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Our First Year 
I Am A Child I am a child.I come to you, a teacher.I bring a whisper.Can you hear the poem in it?I am a child.
I come to you, a teacher.Will you tell me what to think, Or show me how?Will you teach me answers, Or the symmetry of a question well composed?I am a child. I come to you, a teacher.Will learning be only about doing things right,Or about doing the right things?A thing of joy, Or of duty?I am a child.I come to you, a techer.Which will matter most to you,My soul,Or my grade?I am a child. I come to you, a teacher.Can you te ach me to chart my journey, Or must you use a standard measureTo place me alwaysIn the shadow of others?I am a child.I come to you, a teacher.Will I go away from you ascending my strengths,Or hobbled by my weaknesses?I am a child.I come to you, a teacher.I bring you all I am,All I can become.Do you understand the trust? |
On August 11, 2008, we opened our doors to the hundreds of underprivileged youth in Maricopa County who need more than high academic standards. With the financial and operational support of Edkey, Inc., a group with a successful 13 year history of serving at-risk students, Children First seeks to fill a void left by the closing of other programs serving underprivileged youth in Arizona. Children First Academy Phoenix serves 300 K-6 students in the inner- city of Phoenix, Arizona.
 Educating the mind, heart and soul*
Research and experience shows that at-risk students are more engaged learners when they have consistent social, medical, nutritional, transportation and education services. Concentr ated research-based resources facilitate the implementation of small learning communities at grades 3-6th and literacy rich programs in the primary grades. We build sustainable partnerships with local talent aimed at augmenting academic and social skill development.
 Small Learning Communities
The Small Learning Communities Program (SLC) is a series of "school within a school" learning modules focused on academic and social achievement. We use service learning and service leadership as key features of engaging student learners in the design, development, implementation and evaluation of these modules. Students have the opportunity to apply for positions within the SLC program. Once they have submitted an application, they are interviewed, screened and placed according to their priorities, achievement data, demonstrated behaviors and personal input. 
To Children First Academy, Thank you for the food box and diapers which my family really need at this time of need. We just moved to our first apartment here in Phoenix Arizona and I am trying to make ends meet with six children and one on the way. My daughters really love your school and I really like your school a lot. It is a school for teaching, learning and giving. Thank you, Jacquelin, A Parent To the Community of Children FirstAcademy- Phoenix, Thank you so much for supporting Children First Academy as we start our first year. It means so much to the students and teachers. When you help it teaches the students how to be be big hearted and kind. My name is Taylor. I am in the 6th grade. I have been in and out of a lot of shelters all my life. I have also lived at my grandmothers. It is really hard to stay at one school when you move a lot. Children First Academy will come and pick you up wherever you are. I am so glad because I love this school. I chose to come to Children First Academy because they do so much for our families and they have an awesome curriculum. We are trying to turn a blank school into a paradise you look forward to coming to everyday. Please come and let one of our student ambassadors give you a tour. Yours Truly, Taylor, A Student |
More Than Just an Education 
Children First Academy recognizes that educating children requires more than a classroom, desk and textbooks Transportation – There are no boundaries when it comes to the needs of children of homeless families. Bus routes are changed on a daily basis to accommodate the transitional lifestyle of these families. This unique service allows the school the opportunity to provide a consistent learning environment and stability that is often lacking in other areas of the student’s lives. Food – All students are provided a nutritionally balanced breakfast and lunch. Snacks are also provided during the day. Food boxes are given to families when there is little or no food at home. Clothing – Through community donations, children are able to receive hygiene kits, clothing, and shoes during a monthly visit to the clothing room. Social Services – Outreach staff provides referrals to social service agencies and helps break down the barriers that prevent families from accessing these services. Medical Care – Students are provided proper medical and dental care through a partnership with Phoenix Children Hospital. These services include immunizations, health screening including vision and hearing assessments, and dental referrals. A Community That Cares Community partnerships – sustainable growth*
Children First Academy does not receive funding from traditional sources like bonding, budget overrides or local property taxes. To provide exceptional services, we rely on our communities' resources – time, talents, in-kind donations, mentoring, volunteerism or special projects. Volunteer – assist in classrooms, with office operations, or with the students on the playground. Mentor – work with students on academic and social development. Donate – food, clothing, school supplies, hygiene kits and medical supplies can be dropped off 7:30 am – 2 pm Monday – Friday. Tour – Student Ambassadors will provide weekly tours for interested parties. Visit our art studio, student activity center, food and clothing rooms Come and see what the students of Children First Academy are up to! Adopt a classroom- Support our students, support our teachers by going to www.adoptaclassroom.org. School name Children First Academy- Phoenix FAMILY ASSISTANCE Understanding that stress at home can often affect a student’s academic performance, Children First Academy is dedicated to helping families in need. The following professionals and services are available upon requests. Outreach Program: Assistance is available to help students and parents with social service agencies Clothing: Clothing is available depending on supply and a note from parent/guardian. Clothing is available once a month and on an emergency basis. The clothing room staff pulls, students with notes, from classes once a week. There is a schedule for the clothing room. If your child misses their scheduled day, they will have to wait until the next week if supplies are available. Food Boxes: Food boxes are available once a month and on an emergency basis. Food boxes must be picked up at the school. If you are in need of a food box, please send a note or call the school by 10:00 a.m. to receive a food box that day. Food boxes will be ready the next school day for all requests after 10:00 am. Children First Academy Phoenix - Wish Listh | Classroom Needs | Student Leadership Items | Food Items | | | Bottled Water Boxed Juices Canned Tuna & Meats Canned & Boxed Pasta Canned Fruit Soup Cereal Crackers Individual Snacks: Granola Bars, Fruit Rollups, Cheese & Crackers, Raisins, Chips
| | | | | Hygiene | Clothing
(All Sizes) | Other Needs
& Information | Washcloths Soap Toothbrushes Toothpaste Deodorant Body Sprays & Lotions Chapstick Shampoo Conditioner Brushes & Combs Hair Accessories Feminine Hygiene Nail Clippers Diapers & Wipes Baby Oil Baby Powder Paper Towels
| * New and Gently Used | New Books for the Birthday Closet Monetary and Gift Card (Grocery, Gas, Target, Wal-Mart, Kmart, Fast Food) Donations always appreciated.
For more information, please contact us at 602-712-0500
Gifts & Donations received Monday through Friday between 8am and 4pm
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