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!
For Immediate Release
Lightning Strike Incident at Aspire High School Date: Thursday, August 14, 2025 Location: Aspire High School, 2972 Centerpointe East Drive, Prescott, AZ
At approximately 12:20 PM on Thursday, Aspire High School was unexpectedly struck by lightning despite clear skies overhead and no visible storm activity.
Immediately following the strike, students were directed to return to the building. Upon re-entry, the fire alarm sounded and the smell of smoke was detected. Simultaneously, a sudden rain and hailstorm developed, prompting the activation of the school’s evacuation protocol. Students were directed to shelter in vehicles located in the school parking lot for safety.
Student Response: All students complied swiftly and calmly with evacuation instructions and remained in their vehicles. Their exceptional behavior and attentiveness during this emergency were truly commendable. We want to extend our heartfelt appreciation to our students—your listening skills and cooperation were outstanding. Parents should be incredibly proud.
Communication: An emergency alert was issued to families, students, and staff through multiple channels:
Phone call
Text message
App notification
Email
School website
Facebook
Once emergency officials arrived, student cell phones were returned, and students were informed they would likely be excused shortly. They were asked to remain on campus until official dismissal, and again, all students complied without hesitation.
Dismissal Time: Students were officially dismissed at 1:03 PM.
Medical Evaluation: Four students reported feeling a mild shock at the time of the lightning strike. All were evaluated by paramedics on site and released without further medical concern.
Next Steps: Building inspectors will be on site Friday, August 15th to assess and confirm the safety of the facility. We will provide updates regarding the return to the building as soon as more information becomes available.
Thank You: We deeply appreciate your patience, calmness, and support throughout this incident. We are grateful that everyone is safe and accounted for.
— Dr. Kellie Burns
Yavapai Accommodation School Superintendent
Lightning Strike Incident at Aspire High School Date: Thursday, August 14, 2025 Location: Aspire High School, 2972 Centerpointe East Drive, Prescott, AZ
At approximately 12:20 PM on Thursday, Aspire High School was unexpectedly struck by lightning despite clear skies overhead and no visible storm activity.
Immediately following the strike, students were directed to return to the building. Upon re-entry, the fire alarm sounded and the smell of smoke was detected. Simultaneously, a sudden rain and hailstorm developed, prompting the activation of the school’s evacuation protocol. Students were directed to shelter in vehicles located in the school parking lot for safety.
Student Response: All students complied swiftly and calmly with evacuation instructions and remained in their vehicles. Their exceptional behavior and attentiveness during this emergency were truly commendable. We want to extend our heartfelt appreciation to our students—your listening skills and cooperation were outstanding. Parents should be incredibly proud.
Communication: An emergency alert was issued to families, students, and staff through multiple channels:
Phone call
Text message
App notification
School website
Once emergency officials arrived, student cell phones were returned, and students were informed they would likely be excused shortly. They were asked to remain on campus until official dismissal, and again, all students complied without hesitation.
Dismissal Time: Students were officially dismissed at 1:03 PM.
Medical Evaluation: Four students reported feeling a mild shock at the time of the lightning strike. All were evaluated by paramedics on site and released without further medical concern.
Next Steps: Building inspectors will be on site Friday, August 15th to assess and confirm the safety of the facility. We will provide updates regarding the return to the building as soon as more information becomes available.
Thank You: We deeply appreciate your patience, calmness, and support throughout this incident. We are grateful that everyone is safe and accounted for.
— Dr. Kellie Burns
Yavapai Accommodation School Superintendent
Aspire High School is being dismissed for the day. If your student needs to be picked up, please call them on their cell or call Kellie Burns so she can let them. Otherwise, students may leave. All students' phones have been returned. School phones are down. Thank you for having wonderful kids. We will keep you updated on the situation as we learn more.
We believe Aspire has been hit by lightning. Student have been evacuated and are allowed to sit in their vehicles due to torrential rain and hail. No injuries reported and these kids are AWESOME with behaviors. Parents should be proud. Fire dept on the way. Call Kellie burns at 928 241 0572. No one allowed in the building currently.
Greetings YASD students,
Effective on Monday, August 18, 2025, students who arrive to school late will turn their phones into the main office at Aspire or Mrs. Flaumenhaft's office at YCHS where it will remain until the student leaves for the day. Students who are late will not be allowed to have their phone at break. Students who arrive on time will lock their phones up upon arrival but still be allowed to have them at break. At Aspire, school begins promptly at 8:00 AM. YCHS students' arrival times vary based on what arrival time the student agreed to when he/she registered. For example, if the student signed up for the 7:30 session and showed up anytime after 7:30, he/she is considered late and will have to turn in his/her phone to Mrs. Flaumenhaft's office where it will remain for the rest of the day. Be on time if you don't want to lose your phone for the entire day. Policies in our state have recently changed and we MUST implement them in order to remain compliant. We have been as lenient as we can possibly be with the students in mind. In Arizona, a new law (House Bill 2484) restricts student access to cell phones and other personal electronic devices during the school day. This law applies to all public and charter schools in the state. The law aims to limit distractions and improve focus in the classroom.
Effective on Monday, August 18, 2025, students who arrive to school late will turn their phones into the main office at Aspire or Mrs. Flaumenhaft's office at YCHS where it will remain until the student leaves for the day. Students who are late will not be allowed to have their phone at break. Students who arrive on time will lock their phones up upon arrival but still be allowed to have them at break. At Aspire, school begins promptly at 8:00 AM. YCHS students' arrival times vary based on what arrival time the student agreed to when he/she registered. For example, if the student signed up for the 7:30 session and showed up anytime after 7:30, he/she is considered late and will have to turn in his/her phone to Mrs. Flaumenhaft's office where it will remain for the rest of the day. Be on time if you don't want to lose your phone for the entire day. Policies in our state have recently changed and we MUST implement them in order to remain compliant. We have been as lenient as we can possibly be with the students in mind. In Arizona, a new law (House Bill 2484) restricts student access to cell phones and other personal electronic devices during the school day. This law applies to all public and charter schools in the state. The law aims to limit distractions and improve focus in the classroom.
YASD has the distinct honor of welcoming Michael DeLeon of Steered Straight to speak with our students on Tuesday! This is a substance abuse prevention program that is nationally known. Once part of the Beyond Scared Straight TV show, he recognized that our youth needed something different and created Steered Straight. He is bringing with him several resources - one a book called Victoria's Voice Diary - for every student. Please let us know if you DO NOT want your student to receive this book. Beings this book is a real teenager's diary who lost her battle to addiction, it is real but has some strong language and content. This powerful book lets you dive deep into the mind of addiction and the path it leads to. By sharing Victoria’s Voice, the family and the foundation hope to prevent this from happening to other teens or their families.
In addition, they provide a link to share with parents, teachers, staff, and the community. A link to the Parent video is below.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IPZ_pNYtueKXM4VV3rnP2Im7fi_iV-Q5/view
Greetings YASD families! This is just a reminder that returning students are still required to turn in re-enrollment paperwork. It is very minimal paperwork and can be done through our online portal or emailed to you. Call the school if you have questions! 928 759 8126. See you soon!
Greetings YASD Families! School begins next Monday, August 4th! We’re excited to share some great updates happening this year across both campuses! These changes were made in an effort to better serve the needs of our students and create more personalized, engaging learning experiences. At YCHS in Prescott Valley, students will now have four flexible sessions to choose from, with a dynamic in-person blended learning model that combines Edgenuity with innovative AI tools. At Aspire in Prescott, the school day will run from 8:00 AM to 1:30 PM, with an exciting new addition: a hands-on learning session designed around students’ interests, academic needs, career exploration and enrichment opportunities. Call the school at 928 759 8126 for more information! Online registration is now open so register now to ensure your student is placed in his or her program of choice! We’re looking forward to a fantastic year of growth and discovery! See you next Monday!
Greetings YASD Families! We’re excited to share some great updates happening this year across both campuses! These changes were made in an effort to better serve the needs of our students and create more personalized, engaging learning experiences. At YCHS in Prescott Valley, students will now have four flexible sessions to choose from, with a dynamic in-person blended learning model that combines Edgenuity with innovative AI tools. At Aspire in Prescott, the school day will run from 8:00 AM to 1:30 PM, with an exciting new addition: a hands-on learning session designed around students’ interests, academic needs, career exploration and enrichment opportunities. Call the school at 928 759 8126 for more information! Online registration is now open so register now to ensure your student is placed in his or her program of choice! We’re looking forward to a fantastic year of growth and discovery!
Greetings YASD Families! We’re excited to share some great updates happening this year across both campuses! These changes were made in an effort to better serve the needs of our students and create more personalized, engaging learning experiences.
At YCHS in Prescott Valley, students will now have four flexible sessions to choose from, with a dynamic in-person blended learning model that combines Edgenuity with innovative AI tools.
At Aspire in Prescott, the school day will run from 8:00 AM to 1:30 PM, with an exciting new addition: a hands-on learning session designed around students’ interests, academic needs, career exploration and enrichment opportunities.
Call the school at 928 759 8126 for more information! Online registration is now open so register now to ensure your student is placed in his or her program of choice!
We’re looking forward to a fantastic year of growth and discovery!
Greetings YASD families! We have free desks to gift to our YASD students and/or their families! Please let us know if you would like to have one! You must pick up at that Prescott Valley campus. If interested, call 928 759 8126 to arrange a time for pick up!
Greeting YASD families! Due to no YCHS student summer school enrollments, the summer school schedule has been shifted to be held on the scheduled days at Aspire only. Any days that indicated Yavapai County High School will now be held at the Aspire location. Thank you!
Greeting YASD families! Due to no YCHS student summer school enrollments, the summer school schedule has been shifted to be held on the scheduled days at Aspire only. Any days that indicated Yavapai County High School will now be held at the Aspire location. Thank you!
Greetings YASD families! Online registration for the 2025-2026 school year is now open! All returning students must re-register before August 4. You can do so at www.yasd99.com. If you have any questions, please call the school at 928 759 8126! We have limited seats so register soon!
YASD has a summer school option for our students. Summer school will be held from June 2 to June 26 Mon-Thurs. Classes will be online with mandatory but limited classroom time during the week from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. The cost is $20. Call the school at 928 759 8126 to sign up today!
This summer YASD will be having a summer school option for students in Yavapai County. Summer school will be held from June 2 to June 26 Monday through Thursday. The summer school classes will be online with mandatory classroom time during the week. The classes will be held from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. On Monday and Wednesday the location will be Yavapai County High School in Prescott Valley and on Thursdays the classes will be held at Aspire in Prescott. If you are interested in signing up please check the website or call the school at 928 759 8126 for more information.
This summer YASD will be having a summer school option for students in Yavapai County. Summer school will be held from June 2 to June 26 Monday through Thursday. The summer school classes will be online with mandatory classroom time during the week. The classes will be held from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. On Monday and Wednesday the location will be Yavapai County High School in Prescott Valley and on Thursdays the classes will be held at Aspire in Prescott. If you are interested in signing up please check the website or call the school at 928 759 8126 for more information.