Fort Thomas High School

FTHS: Thank you to everyone who attended Parent Night last night! Check out the events for the next couple of weeks.

FTHS: Tomorrow, 8/10, is Parent Night for the JH & HS. Please see the attached flyer for more information.

FTHS: On Thursday, Aug 4th the JH & HS students had special visitors show up on campus. FTHS Students, Teachers & Staff would like to give a huge thank you and shout out to Ned Anderson, Cindy Pearson, Jonathan Kitcheyan, David Nozie & Dr. Martin Ahumada who took time out of their busy schedules to share motivational messages and words of encouragement. We are all looking forward to a successful year here at FTHS.

FTHS: Check out the events for August 8-11, 2022!

High School Sports Practice Schedule: August 1st thru August 5th: Football Practice and Volleyball Camp Practice time 4:15 pm – 6:30 pm *Bus leaves the store at 3:45 pm on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday- August 1st, August 2nd, and August 5th. *Spiritline Practice on August 5th- bus leaves the store at 8:00am and practice ends at 10:30 am August 8th thru August 19th: Football and Volleyball Practice Practice time 3:30 pm – 5:45 pm *No Academic Enhancement during this time. August 22nd thru August Season: Football and Volleyball Practice Practice time 4:15 pm – 6:30 pm *Academic Enhancement begins on August 22nd.

FTHS: Exciting news, our EAC GEAR UP site coordinator this year is Jinger Stephenson! Thank you to last years coordinator, Sheldon Begay, for encouraging our students to pursue their educational goals! Welcome Jinger Stephenson! Good day all—my name is Jinger Stephenson, and I am the new GEAR UP Site Coordinator for Fort Thomas High School. Prior to joining the Eastern Arizona College team, I worked as a Student Services Advisor for Independence University. I have also worked as a Premium Services Counselor in the medical field. I enjoy supporting and mentoring others as they work towards their educational goals. I am a graduate of Northern Arizona University and Northland Pioneer College. My degrees are in both education and psychology. I will soon be returning to school to complete a master’s degree. I enjoy reading and learning and am always on board to learn new skills. One of my favorite things to do is visit with family and friends. I also enjoy cooking, baking, and being outdoors. I love the beach and boogie boarding with my kids. I am looking forward to working with the students at Fort Thomas High School and sharing with them my passion for education and teaching of the life changing power gaining an education holds for each of them.

FTHS: We are excited to introduce our new HS English teacher, Ms. Tasha Layton! Thank you to last years teacher, Mr. Lauritzen and best of luck at EAC! Welcome Tasha Layton! Hello my name is Tasha Layton and I was born in Safford, AZ but raised in Atlanta, GA. In 2007 I moved to Arizona and attended EAC, graduating in 2009 with an AA in English and in Foreign Languages. I went on to earn a BA and MA from NAU in English. I worked at Pima HS for one year before taking a full-time position at EAC as the Writing Lab Director and Associate Professor of English, where I worked for 4 years. I have 3 children who live with me in Safford. I am passionate about education and enjoy yoga, hiking, and traveling.

FTHS: August 3rd, the first day of school, is quickly approaching. Please make sure your student is registered (all forms completed on powerschool parent portal). Check out the events for the first couple of weeks.

FTHS: Attention Parents & Students! There are new changes for extracurricular eligibility for this school year, for both Junior High & High School! Ineligibility lists will be posted each Thursday by 2:00 pm. For students who are ineligible, both parents and students will be notified by the teacher each Thursday. Students will have an opportunity to make up assignments until the end of the day on Monday. If students are still on the list by 4:00 pm on Monday, they will be ineligible for the rest of week. Students must be passing every class at 65% to be eligible. Parents can check student grades on powerschool at https://thefort.powerschool.com/public/ at any time. Students can also access their current grades with their student log in. If you have any questions, please contact our High School office.

FTHS: We are excited to introduce our new Art teacher, Mrs. Leslie Bingham! Thank you to last years teacher, Ms. McBroom! Welcome Mrs. Leslie Bingham! Hello. My name is Leslie Bingham. This year I will be the new art and CTE teacher. I will also be over the yearbook. All my life I have been an artist, but this will be my 17th year of teaching. People ask me what is my favorite medium of art. This week I might say fabric because I love to quilt, and art quilts are my favorite. My art training has included pastels, ceramics, chalk, charcoal pencil, block printing, acrylics, oil, and watercolor painting. I am always eager to learn new things, and I have learned to do poured painting, junk art, fused glass, digital fabric printing, stenciling, art journals, rubber stamping, and scrapbooking. Northern California is where I was born and grew up, but I have lived in several states since then. My first husband and I were married for 32 years when he passed away. We had six children. I have 2 granddaughters and a newly born grandson. My current husband was also widowed when we met and married. He was born and raised in Safford and that is why he wanted to retire here. Together we have 3 more children and 12 grandchildren. I look forward to meeting all of you!

FTHS: There will be a familiar face teaching the JH Language Arts classes this year, Ms. Melissa Rice. We are very thankful for her dedication and willingness to cover any class last year as a substitute teacher for the entire district. Thank you to Mrs. Cherrie Stewart, last years teacher, who is moving classrooms and will be the new HS Resource Teacher! Welcome Melissa Rice! Hi. I am Melissa Rice but I go by Missy. I grew up in Thatcher and graduated from Thatcher High School. I grew up working in the cotton fields around here, my dad is a farmer. I have 5 children, 2 girls and 3 boys, and 2 grandchildren. I will be teaching the Writing/ Language Arts classes for the Junior High. I am very excited to be the teacher. I was a substitute teacher for about 5 years, I subbed at Thatcher, Safford, Pima and finally Fort Thomas (Fort Thomas being my favorite!). I am currently attending ASU and almost finished with my Secondary Education Teaching degree with English as my content area. I love spending time with my family and camping!

FTHS: High School Football Practice starts Monday July 25th! Make sure your student is ready to start practice by finishing all registration forms in PowerSchool at https://thefort.powerschool.com/public/ If your student has not turned in a completed physical packet or purchased an activity card ($25), please do so by Monday, July 25th. Students who have not completed the Brainbook and Opioid Education courses can log in and complete the forms at https://academy.azpreps365.com/ Remember, you are only required to take these courses once, but they must be completed before you can practice. HS Football Practice Schedule July 25th (Mon): 6:00 – 9:00 am Bus will be at the store in Bylas at 5:30 am July 26th (Tues): 6:00 – 8:00 am Bus will be at the store in Bylas at 5:30 am July 27th (Wed): 6:00 – 8:00 am Bus will be at the store in Bylas at 5:30 am July 28th (Thurs): 6:00 – 8:00 am Bus will be at the store in Bylas at 5:30 am July 29th (Fri): 6:00 – 8:00 am Bus will be at the store in Bylas at 5:30 am

FTHS: We have more thrilling news. The new JH Resource teacher is Ms. Kristi Smith! Thank you to last years teacher, Ms. Kristina Ryan! Welcome Kristi Smith! My name is Kristi Smith and I am so proud to be a Fort Thomas Apache! I was born and raised in Arizona and live in Safford. I received my bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Northern Arizona University and am currently enrolled at Grand Canyon University. I will graduate with a master’s degree in Special Education in August 2023. This will be my 18th year in a classroom. I have a true passion for working with our learners!! Helping each child progress in all areas of their development—academic, social, language —is a challenge that I am honored to accept daily. I strive to create a community of learners that nurtures this growth in a positive, fun environment. Personally, I have two twin daughters that I love to watch play sports—tennis, volleyball, basketball, softball, and swim! I also enjoy reading, cooking, music, relaxing at the beach, and spending time with friends and family. I look forward to working together with you as partners in your child’s growth and development!!

FTHS: Another exciting announcement! The new HS Head Football coach is Erique Aguilar! Thank you to last years HS coaching staff! Welcome Erique Aguilar! My name is Erique Aguilar I am excited for my opportunity at Fort Thomas High School to coach football. I have had the opportunity to both play and coach for Safford schools, both were great opportunities. I was raised in the Gila Valley and my wife & I, have raised our family here as well. By the grace of God, I was able to reach my goal of attaining a Bachelor’s degree and at the same time become a University of Arizona Wildcat. I had the opportunity to serve in the United States Marine Corps where while serving I found my enthusiasm and love for football again as well as other sports. I am greatly honored that Fort Thomas High has asked me to lead their football program and I look forward to the opportunity to teach skills that can go beyond the field. I look forward and am excited for this upcoming season.

FTHS: Our transitional specialist for last school year, Mr. Ornelas is making the move to Fort Thomas Elementary to teach! Thank you for supporting our students and staff - best of luck at the Elementary school! We are very excited to announce that our new transitional specialist is Anna Montt! Welcome Anna Montt! My name is Anna Montt. I am excited for my opportunity at Fort Thomas High School. Previously I served as the Head Athletic Trainer and Sports Medicine Internship teacher for 10 years at Rio Rico High School. Throughout those 10 years I also worked for Arizona Sports Care LLC where I served as an Athletic Trainer at various athletic games at Pima Community College, University of Arizona and other schools/colleges/organizations in Tucson and Phoenix areas. I’m an alumna of Grand Canyon University where I received my degree in Sports Medicine/Athletic Training. A little bit more about myself: I was born in Tucson, AZ and raised in Mexico and Nogales, AZ. I have recently moved to Thatcher, AZ with my fiancé Sam Díaz. I was a former D1 soccer athlete at Arizona State University and Grand Canyon University. I also had the privilege and opportunity to represent the Womens Mexican National Soccer Team. I am a huge sports fan, enjoy traveling, love being involved in the community and am very passionate about helping/teaching students and athletes of all ages. I am excited and look forward to the upcoming school year!

FTHS: If you are interested in playing HS Volleyball, there is open gym tonight 4:30-6:00 at the HS. Open gym for volleyball will be every Tuesday & Thursday in July. Transportation will not be provided.

FTHS: HS Students (Freshmen-Seniors) that are going to participate in sports, please make sure you have completed the Brainbook and Opioid Education Courses. Both educational courses are required by the AIA and can be completed by clicking the link below. Remember, you are only required to take these courses once, but they must be completed before you can practice. If you have already started the course, you can login and continue from where you left off. Best part, you can do these educational courses at home! Login or register as a student at: https://academy.azpreps365.com/ Also remember to turn in completed physical packets and purchase an activity card, $25 before practice starts.

FTHS: Exciting news, our Guidance Counselor this year is Ms. Vanessa Chavez! Thank you to FTHS counselor Angel Vega who stepped in at the end of last school year and helped our students finish strong - good luck in your new adventures! Welcome Vanessa Chavez! Hello, my name is K. Vanessa Chavez and I'm happy to return to Fort Thomas as the School Counselor. I had previously taught Physical Science and coached volleyball, basketball, and softball. I'm looking forward to building rapport with students and staff. I believe Fort Thomas schools has some of the best people who help students, and I look forward to being a contributing team player. I have over twenty years of experience as an educator and I'm fully committed to working at Fort Thomas Schools. I hope everyone has a good rest of their summer and I look forward to meeting each student and staff when school is back in session.

FTHS: Parents, the first day of school is quickly approaching. If you have not registered your student please do ASAP, school starts August 3rd. To register your student please go to powerschool: https://thefort.powerschool.com/public/ and log in to your account. Your log in information should be the same as last school year. If you need to reset your info or need help, please call the school. All JH & HS students who are planning on participating in athletics, must have completed online school registration, turned in a completed physical form packet and paid for an activity card before practice starts. Activity cards are $25 (Sept 1st price will be $30) HS Football practice will start July 25th. HS Volleyball & Cross Country practice will start August 8th. Practice times and information will be posted soon. JH Practice will start the second week of school. *Activity Cards can also be purchased for Elementary students for $20. (Sept 1st price will be $30)

FTHS: Automotive Instructor & Transportation Director Eddie Bowman retired in May after 46 years at Fort Thomas High School. We wish him the best of luck in retirement and thank you for your many years of service! We are happy to introduce our new Automotive Instructor and FTHS Alumni, Garrett McEuen! Hi. My name is Garrett McEuen and I am the new Automotive Instructor here at FTHS. I attended Ft Thomas schools from kindergarten thru graduation. I took 3 years of auto, was a certified Polaris mechanic and took auto body and paint classes at EAC. I was an officer with AZ DPS for 12 years where I obtained a general instructor certificate and taught defensive tactics. I worked for Graham County Electric Coop for 4 years before getting hired on at the school.