Foothills Focus
August 30, 2006

Canyon Springs: open during construction

Elizabeth A. Medora - Contributing Writer

ANTHEM – As more families with children move into the north valley, more schools are needed.  Canyon Springs Elementary has just opened to meet the requirement.  The classroom construction met the deadline of the new school year.

“There are total of eight buildings on the campus” said Jim Migliorino, Director of District Services, who is in charge of Canyon Springs’ construction.  “We expect to get at least two more buildings by the end of August.”

Canyon Springs Principal Julie Ruskey and the teachers are all happy to be teaching in the new and updated school building.

“We’re thrilled to be a part of a new school.”  Because the school is new, the students and teachers are learning the ins and outs of the new building together, and they look forward to creating a comfortable, friendly atmosphere together.

“We’re all building our sense of the school community and culture together,” Ruskey noted.

Located on a site that has been owned by the Deer Valley Unified School District for some time, Canyon Springs Elementary is similar to the size of other local school buildings.

“We currently have 562 students enrolled at Canyon Springs, and we know that we will grow throughout the school year,” stated Ruskey.  “Our capacity is approximately 1,000 students, so we have room to grow.”

Ruskey is anticipating a successful year in the new building due to the hard work and meticulous care of everyone involved with putting together the essentials of the school.

“Being able to get through our first two weeks of school has been a joint effort.  It took everyone working together to get our school open and safe for students.”