Cibola High School News

Somerton High School will host the Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA) Unified District Jamboree on January 10, 2025, with games starting at 9:15 a.m. in the Plaza de Toros and auxiliary gym.

The AIA-sanctioned event, which is free and open to the public, will feature participation from Somerton High School, Cibola High School, Gila Ridge High School, Kofa High School, and Yuma High School, offering the schools an opportunity to qualify for the Unified Basketball State Championship.

Unified Sports, a partnership between YUHSD and Special Olympics Arizona (SOAZ), brings together athletes with and without intellectual disabilities to compete as teammates. 

“We are very proud and grateful to have the opportunity to host this event for YUHSD schools and our community,” SHS Athletic Director David Barrios said. “We want to thank the participants, their families, coaches, SOAZ and Ms Jonica Flores for their hard work and support in making this event happen. We have some very talented athletes and events like these get very competitive but it's always a thing of beauty to see the sportsmanship and camaraderie displayed by all involved.”

The Jamboree emphasizes meaningful involvement, where every participant contributes to their team’s success based on their skills and qualities. Unified Sports fosters respect, teamwork, and personal growth for all involved.
 

Yuma Union High School District and its schools will be closed for Christmas and winter break beginning at the close of business on Friday, Dec. 20, 2024. Offices reopen to the public on Jan. 6, 2025 and students return to all seven schools on Thursday, Jan. 9.

For more information about the district calendar, please visit YumaUnion.org or click here: https://www.yumaunion.org/district1/district/district-calendars

The Yuma Union High School District Governing Board on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024, by way of a 4-0 vote, approved district calendars for the next two school years. 

The calendars are for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 school years, and include semester start and end dates, holidays, breaks, and grading periods.

All calendars are accessible in English and Spanish via the district’s website (yumaunion.org) by hovering over the “for parents” section and clicking on “district calendars” in the drop-down menu. The current district calendar, running through the 2024-25 school year, is located at the top of the page. You may also access the page by visiting the following link: https://www.yumaunion.org/district1/district/district-calendars  

Calendars for the coming school years include a first day of school on Tuesday as opposed to Thursday and a three-week winter break. YUHSD parents and staff were asked for input to the calendars via surveys sent through the ParentSquare communication platform. Nearly 4,000 responses were recorded from the two surveys with the board-approved calendars eliciting a 70.6 percent approval from district stakeholders.
 

Kofa High School alum Isaac Navarrete (Class of 2022) opened his fifth-annual “Grant a Gown” fundraiser to support high school seniors who cannot afford their cap and gown for graduation. 

“Giving back to my community through Grant a Gown is great,” said Navarrete, who is in his third year at Northern Arizona University. “It wouldn't be possible if it weren't for the donors who make this possible year after year. If someone is interested in donating to keep this going, please don't hesitate to reach out!”

Navarrete came up with the idea of Grant a Gown when he witnessed one of his own family members not be able to afford a cap and gown.

The initiative has helped 247 students since its inception in 2021. Navarrete submits donation letters to local businesses and individuals soliciting funds to help as many students as possible. There is an average cost of $30-50 per cap and gown. 

Students in need of a cap and gown can fill out the following form: tinyurl.com/grantagown25. Grant a Gown runs on a first come, first served basis and the sooner students apply, the better.

Anyone interested in donating to Grant a Gown can reach out to Navarrete at grantgownyuma@gmail.com or find them on Facebook and Instagram @grantagownyuma.

Yuma Union High School District is seeking volunteer judges for multiple competitions at its annual Academic Decathlon Scrimmage.  
 
The scrimmage, which will help students prepare for Arizona’s regional competitions in 2025, takes place over two days (Dec. 5 and 7, 2024) at Kofa High School. 

There are multiple volunteer opportunities for those interested: 
Essays: After November 19, at your convenience, but finished evaluation by December 5
Interviews and Speeches: December 5, 2024 (4 - 8:00 p.m.)
Tests: December 7, 2024

Training will be provided to ensure volunteers are well-prepared for their role as a judge or proctor. Dinner will be provided for all Thursday volunteers, while continental breakfast will be provided for all volunteers on Saturday. 

To sign up and volunteer for this exciting event, please visit https://forms.gle/SFDZwyyrC7wRdfnZ9 and complete the volunteer registration form.

After filling out the form, a representative from Kofa High School will contact you with instructions specific to your competition. Questions should be directed to Joe Daily at jdaily@yumaunion.org or (928) 502-5357.

According to Arizona’s Academic Decathlon website, the Academic Decathlon program was started in California in 1968 by the Orange County Academic Decathlon Association, in cooperation with the Orange County Superintendent of School’s office. The Arizona Academic Decathlon Association (AADA) was formed in 1985 from the Pima County Academic Decathlon Association, which was started the previous year by the Pima County School Superintendent. Arizona held its first statewide competition in 1985.

Their mission is to promote, motivate and acknowledge excellence in academic efforts and educational achievement through a program of academic competitions for high school students of all scholastic achievement levels. As the name indicates, students compete in ten areas: art, economics, essay, interview, literature, mathematics, music, science, social science, & speech.
YUHSD schools have traditionally fared well at the state level of Academic Decathlon with Cibola High School finishing in the top 13 multiple times, and several students from Cibola, Gila Ridge, and Yuma High taking home individual prizes.  
 

Kofa High School Ceramics Teacher Sergio Rangel, Gila Ridge High School Theatre Director Dylan Lally, and Cibola High School Band Director Amanda Dallabetta have been nominated for the esteemed Apollo Award at the upcoming Tribute of the Muses ceremony, Yuma’s annual celebration honoring excellence in the arts. 

To be nominated for the Apollo Award, an individual must be an outstanding arts educator who has demonstrated exceptional dedication to nurturing a love for the arts in students and has made significant contributions to arts education within the Yuma community.

“It means the world to me,” Lally said. “Theatre has been my safe space in high school and college, so I am beyond happy to know that I have made Theatre at Gila Ridge High School a safe place full of people that can be their true self without fear of rejection. This is an honor to be held, and I am beyond proud of my students in everything they do. I cannot wait to see what the journey holds for them and be a mentor for each and every one of them.”

The Tribute of the Muses 2024 will take place on Friday, November 15, from 7-9 p.m. at the Yuma Art Center. According to its official website, the black-tie event is the Yuma Art Center’s largest annual fundraiser, honoring those who have made significant contributions to the arts in the community. In addition to the Apollo Award, the ceremony will present the Helios Award, Odyssey Award, and Muses Award, celebrating various aspects of arts excellence. 

The Apollo Award is no stranger to YUHSD educators; Morgan Laguna from Gila Ridge High School was honored with the award in 2022, and Cibola High School’s Holly Hendrick won in 2021.

Yuma Union High School District hosted its annual College, Career, Community and Military Fair from November 12-15, 2024, at each of the district’s seven high schools.

The event, which has transformed over the years from in-person only to an added virtual version via the Canvas Learning Management System that is accessible to all 11,000-plus students in the district, is an opportunity for students to connect with representatives from higher education, military branches, local businesses and community agencies and learn about potential future pathways. 

“The College, Career, Community, and Military Fair is vital to our students across the district,” Somerton High School Counseling Director Maria Dillard said. ”Students are exposed to different career pathways. I am excited to see many of our students asking questions, seeking advice, and learning how to start planning for their future. CCCM gives our students a closer look at not only careers but it connects their learning to the real world.”

Arizona's major universities, two-year colleges, military academies/ROTC representatives, community agencies and career and technical programs will be present at the event along with businesses from around the county previewing internships and future job prospects.

Students also participated in a personality and learning style assessment, designed to help them identify potential career paths that align with their individual strengths and interests. Students received personalized scores and career suggestions that fit their unique profiles, allowing them to explore job fields they may not have previously considered.

“It’s really helpful since they are here and we can ask them any questions and get information,” Somerton High School student Kassandra Duenas said. “I want to volunteer at the hospital because I want to study medicine after I graduate.”

While some schools hosted in-person events during the week, all schools spent 30 minutes Tuesday through Thursday giving students time to access the tools and resources on Canvas. Each day was themed with college starting the week off and military opportunities closing the week. This is the fourth year that a virtual option for the fair has been available district wide. 
 

Yuma Union High School District  will host a Migrant Parent Advisory Council (MPAC) meeting on Tuesday, October 24, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at Somerton High School.

This event provides migrant families with the opportunity to connect with YUHSD Migrant Education Program staff, hear from community speakers, and learn about valuable local resources. Families will also have the chance to ask questions and engage in meaningful conversations about the services available to them.

“Families should join to get Migrant program information about our services and any upcoming events," YUHSD Migrant School Community Liaison Isabel Montez said. There will also be other agencies available for community services as well” 

The event is open to all migrant families within the district. Dinner will be provided to all attendees. 

For more information, please contact the YUHSD Migrant Education Program at (928) 502-4660. 

Yuma Union High School District schools, once again, took part in the “Great Arizona ShakeOut,” the international, two-minute earthquake safety drill, on Thursday, Oct. 17, promptly at 10:17 a.m.

The ShakeOut is an annual opportunity to practice how to remain safe during high-magnitude earthquakes: "Drop, Cover and Hold On," according to the event’s official website (shakeout.org). It has also been organized to encourage individuals, their communities, schools, and organizations to review and update emergency preparedness plans and supplies, and to secure space in order to prevent damage and injuries.

More than 40,000 Arizonans participate each year in the event, including more than 25,000 participants from K-12 schools in the state. All seven YUHSD schools are annual participants.

“It is important for our staff to practice the drills so that we are prepared for an actual event,” YUHSD Director of Health and Safety Henry Gonzalez said. “We also had the benefit of having our partners from the local fire and police departments to observe our drills and provide valuable feedback for us to make our existing plans better.”

YUHSD schools used the ShakeOut as an opportunity to practice widespread emergency preparedness as well. Some schools discussed the importance of being prepared in class following the event, while others conducted other emergency drills throughout the day.

It is the 13th year Arizona has participated in the event. Over 58 million people annually take part in the shakeout across the globe.

According to the Arizona Geological Survey, Arizonans have experienced more than 3,500 earthquakes since 1852, including a magnitude 5.3 near Duncan, Arizona in 2014. The Arizona Seismic Belt, which runs from the north-northwestern to the southeastern part of the state, has incurred multiple earthquakes above magnitude 3.0 with a magnitude 5.0 or higher occurring nearly every 10 years or so.
 

Students from eight local high schools will have an opportunity to visit Arizona Western College over the coming weeks to attend High School Senior Days.

In an effort to eliminate barriers and make higher education accessible for all students, AWC has created events exclusively for high school seniors to experience what it’s like to be on a college campus. Students are invited to learn about majors and programs, go on a guided tour, participate in a scavenger hunt, and have lunch on campus.

High School Senior Day events will be held from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the AWC Yuma Campus, 2020 S. Ave. 8E.

•    Oct. 9 – Kofa High School 
•    Oct. 10 – San Luis High School
•    Oct. 16 – Gila Ridge High School
•    Oct. 17 – Vista High School
•    Oct. 24 – Cibola High School & Yuma High School

“We’re excited for seniors to join us at AWC for High School Senior Day! Students will have an opportunity to explore our AWC campus and learn about the many benefits of continuing their education after high school,” said Biridiana Martinez, AWC Outreach, Recruitment & Early College Director.

Students can reach out to their high school counselor or email admissions@azwestern.edu for more information. 

Cibola High School’s Student Senate and Raider Athletic Council participated in the Chick-fil-A Leader Academy, a national leadership program designed to equip high school students with practical leadership skills through service projects. 

The program encourages students to make a positive impact on their communities by focusing on values such as teamwork, communication, and service.

As part of the program, a total of 40 students participated in hands-on leadership activities, where they formed teams to work on communication, logistics, and fundraising. Their first project involved packing 144 bundles of children’s books for distribution in the Yuma community. The Senate is also preparing a larger impact project, which will be implemented in the spring.

“Through the Chick-fil-A Leader Academy, our students are learning to apply leadership principles in real-world scenarios,” CHS Director of Student Support Loren Simpson said. “It’s an opportunity for them to grow and make a meaningful difference both at school and in the broader community.”

Students also met with John Clingen, a local Chick-fil-A operator, who shared his personal story of growth and leadership. Clingen emphasized that leadership is less about talent or intelligence and more about persistence and giving one's best effort.

Salma Murguia, a member of the CHS Senate, said, “It was amazing. We had the opportunity to learn how to be a leader and not a follower. I realized that communication is very important."

As they continue in the program, the Cibola Student Senate plans to use their leadership training to engage with their school and local community, with ongoing projects and initiatives aimed at creating positive change.
 

Cibola High School was recognized as a Special Olympics Unified Champion School by Special Olympics North America, a prestigious designation that highlights the school’s commitment to inclusive excellence.

To earn this recognition, a school must meet 10 Special Olympics National Standards of Excellence during an academic year, which includes initiatives such as Special Olympics Unified Sports, inclusive youth leadership, and whole-school engagement.

Cibola is now the only high school in Yuma County and sixth in the state of Arizona to achieve this honor. Mary Otondo Elementary School is the only other school in the county to earn the distinction. 

"We are honored to be recognized by the Special Olympics as a National Unified Champion School," CHS Unified Sports teacher Jonica Flores said. "This recognition represents a year-long collaboration between many different departments on campus, as well as key staff, students, families, and community members. We are grateful for all of the support we have received and are committed to providing all students with inclusive opportunities for youth leadership and unified athletic activities through whole-school engagement for years to come."

Last year, the school hosted events such as a Unified Kickball Tournament and Spread the Word Campaign as well as other family-centered gatherings. These efforts reflect the school’s ongoing commitment to fostering an environment where every student feels included and empowered.

The official banner, signifying this achievement, will be awarded to Cibola High School in a ceremony hosted at the school later this year by Special Olympics Arizona.

Cibola High School has been awarded the prestigious Arizona Purple Star School (AZPSS) designation by the Arizona Department of Education (ADE).

To earn the Purple Star designation, a school must meet all national and state requirements, highlighting the school’s role in helping military-connected students stay on track to be college, workforce, and life-ready. This achievement represents Cibola’s commitment to address the unique challenges military families face, especially during relocations or deployments.

“It’s fantastic to see Cibola High School leading the way and finding new ways to give back to the community,” CHS Assistant Principal Jena Kugel-Brandt said. “Our staff and student dedication to supporting those in the military speaks volumes about the values and commitment of our CHS family.”

CHS has a dedicated point of contact who brings personal experience to the role, having served as both a former military spouse and the parent of a military officer. This personal connection enhances the school’s ability to empathize with and support military families.

According to the ADE’s official website, designated schools recognize military families' unique challenges during duty assignment changes or separation and are committed to providing vital transition support to military-connected students. This designation allows schools to showcase their commitment by displaying Arizona's Purple Star School program logo, certificate, and banner in their building and on social media platforms.

In partnership with the school’s Student Council, the CHS Activities Office is hosting a series of patriotic events throughout the school year. The first of these events, "’Merica Monday," took place on August 26, marking the start of Spirit Week. On September 13, the school’s varsity football game against Layton Christian Academy will be dubbed the “Patriot Game” in remembrance of 9/11. The evening will feature the presentation of colors by the U.S. Marine Corps Honor Guard.
 

Yuma Union High School District’s dropout rate continues to plummet. For the fourth consecutive year, the district reported a decline in its dropout rate, a number that has dropped below 2 percent for the first time in its modern history.

According to data compiled from Arizona Department of Education Connect, YUHSD’s dropout rate for the 2023-24 school year was 1.42 overall, while the Arizona state average dropout rate was 4.72.

YUHSD has outperformed the state of Arizona every year since 2012.

"We are proud of the fact that our dropout rates have improved for the fourth year in a row,” YUHSD Associate Superintendent Derek Bosch said. “YUHSD Dropout Prevention Specialists play a crucial role in helping students stay in school and succeed academically. As a district, we are committed to keeping students in school and that starts with having a specialist at each school working closely with school staff, outside agencies, families, and students, in an effort to support the educational needs of each student."

All YUHSD campuses employ a Dropout Prevention Specialist as part of their respective guidance counseling departments. The group of Yescina Cuming at Cibola, Patricia Quezada at Gila Ridge, Edgardo Gonzalez at Kofa, Rigoberto Conde at San Luis, Arisbey Garcia at Vista, Chris Reese at Somerton, and Edna Lugo at Yuma High has been nationally recognized for the role they play in keeping students in school.

“We are dedicated to keeping students in school or finding the best educational options tailored to the student's needs,” SLHS Dropout Prevention Specialist Rigoberto Conde said. “We provide supportive services within our district and collaborate with community partners to help improve our graduation rates and positively impact students' lives.”

Dropout Prevention Specialists are part of the collaborative effort between the counseling department, teachers, and support staff members to intervene with students before they consider dropping out. This includes phone calls, one-on-one conversations with students, and home visits.

Here is a list of dropout data for all YUHSD schools from the 2023-24 school year:

Cibola: 0.78 percent
Gila Ridge: 2.26 percent
Kofa: 1.57 percent
San Luis: 0.94 percent
Somerton High: 0.00 percent
Vista: 0.77 percent
Yuma High: 0.81 percent

Here are YUHSD’s dropout rates for the past four years:

2023-24: 1.42
2022-23: 2.14
2021-22: 2.85
2020-21: 3.58