Students report events to YUHSD board

The Yuma Union High School District governing board had the chance to hear things from a different perspective Wednesday when it listened to reports by student council representatives from Yuma, Gila Ridge and Vista Alternative high schools.

Student body secretary Tyler Dowden told about Yuma High School's various happenings such as FFA events including a carwash Saturday at Yuma High and a Buffalo Wild Wings takeover Sept. 15 from 5 to 8 p.m.

Gila Ridge student body president Loren Cradic told of a football game fundraiser in which raffle winners will sit on couches in the end zone in addition to being provided with free drinks and pizza. Cradic added that the school will be selling T-shirts for Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, and half of the proceeds will go toward cancer research.

Vista senior Tayler Parker reported that 10 students will graduate on Sept. 17 and also talked about a new campus fence, thanks to a recent grant.

The board was also introduced to four school resource officers (SROs) who will be working on district campuses. One SRO spoke about how he is looking forward to this school year and that he hopes to be an active participant in the school while remaining in open communication with everyone on campus.

“I just want to emphasize that what I like about our group of SROs is they really do emphasize education and reach out so students understand that the police are a part of our community of collaboration, they're not the ‘gotcha' guys,” said Toni Badone, YUHSD superintendent.

The board also listened to a presentation by Faith Klostreich, principal at Yuma High, about the pros and cons of using either a Kindle DX document reader or an iPad for their electronic board packets.

Lastly, the board discussed possible action on Arizona School Boards Association 2011 political agenda priorities.

Sarah Reed can be reached at sareed@yumasun.com or 539-6858.