BCHS Jag PRIDE Newsletter

BCHS Families,

As we look back on an incredible year, it’s hard to believe how quickly time has flown. This past year has been marked by meaningful growth, deep learning, perseverance through challenges, and many moments worth celebrating. We are proud to share that our Jaguars continue to demonstrate high growth and achievement on ELA and Math assessments—an achievement that reflects the commitment, effort, and focus of both our students and staff. I could not be more proud of this collective work.

As we move forward into 2026, our focus remains clear: continued growth and learning every day—whether in the classroom, on the field, on the stage, in competition, or throughout our community. Thank you for your ongoing partnership and support.

Wishing you a joyful and restful holiday season!

With PRIDE,

Mrs. Brittany Sutton

Principal

Brittany.Sutton@dvusd.org

623-445-8604

The BC Holiday door decorating contest was quite the competition! Student Government hosted the event and the doors were amazing! Congratulations to the winners:

• Most Original- Mr. Morales
• Most Spirited- Ms. Perone
• Most Artistic- Ms. Chase
• Most Humorous- Mr. Erickson

Thank you to all of our staff for participating and making BC's spirits BRIGHT!

Our Paw Pride, PBIS program. We want to reward students for their BC Pride Characteristic behaviors.

Here are the details:

"Be Classy" Cards: When a staff member sees a student following the monthly goal OR a student going above and beyond, the staff member gives them a Be Classy card. The student will then fill it out and put it in the bowl at Ms. Susie's desk in the front office.

Each month, we will draw 10 winners for our PAW PRIDE Winners of the Month to recognize their demonstration of BC PRIDE!

November Winners are:

Cayden Maqueda

Cayden Villa

Jozi Rice Llacuna

Weslie Waress

Carson Taylor

Our January 2026 Goal:

When we return from winter break in January, all Boulder Creek students will participate in weekly PRIDE Reset lessons, focusing on strengthening our positive school culture and reinforcing the expectations outlined in the PRIDE Behavior Matrix. The month kicks off with a schoolwide PRIDE Reset lesson on Wednesday, January 8, during Flex Time with their period 2 homeroom class. During this time, teachers and students will come together to revisit what it means to demonstrate Preparedness, Respect, Integrity, Discipline, and Everyone United. Each Thursday throughout January, teachers will continue to lead brief PRIDE behavior lessons to celebrate positive choices and reset for a successful semester. The lessons provide an excellent way for our Jaguar community to refocus, reconnect, and start the new year with learning activities designed to clarify expectations, highlight positive behavior, and help our campus maintain a consistent, supportive culture where every student can succeed!

We can do this Jags!

ASU Helios released their Impact Stories, Volume 3, which has an amazing article about Mr. Clarke and his successes with preparing his students for college and beyond! Read below!

Check out more about ASU Helios here: https://decisioncenter.asu.edu/impactcorps

A new year brings a powerful reset — new goals, renewed focus, and a fresh opportunity to build positive habits. One of the most important habits students can commit to in 2026 is being present at school every day.

Attendance matters more than just a number on a report. Each day in class builds skills, relationships, confidence, and momentum. When students miss school, they miss instruction, discussions, hands-on learning, and connections with teachers and peers that can’t be fully replicated later.

The good news? A new year is the perfect time to refocus. Whether the first semester felt strong or challenging, January is a chance to start fresh. Showing up consistently helps students:

• Stay on track academically

• Feel more connected to their classes and teachers

• Reduce stress by avoiding make-up work

• Build routines that lead to long-term success

At BCHS, we believe in our Jaguars and their ability to grow every day — in the classroom, in activities, in the arts, and in athletics. Strong attendance is a key part of that growth.

Families can help by prioritizing consistent routines, encouraging students to attend even on tough mornings, and reaching out when support is needed. We are here to partner with you.

Let’s make 2026 a year of showing up, staying focused, and finishing strong. Every day counts — and every Jaguar matters.

We are excited to celebrate our Fine Arts Students of the Quarter, Jason D’Onfrio (Performing Arts) and Kiya Morquecho (Visual Arts)!

Jason and Kiya exemplify what it means to pursue excellence in the arts. Through their creativity, discipline, and commitment to continuous growth, they have demonstrated strong artistic vision while consistently pushing themselves to learn, refine their craft, and contribute positively to their programs. Their passion for the arts is evident not only in their performances and artwork, but also in their dedication, work ethic, and willingness to challenge themselves creatively.

This recognition highlights their talent and the countless hours of practice, reflection, and perseverance that happen behind the scenes. Jason and Kiya represent the very best of our Fine Arts programs and embody the spirit of Jaguar PRIDE.

Congratulations, Jason and Kiya! We are incredibly proud of you and look forward to seeing how your artistic journeys continue to grow and inspire our school community.

Thank you to all of the students, teachers, coaches, counselors, and club sponsors who helped make Future Freshman Night such a welcoming and successful event. The evening was a fantastic opportunity to open our doors to the Class of 2030 and their families as they begin preparing for their high school journey at Boulder Creek High School.

Throughout the night, future Jaguars had the chance to explore what BCHS has to offer—from academic pathways and electives to CTE programs, fine arts, athletics, clubs, and student activities. Families connected with staff members, asked questions, and learned how our programs are designed to support student growth, engagement, and post-secondary success.

What made the evening especially meaningful was the presence of our current Jaguars. Student leaders, athletes, performers, and club members shared their experiences and helped showcase the pride, energy, and sense of community that define BCHS. Their enthusiasm and willingness to serve as ambassadors truly brought our campus to life for our future freshmen.

We are grateful to everyone who volunteered their time, prepared presentations, set up displays, and supported families throughout the evening. Events like Future Freshman Night reflect our strong commitment to partnership, belonging, and student success.

We are excited to welcome the Class of 2030 to the Jaguar family and look forward to the great things ahead. Thank you to all who helped make this night memorable for our future Jaguars!

In November, our senior Jaguars took an important step toward life beyond high school by participating in a financial fitness experience led by the Arizona Council on Economic Education (ACEE). Through hands-on, interactive activities, students explored what it truly means to manage money in the real world.

During the session, students were challenged to build and balance a household budget, make informed financial choices, and navigate real-life scenarios involving income, expenses, savings, and unexpected costs. The experience helped students see how everyday decisions—big and small—can impact long-term financial stability and personal goals.

This authentic learning opportunity allowed students to move beyond textbook concepts and apply economic principles in meaningful, practical ways. By engaging in realistic simulations, our seniors gained a deeper understanding of financial responsibility, planning, and decision-making skills that will serve them well in college, careers, and independent living.

We are grateful to the Arizona Council on Economic Education for partnering with our school to provide this valuable experience, and we extend a sincere thank you to our Economics teachers, Ms. Perone and Mr. Vetnar, for coordinating and supporting this real-world learning opportunity.

At Boulder Creek High School, we remain committed to preparing students not only academically, but also with the life skills needed for success beyond graduation. Experiences like this ensure our Jaguars leave campus confident, capable, and ready for what’s next.

DVUSD and Boulder Creek High School are partnering with Grand Canyon University (GCU) to offer students the opportunity to participate in the Manufacturing Specialist Intensive (MSI) program—a 10-week, hands-on training pathway designed to prepare students for high-demand manufacturing careers.

What Is the MSI Program?

The MSI is a career-focused training program that prepares students for entry-level roles in advanced manufacturing, including semiconductor and high-tech production environments.

Program Highlights

• Hands-On, Job-Ready Training

• Short-Term, Intensive Format - 4 hours after school for 10 weeks

• Industry-Recognized Credentials

• Real-World Manufacturing Skills

• Aligned to Workforce Needs

Career Focus Areas

• Advanced manufacturing processes

• Semiconductor production environments

• Systems and process analysis

• Technology and IT fundamentals

• Workplace professionalism and leadership

Industry Connections

The MSI pathway is aligned with major industry partners, including TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company), which helps ensure that the skills taught match current workforce needs.

Benefits for Students

• Gain practical, resume-ready skills

• Earn industry-recognized credentials

• Explore high-wage, high-demand career fields

• Strengthen post-graduation career and education options

Eligible Students

• Seniors on track for graduation who can commit to 4 hours a day for 10 weeks.

Learn More

• Contact your Boulder Creek High School counselor for eligibility and enrollment details

Please refer to our Parent-Student Handbook for more information on BCHS Procedures.

• Prepared: Being prepared isn’t just about academics—it’s also about mindset. When you’re prepared to notice the good in your life, you shift your perspective from stress to gratitude. Take time today to recognize the people and opportunities that help you grow—and then thank them.
• Respect: Gratitude is a powerful form of respect. When you say “thank you” to someone—whether it’s a friend, a teacher, or a classmate—you’re acknowledging their effort and humanity. Let’s make gratitude a daily habit, not just a once-a-year moment.
• Integrity: Real gratitude means giving credit where it’s due. Integrity isn’t just about being honest—it’s about recognizing the impact others have had on your success. Don’t pretend you got here alone. Thank the people who walked with you—even when it wasn’t easy.
• Disciplined : It takes discipline to slow down and reflect. But when you make time for gratitude, you remind yourself that your actions affect others. Be intentional about how you show up for people—it matters more than you know.
• Everyone United: Gratitude brings people together. When we recognize each other’s efforts, celebrate small wins, and say thank you, we build stronger connections. One kind word can remind someone they belong—and that’s what unity is all about.

In December, Jaguars will focus on Academic Grit: Talking through Challenges each Monday!

• Prepared: Preparation fuels perseverance. When you plan ahead, study with intention, and seek help early, you're setting yourself up to push through challenges. Academic grit starts before the test—it starts with the habits you build today.
• Respect: Respect your goals by not giving up on them. Grit means staying committed to what matters, even when it gets hard. When you keep showing up for yourself, you show others that your education—and your future—deserve your best.
• Integrity: Grit with integrity means pushing through without shortcuts. Cheating, or even using AI, might get you through today, but it robs you of tomorrow’s confidence. Do the hard work honestly—you’ll build not just your grades, but your character.
• Disciplined: Discipline is choosing long-term growth over short-term comfort. It’s studying when you’d rather scroll, editing your essay one more time, or asking for feedback to get better. Grit isn’t about talent—it’s about effort over time.
• Everyone United: You’re not the only one working hard right now—your peers are grinding too. Encouragement can be a powerful motivator. Let’s lift each other up, share study strategies, and remind each other: we’re in this together.

In January, Jaguars will focus on Goal Setting & Reflection: Walking with Purpose each Monday!

Check out our Fall Sports schedule and come watch a game and support your Anthem Community High Schoolers!

We use GOFAN for all home events!

Types of ticketing available

1. Single game tickets on GOFAN - https://gofan.co/app/school/AZ12766

2. Boulder Creek Student pass, online or in the bookstore for $30. Please add the athletic pass symbol to your students I.D. by having it re-printed at the Bookstore, prior to an event.

3. Family pass punch cards, $60 at the bookstore only. 20 punches per card, can use 1 or 20 punches at each event.

4. There are NO backpacks or water bottles allowed into any BCHS event. please plan accordingly.

Facebook -@ Boulder Creek Athletics

JALAC Insta - @BCHSJALAC

Congratulations to Olivia Marsh on being named a statewide winner in the Arizona Council on Economic Education’s 2025 Economic Concepts Poster Contest!

Chosen from more than 500 student submissions across Arizona, Olivia’s artwork rose to the top for its creativity, clarity, and powerful visual storytelling that brings complex economic ideas to life. This achievement highlights not only her artistic talent, but also her strong understanding of real-world concepts and commitment to excellence.

Olivia was awarded a $500 prize for her winning entry, and we couldn’t be more proud of how she represented Boulder Creek High School on a statewide stage.

Congratulations, Olivia—you make us Jaguar PROUD!

Congratulations to BC DECA on an outstanding performance at the District Competition on December 2, where our Jaguars brought home an impressive 20 medals! This achievement is a testament to the dedication, preparation, and professionalism of our students as they competed against peers from across the region in business, marketing, finance, and entrepreneurship events.

Earning one medal for their events were:

Derrick Boateng, Tatum Ducey, Justin Lee, Jameson Blagg, Olivia Harford, Josh Weimer, Brissa Haggard, Max Siegel, Tristin Easter, Jon Dante Olar, Leeland Clark, Ella Hintze, Felicia Li, Riley Nichols, Andrew Tseng, Daubry Pletnick, and Japneet Kaur.

Earning two medals was Emily Martin, whose exceptional performance reflects a high level of skill and preparation.

These results highlight the strength of our DECA program and the real-world skills our students are developing—critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and professional confidence. We are incredibly proud of how our students represented Boulder Creek High School with integrity, poise, and Jaguar PRIDE.

A special congratulations and thank you to our DECA advisors—Mrs. Blagg, Mrs. Clark, and Mr. Naber—for their guidance, mentorship, and commitment to student success.

Way to go, BC DECA! We look forward to cheering you on as you continue your competitive journey.

Congratulations to BC Dance on a truly phenomenal winter concert, Among the Stars! The evening was a powerful celebration of movement, artistry, and expression, and each performance captivated the audience from start to finish.

Every piece showcased the dancers’ technical skill, creativity, and emotional storytelling. From precise choreography to expressive performance quality, the concert reflected countless hours of rehearsal, collaboration, and commitment. The variety and depth of the program highlighted not only individual talent, but also the strength and unity of the entire dance ensemble.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to our talented dancers for delivering such a memorable performance, and a special thank you to their director, Mrs. Shane, for her outstanding leadership, vision, and dedication to excellence. Her guidance continues to elevate the program and inspire students to shine on and off the stage.

Bravo to BC Dance for an unforgettable evening and for continuing to represent Boulder Creek High School with passion, pride, and artistry. We are so proud of our Jaguars!

Congratulations to BC Band on a fantastic winter holiday concert series that filled our campus and community with music and seasonal cheer! It was an incredible week of performances that showcased the talent, versatility, and dedication of our band students.

The celebration began on Wednesday, as students performed in small ensembles, highlighting individual musicianship, collaboration, and precision. On Thursday, the excitement continued with performances by the full bands, delivering a powerful and polished program that reflected months of rehearsal and hard work.

Extending their talents beyond campus, our band students also performed for the community on Saturday at Elevate Coffee at Norterra, spreading holiday spirit and representing Boulder Creek High School with pride in a public setting. This outreach performance exemplified the strong connection between our school and the broader community.

Each performance demonstrated not only musical excellence, but also professionalism, teamwork, and passion for the arts. Congratulations to all of our talented band students for an outstanding week of music, and a special thank you to their directors, Mr. Warner and Ms. Broderick, for their leadership, commitment, and dedication to developing confident, skilled musicians.

We are so proud of our Jaguars and grateful for the joy they brought to our school and community this holiday season!

Congratulations to our BC Choirs on a truly wonderful Winter Concert held just before break! All five choirs delivered beautiful holiday performances that filled the auditorium with the spirit of the season. From moments of reflection to joyful celebration, the concert showcased the talent, dedication, and hard work of our choir students.

We are incredibly proud of our singers for their commitment to excellence and for sharing their gifts with our school community. A special thank you and congratulations to their director, Mr. Douglas, for his leadership and for guiding students through an outstanding concert experience. What a memorable way to close out the semester!

We are thrilled to celebrate our theatre students who recently competed at the Arizona Thespian North Region Competition and earned qualifying superior ratings for nationals—an incredible accomplishment that reflects their talent, preparation, and dedication to the performing arts.

Our students delivered outstanding performances and designs across multiple categories, earning top recognition in the following events:

• Musical Theatre Duet – Emmelyn Tipton and Bailey
• Musical Theatre Solo – Emmelyn Tipton
• Scenic Design – Clara Matzke
• Solo Acting – Anora Biggs

In addition to these individual achievements, our theatre tech students demonstrated exceptional skill and precision during the Technical Theatre Challenge, earning 1st place in Rigging and 1st place in Cable Coil—a testament to the strength of our behind-the-scenes professionals and the importance of technical excellence in theatre production.

These results highlight the depth and quality of our theatre program, showcasing students who excel both on stage and behind the curtain. Their success is the result of countless hours of rehearsal, collaboration, and commitment to their craft.

Congratulations to all of our talented students, and a special thank you to their director, Ms. Munson, for her leadership, mentorship, and dedication to developing confident, skilled artists. We are incredibly proud of our Jaguars and look forward to cheering them on as they represent BCHS on the national stage!

To help eliminate distractions during class time, BCHS expects students to keep cell phones in their backpacks in either off or silent mode. Students will have access to their Chromebooks for learning and must come with them charged each day. Please keep any other items that may distract students in the learning environment at home.

We are proud to celebrate our AP Art students and their outstanding artwork currently on display in the administration lobby. This impressive exhibition highlights the creativity, skill, and thoughtful expression of our student artists and reflects the high level of artistic rigor within our Fine Arts program.

Each piece showcases a distinct artistic vision, demonstrating not only technical proficiency, but also originality, risk-taking, and meaningful storytelling. These works represent hours of planning, revision, and reflection, as students pushed themselves to refine their craft and communicate ideas through their chosen mediums.

Congratulations to Kinsey Waller, Clara Matzke, Elleia Carter, Caylee Fite, Emma Pence, Jaycee Miller, Sadie Norman Short, and Colleen Sasser for their exceptional work. Their displays invite our school community to pause, reflect, and appreciate the power of student creativity.

We are incredibly proud of these artists for their dedication, growth, and willingness to share their work with others. Be sure to stop by the admin lobby to experience their artwork firsthand and celebrate the talent of our Jaguars!

Congratulations to our employees of the month!

Certified Employee of the Month:

June/July: Lisa Larance- ELA Teacher & Student Government Sponsor

August: Mike Leblanc - EL Teacher

September: Betty Lake- ELA Teacher

October: Michelle Chase- Earth Science Teacher

Classified Employee of the Month:

June/July: Hyrum Wines- Cafeteria Custodian

August: Joe Bayus- Security

September: Kurtis Ryan- Plant Foreman

October: Cindy Clarke- Athletic Secretary

Thank you for making BCHS AMAZING! #JagPride

In October, Seniors met with Jostens to learn about graduation product orders including cap and gown, announcements, and other optional products. If you haven't purchased your cap and gown yet, be sure order ASAP so it is here during product delivery in spring! To order, go to https://jostens.com

Grads Photography is the senior photographer.

Phone number: 623-580-4723
Address: 20100 N. 51st Ave. Glendale, AZ 85308

Senior portraits are taken at the studio and scheduled directly by the photographer. Please call for an appointment or go online to schedule an appointment at Gradsphotography.com

The senior picture for the yearbook is taken at no cost and must be taken by Grads. A senior can go to any photographer for personal pictures.
Yearbook pictures must be taken at Grads by December 19, 2025. Pictures may not be sent in and must be taken at Grads to be included in the yearbook.

Cap and Gown pictures will be offered on campus on February 4th during lunches in the auditorium lobby. Pricing and order information will be posted on the website closer to the date. (Cap and gown will be provided. Men wear a shirt and tie. Women wear scoop neck or V-neck shirt)

Yearbook

The 2025-2026 Yearbook is available to purchase online through Jostens using this link. The link is also available on the DVUSD online payment system and on the Boulder Creek web site.

Also, see information below for purchasing a Senior Ad!

Our BCHS Parent Association is incredible! To support BC Staff our parents hosted a holiday pasta lunch in December! We are so grateful for the support through making copies, providing supplies, and giving us a lovely time to enjoy a meal together! Thank you so much, parents! You mean the world to us!

Our Parent Association is always looking for membership to do amazing things for our students and staff! Please reach out to our Parent Association through our their email: bcjagparents@gmail.com

BC Jaguar PRIDE means that our Jaguars are Prepared, Respectful, have Integrity, are Disciplined, and show that Everyone is united! To ensure a safe, focused, and positive learning environment, we PRIDE expectations with students on Thursday in second period.

• This includes our expectation that students keep their cellphones on silent or off in their backpack so students can properly engage in learning.
• Students should be prepared with a fully charged Chromebook each day and any other items required for class to help with their success.
• It is also critical that students are in class and on time to be present for learning which is critical for their success.
• We also expect our students to be respectful of classrooms, school and personal property each and every day.

Please review our BCHS PRIDE expectations in our Student/Parent Handbook . Taking time to show Jaguar PRIDE is important as we work toward our mission of providing “a safe learning environment with rigorous academic opportunities for all students to graduate as productive, responsible, and contributing citizens!”

• X (Twitter): @bchs_dvusd
• Facebook: @BoulderCreekHighSchool
• Instagram: @bouldercreekhigh
• TikTok: @BoulderCreekJaguars

The Jag PRIDE Newsletter is published 8 times each school year and captures highlights of all things BCHS for the month of the edition. The newsletter also includes upcoming information for our community.

The 2025-2026 Newsletter Editions will be as follows:

• July 2025 (published July)
• August 2025 (published early September)
• September 2025 (published early October)
• October/Early November 2025 (published mid November)
• Mid November/December 2025 (published before Winter Break)
• January 2026 (published early February)
• February/March 2026 (published mid March)
• April/May 2026 (published mid May)

You can read past Jag PRIDE Newsletters or find our most current editions on our website!