Squaw Peak Traditional Academy
A Neighborhood School with a Traditional Focus
4601 N. 34th St. Phoenix, AZ 85018Phone: (602) 381-6160 - Fax: (602) 381-6170
HISTORY OF SQUAW PEAK TRADITIONAL ACADEMY
Founded 1954Designed by architect Mel Ensign, and constructed by Nolan Construction Company, Squaw Peak School opened in the fall of 1954, with approximately 200 students. William T. Machan was Superintendent of the Creighton School District and the School Board consisted of:Vernon B.Croaf, Clerk; Russel J. Scheid and A.Dale Curtis, members.
The staff included:Mr. C.L. Fair, Principal, and six teachers in three grades. First grade - Ann Zaldivarand Lavon Johnson, second grade-Elizabeth Bridgewater and Jessie Crimmins, Third grade -Jocelyn Corley and Louise Mowat. There were no special area teachers and no secretary or nurse.On opening day, the only classroom furnishings were a chair for each child. Library books were on loan from the county library. There was no cafeteria; students and staff brought their lunches.
The following year, 1955-56, a fourth grade was added with teachers Katie Yarbrough and Sue Sexton. A secretary, Anita Minard, also started this year.(The salary for secretary was $200.00 per month for a 5 1/2 day work week. A beginning teacher earned approximately $2,400.00 per year.) The first school nurse, Joan Gyurko, started in the fall of 1956-57.
Squaw Peak was originally planned as a Primary School .Fourth through eighth grade students attended Monte Vista School. Population increase warranted a full 1st through 8th grade school and a grade was added each year until eight grades were established.The first eighth grade commencement exercises were held in May, 1960.
Grades and teachers were added:
1956-57 - 5th grade - Powell Nevin, Elaine Moore & Dan Maxon
1957-58 - 6th grade - Donald Scott, John Good pastor & Wilda Norris
1958-59 - 7th grade - Gary Prentice, Erva Verner & Don Adamson
1959-60 - 8th grade - John Roberson, Robert Kelly & Donald Scott
The first cafeteria was housed in the building which later became the Home Economics and Industrial Arts wing. In 1956, a music teacher, Grace Ryan, and a P.E. teacher, Gary Prentice, were added to the staff. An Industrial Arts teacher, Jack Sherry, and a Home Economics teacher, Hulene Newlon, came aboard in 1958-59. An art teacher, Ed Shipp, was added in 1960-61.Anne Stedwell, Librarian, was added in 1962-63. Anne had previously been a volunteer, librarian for Squaw Peak. State mandated kindergarten classes started in 1971-72, with teacher, Jayne Metteer.
The name "Squaw Peak" was chosen through the efforts of the PTA, students and parents; the namesake being the mountain by that name which can be viewed directly north of the school.
Prior to 1982, due to declining enrollment, an ad hoc committee was formed to study the feasibility of closing Squaw Peak. However, in 1982, Squaw Peak became a K-6 school;seventh and eight grade students were transferred to the newly formed Creighton Middle School, at 28th Street and McDowell Road.fter it became a K-6 school and attendance boundaries were changed, the school's enrollment again increased.
At its peak enrollment, with K-8 students,Squaw Peak School had approximately 1,100 students.The school was on double sessions for one year during this time .During the high enrollment period, three re locatable classrooms were placed on the north end of the school, also, one class was held in the nearby Squaw Peak Covenant Community Church.
Squaw Peak School enjoyed a very active PTA throughout the years.mong many other activities, the organization sponsored an annual carnival, the proceeds benefiting the school in many ways.
During the 1986-87 school year Squaw Peak was housed at 20th Street and Campbell in a Madison District School site.The plant on 34th Street was being remodeled during this time.The following year, 1987-88,the newly remodeled school was ready for occupancy, complete with REFRIGERATION in all classrooms!
Among well-known personalities whose children (or grandchildren) attended Squaw Peak were:Sandra Day O'Connor, Erma Bombeck, Jerry Colangelo, Tom Sneva, Dick Van Arsdale, and Barry Goldwater's granddaughter;Alice Cooper and Bill Mayfair also attended our school.
The Squaw Peak staff has grown from seven in 1954 to the current eighty-two on the payroll in1991.
(Written approximately 1991)
Twelve principals have served Squaw Peak School:
1. Mr. C. L. (Lester) Fair - 1954 - 1971
2. Dr. James Sawin - 1971 - 1974
3. Dr. Harry E. Hood - 1974- 1977
4. Mr. Earl L. Mendenhall, acting principal -1977- 1978
5. Dr. Edwin Graham -1978- 1980
6. Mrs. Francis J. (Francie) Fischer - 1980- 1984
7. Mrs. Sara Johnson -1984- 1988
8. Mr. Timothy A. Moe -1988- 1990
9. Ms. Kathy Tegarden - 1990- 1997
10. Dr. Autumn Turoczy/Tooms - 1998 - 2000
11. Ms. Pamela Eklund - 2000- 2006
12. Ms. Arnette Wessel -2006- present
Assistant Principals, Squaw Peak School:
Mr. Edward Allan Day - 1959- 1968
Mr. C. J. Barnette - 1968 -1971
Mr. Bruce C. Johnson, acting assistant -1971- 1972
Mr. Bruce C. Johnson - 1972- 1973
Mr. John B. Quinby - 1973- 1974
Principals Note: Kathy Haberer Tegarden was a Squaw Peak graduate, and Dr. Autumn Tooms a Larry C. Kennedy graduate.