Growing Greatness Together: Every Day Matters, Every Page Counts 

Dear Bobcat & Eagle Families,

It is hard to believe we are already into October! As we settle into the school year, I want to take a moment to thank our families for the support you provide each day. The partnership between home and school is so important to the success of our students.

This month, I want to remind everyone about two simple habits that make a big difference: being at school and reading at home.

Every Day Matters

Every day your child is at school is another opportunity to learn, grow, build relationships, and experience success. When students miss school, they can miss important instruction, classroom discussions, and opportunities to practice new skills. While our teachers work hard to help students catch up, some learning experiences simply cannot be recreated.

We understand that illness and unexpected circumstances happen. However, when your child is healthy and able to attend, please make regular attendance and being on time a priority. Every day really does count!

Make Reading Part of Your Day

I also encourage every family to make reading a daily habit. Even 20 minutes of reading each day can make a tremendous difference over time.

Read together, listen to your child read, or encourage older students to find something they enjoy reading. Books, magazines, graphic novels, nonfiction, and appropriate online articles all count. The goal is to help our students develop a love of reading while strengthening a skill they will use throughout their lives.

Be here. Be on time. Read every day. Small habits lead to big results!

With appreciation,

Dustie Gunn
Principal
Robles Elementary School
Altar Valley Middle School

Growing Opportunities Through 21st CCLC

At Altar Valley School District, we are proud to offer the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program at both Robles Elementary School and Altar Valley Middle School. This federally funded program, administered in Arizona through the Arizona Department of Education, provides opportunities for students to receive academic support and participate in enrichment activities outside of the regular school day. The program is designed to complement students’ classroom learning while providing meaningful opportunities for growth, creativity, and connection.

Robles Elementary School

At Robles, our 21st CCLC program provides opportunities before and after school.

In the morning, students can participate in a variety of enrichment activities. Offerings include dance, crafts, LEGOs, and more, giving students an opportunity to explore interests, be creative, and start their school day engaged and excited to learn.

In the afternoon, the focus shifts to academic support. Students receive reading and math tutoring, along with homework help. This additional time allows students to receive extra practice and support while building confidence in their academic skills.

Altar Valley Middle School

At AVMS, our 21st CCLC program combines academic support with enrichment.

Students begin with one hour of tutoring in ELA and math, providing additional time to strengthen important academic skills and receive individualized support.

Students then have one hour of enrichment activities, with opportunities that may include LEGOs, crafts, sports, and other activities. These experiences give students the chance to discover interests, develop new skills, work with others, and simply enjoy being part of their school community.

More Than an After-School Program

Our 21st CCLC program is an important part of our commitment to supporting the whole child. Students have opportunities to receive additional academic support while also participating in activities that encourage creativity, teamwork, problem-solving, and personal interests.

We are grateful for the funding that makes these opportunities possible and, most importantly, for the staff who give their time and energy to make these programs meaningful for our students.

At Altar Valley, we are committed to providing opportunities for every student to learn, grow, explore, and succeed—both during the school day and beyond it.

Growing Greatness Together!