BCHS Jag PRIDE Newsletter
August 2025

Back in Black & Red!
BCHS Families,
This has been a fantastic start to the 25-26 school year! Students are learning; activities, arts, and athletics are in full swing; and our Jaguars are making a positive difference at BC, in the community, and beyond. Meet the Teacher night was a success to build those connections between parent, student, and teacher to support a year of learning. And students have been learning how to get involved to build strong connections with fellow students and also to support the community that surrounds us through their classes, clubs, arts, and athletics. It is so important for students to be engaged, connected, and to make a difference! It is truly great to be a Jaguar!
As we head into another election season, I do want to remind you to VOTE! DVUSD has two ballot initiatives this year. The first being the restoration of the M & O Override that has been in place in Deer Valley since the early 90's. To share a few facts, Maintenance and Operations (M & O) funds are used for salaries, programs, and consumable resources. These funds are used to support class size, pay teachers and support staff, ensure services are in place to support students and families such as school nurses and counselors, and to keep strong programs in DVUSD such as athletics and arts as well as free full day kindergarten. These programs help students be involved and to make a difference in our community! The second ballot initiative is a land sale that will support district capital funding. This election is by mail in ballot only, so it is important to register to vote by October 6th to receive your ballot in the mail in October. There is more information, including the link to register to vote below.
We are always excited to send our newsletters that capture the opportunities, celebrations, and incredible PRIDE that happens at BCHS each and every day. We are also so grateful to our amazing community for the support that truly makes BC an A-rated, A+ School of Excellence! Go Jags!
With PRIDE,
Mrs. Brittany Sutton
Principal
623-445-8604
Jaguar Life!
ASU Helios Recognizes Mr. Clarke as Apart of the Impact Corps
For more information on ASU Helios click here: https://decisioncenter.asu.edu/impactcorps
BCHS PRIDE Focus of the Month & Be Classy Winners!
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!
August Winners are:
Kendall Chapman
Harlee Denoyer
Callum Bell
Quinn Hagan
Evie Diaz
Scarlett Rowland
Lukas Haile
Tailya Briskin
Pedro Castillo
Julia Chabrowski
Brooke Pisel
Jaxen Nguyen
Kelly Suchok
Peyton Geisler
Madeleine Panis
Our September Goal: By September 2025, decrease the inappropriate use of technology (cell phones, gaming on Chromebooks) by 2% by consistently reinforcing the importance of PRIDE. This will be achieved through morning announcements about technology use expectations and PRIDE, and positive behavior reinforcements through Be Classy cards, as measured by infraction data for technology use.
We can do this Jags!
Every Day Counts!
The best way to support student learning and growth is to be in class on time each and every day!
Here’s a short list of practical strategies high school students can use to get to school on time and prepared:
1. Prepare the night before
-
Pack your backpack with homework, supplies, and sports gear.
-
Lay out clothes, including shoes and accessories.
-
Set alarms and double-check transportation arrangements.
2. Create a morning routine
-
Wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends.
-
Eat a quick breakfast to fuel focus.
-
Limit distractions (phone, TV, gaming) until you’re ready.
3. Manage time wisely
-
Use multiple alarms if needed (bedside, phone, across the room).
-
Track how long tasks take in the morning to avoid rushing.
-
Build in a 10-minute “cushion” in case of delays.
4. Stay organized
-
Use a planner or phone reminders for assignments and due dates.
-
Keep essentials (keys, ID, lunch, water bottle) in one designated spot.
-
Charge devices overnight so they’re ready.
5. Take responsibility for punctuality
-
Set personal goals for being on time.
-
Reward yourself for consistency.
-
Ask a family member or friend to hold you accountable if needed.
We love to see our Jaguars at school each and every day because EVERY DAY COUNTS!
Welcoming the Class of 2029!
Freshman Cat Camp
On Tuesday, July 22nd, we welcomed our freshmen students to Boulder Creek High School for the freshmen Cat Camp. Led by our student government students, our newest Jaguars learned the layout of our campus and the location of their classrooms, participated in Q&A sessions about all things BC, and got to know each other during games and at the pizza lunch.
The day was a big success, with over 300 students participating, leaving them feeling more confident, connected, and ready to start the year in their new role as Jaguars! Thank you to everyone who participated, and a special shoutout to our student government for their organization and for leading the event!
We are excited to see our new students grow and thrive at BCHS and are committed to supporting them throughout the next four years of high school. Go Jags!
Jaguar PRIDE Freshman Assembly and Grades 10-12 Goal Setting
Our Freshman PRIDE Assembly was a fantastic kickoff to the year as our newest Jaguars learned what it truly means to embody the values of Bouder Creek PRIDE—Prepared, Respect, Integrity, Discipline, and Everyone United. Student Government and JALAC student leaders led the event, with two of our amazing social studies teachers, Mr. Donovan and Mr. Burnton, delivering a powerful speech about getting involved in high school, a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem from our choir, the fight song performed by our band, and Spiritline’s energy as they welcomed students and taught them the fight song traditions. While our freshmen embraced Jaguar PRIDE, our sophomores, juniors, and seniors worked with their homeroom teachers to set personal goals for the year, focusing on applying these values to school success and future college or career readiness. This assembly and goal-setting lesson reminded us that Jaguar PRIDE is the foundation for a strong year and lasting success.
Club Rush Day at BC
Boulder Creek’s Club Rush was a huge success, with both lunches buzzing with excitement as students explored the incredible variety of clubs our campus offers! Jaguars had the chance to connect with peers, meet club leaders, and discover ways to get involved in academics, service, arts, culture, and special interests. The energy and enthusiasm showed how strong our BC community is when students find their place and pursue their passions. Thank you to our student government and their advisor, Mrs. Larance, for organizing the event, and to all our sponsors and student leaders who made the event possible.
Be sure to check out the complete list of BC clubs on the BCHS website to continue finding opportunities to get connected.
Welcome New BC Staff!
We are excited to welcome several new staff members to Boulder Creek High School this year, and we could not be happier to have them join our Jaguar family! Each of these dedicated educators and support staff brings unique experiences, talents, and passions that will enrich our school community and strengthen our commitment to student success. As we continue to live out the values of Jaguar PRIDE, we look forward to the positive impact our new team members will make in the classroom, on campus, and throughout our community. Please join us in giving them a warm welcome to Boulder Creek!
Michelle Chase
Department: Science
Position: Earth Science Teacher
Nicole Spielman
Department: Special Education
Position: Special Education & ELA 1-2 Teacher
Wendy Friedlos
Department: Security
Position: Campus Monitor
Laura Rodi
Department: Student Support Services
Position: School Psychologist
Amanda Broderick
Department: Fine Arts
Position: Band & Guitar Teacher
Kelly Wilson
Department: Physical Education
Position: Health, Fitness, & Unified Sports Teacher
Jessica Munson
Department: Fine Arts
Position: Beginning, intermediate, and advanced theater and Stage Productions Teacher
Corey Griffin
Department: Administration
Position: Dean of Students
Kimberly Leubner
Department: Counseling
Position: Academic Guidance Counselor
Brad Berger
Department: Science
Position: Chemistry Teacher
Hyrum Wines
Department: Maintenance & Facilities
Position: Custodian
PRIDE Points of the Week
August Focus: Character & Belonging
Each Monday we share the PRIDE Point of the Week with our Jaguars focusing on our values and a monthly focus. In August, the focus was on character and belonging. It is so important that students recognize that they get to shape how they show up to school, how they show who they are, and how they treat and support the students and staff that surround them. Here are the PRIDE points of the week that were shared in August:
- Prepared : Being prepared means more than having your materials—it’s about knowing your strengths and values. When you understand what matters to you, you carry yourself with purpose and confidence. At BC, our values are PRIDE– being prepared, showing respect, having integrity, being disciplined, and ensuring everyone is united! Take some time to reflect on how you show your strengths and values: What do you want others to see in you—and are you showing up in a way that reflects that?
- Respect: Everyone has a story that shapes who they are. Showing respect means listening to others without judgment and honoring differences, even when we don’t fully understand them. When you take the time to ask questions and truly see someone, you help create a school where everyone belongs.
- Integrity: Integrity starts with being honest—especially with yourself. Owning your strengths and your struggles is a powerful part of your character. This also creates the opportunity for growth in your learning every day! This month, “talk the walk” by speaking truthfully about who you are and showing others that being real is a strength, not a weakness.
- Disciplined: Building character takes discipline. It means setting boundaries, holding yourself accountable, and not letting others define your worth. Choose daily actions that align with your values—even when it’s hard—and you’ll walk the path of self-respect and growth.
- Everyone United: We’re stronger when we treat each other with kindness and understanding. Even though we all have different stories, we can find common ground in the goals and dreams we share. This month, take time to learn about others’ experiences—you might find it helps you grow, too.
In September, Jaguars will focus on Responsibility in Action: Owning Your Choices each Monday!
Helpful Links
PowerSchool Parent Access
Canvas Parent Access
Submit your student absence through our friendly form!
See Something, Say Something: Report Anonymous Concerns Here!
Stay Updated with our BCHS Website
Jaguar Athletics
Athlete of the Month
DVUSD Fall Media Day
Boulder Creek Fall Sports at DVUSD Media Day! 🎥🏈⚾🎶
Our BC athletes got interviewed, sang songs, answered funny questions, and even had a surprise throwback photo op! Don’t miss all the fun—follow @BCAthleticsJags on Instagram and Facebook to catch all the reels and behind-the-scenes moments!
JALAC Pancake Breakfast
Join us for the JALAC Pancake Breakfast! 🥞
Come support our Boulder Creek High School athletes as they serve up breakfast! Bring your family, friends, and sports teams to enjoy a fun community event hosted by our student-athletes. Don’t miss this chance to connect with the BC community and start your day with a delicious meal!
Schedules
Check out our Fall Sports schedule and come watch a game and support your Anthem Community High Schoolers!
Boulder Creek Ticketing
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.
Follow Boulder Creek Athletics!
Facebook -@ Boulder Creek Athletics
JALAC Insta - @BCHSJALAC
Jaguars Learning & Leading!
PSAT Registration!
The PSAT exam is coming! This exam is in place to prepare students for the SAT and is the qualifying exam for the National Merit Scholarship.
Online Exam registration has opened for the 2025 PSAT exam. In order to register, students should click on the link provided on the school website or visit www.TotalRegistration.net/PSAT/030581 to register. To complete registration, students must answer all of the required questions. Registration is not complete until students have printed the pdf of the confirmation page that is provided at the end.
Here are the important dates for the registration process:
- Mon, Sep 1, 2025 at 7:00 AM - Registration Begins
- Thu, Sep 25, 2025 at 7:38 AM - Registration Ends
- Thu, Sep 25, 2025 - Registrations that have not been paid for will be canceled and exams will not be ordered.
Please contact Ms. Kippi Lodolce, Kippi.Lodolce@dvusd.org , if you have questions.
Classrooms are a Distraction-Free Zone!
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.
Jaguars are Learning & Leading Every Day!
Our Mandarin National Honor Society worked to gain new membership during Meet the Teacher Night.
Students in Ms. Toel's Geometry Honors class are learning about the importance of practice in the learning process.
Fellowship of Christian Athletes shared information with students and parents at Meet the Teacher Night.
Mr. Burnton learned many new things as he represented Arizona teachers at NASA Space Camp this summer!
Seniors in Ms. Newton's Government class use gummy bears to explain different types of governments.
Students in Mr. Jordan's Intro to Engineering classes are measuring trajectory of their catapults.
BCHS Teachers Show High Growth on ACT State Assessment
Congratulations to Ms. Merriman, Ms. Baldwin, Mr. Erickson, Ms. Vivola, Ms. Koppelman, and Ms. Larance on having students with high growth on the 2025 ACT assessment. These teachers were recognized by Dr. Finch during their classes for making an extraordinary impact! Congratulations!
Picture Retake Day is September 10th!
Picture retakes will be held on Wednesday, September 10, in the auditorium lobby.
Who:9th, 10th, and 11th-grade students who were absent on picture day or who purchased pictures and would like a retake. Please note that this is not for students that want a new ID picture.
Seniors: Must schedule an appointment directly with Grads for their senior yearbook picture.
Freshman- period 1
Sophomores- period 2
Juniors- period 3
Click here if you would like to pre-order your 9th- 11th-grade student’s school portraits.
Senior yearbook portrait at Grads Photography using this link.
Seniors-- Schedule Your Senior Portraits! Deadline is December 19, 2025!
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)
Getting Involved!
Homecoming is Coming Soon!
Buy a 2025-2026 Yearbook!
Join Our BC Parent Association!
Our BCHS Parent Association is incredible! To help BC Staff get back to work, our parents hosted a lovely lunch during preservice. They also hosted an phenomenal barbeque lunch during the month of August! 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
Thank you, King's Church for the Delicious Staff Lunch for Back to School!
Show that Jaguar P.R.I.D.E!
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!”
Upcoming BCHS Dates & Events
Catch more BCHS Information and Celebrations on our Social Media Platforms!
- X (Twitter): @bchs_dvusd
- Facebook: @BoulderCreekHighSchool
- Instagram: @bouldercreekhigh
- TikTok: @BoulderCreekJaguars
BCHS Jag PRIDE Newsletter Publication Dates
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 2025 (published early November)
- 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!