Superintendent's Message
May 2024
Celebrating a combined 38 Years of Dedicated Service: Farewell to Our Esteemed Governing Board Members, Robert Ethridge and Chief John Williams
It is with mixed emotions that we bid farewell to Robert Ethridge and Chief John Williams, dedicated members of our Altar Valleys School's governing board, as they retire after an incredible 38 years of combined service to our community. As they embark on this new chapter of their lives, it is essential to take a moment to reflect on their invaluable contributions and the lasting impact they have had on our school and community.
John and Bob have been an integral part of our school's governance, providing wisdom, guidance, and unwavering support throughout their tenure. They have brought a wealth of experience, insight, and a deep commitment to educational excellence that has helped shape the direction and success of our district.
During their 38 years of service, they have played a pivotal role in numerous initiatives and decisions that have enhanced the quality of education and enriched the learning experiences of our students. They have tirelessly advocated for the needs of our school community, championed important policies, and worked collaboratively with fellow board members, administrators, faculty, staff, and parents to ensure the continued growth and development of our school.
Beyond their professional expertise, they have always been a source of inspiration and encouragement, fostering a culture of inclusivity, innovation, and excellence within our school community. Their dedication, integrity, and passion for education and our community have left an indelible mark on all who have had the privilege of working alongside them.
As we express our gratitude for their outstanding service, we also extend our warmest wishes for their retirement. While they may be stepping down from their official role on the governing board, their legacy will continue to resonate throughout our school for years to come.
Thank you, Robert Ethridge and Chief John Williams for 38 years of dedicated service, leadership, and steadfast commitment to our school. Your passion for education and tireless efforts have truly made a difference, and your presence will be greatly missed. Wishing you all the best in your well-deserved retirement!
Sincerely,
Dr. Dave Dumon
Superintendent
Altar Valley School District
ddumon@avsd.org
(520) 822-1484
Points of Pride at Altar Valley School District
Dear Altar Valley Families,
I am excited for the start of the 2023 – 2024 school year! The AVSD staff is ready to welcome students back to school with a continued focus on building relationships with our community to ensure academic growth and success. If you are a returning family to AVSD, I can’t wait to see you soon and if you are new to AVSD, I look forward to meeting you!
The first day of school is Thursday, August 3. School hours are listed below:
Altar Valley Middle School 7:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Monday – Thursday, 12:30 p.m. Early Release Fridays
Robles Elementary 8:45 a.m.-3:45 p.m. Monday – Thursday, 1:45 p.m. Early Release Fridays
- Early Release Fridays start August 4, 2023
In the past year there have been many points of pride at Altar Valley School District that I’d like to bring to your attention:
- Earning a “B” school rating for Altar Valley Middle School.
- Earning 4 out of 5 stars for the Robles Elementary preschool program on their most recent Quality First assessment, narrowly missing out on being a 5-star program.
- Recognizing two award-winning teachers for the 2022-23 school year at Robles Elementary:
- Three Points VFW Teacher of the Year, Marisa Soto, first-grade
- School Connect Hero Maker Award Winner, Elizabeth Cranford, Reading Interventionist
- Partnering with United Way to provide a Family Resource Center at Robles Elementary. More information coming soon.
- Receiving the Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting for the last 17 years.
- Identifying a new math curriculum, Illustrative Math, which will be implemented this school year.
- Upgraded facilities by painting both schools with plans for new cafeteria tables and roofs.
We remain proud of several other important programs and services provided to the AVSD community:
| Providing free services (no cost to students and families): Breakfast and lunch for all students. Full-day kindergarten for all students. Sports for middle school students. |
Partnering with Pima County Community and Workforce Development to provide summer work opportunities for students in our community between ages 14-18. |
| Continuing emphasis on small class sizes with an average of only 25 students in a class. | Proud partner and host of the Annual Community Festival. |
| Maintaining competitive teacher and staff salaries to recruit the best staff. | Hosting Family Fun Night provides opportunities for families to enjoy a night out at the school with food and fun activities. |
| Maintaining one of the newest and most well-maintained fleets of all air-conditioned buses in Pima County. | Providing free before and after school opportunities that include fun activities, tutoring, and snacks. |
| Providing one-to-one technology devices for all K-8 students. | Providing a free STEM-focused summer school. |
At Altar Valley, our goal is to provide a personalized experience where everyone knows your name and makes you feel part of the fabric of our small, but special school community. To maintain this environment and to continue the great services and programs described above, on November 7, the Altar Valley School District Governing Board is asking voters to reauthorize the 10% Maintenance and Operations Override. This override was originally approved by voters in 2002 and reapproved in 2008, 2014, and 2019. This is NOT a new tax; it is a continuation of an existing tax to maintain our current standards.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership in creating a thriving community of learners.
Sincerely,
Dr. Dave Dumon
Superintendent
Altar Valley School District
ddumon@avsd.org
(520) 822-1484
DR. DAVID DUMON COMPLETES AASA NATIONAL SUPERINTENDENT CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
The American Association of School Administrators (AASA) selected 30 superintendents from across Arizona to participate in the National Board Certification Program, a 20-month professional experience designed to bolster the effectiveness of superintendents across the nation. The program followed a cohort model and supported leaders with the knowledge, skills, and practices to advance, guide and support superintendents to be future-ready as they enhance learning opportunities for students. The AASA National Superintendent Certification Program provided a real-time focus on key issues that superintendents are facing today. Congratulations, Dr. Dumon!
CONGRATULATIONS, DR. DUMON!
Congratulations to Dr. David Dumon for being selected to receive ASA’s All Arizona Superintendent Award for the Small Size School Districts.
Dr. Dumon is superintendent of the Altar Valley School District in Tucson, Arizona. Dr. Dumon and the Governing Board have developed a strong rapport that centers on common goals around students achievement and an understanding that the schools are social and cultural anchors in the small community of Three Points. Within the first year, he and his board created a strategic plan that focused on students achieving both personal and academic excellence. The strategic plan has guided the district toward their goals and is revisited frequently with stakeholders.
Dr. Dumon identified, adopted, and implemented a comprehensive core reading program during the beginning of his tenure. He led the restructuring of the K–8 literacy instruction to include rigorous Tier I instruction and targeted Tier II and Tier III interventions.
He is involved with professional development, instructional coaching, and implementation of DIBELS benchmark screening for teachers and administrators. He believes data should be used to guide teaching, learning, and professional development.
The district is a key partner in the annual Three Points Community Festival where Dr. Dumon serves on the planning committee. At this annual event, the Three Points community, a rural, unincorporated area 25 miles west of Tucson come together. Board members, staff, and community partners come together each Thanksgiving to cook, serve, and enjoy Thanksgiving dinner for families in need. During the pandemic Altar Valley School District partnered with Pima County and provided fresh food boxes to more than 30 families each month.
He is guided by the word of Lewis Carroll, “If you don’t know where you are going, any road will get you there.” Dr. Dumon cares deeply about teaching and learning. He appreciates school isn’t easy for everyone (him included) and that each child has a right to quality instruction. He visits classrooms, playgrounds, and attends extra-curricular events and enjoys taking on the role of motivator-in-chief. You may see him as Professor “Dumon”-dore from Harry Potter, reminding Altar Valley School District students that they have the magic within them to succeed, the Last Jedi inspiring students to find the force within themselves to achieve, or putting the “Super” in Superintendent as Altar Valley Man.
Altar Valley School District is a social and cultural anchor in the Three Points community. It serves nearly 600 students, encompassing nearly 700 square miles of high Sonoran Desert and mountains situated between metro Tucson and the Tohono O’odham Nation.