Week 13

A Message from the Principal
Hello Vipers and Verrado families,
We have another exciting week ahead at Verrado High School as we kick off November and the start of our winter athletic season! βοΈ Girls and Boys Basketball, Girls and Boys Wrestling, and Boys Soccer officially begin their seasons on Monday. We wish all of our winter athletes a fantastic start!
Our fall Vipers are also heading into an important week of competition! Cross Country will compete in the Division II Sectional Meet, Boys Golf and Swim & Dive are headed to their AIA State competitions, and several of our teams begin 5A State Playoffs. Good luck to all of our Vipers representing VHS! π
π Tuesday is Flag Football Senior Night! Join us as we celebrate our seniors when the Vipers take on Sunrise Mountain at home, with games at 4:00 and 6:00 PM. Come out and help us recognize these amazing student-athletes!
We also have a special community event on Friday as our Band, Cheer, Pom, and Football students participate in the Safeway Ribbon Cutting Ceremony.
πΈ Attention Senior Families!
Senior parents, please remember to schedule your studentβs senior yearbook photo with GRADS Photography as soon as possible. π Senior yearbook photos must be taken by GRADS Photography to be included in the yearbook. Appointments can be scheduled here: GRADS Photography β Senior Portraits.
One Verrado! π
AFHSD Culture of Voting: Our high school students are ready. Are we?
This year, we helped our 18-year-old students register to vote. Now itβs our turn to show them civic participation in action! If you havenβt voted yet, bring your completed ballot to an official drop box or voting location, or head to the polls on Election Day, Tuesday, November 3. Ballots must be received and polls close by 7 p.m.
How will you vote? Make your plan today and find voting locations and ballot information at Arizona.Vote. Letβs show our students how our community shows up! πΊπΈ
π Whatβs Happening at Verrado
π November 2β7, 2026
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2
- βοΈ Winter Athletic Season Begins! β Girls Basketball β’ Boys Basketball β’ Girls Wrestling β’ Boys Wrestling β’ Boys Soccer
- π JV Flag Football @ AZ College Prep β 6:00 PM
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3
- πββοΈ Cross Country @ Division II Sectional Meet β 9:45 AM
- π Flag Football vs. Sunrise Mountain HS β SENIOR NIGHT! π β 4:00 & 6:00 PM
- π Girls Volleyball β 5A State Play-In Round β 6:00 PM (if necessary)
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4
- β³ Boys Golf @ AIA State Golf Tournament β 9:00 AM
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5
- β³ Boys Golf @ AIA State Golf Tournament β 9:00 AM
- π Flag Football @ Notre Dame Prep β 4:00 & 6:00 PM
- π Varsity Indoor Volleyball β 5A State Championships, 1st Round β 6:00 PM
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6
- π Safeway Ribbon Cutting Ceremony β 8:30 AM Featuring Band, Cheer, Pom & Football
- β½ Unified Soccer Match β 10:00 AM
- π Swim & Dive @ AIA State Swim Meet β 3:00 PM
- π Varsity Football β 5A State Playoffs, 1st Round β 7:00 PM (if necessary)
- π£ Cheer & Pom β 5A State Playoffs, 1st Round β 7:00 PM
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7
- πββοΈ Swim & Dive @ AIA State Swim Meet β 3:00 PM
It's Time for Annual Verification
Each year, families are required to review and update their studentβs information. This important step helps ensure we have the most accurate and up-to-date records for your student. Annual Verification is required for all Agua Fria High School District students.
Complete it today by visiting the ParentVUE link HERE! Once in ParentVUE, navigate to Online Registration and select the Annual Verification icon to get started.
π Interested in West-MEC? Applications are Open!
Students interested in applying to a West-MEC program can get started now! π§‘ Students should complete the online application, print their verification email, have the Application Verification Form (AVF) signed by both the student and a parent/guardian, and return it to the Student Services Office.
β Need help with the application process? Students can sign up for a West-MEC RTI on Mondays for assistance.
Explore the exciting career and technical education opportunities available through West-MEC! π οΈπ»π©Ίπ
Counselor Connections ππ
Stay connected with the Verrado High School Counseling Department! Check out the Quarter 2 edition of Counselor Connections for important counselor department updates!
π After-School Tutoring Available!
Need a little extra help with an assignment or classwork? After-school tutoring is available in the VHS Library with teachers ready to support students in a variety of subjects!
π
Mondays, Tuesdays & Thursdays
β° 2:15β3:15 PM
π VHS Library
π Math β’ English β’ Science β’ Language
π Tutor buses are available for eligible students who have a bus route printed on their Student ID.
We encourage students to take advantage of this great opportunity to ask questions, get caught up, and build confidence in their classes!
Senior Section- Class of 2027
THIS IS NOT A SCHOOL SPONSORED TRIP - SENIORS!
Who: Verrado, Millennium, Canyon View & Desert Edge Seniors (Other AZ High Schools as well)
When: May 31st-June 2nd
Where: Disneyland + California Adventure, Disney Grad Night, Knotts Berry Farm, and Newport beach
$175 down payment is required to secure a spot, or can be paid in full online when you sign up.
Fill out this google form from QR code if you are interested or want more details
If you have any questions, contact Mrs. Booth at sbooth@aguafria.org
Thank you!
πΈ Senior Yearbook Adsπ
Senior families, celebrate your student and create a special memory theyβll treasure for years to come with a personalized yearbook recognition ad! Add your favorite photos and a meaningful message to recognize their accomplishments and make their yearbook extra special. πβ¨
π Order Deadline: December 31, 2026
Ads are available in several sizes and can be created online using the information or QR code on the flyer. Plus, proceeds from ad sales help support our VHS Yearbook Program! π
Donβt miss the opportunity to give your Viper a special shoutout! π
π Attention Class of 2027 Seniors & Families!
Itβs time to start getting ready for graduation! π Seniors can now order their caps & gowns, announcements, senior gear, class rings, letterman jackets, grad banners, and more through Jostens.
β° Last Chance Deadline: November 20!
Donβt wait until the last minuteβcheck out the flyer for ordering information and available senior essentials. Letβs get our Vipers ready to celebrate the Class of 2027! πππ
πΈ Class of 2027 Senior Portraits
Seniors, itβs time to schedule your official senior portrait! π Visit GradsPhoto.com and select βBook Now,β or scan the QR code on the flyer to schedule your appointment.
Please remember that only portraits taken by Grads Photography will appear in the school yearbook. Donβt waitβbook your session today! β¨
π 2026β2027 Academic Calendar
Stay ahead by keeping the 2026β2027 Agua Fria Union High School District Academic Calendar handy! Be sure to mark important dates such as the first day of school, holidays, fall and spring breaks, quarter end dates, early release days, graduation, and the last day of school. Planning ahead helps students and families stay organized throughout the school year.
Safety
Student and staff safety are paramount for the Agua Fria district. Please see expectations and watch the video below to familiarize yourself with our weapons detection system.
Student arrival expectations
- When students arrive on campus they MUST show a physical ID to enter campus. Failure to have a physical ID will result in a new ID being printed and a charge for the new ID will be applied.
- NEW FOR 2026-2027 We will begin using scanners at all entrances to scan students ID in the morning as they enter. This supports our commitment to student safety. We piloted this procedure last year on the East side entrance. We ask for some patience as we begin to implement this campus wide.
Students and staff will go over school safety protocols and procedures as well but please familiarize yourself with our expectations and procedures. Thank you!
π» Student Responsible Use Policy
As technology plays an important role in learning, we ask all students and families to review our Student Responsible Use Policy. This guide outlines expectations for using school devices, accounts, and the internet safely, responsibly, and respectfully to support student success. Thank you for partnering with us to promote positive digital citizenship!
District Directory Opt-Out Form
If you do not want Verrado High School/AFHSD to disclose directory information, you are required to print and fill out the attached form. The school must receive this form within 15 days.
Stay Connected with Verrado High School! ππ
Don't miss out on all the exciting things happening at Verrado High School! Follow us on Instagram for school news, student celebrations, athletic highlights, event reminders, and a behind-the-scenes look at life on campus.
π² Follow us on Instagram: @1verrado
We can't wait to share another amazing school year with you! #OneVerrado π
π£ Stay Connected with ParentSquare! π±
AFHSD is making school-to-home communication easier than ever! π We're transitioning from Remind to ParentSquare, your new one-stop hub for school updates, messages, alerts, and announcements.
β
Receive important notifications
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Message teachers and staff
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Get updates by text, email, app, or web
β
Access messages in your preferred language
Be sure to download the ParentSquare app and stay connected all year long!
β° Attendance & Tardy Expectations
Being on time is an important part of student success! We appreciate your partnership in helping students arrive to class on time each day.
Please note the following attendance guidelines:
- β±οΈ Every 5 tardies in the same class will count as 1 absence for that class.
- π Students who arrive 15 minutes or more late to class will be marked absent.
- β οΈ Excessive absences may result in a loss of course credit in accordance with district policy.
- π Students will receive consequences for every 5 tardies. Continued tardiness may result in progressive disciplinary actions, ranging from detention to suspension.
Thank you for reviewing these expectations with your student and helping us promote strong attendance habits. Arriving on time each day helps students make the most of every learning opportunity!
π Student Drop-Off & Parking Reminders
Help us keep our students, families, staff, and community safe during arrival and dismissal!
π« No student drop-off is permitted on Indian School Road. This is a busy roadway, and stopping to drop off students creates a safety hazard, increases the risk of accidents, and slows traffic entering the school parking lot.
π« Students may not park in surrounding neighborhoods or at nearby businesses. Unauthorized parking impacts our neighbors and local businesses and may result in vehicles being towed.
β Please use the designated school parking lot for all student drop-offs and pickups.
Thank you for partnering with us to keep our campus and surrounding community safe. We appreciate your cooperation and support!
East Lot
Parking Permit Information
2026β2027 Verrado Parking Permits
β A parking permit is REQUIRED to park on campus! Permits are issued on a first come, first served basis to eligible students. Spots are not assigned.
β οΈ Reminder: Students who park without a valid permit will face disciplinary consequences.
To apply, students must:
π¨ Use their school email address to complete the form
πΈ Upload a valid driverβs license, current registration, and auto insurance
π΅ Pay the $50 permit fee (Payment link provided in the application)
β Wait for email confirmation of approval from the bookstore
Transportation
π BusRight Transportation App
The BusRight Parent App helps families stay connected with their student's bus transportation. Parents must register through the app to receive bus information, including route details, bus stop locations, and near real-time bus tracking so you know when your student's bus is approaching. You'll receive an email invitation from the district with instructions to download the app and create your account.
Helpful Features:
- π View your student's bus route and stop information
- π Track your student's bus in near real-time
- π± Receive transportation updates through the BusRight app
- β Easy setup with an email invitation from the district
π Food Services
The Agua Fria Union High School District Food Services Department is committed to providing students with nutritious, affordable meals each school day. Families can view school breakfast and lunch menus, add money to meal accounts, and apply for free or reduced-price meal benefits online. A new Meal Benefit Application is required each school year, and qualifying families may also be eligible for additional benefits such as reduced testing and activity fees.
Helpful Resources:
- π½οΈ View breakfast and lunch menus
- π³ Manage your student's meal account through LINQ Connect
- β Apply for Free & Reduced Meal Benefits
- π Find meal pricing and nutrition information
π School Dress Code Reminder π
Families, as we continue supporting a safe and respectful learning environment, please take a moment to review the Agua Fria District Dress Code Guidelines. This includes what students must wear, what they may wear, and items that cannot be worn on campus.
Encouraging students to dress appropriately helps keep our focus on learning and ensures everyone feels comfortable and supported at school. Thank you for partnering with us!
π΅ Cell Phone & Device Expectations
Arizona HB 2484 requires school districts to establish policies governing student internet access and the use of wireless communication devices during the school day.
At Verrado High School, we use the district's Stoplight Device Policy to help create a focused learning environment. We encourage all families to review this policy and discuss the expectations with their student before the first day of school.
π¦ What to Expect in Class:
- π΄ All classes begin on RED. Students should have their cell phones, earbuds, and other personal devices put away at the start of every class.
- π‘π’ Teachers will let students know if and when devices may be used for instructional purposes by changing the classroom's stoplight level.
Thank you for partnering with us to support a positive, distraction-free learning environment where every student can be successful!
π Athletic Clearance Requirements
Planning to participate in athletics this school year? All student-athletes must be fully cleared through FinalForms before attending any tryout or practice.
To be eligible, students must complete the following:
- β Register in FinalForms: https://aguafria-az.finalforms.com/?forward_path=%2Fstudents
- π©Ί Submit a current sports physical (physical forms can be downloaded directly from FinalForms)
- π§ Complete the required Brainbook/Opioid Education & Certification
- βοΈ Ensure all required parent, student, and physician signatures are completed
Please complete these requirements before tryouts begin to ensure your student is eligible to participate.
Questions? Contact: gbarnes@aguafria.org
Academies of the Southwest Valley
π Freshman Career Expo β Discover Your Pathway! π
Freshman families, mark your calendars! Our students will have the opportunity to explore exciting career pathways, meet professionals from a variety of industries, and learn about future education and career opportunities at the Academies of the Southwest Valley Freshman Career Expo.
π
Thursday, September 17, 2026
π Phoenix Raceway
β° 8:00 AM β 2:00 PM
This is a fantastic opportunity for students to begin thinking about their future and discover careers they may be passionate about. We can't wait for our freshmen to experience this exciting event! π
Mastery Learning
We are so excited for another year of great learning. Our district is committed to a well-rounded approach to education through Mastery Learning. Mastery Learning helps students build strong academic knowledge while also developing important real-world skills such as communication, collaboration, responsibility, leadership, and technology use. Through meaningful projects, discussions, and opportunities to practice new skills, students learn to take ownership of their growth and prepare for success in college, careers, and life beyond high school. ππ If you are new to Mastery Learning, click here for a summary.
Registration Links
π» ParentVUE & StudentVUE
Stay connected with your student's education through ParentVUE! Parents and students can log in anytime to view grades, attendance, class schedules, assignments, report cards, and important school information.
π± Access ParentVUE/StudentVUE here:
https://afsd.edupoint.com/PXP2_OEN_Login.aspx
New to ParentVUE? Contact your school's registration office for assistance with activating your account.
π Course Description Book
Planning your student's high school journey starts here! The AFUHSD Course Description Book provides detailed information about all courses offered throughout the district, including graduation requirements, honors and AP courses, Career & Technical Education (CTE) pathways, electives, and course prerequisites. It's a valuable resource for students and families as they explore academic opportunities and plan for future success.
Helpful Resources:
- π Graduation requirements
- π Course descriptions and prerequisites
- β Honors & Advanced Placement (AP) offerings
- π οΈ Career & Technical Education (CTE) pathways
- π Academic planning information
π View the Course Description Book using the button below.
Medical Health
Student Rights and Responsibilities
Residency/Educational Rights
The Arizona Department of Education requires us to update our records to determine if a child meets the criteria for homelessness under the McKinney-Vento Act. If your housing has changed, please review the Arizona Residency Questionnaire and turn this into [social worker name and email]. You may also drop this document off at the school. The school social worker will determine eligibility.