EMDR Therapy in Avondale, AZ

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Healing That Helps You Get Unstuck

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Every person grows and learns in different ways. To that point, every counselor or guide has their own techniques and exercises to help clients. Not every method is effective for everyone, but with the right guidance, you can defeat your inner demons and recapture your life. That's where Christy Maxey thrives.

Christy is a trauma EMDR coach dedicated to empowering people with the knowledge of true self-love. She aims to help men and women overcome negative self-talk and patterns and finally live the fulfilling life they deserve. Christy has a special focus on supporting women who experience anxiety, depression, lack of self-trust, people-pleasing, and feelings of inadequacy. Additionally, she's an expert in helping men who are navigating anger, stress, and relationship challenges.

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If you have received help from therapists and life coaches in the past but find yourself falling back into the same patterns as before, know that you're not alone. The simple truth could be that whatever problem you were trying to face was left unresolved.

Essentially, you cut the top of the weed, but you didn't pull out the entire root. In a sense, you put a band-aid on a serious wound when you needed more comprehensive, specialized treatment. Unlike many life coaches, Christy Maxey aims to solve the root cause of your mental and physical symptoms. By addressing the cause of your issues, you can reclaim your life and move forward without the baggage you've carried for so long. Take it from us - it's an incredible feeling!

Some of the most common problems that Christy helps solve for patients include:

  • Difficulty Dealing with the Emotional Content at the Center of Their Problems
  • A Lack of Resistance to and Awareness of "What Is"
  • Fear and Uncertainty About Making Changes
  • Fear of Getting Compassionate Help and Guidance
  • Believing False Narratives Associated with Past Traumas and Experiences

What is EMDR Therapy in Avondale, AZ?

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EMDR, which stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a technique that assists people in recovering from the effects of distressing life experiences, such as emotional distress and symptoms.

Created by psychologist Dr. Francine Shapiro in 1987 as a treatment method for post-traumatic stress disorder, EMDR is an evidence-based treatment approach that provides both trauma-informed treatment and treatment protocol. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR employs bilateral stimulation to replicate the Rapid Eye Movement (REM) phase of sleep. In fact, EMDR treatments have shown that the mind can heal from psychological trauma faster than traditional talk therapy.

Traumatic events often lead to negative beliefs and emotions, such as shame, anger, and sadness. EMDR enables your brain to reprocess such events, promoting healing, well-being, and positivity in patients.

If you're wondering whether or not EMDR treatment from Christy Maxey might be a good choice for you and your family, ask yourself these questions:

  • Do You Feel Stuck in Your Life?
  • Do You Find Yourself Stuck Feeling the Same Types of Fear, Sadness, or Anxiety?
  • Have You Grown Accustomed to a Negative Inner Critic?
  • Do You Feel Stuck with Feelings of Shame from Past Mistakes or Traumas?
  • Are You Always Repeating the Same Patterns in Relationships? Too Nice, Too Accepting, Avoidant, Easy to Get Triggered, Etc.?
  • Is Your Brain Full of Self-Doubt and Harmful Self-Talk?
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How Does EMDR Therapy Work?

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Once it's agreed that EMDR therapy is suitable for you, your initial sessions involve discussing your goals and enhancing your ability to cope with stress. In the following phases of EMDR therapy, you concentrate on a specific event or focus on a negative image, belief, emotion, or bodily sensation related to the event. You then focus on a positive belief indicating that the issue has been resolved.

While you're focused on the upsetting event, Christy begins sets of side-to-side eye movements, sounds, or taps. After each set, you are guided to observe what comes to mind. Shifts in insight or changes in images, feelings, or beliefs about the event may occur. It should be noted that you can stop therapy at any moment if necessary. The sets of eye movements, sounds, or taps will be repeated until distress caused by the event decreases. EMDR therapy can be used as a standalone treatment or in conjunction with other forms of therapy offered through the Maxx Method.

To help paint you a picture of how EMDR therapy works, think of it like a cast for a broken bone. Unlike other forms of therapy, however, EMDR can be more uncomfortable than traditional treatments. It's important to be ready for possible emotional exhaustion afterward. To cope, you can create a relaxing playlist and plan some activities to unwind. Once the sessions are finished, take some time to recharge and decompress.

Who Should Use EMDR Therapy in Avondale, AZ?

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EMDR therapy is something anyone can benefit from. It's not only reserved for people with extreme experiences or traumas. Even mild cases of anxiety and depression can be treated by a trained EMDR coach like Christy Maxey. When you remember something that reminds you of a bad experience, your body might react like it's in danger, even if it's not. This is a normal reaction, but if it keeps happening, it can make you feel really stressed out. With EMDR, you can heal and learn new ways to cope without having to talk about exactly what happened. This can help you feel better and live your life without over-worrying and ruminating on negativity.

If you're one of the many people who have experienced lackluster results from one or more EMDR sessions, it's crucial that you do not give up hope. In fact, many men and women come to Christy Maxey having had poor EMDR experiences. Thankfully, they soon realize how impactful and fulfilling the therapy can be for trauma. That's especially true when combined with other therapies like Inner Child Healing and Guided Visualization. Of course, EMDR therapy in Avondale, AZ, isn't the best choice for every patient - after all, every person is different and responds to therapies in different ways.

To truly discover if EMDR therapy is the right choice for your mind and body, contact Christy ASAP to schedule your initial consultation. That way, you and Christy can get to know each other better and discover the best ways to promote long-term healing and well-being. With that said, patients choose EMDR treatments for many reasons. Some of the most common reasons for using EMDR therapy include the following:

  • Panic Attacks and Anxiety
  • PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome)
  • Eating Disorders like Bulimia, Anorexia, and More
  • Trauma from Abuse and Violence
  • Abusive or Violent Relationships
  • Rest and Sleep Problems
  • Social Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Childhood Trauma and Abuse
  • Anger and Sadness
  • Fear of Speaking in Public
  • Betrayal and Grief
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The Life-Changing Benefits of EMDR Therapy

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Though EMDR therapy is more popular than ever, many people are still unaware of its benefits and how life-changing the therapy can be for people who are stuck. If that sounds like you, keep these benefits in mind as you continue to research this amazing therapy choice.

Triumph Over Trauma

Triumph Over Trauma

Recovering from a traumatic experience can be extremely challenging, but EMDR therapy can provide a solution. Trauma can create triggers that make you feel like you're experiencing the event all over again. EMDR can help reorganize the thoughts, feelings, and experiences associated with the trauma so that you no longer feel controlled by it. While the effects of trauma may never completely disappear, EMDR can significantly reduce its impact on your life and enable you to live in the present without constantly reliving the past.

Enhance Your Mental Fortitude

Enhance Your Mental Fortitude

Achieving personal growth involves accepting one's identity, building self-esteem, and understanding the internal narratives that shape our daily experiences. EMDR and guided therapeutic processing can help create a peaceful, efficient, and confident setting for individuals to accept their past and move forward. This therapeutic process empowers individuals, providing them with the strength and courage to confront any obstacle that impedes their well-being.

Reshape Your Life

Reshape Your Life

During EMDR therapy sessions, traumatic events are broken down, enabling patients to gain a different perspective on negative events. This altered view can be as life-changing as the traumatic event itself, giving individuals greater control over how they adapt to the effects of trauma.

Overcome Circular Thinking

Overcome Circular Thinking

If you struggle with circular thinking patterns related to anxiety disorders, phobias, or generalized anxiety, EMDR therapy may be helpful. EMDR can assist you in overcoming these thought spirals by teaching you how to deal with your fears and worries without becoming overwhelmed by anxiety.

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Understanding the Phases of EMDR Therapy in Avondale, AZ

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According to the EMDR Institute, there are eight phases in traditional EMDR treatment:

The EMDR Institute has identified eight phases of EMDR therapy. These are:

  • History and Treatment Planning
  • Preparation
  • Assessment
  • Desensitization
  • Installation
  • Body scan
  • Closure
  • Reevaluation
History and Treatment Planning

History and Treatment Planning

During the initial stage of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, Christy will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your medical and emotional history and create a treatment plan. This stage involves discussing the particular issue that led you to seek therapy. You'll also identify behaviors and symptoms associated with the issues you're facing. Based on this information, Christy will develop a personalized treatment plan that outlines the goals to be addressed using EMDR therapy in Avondale, AZ:

  • The Traumas or Events Causing Issues
  • Present-Day Problems and Traumas Causing Distress
  • Healthy Behaviors and Skills Needed for Long-Term Well-Being
Preparation

Preparation

During this phase, Christy will explain the theory of EMDR, how it is applied, and what you can expect during and after treatment. Christy will then teach you several techniques for relaxation so that you have the tools to calm down in the event of emotional disturbance.

One of the biggest goals of this first phase is to establish trust between you and your EMDR coach. While you don't have to go into great detail about disturbing memories, if you don't trust your therapist, you may not accurately report what is felt and what changes you are or aren't experiencing. If your goal is to please the therapist and say you feel better when you really aren't, no therapy in the world will resolve your trauma.

Assessment

Assessment

In this phase, you will be prompted to access each target in a controlled manner so it can be effectively processed. Processing does not mean talking about it. From there, Christy identifies different parts of the target to be processed. The first step is for you to select a specific image or mental picture from the target event (identified during Phase One) that best represents the memory.

You then choose a positive statement that you would like to believe. The statement should have an internal sense of control, such as "I am valuable/lovable/a good person/in control" or "I can achieve success." In some cases, when the primary emotion is fear, such as after a natural disaster, the negative thought could be "I am in danger," and the positive thought could be "I am safe now." "I am in danger" is considered a negative thought because fear is no longer necessary, but it is still present in the nervous system. The positive thought should reflect what is appropriate in the present moment.

During this phase, you will also identify negative emotions like anger or fear and physical sensations that you associate with trauma.

Desensitization

Desensitization

This phase of EMDR therapy in Avondale, AZ, hones in on the disturbing sensations and emotions associated with your trauma and the ways that you respond to it. In doing so, patients often resolve similar events as well. The goal of this phase is to use sounds, taps, or eye movements with shifting focus until your subjective disturbance levels are lowered.

Installation

Installation

The goal here is to concentrate on the positive belief that you have identified to replace your negative belief(s). For example, you may have suffered child abuse in your younger years and hold the negative belief that you are powerless. Christy will help strengthen and install positive cognitions that reinforce the fact that you are in control, not the negative thoughts and emotions keeping you stuck.

Body Scan

Body Scan

Research into EMDR sessions indicates that physical responses to unresolved thoughts are common. After your positive cognition is fortified and installed, Christy will ask that you bring the original target event to the forefront of your mind. If she notices any additional body tension, those physical sensations are reprocessed. If you do not have any body tension or symptoms present when your original target event is brought up, your EMDR session is considered successful.

Closure

Closure

Typical EMDR sessions end with closure and a debriefing on what you can expect between your current and subsequent EMDR sessions. If necessary, Christy will provide calming techniques that you can use outside of therapy. This part of the EMDR process ensures that you leave Christy's office feeling better than you did at the beginning of the session.

Reevaluation

Reevaluation

This phase gives Christy insight into any other treatment plans that may be necessary for your healing and well-being. Like any type of sound therapy, reevaluation is critical in determining the success of your EMDR treatment over a period of time.

Reshape Your Life with EMDR Therapy from Christy Maxey

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Regardless of the events and trauma keeping you stuck, EMDR might be a viable solution for reclaiming your life. Christy Maxey provides patients with the safe space needed to do so. If you're ready to let go of past or present traumas and reclaim your love of life, EMDR therapy could be the first step on your healing journey. Contact our office today to learn more about the Maxx Method, EMDR therapy in Avondale, AZ, EMDR online, and how Christy Maxey can help you defeat the inner demons holding you back.

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Latest News in Avondale, AZ

Discover Outdoors at Avondale Tres Rios Nature Festival

Families and nature lovers are encouraged to enjoy the great outdoors on the banks of Avondale’s rivers. The annual Tres Rios Nature Festival takes place on Saturday and Sunday, February 25 – 26, 2023. Presented by Wildlife for Tomorrow, Tres Rios Nature Festival goers can look forward to another outstanding, weekend-long outdoor free event filled with activities for all ages.For nearly two decades, thousands of people have descended upon the confluence of the Gila, Salt, and Agua Fria rivers at Tres Rios Base & Meridi...

Families and nature lovers are encouraged to enjoy the great outdoors on the banks of Avondale’s rivers. The annual Tres Rios Nature Festival takes place on Saturday and Sunday, February 25 – 26, 2023. Presented by Wildlife for Tomorrow, Tres Rios Nature Festival goers can look forward to another outstanding, weekend-long outdoor free event filled with activities for all ages.

For nearly two decades, thousands of people have descended upon the confluence of the Gila, Salt, and Agua Fria rivers at Tres Rios Base & Meridian Wildlife Area for the annual festival, a celebration of the plants, animals, sustainability, ecological relationships, as well as many recreational opportunities of the area. Event planners anticipate over 10,000 people coming to enjoy nature center presentations, educational exhibitors, folk, bluegrass, and county entertainment presented by Desert Diamond Casino West Valley. Attendees will be able to see local birds, go canoeing or fishing with Arizona Game & Fish, view wildlife up close, enjoy a thrilling zip line, rock climb, and create a craft. Each day, the activities run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Getting There: The event is held at the Tres Rios Base & Meridian Wildlife Area, located adjacent to Phoenix Raceway in Avondale, approximately five miles south of I-10 on Avondale Boulevard (7602 Jimmie Johnson Dr. Avondale, AZ, 85323). Accessibility may be limited due to the location of the nature area. The location includes a half-mile walk from parking on an unpaved path surfacing and pedestrian transportation of the area is unavailable. Also, a free courtesy shuttle from the Old Town area, at the Avondale Resource Center (995 E. Riley Drive, Avondale) will take attendees to and from the event. Shuttle is provided by First Transit.

7:30 a.m. Bird Watching: Take a try at one of the most popular hobbies in the world, bird watching! Audubon experts will provide a guided tour of the local bird-watching opportunities. Some of the bird sightings may include osprey, red-tailed hawk, peregrine falcon, and orange-crowned warblers – and perhaps even a bald eagle. For those wanting to catch early bird views, join the Sonoran Audubon Society for an early bird hike of the area 7:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Sign-up is required; please email mcbobaz@aol.com or text 602-373-2952 to register.

Food: Food and beverages will be available for Purchase! There will be plenty of great food options to tease your taste buds.

There is no cost to attend. For more information, including the event schedule, visit www.avondaleaz.gov/tresrios or call 623-333-2400. Like us on Facebook or Instagram @CityofAvondale and @AvondaleParksandRec

The Tres Rios Nature Festival, hosted by City of Avondale, is sponsored by: Wildlife for Tomorrow; Discover Avondale; Desert Diamond Casino West Valley; Alamar; Sonoran Audubon Society. Partners; Arizona Game and Fish, Arizona Wildlife Federation; Arizona State University; City of Goodyear; Corazon Latino, Estrella Mountain Community College; Fallen Feathers; First Transit; Gila River Indian Community; Lower Gila River Collaboration; Rio Reimagined; Maricopa County Flood Control District; Soil and Water Conservation Society; The Arizona Trail; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services, and West Valley View.

Fired Avondale city manager files lawsuit against city, mayor and vice mayor

Charles Montoya, Avondale's former city manager, filed a lawsuit against Avondale, as well as Mayor Kenn Weise and Vice Mayor Veronica Malone after he was fired by the city in 2021.The lawsuit comes after Montoya filed a notice of claim against the city and the mayor earlier this year, accusing them of breaching his employment contract and defaming his character.The lawsuit was filed on Dec. 22 by Charles Montoya's lawyer Stephen Montoya, no relation to Charles Montoya.The lawsuit alleges that Montoya's em...

Charles Montoya, Avondale's former city manager, filed a lawsuit against Avondale, as well as Mayor Kenn Weise and Vice Mayor Veronica Malone after he was fired by the city in 2021.

The lawsuit comes after Montoya filed a notice of claim against the city and the mayor earlier this year, accusing them of breaching his employment contract and defaming his character.

The lawsuit was filed on Dec. 22 by Charles Montoya's lawyer Stephen Montoya, no relation to Charles Montoya.

The lawsuit alleges that Montoya's employment agreement with the city was violated, as well as the Arizona Employment Protection Act, the due process clauses of the Arizona and United States constitutions and an Arizona law prohibiting defamation of character.

Lead-up to lawsuit:Fired Avondale city manager airs grievances against city, mayor in claim

According to the filing, if Montoya were to be fired without cause, the city would have to pay him 10 months worth of salary. But if Montoya were to be fired with cause, the city would not have to pay him.

When Montoya was fired by the city in December 2021, he received a letter stating that he was being terminated with cause. Five allegations were cited, which the lawsuit argues were not supported by facts.

The reasons for Montoya's firing include several financial concerns and also state that Montoya misled city staff on his residency. The city required Montoya to live in Avondale.

And Stephen Montoya emphasized that Charles Montoya's employment agreement was violated because the city did not give him 30 days to cure any breaches. If something could reasonably be corrected within 30 days, Stephen Montoya said Charles Montoya would have been entitled to that time. And the reasons for Charles Montoya's firing were capable of being corrected, said Stephen Montoya.

The lawsuit states that Montoya was never given a warning and therefore had no chance to correct any misconduct. That's because the city knew he could quickly correct any errors, states the lawsuit.

The lawsuit alleges that the termination was driven by Weise and Malone, who were angry that Montoya would not give preferential treatment to their children for employment. The lawsuit states that Weise pressured Montoya to direct city staff to hire Weise's daughter's fiancé at the Avondale Fire Department.

Inquiry request:Avondale asks Arizona attorney general to investigate issues surrounding fired city manager

Additionally, the lawsuit states that members of the City Council were proposing legal actions to other members in private, which is a violation of an Open Meeting Law that requires such discussion to happen during public meetings, with advance notice given to the public.

The lawsuit alleges that Montoya made efforts to stop this practice, and Malone and Weise sought to terminate Montoya over his repeated complaints regarding the issue.

The lawsuit goes on to say that Montoya's character was defamed when Weise informed city employees that Montoya had been fired for "misconduct involving dishonesty," as well as when Weise previously told The Arizona Republic that Montoya had misled the city about his residency. Weise was aware that Montoya had sold his Avondale home and was relocating to another location within Avondale, states the lawsuit.

The situation has caused Montoya significant anxiety and has damaged his reputation, making it difficult for him to find another job, according to the lawsuit.

The filing asks for the city to re-hire Montoya as city manager as well as monetary compensation. The lawsuit also asks the city, Weise and Malone to retract statements that it states were defamatory.

Montoya, Weise, Malone and representatives from the city of Avondale declined to comment for this story.

Wood Partners breaks ground on 360-unit Alta Avondale

Today, Wood Partners, national leaders in the development of multifamily residential community builders, broke ground in Avondale, AZ. Avondale officials were there to welcome them during a formal groundbreaking ceremony on Sept. 29th, 2022. Once complete, the new community – Alta Avondale – will include 360 luxury apartment homes comprised of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom floor plans. This community is slated to open in early 2024....

Today, Wood Partners, national leaders in the development of multifamily residential community builders, broke ground in Avondale, AZ. Avondale officials were there to welcome them during a formal groundbreaking ceremony on Sept. 29th, 2022. Once complete, the new community – Alta Avondale – will include 360 luxury apartment homes comprised of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom floor plans. This community is slated to open in early 2024.

Located south of Interstate 10, off of Avondale Blvd., this new multi-family community will be centrally located in one of Avondale’s premier live-work-play destinations, The BLVD.

READ ALSO: 11 best neighborhoods in Phoenix for housing investments

READ ALSO: What do you need to know about higher interest rates as a buyer?

Kenneth Chapa, Avondale’s Economic Development & Tourism Director, said: “In the last couple of years, development at The BLVD has taken off. The vision of city leaders, to create an exciting destination for visitors and residents alike, has come to fruition. We are thrilled that Wood Partners, a national leader in multi-family real estate development, selected The BLVD for its latest development project here in the West Valley.”

Wood Partners’ Alta Avondale development will bring an additional 360 multifamily units to the 1,493 units either built, planned, or currently under construction at The BLVD.

“We immediately were intrigued by Avondale’s BLVD vision and wanted to be a part of its future. Avondale’s vigorous and hardworking economic development team immediately won us over, coupled with the strong demographics, infrastructure, and pro-business friendly environment,” said Clay Richardson managing director of Wood Partners.

About Wood Partners: Wood Partners is a national leader in the development, construction, and management of multifamily communities across the United States. The company has been involved in the acquisition and development of nearly 90,000 conventional multifamily homes with a combined capitalization of $17.3 billion. The company currently owns more than 70 properties across the United States representing over 20,000 homes. Headquartered in Atlanta, Wood Partners has offices in 22 major markets across 15 states nationwide.

About The BLVD: Anchored by American Sports Centers Avondale at the Randall McDaniel Sports Complex, The BLVD also comprises Aveda West Valley Institute, Tap2, Soda Bomb, Dutch Bros., Phoenix Children’s Hospital Physical Therapy, and New Penny Cafe; a three-story parking garage and an open space amenity with a lake water feature and a splash pad.

For more information about Wood Partners, visit woodpartners.com. To learn more about The BLVD contact the Avondale Local EDGE; an initiative of the Avondale Office of Economic Development. Follow Avondale EDGE at @AvondaleEDGE, visit the website, AvondaleLocalEDGE.com or call 623-333-1400.

Avondale superintendent explains chronic student absence solutions

Copy This Embed Code: Ad Posted at 4:48 AM, Mar 30, 2023and last updated 9:36 AM, Mar 31, 2023AVONDALE, AZ — A staggering number of students in Arizona are chronically absent from school.Chronically absent means a student has missed at least 18 days in a school year.But chronic absences are not happening in the Avondale Elementary School District where the superintendent, Dr. Betsy Hargrove, is leaning into her staff members across the district for ideas and feedback.Dr. Hargrove tells A...

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Posted at 4:48 AM, Mar 30, 2023

and last updated 9:36 AM, Mar 31, 2023

AVONDALE, AZ — A staggering number of students in Arizona are chronically absent from school.

Chronically absent means a student has missed at least 18 days in a school year.

But chronic absences are not happening in the Avondale Elementary School District where the superintendent, Dr. Betsy Hargrove, is leaning into her staff members across the district for ideas and feedback.

Dr. Hargrove tells ABC15, "So no matter what the set of circumstances are, Avondale takes a look at wherever our data is, how we want to improve it, develop a short cycle of improvement, try it, see what the results are, and then grow from there. We apply that system, that improvement science system to just about everything we do here in Avondale. And the results are outstanding.”

Desert Thunder School was just honored with a $50,000 Founders Award from the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching (NIET).

"Desert Thunder's strong system of teacher leadership and support empowers educators and students to grow at high levels," said NIET Founder Lowell Milken. "A focus on student-led learning prepares all Eagles to 'soar' academically and become responsible, confident and independent thinkers - skills critical to navigating learning and life. We commend Dr. Ryan LoMonaco and his staff, as well as the leadership under Superintendent Dr. Betsy Hargrove, for making educator effectiveness a priority."

Founder's Award recipients like Desert Thunder School are selected by NIET based on several factors, including its efforts to make instructional excellence the cornerstone of school improvement, plans for regular professional learning focused on real-time needs of teachers and students, creating a culture of collaboration and reflection, and leveraging teacher leaders to drive student growth.

Dr. Hargrove tells ABC15 the key to her district’s success is making sure kids come to school and helping the community focus on a well-devised system aimed at excellence. That means staff members, parents, children, and community leaders.

"We apply that improvement science system to just about everything we do here in Avondale and the results are outstanding," said Dr. Hargrove.

Copyright 2023 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Avondale third graders receive full-ride college scholarships

Copy This Embed Code: Ad AVONDALE, AZ — Dozens of elementary school students received a special surprise to help them along their educational journey on Wednesday.Third-grade students in Avondale will be able to get a head start after receiving college scholarships.While many were in attendance at the Avondale Elementary School District, only a few people knew what was to come."This is very surprising. We are very grateful. It just took us like a bucket of cold water,” said parent Ana Verdi...

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AVONDALE, AZ — Dozens of elementary school students received a special surprise to help them along their educational journey on Wednesday.

Third-grade students in Avondale will be able to get a head start after receiving college scholarships.

While many were in attendance at the Avondale Elementary School District, only a few people knew what was to come.

"This is very surprising. We are very grateful. It just took us like a bucket of cold water,” said parent Ana Verdin.

Verdin was excited to learn that her third-grade son from Michael Anderson School would receive a full-ride college scholarship.

"He was like, 'woah,' just whispered into my ear, 'I am going to be a scientist,'” added Verdin.

Cristobal Verdin was among dozens getting help from the Rosztoczy Foundation on Wednesday.

"The whole idea is just to introduce the program to them, get them comfortable with the idea, and really get them started with thinking about their future,” said Tom Rosztoczy.

Rosztoczy and his family are behind the College Promise Scholarships.

Students are eligible when promoted from the Michael Anderson School into the Agua Fria School District.

"Our four children all went to college, and we were trying to figure out the difference between our kids and the kids in this neighborhood,” added Rosztoczy.

Veronica Sanchez tells ABC15 she is relieved knowing her 9-year-old son got one of the scholarships.

"I mean, the way this world is going; I know I can't afford it. In what, 10 years? There is no way,” said Sanchez.

She said her son likes school and wants to go far, but had been considering only a spot in the Army.

"I started crying and he just looked over at me. He said, 'Mom, it is OK,' and I just said, 'you have no clue what this means,'” added Sanchez.

Since 2012, The Rosztoczy Foundation has handed out the College Promise Scholarships three times and at five different schools.

Rosztoczy says more than 350 students have benefited, many of them from the Betsy Hargroves School District.

"That absolutely gives me goosebumps even saying it again. It truly does clear the pathway for children to dream to do anything they want to do,” said Avondale School District Superintendent Dr. Betsy Hargrove.

Copyright 2023 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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