Fredonia Elementary Students Delight in a Joyful Easter Egg Hunt at the Park
By Lumen Cristy Ihong

Fredonia, AZ – Laughter, sunshine, and pastel-colored eggs filled the air on April 16 as students from Preschool through Second Grade at Fredonia Elementary School took part in a magical Easter Egg Hunt at Fredonia Park.

The event was more than just a seasonal activity—it was a celebration of childhood, community, and the joy of learning together. Made possible through the combined efforts of dedicated teachers, school staff, supportive parents, and four enthusiastic student volunteers from Fredonia High School, the day offered a memorable and meaningful experience for every child involved.

The excitement began right after lunch as students lined up with bright smiles and Easter baskets in hand. Teachers and staff led the joyful parade from the school to the park. Along the way, the children admired blooming dandelion flowers swaying in the breeze near the high school, adding an extra touch of springtime magic to their short walk. The air buzzed with chatter, laughter, and pure anticipation.

Thanks to the help of the high school volunteers, who arrived early to carefully hide hundreds of colorful eggs throughout the park, the space had been transformed into a festive treasure hunt zone. Squeals of delight and wide-eyed wonder echoed across the grass as students dashed from one hidden egg to another.

“This was the best Easter ever!” exclaimed Buck Hunt, a second grader whose pure excitement was shared by classmates and teachers alike.

Mrs. Jeanne Crookston and Mrs. Lumen Ihong, who initiated and coordinated the event, shared that their goal was to create a joyful memory the children would carry with them for years to come. “Seeing the smiles on their faces makes all the planning worthwhile,” said Mrs. Ihong. “We wanted our students to feel celebrated and cherished.”

After the egg hunt, teachers and staff served refreshing drinks and snacks, giving the children time to relax, laugh, and share their egg-finding triumphs. The afternoon ended with unstructured playtime at the park—swinging, sliding, running free, and simply enjoying the sunshine.

The Easter Egg Hunt was a shining example of what makes Fredonia Elementary so special—a nurturing environment where learning is fun and every student feels a sense of belonging. With the support of the entire school community, this event brought smiles, laughter, and unforgettable memories to the young hearts of Fredonia.

Book Fair Brings Reading Fun and Family Engagement to Fredonia Elementary School
March 18–21, Fredonia Elementary School

By Lumen Ihong

From March 18 to 21, Fredonia Elementary School was buzzing with excitement as the annual Book Fair transformed the campus into a hub of literacy and fun. The event kicked off on Monday, March 18, with a festive opening from 3:30 to 6:00 PM. Students and families browsed a wide variety of books—ranging from early readers to exciting chapter books—and had the chance to purchase new favorites to take home.

The Book Fair was made possible through the incredible efforts of our active and dedicated Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), who not only initiated the event but also generously volunteered their time to help run it. Their presence and enthusiasm helped create a welcoming and joyful atmosphere all week long.

A standout moment of the fair was Reading Night on Wednesday. Families gathered for an evening of interactive literacy activities organized by the PTO. One station invited families to create their own reading games to take home, while another—called the “Section Station”—encouraged students to read books aloud for a chance to earn tickets toward a prize book or scratcher. Hidden coins were tucked throughout the fair, turning reading into an adventurous scavenger hunt for the kids.

Mrs. Manuela Biasotto, our amazing reading interventionist, brought even more excitement with a variety of engaging reading games. Students played Steal It, Tic-Tac-Toe, Four in a Row, Candy Land, and Chutes and Ladders—all with a literacy twist. These games helped reinforce important phonics and decoding skills such as CVC, CCVC, CCVCC word patterns, vowel teams, digraphs, r-controlled vowels, multisyllabic words, and other advanced phonics concepts.

A huge thank-you goes out to our incredible PTA, staff, and volunteers who made this year’s Book Fair a memorable success. Events like these show how magical reading can be when our Fredonia community comes together!

Fredonia Elementary Celebrates Read Across America Day with Community Readers
March 3, 2025 | Fredonia, AZ

By Lumen Ihong

Fredonia Elementary School proudly joined the nationwide celebration of Read Across America Day on March 3, 2025, with a heartwarming and inspiring event that brought together students, staff, and community members in celebration of literacy. This annual event, part of the National Education Association’s campaign to encourage lifelong reading habits, was made especially meaningful by the participation of five dedicated community volunteers who visited classrooms to share the joy of reading.

This year, Fredonia Elementary was honored to welcome guest readers from across the community, including Tonya Johnson, a longtime supporter of local education; Lisa Findlay and Sheena Cram, librarians from the Fredonia town library; Shelley Christensen, also a longtime supporter of local education; and Raymond Christensen, President of the Fredonia School Board. Each reader brought stories to life in our classrooms, engaging students with warmth, enthusiasm, and a love for books that was contagious.

From Kindergarten through sixth grade, students were captivated by the stories and delighted to see familiar faces from their town stepping into the role of storyteller. The excitement was especially strong among our youngest learners. At Fredonia Elementary, fostering a love of reading begins early. Teachers work tirelessly to build foundational literacy skills and enthusiasm for books, particularly in Kindergarten through second grade. Thanks to their dedication and consistent instruction, most of our first and second graders are now reading entire books at their levels independently—a remarkable milestone that reflects both their growth and the school’s strong commitment to literacy.

Reading is not only a fundamental academic skill but also a gateway to imagination, empathy, and lifelong learning. By instilling a love of reading early on, Fredonia Elementary is helping children develop critical thinking, confidence, and curiosity about the world around them.

Events like Read Across America Day remind us how deeply connected schools and communities can be when working together to support children’s education. With the success of this year’s celebration, Fredonia Elementary looks forward to continuing this cherished tradition for years to come. The school extends its heartfelt thanks to all community members who participated and encourages everyone to keep reading aloud, sharing stories, and helping our children grow—because when we read together, we grow together.

Fredonia Schools Science Fair: A Celebration of Innovation and Learning
By Lumen Ihong

Fredonia, AZ – The Fredonia Schools Science Fair, held on February 26, 2025, was a celebration of creativity, curiosity, and scientific discovery. The event brought together students, teachers, and community members for an evening filled with engaging experiments, hands-on learning, and a thrilling Egg Drop Challenge that had everyone eagerly watching.

One of the most anticipated moments of the evening was the Egg Drop Challenge, which began at 5:30 p.m. Thanks to the support of the Kanab Fire Department, a 45-foot-high ladder truck was used to drop the students' carefully engineered egg-protection devices. The audience gathered outside near the school’s front doors, standing together in anticipation as each contraption was put to the test. Participants, along with their parents and teachers, had worked diligently the day before to construct their designs, with a final 30-minute adjustment period before the big drop. Cheers and gasps erupted as eggs plummeted from the towering height, some safely cushioned by their protective enclosures while others met a different fate. In an impressive display of engineering skill, 19 out of 27 eggs survived the drop, demonstrating the students' ingenuity in designing protective structures. The winners of the challenge included Emberlyn Wilmarth, Gisela Chacon, Alana Nelson, Nyhree Pikyavit-Serawop, Ezra Cram, Zoey Smith, Eliza Webster, Hunter Johnson, Connor Jensen, Lily Hamlin, Bristol Palmer, Stephen Langston, Sierra Cluff, Amethyst Bunting, Brian Humphries, Aiden Begay, Arianna Till, Lumen Ihong, and Juvyl Ihong.

Beyond the excitement of the Egg Drop, the Science Experiment Competition highlighted the impressive ingenuity and scientific curiosity of students across all grade levels. The Grand Champion title was awarded to Nashton Wright, a fifth grader, for his outstanding project, “The Buzz About Electricity: DIY Electromagnetic Motor.”

First place winners included Charles Jacob Lomahquahu for "Potato Battery: The Future of Eco-Friendly Electricity," the First/Second Grade Class for "Visualizing Sound Waves Using Skewers," Leah Johnson, Natalie Ashley, Lily Hamlin, and Zakerius Wilmarth for "Crystal Geodes," Quinn Till for "Charles' Law of Experiment," Josiah Chacon, Aiden Begay, Journey Tom, and McKenzie Beecroft for "Ball Launcher," the Kindergarten Class for "Cool Beans," Carrson Cluff for "Does the Type of Soil You Use Affect a Plant's Growth?" Lainie Heaton and Kyra Ganimian for "Soda and Mentos," and Danni Waters for "Music and Plants."

Second place honors were awarded to Kaylee Burke, Adriana Nieves, and Koda Uncasam for "Static Wonders: Exploring Balloon-Powered Paper Bird Flight," Roberto Dela Torre Valenzuela for "Zesty Voltage: The Lemon Battery Experiment," Kenzie Heaton for "Family Fingerprints," and Aven New and Paisley Spear for "Celery and Water Experiment."

Third place winners included Stephen Langston for "Bottle Rocket," Bristol Palmer, Sierra Cluff, and Alana Nelson for "Which Will Make Your Teeth the Dirtier?" Lily Johnson for "What Cleaner Is Stronger?" and Vasey Yellowhorse for "Lemon Battery."

The science fair was more than just a competition; it was an opportunity for students to explore, experiment, and share their findings with the community. The event fostered hands-on learning, encouraged teamwork, and inspired a love for science among students of all ages. With the enthusiastic support of teachers, parents, and local organizations, this year’s science fair was a testament to the bright future of young scientists in Fredonia.

Little Voices, Big Hearts: Fredonia Elementary Students Serenade Seniors on a
Snowy Day
By Lumen Ihong

In a heartwarming celebration of love and community, Kindergarten through second-grade students from
Fredonia Elementary School delivered a musical treat to their elderly friends at Fredonia Senior Center on
Thursday, the day before Valentine’s Day.

Braving the snowy weather, the children arrived bundled in coats and scarves, their excitement radiating
as they stepped into the warm and welcoming senior center. With bright eyes and eager smiles, they
gathered in front of an audience of delighted seniors, ready to share their gift of song.

The young performers kicked off their mini-concert with the playful classic Mairzy Doats, bringing laughter
and joy to the room as the seniors nodded along to the nostalgic tune. The lighthearted melody sparked
memories for many in the audience, some of whom softly sang along, reminiscing about their own
childhoods.

Following that, the children’s sweet voices filled the room with Fly Me to the Moon, the timeless song
made famous by Frank Sinatra. Their confident voices and joyful expressions captivated the seniors, who
listened intently, some tapping their hands to the rhythm.

One resident, clearly impressed, smiled and asked, “Do they actually know this song, or did they just
memorize it?” The question brought chuckles from those nearby, as the children grinned proudly, knowing
they had learned and practiced every word with care.

But the students weren’t finished yet. After their final note, they eagerly walked up to the seniors, handing
out special Valentine’s letters they had made with love. Each card was decorated with colorful hearts,
drawings, and heartfelt messages, bringing even more warmth to an already joyful day.

The students had spent days preparing for this visit, practicing their songs and crafting their sweet letters
with care. Their teachers, who helped organize the event, beamed with pride at the heartfelt performance
and the thoughtful gesture.

“This is what Valentine’s Day is all about—spreading love, kindness, and joy,” said Ms. Lumen, who
helped lead the effort. “Our students learned that even a simple act, like singing a song and giving a
handmade letter, can make someone’s day brighter.”

After handing out the letters, the students quickly said their goodbyes and left right away, eager to return
to school and get their own Valentine’s Day party started.

As the snow continued to fall outside, inside, hearts were warmed by the beautiful display of
thoughtfulness and the reminder that music, love, and a simple act of kindness can brighten even the
coldest of days.

Young Learners Explore, Discover at St. George Children’s Museum

St. George, UT – January 30, 2025

Excitement and curiosity filled the air as kindergarten through second-grade students from Fredonia Elementary School embarked on a fun and educational field trip to the St. George Children's Museum on January 30, 2025. The young adventurers enjoyed a hands-on learning experience filled with creativity, discovery, and imagination.

Upon arriving at the museum, students eagerly explored the various interactive exhibits designed to engage their minds and spark their curiosity. From role-playing in a mini-town to experimenting with science and engineering, each exhibit provided a unique opportunity for active learning.

Among the most popular attractions was the "Kid’s Market," where students took turns being cashiers and customers, practicing math skills while having fun. The "Science and Space Room" was another highlight, with students marveling at planets, rockets, and hands-on experiments that made science come alive.

“This is one of the best days ever!” exclaimed Justin Gardner, a first-grader, his eyes filled with excitement.

After an exciting morning of exploration, students and chaperones took a break for lunch at Fossil Park, where they refueled for more fun ahead. The park’s big slide became an instant favorite, as both students and grown-ups couldn’t resist the thrill of sliding down together, sharing laughter and unforgettable moments.

Following lunch and playtime at the park, it was time to head home. Tired but happy, students boarded the buses with big smiles, chatting about their favorite moments from the day. As they returned to Fredonia Elementary School, they carried not only wonderful memories but also a newfound love for learning through exploration.

The field trip was made possible thanks to the dedication of teachers, staff, and parent volunteers who helped supervise the students and ensure a smooth experience. Beyond the educational benefits, the trip also allowed students to build social skills, teamwork, and confidence in exploring new environments.

The visit to the St. George Children's Museum was not just a day of fun—it was a memorable educational experience that will stay with them for years to come.

Fredonia Elementary Students Explore the Wonders of STEM at Annual STEM FEST

Kanab, UT – February 11, 2025

Students from Fredonia Elementary eagerly participated in the highly anticipated annual STEM FEST at the Kanab Center in Utah, engaging in hands-on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) activities designed to spark curiosity and innovation.

The event featured six interactive stations, each offering a unique educational experience. Students explored robotics with Spheros, learned about mechanics through Mini Motors, and investigated natural disasters at the Earthquake/Liquefaction station. They also examined the effects of Radiation, marveled at the science behind Tornadoes and Vortexes, and expanded their understanding of aerodynamics and movement.

Among all the stations, students particularly enjoyed the Spheros and Tornadoes/Vortexes exhibits. The Spheros station provided an exciting opportunity to control and program robotic spheres, allowing students to test their coding skills in a fun and interactive way. Meanwhile, the Tornadoes/Vortexes station amazed students as they observed swirling vortex simulations and learned about the powerful forces behind tornado formation.

Throughout the event, students worked together, solving problems and applying their critical thinking skills in an immersive, real-world context. Teachers and volunteers guided participants, ensuring an engaging and informative experience.

Wrapping up the event, Dylan Kirkland from the Southern Utah University (SUU) STEM Center for Teaching and Learning delivered an inspiring talk on the significance of STEM in today’s society. He encouraged students by saying, “Don’t be afraid to try new things,” emphasizing the importance of curiosity and perseverance in scientific exploration. To conclude his presentation, Kirkland showcased his very own hovercraft, leaving students in awe and reinforcing the wonders of STEM.

Fredonia Elementary's participation in STEM FEST reflects the school’s commitment to fostering a love for science and technology among young learners. With experiences like these, students are empowered to think creatively, experiment, and develop essential skills for the future.

As STEM fields continue to shape the world, events like STEM FEST inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators. The excitement and enthusiasm displayed by Fredonia Elementary students this year prove that the future of STEM is in good hands.

Fredonia Elementary Celebrates Diversity at Cultural Heritage Night

On January 23, 2025, Fredonia Elementary School proudly hosted its annual Cultural Heritage Night, an event that brought together parents, teachers, and administrators to celebrate the rich diversity of the school community. The evening served as an inspiring opportunity to honor cultural traditions and reflect on the ways our ancestors have shaped who we are today.

The event began with a warm welcome from Principal Mrs. Allen, who introduced the evening’s program and invited families to share their heritage. Eli Webster made sure the evening started out with wide eyes with his whip snapping, rope tricks and talking about ranching.

Honor Meng, the current Kaibab Princess, and Journey Tom showcased their cultural pride by wearing traditional attire, presenting musical instruments, and recounting stories about preserving their customs through the generations.  Henry Meng, Honor’s father, fried up bread for everyone to sample.

Hannah Webster, a parent, presented her family’s Legacy of Grit, sharing powerful stories of bravery and resilience. Mr. Maderal, a 5th/6th-grade teacher originally from the Philippines, shared a taste of his heritage by bringing Biko, a traditional Filipino rice dessert. Mele-Jane Tua’one shared her pacific island family history, the shells she had collected from the island and her favorite watermelon drink.  Dantzel Finicum and her mother Kaitlin told funny stories of a favorite ancestor that loved to sew so much she cut up her mothers dress to make doll clothes.  Peter Cluff highlighted special clothes and blankets his grandmothers have made for him.  

Meanwhile, Mrs. Dorene Mudrow captivated the audience with stories of her family’s ranching traditions and even demonstrated unique animal-calling techniques.  Local citizen Deloris, inspired by the presentations, joined in by singing and teaching everyone in attendance a dance.  

The event highlighted the importance of understanding and appreciating the diverse cultures within the school community. It was a celebration of heritage that deepened connections and underscored the value of history and tradition.

Fredonia Schools is looking for Wheel Fun Bike Club volunteer coach(es).  Clubs must have 1 activity a week for 10 weeks in both the fall and the spring.  Weekly activites will not exceed 1.5 hours.  Elementary and middle school programs are available.  Elementary programs consist of 4th and 5th grade.  Middle school programs are 6th-8th grade.  Coach ratio must not exceed 1:5 with 10 children maximum.  Trek bikes and gear will be provided.  Please email Dorene Mudrow:  dmudrow@fredonia.org by September 25th if interested in coaching.