Students gather on the steps for a class photo during school picture day, capturing memories while creating images used for yearbooks, student identification cards and other school records throughout the year.
As students return to classrooms across the Agua Fria Union High School District, one of the first traditions of the new school year is also one of the most important. While many students think of picture day as an opportunity to smile for the yearbook, school portraits play a much larger role in daily campus life.
“During the first two weeks of the school year, approximately 10,000 students across the Agua Fria High School District are photographed for annual picture day,” said Melinda Marchese, director of communications and community initiatives. “These photos are primarily used for student IDs and yearbooks at each of our high schools.”
This year, picture day falls on:
Aug. 5 for The Hilltop (5356 North Litchfield Road, Litchfield Park AZ 85340)
Aug. 10 for grades 11-12 at Verrado High School (20050 W Indian School Rd, Buckeye, AZ 85396)
How picture day photos are used
Student photos are used on identification cards that students may need for checking out library materials, attending school events, accessing campus services and verifying their identity. School staff also use student photos to help identify students in attendance and student information systems.
For students participating in athletics, clubs and other extracurricular activities, updated photos help schools maintain accurate records throughout the year.
Picture day also marks the beginning of yearbook production. Student photographers, editors and advisers begin assembling one of the year's lasting records of school life, documenting everything from academics and athletics to performing arts and student organizations.
Families can typically order portrait packages online or through forms provided by the district's photography vendor. Many companies also offer digital image downloads, retouching services and a variety of print packages.
Students who are absent on picture day generally have an opportunity to participate during a scheduled makeup day later in the semester. Makeup photos also allow students to replace portraits if they are unhappy with their original picture.
District officials encourage students to arrive dressed appropriately for school and to follow any campus dress code requirements. While clothing choices are personal, photographers often recommend wearing solid colors and avoiding busy patterns or large logos that may distract from the portrait.
Families should watch for communications from their school's administration regarding picture day dates, ordering information and makeup sessions, as schedules may vary by campus.
Editor’s note: A grant from the Arizona Local News Foundation made this story possible. The foundation awarded 15 newsrooms to pay for solutions-focused education reporters for two years. Please submit comments at yourvalley.net/letters. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.
Meet Stacy Stacy Mantle is joining the team at Independent Newsmedia, Inc. as an Education Solutions journalist, thanks to a grant from the Arizona Community Collaborative. She has a long history in education that ranges from teaching junior high and middle school to developing curriculum and standards-based assessments.
Community: A longtime advocate for animal welfare, Stacy is deeply involved in rescue efforts and volunteers with several nonprofit organizations.
Random Fact: Once upon a time, she shared her home with a pet coyote and two wolf hybrids. The experiences were wild enough to become the subject of her first book!
Education: She holds a BA in English with a minor in Political Science, a Post-baccalaureate in Secondary Education, and an MBA with a emphasis on Marketing.
Hobbies: In her spare time, Stacy writes fast-paced urban fantasy novels, crafts small-batch artisan soap, and is always up for hiking or off-roading through the Arizona wilderness with her husband of 23 years.
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