Marks Public Relations

Three students from Cactus Canyon Junior High, 801 W. Southern Ave. in Apache Junction were recently recognized by VFW Post 7968 for placing in the Patriot Pen Essay Contest.

The Cactus Canyon Junior High Drama Department is scheduled to perform the popular comedic play, "A Christmas Story" at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 15 and 16 at the Apache Junction High School Performing Arts Center, 2525 S. Ironwood Dr. in Apache Junction.

Jamie Bryne, who teaches Structured English Immersion (SEI), English Language Arts (ELA) and Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) at Cactus Canyon Jr. High, 901 W. Southern Ave.

Santa Claus is not the only one granting special wishes this holiday season. Jason Johnson, a special education teacher at Apache Junction High School, 2525 S.

Recent changes in the Apache Junction Unified School District's Special Education program are providing more individualized instruction to maximize student learning and potential.

The award-winning Apache Junction High School Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps invites the public to its Annual Military Inspection 8:30 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 1 at Davis Field, 2525 S. Ironwood Road in Apache Junction.

Parents, guardians and members of the community are invited to attend a free drug and alcohol prevention seminar, "Steered Straight" 6 p.m., Nov. 7 at the Apache Junction High School Performing Arts Center, 2525 S. Ironwood Road in Apache Junction.

"Where words fail, music speaks. Hans Christian Andersen. Individuals and businesses in the community can support student musicians in junior and senior high through Apache Junction Unified School District's newly-launched "Adopt an Instrument" program.

Patricia Smith has been named Student Wellness Coordinator for Apache Junction Unified School District. In her new, grant-funded role, Smith oversees, implements, monitors and reviews multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) at all school sites.

Heather Preston believes in combining the old and the new at her new leadership role as the principal at Desert Vista Elementary School, 3701 E. Broadway Ave. in Apache Junction.