COOLIDGE -- Forensic Science and Crime Scene Investigation is one of nine new programs at Central Arizona Valley Institute of Technology this year. The course will be taught by retired police officer Jason Hall.

SIGNAL PEAK — Central Arizona College announced this week that it is providing free tuition to Pinal County residents for the fall 2021 and spring 2022 semesters. The decision was made possible by federal American Rescue Plan Act funding the school received earlier this year.

COOLIDGE — All students enrolled at Central Arizona Valley Institute of Technology will receive lifesaving CPR certification training as part of CAVIT’s 2021-22 curriculum.

COOLIDGE — One week after the city of Coolidge updated its webpage, the Coolidge Unified School District announced a website redesign of its own.

COOLIDGE — Over the past few weeks, Pinal County community members were able to experience some physical relief at Central Arizona Valley Institute of Technology’s massage therapy clinics.

COOLIDGE — Librarian Dani Duran said growing up, she had always wanted to be a teacher and that her passion was for early childhood education.

COOLIDGE — Thanks to a grant from the Arizona Department of Education's School Safety Program, Central Arizona Valley Institute of Technology has hired a new counselor. Aimee Parrish began her new role last week and said she is thrilled to work with CAVIT’s teachers and students.

COOLIDGE — Over the next few months, members of the public will have an opportunity to weigh in on how the Coolidge Unified School District should use money from the third round of federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief funding.

COOLIDGE — The roles are changing, but the players are largely remaining the same among leadership within the Coolidge Unified School District.

COOLIDGE — Masks off! The Coolidge Unified School District Governing Board celebrated the arrival of new Superintendent Dawn Dee Hodge by announcing that effective immediately, masks would no longer be required.

COOLIDGE — Before Central Arizona Valley Institute of Technology seniors graduate from the medical assistant program, they go through a skills test conducted by outside industry.

COOLIDGE — It doesn’t happen very often that the previous year’s graduates make their walk the week after the current class, but the pandemic and its aftermath have created unprecedented situations.

COOLIDGE — The pandemic was able to stop nearly all school events, but unlike last year, 171 Coolidge High School and Coolidge Alternative Program students were able to have their live graduation ceremony.

COOLIDGE — After 30 years of law enforcement and then 30 years of teaching, Shane Blakeman is finally ready to retire permanently.

COOLIDGE — Last year, Coolidge High School graduates had to make due with a virtual graduation ceremony thanks to the pandemic.

COOLIDGE — For the first time in two years, Imagine Prep Coolidge was able to give their graduating class a proper ceremony.

COOLIDGE — While the pandemic provided many challenges for students this year, Coolidge Class of 2021 salutatorian Tanda Marsh used it as an opportunity to take on new roles.

COOLIDGE — While many graduates face the prospect of starting fresh in a city far away from Coolidge, Joslyn McSperitt’s next move after graduation will be … next door.

COOLIDGE — Imagine Prep Coolidge valedictorian Nataly Miramontes says that since the early grades, she knew that she had a natural aptitude for school. She said she prefers study-oriented projects, has taken AP courses, attended CAVIT and is always looking to expand her knowledge.

COOLIDGE — They didn’t copy each other’s homework, but they did copy each other’s genetics.

COOLIDGE — The renovated performing arts center at Coolidge High School, dormant for over a year, once again opened its doors Monday evening.

COOLIDGE — The historic former Kenilworth School has often shifted roles over the decades, and is once again in the process of changing tenants. The most likely outcome is that the building will switch from the Calvary Chapel church to the New Destiny Christian Center.

COOLIDGE — As Central Arizona Valley Institute of Technology moves forward with its goal to nearly double the class offerings for next school year, the school announced a series of new hires and staff positions at its latest board meeting.

COOLIDGE — The Coolidge Unified School District has decided to keep its mask policy in place through graduation.

COOLIDGE — Imagine there’s no sidewalk. It’s easy if you try. Before last week, many Imagine Prep students had to traverse a dirt path on the opposite side of Vah Ki Inn Road to get to school.

COOLIDGE — As the school year winds to a close, the Coolidge Unified School District is continuing efforts to return to a state of normalcy for students and staff.

COOLIDGE — On the cusp of retirement, Superintendent Charie Wallace says that among her proudest accomplishments is making sure none of them happened alone. Whether it was raising teacher salaries, passing a bond measure or reviving the district’s music program, Wallace believes that guiding…

COOLIDGE — Last year’s county fair and livestock auctions were some of the first events canceled as the pandemic forced everything to shut down.

COOLIDGE — Almost a year ago, on March 18, the Coolidge Unified School District board met to determine what the district’s plan was going to be for the pandemic. At their latest meeting on March 10, the tone of the meeting was decidedly less stressful as Superintendent Charie Wallace said th…

COOLIDGE — West Elementary School’s drop-off lane has been known to cause havoc and long lines for anxious parents.

COOLIDGE — After almost two months on a remote learning program, the Coolidge Unified School District is ready to transition back to hybrid learning.

COOLIDGE — The pandemic has created numerous challenges for educators and families. But where teachers have sometimes struggled to fill the gaps created by remote learning, libraries have helped step in.

COOLIDGE — Imagine Prep Coolidge and Imagine Coolidge Elementary announced plans for a phased-in reopening of classroom learning on Feb. 3. The timeline sees younger students going back to school first.