Where Education Meets Innovation
Contributed by: Candace Oehler
Director of Marketing and Communications
As the communities we serve have grown and changed, so has Paradise Valley Community College. For example, we listened to what our potential students want and now, instead of a rigid traditional 16-week schedule of courses, you can Start Almost Anytime at PVCC. Flexible options include 16- 14-, 12-, and 8-week Express classes each semester, plus an array of online and Hybrid courses.
We have also expanded our physical presence over the past decade to enhance teaching and learning, with new state-of-the-art Life Sciences and Health Sciences buildings, and a major renovation to the Kranitz Student Center, funded by the 2004 MCCCD General Obligation Bonds. And just recently, we opened the new 22,000 square foot Aquila Hall science building at PVCC’s Black Mountain campus.
What has remained constant, however, is that “Community” is always more than a word in our name. PVCC values our connection to the community so highly that one of the college’s four Strategic Goals is “Engage and Invest in Community.” This encompasses business and community partnerships, student volunteer work that contributes to positive social change, performance and cultural events hosted on campus, and a wide variety of services offered to the public, for the most part free of charge.
Have you checked out PVCC resources that are available to you?
-
Our Career Services Center provides free resume and job placement assistance, and hosts two jobs fairs yearly.
-
Veterans and dependents will find resources and support at the new Veterans Services Center.
-
You can visit the Buxton Library not only as a community borrower, but to attend timely presentations on topics of global interest. The Library also displays the amazing art collection of Jo and Warren Buxton, and offers great bargains at the annual book sale.
-
Need to file a document? Don’t drive downtown – file at the user-friendly Maricopa County Digital Recording Kiosk located in Q Building.
-
The Center for the Performing Arts brings the community together through film festivals, music, dance, and theater presentations; art exhibits; workshops; and concerts throughout the year, all either free or $15 or less.
-
The new Entrepreneur Education Center helps current and future small business owners become “Shark Tank” ready, and offers classes, workshops, and support.
-
A state-of-the-art Fitness Center offers community memberships and non-credit fitness breakout sessions throughout the year.
-
And maybe you were one of the nearly 1500 people who received free AARP/VITA free tax assistance on campus this year.
PVCC students take their commitment out to the community. Student athletes volunteer with Special Olympics; the AWARE Club supports Relay for Life; Club Ed presents the highly successful Festival of Tales; and students volunteer over 300 hours at Horses Help, St. Mary’s Food Bank, Desert Mission Food Bank, ASU’s Center for Race and Democracy, and UMOM.
That’s why PVCC is truly your community college.
News of Note
PVCC is sorry to say “good-bye” to Paul Golisch, a Desert Ridge resident who has served since 2007 as the college’s Chief Information Officer and Dean of Information Technology. He has accepted a new position with Lumen Learning, where he will continue to provide leadership in expanding Open Educational Resource (OER) initiatives that provide inexpensive and free-of-charge textbooks to students.
Performing Arts Calendar Highlights
(Subject to change)
View complete calendar and order tickets at paradisevalley.edu/cpa
DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS (musical comedy)
June 17, 18, 24, 25 @ 7:30 pm
June 19, 26 @ 2 pm
Tickets $8 – $15
PVCC DANCE CONSERVATORY PERFORMANCE
Thursday, June 30 | FREE
PVCC FACULTY JAZZ
ENSEMBLE CONCERT
Fri., September 2 | 7:30 pm | $8-$15
FIRST SATURDAY CONCERT SERIES
6 pm | Outdoor Amphitheater | FREE
September 10, October 15, November 4
NOISES OFF (comedy)
September 30 – October 9
Tickets $8 – $15
FINE & PERFORMING ARTS
OPEN HOUSE
Sat., October 10, 1-4 pm
Superintendent’s Office
15002 N. 32nd St.
Phoenix, Arizona 85032
Investing in your child’s K-12 education is a priority for parents across Arizona and the nation. Even though we receive limited funding, PVSchools has made it a priority to keep dollars in the classroom to support teachers and programs. According to the 2015 Auditor General’s Report, PVSchools out performs the state average and the peer district average for the percent of funds spent in the classroom. Additionally, we were recognized by the Washington, D.C. Center for American Progress as one of the top districts in Arizona for providing students a big academic “return on investment” for high achievement and low cost operations.
What else makes PVSchools a leader in academic opportunities? Our teachers, programs and volunteers! PVSchools has implemented many programs that you may not find elsewhere, including:
-
North Valley Arts Academies offered at Desert Cove Elementary, Shea Middle and Shadow Mountain High. The North Valley Arts Academies at PVSchools provides a well-rounded seamless education from 5th-12th grade that is focused on the performing and visual arts in addition to the rigorous curriculum that is offered.
-
Gifted Preschool offered at four locations – Desert Trails Elementary, Desert Cove Elementary, Fireside Elementary and North Ranch Elementary
-
Montessori Preschool offered at Mercury Mine Elementary
-
Center for Research, Engineering, Science and Technology (CREST) offered at Paradise Valley High
-
Foreign Language Immersion – Mandarin offered at Whispering Wind Academy, and Spanish offered at Sandpiper Elementary
-
K-12 International Baccalaureate offered at Quail Run Elementary, Vista Verde Middle and North Canyon High
-
Night Classes offered at Sweetwater Community School and is open to students across the Valley
-
Suzuki Strings offered at Desert Shadows Elementary
Volunteers play an important role in the classroom, and we highly encourage our community to take an active role. Our award-winning Volunteer in Paradise program provides academic assistance to students in kindergarten-6th grade. To learn more at about our award-winning VIP program, please visit http://www.pvschools.net/VIP.
Your child’s educational investment is our top priority; let your child’s Journey of Excellence begin at PVSchools. We offer programs that meet the learning needs of preschool through 12th grade students with schools located in Northeast Phoenix and North Scottsdale. To learn more about these incredible opportunities, award-winning signature programs and open enrollment options, visit our website at www.pvschools.net or call 602-449-2000.
Sincerely,
James P. Lee
Superintendent
