2026 August issue of InMaricopa Magazine

EBDUUSCI NAETSIOSN

GOVERNMENT

Learning comes to life A+ Charter Schools kicks off new school year with growth, new STEM Lab

Wins, losses from the Capitol BY MONICA D. SPENCER

A new home for hands-on STEM One of the most anticipated additions this year is the official launch of a SmartLab, a dedicated hands-on STEM space for A+’s 6th grade science classes. SmartLab gives students access to rotating, project-based stations — think robotics, coding, engineering design and digital fabrication — where they apply science and math concepts to build and test their own creations. It’s a space built for collaboration and creativity in equal measure, asking students to work in teams, communicate ideas and think critically through problems with no single right answer. For a school built around learning-by-doing, SmartLab is a natural next step: It gives the youngest students on campus the same hands-on, 5 Cs-driven experience that defines the A+ experience all the way through senior year. Looking ahead This is the first in a series of updates from A+ Charter Schools throughout the school year, as the school continues to grow its campus, programs and opportunities for Maricopa students.

These LD16 bills became law SB 1188: Aligns Arizona’s controlled substance schedules with federal classifications for medications approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and scheduled by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. SB 1446: Reduces paperwork time for dialysis center social workers by reducing documentation of patient progress to once per quarter unless more frequent reports are federally required. SB 1448: Expands aggravated assault protections to include public utility, telecommunications and video service workers. SB 1713: Allows a pharmacist to independently test and treat eligible persons for certain medical conditions. HB 2109: Increases fines for repeat distracted driving offenses and adds an extra penalty when a violation causes a motorcycle crash. HB 2114: Directs 75% of Motorcycle Safety Fund money toward rider education and training, with the remainder supporting motorcycle education scholarships for rural and low-income riders. Prevents funds from diverting to other uses.

HB 2126: Allows either party in a civil case to request a venue change when a judicial branch employee or superior court clerk is involved. HB 2370: Allows school superintendents and charter school leaders to modify weapons detection systems without prior governing board approval. HB 2573: Includes evidence-based psychotherapy requirements tied to ignition interlock devices and eases eligibility for a restricted driver’s license after a second DUI conviction. HB 2938: Requires cash transactions to be rounded to the nearest nickel when pennies are unavailable or no longer used. HB 4117: Makes it illegal to obstruct access to or disrupt religious services at places of worship.

RIZONA LAWMAKERS WRAPPED up the 2026 legislative session with hundreds of bills signed into law, including several sponsored

by Legislative District 16’s representatives. The measures span a range of issues, from school safety and health care to distracted driving and motorcycle safety. For Rep. Teresa Martinez (R-Casa Grande), the session marked a personal milestone. Seven of her bills became law, bringing her career total to 19. This included measures strengthening penalties for distracted driving involving motorcycles, limiting who can adjust school weapons detection systems and protecting religious services from disruption. “I feel good overall with my accomplish- ments,” Martinez said. Sen. T.J. Shope (R-Coolidge) and Rep. Chris Lopez (R-Casa Grande) also saw legislation signed into law this session. Here’s a closer look at some of the measures championed by LD 16 lawmakers and what they could mean for Arizona residents.

Families with questions about enrollment or SmartLab can call 520-265-5589 or visit APlusAZ.org.

A S SUMMER WINDS DOWN, A+ Charter Schools — Maricopa’s original project-based learning school serving grades 6-12 — is preparing for another year of hands-on growth in the classroom and on campus. A+ has built its reputation on a simple idea: Students learn best by doing. Instead of memorizing for a test, A+ students design, build, research and present real projects tied to real-world problems. Every project is built around the school’s five Cs —collaboration, communication, critical thinking, creativity and character — core skills A+ believes students need both in and outside the classroom. That approach has made the school a fixture in the Maricopa community, and A+ is now expanding to meet demand. Room to grow To keep up with enrollment, A+ is adding two new modular buildings on campus, set to open in October. The school is also in the early stages of planning a permanent campus expansion targeted for 2027 — a sign of just how much the community has embraced the project-based model. While several grade levels currently have waitlists, A+ is still in open enrollment for the upcoming school year, with particularly good availability for incoming 6th grade students. Families interested in joining the A+ community are encouraged to apply soon.

520-265-5589 APlusAZ.org 41735 W. Alan Stephens Parkway

LEGISLATIVE LINGO

House bill (HB): A bill introduced in the Arizona House of Representatives. Senate bill (SB): A bill introduced in the Arizona Senate. Session: The annual period when the Arizona Legislature meets to introduce, debate and vote on bills. Sponsor: To formally introduce legislation and lead it through the legislative process. Other lawmakers may join as co- sponsors to show support. Striker amendment: A legislative maneuver that replaces language in an existing bill with new text. It allows lawmakers to advance a proposal using a bill already moving through the process. Veto: When the governor rejects a bill passed by the Legislature.