Since her sister’s health took a drastic downturn this past February, Mountain Pointe High School teacher Donna Sampanes is organizing a blood drive at the school this weekend in an effort to help her sibling.

The Mountain Pointe alumni tournament will be on May 11 at Club West, 16400 S. 14th Ave.

The Mountain Pointe alumni golf tournament will be on May 11 at Club West, which is located 16400 S. 14th Ave.

Moving forward in reviewing the district’s policy on sex education in its high schools, the Tempe Union High School District is looking for parents and residents to participate in a committee for instruction.

Students in Kevin Willis’ brief calculus class are learning more than just numbers this year.

The Montessori Exploratory Committee has moved forward in its year-long proposal to build a stand-alone Montessori high school within Tempe Union, gaining added support from parents.

Athletes of all ages have become more specialized.

Sitting in a wing catty-corner from the front office at Desert Vista High School, nestled behind an outdoor play area, Thunder Tykes preschool has catered to children of school staff and other local residents since 1996.

A handful of students at Desert Vista High School got to sneak a peak at newly arrived Circus Vargas in Phoenix during a special rehearsal last week.

A handful of students at Desert Vista High School got to sneak a peak at newly arrived Circus Vargas in Phoenix during a special rehearsal last week.

After nearly a year since a committee was made to explore the idea of a Montessori high school for the Tempe Union High School District (TUHSD), school officials are taking the next steps toward making that idea reality.

The Mountain Pointe softball program is hosting its Fifth Annual Bocce Ball Tournament at 10 a.m. on Saturday at Ahwatukee Community Park, 4700 E. Warner Road. There is a $50 entry free with cash prizes for the top teams.

Tempe Union High School District has announced the following dates and times for open house meetings for incoming freshman. The meetings will go over curriculum, pre-registration and additional information for parents.

New Year’s Eve is the last day local school districts will be accepting tax credit donations for the year.

The Desert Vista softball program will hold a two-day clinic.

Tempe Union’s Teenage Pregnancy and Parenting Program, housed at Compadre Academy, was the recipient of a $10,000 grant from the Tempe Diablos.

Tempe Union’s Teenage Pregnancy and Parenting Program, housed at Compadre Academy, was the recipient of a $10,000 grant from the Tempe Diablos.

The Tempe Union High School District’s 2013 National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists were recognized at an awards reception on Oct. 29 at Desert Vista High School. Families, friends and principals were joined by Superintendent Dr. Kenneth Baca and governing board members Michelle Helm, Zita Johnson, DeeAnne McClenahan, David Schapira and Mary Lou Taylor. Dr. David Garcia, ASU associate professor, Division of Educational Leadership and Innovation, was the guest speaker.

Results from Tuesday’s election have named new local school district governing board members as well as an approval of the well-known bond initiative for Tempe Union High School District.

Results from last night’s election have named new local school district governing board members as well as an approval of the well-known bond initiative for Tempe Union High School District.