AWC and District 1 begin new year

School parking lots were overflowing as Arizona Western College and Yuma Elementary District 1 welcomed back students for a new academic year.

"The reason we're so busy is because our enrollment is up 16 percent over last fall," Bryan Doak, AWC vice president for student services, said. "It's the largest semester, student-wise at AWC ever."

This is also the first year AWC has the 3C Building where students can complete registration under one roof rather than having to scatter across the campus, he added.

"We have the community to thank for supporting the bond issues allowing AWC to streamline registration."

Doak also praised the selection of Mark Nigliazo as AWC president, who instilled a new energy level among faculty and students. He also touted the excitement the new buildings generated, such as the new math lab now under construction.

Linda Elliot Nelson, dean of instruction said she is excited about the math lab because funds for restoration were provided by a College Cost Reduction Access Act grant that not only renovated the building but will help hire tutors.

She added, statistics show those who earn an associates degree increase their earning potential significantly compared to those with only a high school diploma.

"What helps is that Northern Arizona University-Yuma is right here and students can earn a bachelor's degree without ever leaving Yuma."

And AWC can also offer tutoring, career development and placement testing.

"We really want students to succeed and provide them with extra resources they need to achieve their academic goals."

Pablo Saldana, 23, an air conditioning technology major agreed that AWC is much busier this year as he had to drop his first choice classes in favor of basic English and math classes which he also needs, "but I'm hopefully still on track to graduate on time," he said.

Classmate Zynia Llamas, 19, a sociology major said registration went much faster. Llamas, who plans to transfer to NAU-Yuma next year was glad she could take her core classes at AWC because they were much less expensive.

Down the road at District 1's Castle Dome Middle School, they also welcomed a new principal, Ed Richardson, formerly at the Sunrise School. He said the change from elementary school has been very smooth and everyone's attitude has been positive.

"It's the administration's job to support the teachers in helping transition students academically, emotionally and socially in pursuit of excellence."

Matthew Zarnik, 13, is glad to be back in school to see friends he has missed and meet new people. But because he is in eighth grade he is now eligible to assist at the school's front office as part of an elective class, where he answers the phones and runs errands as well.

"I think it'll be a lot of fun and I'm looking forward to it," Matthew said.

Meanwhile, Sunny Tutorow, 10, in 5th grade, and a "full-blooded Viking" at C.W. McGraw School said she was happy to see all her friends again and she is looking forward to playing soccer.

"It's cool to be back because my new teacher, Mr. Mejia is nice and funny."

Julian Jones, 11, is excited about being able to switch to different classes during the day, a privilege reserved for only those in the 6th grade.

"It's a good way for us to prepare for Junior High School. Not sitting in the same place for all of school makes the day go by faster and keeps me alert."

McGraw Principal Chris Clayton noted school's return was going smoothly because last week's open house helped relieve a lot of the confusion.

"We're going to continue the goals we already set. On average our students were in the 70 percentile in passing AIMS in most core areas and we're looking forward to a great year."