Abel changing ‘landscape’ at Maricopa Wells

In today’s world catch phrases, slogans and passwords are commonplace. At Maricopa Wells Middle School the new word for today – and for tomorrow – is ‘imua.’

‘Imua’ is a Hawaiian word, which means “look to the future.”

“It’s more than a word; it’s a philosophy, and it fits here,” said Rick Abel,  the school’s new principal.

Maricopa Wells has faced some challenges in the past, including being in its second year of corrective action, primarily for low test scores in math among lower socio-economic students. Four principals in the last year also added to the school’s instability.

This year, however, Rick Abel, who spent five years as principal of Santa Rosa Elementary, is at the helm. He is assisted by Kevin Ames, who is new to the district but who brings a great deal of experience in student intervention.

About half of the school’s 39 staff members are new to the district. “We’re really fortunate to have such great hires,” said Abel.

Maricopa Wells is looking to the future and establishing the climate of the school in three areas: the physical site, procedures and programs, and student and staff perceptions about their school.

The campus, which has always had classroom doors opening directly onto a large expanse of gravel, now has grass, with more being added in front of the office and between classroom wings. Three 20’x 20’ sunshades are will be installed this month, and a 40’x 40’is scheduled to be erected outside the cafeteria/gym by semester’s end. Two outside drinking fountains on the basketball courts and athletic fields are being added.

In terms of programs and procedures, the district office and curriculum director Krista Roden will be working with the school on student intervention and professional development for teachers. “The more knowledge they have, in return, the more knowledge the students will have,” she said at a recent governing board meeting.

Like Desert Wind Middle School, Maricopa Wells is now on a block schedule. Classes, which are approximately 80 minutes long, allow time for more activities and projects. The schedule adds 20 minutes more per day for math, which equates to 60 additional hours during the school year. Math and language arts classes meet daily, and science and social studies meet every other day. Student passing time between classes is now reduced, and teachers have a longer planning time with their teams.

Abel calls himself a lucky guy.“One of the rules I learned long ago was to surround yourself with good people. I am in that situation again and feel very fortunate to be here.”

He credits previous members of the staff, including Thad Miller, Eva Safranek, Treva Jenkins, Robyn Rice, Keith Gibson and Donna Wittwer, for the progress that took place before he even considered the position.

One of Abel’s staff members recently told him she was ready to quit last year after the first week. “But now,” she said, “I’m ready to be here the whole year.”

“We’re looking ahead,” says Abel. “It doesn’t do much good to look back.”

He says the Maricopa Wells staff will take the kids they have, find out where they are and “push them.” With more time on academics, Abel’s vision is “every child learning every day.”

“We have a long way to go,” Abel admitted, “but it’s about growth and a positive climate and impact for both students and staff.”

At Maricopa Wells “imua” is a word that signifies change. More than a word, it’s a commitment to improvement and a brighter future for the school.

Photo by Scott Bartle

A version of this article appeared in the September issue of InMaricopa News.