Fredonia Schools

09/02/2026

Fredonia Schools Builds Leaders One Habit at a Time
By: Lumen Cristy Ihong

Fredonia Schools continues to encourage students, teachers, staff, and families to grow together through the Leader in Me curriculum and the 8 Habits of Highly Effective People. More than something we talk about in the classroom, these habits are becoming part of how we encourage everyone in our school community to make good choices, take responsibility, show kindness, and become positive leaders.
Starting August 31, our school will focus on Habit #1: Be Proactive.
Being proactive may sound like a big idea, especially for our younger students, but it can be seen in simple things every day. A student can be proactive by coming to class ready to learn, following directions, taking care of school materials, helping a classmate, completing work without being reminded
several times, or choosing to stay calm when something does not go their way. For teachers and staff, it can mean taking initiative, finding ways to help others, and being a positive example for our students.
Throughout the month, teachers, staff, and even students will be encouraged to notice these positive actions happening around our schools. Each class will recognize one student who consistently
demonstrates the habit as our Student of the Month.
Recognition will not stop there. Students, teachers, and staff who are seen demonstrating the habit may also receive a special ticket. These tickets can be taken to the school office, where recipients can choose a prize. It is a simple and fun way for us to recognize the good choices that are already happening in our hallways, classrooms, playgrounds, and throughout our school.
We also hope our families will be part of this effort. The habits we teach at school become even more meaningful when children have opportunities to practice them at home. Parents and family members can talk with their children about being proactive and encourage them to take responsibility for their
belongings, help with simple tasks without always being asked, prepare for school, solve small problems, and think about how their choices affect others. Most importantly, we want our students to understand that doing the right thing matters, whether or not
someone is watching. Recognition and prizes are exciting, but the greater reward is seeing our students grow into responsible, kind, confident, and caring individuals.
It takes a whole community to raise and encourage our young people. Through the Leader in Me, Fredonia Schools hopes to create a school culture where everyone, from our youngest students to our teachers and staff, knows that they have the ability to lead through their everyday choices.
As we begin with Habit #1: Be Proactive, we encourage everyone to look for opportunities to make a positive choice, lend a helping hand, and take responsibility.
After all, leadership does not always begin with doing something big. Sometimes, it begins with one small
good choice.

08/27/2026

Students should have brought home a picture packet.

08/20/2026

Come join us for Preschool. Ms. Nan is excited to meet all of you!

08/05/2026

Just a reminder that all students, new and returning, will need to register before the first day of school.

High school families, call Amanda Waters to set up an appointmnet (928) 643-8412.

08/05/2026

Just a heads up...

07/29/2026

Incoming Pre-k and Kindergarteners come register and play in the pool.

07/23/2026

Meet Kylie Shepherd

Kylie Shepherd coming soon to Fredonia-Moccasin School! Kylie was born and raised in Kanab, Utah, where she developed a love for learning, the arts, and her community. After graduating from Kanab High School, she attended Snow College before transferring to Southern Utah University, where she earned a bachelor's degree in English with an emphasis in Creative Writing. She later pursued her passion for beauty and creativity by graduating from Taylor Andrews Academy of Hair Design.

Following cosmetology school, Kylie co-owned a successful hair, makeup, and photography business specializing in bridal services. The business gained recognition through its strong social media presence and was featured on WeddingWire, allowing Kylie to combine her artistic talents with her love of helping others celebrate life's special moments.

In 2019, Kylie returned to her hometown to teach at Kanab High School, where she spent five years inspiring students in the classroom. During her time there, she also served as the assistant theatre director and an Upward Bound advisor, mentoring students both academically and creatively. She enjoys performing in local productions and currently helps teach theatre and dance at Red Rock Studios in Kanab, where she helps young performers develop confidence and showcase their unique talents.

Kylie and her husband Jordan are the proud parents of two daughters, Sasha and Sofia. She considers motherhood her greatest joy and treasures every opportunity to watch her girls learn, grow, and discover their own passions. As the middle child and only girl in her family, Kylie values the importance of relationships, creativity, and lifelong learning. One of her favorite quotes, by Oscar Wilde, reflects her love of reading and education: "It is what you read when you don't have to that determines what you will be when you can't help it."

Whether she's teaching, performing, or spending time with her family, Kylie strives to encourage others to pursue their passions, embrace creativity, and never stop learning. She will be teaching English Language Arts.

07/23/2026

Fredonia-Moccasin School is excited to welcome Nanette Russell back to our school family as our new Preschool and Kindergarten teacher!

Many in our community know her as "Miss Nan," the familiar and friendly face at the Fredonia City Pool, where she has served as pool manager for many years. Now, she is returning to the classroom to continue doing what she loves most—helping young children learn, grow, and thrive.

Nanette joins us following the retirement of our beloved Preschool and Kindergarten teacher, Jeanne Crookston. While Jeanne leaves behind an incredible legacy of love and dedication, we are confident Nanette will continue that tradition by creating a classroom where every child feels welcomed, cared for, and encouraged to reach their full potential. Their friendship of more than 25 years makes this transition especially meaningful for our school community.

A proud Fredonia native, Nanette graduated from Fredonia High School and has continued her education through LDS Business College, Coconino Community College, Mohave Community College, and is currently pursuing her bachelor's degree in education through Western Governors University.

Nanette began her career in early childhood education in 2006 with the Head Start program, where she spent 14 years helping young learners build the strong academic and social foundations they need for success. During that time, she earned her Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. In 2020, she joined Fredonia-Moccasin School as a paraprofessional and later served as our preschool teacher for four years.

Her years of experience have prepared her to create a classroom where children feel safe, respected, and excited to learn. She understands that the early years are some of the most important in a child's life and believes that strong relationships, patience, consistency, and kindness help every child develop confidence and a love of learning.

Family is at the heart of Nanette's life. She is the proud mother of three daughters and a devoted grandmother to seven wonderful grandchildren. Her love for children extends beyond her own family and is reflected in the compassion, warmth, and genuine care she brings to every student she teaches.

When she isn't teaching, Nanette enjoys drawing, crafting, watching Arizona's beautiful sunsets, exploring the hills, rock hounding, and spending time outdoors.

From an early age, Nanette knew she wanted to work with children. That lifelong calling led her to a career in early childhood education, where she has spent nearly two decades helping young learners build confidence, curiosity, and a love of learning.

Parents can feel confident knowing their children will be welcomed into a classroom built on kindness, consistency, respect, and genuine care. Nanette is committed to creating an environment where every child feels valued and eagerly anticipates school each day.

Please join us in giving Miss Nan a warm Fredonia-Moccasin welcome as she begins this exciting journey. We are thrilled to have her leading our Preschool and Kindergarten program and know she will provide a caring, nurturing environment where our youngest learners can flourish.

Welcome home, Miss Nan! We are so excited for the wonderful year ahead.

07/22/2026