enforcement.

Among other priorities, the Council encourages the administration to protect DACA recipients; extend and redesignate Temporary Protected Status for certain countries; and rescind remaining Trump-era immigration regulations.

Read more: Urgent Last Requests for the Biden Administration

Applicants Sought for School District Governing Board Vacancies

COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County Superintendent of Schools Cheryl Mango-Paget is seeking applicants for appointments to four School District governing board positions that will expire December 31, 2028.

The following Governing Boards are now accepting applications for one seat each: Grand Canyon Unified School District; Fredonia-Moccasin Unified School District; NATIVE (Tuba City); and Tuba City Unified School District. 

Art Workshops & Classes at Sedona Arts Center

Mini Masterpieces: Palette Knife and Cold Wax Basics
with Casey Cheuvront
January 4, 2025: Saturday, 11am–4pm

Good things come in small packages!  Add some dimension to your painting with cold wax and learn the basics of palette knife painting in this one-day workshop. All materials provided. Leave with your own mini masterpiece!

 Gallery depth mini panel, palette knife, paint, and cold wax included in the materials fee (paid to the instructor)
 Reserve early; limited seating – All levels welcome!

Coconino County Hope Receiving Center Earns AACo Statewide Summit and Merit Award

The Hope Receiving Center, developed by the Coconino County Juvenile Court, with participation from 12 community partners, was awarded a Summit Award in the Court Administration & Management category at the AACo Annual Conference last week. The project drew praise for its foresight in creating a space where at-risk youth as well as their parents and guardians can access services including formal deflection, truancy response, therapy dogs, and educational programming all designed to keep youth in school and stem the tide of juveniles entering the justice system. 

Coconino County Elections Wins National People’s Choice Award

“Coconino County Elections Department remains committed to continuous improvement, transparency, and collaboration in election administration.” said, Eslir Musta, Coconino Elections Director and Assistant County Manager, “This award affirms our county board of supervisors’ vision for free, fair, and accessible elections. We are glad to share our experience advancing the professionalism of the elections field.” 

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Coalition celebrates busy but productive 2024

COCONINO COUNTY — As 2024 comes to a close, the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth would like to recognize a very busy but productive year for the organization.

Virtual System Change Symposium 

The Coalition presented its first “System Change Symposium”virtual presentation on Oct. 22, 23 that benefitted the more than 200 attendees in Northern Arizona and statewide. In addition, the individual workshops reported a total recorded audience of 69 views to date. Participants were impressed with the diversity and the quality of the information provided.

“I am thinking currently about how I can use a systems change lens to address unemployment and poverty in the organization that I work for, instead of just providing direct career development service to my clients,” said Dylan Wilder of TransIntimate Online Courses.

CCC Community Education — New Year … New Classes!

Death and Dessert

Wednesday, Jan. 22

1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Join us as we sweeten the topic of death by providing a safe and open space to discuss end-of-life questions, concerns, and experiences. And yes, there will be dessert! 

D.D. – Learn more and register!

Flagstaff Regional Plan 2045 – Comment by Dec. 19!

The 60-day public review of the draft Flagstaff Regional Land Use Plan 2045 is ending on December 19! That means you have THREE DAYS to read, ask questions, and share your feedback on the draft contents. Visit bit.ly/RPpublicreview to learn more about the 60-day public review.

United Way of Northern Arizona — Top 10 Highlights from 2024

It has been an extraordinary year for the United Way of Northern Arizona and, more importantly, for the communities we serve. We saw dramatic increases in some programs, added benefits to others, and witnessed the amazing ability of our communities to pull together and collectively improve conditions for all in our region.

Here are our Top 10 highlights of the year:

Discover Flagstaff — 2024 Holiday Parade of Lights on Dec. 14 downtown Flagstaff, more upcoming events

Saturday, December 14
2024 Holiday Parade of Lights, Downtown Flagstaff.

With parade floats lighting up Historic Downtown Flagstaff, you won’t want to miss out on the fun and festivities that have become a holiday tradition in Flagstaff. Free. 6 p.m.

Learn More

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Dec. 9-13, 2024

We want to hear from you!

Please take a few moments to complete this short survey and share your thoughts on the Weekly Wrap Up newsletter. Your feedback will help improve the content, format, and relevance of future editions, ensuring our office continues to provide the most useful and engaging information. Thank you for your input!
Weekly Wrap Up Survey

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — The Arts: A Cornerstone of Northern Arizona’s Economic Growth

The arts are more than a source of inspiration – they are a vital economic driver for northern Arizona.

We know from data collected by the national Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 (AEP6), the latest economic impact study conducted by Americans for the Arts, that the arts account for more than $85 million in direct economic activity in Flagstaff annually, and another $13.5 million in Sedona.

The arts are one of the top 10 sectors in the region based on employment and our 5-year Strategic Plan calls for community leaders to support the expansion and enhancement of arts and cultural venues and offerings within our communities.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Time to gather details on your hopes, goals, resolutions for 2025

COCONINO COUNTY —  As 2024 comes to a close, we want to find out what hopes, dreams, goals or (if you are willing to share) resolutions you may have for the coming year.

Maybe it’s setting a personal physical or mental health goal? Maybe it’s achieving a family or professional goal? Maybe more vacation travel, carving out more personal time or spending more time with friends and loved ones?

Imagining a world where every person lives in peace and is supported by a thriving, resilient community starts with all of us and your dreams and goals feed back into the collective.

We want to know so we can include your thoughts when our newsletter returns on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025, following our two-week newsletter break starting Dec. 25. And please let us know if you want us to share your comments anonymously with all our newsletter subscribers.

Maybe it’s too early to think about setting goals for the coming year. Instead, you can tell us what you are most proud of that you have done in 2024, be it a personal or professional accomplishment.

Flagstaff College to present Post-election Community Get-together on Dec. 11

 Flagstaff College/Communiversity, Friends of Flagstaff’s Future, and Catch Fire, are hosting a post-election community get-together! Please join us and share your energy, concerns, and your persistent hope that we can make our communities places of kindness, resilience, health, and equity.

We’ve invited local organizations to talk to us about their concerns, needs, and strategies–and how we might support them in their efforts to navigate the coming months.

If you want to know how you can take local action around important issues including immigration, climate change, health care, human rights, regional land use, and economic systems, join us on:

The NAU Review — Cheers to the Class of ’24! Meet the grads, plan your commencement journey + leave a ‘congrats’ for the Lumberjack in your life!

Get ready to celebrate our incredible graduates at NAU’s Fall 2024 commencement! Over 2,400 outstanding new Lumberjacks are set to make their mark on the world—but first, they’ll mark this milestone with their loved ones and mentors in two unforgettable ceremonies at the J. Lawrence Walkup Skydome on Friday, Dec. 13. Whether you’re a student, family member or NAU employee, we’ve got all the info you need to make the most of this special day, from getting there to parking and navigating campus.
Read our commencement guide

Museum of Northern Arizona — Make Your Year-End Gift to MNA Today!

Why support MNA today?

Because in a world that’s increasingly filled with replicas, virtual experiences, and even artificially created images and videos, museums matter more than ever.

Because nothing can replicate the experience of this place. The bubbling fountain in the Golightly Courtyard surrounded by the life zones of the Colorado Plateau.
The anticipation of walking into a new exhibition, or the quiet communion of sitting with an artwork or object in one of MNA’s intimate galleries. The exhilaration of watching a traditional Indigenous dance performance – not on your phone, but live and in person.