Morenci School District

Wildcat Pride Spotlight! Skylar Kartchner, MHS Class of 2022, is living her dream. After shining on the MHS flag line, she is now a Senior on the NAU Flag Line and will be marching in the Macy’s Day Parade. She’s majoring in social work and plans to continue on for her master’s in criminology. Skylar, your hometown is cheering for you. We can’t wait to see you on TV! #wearemorenci #wildcatpride #golumberjacks

At our November MUSD Governing Board meeting, we had the honor of recognizing our staff members who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Their courage and continued service to our students and community mean so much. Our third grade students made the moment unforgettable as they sang the National Anthem, You’re a Grand Old Flag, and God Bless the USA - a beautiful tribute to the men and women who give so much of themselves. To our staff who served: • Mrs. Christie Parrot – U.S. Navy • Mr. Jody Bailey – U.S. Army • Mr. Greg Verlander – U.S. Navy • Mr. Ken Lester – U.S. Marine Corps • Mr. Ray Frasquillo – U.S. Army • Mr. Rod Albers – U.S. Army Thank you for serving our country and for continuing to serve Morenci with heart and purpose. We appreciate you. We honor you. We’re better because of you.

Last week, Morenci celebrated Native American Heritage in a powerful way. Our students and staffulty experienced cultural introductions, language, and dance that truly brought learning to life, and we are grateful to Mrs. Raylyn Chee for creating this meaningful learning experience for our students. A huge thank you to the students from St. Charles Catholic School, Rice Intermediate, and Rice Elementary who traveled to Morenci to share their traditions. Your pride and performances left a lasting impact.

At the Morenci Governing Board meeting Mr. Goodman recognized the students who earned their OSHA-10 certificate recently at MHS. Thank you to Mr. Aguinaga for the Welding and Carpentry programs and Mr. Verlander for the Electrical programs and for making these programs a success for these students.

Mr. Goodman recognized Denita Marble as Staffulty of the Month. Mrs. Marble was voted Staffulty of the month by her students and peers because she is always so kind, fun, trusting, and interesting. She is an amazing and helpful teacher! She makes sure that students are doing their work and helps them gain valuable skills! Teachers know that they can always count on Denita; she is a true friend, a great mom, and we are so blessed to have her at MHS!

Mrs. Lopez recognized Kim Kuykendall for Staffulty of the Month. Kim is always helpful, friendly and patient. She loves to share new ideas and new technology to all. Any time a tech issue comes up she will drop anything she is doing to come help! You are amazing and we are lucky to have you here at MUSD.

At the Morenci Governing Board Meeting Mrs. Lopez recognized Students of the Month for October and November. October - 5th Grade - Jordyn Cervantez, 6th Grade - Briseis Murillo, 7th Grade - Mikayla Meza, 8th Grade - Abigail Smith, Specials - Lovie Gaethje, Specials - Caleb Flores. September - 5th Grade - Maria Barraza, 6th Grade - Haley Silva, 7th Grade - Kassidy Bryan, 8th Grade - Lyla Baker, Specials - Christian Hamersley & Catalina Martinez, Specials - James Sutton-Verley. Congratulations!!

Benedetta Cargile to march in 2026 Rose Parade® with the “Band Directors Marching Band”

The Saluting America’s Band Directors project has assembled band directors from across North America to march January 1 under the theme, “America’s band directors: We teach music. We teach life.”

Benedetta Cargile, the band director of the Morenci High School Pride Band, has been selected to join a marching band of about 500 band directors from across North America in the Pasadena Rose Parade® on January 1, 2026. The band will accompany a colorful, animated float along the 5.5-mile parade route.

The Saluting America’s Band Directors parade entry will convey the theme, “America’s band directors: We teach music. We teach life.” to recognize the extraordinary dedication and accomplishments of band directors and music educators everywhere. Throughout their careers, the music educators in this band have collectively mentored and taught hundreds of thousands of students. These professionals not only teach and conduct music, they teach about life itself.

According to Cargile, “I am truly honored and excited to participate in this event alongside fellow band directors from across the country. This year’s theme resonates deeply with me, as both marching and concert bands provide students with far more than musical training. These ensembles offer a unique space for young people to grow—cultivating discipline, teamwork, creativity, and the life skills that will empower them to succeed long after high school.”

The band will be directed by nationally known music educator and innovative band director Jon Waters, who will also lead rehearsals and other performances of the band when in Pasadena.

The sponsoring organization behind the Saluting America’s Band Directors project is the Michael D. Sewell Memorial Foundation, based in Pickerington, Ohio. The foundation was created to recognize and carry on the work of the late Mike Sewell, who dedicated his life to the school and community music programs in Pickerington and the Central Ohio area for almost 40 years.

Our Exceptional Wildcats and Spanish students stepped out of their comfort zone and participated in Salsa dancing . Instruction was provided by Ritmos Latinos, a salsa group run by students at the University of Arizona.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pvCgtYJeAJqtTnPvK1AhGk_yW9ZuDClY/view?usp=sharing

Dr. Adams recognized the Metcalf Leaders of the Month for October at the Morenci Governing Board meeting. Congratulations to Kindergarten - Xanthe Dominguez, First Grade - Adriel Perea, Second Grade - Jaime Hernandez, Third Grade - Presley Admas and Fourth Grade - Adeline Brack. Way to go Wildcats!

This calendar for Morenci High School activities will get you through the first week back after Winter Break. Lots going on!

We wish you all a happy holiday season!

Update: This drill is complete. We appreciate the support of our community. Morenci Schools is currently conducting a lockdown drill. Please do not be alarmed if you see an emergency responder at the school and you are unable to contact the front office. Thank you for your cooperation.

Attention MUSD Parents and Community- Morenci Schools will be conducting a lockdown drill this week. You may see many law enforcement and fire department vehicles around our district. The goal of the lockdown drill is to test and improve our practices and procedures to ensure the safety of all students and staff at MUSD. We will publish a notice on our website (www.morenci.org) and Facebook page when this drill begins and ends. We appreciate your cooperation as we practice lockdown procedures with your child. We value your child and their safety and want to be prepared if an actual threat occurs.

Hello FMS Parents,

Next week we will be celebrating Native American Heritage Week next week. Here are the dress up days. We encourage everyone to dress up!

MHS Student Council's first Blood Drive of the year was a success! Thank you to all those who came out to donate! We collected a total of 32 pints of blood and that can potentially save 96 lives!

Wildcats care about each other! Last week, 24 of our MHS Wildcats got certified as Interweave Peer Counselors! They spent four hours learning how they can identify when their peers need help and how to react in various situations commonly faced by teens. Great job Wildcats and thank you for taking the time to help others! Also, thank you to our Graham and Greenlee Substance Abuse Coalitions for bringing this training to our students!

Metcalf 3rd Grade presents America the Beautiful

Good afternoon FMS Families,
Below you will find our November newsletter as well as our November breakfast and lunch Menu!

This is a reminder that Wednesday, 11/06, is an Early Release Day! FMS will dismiss at 11:20 a.m.

Just a reminder all tickets for tonight's football game against Tuba City must be bought through Go Fan ticketing. The only passes we will be accepting are AIA passes. Come out and support our Wildcats in the first round of state.
https://gofan.co/app/school/AZ21902