Phoenix is great because of our strong communities where neighbors work together and take pride in the place they call home.

Keystone Montessori • 1025 E. Liberty Lane

In the United States the average kid (age 8-18) spends 7.5 hours a day in front of a screen or on the phone. To counter sedentary living patterns, national physical activity guidelines for youth have been developed. The guidelines call for at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day for children and teens. The guidelines are based on the amount of physical activity necessary to promote good fitness, health, and wellness. Only 29 percent of high school students meet the 60-minute daily guideline and 14 percent don’t do any physical activity that causes them to breathe hard or that increases heart rate on any day during the week.

It’s all about community.

Just a few months shy of the nationally ranked charter school’s opening of its newest location in Ahwatukee, BASIS will be offering two informational meetings for parents and the community.

J’ontar Coleman wanted what he felt was rightfully his all along.

Lottery confidentiality

Desert Vista High School students recently launched a website that discusses the positives of public education.

Assumptions were made, jokes were told and Larry Holmes' confidence was shaken.

Superintendent of Public Instruction John Huppenthal responded to a letter I wrote to the AFN (“Huppenthal’s money plea off base,” Feb. 17) criticizing him for pleading with the Legislature for $35 million for a computer system for the Department of Education when I’ve never heard of him making a plea to them for money for something that would actually benefit students. In his guest commentary (“Barlam continues to hold long-time political grudge,” AFN, Feb. 27) he states that in the past I have criticized him for his support of charter schools, and then goes on to chastise me for working in one.

Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton proposed in his state of the city address last month a new program to double police presence in schools and unify work between districts and the police department, which could produce different outcomes in Ahwatukee Foothills schools.

Bryant Morrison has found a home in Kingman.

Phoenix resident Karlene Keogh Parks has filed a Notice of Candidacy with the city of Phoenix to run against current City Councilman Sal DiCiccio in the Aug. 27 election.

It is clear from Fred Barlam’s recent commentary (“Huppenthal’s money plea off base,” AFN, Feb. 17) that he holds me personally responsible for the international, national and state economic recessions, and their devastating impact on education. He blames me for his problems with Arizona’s Instrument to Measure Standards (AIMS), for lack of classroom supplies, and for every other ill suffered by his colleagues as teachers.

Ambassador Academy • 3820 E. Ray Road

In a previous column I discussed the PACER, a test of cardiovascular fitness that is part of the national youth physical fitness test battery (FITNESSGRAM). FITNESSGRAM, was developed at the Cooper Institute in Dallas and is now offered as a cooperative program with the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition (PCFSN) and the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (AAHPERD). In addition to assessing cardiovascular fitness, the FITNESSGRAM Test Battery includes tests of muscle fitness, flexibility, and body composition.

Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction John Huppenthal recently made an impassioned plea to the House Education Committee to give him $35 million for the creation of a new computer system for the Department of Education. As a K-12 educator for more than 40 years, I only wish that his plea was for something that would actually help students.

Arizona recently hosted school-choice supporters from across the country in Phoenix for National School Choice Week. Research conducted by Dr. David Garcia, Arizona State University, concludes that after nearly two decades of expanding choice options in our state, traditional public schools continue to be the choice for nearly nine out of 10 Arizona students. In fact, more than 3,500 students come to Kyrene for their education from outside our boundaries because parents are exercising their right to choose.

After nearly a year of preparation, planning and locking in a location, top-ranked BASIS Schools will be opening the doors of its new Ahwatukee Foothills location later this summer.

Almost everyone would agree: Moving is a hassle. In addition to selling your current home and finding a new one, you may need to deal with a new school for your kids, a new doctor, a new dentist — the list goes on and on.

Nearly every month, a group of about 15 students, parents and staff members gather as the Student Improvement Team (S.I.T.) for Horizon Community Learning Center in Ahwatukee, a group that mingles together voices to implement change.

After a recent Court of Appeals ruling turned out in favor of school districts and charter schools, Kyrene and Tempe Union will likely see inflation increases from the Arizona Legislature starting next year.

One of the most noted charter schools in the country hopes to open its first Mesa campus later this year.