Journalism Publication, Staff, Teacher and Class Options Lauded in Apache Junction

APACHE JUNCTION, Ariz. - July 9, 2018 - PRLog -- Good news came in threes for Apache Junction Unified School District's journalism program.

First, the Cactus Canyon Junior High School newspaper, Canyon Chronicle, won a Silver Crown award and the paper's staff received a Gold Medalist certificate from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association. The Crowns are one of the top awards for student journalism.  The Chronicle was the only winner in the Middle School Digital News category.

The second item of good news is Jason Davis, a teacher at CCJH and advisor of the school's publications, achieved Certified Journalism Educator status from the Journalism Education Association (JEA). Davis will be honored Nov. 3, 2018, at the JEA/NSPA Fall National High School Journalism Convention in Chicago, Illinois.

Davis received a letter from the JEA which read: journalism certification recognizes teachers who meet national standards of preparation to teach high school journalism classes and advise student media. Journalism certification requirements for educators include earning college credit in news reporting and writing, communications, law, and publication advising that demonstratesthe educator's proficiency in those areas.

Thirdly, an entry level journalism class will be offered at Apache Junction High School in the 2018-2019 school year. Davis will be teaching the entry-level class which will include: writing, photography, design, and some ethics/law/First Amendment.  Davis will continue to teach journalism at CCJH as well.

About AJUSD:

The Apache Junction Unified School District serves over 3,600 students in a 217-square mile area that includes the City of Apache Junction, Gold Canyon, Peralta Trail, Queen Valley and the unincorporated areas of the Superstition Mountain foothills. Formed in 1952, the K-12 district provides a quality education to its students and is proud of the variety of educational programs offered. AJUSD has a reputation for innovative approaches to education. The guiding philosophy of the school district is to put all students in the best position to succeed academically, emotionally and physically. Committed to low teacher/student ratios and individualized instruction, the focus of AJUSD is centered on a 'College Readiness For All' curriculum for every student in every grade. For more information call 480-982-1110, or visit www.ajusd.org or www.facebook.com/ajusd43.