YASD is honored to welcome back Michael DeLeon, founder of Steered Straight. He made a powerful impact on our school culture this past fall, and some of our students have been asking for him to return this spring!
Mr. DeLeon travels nationwide speaking to youth about the dangers of drugs and alcohol. His message is impactful, relevant, and highly recommended by administrators across the country who have attended his presentations.
The presentation will take place on Monday, March 2 at 12:30 pm and will run approximately 60 minutes.
Parents, guardians and community members are invited to attend this engaging and informative session. If you plan to join us, please check in at the front office upon arrival. We recommend arriving around 12:15 PM.
For more information about Steered Straight, please visit:
https://www.steeredstraight.org/
Greetings YASD parents! At Aspire High School, we explore a theme of the month with our students, and this month we’re diving into a topic that sits at the center of every family: Trust.
Today in class, we talked about what trust looks like, how it can be strengthened, and how it can be damaged. As a mom myself, I know how often trust shows up in our homes — sometimes quietly, sometimes loudly — and how much work it takes on all sides to build it and rebuild it.
To make our discussion meaningful, I asked students to offer advice they wish adults knew. I invited them to share how parents and caregivers can better trust them, what helps them trust the adults in their lives, and what they wish adults understood about their intentions, feelings, and efforts. Some participated and some did not - and that was okay. This was not a mandatory assignment. However, their responses were thoughtful, honest, and incredibly heartfelt. I promised them I would pass their words along to you.
Here are some of their responses in their own words:
1. It would be easier trust if you listened instead of jumping to conclusions.
2. I could trust you more if you stopped telling everyone about the things I do and the mistakes I make.
3. Just to believe me with what I say because I've given up on the bad things I've done.
4. Own your mistakes, the let me explain/let you explain how you feel/what you think I have done, and I will tell you what I think you did wrong.
5. Respect what I say and don't take me for granted.
6. A time my parents broke my trust was when all I needed was help with my feelings and just someone to talk to, and fighting was more important to them. They fought, talking over me, ignoring me.
7. I would trust you if you didn't lie.
8. If you are trying to gain trust in someone, don't cuss them out. It shows incompetence so it makes you both look stupid.
9. Don't lie.
Today in class, we talked about what trust looks like, how it can be strengthened, and how it can be damaged. As a mom myself, I know how often trust shows up in our homes — sometimes quietly, sometimes loudly — and how much work it takes on all sides to build it and rebuild it.
To make our discussion meaningful, I asked students to offer advice they wish adults knew. I invited them to share how parents and caregivers can better trust them, what helps them trust the adults in their lives, and what they wish adults understood about their intentions, feelings, and efforts. Some participated and some did not - and that was okay. This was not a mandatory assignment. However, their responses were thoughtful, honest, and incredibly heartfelt. I promised them I would pass their words along to you.
Here are some of their responses in their own words:
1. It would be easier trust if you listened instead of jumping to conclusions.
2. I could trust you more if you stopped telling everyone about the things I do and the mistakes I make.
3. Just to believe me with what I say because I've given up on the bad things I've done.
4. Own your mistakes, the let me explain/let you explain how you feel/what you think I have done, and I will tell you what I think you did wrong.
5. Respect what I say and don't take me for granted.
6. A time my parents broke my trust was when all I needed was help with my feelings and just someone to talk to, and fighting was more important to them. They fought, talking over me, ignoring me.
7. I would trust you if you didn't lie.
8. If you are trying to gain trust in someone, don't cuss them out. It shows incompetence so it makes you both look stupid.
9. Don't lie.
Greetings YASD Parents and Students! As a friendly reminder, pajamas, slippers, and outside food deliveries are not permitted at Yavapai Accommodation School District. These guidelines help us maintain a safe, focused, and professional learning environment for all students. Appropriate attire supports readiness to learn, and limiting food deliveries helps us keep campus operations secure and free from unnecessary disruptions.
Thank you for helping us uphold a positive and productive school community.
Thank you for helping us uphold a positive and productive school community.
Dear Aspire and YCHS Students,
January 23, 2026 will be the first day of Friday school and will be offered at Aspire High School from 9:00 am - 1:00 pm. If you choose to attend you will need to find a ride and please arrive at least 5 minutes early. This is a great opportunity for you to catch up on classes and even get ahead. If you have any questions please contact Mr. Andrist at tandrist@yavapaicountyhs.org.
Thank you for your time.
Correction - There will be no school on Monday, January 19th as we observe and honor Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a time to reflect on his message of service, equality, and kindness. School will resume on Tuesday, January 20th. Have a great weekend.
There will be no school on Monday, January 10th as we observe and honor Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a time to reflect on his message of service, equality, and kindness. School will resume on Tuesday, January 20th. Have a great weekend.
Dear Parents and Guardians,
On behalf of the Yavapai Accommodation School District, I want to thank you for being such wonderful, supportive parents. Your partnership, communication, and willingness to work together to solve challenges truly make a difference for our students. I am so grateful for you.
This has been the best semester of school I have experienced in my 25 years in education, and that is because of you and your students. Thank you for trusting us with your kids and for sharing them with our schools—we are grateful every day for the opportunity to support them.
As we continue working to strengthen our district, I would love to invite interested parents to be part of a parent panel to help identify needs and guide meaningful, positive changes. If you are interested, please call or email me at kburns@yavapaiacountyhs.org.
Winter break has officially begun, and we look forward to welcoming students back when school resumes on January 5th. I hope this break provides time for rest, connection, and joy for your families.
It truly takes a village to help children succeed, and I am deeply grateful to be part of this one with you.
Thank you!
Dr. Kellie Burns
Greetings YASD students and staff! This is a reminder that this week is Spirit Week! See the schedule below! Have a fabulous last week before the holiday break! Monday - Hat Day Tuesday - Ugly Sweater Day Wednesday - Wear Your Holiday Colors Day Thursday - Holiday PJ day
We are offering Friday school to be held at Aspire campus this Friday, December 12th from 9:00am-1:00pm for students who are trying to finish classes and need a little extra time. This is not mandatory but highly encouraged if students need extra time to finish their classes. YCHS students are invited to attend as well. Mrs. Flaumenhaft will pick any students up who need a ride from YCHS to Aspire. She will pick up students from YCHS at 8:40am and return at 1:30pm to be picked up by guardians. Please let Mr. Andrist or Mrs. Flaumenhaft know if you would like to attend.
Greetings YASD families! This is a reminder that tomorrow, Wednesday, November 26 and Thursday, November 27 there no school in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. There is no school on the 26th and the 27th. Have a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving holiday. We will see you on Monday, December 1st!
Greeting YASD families! This is a remind that there is no school tomorrow, Tuesday, November 11 in honor of Veterans Day. Special thanks to our own veterans: Ms. Flaumenhaft. Ms. Lambert and Mrs. Hatfield! We thank you for your service! See you on Wednesday!
: Greetings YASD families! Just a reminder -- This upcoming week is Spirit Week!! Monday, October 27th is Pajama Day (make sure they are school appropriate please!), Tuesday, October 28th is Hat Day, Wednesday, October 29th is Wear Halloween Colors Day, and Thursday, October 30th is Costume Day. All attire must be school appropriate and in line with dress code requirements. However, you MAY wear slippers on Pajama Day! Let's have a fun week and kick off the season with celebrating! See you on Monday in your pajamas. Extra credit to anyone who has Elvis pajamas. Love, Dr. B
Greetings YASD families! I hope you had a fantastic break! This is a reminder that school will resume tomorrow, Monday, October 13th! See you tomorrow! Dr. Burns, Yavapai Accommodation School District
Reminder: Tonight, Wednesday, October 1st, is Parent Teacher Conferences from 3 to 7 p.m. This is a great time to ask any questions, address issues, and be more deeply informed about how your student is progressing in school. We will be conducting conferences on a first-come, first-served basis at Aspire High School, located at 2972 Centerpointe Dr. in Prescott. However, we also recognize that this day may not be convenient, and if you would rather come in during another time or in a different way (like by phone), let us know. We’re an accommodation school – we strive to meet all needs. Students were given a sign up paper at school to be taken home to you. Please return the signed paper as soon as possible. If you need a copy, please call the school at 928 759 8126 and we will email one to you.
Dear Families:
Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held on Wednesday, October 1 from 3 to 7 p.m. This is a great time to ask any questions, address issues, and be more deeply informed about how your student is progressing in school. We will be conducting conferences on a first-come, first-served basis at Aspire High School, located at 2972 Centerpointe Dr. in Prescott.
However, we also recognize that this day may not be convenient, and if you would rather come in during another time or in a different way (like by phone), let us know. We’re an accommodation school – we strive to meet all needs. Students were given a sign up paper at school to be taken home to you. Please return the signed paper as soon as possible. If you need a copy, please call the school at 928 759 8126 and we will email one to you.
Don't forget tonight's event!!! You're invited to the YASD Back to School Bash!!
Today, September 24, 2025, 5pm-7pm at Aspire High School located at 2972 Centerpointe E. Dr. Prescott!
Bring the whole family! We will be serving a barbeque dinner as well!
FOOD AND FUN FOR ALL: Horseback Riding, Jenga, Photo Booth, Cornhole, Games, Music and MORE!! See you there!
My name is John Pettingill, and I am the counselor that comes to YASD on Wednesdays of each week. I wanted to take a moment to explain my role here at both campuses. This is my fifth year here at YASD. I offer both individual and family therapies and work with students on both mental health and career choices. School can be stressful, along with their activities of daily living, such as social and family relationships. I believe the more support students can receive, the better chance they have at completing school and graduating. If you feel your child would benefit from some counseling services, please reach out to the school administration for further information.
John Pettingill LPC
Therapist
Yavapai County Education Service Agency
Cell: 480-586-5490
john.pettingill@yavapaiaz.gov
John Pettingill LPC
Therapist
Yavapai County Education Service Agency
Cell: 480-586-5490
john.pettingill@yavapaiaz.gov
Greetings YASD families - just a reminder that all Yavapai Accommodation School District schools will be closed on Monday, September 1, 2025 in observance of Labor Day. See you on Tuesday!
Good evening, YASD families! Weekly progress reports went home tonight. We call these reports "paychecks" and they are a way for you to know how your student is doing throughout the week. Please sign these tonight and have your students bring them back tomorrow. (Kids that do will get snacks at breaktime!) Let us know if you have any questions!
YASD students, families and staff - Thank you all for your patience and understanding during our unexpected showdown with Mother Nature. I’m happy to report—we won! I’m pleased to share that all damage is now fixed and has passed inspection. The building is now fully cleared for occupancy and safe to reopen. School will resume as usual on Monday. Thank you again for your patience, flexibility, and continued commitment to safety. We’re grateful to be back in action! See you on Monday!