FREE Couponing Class on Wednesday, May 25th

Many women locally have been begging me to teach a couponing class.  Tomorrow (WEDNESDAY May 25th) I am teaching a FREE class at Estes Elementary.

11279 W. Grier Road. Marana, AZ

They said that anyone from the community is welcome to attend.  The class will be held in the library at 3:30 p.m..  You are welcome to bring a friend. 

For those of you who live far away,  here is the information on how I organize my coupons.

Pinching Your Pennies is a free website that lists weekly deals with coupons. Click on the current list. I love that they give the deals STAR ratings. You know that 4 or 5 stars is a great deal.

If you live outside Arizona, click here to see the deals listed by other States!

Click here for information on organizing and couponing in Arizona.

Want to Increase Your Couponing Savings even more?

If you are wanting to seriously coupon, there are websites that charge to see a more intense list of coupons matched with what is on sale. Couponsense is the most used here in Arizona. They have a more comprehensive list for the serious couponer. They teach you how to combine online loadable coupons with manufacturer coupons to get even better deals. Right now they have a promotion for those who want to try it. $4 for the first month and $15 each month after. You can cancel at any time.  

I think I save at least $15 extra each week using Couponsense than I did using Pinching Your Pennies.

I also saved so much time using Couponsense.  Before I was copying and pasting each individual deal I wanted to use from Pinching Your Pennies to make my list.  Then, I'd go by each deal and cut out the individual coupons.  Couponsense cut at least 2-3 hours off my couponing last week.  You click on the deals you want to use, it generates you a shopping list per store and a coupon cutting list that tells you that from this specific Sunday insert, you need these coupons for your deals.  I'm LOVING this.

If you choose to try Couponsense, use the promo code:  enjoy the savings

Select Referred by friend and enter Stephanie Ashcraft.  It should show Andrea VanHorn as your instructor.  She lives here in Arizona and is one of the top 10 couponers in their company.

Newspaper Subscriptions

AZ Daily Star- $4.30 per month for Sunday paper. www.azstarnet.com

AZ Republic- Multiple Sunday Papers available. More expensive. More coupons. https://subscribe.azcentral.com/circpromos/promopages/pinchingyourpennies.php

AZ Republic- $1 per week for 1 Sunday paper https://subscribe.azcentral.com/circpromos/promopages/2010_deal_blogger.php

Printable Coupon Sources

There are so many ways to get coupons. 

Lately I realized that I am using more printable coupons than coupons from the Sunday paper. You can get printable coupons from so many sources for pretty much everything you need for your family. FYI-Most of these websites reset their coupons and add coupons at the beginning of each month. Some even reset coupons on the 15th so you can print them again.

• Arm & Hammer
• Betty Crocker
• Blue Bunny
• Box Tops For Education
• Cool Savings
• Coupon Bug
• Coupon Loop
• Coupon Surfer
• Coupons.com
• CVS Savings Central
• Eat Better America
• Home Made Simple
• Libby's
• Nestle
• Pillsbury
• Proctor & Gamble eSaver
• Red Plum
• SmartSource
• Target Coupon here and here

Does anyone have an extra vacuum?

We are purchasing a Dyson in a couple of weeks and we need to borrow a vacuum until we can get it. Does anyone have an extra one we could borrow?

Thanks!

Danielle

Stationary Bike

Willa Mae Patterson, who recently had knee replacement surgery is in need of borrowing  a stationary bicycle for a month or two to help with her therapy. 


If you are willing to allow her to borrow yours, or know of one please call her @ 682-6725


Thanks so much!!

Grade School Curriculum

Does anyone know the differences between Saxon and Spalding Language Arts Curriculum? We're trying to compare Legacy and Sonoran but aren't very familiar with either curriculum. And what does MUSD use? Thanks!

Summer Art Tour Program

Through Marana Parks and Rec there is a fun looking (and cheap) program. I'm interested in it, but don't know if I really want to commit to driving to Twin Peaks Elementary everyday. Would anyone be interested in car pooling? I would be looking at the first session (6/6-6/23).

Here's the link to the program guide (go to page 8 for this program).

ACME Studios-Mystery Art Tour-After Summer School
Mystery Art Tour Express: Take a ride on the A.C.M.E. express for
your trip around the world. Experience ethnic art forms by creating
them yourself. These “mini vacation workshops” will let you know
where the A.C.M.E express will take you!
5-12 YEARS OLD
0511.106 2:30pm-5:30pm
Mon-Thu
TP (Twin Peaks) $36.00(R)/$45.00(N) 6/6/11-6/23/11
0511.107 2:30pm-5:30pm
Mon-Thu
TP $36.00(R)/$45.00(N) 6/27/11-7/14/11
Note the 2nd week of this session runs Tue-Fri due to the holiday.

MUSD GEM testing

I have children going into both 1st grade and kindergarten this coming school year and I have to say, the second time through hasn't been smooth sailing, but it is going much better than trying to figure out the school system before you even have kids in school.

To hopefully help other Mom's who are first timers in this school district, here is a little information I really could have used a year ago!

Do you have a child going into KINDERGARTEN this next fall? Do you want to have your child tested to be in the Gifted Education in Marana (GEM) program at school? check out the district website here: http://www.maranausd.org/index.aspx?NID=4067 to learn more about the testing.

Contact your GEM teacher for your school by clicking on their name for their email address in the GEM teacher directory here: http://www.maranausd.org/index.aspx?NID=3819

If you look at the dates for testing online it says May 31-33. kind of funny. I don't think the gifted teachers wrote that. lol
(I looked online last year for this info and could not find it anywhere, maybe it was there, but it wasn't easy to find, in fact I was told that there is no GEM for kids until 2nd grade. FALSE.)

The Estes GEM teacher is Kristine Stewart. I had the chance to meet her this last Friday and I wish I had met her a year ago! She is so nice and really took the time to answer a million questions from me!

She sent out some info on testing for the incoming kindergartners:
Students entering kindergarten in SY 2011-2012 may take the Cognitive Abilities Test.
There are two sessions:
Session One: May 31, June 1, June 2nd
or
Session Two: July 26, 27 and 28
Your child would need to complete one session (all three days in a row) to take the entire test.
The test is in the Twin Peaks library, from 8:30-11:00. Your child will need to attend all three testing days in order to complete the entire assessment. If you have a child (or know of a neighborhood kid) who you would like to refer for testing, please let me know and I can get you the appropriate forms and information. - Kristine Stewart


I emailed her a few times to make sure the information is all there, however I already have a few questions to ask when I contact her to get the paperwork. (like the address of the testing site, just to make sure) I would suggest you communicate with the teacher for your school to have the least amount of mis-communication!


As you can tell above, if you want to have your child tested, contact the GEM teacher for your school, get the right paperwork and find out how to sign up for the test!

I can't believe my Travis is going into kindergarten!!! I'm still not ready for that. :)

Help Marana Heritage Farm to win a fruit tree orchard!

We Need Your Votes! Help the Marana Farm Win an Orchard

The Community Food Bank’s own Marana Farm is in the running for an entire orchard of fruit trees! All we need to make this happen? Your vote throughwww.CommunitiesTakeRoot.com. Once you register you can vote up to once daily to give the Marana Farm and our community the best chance at having this resource planted here.

Voting for “Communities Take Root” will run on or about April 15 – August 31, 2011. Visit www.CommunitiesTakeRoot.com to read the inspiring nominations and cast your vote. The communities with the most votes will receive a fruit tree orchard, which will be planted in partnership with the Fruit Tree Planting Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to planting fruit trees to support healthy nutrition worldwide.

“Dreyer’s is passionate about helping neighborhoods become greener, healthier and of course, sweeter. Last year, tens of thousands of people voted at www.CommunitiesTakeRoot.com to help select which 25 neighborhoods would receive a public orchard. After the votes were tallied, “It was amazing to witness people from all walks of life coming together in each community to help plant the fruit trees,” says Jia Li, Fruit Bars Associate Brand Manager.

Swim Lessons!

It's that time of year again. A few of you have asked me about Swim Lesson offered at Marana High School: Wade McLean Pool
Marana High School
12000 W. Emigh Road
Marana, AZ 85743
(520) 616-6500

The cost is $20 for a two week session (4 days a week- 8 lessons total)

This is an awesome deal, and we had great swim instructors last year. I wouldn't say they are the best instructors you can find... but for $20, they are awesome!!!

Registration for the first 2 sessions is popular. The website indicates that registration for these two sessions begin @7:30 am... but I'd go sooner if you want a guaranteed spot!

Registration is: Friday, May 27

For more information Check out their Website!!

*they also offer swim team, which we love! For a whopping $20 -for the entire Summer! Your child can swim in the morning practice or afternoon practice or BOTH!

-as a side note, the site says the min age for swim team is 6yrs old, but if they can swim the length of the pool, unassisted... they can enroll!

If you are interested in the Marana Marlins Swim team, which practices at the Ora Mae Harn Pool. The cost is $50 for the season and info can be found here

-click on the program guide.

Feel free to post questions or comments regarding Swim Lessons/Swim Team!! others may benefit from your input!

Bountiful Baskets

Several of you already know this, but for those who might not:
Bountiful Baskets has a pick up location at Estes Elementary in Marana. This is very handy for those of us who live a little 'outside' of town.
They are a volunteer based program, so if those of us who take advantage of this location could donate a Saturday morning, this location pick up is sure to stick!

This is a picture of what I picked up this morning. I paid $15 (I believe there is a $4 charge for first times buyers)

New Little Busy Bodies Preschool Blog

Hello! Little Busy Bodies Preschool now has a blog (thanks, Cherise)! Please check it out with the link below. This blog provides a quick and easy way to take a look at what my preschool has to offer your child. Please take a look and spread the word. Thank you!

www.littlebusybodiespreschool.blogspot.com

Amber Kunz

amber_kunz24@yahoo.com

FEMINA Blog

I can feel myself being more encouraged by the minute.

"Mothers: As you keep feeding your children, behold, they do grow! Keep your homes, build your homes. All your washing and shopping and planning and cooking and cleaning and swatting is used by God to make faithful homes and faithful children."

Check out the whole Blog Post HERE over at Femina.

Summer Horse Camp

Welcome to Wellspring Farm Summer Horse Camp
June 6-June 10
July 11-July 15
Mon-Thurs 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Wed is picture day
Fri 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. with Horse Show & games from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
$300 for the week session
Apply online or Call 520-403-8025
www.Wellspringfarm.net 

31 cent Scoop night at Baskin Robbins

Remember, April 27th is 31 Cent Scoop Nignt at Baskin Robbins. Help support the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation by visiting your local Baskin Robbins from 5pm - 10pm for 31 cent ice cream scoops! Thanks go to Baskin Robbins for already donating $100,000 to the NFFF

FREE Car Seat Check

Got a little one in a CAR SEAT and want to have it checked to see if it is installed correctly? Thursday morning at the Target on Oracle @ Roger can be your answer. Expectant moms and grandparents are welcome too. They can handle about 5 or 6 appointments that morning.

If you are interested, please email Dianne VanHorn to put your name on the list and to get the time at dvaccount@q.com

GroopDealz: Foldable flats $10 for $20

Here's a great deal $10 for $20 on Foldable Flats. They are so cute and comfortable.

Here's the link:

http://groopdealz.com/index/index/deal/188/ref/35977

They are by Fit in Clouds.

Power Of Moms WorkShop Cancelled!

Hi Ladies, We just wanted to let you know that the Power Of Moms workshop for this weekend has been cancelled! For those who have sent money we will give a full refund! Thanks, Danielle, Jamie, and Jenn

Disney DVD Upgrade Deal

If any of you own Cars or The Incredibles there is an awesome upgrade deal at Disney Movie Rewards. You enter the UPC from your current DVD and get coupons for the blu-ray combo packs ($8 off Cars and $10 off The Incredibles). At Best Buy if you buy both combo packs for $24.99 each on the same transaction, you get an additional $10 off. Plus, both combo packs come with a voucher for a Cars 2 movie ticket, up to $8.50. So, really, you are getting each combo pack for $2.50 after all the discounts. Can't get much better than that! These deals are only good through 4/17/11.

Power of Moms Workshop

We just wanted to let you know about a three-part Power of Moms Workshop Series we are putting on.  It will take place on Saturday, April 16, 2011, from 2:00-5:30pm, at the Holiday Inn Express at Grant and I-10 in Tucson. (1564 W. Grant Rd, Tucson, AZ 85745)

The workshop is called Boundaries, Balance, and Becoming: Taking Care of the Person Inside the Mom.   We will be leading discussions about how we as moms can take care of ourselves emotionally, physically, and mentally and how this will benefit our families.

For all the details about this workshop please visit our page on the Power of Moms website. 

http://powerofmoms.com/empowering-opportunities/retreats/upcoming-retreats-and-workshops/half-day-workshop-series-saturday-april-16th/

You can register and pay via PayPal from the website or you can contact us at azpowerofmoms@gmail.com to register and pay by check.  Space is limited to 25 participants so that we can have some really great discussions and really learn from each other, so act fast!

Hope to see you there!  This workshop is open to the public and we would love for you to pass the info on to anyone you might think would be interested in attending.

Thanks so much,

Jamie East, Jenn Nelson, and Danielle Monson

Certified POM Trainers

azpowerofmoms@gmail.com

The Power of Moms organization is dedicated to helping moms everywhere realize their potential and influence.  When deliberate mothers connect they will grow themselves, build each other, and shape the future.  Please visit us at www.powerofmoms.com to see how you can connect and mother with a purpose.

Photos

http://lightbulbphotography.blogspot.com/

I have a niece who is looking for some opportunities to take family pictures. This is the link to her photography blog & contact information.

Gladden Farms Spring Duathlon - Sat April 2nd!

Hey Moms... The 2nd Annual Gladden Farms Spring Duathlon is set for Sat April 2nd. This year we will be featuring a KIDS RACE! This is going to be so much fun. Lots of families have already registered their kiddos. We even have a pee-wee division for ages 4 and under!

All of the info can be found at www.gladdenfarmsevents.blogspot.com

Bring your cameras for the race and stick around after for our great finish line food and raffle! See you there.

Jen Lynn

Joy School

Hey Moms!

I am moving into the Twin Peaks/Silverbell area and looking to start up or join a joy school group. I have done joy school with my daughter and she LOVES it. I am looking for another great group for next year and wanted to see how many people would be interested. If you are not familiar with joy school you can get more information at http://www.valuesparenting.com . It is basically a co-op preschool teaching values along with academics. I love it and the kids have so much fun! Plus, it saves a few bucks and you get to be involved in your child's education. If you are interested please send me an e-mail indicating your interest level (sure I sign up for everything, curious/maybe, count me in, etc). I will see how much interest there is and we will plan a meeting for mid summer to finalize plans for the year with those interested. If you have more questions feel free to e-mail me too.
cgrhoton@gmail.com

Internet Safety

Maybe I am behind the times, but we have not
had a filter on our computer because I thought
since they could only get on when I put in the
password, and the computer is in the family
room, my kids were safe. Not so! Several times,
inappropriate images have popped up when they
typed something that had no relation, and I thought
it was a fluke thing. But after my child was trying
to get on her Webkinz, and mistyped it- getting the
last letter off and it sent her straight to a porn site,
I realized, I have to protect my kids! They are being
targeted-it's not a fluke thing!
So I found this K9 Web Proctection site to download
for free, and it is working like a charm. Just thought
I would pass along the info.
http://www1.k9webprotection.com/

Little Busy Bodies Preschool 2011-2012

I have been telling anyone who has inquired that I am not doing preschool next year, but I'm just not happy with that decision. So I've changed my mind! I'm now planning on running a M/W 3-4 class.

For anyone in search of a preschool, my name is Amber Kunz and I run Little Busy Bodies Preschool from my home in Continental Ranch (7509 W. Mission View Pl...if you want to Google it). I received my degree from BYU in Elementary and Early Childhood Education, so this is something that I have been trained to do. I taught second grade for two years and have taught several summers in various preschools. My program will be both academic and structured, but most importantly FUN, fostering those social skills that your child needs to be successful. Although I do not have a "professional" establishment, I do run my preschool as such. In fact, the reason that I began this endeavor was due to the fact that I wasn't finding the type of professional preschool that I wanted for my son within the community. My goal is to provide a developmentally appropriate learning experience for your children through active, hands-on learning. I want the children to enjoy themselves while they are at school and learn through play. I also believe that the heart of every classroom should be literacy. I plan on using quality children's books as the vehicle through which we learn the alphabet, writing, numbers, science, cooking, and more.

For the 2011-2012 school year, I will be offering one class: M/W, 9am-12pm, for 3-4 year olds. Your child needs to turn 3 by August 1, 2011. I will keep class size at 6 children (including my daughter). Monthly tuition will be $100. Along with a completed registration packet, a non-refundable registration fee of $50 is required to hold your child's spot as well as assist me in purchasing classroom materials (crayons, markers, journals, etc.) .

If you are interested, please email me and I will send you a sneak peek slide show which will give you a better idea of my set up and range of activities.

Thanks!!

Amber Kunz

amber_kunz24@yahoo.com

St. Patrick's Day Printables and Crafts

If you would like a free printable St. Patrick's Day worksheet, head over here!
http://www.supermommoments.com/2011/02/green/

She also has a tutorial for a fun St. Patrick's day craft. A modern themed Leperchaun mobile. Super cute!
http://www.supermommoments.com/2011/03/st-patrick-rainbow-decoration/

‘Bath and Body Works’ Foaming Soap

Do you love Bath and Body Works foaming soap dispensers? We love them here, but I have some fragrances that I love more that they don't carry in soap. For example, I love the new Secret Wonderland. 

All you have to do is buy the shower gel. Fill to [about] the line seen below. and fill the rest with water. I shake it up really well mixing the gel with the water. Then I have a refilled bottle for WAY cheaper. Plus, my favorite fragrance!

If it's not foaming right try a little more gel or a little more water. -but I have never had a problem :)

Baby sitters?

Hi moms! I am new to town and am getting to the point with my daughter, who is almost one, where I need a baby sitter!!! I am a single mom, so dad isn't on hand and the grandparents don't do evenings well....

Does anyone have someone they could share?
How much do you pay your baby sitter?

Thank you,
Sara

Free Fridge

Sorry to post again but I didn't get contact information from some people that commented or messaged me. I had a couple people who expressed interest then never get back, or some change their minds. So she is back on the market.  seadving@aol.com

Mutton Bustin' Western Heritage Arena (frontage road South of the Marana Exit)

If you are interested in Mutton Bustin' (or sheep riding)

Here's the info I gathered:
EVERY FRIDAY (during the season, check the website for dates)
up 70 lbs (no minimum weight, it's up to your discretion)
Cost is $5 to enter
Registration is at 6:30pm, Rodeo starts at 7pm
*includes helmet and protective vest to borrow*

Admission to the arena is $5 for adults -kids are free.


(My sons Kayden and Bentley are doing it this Friday if anyone wants to join us! It's fun, and hilarious... we've done it before. My son Kayden wants to do it again!)

http://www.maranaheritagearena.com/index.html

2.99 Dozen Doughnuts

Safeway marks their Doughnuts to 2.99 EVERYDAY at 6pm.
This would be an inexpensive treat for a birthday or for a group of people you are feeding!

Free Fridge

Free Fridge

We bought a new fridge and this one is just sitting in the garage. It has plenty of years on it, but I think that it would look nice with a fresh coat of teal-sih paint and chrome handles. None the less it would be a good garage fridge. Let me know if you are interested!

New Preschool

I am starting a preschool at my house this fall. I am located in Gladden Farms. If you would like more information or have questions, please contact me at: lmichels at gmail dot com.

Neat site for Kids

I found that Education.com is a good place to go help me work on ABC's with my son. I use the 'worksheets' tab and find what I am looking for by age & activity type. They have several different ideas from Preschool to High School.

Crayons Craft

I am doing a craft  for Valentines day with my kids and am looking for old or broken crayons. Call me or drop them by my mail box if you have any to spare. Thanks!
Renee 682-3994

 This is such a cute idea..you might be tempted to make them yourself. Crayon Valentines

Flat Rate Book Sale, three days left

I usually post this right when they start it, but apparently I missed the first email. So you only have until Feb 10th. I wouldsuggest not working on it on the evening of the 10th as I have seen the website get REALLY REALLY slow with so many people trying to make their books at the last minute...of course I wasn't one of them ;)

In case you have been waiting for another FLAT RATE book sale

100 pages for about $20 (maybe less this time?)

WINKFLASH.com has it again!

They don't have the best layouts or the best website, but they always have this AWESOME sale.

I have ordered two or three of these books and I love them, you can't get 100 page book anywhere else for this price.

http://www.winkflash.com

Upcoming Meetings about the proposed 20 extra school days

Below you will find Dr. Wilson’s scheduled attendance at upcoming PTO meetings to discuss the proposed extra 20 days to be added to the school year.  Please feel free to contact either the superintendent's office or the particular school to confirm Dr. Wilson’s attendance, correct time, etc.

Date	Time	School
2/1/11	1:00 PM	Marana Middle School
2/1/11	6:00 PM	Desert Winds Elementary/Picture Rocks  Intermediate @ Picture Rocks
2/2/11	6:00 PM	Estes Elementary School
2/8/11	7:00 PM	Rattlesnake Ridge Elementary School
2/9/11	6:00 PM	Thornydale Elementary School
2/15/11	6:00 PM	DeGrazia Elementary School
3/2/11	6:30 PM	Twin Peaks Elementary School
3/3/11	11:30 AM	Marana High School

Here is a review written by Jenny Cawley:

"I have been asked to compile this note in reference to MUSD's proposal to extend their school calendar to 200 days.  I intend to share my experience from the Coyote Trail PTO meeting I attended on Wednesday, January 12th. I am encouraging every parent to attend your school's PTO meeting.  Dr. Doug Wilson, MUSD's superintendent, is making the rounds to each district schools January or February PTO meeting.   They are coming up quickly.  I decided to attend CT's meeting despite not being a CT parent because I had received some e-mail communication in regards to the proposal.  I spoke to one of my childrens' teachers at school about the proposal and was concerned about some of the things she said about it. I wanted to get information firsthand as quickly as I could so I could be informed and prepared. I am planning on attending the meetings at each of three MUSD schools my children attend, if possible, to become more educated. The following is what I learned from Dr. Wilson and from observation of other parents and staff that were in attendance.

1. MUSD is starting a dialogue in regards to extending their calendar to 200 days.  There will be no added vacation or holidays. There will no additional staff inservice days.  They will keep 1/2 day Fridays because of teacher contracts. The current MUSD calendar is at 180 days. This will add 20 school days. Vail School District has been used as a comparison but they do not have a 200 day calendar.  They have a year round 180 day calendar. See it here http://www.vail.k12.az.us/our-schools/student-calendar/2009-2010. Dr. Wilson used Vail as an example but it was misleading since the number of calendar days are NOT the same.  Dr. Wilson also passed out a sample calendar.  He did say that he created it and it did not come from the committee that is suggesting this proposal.  This 2012-2013 calendar showed the last day of school as May 31st and the first day on July 16th.

2. Dr. Wilson stated that there is an Arizona state law that has been on record for 8 or nine years.  This law gives an additional 5% funding increase to districts that have a 200 day calendar.  There is only one school district in Arizona that has taken advantage of the statute.  It is the Balsz School District in Phoenix.  It is in a low income area near Thomas Road and the Red Mountain Freeway. I googled it and did some reading.  I asked Dr. Wilson why more districts were not taking advantage of this statute.  He replied that it was because people don't like change and eventually all schools will go to a 200 day calendar. This is his opinion.  He said there are approximately 5 schools west of the Mississippi that have a 200 day schedule. Most are 180-185 days. There are no current statistics or studies that say a 200 day calendar shows any increase in academic performance.

3.  I asked Dr. Wilson about the fact that MUSD is currently using a 180 day curriculum and would they being getting any new curriculum or extensions to the current one.  The answer was no.  Teachers are going to be able to enrich the curriculum they currently are using.  There were several teachers in attendance.  Mrs. McGarity from Rattlesnake Ridge was there.  She said that she is on the fence.  She does not feel that her middle schooler and high schooler would benefit from more school days but she sees how other students could.  I thought she was very fair.  Two other teachers spoke for the proposal.  I don't remember specifically what they said.

4.  Dr. Wilson stated that the 5% increase would allow for teacher pay raises in 2012-2013.  I intend to ask at another meeting if this will be a one time increase or if it will be annual.  This was not clear.

5.  The AZ legislature passed three new education laws in the last session.  The first is Move On When Reading which mandates that all 3rd graders must be reading at a 3rd grade reading level to be promoted to 4th grade.  If they don't they will be retained.  The 2nd is Move On When Ready. You can read about it here http://www.expectmorearizona.org/blog/2010/02/15/move-on-house-bill-provides-motivated-high-school-students-with-way-to-advance-when-ready/.  Move On When Ready is optional.
The third is a teacher tenure bill that makes teachers more accountable for their students standardized test scores.
Dr. Wilson stated that all of these new directives are a cause for expanding the calendar.

6. Dr.Wilson stated that currently an extended day calendar is not tied to the expiring budget override election in November.  That 10% override will continue some basic services like activity buses.  I am not sure what else is tied into it.  I expect we will hear more on those provisions soon.  However, the intent may be to attach it to the override if or when the School Board approves it.

7.  6-7 parents raised concerns about the extended calendar infringing on the time they spend with their children.They are in essence adding a month of school with weekend homework and projects. Dr. Wilson said that "culture" will have to change. One parent brought up the issue of student athletes that are in club sports.  These athletes participate in tournaments that extend through July or August.  Dr. Wilson said the people will have to make hard choices.  He cited Vail again but the parent rebutted saying that she knows for a fact the Vail students miss school to attend their tournaments. Parents also asked why the district wasn't considering an extended school day, or extended fall and spring breaks.  The answer was they will not get the additional funding.  It has to be 200 days.

This is most of what I took notes on and remember. I'm sure I missed things as well.  That is why I am encouraging everyone to attend any meeting you can."

Marana Elected Governing School Board Members

Mr.John Lewandowski J.W.Lewandowski@maranausd.org

Mr.Tom Carlson T.A.Carlson@maranausd.org

Ms.Suzanne Hopkins S.V.Hopkins@maranausd.org

Ms.Manibel Lopez M.Z.Lopez@maranausd.org

Mr. Dan Post D.K.Post@maranausd.org

Superintendent

Dr. Doug Wilson MUSD6@maranausd.org

Assistant Superintendent,
Carolyn Dumler C.M.Dumler@maranausd.org

Assistant Superintendent
Dr. Jan Truitt J.L.Truitt@maranausd.org

Director of Operations
Dan Contorno D.J.Contorno@maranausd.org

Marana Unified School District
Suite 106
11279 W. Grier Rd.
Marana, AZ  85653


Phone: (520) 682-4774
FAX: (520) 682-2421


Hours of Operation
7:30 am to 4:00 pm

Hurry: $10 for $20 Gift Card to Amazon.com

presented by Living Social

$10 for $20 Gift Card to Amazon.com


This will go quickly!!!  Listed under Phoenix, Tucson, or Washington D.C..  I <3 Living Social today!

FREE Couponing Class TONIGHT

Many women locally have been begging me to teach a couponing class.  Tonight (TUESDAY 01/18) I am teaching a FREE class for a women's group at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints building that is located at:

13450 North Lon Adams Road, Marana, AZ

They said that anyone from the community is welcome to attend.  The class will be held in the gym at 6:30 p.m..  You are welcome to bring a friend. 

For those of you who live far away,  here is the information on how I organize my coupons.

Pinching Your Pennies is a free website that lists weekly deals with coupons. Click on the current list. I love that they give the deals STAR ratings. You know that 4 or 5 stars is a great deal.

If you live outside Arizona, click here to see the deals listed by other States!

Click here for information on organizing and couponing in Arizona.

Want to Increase Your Couponing Savings even more?

If you are wanting to seriously coupon, there are websites that charge to see a more intense list of coupons matched with what is on sale. Couponsense is the most used here in Arizona. They have a more comprehensive list for the serious couponer. They teach you how to combine online loadable coupons with manufacturer coupons to get even better deals. Right now they have a promotion for those who want to try it. $4 for the first month and $15 each month after. You can cancel at any time.  

I think I save at least $15 extra each week using Couponsense than I did using Pinching Your Pennies.

I also saved so much time using Couponsense.  Before I was copying and pasting each individual deal I wanted to use from Pinching Your Pennies to make my list.  Then, I'd go by each deal and cut out the individual coupons.  Couponsense cut at least 2-3 hours off my couponing last week.  You click on the deals you want to use, it generates you a shopping list per store and a coupon cutting list that tells you that from this specific Sunday insert, you need these coupons for your deals.  I'm LOVING this.

If you choose to try Couponsense, use the promo code:  enjoy the savings

Select Referred by friend and enter Stephanie Ashcraft.  It should show Andrea VanHorn as your instructor.  She lives here in Arizona and is one of the top 10 couponers in their company.

Newspaper Subscriptions

AZ Daily Star- $4.30 per month for Sunday paper. www.azstarnet.com

AZ Republic- Multiple Sunday Papers available. More expensive. More coupons. https://subscribe.azcentral.com/circpromos/promopages/pinchingyourpennies.php

AZ Republic- $1 per week for 1 Sunday paper https://subscribe.azcentral.com/circpromos/promopages/2010_deal_blogger.php

Printable Coupon Sources

There are so many ways to get coupons. 

Lately I realized that I am using more printable coupons than coupons from the Sunday paper. You can get printable coupons from so many sources for pretty much everything you need for your family. FYI-Most of these websites reset their coupons and add coupons at the beginning of each month. Some even reset coupons on the 15th so you can print them again.

• Arm & Hammer
• Betty Crocker
• Blue Bunny
• Box Tops For Education
• Cool Savings
• Coupon Bug
• Coupon Loop
• Coupon Surfer
• Coupons.com
• CVS Savings Central
• Eat Better America
• Home Made Simple
• Libby's
• Nestle
• Pillsbury
• Proctor & Gamble eSaver
• Red Plum
• SmartSource
• Target Coupon here and here

family/adult doctor

Ok sorry, another request for a doctor..a family or adult doctor for my husband. Does anyone know of a good one? Or has any one been to the new one by doctor Bean's office of Ina..right as you pull into his complex? Thanks!

podiatrist

Any body know of a good podiatrist around this area?

MUSD wanting to add days to school calendar

Hi everyone. I just wanted to make sure that everyone knew that MUSD is contemplating adding 20 more days to the school calendar. Who wants this??? For me, this is not what I want as a mother. I want my children home with me. The school system has encroached on our time with our children cutting summer breaks from 3 months now to basically 2. I don't want to only have a month with them. I want to have time with my children to love them, teach them, instill within them the morals I believe to be important--those of honesty, integrity, wholesome entertainment with family, and the plain simple fact that the family is a very important unit. The school gets them 10 months out of the year. I want them the other 2!!!!

If this is passed, it will also be difficult for my teenagers --and yours too---to secure summer employment where they can learn valuable life lessons, but also importantly, to save for college and missions. I understand that this will come as part of the bond vote, but I am unsure as to when that is exactly. My friend on the PTO at Marana High School, Tina Laulusa, and I will choose to fight this and I will stand up for my time with my family. Please study this, be aware of this, and take action with this.

If you have any questions, please email me or Tina and we will try to help you find answers. Please attend the meetings that will be held at the local schools. Coyote Trail Elementary will be having a meeting on this Wednesday night at 6 pm.

Baby Changing Table for sale

White baby changing table with changing pad for only $20. Needs touched up with paint, but other than that it is in great condition.

Call Stephanie at 407-6364 if you are interested.

Location:  Gladden Farms/ Marana, AZ 

$30 for One Month of Unlimited Zumba Dance Fitness Classes at Pointe of Grace ($60 Value)

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Marana/Tucson Deal:

$30 for One Month of Unlimited Zumba Dance Fitness Classes at Pointe of Grace ($60 Value)

Deal ends in 2 days!  The studio is located off the Twin Peaks Exit on Silverbell.  For those of you who hear the moms and teachers at Estes talking about Zumba.  This is where everyone goes.

4 of the Zumba night classes are taught by Kim Aguirre, 3rd grade teacher, at Estes.  She's pretty amazing.  I bought the deal and hope to see some of you there!

Click to see the deal for your city!

T-ball and Baseball Registration!

If you are interested... Registration for Baseball is Saturday January 8th.  See the website for more details

http://www.maranalittleleague.org/

I must admit we are a soccer family, but I was not extremely impressed with our soccer experience. At least at our son's age (5yrs). 

I really recommend this little league. We had a great experience and my son LOVED it last year!!

Just Dance 2

We got this game for Christmas and played it once. Then we sold our Wii. You can buy it new on Amazon for $35. We are selling it for $30. If you are interested please email me at lmichels at gmail dot com.

Disney Lane!

Don't forget to take your kids through Disney Lane! It's a decorated neighborhood with themed houses. My kids LOVE it. It is on Old Father rd, in between Ina and Cortaro. It's a must! :)

Screaming Deal on Laminator

If you have been debating the purchase of a laminator, this deal is for you.  Right now you can purchase the Scotch Thermal Laminator 2 Roller System (TL901) for just just $16.99 and qualifies for free shipping. If you craft or have just been looking for a laminator, this one is normally $80.  You are saving 79% on this purchase.

The Scotch™ Thermal Laminator TL901 packs professional quality laminating performance into a package compact enough to use in your home, office, or in the classroom. Convenient and easy to use, this laminator allows you to protect frequently handled documents, preserve artwork, create teaching aids, and more--uses are limited only by your imagination!

Embroidery

Does anyone know of a good (and affordable) place to have a stocking embroidered?

$8 for a Tucson Attractions Passport from Southern Arizona Attractions Alliance ($16.25 value)

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$8 for a Tucson Attractions Passport from Southern Arizona Attractions Alliance ($16.25 value)

This Groupon deal runs through Thursday under Tucson. It gives you B1G1 Free admission into all of Tucson's biggest attractions.  You'll save $20 just by visiting Biosphere 2 once.

letters to Santa

Does anyone know of a good way to write the North Pole?