Weekly News Blog

PUHSD Hosts 15 Graduation Ceremonies

Thu, 16 May 2013 20:03:24 GMT

Fifteen graduation ceremonies will take place today (May 22) and Thursday, as over 4400 seniors receive their high school diplomas. Eleven large schools will take turns at the Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum, in a graduation blitz that runs from 10:30 a.m. Wednesday until 10 p.m. Thursday evening. Wednesday there are five ceremonies at the Coliseum-Central at 10:30 a.m.; Camelback at 1 p.m.; North at 3:30 p.m.; South Mountain at 6 p.m. and Betty Fairfax ending the day at 8:30 p.m. Thursday six schools will take the stage, beginning with Metro Tech at 8 a.m., and followed by Maryvale, 10:30 a.m.; Alhambra, 1 p.m.; Trevor Browne, 3:30 p.m.; Carl Hayden, 6 p.m. and Cesar Chavez, 8:30 p.m.

Suns Diamondbacks will hold its graduation, Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Central High’s auditorium, and Bostrom will go at 6 p.m. at Trevor Browne’ auditorium. Thursday, the Herberger Theater will be the site for Franklin Police and Fire’s commencement at 4:30 p.m. and Bioscience at 6:30 p.m.

Phoenix Union Foundation Awards Scholarship Money

Thu, 16 May 2013 20:04:09 GMT

Fifty students were awarded $71,600 in scholarships this year from the Phoenix Union Foundation for Education to further their education at accredited colleges and universities next year.

The Foundation for Education, a 501 (c) (3) that supports pathways to success in college, career and life, and provides support for District-wide, college-going student programs and college scholarships, began in 1985 as the Phoenix Union Partnership of Business and Education. In recent years, it has concentrated on generating need-based scholarships for PUHSD students.

Scholarships ranged from $100 annually to $8,000 over a four-year academic career, distributed from a pool of scholarship resources, from individual and organization donors to employee contributions and fundraising events.

Proceeds from the 2012 Phoenix Union Gala and the Foundation Scholarship Open Golf Tournament generated $40,000 in $8,000 scholarships to five students- Alicia Castro Cardenas, Trevor Browne; Jennifer Price Smith, Bioscience; Evelyn Dominguez, Camelback; Cheyanne Tietje, Betty Fairfax and Christian Hernandez, Carl Hayden. Proceeds from this year’s Gala in February and Golf Tournament in May will be used for next year’s scholarships. These two Foundation fundraisers have also established an endowment fund that has topped $100,000.

“Giving Back Pays Forward” Scholarships to 32 students totaling $23,700 were supported by community, business and PUHSD staff, family and friends to recognize loved ones, support students and give back to their community.

Eight students benefited from the generosity of Phoenix Union employees whose contributions were used for $8,000 to the “Invest in the Best” Scholarships of $1,000 each.

The Phoenix Union Black Alliance gave six scholarships valued at $2,300.

The Phoenix Union Foundation for Education, formerly known as the Partnership for Business and Education, has provided over $800,000 in scholarships in the past 25 years. Scholarship applications are distributed to all District employees and due in April. Volunteer business, community and education members read and score the applications to award in May. Individuals or businesses interested in volunteering or making a scholarship donation can visit www.foundation4education.org.

PUHSD Will Serve Free Lunch Over the Summer

Thu, 16 May 2013 20:05:32 GMT

For the 32^nd summer, the Phoenix Union High School District, along with other agencies, will provide breakfast and lunch for needy children 18 years of age and younger at 12 high schools, Monday through Thursday, May 28 – June 27.

Meals will be made available to all children 18 years of age and under without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, age or disability. There will be no discrimination in the course of the meal service.

Each of the school campuses will be hosting Summer School. Food will be prepared, as it is during the regular school year, at each location in the school cafeteria. Participating community members will be directed to the designated areas of each campus.

The Summer Food Program will be held Monday through Thursday, May 28-June 27, except at Alhambra, where the meals were available Monday through Friday, June 6-July 3. Breakfast will be served from 7:15 A.M. until 8:00 A.M., with lunch being served from 10:45 A.M. until 12:00 P.M. Adults are welcome to accompany children and can purchase breakfast for $2 and lunch for $3.

Bioscience Will Host Unique Graduation

Thu, 16 May 2013 20:06:08 GMT

Graduation will be a little different for Bioscience this year. Of the 58 graduates, all of whom are going on to colleges and universities, nine are valedictorians. At their graduation ceremony, Thursday, May 23 at the Herberger Theatre, eight of the nine will be speaking. Each will get a minute to tell their classmates and audience how much they have grown at Bioscience. The valedictorians and their college choices are Juan Rodriguez, Oberlin; Havell Marcus, ASU; Katheryn Whitley, Univ. Texas; Gerardo Calderon, ASU; Carlos Alvarado, undecided; Samantha Su Taylor, Arizona, Ernesto Luna, undecided and Elle Portillo Wightman, ASU.

Betty Fairfax Students Awarded Top Scholarship Dollars

Thu, 16 May 2013 20:07:05 GMT

Cheyanne Tietje was one of five Phoenix Union students that were awarded the top scholarship of $8,000 ($2,000 over four years) from the Phoenix Foundation for Education. The following students received Department Outstanding Student Awards and $100 scholarships: Gelila Tsefu, AVID; Dominique Ceballos, Reading; Doenisha Jackson, JROTC; Abbie Haynie, Math; Dillon Moffett, Performing Arts; Kathleen Sem, Engineering; Aimee Wilson, Business; Daniel Diaz-Ortega, PE/Health; Stephanie Arellano, English; Marisa Contreres, Science; Ninju Mathew, Library; Carmela Sanchez, Social Studies and Anthony Marroquin, World Languages.

Senior College and Career Presentation Scholarships were Nook readers, given to Melissa Trout, Natural Resources; Dina Sandoval, Business; Bryantee Williams, Engineering; Danielle Bailey, Health Services; Ty Wooley, Art; and Chris Moreno, Human Resources.

Fairfax Student Barely Missed State Championship

Thu, 16 May 2013 20:08:44 GMT

Orlando Coleman Jr. just missed a state championship at the State Track and Field Championships, May 11 at Mesa Community College. Coleman placed 2^nd in the Boys Division II 100 meters, running an 11.04, just behind the 10.99 winning time from a Verrado HS sprinter. Coleman also finished 7^th in the 200 meters, and led the 4 x 100 relay to a 5^th place finish. Hassan Muhammad placed 7^th in the Boys 100 meter finals. The Stampede finished 14^th in team scoring, with 16 points.

Camelback Students Bring in Scholarship Dollars

Thu, 16 May 2013 20:09:23 GMT

Camelback has had quite a successful scholarship season, finding $3,233,680 in scholarships for its seniors, with more trickling in. Seventy seniors will be receiving some type of scholarship for post-secondary education.

Central Student Wins Girls Division I High Jump

Thu, 16 May 2013 20:09:54 GMT

Shekinah Green, a 9^th grader from Central, won the Girls Division I High Jump, clearing 5-feet, 4 inches at the State Track and Field Championships, May 11 at Mesa Community College. Her 10 points were the only ones collected by the Bobcats at the meet.

Central Students Offered Over Two Million in Scholarship

Thu, 16 May 2013 20:10:35 GMT

Seventy-seven seniors were offered $2,219,000 in scholarships as of May 15, and Central counselors say that more are coming in. Grand Canyon, ASU, NAU and Arizona offers led the way.

Carl Hayden Teacher, Students Attend Día De Los Niños

Thu, 16 May 2013 20:11:30 GMT

English teacher Kari Infantino and six students attended the 3^rd Annual Día de Los Niños/Día de Los Libros Literacy Celebration hosted by the English Education Program in the Department of English at ASU. This event was a celebration of children, culture, and language. The guest speaker was Gary Soto, a famous Hispanic writer of adolescent fiction. There were mariachis, folklorico dancers, and guest poets. The students went to writing workshops as well and were given one of Soto’s books.

Chavez Students Medal at Division I State Track and Field

Thu, 16 May 2013 20:12:23 GMT

Chavez’s medalists at the Division I State Track and Field, May 11, were Roderick Griffin, 4^th in the Boys Division I 300 hurdles and Essence Hollins, 5^th in the Girls 300 hurdles.

Franklin Will Graduate 63 Seniors

Thu, 16 May 2013 20:12:56 GMT

The school may be small, but it is mighty. Sixty-three seniors will graduate, May 23, many of those have benefitted from $739,000 in scholarships offered, so far.

Metro Tech Co-Ed Varsity Won Soccer State Championship

Thu, 16 May 2013 20:14:42 GMT

The Metro Tech Coed Varsity Soccer team won the 3A Charter Athletic Association Coed Soccer State Championship, beating South Pointe, 2-1, in the title game, May 11 at Camelback High School. The Knights, coached by Benny Moreno, topped Precision Charter School in a semi-final game, 3-1, May 7. It is the school’s second state championship in co-ed soccer. Metro won a state title in its first year offering the sport in 2008.

South Mountain Student Won State Championship Discus Event

Thu, 16 May 2013 20:15:33 GMT

Nik Mercer won a State Championship in the Division II Discus event, May 8, at the State Track and Field Championships at Mesa Community College, with a throw of 158-feet, six inches. He placed second in the shot put May 11 at the same state meet, accounting for all of the South Mountain Boys points, 18, which placed the Jaguars 13^th in the team competition. Alexis Center, a ninth grader was 2^nd in the Girls Division II 100 meters, 4^th in the 200 meters, and her Jaguar 4 x 100 relay team was 6^th. Daniel Fritz, a ninth grader, finished just out of the points with a 9^th place showing in both the 1600 and 3200 meters.

Trevor Browne Student Accepted to U.S. Army Academy at West Point

Thu, 16 May 2013 20:19:02 GMT

David Navidad has accepted an appointment to the U.S. Army Academy at West Point. He heard about the famous training ground for leaders as a freshman in his JROTC class, and went to work, hoping to get there someday. To say that JROTC helped in the process is an understatement. His first year in the program, he lost 50 pounds and got in top shape. He says he “went from a zero to a hero.” He moved four ranks in his first full year, was second in command of his unit as a junior, and the battalion commander as a senior, the highest ranking cadet officer. Navidad competed in drill team, color guard and adventure team, winning state twice, and Junior Leadership Academic Bowl, where his team advanced to the second round two years in a row.

“JROTC was a major influence. It gave me confidence, I enjoyed learning about the military background, and putting on the full uniform, and it made me want to continue into leadership roles and further my education. “

Navidad is in the National Honor Society, French Club, and was a member of the track team, wrestling, and basketball, until it interfered with work. He is a sales associate at Foot Locker. Among his community service volunteering, he is most proud of working for the Silver Lining program, teaching the mentally disabled about horse riding and grooming.

Navidad has a 3.9 grade point average and is in the top three percent of his graduating class. He had already received full-ride scholarship offers from the Dorrance Family Foundation and a Deans Scholarship from ASU. But a West Point experience is worth over $400,000. The five-year stint in the army afterward is no problem for Navidad. He will come out of the academy as a second lieutenant and would like to make a career in the military, getting to a colonel or even general. He will be studying mechanical engineering, taking to West Point the lessons he learned from his father.

“My dad is a mechanic, and I would always go with him, fixing cars, lawn care engines, whatever was needed. I started by passing him the tools, and he would teach me what to do. He always said being a mechanic is good because cars break down. As a mechanical engineer, I can work on motors, engines, airplanes, vehicles, HumVees in the military.”

“My parents are really proud of me. There won’t be any financial worries. I will get paid for school and work, and I am doing something that is really hard to get.”

Trevor Browne Senior Placed 7th at Boys DI 400 Meters

Thu, 16 May 2013 20:20:02 GMT

Senior Anthony Lopez placed 7th in the Boys Division I 400 meters at the State Track and Field Championships, May 11. He just missed the finals of the 800 meters, finishing with the ninth-best time in the preliminaries, May 8.

PUHSD Hosted Poetry Central

Thu, 09 May 2013 19:00:58 GMT

The District’s annual Poetry Central was held at Camelback High School, May 3. The event includes poetry contest winners from each campus converging for workshops with published poets and recognition of District winners. The overall winners were Karina Santillan, Maryvale; Jennifer Benito, North and Rosie Palacios, Camelback. Grade 9 winner was Hunter Hazelton, Fairfax; Grade 10-Esmeralda Estrada, Carl Hayden; Grade 11-Oscar Aguirre, Maryvale; Grade 12: Brenda Orozco, Metro Tech; Bilingual-Lidia Garcia, Camelback; and Important Social Messages: Brandee Graves, South. One hundred students attended the all-day event, working with guest poets and ASU professors Myrlin Hepworth and Fernando Perez. Site winners read their poems and the District winners were announced at the end of the event.

Alhambra Hosted High School Nation Tour

Thu, 09 May 2013 19:02:11 GMT

The High School Nation Tour stopped at Alhambra High School, Tuesday, for a concert and interactive music and arts zone. Over 2,000 students took in the four-act show, which is making 15 stops in California, Arizona and Nevada. Alhambra was its only Phoenix stop. Talent included Quincy Jones’ produced Blush, Brooklyn based Shinobi Ninja, California pop-rockers Stamps and other special guests. The tour gives exposure to up-and-coming artists, as well as provides students with free entertainment at a time when funding for the arts has been severely cut nationwide. Along with a strong showcase for music appreciation, the festival highlighted journalism, film, fine arts, fashion and photography. Student journalists got the opportunity to meet and interview the musicians and photograph the concert. Retailer Tilly’s and other sponsors made the free concert possible. High School Nation will be making donations to each school on the tour toward their music and arts programs.

Bioscience Students Win First at SPARK App Competition

Thu, 09 May 2013 19:02:57 GMT

Bioscience seniors Eric Rodriguez, Omar Benitez, and Alex Jones won 1st prize in the SPARK App competition through ASU Polytechnic College of Technology & Innovation and the Town of Gilbert, May 1. SPARK is an acronym for “Schools Participate in App Resources and Knowledge.” This inaugural contest provides recognition to high school software developer teams or individuals for developing innovative mobile applications that utilize Town data. The Bioscience students designed a phone app that gives the user access to Gilbert town data, specifically focused on trails in and around the Riparian area. Users can take photos of and track GPS locations of various animals to be shared with other users visiting the area. The students won $1000 for the school’s E-tech (engineering) club fund, as well as $250 cash for each of them. Their teacher is Susan Wilson.

Camelback Journalism and TV Won Honors for PSA Video

Thu, 09 May 2013 19:03:37 GMT

Camelback’s journalism and TV Club members won second place honors for their Public Service Announcement video created for the Phoenix Police Department’s Stop Underage Drinking PSA contest. The school will receive a $3000 prize which will be used for the school’s television studio.

Camelback’s video was produced by four students who are in the journalism class-- seniors Julian Bourne, Jonathan Zamora, Jordan Taylor and Johnny Lopez. The class is taught by Katie Larkin, and the Camelback television club and studio is overseen by Bob Dudley.

Central Students Involved in Photography Project

Thu, 09 May 2013 19:07:20 GMT

Five advanced photo students of Judy Mariahazy were involved in a special project working with five professional photographers this year. Their project, called “Through Each Others Eyes” was to make images that represent themselves, culturally. Each student created 4-5 photographic works which will be exhibited at MonOrchid gallery, May 14-18. The work of Kemi Sholola, 10^thgrade, Javier Jimenz, 10^th , Alondra Burgos, 11^th, Alejandra Rodriguez, 11^th and Allysa Phillips, 12^th will be at the gallery at 214 E. Roosevelt. The students will be part of an opening reception, May 17.

Six other Central students participated in the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Arts Visions project. They have had the opportunity to work with six internationally known fine art photographers, culminating with an exhibit of their work in the gallery at Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art. The students are Alexa Guy, Sabrina Hernandez, Adam Ortiz, Jazmine Moore, Alejandra Rodriguez and Johnalyss Medina. Their work will be displayed from May 9-September 8 at the gallery which is located inside the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts at the Civic Plaza. There is also works displayed by students from South Mountain High School, Desert Mountain and Coronado.

Central Students Involved in Photography Project

Thu, 09 May 2013 19:07:51 GMT

Carl Hayden Students Held Clothing Drive

Thu, 09 May 2013 19:08:39 GMT

The school’s Blue Planet Society club held a clothing drive for one week, April 29-May 3 and collected a total of 1,116 pounds.

“At 10 cents a pound, the club raised $111.60 – without having to buy anything, sell anything, or go out to eat anywhere,” Blue Planet advisor and science teacher Alejandrina Mejia said.

The Theatre Club led the way with 623 pounds of clothing, and earned a cookie party for their members.

Art Club Students Make Their Mark at Carl Hayden

Thu, 09 May 2013 19:09:28 GMT

The students in the Art Club managed to finish their first mural from last year, paint the baseball and softball dugouts with Carl Hayden logos, and paint the set design for Aladdin, the play. The club also took field trips to the Heard Museum, Phoenix Art Museum, First Fridays Art Walk in downtown Phoenix, Jerome, and Sedona. Art teachers Cecily Cano and Kim Schaller are the club sponsors.

Carl Hayden Graduate Earns Ph.D. in Humanities

Thu, 09 May 2013 19:12:39 GMT

Dr. Mei Hsiu Chan, the school’s dance, drama and Chinese language teacher has been following the academic career of one Hayden alumnus very closely. Her daughter, Stacy Chen Hui-Jung graduated as a junior in 2004. She went to Bayer University and earned both a Bachelor degree (in 2007) and Master degree from Baylor in 2010. This April, she earned her Ph.D. in Humanities at the University of Texas at the age of 26.

Franklin Held First Blood Drive

Thu, 09 May 2013 19:14:57 GMT

Franklin held its first blood drive, sponsored by the Red Cross and facilitated by Franklin's Student Government May 2. Of the 45 students that committed to donate blood, 37were first time donors. The school collected 35 blood products, surpassing its goal of 30. Lori Hilliard, the Red Cross Donor Recruitment Representative who coordinated with the school said, " I was so impressed with the caliber of your students and their willingness to make a difference in the lives of others. Our collection staff made a special note on the operations record of how impressed they were by the student’s organization and dedication."

Maryvale Sweeps JROTC Competition

Thu, 09 May 2013 19:15:49 GMT

Maryvale dominated the Southwest JROTC Orienteering Championship, April 27 in Prescott, sweeping the top three places in the main competition, winning the female division, and placing second in the co-ed competition. Lyon Norcross and Damian Norcross finished first, Gonzalo Rodriguez and Francisco Garcia, second and Ismael Guerrero and Richard Collazo were third. Yesenia Gonzalez and Jacky Della Torre won the female competition, and Shanley Carlson and Ricky Garcia placed second in the coed competition. There were 140 two-person teams from 22 schools in the event, and Maryvale had eight teams in the top 25. JROTC instructor Sergeant First Class Daryl Yost is the orienteering coach.

Orienteering is a sport that requires critical thinking, decision making and map reading skills to navigate a course over open terrain. JROTC teams compete on a worldwide recognized Score-O Course. That means cadet teams have two hours to find (collect) as many controls (checkpoints) as they can. Normally a team will find no more than 24 hidden throughout the course and the teams must find them by understanding the terrain features around them and the map they are carrying. Each control is worth a different point value. The further the point is away from the start, the more it is worth. Winners are decided by the number of points earned and the fastest time.

Metro Tech Named Expect More Arizona Spotlight School

Thu, 09 May 2013 19:16:24 GMT

Metro Tech High School was recognized as one of four Expect More Arizona Spotlight award winners for Central Arizona, culminating the Expect More Excellence Tour, in which schools or programs submitted videos demonstrating excellence in five criteria. Principal Kate McDonald and 15 staff members attended the awards ceremony, May 7 at the Civic Center, and received a plaque, $1000 and many accolades. The five criteria are Expect More Arizona’s building blocks for world-class education: communities working together; excellence for all; world class achievement, commitment to innovation and strategic investment. Great Hearts Academy, Be a Leader Foundation and the Glendale Union School District were the other winners among the 80 submissions. Expect More Arizona is a non-profit organization of individuals and businesses dedicated to creating a movement of passionate and engaged Arizonans who value education as our state’s top priority.

Metro Tech Co-Ed Varsity Soccer Team Advanced to 3A Championship

Thu, 09 May 2013 19:17:42 GMT

Metro Tech Coed Varsity Soccer team advanced to the 2013 Charter Athletic Association "3A" High School Coed Soccer State Championship game beating Precision Charter School in a semi-final game, 3-1, May 7.

Metro Tech advanced to the CAA "3A" State Championship game against South Pointe High May 11.

North Coach Named Boys Soccer Coach of the Year

Thu, 09 May 2013 19:18:52 GMT

Carlos Zubiate was voted Boys Soccer Section Coach of the Year for Division I Section I. The Mustangs qualified for the 16-team Division I playoffs, but lost to Carl Hayden in the opening round. Zubiate is also a PE and Health teacher at the school.

South Mountain Crew Wins First Place for PSA Video

Thu, 09 May 2013 19:20:44 GMT

South Mountain High School’s Jaguar News crew won first place honors for their Public Service Announcement video created for the Phoenix Police Department’s Stop Underage Drinking PSA contest. The students received a first place trophy and a $5,000 prize at an awards celebration May 1 at North Canyon High School. The money can be used for the school’s communications program.

The awarding-winning video will be used to help bring awareness, prevention, and education regarding underage drinking in Phoenix. The News crew members were guests on Good Morning Arizona, May 6.

One judge, broadcast reporter Gina Maravilla of News Channel 3 said South Mountain’s video “blew the judges away” and that “we need to hire these guys right now.”

Jaguar News is produced by the video production courses and part of the South Mountain High School Magnet Programs and Career and Technical Education. The class is taught by team-teachers Anne Montgomery and Valarie Tom. Jaguar News Crew is Joanna Elias; Saul Hernandez; Kevin Ixtabalan; Danielle Quihuis; Xavyer Ziegler; Armida Zepeda; Kimberly Aguilar; Eric Aldava; Roberto Armenta; Michael Bassett; Noel Araiza; LeaCher Carter; Carolina Llamas; Jesse Palafox and Connor Wade.

South Mountain Student Hired at CNN for Internship

Thu, 09 May 2013 19:21:34 GMT

Juan Juarez, a 2011 graduate, has been hired to be part of the CNN en español crew this summer. This is a paid production internship that was very competitive.

Juarez was part of the Communications Magnet for his fouryears, where he was a reporter, producer, editor and anchor. He is now in his second year at Grand Canyon University majoring in communications.

Maryvale Cross Country/Track Awarded Muscle Milk Recovery Grant

Thu, 16 May 2013 20:13:39 GMT

Maryvale’s Cross Country/Track and Field programs were awarded a Muscle Milk Recovery Grant for $10,000, receiving the check during a presentation at the Phoenix Union Track and Field Championships, April 24. The Muscle Milk Recovery Grant was designed to fund high school athletic programs in need of financial assistance. Over 600 schools applied across the nation, but only 22 were selected. Students and coaches were encouraged to send letters to Muscle Milk, explaining why they needed the Muscle Milk Recovery Grant. With the grant, coach Jeffrey Goldstein is planning summer camps and purchasing uniforms and training equipment.

PUHSD Scholarship Announcements Bring Exciting Opportunities

Tue, 07 May 2013 20:37:29 GMT

It is scholarship season, and some of the bigger scholarships are being announced. Phoenix Union has five Gates Millennium Scholars for the second year in a row. Bioscience has three winners- Gerardo Calderon, Elizabeth Palos and Jennifer Price-Smith. Maryvale’s Jessica Garcia is her school’s third Gates Scholar in the last three years, and Jesus Guzman is Cesar Chavez’s second Gates Scholar in as many years. The scholarships, which can be applied toward undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees is valued at $250,000, according to the Gates Foundation’s average expenditure per student.

The Dorrance Scholars Program had the most applicants, and named the most Dorrance Scholars, selecting 27 students for a four-year scholarship, worth $40,000 to one of the three state public universities. Phoenix Union has five Dorrance Scholars- Luis Delgado of Central, Sergio Eseberre of Cesar Chavez, Noel Higuera of Metro Tech, Lacy Stewart of Metro and David Navidad of Trevor Browne.

PUHSD to Offer Free Summer School

Tue, 07 May 2013 20:37:58 GMT

Free summer school will be offered to current students and new students this year. The Freshman Academy is for incoming ninth graders who need to increase their math or English skills necessary to succeed in high school. There will be course offerings in reading, introduction to high school literacy and high school math. Eleven schools will have Freshman Academy. Most campuses will have classes from June 3-26, Monday through Thursday, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. Students coming into Cesar Chavez or Betty Fairfax will come May 28-June 27, Monday through Thursday. Alhambra will hold Freshman Academy, June 6-July 3, Monday through Friday. Current students (entering grades 10,11,12 next fall) will attend May 28-June 27 at their home schools, Monday through Thursday, with two sections available-morning from 8-11:50 a.m. and afternoon from 12:30-4:20 p.m. Each section is a half-credit. For courses available and more information, visit www.PhoenixUnion.org/SummerSchool or call (602) 764-1307.

Alhambra Spirit Lines Ran Three Successful Blood Drives

Tue, 07 May 2013 20:38:36 GMT

Alhambra Spirit Line ran three successful blood drives over the course of the year. For the first time, they earned a Gold level award from United Blood Services. Eleven lucky members of the squad were chosen to represent Alhambra on United Blood Services Banner Night May 1 at the Diamondbacks game. They were Karen Espinoza, Lea Blake, Andrea Lopez, Maria Fernanda Parra, Miguel Vasquez, Caleb Alteres, Janneth Juarez, Samantha Lucas, Creia Hallinan, Karina Teran, and Sara Martinez. Danielle Mandino is the Spirit Line Coach.

Fairfax Track and Field Wins PUHSD Track and Field Championship

Tue, 07 May 2013 20:39:26 GMT

The Stampede Boys Track and Field team edged North and Chavez to win the Phoenix Union Track and Field Championships at Trevor Browne, April 24 and 26. Orlando Coleman paced Fairfax with wins in the 100 and 200 meters, and the Stampede won the 4 x 100 relay. Those three events accounted for 57 of Fairfax’s 109 points. Fairfax took four of the top six places in the 100 meters, with Hassan Muhammad finishing second. Muhammad added a third place in the 200. Jeremy Thompson was third in the 400 and fourth in the 200 meters. Randall Reese placed second in both the high jump and triple jump.

Fairfax Softball Moves to State Tournament

Tue, 07 May 2013 20:39:59 GMT

The Stampede Softball team earned an automatic bid to the Division II State Tournament, taking on Cactus, April 27. Stampede took a 2-1 lead into the bottom of the 7^th inning, but Cactus scored twice to win the first round game. Fairfax was 16-2 in “official” regular games, and 19-5 overall with tournament games.

Fairfax Community Football Program Expands Successfully

Tue, 07 May 2013 20:41:14 GMT

The Football Program at Fairfax High School in Laveen initiated a community outreach program in 2010 that has expanded dramatically. Called Tackling Literacy, Stampede football players visit local elementary schools, spend time reading to students and talking about the importance of being able to read and write. This year, Varsity Head Coach Kevin Belcher secured over 700 donated books from an organization called the Second and Seven Foundation. Football players Angelo Lopez, Dillon Proby, Fabian Gohlston, Kevin Webb, Eryk Gammage, Miseral Arumbula, Brandon Sellers, Deonte Simpson and Mykel Santebenze have visited all the second grade classrooms (25) at seven Laveen Elementary Schools, the mornings of April 26 and May 3 to read, talk to the students and distribute books.

“The objective of this effort is to support early literacy development by motivating young learners,” said Belcher, who is also a science teacher at Fairfax. “These student-athletes selected literacy as the focus of their community giving project because they recognize how essential reading, writing and understanding are for achievement as students and athletes.”

Fairfax Relay For Life Raised over $29,000

Tue, 07 May 2013 20:41:56 GMT

Fairfax hosted the Relay for Life American Cancer Society Walk, April 20 at the football stadium, and raised over $29,000 with the assistance of Fairfax staff, students and Laveen volunteers.

Bioscience Boasts Three Gates Millennium Scholars

Tue, 07 May 2013 20:42:34 GMT

Bioscience High School has three Gates Millennium Scholars this year- Jennifer Price-Smith, Gerardo Calderon and Elizabeth Palos. The goal of the Gates Millennium Scholar program is to provide opportunities for outstanding minority students with significant financial need to reach their highest potential and increase representation of minorities in disciplines such as science, education, engineering, mathematics, public health and sciences.

Price-Smith’s path to success began soon after her birth in China, when she was adopted by American parents. She has stayed connected with her birthplace…attending Chinese School, involved in Chinese dance, and as President of the National Chinese Honors Society. She is in Student Government, National Honors Society, and ETECH, the engineering club. Price-Smith has taken anatomy/physiology, bio-ethics, epidemiology and wild life ecology, and statistics. She has volunteered for Dignity Health, a hospital organization, at a gymnastics facility for youth, and has had internships with a naturopath and an acupuncturist, and worked with a medical student from the U of A, and with St Joe’s Hospital. She has been accepted to the three state universities, as well as California-Santa Barbara and Santa Cruz. She plans to attend UC San Diego and eventually go into medicine.

Calderon comes from a family of academic brilliance. His two older brothers were valedictorians at Metro Tech, and Jorge was a Gates Millennium two years ago. Gerardo will also be a valedictorian. He is the president of UNICEF Club, and a member of the Fitness Club, the National Honor Society, the captain of an adult soccer team, and is in a community leadership program called TILT--Tomorrow’s Involved Leaders Today. He participated in the Maricopa Community College ACE (Achieving a College Education) program where he has earned 33 undergraduate credits. Last year, he was a member of the I- GEM, International Genetically Engineered Machine competition with ASU students. He has logged over 1000 hours at the Arizona State Veterans Home. Calderon has done an internship at Banner Thunderbird, under a heart surgeon, and wants to be a neurosurgeon. He will be attending ASU.

Palos is the third Gates Millennium Scholar from Bioscience. She is a member of Student Government, Green Shovel Club, Engineering Club, UNICEF and the National Honors Society historian. She participated in the ACE program, and is a Generation KNOW Ambassador, promoting girls for a change. Besides working five or six nights a week, she still finds time to intern for a non-profit organization, served an unpaid internship at ASU researching the evolutionary theory on beetle and grasshoppers, and volunteers at the Maricopa Integrated Health System Hospital, working in the emergency room. She had already won a full tuition Leadership Scholarship at ASU, and is going to the Barrett Honors College in the nursing program. She volunteered at a daycare center working with infants, and now wants to be a neonatal nurse practitioner.

Camelback Relay for Life Raised Over $80,000

Tue, 07 May 2013 20:44:06 GMT

Camelback hosted Relay for Life for the fifth consecutive year, April 27-28, and broke a record, raising over $80,000 for the American Cancer Society in the all-night event. There were 52 teams represented, including eight Camelback teams, six from Bioscience and four from Cesar Chavez. Camelback welcomed 50 survivors and 15 Grand Club members, including librarian Erika Wimble, who raised over $1000. The top fundraiser of the event was Camelback junior Maggie Walsh, who raised $3,000.

Governing Board member Ian Danley kicked off the event. Special recognition goes to Math teacher and Student Government advisor Jennifer Peifer, who once again was the event chairman. Other super volunteers included Camelback Student Government, JROTC and campus facility manager Ian White.

Chavez Student Receives Gates Millennium Scholarship

Tue, 07 May 2013 20:44:53 GMT

Jesus Guzman is the second Gates Millennium Scholar in the past two years at Chavez. Guzman is the school’s valedictorian this year, ranked at the top of the senior class. He has been a member of the highly regarded Academic Decathlon team, and was a junior officer in the National Honor Society. Last summer, he was selected to attend M.I.T.’s summer program for engineering students. Guzman, who is tri-lingual (in English, Spanish and French) has an entrepreneurial side too. He started a family business with his younger brother and his father, who works for a lumber company, building dog houses. Jesus does the marketing and advertising for the business. He had already been accepted to Stanford on a full-ride, where he plans on majoring in computer science.

The Gates Millennium scholarship can be used for graduate and doctoral programs, as well. It is valued at $250,000. The goal of the Gates Millennium Scholar program is to provide opportunities for outstanding minority students with significant financial need to reach their highest potential and increase representation of minorities in disciplines such as science, education, engineering, mathematics, public health and sciences. Over 25,000 students apply for the Gates. Each year, about 1,000 are awarded nationwide.

Carl Hayden Robotics Competed in FIRST Robotics Competition

Tue, 07 May 2013 20:45:43 GMT

The Carl Hayden Robotics team competed in the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) International event in St. Louis, April 25-27, and posted a 5-3 record in qualifying rounds in Ultimate Ascent, where two alliances made up of three teams each try to score as many flying discs into their goals as possible during the two-minute and 15-second match. It wasn’t enough for the Arizona Regional champs, though, as the Falcons failed to advance past the qualifying rounds. However, Coach Fredi Lajvardi was honored by FIRST as a long-time supporter of the FIRST mission. Lajvardi won the Woodie Flowers Award to recognize an outstanding engineer or teacher who best demonstrates teaching excellence in teaching science, math and creative design.

Over 10,000 students and 650 teams from 37 countries competed in three levels of FIRST this year in St. Louis.

Carl Hayden Drill Team Received Third Place at Western Coast Nationals

Tue, 07 May 2013 20:46:25 GMT

The Carl Hayden Drill Team had 16 cadets compete in the Golden Bear Western Coast Nationals in Torrance, CA, April 27. The Unarmed Team received 3^rd place Sweepstakes for the overall scoring, and won the Novice Division National Championship for 2013. The team consisted of Andrea Amaya, Gemalyn Palecpec, Annamarie Negrete, Argenis Soto, Bricia Hernandez, Bianca Linares, Jazmine Gomez, Melissa Maldonado, Omar Delgado, Jaethan Kosaka, Fernando Molina, Raziel Hernandez, Darrel Downing, Nestor Alvarez, Alexis Espinoza, Felix Espino.

Maryvale Student Named Gates Millennium Scholar

Tue, 07 May 2013 20:52:32 GMT

Maryvale has a Gates Millennium Scholar for the third year in a row. Jessica Garcia is the recipient. Jessica has a 3.92 grade point average, ranked fifth in her senior class. She is planning to go to the University of Arizona next year, since she already received a Wildcat Excellence Scholarship, but with the Gates, she might explore Yale or Harvard after that. She is undecided on a major, but she would eventually like to go to medical school. Garcia played soccer at Maryvale, has been involved in the Earth Club, Be a Leader Club; National Honor Society, and the Be Unique club, where she did a lot of community service, working with the Boys and Girls Club, participating in health fairs and gardening and landscaping in beautification projects. She was also a member of the first class at Rio Salado’s SPOT 127 Youth Media program, learning digital media in the afterschool program. Her older brother went to college for a year, but Garcia would be the first college graduate in her family, if she continues on the path that she is on.

The goal of the Gates Millennium Scholar program is to provide opportunities for outstanding minority students with significant financial need to reach their highest potential and increase representation of minorities in disciplines such as science, education, engineering, mathematics, public health and sciences. This program is unique in that it can be used for undergraduate and graduate degrees, room and board, fees and books, but because it supplements other funding sources, it is difficult to put a value on it. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation estimates that it is worth an average of $250,000 per student during his/her post-secondary career.

NFL Player J.D. Hill Visits Maryvale

Tue, 07 May 2013 21:02:03 GMT

Former ASU All-American and NFL star receiver J.D. Hill visited the school, April 25 and delivered a rousing presentation on making good choices and achieving your goals during two assemblies. Hill, now 64, was the fourth pick in the 1971 draft by the Buffalo Bills, just behind quarterbacks Jim Plunkett, Dan Pastorini and Archie Manning. He played five years for the Bills, and three for Detroit before injuries ended his career. He also plunged into addiction and “lost everything,” before rebuilding his life and self-esteem. His message about achieving goals concentrated on “catching your vision, set your goal, count the cost, plan, exercise your faith and belief in yourself, and have the courage to do the things necessary to reach those goals.” Hill spoke to over 500 students, and completed his presentation with a drug-free message, using his own life examples, describing the stages, from non-user to experimenter to social user to addiction. He also met with the football team separately. Maryvale principal Phil Verdugo welcomed Hill, and reminisced that Hill and Danny White, as Sun Devils, visited Verdugo’s high school football banquet when he was a student in Hayden, AZ. Hill remembered the event.

Metro Tech Chess Team Finished 2nd in State Championships

Tue, 07 May 2013 21:03:30 GMT

The Metro Knights Paladin Chess Team finished 2^nd in the State Charter Athletic Association (CAA) Championships, April 29. The players competing were Jose Fernandez, Jose Jimenez, Edgar Mendoza, and Victor Osorio. The Knights pushed defending champion Tasseract School to the limit, losing in the championship round by one point.

Other members of the Metro Tech chess teams are Erick Pina, Miguel Solis, William Martinez, Rudolfo Romero, Du Vu, Cristian Ramos, Jorge Avila, Victor Perez, Dinh Vu, Edgar Rodriguez, Chris Lara and Jonathan Lopez

North Students Placed First in Phoenix College World Language Competition

Tue, 07 May 2013 21:04:28 GMT

Erik Nogueda Castillo and Shiara Carbajal placed first in the Phoenix College World Language Competition, April 13. The students, from the Spanish for Spanish Speakers class, used their original work to participate in the competition. Amairany Vaca placed second and Erika Nogueda Castillo placed third in the same category. Nictee Arriaga is the students’ Spanish teacher.

South Mountain Students Interviewed Phoenix Suns Players

Tue, 07 May 2013 21:05:07 GMT

South Mountain High School Multimedia Communications students visited the US Airways Center on April 16 to interview Phoenix Suns coaches and players. Student reporters from KJAG-1640 AM Radio, Jaguar News, and the Southwinds newspaper got to work just like professional reporters. The students interviewed a number of players, including Goran Dragic, Marcin Gortat, and Luis Scola. Head coach Lindsey Hunter also answered questions. Media professionals Scott Bordow of the Arizona Republic and Suns announcer Tim Kempton found themselves subjects of role reversal when they were interviewed by the students, who wanted to know about the day-to-day responsibilities of professional reporters.

South Mountain Girls Finished Second in PUHSD Track and Field

Tue, 07 May 2013 21:05:37 GMT

The South Mountain Girls finished second in the Phoenix Union Track and Field Championships, April 24 and 26 at Trevor Browne. The host Bruins won the meet. Alexis Carter won both the 100 and 400 meters, Jasmine Starks was first in the 200 meters and Coumba Sy won the 800 meters. South was fourth in the boys standings, highlighted by Dan Frietz’ double in the 1600 and 3200 meters. Nic Mercer won both the discus and the shot put.

Trevor Browne Girls Won PUHSD Track and Field Championships

Tue, 07 May 2013 21:06:42 GMT

The host Bruin Girls team won the Phoenix Union Track and Field Championships, held April 24 and 26, amassing 156 points to South Mountain’s 112. While South dominated the sprints and sprint relays, Trevor Browne scored in the intermediate and long distance races. The Bruins swept the 1600 meters with the trio of Terisita Botello, Aislinn Reyes and Nalleli Ordonez. TGB also took 2^nd through 5^th place finishes in the 800 meters and won the 4 x 800. They also placed 2nsd and 3^rd in both the high jump and triple jump. The boys team finished sixth, but Anthony Lopez shined, winning the 400 and 800 meters and the Bruins won the 4 x 800.

PUHSD Student Wins City of Phoenix 2013 Outstanding Young Woman of the Year

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 18:32:46 GMT

Genesis Miranda, a junior at Betty Fairfax High School was named the City of Phoenix 2013 Outstanding Young Woman of the Year at a luncheon, April 18 at Phoenix Country Club.

Miranda, representing District 8, joined Parth Patel from North Canyon High School as the citywide winners. They each received a $2,000 cash award.

Hundreds of students applied for the award. Applicants submitted essays, transcripts and a letter of recommendation. They were interviewed by a panel that included representatives of each of the event sponsor organizations. The winners were selected for outstanding community service and commitment to excellence in all areas of their lives.

Eight other Phoenix Union students were among the 16 students named Outstanding Young Men and Women for each of the eight city council districts. They were Jose Pardo, a senior at Camelback High from District 1; Samantha Su Taylor, a senior at Bioscience High School from District 2; Erika Banuelos, a junior at North High and Gerardo Calderon, a senior at Bioscience from District 4; Zuri Torres, a senior at North High from District 5; Maria Ricco Rodriguez, a senior at Trevor Browne High and Jose Lopez, a senior at Maryvale High from District 7 and Elliot Beltran, a senior at North High from District 8. Each of the district winners received a $250 cash award. All of the winners invited the teacher who inspired them the most, to the awards luncheon.

PUHSD Offers Free Summer School

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 18:34:08 GMT

Phoenix Union Foundation for Education Scholarship Open Set for May 3

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 18:35:00 GMT

The Phoenix Union Foundation for Education Scholarship Open Golf Tournament, set for May 3 at ASU Karsten, has sold out for the third year in a row. Proceeds go to post-secondary scholarships for Phoenix Union students. The golf tournament, a gala in February, and employee giving are the largest sources of funds for the scholarships. Top sponsors are McCarthy Construction and Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Arizona, Logicalis, Core Construction, Orcutt Winslow, Honeywell, Chasse Construction and ADM Group.

Bioscience Student Named Flinn Scholar

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 18:35:53 GMT

Bioscience High School is still young enough to have some firsts. Samantha Su Taylor is the first-ever Flinn Scholar from the math and science-focused small school. Only 20 of Arizona’s highest achieving seniors are selected as Flinn Scholars, and the competition is fierce, with 653 seniors applying this year. Taylor has a 4.0 Grade Point Average in all honors classes. She travels over two hours round-trip by bus to get to Bioscience. She has earned most outstanding student awards in Bio/Chem, Anatomy, Physiology, American Literature, Chinese, Art and Fitness. She is the president of the UNICEF club, on the student council, and secretary of the National Honor Society. She volunteered at Phoenix Children’s Hospital for the past four years, and currently is interning at T-Gen, through St. Joseph’s Hospital. She also is a third degree black belt.

The Flinn Scholarship provides free tuition, room and board, funding for study abroad, mentorship from faculty and exposure to world leaders, and fellowship with a community of current and alumni scholars. It is only available at one of Arizona’s three state universities, and is valued at over $100,000 for four years covering tuition, room and board, international study-related travel, personal mentorship by university faculty. Taylor will be going to the University of Arizona, to study pre-med. She hopes to become a surgeon in the future.

Bioscience Alum Named Miss Native American

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 18:36:35 GMT

Roxanne Hunter was recently crowned Miss Native American University of Arizona. Hunter, who is studying anthropology, graduated from Bioscience in 2010.

Central Global Studies Manager Selected to Attend Brown University Conference

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 18:37:37 GMT

John Gerace, the manager of Central’s Global Studies magnet, was recently selected to attend a Summer Leadership Institute at Brown University in Providence, RI.

The Institute, sponsored by the University’s Choices Program, will provide 25 selected teachers from across the country with an opportunity to learn about the geographies of Afghanistan and Pakistan, as well as resources for teaching about this region of the world. Using the scholarship and lessons found in Choices’ The United States in Afghanistan curriculum, the Institute will explore how the the program’s approach and curricular materials can be implemented to develop geographically literate students. The three-day program will also demonstrate strategies for introducing students to multiple perspectives on the U.S. role in this region of the world.

As part of the Choices Summer Institute, Mr. Gerace will facilitate the use of Choices material in his school district and beyond

“Choices provides valuable tools for teaching the geographic and civic skills my students need to develop as citizens in our global society,” Gerace said.

Central Speech and Debate Competed in Rotary Club Speech Competition

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 18:38:36 GMT

The Speech and Debate team sent a squad to the Phoenix Country Club, April 22 to compete in the 87^th Annual Rotary Club Speech Competition. Octavio Edgington reached the semifinals of the Upper Division and Sharay Satchell reached the finals of the Lower Division.

Carl Hayden Robotics Students Attend White House Science Fair

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 18:39:09 GMT

Three members of the Carl Hayden Robotics team were invited to the White House Science Fair April 22 and met President Obama. John Rangel, Dillon Dayea and Bianca Rodriguez joined 100 students from more than 40 states, representing 45 different STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) competitions and organizations that recognize the talents of America’s next generation of scientists, engineers, inventors and innovators. The three seniors were selected by the FIRST (For Inspiration of Science and Technology) organization. The three will join the rest of the Falcon Robotics team in St. Louis later this week for the FIRST International Robotics competition. Carl Hayden principal Ricardo Cordova accompanied the three students.

Rangel is the Falcons Robotics Team President and is a programmer, designer and driver for the FIRST Robotics competitions. He plans to attend ASU studying software engineering. Dillon is the lead CAD designer and co-driver of the Hayden robots, and also works on building the robot. He wants to study aerospace or aeronautical engineering, possibly at Embry Riddle. Rodriguez is the head electrician, overseeing the electrical system and any repairs to the robots. She has been accepted to Pomona College and will study neuroscience. All three will be the first in their families to attend college.

Maryvale Touring Guitar and Jazz Choir Competed in NYC Heritage Festival

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 18:39:57 GMT

The Touring Guitar and Jazz Choir were in New York City, in April at a Heritage Festival competition. The Panther performers won four golds and a silver. They received the highest three instrumental scores of all bands and orchestras at the event. The madrigal choir received a gold award (highest award available) for their performance and the jazz choir received a silver medal.

Metro Tech Students Accepted to Barrett Honors College

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 18:40:44 GMT

Six freshmen have been accepted to Barrett Summer Scholars program at ASU: Jesus Alvarez; Juan Lainez Iscoa; Brian Sanchez; Victor Perez; Estebany Mejia and Esther Barrera. The selection process for this program is extremely competitive. The Barrett Summer Scholars program builds student capacity for enrollment and success at ASU for academically talented and motivated 7th, 8th and 9th grade students. The BSS residential program provides a unique opportunity for these students to experience residential life as well as engage in pursuing their intellectual curiosity while interacting with like-minded students who share their interests and abilities. Participants are enrolled in a variety of intensive-study courses, taught by ASU instructors, while covering subject matter not typically presented at their grade level. The students will attend the ninth-grade program, June 9-21 at ASU Tempe.

Metro Tech to Attend FBLA National Convention

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 18:41:25 GMT

Twelve Metro Tech students will attend the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) National Convention in June, by virtue of their performances at the Arizona Leadership Convention, held April 1-3 in Tucson. Andres Martinez won 1^st place for Client Services; Diana Gutierrez, Jose Luis Parra Balmaceda and Uriel Valenzuela were 2^nd in Business Financial Plan; Jesus Castillo, Eileen Cota Corral and Jennifer Garcia were second in Parlimentary Procedure and Alejandro Peinado placed 3^rd in Accounting 2. In addition, Andres Partida placed 3^rd in the nation in Virtual Business Management, and Cyrstal Loza, Kevin Parra Espinoza and Edgard Robles Lopez were 6^th in the nation.

Juniors and Seniors to Attend Metro Mania

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 18:42:05 GMT

Juniors and seniors for the 2013-14 who will be newly enrolled in a Metro Tech Career and Technical Education program are encouraged to attend Metro Mania, Saturday, May 4, from 9-11 a.m. at the Metro Tech campus at 1900 W. Thomas. Students can attend Metro Tech all day, or in the morning or afternoon as a dual student. This is an opportunity to see the campus, meet the teachers, and learn more about the programs. Parents are encouraged to attend, as well. For more information, contact the Career and Technical Education office at 602-764-1337.

North Teacher to Showcase Student Art at SMOCA

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 18:42:45 GMT

Art teacher Julie Peters will be representing Phoenix Union High School District at the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art from Sept. 27 - January 5. She will have eight pieces of student artwork on display as well as her biography. The theme for this show is “Inspire.” Peters earned her National Board Certification this year, the first time an art teacher at Phoenix Union has earned the prestigious distinction.

North Teacher Awarded Best Buddies Best Advisor of the Year

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 18:43:45 GMT

Special Education teacher Gretchen Clifton won the Best Buddies Best Advisor of the Year in Arizona. There are 35 members in the club. The North chapter has done a Friendship Walk, a Best Buddies assembly, and many fundraisers. Other advisors are Darren Schwartz and April Wynn.

Since 1995, Best Buddies High Schools has paired students with intellectual and developmental disabilities in one-to-one friendships with high school students. In the past, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities have not had the opportunity to have friends outside of their own special education classroom. There are 36 chapters in Arizona, including six Phoenix Union schools.

South Mountain Students Showcased Science at Greenfield School

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 18:44:31 GMT

South Mountain High School and its science department went to Greenfield School’s Science Night, April 19. The students had a good time watching pennies turn to brass, looking at and discussing skulls, wondering how an apple could produce electricity, and how temperature effects glow sticks. The South teachers and students passed out Jaguar prizes and South Mountain red and blue beads.

South Mountain National Honors Students Complied over 2,500 Volunteer Hours

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 18:45:19 GMT

Sixty National Honor Society students compiled a total of 2519.20 hours volunteering in our community this year. That averages to 105 days. Among the activities, the students have participated in Pioneer Lunch, serving for senior who have lived in South Phoenix for 50-plus years; haunted Hay Ride, PF Chang’s Rock and Roll Marathon, Humane Society, making meal boxes at Save My Starving Children, and tutoring students at partner schools. Social Studies teacher Mark Maskalenko is the NHS sponsor.

PUHSD Employee Receives Phoenix College Award

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 20:25:58 GMT

Cyndi Tercero, Phoenix Union’s Dropout Prevention Coordinator will receive a Phoenix College Golden Bear Champion award at the 7th Annual "Golden Bear Awards" Community and Partner Recognition Breakfast, May 2. Tercero is being recognized lending significant support to students, employees, programs, and services. She was nominated for this award by a Phoenix College faculty or staff member as having made significant contributions to the success of Phoenix College students as a K-12 School Colleague.

PUHSD Offers Free Summer School to all Current and New Students

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 20:26:31 GMT

Phoenix Union Foundation for Education to Host Scholarship Open

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 20:27:08 GMT

The Phoenix Union Foundation for Education Scholarship Open Golf Tournament is Friday, May 3 at the ASU Karsten Golf Course. Funds raised through the tournament will be used for scholarships for post-secondary education for Phoenix Union students. The Foundation has raised over $800,000 toward scholarships in its history. The tournament has sold out the last three years. For more information on sponsorships, foursomes or prize donations, call (602) 492-7833 or visit www.Foundation4Education.org.

Fairfax Students of the Month

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 20:27:34 GMT

The Fairfax Students of the Month for March and April are Mia Gage, Social Studies; Dillon Moffett, Performing Arts; Eddy Munoz, Math; Gustavo Rodriguez, English/AVID; Joshua Smalley, JROTC; Bethany Statezny, Science, Savannah Stewart, Math; and Alexis Vera, English/ELL.

Fairfax Teacher Selected for Colonial Williamsburg Teacher Fellowship

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 20:28:47 GMT

Ryan Ussery has been selected for the Colonial Williamsburg Teacher Fellowship for the summer in Virginia. The social studies teacher will be one of ten Arizona teachers traveling back in time for a historical learning experience. One requirement of the program is that he share the information learned at the Institute with his classroom, school and school district.

Two Bioscience Students Nominated for Outstanding Young Man and Woman of the Year

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 20:29:42 GMT

Bioscience has two nominees for the City of Phoenix’ Outstanding Young Man and Woman of the Year Awards--Samantha Su Taylor and Gerardo Calderon.

Taylor is the City Council District 2 nominee. Born in China, Taylor was adopted by an American family. Because of the opportunity she was given for a better life, she is passionate about volunteering to help others. She is a member of student government and the president of the National Honor Society. Taylor also volunteered more than 500 hours with Phoenix Children’s Hospital, including organizing and promoting the Emily Center, a medical library for patients and their families. She has also volunteered at the Grow House on Roosevelt Row, tutored students at Garfield Elementary and raised money for Relay for Life. An outstanding student, Taylor is one of 20 Flinn Scholars this year. She will attend the University of Arizona and wants to become a cardiothoracic surgeon.

Gerardo Calderon is the District 4 nominee. He is president of the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund Club and the Fitness Club, and secretary of the National Honor Society. Outside of the classroom, Calderon is captain of his adult soccer league team, and has volunteered more than 1,000 hours at the Arizona’s Veterans Home. He also has participated in T.I.L.T. – Tomorrow’s Involved Leaders Today – a community leadership program focused on giving back to the community. In the future, he looks forward to a career as a neurosurgeon.

Sixteen nominees, including nine Phoenix Union students, were honored at the Outstanding Young Man and Woman awards luncheon, April 18.

Camelback Student Nominated for Outstanding Young Man of the Year

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 20:30:23 GMT

The City Council District 1 nominee for Phoenix’ Outstanding Young Man of the year is Jose Pardo. The senior is vice president of the Poetry Club at Camelback and is also is active in the community through his work with Phonetic Spit, where he motivates fellow students to focus on written and oral literacy through poetry. Pardo volunteers weekly with St. Vincent de Paul doing intake interviews for families struggling with financial stability. He also is the coordinator for the tutoring program at Orangedale Middle School. In the future, Pardo plans on traveling the world to educate people on the values of different cultures and ethnicities. He was honored with 15 other nominees at the Outstanding Young Man and Woman of the Year awards luncheon, April 18.

Camelback Student Selected to Participate in Student Leaders Program

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 20:30:54 GMT

Yailin Cisneros was selected to participate in the Student Leaders program, and he has been awarded a paid summer internship with local nonprofit organizations, and attend a Student Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C. July 8-13. The Student Leadersprogram, a program of Bank of America, connects young leaders with employment that helps to give them the necessary tools and resources they need to advance. Through the Student Leadersprogram, it recognizes high school juniors and seniors who step outside of the classroom to contribute service in their own communities and beyond. Cisneros is part of the AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination), a college preparation elective for students that are often the first in their family to attend a university.

Central A Capella Choir Invited to Perform at O'Connor House

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 20:31:39 GMT

The Central High School A Capella Choir was invited to perform the National Anthem for the O’Connor House Distinguished Speakers Series Luncheon with Colin Powell on April 23 at the Phoenix Convention Center. Seventeen students, Director of Choirs Troy Meeker and Principal Chris Jones attended. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Arizona sponsored the choir to attend the luncheon and hear Colin Powell speak on “Leadership: Taking Charge” as well as engage in an on-stage conversation with Justice Sandra Day O’Connor.

Central Held Diversity Week April 15-19

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 20:32:27 GMT

Central held its annual Diversity Week, April 15-19. There were anti-bullying assemblies, and a lunchtime anti-bullying campaign, a multicultural assembly, mural project and dance celebration. There were “peace on earth” speeches at the school’s peace pole, an international student panel, cultural expo, an Amazing Race obstacle course, with challenges to teach about different cultures. Culture Night, featuring performances from the multicultural assembly and exchange student performances, capped off the week. Questions were posed to Peer Leaders throughout the week, including whether they will stop running the Boston Marathon? The answer- “No…we will not cave in to hate or violence. Our resolve will grow… through our collective efforts…we will make our society more humane, more respectful, more compassionate. Central will take the lead.

Central English Teacher Publishes Third Novel

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 20:33:42 GMT

Mark Williams is an English teacher at Central High, so he knows a thing or two about a good book. As an author, he has just released his third novel, called Looking for Indianola. It is part of his Emancipation series that began with Emancipating Elias in 2007 and followed up by Holy Ground in 2010. He introduced his latest book to friends and fans, April 3 at the University Club in Phoenix, and he will hold a book signing at Wally’s American Pub and Grill (5029 N. 44^th Street), April 24 from 3-6 p.m.

Williams spent the first 21 years of his career as a Special Agent for the Organized Crime Division of the State Attorney General's Office. He traveled across the United States as an instructor for law enforcement in various capacities. After he retired, he became a high school English teacher.

“With each book, however, I tried to take a different look at our common hunger in the human soul to be free, to be somehow—emancipated. …I see all of us, in these pages and I have tried to bring honor to our pursuit to live the best we know how in the midst of our struggles,” Williams wrote in the Author’s Foreword.

Chavez Softball Players Set State Records

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 20:34:23 GMT

Cesar Chavez freshman softball player Dienna White has been the Runs Batted In (RBI) leader in Arizona for most of the softball season; Her 67 RBI has her ranked second in the nation.

“That is an incredible individual accomplishment but also an excellent team stat,” coach Kathleen Kimura-Williamson said.

White’s teammate Nasyri Garcia is also atop many of the hitting statistics for softball players in Arizona. Chavez had a 17-10 record and 11-3 in section play as of April 17.

Maryvale Student Nominated for Outstanding Young Man of the Year

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 20:34:55 GMT

The City Council District 7 nominee for City of Phoenix Outstanding Young Man of the Year is Jose Lopez, a senior who has worked hard to be the first generation of his family to graduate high school. In addition to his studies, he mentors children at the Boys and Girls Club and has participated in graffiti clean ups and community gardens through the B-Unique club. In the future, Lopez plans to become a criminal investigator to help ensure the safety of those most at-risk in the community. The Outstanding Young Men and Women of the Year nominees were feted at an awards luncheon, April 18.

Metro Tech Film Teacher Named Arizona Filmmaker of the Year

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 20:35:35 GMT

Digital film teacher Bob Marquis has been named the Arizona Filmmaker of the Year for 2013 by the Phoenix Film Foundation. The prestigious honor, announced during the 2013 Phoenix Film Festival’s Copper Wing Awards Ceremony on April 7, is given each year to a local filmmaker who has made significant strides to impact the Arizona filmmaking community.

Marquis is also the Executive Director and Founder of Sailbear Labs. He has been making films since 2003, including the award-winning Cordones, which screened at the 2013 Phoenix Film Festival. Sailbear Labs is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works with youth ages 12-18 in metro-Phoenix to teach them filmmaking and creative storytelling. The organization, formed in 2011,

provides a variety of free workshops and low-cost summer camps around the Valley, empowering students to create their own films.

Metro Tech Juniors and Seniors Encouraged to Attend Metro Mania

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 20:36:20 GMT

North Students Nominated for Outstanding Young Man or Woman of the Year

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 20:37:01 GMT

North High had three students nominated for the 2013 City of Phoenix Outstanding Young Man and Young Woman of the Year. Erika Banuelos, Zuri Torres and Elliot Beltran were nominated from their respective city council districts to vie for the citywide award, which was presented April 18 at the 27^th annual awards luncheon.

Banuelos, a junior representing District 4, is enrolled in the International Baccalaureate program and has a 4.0 GPA. She is vice president of the National Honor Society and participates in the French Club, Interact Club, Robotics, marching band and cross country team. She has volunteered for two years at the Growhouse Community Garden in Roosevelt Row and at St. Vincent de Paul, serving meals, conducting intake interviews and helping in the Dream Center, an area for children to play and complete their homework. Banuelos plans to study aeronautical/aerospace engineering in college.

The District 5 nominee, senior Zuri Torres, is enrolled in the IB program and is in the top three percent of her senior class. She also serves as the president of the Interact Club, Rotary International’s service club for young people. Torres’ future plans include college and a career as a pediatric neurologist.

Beltran, nominated from District 8 is a senior IB student, as well. Outside of the classroom, he is a member of the band and plays sports. He also participates in community clean ups through the Wake Up club, and volunteers with St. Mary’s Food Bank. Beltran’s future plans include becoming an engineer.

South Mountain Graduate Part of Broadway Musical Cast

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 20:38:03 GMT

South Mountain graduate, Tamika Lawrence, is part of the cast of a new Broadway musical, 'Mathila', which opened at the Shubert Theatre on April 11. Lawrence graduated from the Music Magnet program in 2005. She then attended the University of Arizona, worked on a cruise ship, appeared in an Off-Broadway production of 'Rent', and spent several months in the cast of Broadway's 'The Book of Mormon'.

Trevor Browne Student Nominated for Outstanding Young Woman of the Year

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 20:38:46 GMT

The District 7 nominee for the City of Phoenix Outstanding Young Woman of the Year is Maria Ricco Rodriguez, a senior. She has committed herself to her education as well as giving back to her community. Her many extracurricular activities include participating in APEC (Advanced Placement English Club), National Honor Society, Be A Leader, M.E.Ch.A. (Movimiento Estudiantil Chicanos de Aztlan), Baile Folklorico, DECA and St. Augustine Catholic Church. After earning her degree with a double major in criminal justice and psychology, Rodriguez plans to pursue a career in law enforcement.

Trevor Browne Baseball Player Breaks State Record

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 20:39:44 GMT

Trevor Browne’s Christian Camacho hit a first-inning double in the Bruins’ baseball game against Millennium, April 11, breaking the State record for career two-base hits with 57. Pitcher Miguel Ruiz started for the first time since being beaned by a 90-mile hour fastball earlier in the year. After a weeklong hospital stay, Ruiz was expected to miss the rest of the season. Pitching with a protective mask, Ruiz gave up a leadoff double, but then no-hit the Tigers for 5 2/3 innings, striking out six batters. Browne beat 7^th-ranked Millennium, 5-1, to keep its playoff hopes alive. The Bruins are trying to reach the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season under head coach and alumnus Destin Cummings.

PUHSD Offers Free Summer School

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 15:32:34 GMT

PUHSD Art Show On Display

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 15:33:07 GMT

This year’s Phoenix Union Student Art show is being exhibited at the Arizona Latino Arts and Cultural Center, located at 147 E. Adams Street through April 26. Works from 16 Phoenix Union schools will be displayed.

Register for PUFE Scholarship Golf Tournament

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 15:33:41 GMT

Bioscience Students Participate in ASU Program

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 15:34:17 GMT

Liana O’Conner and Alexa Tagaban participated in the SCENE (Southwest Center for Education in the Natural Environment) program this year at ASU. They worked with a professor and graduate students on developing nanotechnology in tattoos which can detect blood sugar levels in diabetics. They won first place in the chemistry division for their presentation at the AZSEF (Arizona Science and Engineering Fair), April 2 in Phoenix. Nadia Smith is their science teacher.

Bostrom Program Accepted to Dartmouth Program

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 15:35:08 GMT

Junior Thomas Ayala has been accepted to the summer LEAD program at Dartmouth College from June 23 - July 13. Throughout the three-week schedule, students are exposed to a wide variety of business topics, issues and functions. They are prepared for the college selection and application process, and are given a sense of the career opportunities that exist in business.

Classes include all of the functional areas of business including finance, economics, management, marketing, business ethics and leadership. LEADers also take a class taught by the Dean of Dartmouth’s Tuck School of Business.

Ayala, who is Yavapai, wants to study business in college and open up his own Boys and Girls Club to provide programs and services to various communities, especially Native Americans. Although he attends Bostrom, he plays baseball at Alhambra.

Camelback Students Succeed at FBLA State Conference

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 15:35:58 GMT

Camelback had its first-ever Future Business Leader of America (FBLA) state winner when Omar Khan placed first in Public Speaking at the AZFBLA State Leadership Conference in Tucson, April 1-3. He was honored to perform his speech on stage for the entire conference during the closing ceremonies – more than 1000 strong. He will represent the Spartans at the FBLA National Conference in June in Anaheim, CA. CBHS also had seven other students compete at the state level: Jasmine Packard, Marlon Hill, Gerardo Gonzalez, Juan Reyes Rojas, Angelica Bermudez, Brianna Puentes, Dana Lira Rodriguez.

PUHSD Students and Parents Invited to Outreach Event With Congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 15:36:51 GMT

Congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema is hosting a US Service Academy Outreach event on Saturday, April 20, from 1-2:30 p.m. in the auditorium. All PUHSD students and parents who are interested in finding out about the US Service Academies and the application process are invited to attend the event.

Sinema represents Congressional District 9 where Camelback, Central and Suns-Diamondbacks are located. Congressional District 7 has all of the other PUHSD schools in its district. There will be applications from Rep. Ed Pastor’s office for CD7 students attending.

Betty Fairfax Robotics has Outstanding FIRST Performance

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 15:37:29 GMT

The Betty Fairfax Robotics team had an outstanding performance in the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) competition, April 5-6 at the Las Vegas Regional. The Stampede rolled through qualifying rounds ranked 1^st or 2^nd out of 47 teams, and finished 7-1 in matches on Friday. By the end of qualifying Saturday, Fairfax was 9-2, and ranked 4^th overall. Unfortunately, in the quarterfinals, their robot’s motor that shoots the Frisbees burned out during a match, and their three-team alliance was eliminated. The event featured teams from the southwest U.S. as well as seven international teams from as far away as Germany and the Netherlands. Twenty students are on the team, which is coached by Engineering Instructional Leader Michael Gard.

“Stampede Robotics has made a name for itself over the last couple years and the students have developed this into a very successful and recognized program,” Gard said.

Last year at this event, after struggling in the early rounds, Fairfax won four straight qualifying matches, was selected by the top-seeded team in an alliance, and went on to win the competition.

Team members are Andy Ortiz, Elizabeth Miller, Garret Dubois, Jonathan Romo, Kathleen Sem, Katlin Buchanan, Kolton Ainslio, Lukas Huerta, Marcus Frazier, Roberto Alvarez, Samantha Flethcer, Sergio Lucero, Trent Skirvin, Rigoberto Armenta, Aaron Myers, Elijah Ellis, Jeremy White, Leonardo Enciso, Riley Everson and Desmond Boone.

Fairfax Student Selected as Outstanding Young Woman of the Year

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 15:38:14 GMT

Junior and Student Body President Genesis Miranda-Soto has been selected as one of 16 high school city council district winners for the City of Phoenix Outstanding Young Man and Women of the Year. She will be recognized at an event in May, along with the teacher who inspired her the most. East of the district winners will receive a $250 cash award. From the district winners, the two overall winners will be announced and each will receive an additional $2,000 cash award. District winners also will have an opportunity to participate in citywide programs and special appearances to promote youth issues.

Fairfax Assistant Principal for Instruction Phillip Wooley Selected as Rodel Exemplary Principal Initiative

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 15:39:08 GMT

Assistant Principal for Instruction Phillip Wooley has been selected to participate in the Rodel Exemplary Principal Initiative as a Rodel Aspiring Principal. In May he will meet his mentor principal, and beginning in the fall, he will attend a series of professional development seminars. The Aspiring Principal program develops a pipeline for new principals to serve high need schools. Fairfax principal Dr. Zack Muñoz was a finalist as a Rodel Exemplary Principal this year.

Carl Hayden Students Honored at Arizona State Science and Engineering Fair

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 15:39:43 GMT

Four students and their projects were honored at the Arizona State Science and Engineering Fair at the Pheonix Convention Center, April 2. Polette Avila and Ivan Portillo placed second in the Chemistry category, for their project “Converting Oil to Biodiesel.” Francisco Gonzalez and Yesenia Valenzuela placed fourth in the Biochemistry category for their project, “Hydrophobia and Saponification.”

Both teams qualified to enter the International Science and Engineering Fair on May 12 here in Phoenix. Adrian De Alba is their chemistry teacher.

Maryvale Theatre Arts Students Performed Anti-Bully Message Plays

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 15:40:23 GMT

Maryvale Theatre Arts students performed plays with an anti-bullying message and led anti-bullying activities for seventh and eighth-graders at Desert Star Elementary School in Goodyear, March 29. The students were Edward Alvarado; Mayra Gutierrez; Marco Arroyo; Jessica Rodriguez; Yuritzy Martinez; Selena Deltoro. Patrick Shanahan’s theatre arts classes have gone to several area schools to present anti-bullying performances to middle school students.

New Metro Tech Juniors and Seniors are Encouraged to Attend Metro Mania

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 15:41:22 GMT

North Band Club Featured at First Friday

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 15:42:07 GMT

North High has a Guitar Club rock band, called Hombres Sin Nombres, They played at First Friday April 5 in Phoenix and have made five appearances this year. The band plays a variety of music from Guns N Roses to Journey and even Latin music by Mana and Sin Bandera.

South Mountain Law Magnet Students Sent to National Competition

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 15:42:42 GMT

South Mountain’s Law Magnet, in connection with ASU’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, sent four students to the 5^th Annual Marshall-Brennan National Moot Court Competition, April 4-7 at American University in Washington, D.C.--Tatyana Thompson, Avery Thornton, Julianna Lerma and Deshon Childers. Law schools across the country including Yale, Rutgers, Southern, Drexel, American, Colorado and others work with local high school students to prepare them to argue a case in front of a panel of judges, similar to how U.S. Supreme Court Cases are heard. Students present a 12-minute argument based upon real U.S. Supreme Court cases. Deshon Childers was selected as one of the 24 semifinalists in the entire country. The Moot Court team is coached by Law Magnet Teacher Matt Smith and two ASU law students.

South Mock Trial Team Succeeded in Mock Trial Tournament

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 15:43:32 GMT

Last month, South Mountain’s seven-student Mock Trial team, after winning Regionals, competed against the top 16 teams in the Arizona State Mock Trial Championships, March 23. South’s team competed in the four-round tournament, losing a close split decision in the last round allowing their opponent, University High from Tucson, to advance to the 3^rd place match. While rankings are not posted beyond the final four, a win in their final match would have allowed them to advance to the final two matches. Alexis Carter was named to the All-State Team and received one of the three scholarships given to the top three competitors in the entire state. It was South’s first State competition since 1995.

South Students Named as Obama Scholars

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 15:44:10 GMT

Yesenia Loredo and Yodit Gabre, are Obama Scholars, earning full-ride financial aid to Arizona State University.

PUHSD Art Show from April 1-April 26

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 14:45:47 GMT

This year’s Phoenix Union Student Art show will be exhibited at the Arizona Latino Arts and Cultural Center, located at 147 E. Adams Street through April 26. Works from 16 Phoenix Union schools will be displayed.

PUHSD Students Attend Diversity Leadership Alliance Youth Council Awards

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 14:46:24 GMT

Over 100 students and school counselors from 10 Phoenix Union schools attended the Diversity Leadership Alliance Youth Council Awards Ceremony, March 27 at the District office. The Youth Council is designed to assist diversity-conscious students who have a desire to take on leadership roles in their schools and community, and the transition from school to work. These students have been attending workshops since September, developing leadership skills, becoming diversity advocates and creating a cultural change in their school community. Seventeen students received $500 to $3000 scholarships, and three students presented their personal leadership speeches, and they will be competing for additional scholarships. Diversity Leadership Alliance (DLA) is a non-profit organization that provides diversity and inclusion education, resources, tools and forums to the Phoenix area.

PUHSD Foundation for Education Scholarship Tournament is May 3

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 14:49:04 GMT

Bioscience to Host Event of the Arts

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 14:49:38 GMT

Bioscience will hold its 6th annual Evening of the Arts, April 12, from 5-8 p.m. The evening will showcase artwork from school's creative students, along with spoken word and performance art. Food trucks will provide the refreshments.

Evening of the Arts, according to student David Hernandez, is “interesting because you get to see other sides of students.”

Bioscience High School’s mission embraces literacies across disciplines, embracing and encouraging the creative development of students. An event like Evening of the Arts provides an outlet for students to sing, dance, paint, or otherwise express themselves in personal and authentic ways, according to organizer and art teacher Stephanie Grijalva.

Chavez Students Competed in National American Indian Science and Engineering Fair

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 14:53:51 GMT

Izaiah Lopez, Nathaniel Talamantez, and Gregory Hayah of Cesar Chavez High School competed in the National American Indian Science and Engineering Fair in Albuquerque, NM during Spring Break. The three boys are former students of Gila Crossing Junior High School in Laveen, Arizona. Their former teacher, Karen McQueen invited former students to participate in the National AISES Conference (American Indian Science and Engineering Society).

Lopez’s project was entitled, “Alternative Power Energizing Machines fuel cell” (A.P.E.M fuel cell). He wanted to determine if temperature will change the efficiency of a Polymer Exchange Membrane (P.E.M.) fuel cell. He tested at 90 degrees, room temperature 75 degrees, and at 50 degrees.

Talamantez’ s project was named “Wing Perfection.” He built an apparatus that when wings were attached, it would be free flowing. When wind was introduced the number of rotations per minute were counted, recorded, and analyzed to determine which winglet is the most efficient.

Hayah built a robot to use as a test instrument and constructed a parabolic antenna to determine if it would enhance the speed of the robot. He tested the robot over different terrains to determine the results. His project was entitiled “Rockin’ Rollin Robots.”

Lopez won 1^st place in his division, and an I-pad from the Raytheon Corporation. Talamantez won 1^st place in his division, with a $90 cash award. Hayah won 2^nd place in his division and a $250 cash award from the Winds of Change Excellence in Communication Award.

Maryvale Theatre Students Perform Anti-Bullying Message Plays

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 14:54:37 GMT

Metro Tech Students Compete in Skills USA

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 14:55:08 GMT

Metro Tech students did well at the 2013 SkillsUSA State Championships, March 27, winning several events, and qualifying for the National Championships in Kansas City, June 25-29. First place winners were Joselyn Iniguez, Commercial Baking; Nicholas Renteria and Du Vu, Humanoid Robot Interactions; Cesar Bernal, Related Technical Math; Fahad Shakir (home school Alhambra), Technical Drafting. Seven engineering students also won first place in the Opening and Closing Ceremony event: Annette Marruffo; Jessica Camacho; Erik Cabada ; Ivon Melendez; Diana Martinez; Karina Vargas and Cesar Covarrubias.

Metro Mania Held Saturday, May 4

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 14:56:20 GMT

PUHSD to Offer Free Summer School

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 14:45:10 GMT

Congresswoman Krysten Sinema to Host US Service Academy Outreach Event at Camelback

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 14:50:29 GMT

Congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema is hosting a US Service Academy Outreach event on Saturday, April 20, from 1-2:30 p.m. in the auditorium at Camelback High School. All PUHSD students and parents who are interested in finding out about the US Service Academies and the application process are invited to attend the event. Sinema represents Congressional District 9 where Camelback, Central and Suns-Diamondbacks are located. Congressional District 7 has all of the other PUHSD schools in its district. There will be applications from Rep. Ed Pastor’s office for CD7 students attending.

Alhambra Shares Academic Decathlon Rookie of the Year Award

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 18:04:18 GMT

Alhambra finished 21^st in the State Academic Decathlon, out of 40 schools, March 9-10. They shared the Rookie of the Year award with Bioscience. Alhambra was led by Barbara Olachea, who scored 6,603 points, the 32^nd best score among Honors Division competitors.

Betty Fairfax Qualifies for State Academic Decathlon

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 18:05:30 GMT

The Stampede made the State Academic Decathlon for the second year in a row, only to place 37^th in the 40-school field. Fairfax’s leading scorer was William Tith in the Honors Division.

Bioscience Students Help Develop Prosthetic Aligator Tail

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 18:06:02 GMT

Bioscience had a hand in developing a prosthetic tail for an alligator, in a landmark procedure. Two seniors interned with The CORE Institute, Midwestern University and the Phoenix Herpetological Society (PHS) to design the three-foot long new tail, by researching several alligator specimens of different sizes to come up with the appropriate size for the nine-year old alligator, named Mr. Stubbs. The experts believe the tail of the alligator was bitten off. The prosthetic tail, which allows the alligator to swim, is covered in Dragon Skin, a material often used in special effects in films, and it is harnessed to the alligator’s posterior. According to the PHS, it is the first reptile in the world to receive a prosthetic limb of any kind.

Bioscience Shares Academic Decathlon Rookie of the Year Award

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 18:06:43 GMT

Bioscience finished 18^th in the 40-school State Academic Decathlon, March 9-10 at ASU West. Mackenzie Kong-Sivert led the Dragons with 7,123.8 points, the 8^th best score among Scholastic Division competitors. During the awards ceremony, Alhambra, which finished 21st was named the Rookie Team of the Year. Later, it was discovered that Bioscience, which finished 19^th, was also making its first appearance at State. The award is traditionally given to the team with the highest score in its first appearance. After the ceremony, it was determined that Bioscience had edged Alhambra, but the officials assumed it was Bioscience’s first time. All was forgiven, when Arizona Academic Decathlon officials decided that both teams would be Rookie of the Year, for 2013.

Bioscience Seniors All Accepted at Universities

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 18:07:50 GMT

Bioscience seniors are still a quarter away from graduation, and already, 100 percent of the graduating class has been accepted to universities. Four students are finalists for the Gates Millennium Scholarship, and four are finalists for the Dorrance Family Scholarships.

Camelback Marketing Students Head to DECA International Conference

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 18:08:37 GMT

The largest contingent of Camelback marketing students ever is headed to the DECA International Career Conference in Anaheim, April 23-28. Fourteen students qualified at the 2,000-student DECA State Development Conference, March 3-5 in Phoenix and will compete for over $1 million worth of scholarships and money awards. The students are: Ivony Garcia in Entrepreneurship; Grisela Valles, Eric Hernandez, and Christian Torres in Public Promotional Campaign; Senyaceth Arroyo and Violeta Bustamante in Business Operation Research; David Carrera, Angelita Guzman, and Kimiko Lyon in Creative Marketing Project; Daisy Bello in Earn and Learn Project; Salma Lopez Luna and Joyce Adame in Entrepreneurship Innovative Plan, and Dennise Briones and Perla Torres in Creative Marketing Project.

The following students where top ten finalists: Martin Corona- Sports and Entertainment; Jose Cervantes – Entrepreneurship Innovative Plan; Alexis Serafin and Benjamin Jaimes; Entrepreneurship Innovative Plan; Emile Disc- Advertising Campaign.

Central Qualifies for State Academic Decathlon

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 18:09:33 GMT

Central was the last team to qualify for the Arizona Academic Decathlon from the Region II Decathlon, but the Bobcats placed 32^nd among the state’s best 40 schools at the State Championships, March 9-10. Steve Mannarino scored a silver medal in Varsity Essay, and Raymond Seto was the high scorer for the team.

Central Student Named to All-State Band

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 18:10:08 GMT

Julian Salazar, already an All-Region band member, was named an alternate for the prestigious All-State Band after his audition, March 9 at Gilbert High School. He made alternate on both Tenor Saxophone and Baritone Saxophone. Only one baritone sax and two tenor sax are taken for All-State.

Central Speech and Debate Coach Selected for Tournament of Champions Advisory Committee

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 18:13:41 GMT

Speech and Debate coach Kevin Berlat has been selected for the Advisory Committee for the Tournament of Champions, a high school competition representing some of the most successful debaters from the nation’s top invitational debate tournaments. It is held each May at the University of Kentucky and has become the premier championship for high school debaters.

Chavez Holds Academic Letter Program

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 18:14:15 GMT

The school held its annual Academic Excellence Letter Program celebration, recognizing top students, based on cumulative grade point averages through the Fall 2012 Semester. The morning assembly honored 123 students and their parents, followed by a breakfast for all attendees. Freshmen with a 4.0 GPA; sophomores with at least a 3.9; juniors with at least a 3.8 and seniors with at least a 3.7 qualify for the Academic Excellence Letter program. Students earn academic letters and bars for sustained excellence, and parents receive a parent pin. The program is sponsored district-wide by Grand Canyon University. City councilman Michael Nowakowski had inspirational words for the students and parents, and GCU’s Michael McFadden offered $176,000 in scholarships to the 22 seniors, ranging from $4,000 to $14,000.

Chavez Student Named to Arizona Republic's All-Arizona Boys Basketball Team

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 18:15:06 GMT

Pablo Rivas, a 6-5 junior was named to the Arizona Republic’s All-Arizona Boys Basketball team, one of five players selected. Rivas averaged 23 points and 12 rebounds a game, and helped lead the Champions to a 29-3 record in Division I. Chavez reached the Final Four for the second year in a row, falling in the semi-finals of the state tournament. All five players named to the state team are juniors.

Carl Hayden Students Qualify for All-State Band

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 18:16:14 GMT

Three Carl Hayden students made it into the All-State Band, March 8-9 at Gilbert High School. Maribel Hernandez on flute; Erik Barboza on Tuba and Jennifer Vasquez on percussion were the only Phoenix Union students selected for this prestigious group of musicians. They will now rehearse and perform with the Arizona All-State band on April 18^th – 20^that NAU. The concert will be Saturday, April 20.

To make All State – the students must first audition and participate in their All Region band. There are at ten different regions in the state of Arizona. For the audition, students perform their prepared audition music to judges that sit behind a screen, insuring that the students are being judged solely on their musical abilities. To give you an idea of the difficulty making state, there were 101 flutists that auditioned, and only 12 are taken for the band. Hernandez was 4^th flute. Barboza competed against 39 tuba players, and eight were selected. Vasquez competed against 53 percussionists, and eight were chosen.

“This is the first time that I know of in Carl Hayden history, that we had students accepted in to the Arizona All-State Band,” Band Director Rebecca Grace said. “This is an incredibly competitive audition, and for our students to be accepted, two of them having never taken private lessons, is such a huge accomplishment for them.”

A fourth student to audition, Karen Lopez, is just a sophomore and has only been playing French horn since November.

Third Annual Carl Hayden Fundraiser, Camino al Futuro Dinner Set for April 5

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 18:16:56 GMT

The 3rd Annual Carl Hayden Community High School Camino al Futuro Dinner and Dance Fundraiser is set for Friday, April 5 at the T-bone Steak House at 10037 S. 19th Ave. from 6 – 11 p.m. Advanced tickets are $40 per person or $50 at the door. Guests will enjoy a steak or mesquite-grilled chicken dinner with drinks included, and music and dancing underneath the stars at the base of picturesque South Mountain. Tickets can be purchased at Carl Hayden Community High School in the Dean’s Office, or by contacting Michelle Gutierrez (602) 764-3009 or Sofia Lujano (602) 764-3010 There will be a drawing sponsored by the Phoenix Union Foundation for Education. All proceeds benefit Carl Hayden Community High School students.

Maryvale Student Leads Academic Decathlon Team

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 18:17:40 GMT

Jose Machado led the Maryvale Panthers to a 19^th place finish in the Arizona Academic Decathlon, March 9-10 at ASU West. Machado scored 7,527, the 18^th best among Honors Division competitors. He won a silver in Honors Science and a bronze in Honors Art.

Maryvale Students Invited to Perform in London

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 18:18:32 GMT

Musicians from Maryvale and the Cartwright Elementary School District have been invited to perform at the 2014 New Years’s Day Parade and Festival in London, England. In typical British fashion, a formal invitation will be delivered, in person, March 23, by the former Lord Mayor of the City of Westminster, Duncan Sandys, who also happens to be the great grandson of Sir Winston Churchill. The event takes place at the Atkinson Middle School in the Cartwright District, at 2 p.m. The Maryvale Mariachi Band will welcome the guests, and the Maryvale Women’s Choir will perform, along with the Cartwright BEST band, representing Borman, Estrella, and Sands Team. The Lord Mayor and Robert Bone, the President of the Youth Music Organization of the World will be guest speakers.

Metro Tech Teacher is a Finalist in Great American Teach-Off

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 18:20:09 GMT

Film and digital media teacher Bob Marquis became one of eight finalists in the GOOD and University of Phoenix Great American Teach-Off, vying to receive a $10,000 classroom grant to support his program. GOOD Worldwide LCC (www.good.is) is an integrated media, community action platform. Voting began March 4, with 20 finalists, and remaining finalists are competing for public votes cast online at http://7to12gato.maker.good.is/ . Each week, two contestants are eliminated. Contestants provide video responses highlighting their creativity and passion in the classroom, and positive impact on the education community.

Marquis took over the film and media program in June and revamped the curriculum and equipment. He built the curriculum around projects intriguing to the students, including modern fairy tales, public service announcements and promotional pieces on the many Metro Tech Career and Technical Education programs. After studying filmmaking for four months, two of his students were among the five finalists selected. The students have also produced the video entries that have kept Marquis alive in the contest. Should he win the grant, he would like to use it for new classroom furniture and student entry fees for film festivals. He also hopes to begin the school’s own annual film festival.

South Mountain Academic Decathlon Succeeds at Academic Decathlon

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 18:20:58 GMT

The Academic Decathlon team had its highest State Decathlon finish ever, placing 8^th in the 40-team event, held March 9-10 at ASU West. Conner Wade placed 6^th overall in the Honors scoring, earning 8,239.8 points, the highest state total ever for a South Mountain student, and only 100 points out of the top three Honors places. He also won a Gold medal for Art, and Bronze medals in Economics and Science. Benjamin Webb finished 7^th overall in the Varsity division.

The team also had an impressive Super Quiz Relay performance, finishing with 33 points, and tied for fourth with Seton Catholic, just three correct questions out of second. Coach Todd Decker admits that “we missed three or four fairly easy questions.” But the Jaguars beat Mesa Mountain View, which means a lot.

“They are the defending state champion, and they win state 75% of the time. This is the second time in the past three years that we have finished ahead of Mountain View in the Super Quiz Relay.”

Mesa Red Mountain won the Decathlon ahead of Canyon del Oro and Mesa Mountain View, to qualify for the Nationals.

South Mountain Radio Students Attend New York Conference

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 18:21:32 GMT

Nine advanced radio students and Communication Arts magnet teacher Ann Miles attended the Intercollegiate Broadcasting Service annual national conference in New York City March 1-2, and came home with two Golden Microphone awards, for Best Radio Station Website and Best Radio Station Podcast. The students run KJAG AM 1640, and also offer their services for school dance and lunch deejays, morning announcements and emceeing campus events. The students touted its partnerships with KJZZ, its youth radio project, SPOT 127, and Radio Phoenix, the state’s largest internet radio station, producing public service announcements for local organizations.

Phoenix Union Foundation Scholarship Available

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 14:22:53 GMT

The Phoenix Union Foundation for Education 2013-2014 Scholarship application is now available. All 2013 graduating juniors and seniors from a Phoenix Union high school who will be attending a post-secondary school (university, community college, or trade school in Arizona)in the Fall of 2013 and Spring of 2014 are eligible to apply for these scholarships. The Foundation is accepting applications on line for the first time. Application and details can be found at http://www.phoenixunion.org/pufescholarship. Applications must be received by March 22.

Betty Fairfax JROTC Representing Arizona in Washington D.C.

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 14:24:50 GMT

The Betty Fairfax JROTC unit and Arizona will be represented in Washington, D.C., in June, as the only Arizona finalist in the Army JROTC Leadership and Academic Bowl (JLAB). The team of four cadets has been competing remotely with JROTC teams around the world, beginning in November, testing their knowledge of leadership principles and Army values. Fairfax advanced past “The Challenge” first round, and qualified in the Zero Hour Threat” second round in February as one of 40 teams to compete in the Leadership Bowl, June 21-25 at George Mason University in Fairfax, VA.

The team is made up of captain Sharon J. Guerra; Jordan A. Esparza, Cadet/First Sergeant; Jesus Avila, and Ashley W. Stifanos. Team Alternates are Danielle N. Deshong and Denisha Gregory.

“It was a great surprise when we learned, and the JLAB team is floating on Cloud Nine. We are now on our way to the Capital and the real studying begins,” coach and instructor Lieutenant Colonel Robert Cronin said.

“This is a big deal, as every Army JROTC program in the world is required to compete in the JLAB, and only 40 teams get to go to D.C.,” the District’s Director of Army JROTC Instruction Lieutenant Dan Hink said.

The 2013 JLAB Leadership Team Championship will include the 40 Leadership Teams competing in a Classroom Performance System-based format. Teams will respond to questions and accumulate points by answering leadership and leadership-related questions from material contained in the Army JROTC Curriculum, the book, The George C. Marshall Principles of Leadership: Ref Guide: Soldier, Statesman, and Peacemaker: Leadership Lessons, by George C. Marshall, and the book, No Substitute for Victory: Lessons in Strategy and Leadership by General Douglas MacArthur. Teams will also run the “Leadership Gauntlet” – a series of stations where teams will again be tested on their leadership The three Leadership Teams that have accumulated the most points will meet in the Championship Round. This final round will be conducted with the three teams on stage in a College Quiz Bowl format. In this head-to-head competition, the best Army JROTC Leadership Team will be named. The cadets will also participate in a leadership symposium, where the teams will present a JROTC Unite Best Practice report and a media presentation.

Betty Fairfax Band Succeeded at Arizona Festival

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 14:25:42 GMT

The Fairfax High School Band performed three pieces at the Arizona Band and Orchestra Director’s Association Area Concert Festival in Gilbert, March 2 and received a rating of “Excellent.” This is the first time in Fairfax’s history that the band performed at an area festival. Angelo Zuniga is Fairfax’s Band Director/Instructor.

Central Student Named Youth of the Year

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 14:26:49 GMT

Cecilia Brazil, a junior, was a Boys and Girls Club Youth of the Year for the Gabel Branch, and attended the “Today’s Kids, Tomorrow’s Stars” event at the Arizona Biltmore, March 2, honoring extraordinary youth. Brazil is the captain of the Varsity Cheer team, and was named to the District’s Honors Choir. Brazil will volunteer over 300 hours in her community this year, at a homeless shelter and food bank. She has organized the school’s National Honor Society for a food drive for St. Vincent de Paul. At the Boys and Girls Club, she is the president of the Keystone Club, a service society. She plans to attend Spellman College in Atlanta, and pursue a career in modeling or social work. Youths of the Year received 16 weeks of training with Toastmasters and AZ Storytellers, new outfits for the young women, professional headshots, business cards, gift bags and gift cards, networking opportunities, and this summer they’ll be going on vacation together.

North Phoenix Baptist Church Volunteers at Central

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 14:28:07 GMT

Saturday School was made a little more pleasant, March 2, thanks to the volunteers from North Phoenix Baptist Church, who came to the campus to clean, paint and grill hamburgers and hot dogs for over 100 students, who receive extra tutoring on Saturdays.

Carl Hayden Student Named to All-State Boys Soccer Team

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 14:28:56 GMT

Senior Midfielder Roberto Carrizosa was named to the Second Team All-State Division I Boys Soccer team, the only Phoenix Union athlete named to the Division I first or second teams. Hayden enjoyed another successful season, making the playoffs, and advancing to the quarterfinals.

Carl Hayden Student Named Youth of the Year

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 14:29:34 GMT

Darrol Robinson, a senior, was a Boys and Girls Club Youth of the Year for the Diamondbacks/Kieckhefer branch, and attended the “Today’s Kids, Tomorrow’s Stars” event at the Arizona Biltmore, March 2, honoring extraordinary youth. Robinson has been involved in Carl Hayden Student Government for two years, where he was instrumental in organizing school blood drives. At the Boys and Girls Club, he teaches younger students to read, coaches a basketball team and organizing fundraiser for new club equipment. He is a member of the Keystone leadership and community service club. Robinson plans to attend Grand Canyon University, and become an FBI agent or nurse assistant. Youths of the Year received 16 weeks of training with Toastmasters and AZ Storytellers, professional headshots, business cards, gift bags and gift cards, networking opportunities, and this summer they’ll be going on vacation together.

Carl Hayden Fundraiser Set for April 5

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 14:30:26 GMT

Franklin Students Visited By NASA Astronaut

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 14:31:44 GMT

Franklin students received a visit from NASA astronaut Catherine “Cady” Coleman, February 28, to share her experiences in space, space station science discoveries and how research in space improves life on Earth. It is part the NASA Johnson Space Center’s--Destination Station: Space station science and research awareness campaign. Coleman, an M.I.T. graduate who also holds a doctorate in polymer science and engineering has been in the Air Force for 26 years, and 20 years with NASA, and has logged more than 4,330 hours in space aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia and the International Space Station. She was a flight engineer aboard the Russian Soyuz spacecraft for launch and landing and spent 159 days in space aboard the International Space Station (ISS). She narrated a fascinating slide and video presentation that was a real inside look at life on a space station. She shared with the students everything from hurtling through space at 17,500 miles, and burning up a capsule upon re-entry, to bathing and using the toilet in zero-gravity, and playing the flute, while rock flutist Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull played along, back on earth. One student asked her how she washed her clothes, and Coleman said when they are dirty, they just throw them in the trash compartment, which was also returned to earth. It didn’t happen often. She only got six pairs of pants and twelve shirts for her six-month stay. Coleman gave encouragement and tips for success, especially to the girls. She told them to “not be afraid to brag a little about yourselves. Make that person want to meet you. If you don’t tell them, they won’t know you.” She emphasized strong writing skills, whether it is filling out applications or writing reports or memos. “You need to be able to express yourself clearly.” Coleman was impressed with Franklin and the fact that the students were studying for careers that will serve the public.

Maryvale Musicians Invited to Perform in London, England

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 14:32:18 GMT

Metro Tech Teacher Named Outstanding High School Business Educator

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 14:33:43 GMT

Christine Leibelt-Garcia was named the Outstanding High School Business Educator by the Western Business Education Association. She received the award at the organization’s conference, February 15-17 in Ogden,, Utah. Liebelt-Garcia has been a business education teacher since 1996, teaching a variety of courses in the business curriculum. She has been a Future Business Leader of America (FBLA) advisor for the last 19 years, and has served on the State Board of Directors for the last three years, and was president of the board in 2008-2009. One colleague cited Liebelt-Garcia’s project-based strategies. “These projects include a taste test activity for marketing, a job fair for human resources, creation of business plans for entrepreneurship, and a “shark tank” activity for venture capitalism.”

South Mountain Law Magnet Mock Trial Places First in Tournament

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 14:35:26 GMT

One of the South Mountain Law Magnet Mock Trial Teams placed first in a regional mock trial tournament, March 2 at Superior Court in Phoenix, and will advance to the State Championships, March 23. It was the first region championship for South since 1995. Mock Trial is a competition where students play the roles of witnesses and attorneys in a made up case. This year’s case is about a student who organizes an “Occupy” movement on their school grounds which results in damage to the school and the student is charged with four criminal counts based upon disruption of an educational institution. Students presented opening statements, closing arguments and did direct examinations and cross examinations of witnesses. Each of the six competitors must play the role of an attorney on one side of the case and the role of a witness on the other.

Angelica Aispuro, Alexis Carter, Angel Velez, Markaya Hill, Anna Rose Santa Cruz, Denise Brown and official student timekeeper Brendon Hill make up the team. South students won individual awards for best attorney and best witness in several of the four rounds, and Carter won All-Region. The team is coached by law magnet teacher Matt Smith, attorney Jason Gellman and Superior Court Judge Lisa VandenBerg.

The champion Jaguar team was just one of three South Mountain teams competing in regionals. The Red team won Region 4, the Blue team also competed in the region, and the White team competed in Region 3. South’s Red team outshined 14 other schools, including Brophy, Xavier, Scottsdale Chaparral and Desert Mountain and Desert Vista.

“It truly was an outstanding accomplishment for our students. It was a sight to see as they competed round by round against some of the brightest students in Maricopa County, including many whose parents are attorneys or judges,” Coach Matt Smith said.

“The “South Mountain Red Team” is a National-caliber team. I had the privilege of being a National mock trial judge two years ago – and saw some of the top National teams compete. I truly believe “Red” can win State and compete for the National title if they continue to work on the case. In my opinion, they were and are that good,” Coach Gellman said.

South Mountain Step Team Won National Competition

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 14:36:19 GMT

The South Mountain High School Step Team, known as “Ice Cold Souljah” won a national competition, called Stomp Wars, March 2 in Dallas. The 19 students (16 girls and 3 boys) had to perform a seven-minute routine, competing against teams from Baltimore, Florida, Tulsa, St. Louis and Dallas. The South students won the $3,000 prize for high school competition. Step teams were invited to participate based upon video review of a routine. Fifteen schools competed in the high school division. Steppers were judged on a routine no longer than seven minutes, based upon precision, originality, difficulty, creativity, vocal clarity and enthusiasm. Denesha Hardson and Marlyn Jones are the coaches, and Safiyyah Johnson and Stephanie Clay are the faculty sponsors.

“They did an outstanding job on stage and showed out in Dallas. We had the judges come and find us to say thank you for coming out to Dallas and making their day,” Johnson said.

South Mountain JROTC Succeeded in Competition

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 14:37:32 GMT

The South Mountain JROTC Drill Team competed against 18 schools, February 23 at Carl Hayden High School, finishing 1^st place overall in Unarmed Sweepstakes, 2^nd in Color Guard and 2^nd overall in the Drill Meet. The Jaguar cadets took home trophies in: Unarmed Dual, 1^st place commanded by Captain Janell Borja; Regulation Drill, 2^ndplace and Exhibition Drill, 2^nd place commanded by Captain Irene Velazquez; Inspection Drill, 3^rd place commanded by Captain Maria Ulloa. The Armed Drill Team came away with a 2^nd place in Inspection Drill, and 3^rd place in Regulation Drill, commanded by Cadet Major Jonathan Garcia. Sergeant First Class Tony Lyons is the coach.

South Student Named to All-State Boys Soccer Team

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 14:38:03 GMT

South’s Yabin Cruz was named to the Division II All-State First Team in Boys Soccer. The senior forward led the Jaguars to a number one ranking in Division II, and advanced to the quarterfinals of the state tournament. The Jaguars went 12-1 in the regular season (not including tournaments) The Jaguars were prolific goal scorers, scoring four or more goals in 10 of the 13 regular season games. Their 70 goals was a 5.3 goals per game average.

Seven PUHSD Schools to Compete in State Academic Decathlon

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 16:29:38 GMT

A record-seven Phoenix Union High Schools will compete in the State Academic Decathlon, March 8-9 at ASU West, having qualified for the 40-team championship at the Region II Decathlon in February. South Mountain leads the District contingent, ranked 7^th in State after winning the Region II event. Cesar Chavez High School, with its second place regional finish, ranks 10^th in the state. Also making the State Decathlon are Alhambra, Maryvale, Bioscience, Betty Fairfax and Central. Last year, five schools qualified for the State Decathlon.

PUHSD to Host Teacher Career Fair at Metro Tech

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 16:31:01 GMT

Phoenix Union will hold a Teacher Career Fair, Saturday, March 9 at Metro Tech High School from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Openings are available in all subject areas. Screening interviews will be conducted from 8-10 a.m. by school and district personnel. Prospective teachers should bring resume, transcripts, teacher certification, letters of recommendation and a copy of a fingerprint clearance card. It is recommended that applicants who have not completed a Phoenix Union online application complete one prior to the job fair. A general certified employee application can be accessed at www.phoenixunion.org. Metro Tech is at 19^th Avenue and Thomas Road. For more information, contact Alvina Turman at (602)764-1519.

Phoenix Foundation Scholarship Application Available

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 16:31:51 GMT

PUHSD Students Invited to Attend Health Teen Relationship Workshop

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 16:32:34 GMT

Students can learn about healthy teen relationships, earn community service hours for attending and win prizes at the Healthy Teen Relationships workshop, Saturday, March 9 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the John F. Long Family Services Center at 3454 N. 51^st Avenue. The free Domestic Violence Community Awareness and Resources presentation is made possible by the Maryvale Partnership in Action.

NASA Scientist Visited Alhambra Students

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 16:33:08 GMT

NASA scientist Dr. Liz Wallace visited students at Alhambra, February 27 as part of the NASA Johnson Space Center’s Destination Station tour, promoting space station science and research awareness. She is an expert on the effects of spaceflight on the human body. She provided information about Earth science research aboard the International Space Station, and the space station history. The space station, through earth images, has assisted natural disaster prediction and relief, and coral reefs management important to the fishing industry. Warren also talked to the students about STEM education and future careers.

Camelback Teacher Named Bill and Melinda Gates Mentor Teacher

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 16:33:43 GMT

Math teacher Tiffany Dawdy was recently named a Mentor Teacher through a Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation-funded teacher initiative. This was a highly competitive, rigorous, and multi-step process including videos, tasks, and interviews above and beyond the initial application. She will commit to two years of collaborating with educators across the country to create and film engaging lessons aligned to the Common Core.

Phoenix Suns Charities Provide Snack Packs for Central During AIMS

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 16:34:23 GMT

Students who were AIMS testing February 25-26 received snack packs, thanks to volunteers and the Phoenix Suns Charities. Principal Chris Jones and staff, and students from the National Honors Society packed 2000 bags during the weekend before the testing, and Suns volunteers, including team owner Robert Sarver, delivered them to classes. A goodie bag contained a protein bar, water bottle, an apple, a pencil and a special good luck greeting from the Suns. The AIMS Writing took place, February 25, and the Reading exam was February 26.

Central Recognized by Maricopa County Air Quality Department

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 16:35:53 GMT

Central’s staff was recognized by the Maricopa County Air Quality Department for successfully lowering its single-occupancy vehicle rate commuting to work for at least two consecutive years. It is estimated that one pound of pollution is saved when 46 miles are not driven. The Trip Reduction Program calculates emission savings of 13,000 tons annually as a result of commute miles saved.

Chavez Boys Basketball Ends Successful Season

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 16:36:38 GMT

The Champions Boys Basketball team made it to the Division I Final Four, but fell to Pinnacle, 69-59 in a semi-final game, February 21 at ASU’s Wells Fargo Arena. Chavez ended its season with a sparkling 29-3 record under Gary Lee, the only boys basketball coach the school has had. Chavez was vying for its second championship game in a row, and third finals appearance in the past four years. However, it was the first time in six years that a Phoenix Union team (girls or boys) did not make it to the state title game.

Laveen Baseball Tournament to Showcase PUHSD

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 16:39:26 GMT

The Laveen Baseball Classic, which started at Cesar Chavez, has developed into a first-rate tournament to kick off the baseball season. This year, February 21-23, the field was expanded to 20 teams from 16, and diamonds at Chavez, Betty Fairfax and Alhambra were used. A rainout day and busy grounds crews helped the teams each play four games, however the format was changed to that the winners were determined by overall run differential. The Division I winner was Mesa Westwood, with a 4-0 record, although St. Mary’s and Trevor Browne were also 4-0, but fell short in the “runs allowed” category Campo Verde won the Division II title. Nine Phoenix Union teams participated. Alhambra and North both went 2-2. This tournament is organized by Chavez coach Sergio Acosta and Fairfax coach Armando Tellez.

Carl Hayden's Successful JROTC Season Continues

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 17:07:36 GMT

The successful season for the Carl Hayden JROTC Rifle Team continued, February 15-16, as the Falcon cadets won the All Services Rifle Championship in Salt Lake City, Utah, beating 21 teams representing Arkansas, Oregon, California, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico and Utah. Rifle competitions were held in Salt Lake, Ohio and Alabama, and when all the scores were counted, Carl Hayden ranked 4^th in the nation for the Army, and qualified to compete in the Nationals in Anniston, Alabama during Spring Break (week of March 18). That two-day competition will include top teams from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines. The shooters are Alan Rodriguez (Captain), David Nieto(co-Captain), Nestor Alvarez, Mario Saenz and Caleb Castro. All of these shooters received gold medals, a team trophy, a $100 gift certificate and a pellet rifle. The coach is Sergeant First Class John Cordero-Torres, a former JROTC instructor who now volunteers to coach the team. The cadets compete in the Sporter Three-Position Air Rifle division, shooting targets from prone, kneeling and standing positions.

Metro Tech Awarded Beat the Odds Gold School

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 17:08:16 GMT

Metro Tech is one of three Arizona Schools selected as a “Beat the Odds” Gold school by the Center for the Future of Arizona’s Beat the Odds Institute, demonstrating consistent growth in student academic achievement in math and reading over two or more consecutive years for minority-intensive, low-income student populations. The school improvement program focuses on K-12 schools where at least 50 percent of the students are on free or reduced lunch, and at least 50 percent are minority, primarily Latino.

Beat The Odds is a rigorous multi-year school improvement program providing mentoring and training for principals. It is based on methodology from best-selling author Jim Collins (Good to Great) identifying six keys to success: a strong and steady principal, a clear bottom line, ongoing assessment, collaborative solutions, a program built on individual student needs and a commitment to stick with the program.

“Gold award winners demonstrate that demography is not destiny,” Executive Director of the Beat the Odds Institute Marjorie Kaplan said. “They have overcome obstacles and improved academic performance through their commitment to our Six Keys to Success.”

“Metro Tech’s success can be attributed to our ability to stay focused on the right things. We are focused on providing quality learning experiences that build on students’ interests and need for engagement and relevancy,” principal Kate McDonald said. “We are focused on measuring our instructional success early, often, and in multiple ways. We are focused on collaborating with each other in an open and collegial manner to improve our practices. We are focused on ensuring that our school provides a balanced experience for students to build skills, strategies and experiences that will help them be successful in college, career and life.”

Now in its sixth year, the Beat the Odds Institute’s five-year report showed that 83 percent of Beat the Odds partner schools earned labels better than “performing” compared to 69 percent for all Arizona schools.”

There were 15 schools that earned silver or bronze awards, including Phoenix Union’s Franklin Police and Fire High School (bronze).

Metro Tech Basketball Ends Memorable Season

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 17:09:06 GMT

Metro Tech’s second boys’ basketball season was memorable. The Knights went from a one-win inaugural season in 2011-12 to a 15-5 record this year. Metro was ranked number one for a time this season, snapped West Phoenix’s 50-plus regular season winning streak, and advanced to the quarterfinals of the Charter Athletic Association (CAA) State Tournament, before falling to Kingman Academy, 49-44 February 20. The Knights received individual awards as Fernando Valdez was named 2^nd Team All State and 1^st team All-conference and Juan Salas earned 1^st team All-Conference. The Metro Tech coaches Mario Malaby, Manny Valente and Josh Cole also were named the CAA’s Coaching Staff of the Year.

“This past basketball season has been quite remarkable. Our boys’ team made unbelievable strides that shocked the Charter league and was a testament to our players’ work ethic. Last season, we struggled to a 1-19 record in our first year as a program. This season with mostly the same players we earned many notable accomplishments,” Coach Malaby said.

North Students Get Lesson with Mata Ortiz Potters

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 17:10:37 GMT

The Mata Ortiz Potters were at North, March 4-5, working with art students teaching them how to create the surface designs indicative of Mata Ortiz Pottery. Mata Ortiz pottery is a re-creation of the pre-Hispanic pottery found at an archeological site in the Mexican state of Chihuahua. It is named after the modern town of Mata Ortiz, which is near the site and where a man named Juan Quezada learned to recreate this ancient pottery. The potters come to Phoenix Union art classes every year, supporting their trips through the sale of their pottery.

South Academic Decathlon Leads PUHSD to State

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 17:11:11 GMT

South Mountain’s Academic Decathlon team leads a seven-team Phoenix Union contingent to the 40-team State Academic Decathlon, March 8-9 at the ASU West campus. South won the Region II Academic Decathlon for the second year in a row, edging neighborhood rival, Cesar Chavez, February 1-2. Each of the nine team members earned a four-year scholarship for an in-state university. The Jaguars were led by senior Connor Wade, who was the overall 10-event scoring leader in the 27-team event, winning 10 medals, eight gold, in the Honors Division Anto George had the fourth-best overall score with 6,696 points, and went six-for-six answering Super Quiz Relay questions. Benjamin Webb finished second in overall points among Varsity Division competitors. Under Coach Todd Decker, the Jaguars qualified for the State Decathlon for the 22^ndtime in 23 years. They are currently ranked seventh in the state.

Central Future Freshman Night

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 18:45:35 GMT

Central’s Future Freshman Night, called “A Taste of Central,” will be held Thursday, February 28 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. parents and students can sample the best that Central has to offer incoming freshmen. The program will begin with a presentation in the school auditorium, followed by break-out sessions in the cafeteria to visit with teachers, counselors, coaches, students and club sponsors. Central is the first Cambridge School in Arizona. It offers over 20 advanced college credited classes, a Global Magnet program offering travel and cultural opportunities. Central boasts dual enrollment classes for college credit, a full slate of interscholastic sports, clubs, award-winning programs such as Student Government, Speech and Debate, and performing arts. Last year, over $6 million in scholarships were offered to seniors.

PUHSD to Host Teacher Career Fair

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 18:21:56 GMT

Teaching American History Grant Series Recognizes Noted Historian

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 18:22:52 GMT

The District’s Teaching American History Grant seminar series recognized Black History Month by bringing noted historian Dr. Clarence Taylor of City University of New York to town to discuss Civil Rights, and other guests examined the integration of public schools in Phoenix. Taylor presented to students at South Mountain February 22 and conducted a seminar with 34 Phoenix Union history teachers who make up the Teaching American History cadre February 23 at historic Carver High School. The Saturday seminar included presentations by Bill Straus of the Anti-Defamation League and Judge Ellie Finn, who discussed the Phoenix Union desegregation case that closed the city’s segregated Carver High School , and integrated Phoenix Union months before the landmark Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court case. Finn is the daughter of Herbert Finn, one of the attorneys in the Phoenix case.

The U.S. Department of Education Teaching American History grant, now in its third year, introduces content instruction and materials to teachers that integrate the history of the Southwest, and especially of Arizona, with the typical scope and sequence in U.S. History courses

Alhambra Student Signs Letter of Intent

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 18:31:11 GMT

John Poese signed a letter of intent to play football at Phoenix College next year. Poese, 6-1, 220 pounds, played fullback and defensive line for the Lions.

Bioscience to Host AZ SciTech Festival Event

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 18:43:45 GMT

Bioscience will host an Arizona SciTech Festival event, Thursday, February 28 from 3:30 to 5:30, showcasing community partnerships in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Education. Students and partners will exhibit their work in sustainability, local foods movement, engineering and wildlife ecology. Bioscience has established partnerships with several local organizations and businesses which allow students to work directly with community partners to address real issues in the community. Partners include ASU, Intel, NRG, Phoenix Herpetological Society, Arizona Science Center and Native Health.

Camelback Teacher Named Fulton Homes Teacher of the Week

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 18:44:49 GMT

With a classroom of proud students looking on, Vickie Frigo-Porter had a surprise visit from KNIX Radio personality Carolyn Coffey who awarded her the KNIX and Fulton Homes Teacher of the Week. Frigo-Porter teaches medically fragile students who are mentally or physically handicapped. She taught for 30 years, retired, and came back to work with “her kids” for another four school years, so far. She was nominated by her staff, assistant John Thelen, nurse Liza Davis and nursing assistant Melissa Tamayo. Besides the accolades, she won $300 and other prizes.

“I cannot express the amount of love and devotion she shows to our students. Her heart is too big for words,” Thelen said in his nomination letter.

Chavez Boys Basketball Wins D1 Sectional Tournament

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 18:47:47 GMT

The Champions Boys Basketball team won its Division I Sectional tournament, and entered the State Tournament as the second seed. Chavez received a first round bye, and won in round two, eliminating Marcos de Niza, and defeated Mountain Ridge in the quarterfinals, February 19. Chavez advanced to the State Championship game last year, falling to Corona del Sol in the finals.

Chavez Athletes Sign Letters of Intent

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 19:30:53 GMT

Arturo Macias and Jaylyn Shans signed letters of intent to play football at Phoenix College next season. Macias was the Champions’ quarterback and free safety. He also was the team’s kicker and punter. Macias, 6-2, 200 pounds, threw for 2255 yards and 29 touchdown passes, leading Chavez to a 9-1 regular season record. Shans is a 5-10, 175-pound wide receiver and defensive back.

Franklin Students To Receive Visit from NASA Astronaut

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 19:32:02 GMT

Franklin students will receive a visit from NASA astronaut Catherine “Cady” Coleman, February 28, to share her experiences in space, space station science discoveries and how research in space improves life on Earth. It is part the NASA Johnson Space Center’s--Destination Station: Space station science and research awareness campaign. Coleman, an M.I.T. graduate who also holds a doctorate in polymer science and engineering, was selected by NASA in 1992, and has logged more than 4,330 hours in space aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia and the International Space Station. She was a flight engineer aboard the Russian Soyuz spacecraft for launch and landing and spent 159 days in space aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The national campaign educates the community about science experiments performed aboard the International Space Station (such as cancer research, salmonella vaccine research, and bone research); the benefits of ISS science research to humanity and the overall wonders of the International Space Station.

Maryvale Hosted Black History Month Event

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 19:32:56 GMT

Maryvale celebrated Black History Month with a Community Celebration, February 20. Drama students recited the Emancipation Proclamation, and excerpts from “I Have a Dream.” Students Jerome Jeffcoat and Jazmen Banks rapped to “Rise to the Top.” Guest performers were trumpeter Gabriel Bey, and Kevvin Taylor, doing a one-act play entitled “Black Women Walking.

Metro Tech Boys Basketball Finishes Successful Season

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 19:34:01 GMT

Metro Tech’s Boys Basketball team, only in its second season, finished the regular season with a 13-4 record playing in the Charter Athletic Association (CAA) and ranked 4^th in the state. The Knights were to play Kingman Academy, February 20 in their march to a state title. Coach Mario Malaby was named CAA Coach Of The Year, Fernando Valdez was named 2^nd Team All State and 1^st team West All-Conference, and Juan Salas made 1^st team West All-Conference

North High School Hosted Student Government Reunion

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 19:35:08 GMT

Dan Dodge has been the North High Student Government advisor for 25 years, and who better than he to help organize a North Student Government Reunion, Classes of 1988-2012. The Mustangs came together, February 16 at the Duck & Decanter Restaurant in Phoenix. Phoenix Union Governing Board President Randy Schiller, a former North Stugo member himself, was the Master of Ceremony. The purpose of the reunion is to create a group of recent grads who will support North leadership programs such as Student Government and North Family of Leaders (NFL) Multicultural Retreat.

North Welcomes New Assistant Principal for Registration

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 19:35:51 GMT

Dr. MingPing Ji is the new Assistant Principal for Registration at North High. She was the Professional Development Specialist for Cesar Chavez High School prior to her move into administration.

South Mountain Girls Basketball Ends Successful Season

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 19:36:33 GMT

The South Mountain Girls Basketball team had a successful play-off run in the Division II State Tournament. The Jaguars, seeded 14^th, beat Pusch Ridge in the first round, upset #3 Flagstaff in the second round, and advanced to the quarterfinals at Jobing.com Arena, February 19. However, the Jaguars season ended with a 49-37 loss to Tucson Flowing Wells.

South Mountain to Host State Jazz Festival

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 19:37:12 GMT

South Mountain is hosting the Arizona Band and Orchestra Directors Association (ABODA) state jazz festival on May 1-3. From 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM. There will be approximately 40 high school jazz bands from across the state of Arizona performing.

South Mountain Wins Region Academic Decathlon

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 14:38:28 GMT

Phoenix Union continues to dominate in its Academic Decathlon Region (II). A record-seven PUHSD schools qualified for the State Decathlon, breaking last year’s high mark of five state-qualifying teams at the Region Decathlon, February 1-2 at Goldwater High School.

South Mountain won the Region Decathlon for the second year in a row, edging second place Cesar Chavez. Also qualifying for state were Alhambra (4^th place and named Most Improved Team), 5^th place Maryvale; 7^th place Bioscience; 9^th place Betty Fairfax and 10^th place Central. That is seven schools in the top 10 of the 27-school regional. In fact, 10 of the top 13 scoring teams were from Phoenix Union. Camelback placed 11^th, and is a second alternate for the State Decathlon. Phoenix Union schools have won the Region II Academic Decathlon 10 of the last 11 years. South’s two titles in the last two years followed two consecutive titles by Cesar Chavez.

Phoenix Union to Hold Teacher Career Fair

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 14:39:29 GMT

Phoenix Union will hold a Teacher Career Fair, Saturday, March 9 at Metro Tech High School from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Openings are available in all subject areas. Screening Interviews will be conducted from 8-10 a.m. by school and district personnel. Prospective Teachers should bring resume, transcripts, teacher certification, letters of recommendation and a copy of a fingerprint clearance card. It is recommended that applicants who have not completed a Phoenix Union online application complete one prior to the job fair. A general certified employee application can be accessed at www.phoenixunion.org. Metro Tech is at 19^th Avenue and Thomas Road. For more information, contact Alvina Turman at (602)764-1519.

Betty Fairfax Academic Decathlon

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 14:41:30 GMT

Betty Fairfax’ Academic Decathlon is off to the State Championships again, thanks to a ninth-place finish in the 27-team Region I event, February 1-2. Medalists were Autumn Harris, a Silver in Scholastic Division Speech and a Silver in Scholastic Interview; Victoria Hernandez, a Silver in Varsity Interview and Rachel Hawthorne, a Bronze in Scholastic Interview. Last year, the Stampede made its first trip to the State Decathlon. The 40-team State Decathlon is March 8-9.

Bioscience Academic Decathlon

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 14:44:42 GMT

Mackenzie Kong-Sivert won three gold medals, and two silver medals, and was the silver medalist for the second-most overall points scored in the Scholastic Division of the Region II Academic Decathlon, February 1-2. She paced Bioscience High School to its first State Decathlon Appearance, as the Double Helix Dragons finished 7^th in the 27-team regional. The State Academic Decathlon is March 8-9 at ASU West.

Camelback Students Sign Letters of Intent

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 14:46:43 GMT

Camelback had three football players sign letters of intent to continue their academic and athletic careers at colleges, February 6. Antonio Zepeda signed with the University of Nevada-Las Vegas, where the Rebels plan to use the 6-6, 250-pounder as a tight end. The All-Arizona First Teamer was also a defensive end in high school, but is glad that UNLV wanted him as a receiver. Jamar Pinnock is headed to Scottsdale Community College, projected to be a cornerback. The 6-3, 195-lb. defensive back led the team in tackles last year with 53. Angel Medina, the Spartan’s quarterback this past season, will play free safety at Phoenix College. Medina, 6-1, 170, threw for over 900 yards, and rushed for 610 yards. He also was a long snapper, a wide receiver and played safety for Camelback, recording 52 tackles. This is the second year in a row that coach Brandon McNutt has seen three players move on to college.

“We are getting noticed, and people are starting to come to Camelback to see our athletes. When college coaches see kids moving on to college, they are more inclined to come back each year,” McNutt said.

Central FBLA Participated in Regional Conference

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 14:48:28 GMT

Central’s Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) participated in the Regional conference, along with over 400 students from 20 different schools. Students competed in a variety of events including Sports Management, Communications, and Business Procedures. Bobcat winners were a 1^st place for the Team Event – Chapter Sign and Esmeralda Martinez who took 3^rd place in Word Processing 2. In order for her to participate in this event she completed a one- hour production test prior to Regionals and an online exam at the competition.

Cesar Chavez Academic Decathlon

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 14:51:23 GMT

The Academic Decathlon team is headed to the State Decathlon after a second place finish at the Region II Decathlon, February 1-2. Chavez finished behind South Mountain for the second year in a row, scoring 36,527 points to South’s 37,551 in the 27-team field. Outstanding performers were Brian Diaz, who had five medals, scored 6816 points and won a bronze medal as the third-best overall scorer in the Scholastic Division, and Amanda Canez, who had six medals, including the overall bronze medal in the Varsity Division.

AVID Class Attends Sophomore Conference

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 14:52:35 GMT

Eleven of Carl Hayden’s AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) sophomore class attended the ASU AVID Sophomore Conference, February 1. This conference was for all AVID Sophomores throughout the state. This was Carl Hayden’s second year in attending. The conference included a ‘Be the Change Workshop’ where the students working collaboratively to develop solutions to local and global issues facing their generation. They then were able to record a video showcasing their solution developed in the workshop. There was a campus tour, a student entrepreneurs panel, and ASU student panel. There was a professional development session for chaperones and AVID coordinators on college readiness and services available to high school teachers and students at ASU.

Carl Hayden Robotics Hosts Arizona Sci Tech Festival

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 15:03:21 GMT

Carl Hayden’s Falcon Robotics team will host an evening of electric vehicles, model rocket demonstrations and robotics, February 15 from 5-9 p.m. on campus, as part of Arizona SciTech Festival. The Falcon Robotics Science Festival is one of over 150 events during the SciTech Festival that runs from February 6 to March 17 in the Valley.

Maryvale Students Earn Superior Ratings at Acting Festival

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 15:21:42 GMT

Marco Villegas and Jesse Roman received the highest scores possible- three “superiors” at the Northern Arizona Acting Festival, February 2, and qualified for the International Thespian Festival in Lincoln Nebraska in June. The two performed a five-minute scene from a play entitled “Class Action,” about bullying. It is believed to be the first time Phoenix Union students qualified for the international festival. Villegas and Roman will perform the scene again at the State One-Act Festival, March 1. Maryvale’s advanced theatre class of 24 attended, and under the direction of theatre arts teacher Patrick Shanahan, had its best showing ever. Seven groups received a ranking of “excellent” and two groups received a ranking of “good.” There are 150 students in Maryvale theatre arts classes, including two tech theatre classes.

Maryvale Academic Decathlon

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 15:22:19 GMT

Jose Machado turned in the second-highest score of almost 250 students at the Region II Academic Decathlon, February 1-2 at Goldwater High School. Machado, competing in the Honors Division, scored 7,235 of Maryvale’s 33,674 points, leading the Panthers to 5^th place showing in the 2- team region, and a second consecutive State Decathlon berth. Melissa Aguilar won the Most Outstanding Interview award and Miguel Almanza won the Most Outstanding Speech award.

JROTC Crowns King and Queen

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 15:28:59 GMT

Lizbeth Carrillo was crowned the 2013 Phoenix Union JROTC Military Ball Queen, February 1. She was nominated by Maryvale Cadets and was then interviewed by CES administrators. She competed against the other 11 PUHSD JROTC programs. The Military Ball King was Jaylen White, a senior at North High.

Arizona Cardinals Kicker Visits Maryvale

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 15:30:52 GMT

Arizona Cardinals kicker Jay Feely was a special guest at Maryvale, February 6. His visit was compliments of Verizon, after the school won a contest generating the most pledges to stop texting while driving. Feely signed photographs to every student who took the pledge, donated an autographed Cardinal jersey, spoke to over 1,000 students about the dangers of texting, education, success and failure, and tossed and kicked Cardinal autographed balls into the grandstand. The football theme was symbolic, as a vehicle can travel the length of a football field when a driver is distracted by a text for five seconds.

“The greatest think about being an athlete is to have the opportunity to have an impact. I enjoy getting out and meeting people and promoting a good cause,” Feely said.

North Student Wins Poetry Outloud

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 15:31:40 GMT

North held a Poetry Out Loud contest, January 30, and Carina Tavizon won first place. She will go to ASU in March for a regional contest, along with approximately 30 other schools in central Arizona. Ashley Freie placed second and Edward Garcia was third.

South Mountain Academic Decathlon

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 15:36:13 GMT

South Mountain won the Region II Academic Decathlon for the second year in a row, edging neighborhood rival, Cesar Chavez, February 1-2 at Goldwater High School. All nine team members captured medals, thanks to a victory in the Super Quiz Relay, and each team member earned a four-year scholarship for an in-state university. The Jaguars were led by senior Connor Wade, who won 10 medals, including eight golds. He was the overall 10-event scoring leader in the 27-team event, amassing 8,199.9 points in the Honors Division. It was his second year as the overall top scorer. Anto George had the fourth-best overall score with 6,696 points, and went six-for-six answering Super Quiz Relay questions. Benjamin Webb finished second in overall points among Varsity Division competitors. Other team members were Rafael Lopez, Honors; Markaya Hill, Eugenia Anane-Wae, and Christopher Daines in Scholastic Division, and Christopher Medina and Heriberto Macias in Varsity. The Jaguars had the most points of all teams in five individual events--Art, Music, Language & Literature, and Social Science. South’s 37,551.7 points topped second place Chavez, 36,527.3, the second consecutive year the teams finished 1-2. Chavez won the region in back-to-back years in 2010 and 2011. Phoenix Union schools have won the Regional 10 of the last 11 years. South has four of those titles. Under Coach Todd Decker, the Jaguars will move on to the State Decathlon, March 9-10, for the 22^ndtime in 23 years.

South Student Wins Poetry Outloud

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 15:37:03 GMT

Senior Jaliyah Richmond won the South Mountain Poetry Out Loud competition, February 6, and qualified to continue on to regionals in March at ASU. She will have to memorize and recite three poems at regionals. Several classes at South Mountain participated in the Poetry Out Loud competition, until only eight finalists remained. Damian Cuevas came in 2^nd and Marnisha Ellis came in 3^rd.

Trevor Browne JROTC Succeeds in Competition

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 15:39:06 GMT

The Bruins’ JROTC unit competed in an all skills meet in Farmington, NM, February 1-2 against 18 teams from Nevada, New Mexico, Texas and Arizona. The Unarmed Team took 2nd place Overall, and 2nd in Inspection, 2nd place in Exhibition, 3rd place in Regulation and 2nd in Color Guard. The mixed Color Guard team came in 2nd place with only a few practices under their belt. One of the newest members in JROTC Anthony Lopez was the awarded “Fastest Man,” as he won the mile run. Lopez also took an individual trophy for the last man standing during a drill competition of all schools. The Trevor Browne Rifle Team finished 2nd overall, competing against 35 teams. Alan Soto finished as the number two shooter in the match earning three individual medals for his performance.

PUHSD Superintendent to Deliver NALEO Keynote Address

Thu, 10 Jan 2013 15:27:27 GMT

Superintendent Dr. Kent P. Scribner will deliver the keynote address at a conference hosted by the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) Educational Fund in collaboration with the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics, January 18 in Austin, Texas, The audience will consist of governing board members from school districts across Texas. In his remarks, Scribner will discuss both the White House Initiative and the many accomplishments associated with Phoenix Union’s transformation toward a culture of College and Career preparedness. He will conclude by facilitating a discussion among the governing board members regarding legislative and current affairs as well as solutions related to the education of Latinos in Texas and across the nation. Scribner currently serves on the President’s Advisory Commission for Educational Excellence for Hispanics.

Phoenix Union Scholarship Gala to Take Place Feb. 8

Thu, 10 Jan 2013 15:35:29 GMT

The 5^th Annual Phoenix Union Scholarship Gala takes place February 8 at the Renaissance Phoenix Downtown. The event, put on by the Phoenix Union Foundation for Education, raises post-secondary scholarship funds for Phoenix Union students. This year’s gala will honor Sue Glawe of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona as the 2013 Friend of Phoenix Union, and Congressman Ed Pastor, a former North High science teacher as the Alumni Hall of Fame inductee. Phoenix Union students will be well represented, from performing arts groups, JROTC and student artwork available. A table for 10 begins at $1500 and individual tickets are $150. A reception and silent auction begins at 6 p.m. and the dinner program is at 7 p.m.

Camelback Principal Selected as Exemplary Rodel Principal

Thu, 10 Jan 2013 15:36:26 GMT

Principal Dr. Chad Gestson was selected as an Exemplary Principal by the Rodel Foundation, one of only seven in the state and the only high school principal. Exemplary Principals provide professional development and mentoring to Rodel Aspiring Principals, creating a pipeline for educators who can eventually lead high-need schools. Gestson will mentor three principals over a two-year period and receive a small stipend.

Rodel had a team of former principals and superintendents who identified semifinalists and visited campuses. Through interviews and observations with the principal and staff, the team looked for evidence of high expectations, a focus on effective teaching and student management strategies.

“Our greatest source of pride is our campus climate. When students feel happy, safe and challenged, and the adults on campus are respected, trusted and viewed as leaders in the change process, then the environment is ripe for improvement. Our gains in academic achievement, graduation rate, scholarship totals and attendance are a result of an amazing climate that the entire community has worked diligently to create,” Gestson said.

Under his leadership, Camelback has instituted an Advisory period, where students meet daily for four years with the same advisor, receiving tutoring, completing coursework and homework, utilizing the library and computer labs, tracking attendance, grades and transcripts, and connecting with peers. The school created a school-within-a-school called GEARS (Gaming, Engineering, Architecture, Robotics and Sustainability) and opened the first Montessori High School program in Arizona this year. It started a credit-recovery evening school with on-line curriculum. Gestson also requires all students to join a club or sport, complete community service and attend 15 campus events a year. Camelback has steadily increased AP and Honors classes, expanded the AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) program, and instituted early morning and late afternoon library hours, He created the Camelback College Café and the Camelback College Commons complete with pool tables, ping pong, foosball and air hockey much like a student union building. Students earn reward points to gain admission. Camelback founded the Food and Clothing Bank that serves the entire community, and Gestson has reinvigorated the Camelback Alumni Association, and partnered with many local businesses and groups, including Social Venture Partners, which has invested in the school with grants, time and talent.

Gestson won the 2010-2011 Lead and Inspire Award, Urban High School Division, presented by ASU’s Office of Education partnerships.

Gestson has been principal at Camelback for four years, and has also been a classroom teacher, and middle school principal before coming to Phoenix Union. A Teach For America alumnus, Gestson left his family’s construction business to become an educator. He has a B.A. in English from the University of Washington, two Masters from ASU and Northern Arizona, and an Ed. D. in Educational Leadership from NAU.

Central's Sister School in Mexico to Visit the Valley

Thu, 10 Jan 2013 15:37:59 GMT

Central’s sister school in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico will make its annual trek to the Valley and present an evening of traditional Mexican singing and dancing by the Rondalla and Grupo de Danza Folklorica Mexicana of C.B.T.I.S. #11 School. These award-winning students will perform Friday, February 1 at Central High’s auditorium at 7 p.m. Individuals are $5 and families are $10. Tickets will be available at the door, or at the Global Studies Office at Central High School, 764-7500. The group will also perform assemblies for students at Central, South Mountain, Maryvale and Xavier High Schools throughout the week, leading up to the public performance.

Carl Hayden Wins Boys Basketball Tournament

Thu, 10 Jan 2013 15:40:30 GMT

Carl Hayden won the 16-team Phoenix Union Holiday Boys Basketball Classic, January 2-5 at Betty Fairfax High School. The Falcons beat North in the championship game, 57-51, and marched to the finals with wins over Amphitheatre, Westview and top-ranked and unbeaten Cesar Chavez. Hayden ran its record to 12-4, and the performance vaulted the Falcons into the Arizona Republic’s Top 10 Division I schools. Hayden has won more games this season than in the last two combined. Amadou Gueye, a 6-4 junior was the tournament’s Most Valuable Player. Bryant Ayers, who scored 23 points in the championship game and Jordan Natt made the all-tournament team. Coach Argie Rhymes said it was the first holiday tournament championship for the school in a decade.

Carl Hayden Robotics Featured in Unmanned Systems Magazine

Thu, 10 Jan 2013 15:41:22 GMT

Falcon Robotics team members John Rangel and Dillon Dayea were featured as the “Ones to Watch” in the December issue of Unmanned Systems magazine, a publication of the Association for Unmanned Systems International (AUVSI). The Falcons have competed in the association’s annual RoboSub event the last two summers in San Diego, one of only a few high school teams that take on an international field of universities. The magazine regularly takes a look at especially promising students or teams entering the world of unmanned systems. Rangel competed in the 2012 RoboSub competition as the lead programmer, working on autonomous motion of Hayden’s underwater robot. Dayea is the lead designer for the team, focusing on the Falcon sub’s lattice structure and watertight hulls.

Rangel, a senior hopes to attend a school such as Cornell, which he has competed against, and earn a degree in either mechanical or computer engineering.

“Autonomous robots are the future and are only going to keep on growing. That is why we decided to start learning how to build, work and program autonomous robots,” Rangel told the publication. “I think the biggest challenge in the industry is the education new employees enter the workforce with. Large numbers of engineers may have graduated with a degree, but are incapable of doing many of the jobs they studied for. Universities have a tendency to teach mostly theoretical, which is great for a classroom but almost worthless in the workforce.”

Dayea, a senior who is applying to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and study aerospace or aeronautical engineering in college agrees.

“We are constantly competing against other countries such as China and India to see who can produce the most engineers and solve problems. That is why we compete in these robotics competitions, because we want hands-on experience on real-world situations,” Dayea said.

North Seniors Earn College Credit

Thu, 10 Jan 2013 15:45:20 GMT

Forty North High School seniors earned their English 101 college credit through the dual enrollment program in the fall semester. The students were in Joann Martin’s English class. Dual enrollment allows students to take a high school course and earn community college credit simultaneously. The class is taught by a teacher certified to teach community college.

Trevor Browne Soccer Wins Independence High School Invitational Soccer Tournament

Thu, 10 Jan 2013 15:46:09 GMT

The Trevor Browne boys' soccer team won the Independence High School Invitational Soccer Tournament, defeating Agua Fria 1-0 in the title match, December 30. It was the Bruins fourth invitational trophy won in the last five years. They began the new year with a season record of 10-0-1. Joshua Murillo scored the only goal in the championship game, while goalkeepers Osawaldo Machado and Gilberto Sanchez shut out the Owls, who had scored 39 goals in their first 11 games. The Bruins also had tournament wins over Paradise Valley, 4-1; Dysart, 3-0; and Scottsdale Saguaro, 6-2.

NCEA Names Two PUHSD Schools "Higher Performing"

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 15:22:42 GMT

The National Center for Educational Achievement (NCEA), in partnership with the Arizona Department of Education, has named two Phoenix Union schools as Higher Performing Schools for Arizona. Bioscience made the list for the second year in a row, and Franklin Police and Fire High School made the list this year.

NCEA identifies higher performing schools as elementary, middle, and high schools that have consistently outperformed their peers with similar student populations in advancing their students toward college and career readiness over a three-year period.

NCEA identifies Higher performing schools based on one or both of two measures: 1) consistent improvement in student achievement from previous years and/or 2) an above-predicted percentage of continuously enrolled students scoring at the Exceeds level on AIMS.

There are 141 Higher Performing Schools in Arizona this year.

Donate to the Arizona Tax Credit

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 15:24:03 GMT

It’s not quite tax season, but it is Arizona Education Tax Credit season until December 31. The Arizona Education Tax Credit program allows individuals to contribute to student programs and activities and receive a dollar-for dollar tax credit, if they donate by December 31, 2012. Single taxpayers or a head of household can receive a credit of up to $200, and married couples filing jointly, can receive up to a $400 credit on their 2012 taxes. The tax credit is available to all taxpayers, not just those with children in public schools. This program has benefited thousands of Phoenix Union students over the years that might not otherwise have had the financial resources to participate in high school activities such as clubs, athletics, performing arts, field trips, or competitions. To find out more about the Arizona Education Tax and make a contribution online, go to www.phoenixunion.org/taxcredit.

PUHSD Boys' Basketball Classic To Be Held Jan. 2-5

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 15:27:30 GMT

The 11th Annual Phoenix Union Boys’ Basketball Classic will be held January 2-5 at Betty Fairfax High School in Laveen. Ten PUHSD Schools- Alhambra, Trevor Browne, Camelback, Cesar Chavez, Central, Fairfax, Carl Hayden, Maryvale, North and South Mountain- will join Seton Catholic, Queen Creek, Westview, Amphitheatre, Tempe and Nogales in the 16-team format. There will be wall-to-wall basketball each of the four days from 9 a.m. to the final game at 8 p.m., as each team is guaranteed four games. Betty Fairfax is the defending champion. The Stampede beat Salpointe in the championship game last year. Chavez was third and North, fourth last year. This year’s championship game will be Saturday, January 5 at 8 p.m.

Betty Fairfax Defensive Back Derron Brown Named to All-State Football Team

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 15:29:39 GMT

Defensive back Derron Brown was named to the First Team All-State Football team. The junior is 6-2, 180 pounds. He helped lead the Stampede to the Division II Playoffs, and a 7-4 record.

Camelback Principal Named Rodel Exemplary Principal

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 16:04:19 GMT

Dr. Chad Gestson has been named one of 13 finalists for the 2013 Rodel Exemplary Principal Award. He joins Betty Fairfax’s Dr. Zachary Munoz as the only two high school principals on the finalist list. From the finalists, seven honorees will be announced in early January. The finalists were selected “for their ability to inspire their staffs to contribute to school-wide success and the development of a campus that is high achieving, safe, orderly and welcoming,” according to the Rodel Foundation. Exemplary Principals provide professional development, and mentoring to Rodel Aspiring Principals, creating a pipeline for educators who can eventually lead high-need schools.

Camelback Player Antonio Zepada Named All Arizona

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 16:05:16 GMT

Antonio Zepeda did a little bit of everything for the Spartan Football team this year, and now he is All-Arizona, being named to the American Family Insurance All-Arizona Team as a defensive end. Zepeda is 6-6, 250 pounds, and played tight end, defensive end, punted and even played some quarterback this year. He is being recruited as a tight end and defensive end. The All-Arizona team represents the state’s best players, regardless of division. Camelback was a Division II team. He was also First Team All-State for Division II.

Camelback Alum Returns to the Valley at ABC 15

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 16:06:06 GMT

A former Camelback student returned to the Valley as a television journalist. Iris Hermosillo went from Camelback to ASU’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism, and then on to a career in TV. She made stops in Joplin, Missouri, and Kansas City, and is now a meteorologist and multimedia journalist for ABC 15. She can be seen weekends on ABC15 Mornings.

Betty Fairfax Students of the Month

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 16:07:10 GMT

December students of the month were John Alvarado; Danielle Bailey and Justin McBride, AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination); Ruby Coleman, Business; Ernestina Holland, Science; John Padilla, Library; Silva Nichols, Art; Sterling Turner and Tyler Wendell, Performing Arts; Dae Jzon Williams, Reading and Samuel Woldemichael, Science.

NBA Hall of Famer Bill Russell Speaks to Central Students

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 16:08:09 GMT

The Central Bobcat Basketball team, along with other Central athletes, got the chance to listen to NBA Hall of Famer Bill Russell, December 18.

The Boston Celtic superstar spoke about how as an athlete and a student it is better to “understand, than be understood.” Russell pointed out to the students that he was cut from the junior varsity team when he was in high school, but the varsity coach mentored him until he was ready for the next season.

Russell used experiences from his life to explain to the students, that they couldn’t just rely on only athleticism; they needed to be a “complete package”. He wanted the students to feel confident that there is a field where each student has a chance to succeed. He said finding that field comes only from education.

Russell spoke about his career highlights, including his 11 NBA Championships. He pointed out a pair of Nike basketball shoes one of the students was wearing and said, “I’ll just put it this way, I was the guy Michael Jordan wanted to be like.”

He spoke to them about harnessing the motivation and drive they all feel as athletes and applying to their studies. Russell stressed that while basketball was his passion, it did not come easy to him. He learned to be a great defensive player simply because he “could not shoot.” By the time he got to the Boston Celtics, in 1956, Russell said he had practiced three hours a day, seven days a week for seven years.

As the conversation wrapped up, Russell, looking at the Central students in front of him, noted, “You kids look good; I do believe you can succeed.”

Cesar Chavez Defensive Back Named to All- Arizona Football Team

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 16:09:56 GMT

Melvin Lewis, a junior defensive back was named to the American Family Insurance All-Arizona Football Team, an elite group representing the best players from all divisions. Lewis had five interceptions, three of which he returned for touchdowns. He also had three fumble recoveries, six pass deflections and 70 tackles for the Champions, who were 9-2 this year. Lewis was one of eight juniors named to the 27-player All-Arizona team. He also was a First Team All-State in Division II.

Two Metro Tech Students PSA Finalists

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 16:11:08 GMT

Irma Ramirez and Janet Garcia Trujillo were finalists for a video public service (PSA) contest, winning $500 each and they will have their videos shown on Cox Cable. As part of the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office Fall 2012 My Message PSA Contest, students were asked to “create a compelling, 25-second video to encourage teens to stay off drugs and alcohol and not to abuse prescription drugs”.

Eighteen Metro Tech Film students produced videos for the competition. Nine Metro students made the semifinals, announced December 6 and the finalists were honored at an awards ceremony, December 14. The Metro Media Arts teacher is Bob Marquis.

Metro Tech Basketball Hosted Kings School from Sydney, Australia

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 20:35:19 GMT

The second-year Metro Tech Basketball program received a special opportunity, December 10, when it hosted the Kings School from Sydney, Australia. Their coach contacted Metro coach Mario Malaby in October about an “international friendly game,” which he readily agreed to. However, Metro only has one team, and the Australians were looking for three games. Malaby took his non-starters and created a JV team, and contacted a coaching colleague at Mission Academy Charter School, who came over to play the Kings School freshmen. Metro lost its games, but gained an experience that its players could not have imagined.

“We had a cultural gift exchange prior to the game and the kids were excited that they were the only Phoenix team that was able to play against the Australians,” Malaby said. “It was a most excellent experience and the competition helped prime us for season. I would welcome it again, hopefully one day we can get a home and home series.”

Let the fundraising begin. That’s a road trip.

North Student Wins Digital Photography Competition

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 20:35:57 GMT

SusanaTorres won first place in the high school digital photography category inthe Arizona Department of Education’s art competition, called Arizona, A Brilliant Kaleidoscope of Color,Form and Design. Torres wonfor her entry, entitled “Tragedy.” She will be honored at an awards ceremony, January 11 at the Departmentof Education, and her work will be displayed in the hallways and offices of thedepartment. Her teacher is Tamea Mikesell.

Nice Students Rewarded at South Mountain

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 20:39:54 GMT

Nice people are rewarded at South Mountain. The big winner for fall semester was senior Deshon Childers, who won a new bicycle as part of the Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program. The program recognizes students for their positive contributions daily, and staff distributes JAG (Jaguar) cards to students who exhibit positive behaviors. Students fill out the cards and turn them in for weekly incentive drawings and the semester prize. Over 3,000 JAG cards were in the drawing. The bike was displayed in a showcase in the main academic building all year.

“He was so excited, he wanted to ride it around in the hallways”, a classmate said.

Aerospace and aviation magnet teacher and program manager Sarah Nilsson also won a $50 gift certificate to the Citizen Public House restaurant.

Two PUHSD Schools Named Higher Performing Schools

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 15:03:43 GMT

There are 141 Higher Performing Schools in Arizona this year.

Donate to the PUHSD Tax Credit

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 15:11:16 GMT

No one wants to talk about taxes, but Phoenix Union Schools want taxpayers to know about the Arizona Education Tax Credit, which allows individuals to contribute to student programs and activities and receive a dollar-for dollar tax credit, if they donate by December 31, 2012. Single taxpayers or a head of household can receive a credit of up to $200, and married couples filing jointly, can receive up to a $400 credit on their 2012 taxes. The tax credit is available to all taxpayers, not just those with children in public schools. This program has benefited thousands of Phoenix Union students over the years that might not otherwise have had the financial resources to participate in high school activities such as clubs, athletics, performing arts, field trips, or competitions. To find out more about the Arizona Education Tax and make a contribution online, go to www.phoenixunion.org/taxcredit.

Betty Fairfax to Host PUHSD Boys Basketball Classic

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 15:12:01 GMT

Fairfax Principal Selected as 2013 Rodel Exemplary Principal Initiative

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 15:26:21 GMT

Principal Dr. Zachary Muñoz has been selected as a finalist in the 2013 Rodel Exemplary Principal Initiative. He was recognized at a Rodel Foundation reception, December 12.

Exemplary Principals have a two year commitment to mentor three Aspiring Principals. Aspiring Principals are educators currently holding teaching positions or other certified positions in a school and have the ultimate goal of becoming a school principal. Exemplary Principals provide professional development seminars to Aspiring Principals during their first year covering the program’s four traits: Collaborative School Environment; Family and Community Involvement; Professional Learning and High Expectations.

Muñoz has been a principal at Phoenix Union since 2005, and has been the Betty Fairfax principal since the school opened in 2007. In state accountability measurements, the school moved from a “C” to a “B” last year, showing a 10 point increase in overall growth percentile and 14-point jump in math growth. Fairfax improved dramatically in all three AIMS exams, with its 10^th graders improving 16 percentage points in math. Fairfax also implemented a school-wide International Baccalaureate program in 2010-11.

Bostrom Graduates Students in Mid-Year Graduation

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 15:27:10 GMT

Bostrom’s mid-year graduation is Thursday, December 20 6:00 p.m. at Trevor Browne High School’s auditorium. Approximately 30 students will receive diplomas. Board members Lela Alston, Ben Miranda and incoming board member Ian Danley will be special guests.

Carl Hayden Rifle Team Traveled to Kerrville, TX

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 15:28:06 GMT

The Carl Hayden Rifle Team traveled to Kerrville, TX December 6-9 to compete in the 5^th Brigade 3P (three position) Air Rifle Competition. The Falcons placed second among the 40 teams, and captain Alan Rodriguez placed second as an individual against 320 cadets. The rifle team was Rodriguez, Nestor Alvarez, David Nieto and Alejandro Carmona.

Carl Hayden Students Accepted into Greater Phoenix Honor Band

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 15:30:19 GMT

Twenty-six Hayden students were accepted to participate in the Greater Phoenix Honor Band in January. These students spent the past few months preparing their audition, which was recorded and judged against students from the ten different Phoenix Union high school bands. Of the 26, four earned first chair, and five earned second chair, which indicates how they ranked in the district. “It is a huge honor to be accepted into this group,” Band Director Rebecca Grace said.

Central High Students/Teachers to Welcome Students from Costa Rica

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 15:32:47 GMT

Central High will be visited by students and teacher-chaperones from its sister school in Costa Rica, January 14. The visit, from the Santa Maria de Guadalupe High School, is sponsored by the Global Studies magnet program. Central has already had visitors from Japan in the fall semester, and contingents from China and Mexico are coming in the spring. Members of the Global Studies magnet program also visited Japan during fall break, and will go to Costa Rica in the spring. For more information on the Global Studies magnet, call 764-7569.

Franklin Students Win Bureau Land Management Award

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 15:34:42 GMT

Two Franklin students are winners of the Bureau of Land Management’s High School Essay contest. The first place winner from Franklin, Ashley Merida, won an iPad and third place winner, Gloria Loredo, won a $100 gift card. The BLM presented the prizes at the school, December 11. Franklin competed with two other high schools in the contest. The students wrote about their experiences at the Public Lands Commemoration Forum, what they had learned during in-class sessions about Public Lands and their ideas on the future role of public land in Arizona.

Earlier in the year, the students learned about the General Land Office, BLM’s management of public land resources, and federal career opportunities and experienced hands-on cadastral surveying, using historical and modern-day methods and techniques. They attended the Public Lands Commemoration Forum in September and met and interacted with special guests Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, former Secretary of the Interior Bruce Babbitt and BLM Directors past and present. The speakers discussed the roles of the judicial, executive and legislative branches of the federal government and how these branches helped the development of Arizona and national public lands and public land laws.

Metro Tech Fashion Held Fashion Show

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 15:35:33 GMT

The Metro Tech Fashion program held its fall fashion show, entitled “Status Quo,” Thursday (December 6). The students run the entire show, from choreography, lights, soundtrack, stylists, dressers, mistress of ceremonies, and program and tickets. Students Alisha Bussart and Gaby Nava directed the show, which included 16 models. Students and staff attended a morning or afternoon show in the lecture hall, which was equipped with runways. The fashion segments ranged from “Fashionistas” and “Headphone Addiction” to “Geek Chic”and “Urban Renewal.” Many of the clothes were donated for use by My Sister’s Closet at 2033 E. Camelback Road, a resale store that offers designer clothing at discounted prices.

North Robotics Club Receives Corporate Grant

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 15:40:10 GMT

The North Robotics Club is ready to roll into its spring competition season with a bonus—the needed funding necessary to compete. Boeing awarded a $5000 FIRST@Boeing grant to the team, the first year that North has been awarded a grant from a corporate sponsor. In addition to being awarded the funds, Boeing provides the team mentorship through one or more of their employees who become an official part of the team. The robotics club has also raised over $5,000 in Arizona Education Tax Credit donations so far. Science teacher George Cardenas is the club’s advisor who has spearheaded the fundraising efforts. The club has experienced incredible growth in interest and membership.

North JROTC Qualifies for JROTC Leadership and Academic Bowl

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 15:41:00 GMT

Based on its performance on Level 1 of the JROTC Leadership and Academic Bowl 2012-2013, North’s JROTC has made it to the second round. If the Mustang cadets qualify in the February competition, they will advance to Washington D.C. to compete for the national title in June. Over 3,000 schools representing all branches of the service, began the challenge, including 1,349 Army JROTC units. North scored an 86% overall on160 questions covering Math, Science, Reading, Grammar, JROTC Curriculum and Current Events. Alhambra and Central also advanced to the second round.

North Social Studies Teacher Participated in Monument Dedication

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 15:43:15 GMT

Social studies teacher Katie Parod Hansen presented and unveiled one of the amendments at the "Bill of Rights” Monument dedication that took place December 15 at Wesley Bolin Plaza near the State Capitol. The monument has ten granite monoliths, each inscribed with one of the first ten amendments to the constitution. The December 15 date is the 221^st anniversary of the ratification of the Bill of Rights. There was not a single permanent display of the Bill of Rights anywhere in America until 2008, when the organization, MyBillofRights.org dedicated a town square project in Montezuma, Iowa. The organization, which is raising money for monuments throughout the United States says Arizona is the first to hold a major public celebration of the Bill of Rights.

Suns-Diamondbacks to Hold Fall Commencement Ceremony

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 15:44:02 GMT

The school will hold its Fall Semester Commencement Ceremony, December 20 at 7 p.m. at Central High’s auditorium. The alternative school holds graduations in December and in May. Governing Board members Randy Schiller and Laura Pastor will be guest speakers.

PUHSD Students Attend C3 Conference

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 15:13:18 GMT

Phoenix Union, Phoenix College and host of community sponsors presented the first C3 Latino Conference, December 7 at Phoenix College. C3 stands for College, Career and Commitment to the Future. Almost 100 seniors attended seminars ranging from career exploration to substance awareness. Maryvale teacher Selina Alonso encouraged students to look into education as a career, and give back to the community the same way Selina is doing now. There were workshops on social work; law, nursing, law enforcement, architecture and construction, technology and apprenticeships. Students also attended a college and resource fair. Phoenix Union Superintendent Dr. Kent Scribner and Phoenix College President Dr. Anna Solley kicked off the conference with inspirational messages.

“It was the best conference for seniors that I have ever been to,” said Maryvale counselor Sean Kelleher who brought 12 seniors with him. “The amount of resources for just this small group of students was astonishing. Students spoke on the way home about how they are going to college and they have been inspired to be someone with a career.”

Give to the Phoenix Union Tax Credit

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 21:16:43 GMT

Carl Hayden Started FIRST LEGO

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 21:19:05 GMT

Carl Hayden started the first FIRST LEGO League in Arizona ten years ago. FIRST stands for ‘For Inspiration & Recognition of Science & Technology,’ the same organization that runs the high school robotics competitions. On December 1, the Falcon Robotics club and many campus volunteers hosted one of now 13 regional events from Sierra Vista to Flagstaff. The LEGO League is a robotics competition for students age 9-14, designed to ignite an enthusiasm for science, technology, engineering and math. The Hayden National Honor Society, Spanish NHS, Blue Planet Society students along with alumni, industry representatives and teachers made up the 100 volunteers and 30 judges. Forty teams representing the different regions qualified for the state championship tournament, December 8 at ASU, where the Falcon Robotics assisted with the event.

This year’s theme was called Senior Solutions, in which students were challenged to improve the quality of life for seniors by helping them continue to be independent, engaged, and connected in their communities.

Metro Tech Hosts "Shark Tank"

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 21:21:21 GMT

Business management students entered the “Shark Tank” December 7. They created a company and selected a product to sell, and presented their business plan ideas to potential investors, (sharks) who listened, asked questions, and determined whether or not the student company presentation was good enough to invest real ‘start-up’ money. Several people from different companies were the judges.

Diana Gutierrez Recipient of Sun Life Rising Star Award

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 21:22:27 GMT

Diana Gutierrez was the recipient of a Sun Life Rising Star Award. She was nominated by New Pathways for Youth, which also received a grant from Sun Life Financial, Inc. She was honored at a presentation prior to a Suns basketball game at US Airways Center in November. Gutierrez tutors math at Metro, and volunteers at her elementary school, Mitchell School and at the Golden Gate Community Center. Gutierrez carries a 4.526 grade point average.

Trevor Browne Students Perform Handel's Messiah with Phoenix Symphony

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 21:24:21 GMT

Twenty-seven Trevor Browne students performed Handel’s Messiah with The Phoenix Symphony, December 7 at Grand Canyon University Arena. The Symphony was joined by the Grand Canyon High School and Community College Festival Chorus and GCU’s Choral Union. Over 500 musicians were on stage, including TGB Choir teacher Nick Halonen.

“This was a completely optional activity for my students. Each of the students that chose to participate rehearsed on their own with practice CDs,” Halonen said. “We had one rehearsal with the GCU choirs Monday and another rehearsal with the Phoenix Symphony at the arena on Thursday. “

“This is an incredible event that absolutely changed my life last year. My educational philosophy changed drastically as I watched my students perform with such high caliber musicians. It was amazing to see what my students could accomplish when faced with the tremendous rigor of this masterpiece.”

Trevor Browne Hosts TGB Idol

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 21:25:16 GMT

Trevor Browne completed another season of TGB Idol, the school’s vocal talent series, and crowned senior Connie Alvarez as this year’s TGB Idol. Senior Priscilla Aviles was second and senior Diana Moreno was third. Eighty-five students auditioned, with 24 selected as semi-finalists. After a first public performance on November 8, 12 were selected as finalists. Those finalists performed on November 15 with the winners announced at the end of the evening.

Bioscience Students Teach Gardening from a Truck

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 21:17:50 GMT

A group of Bioscience students are teaching the basics of farming from the back of a pick-up. Using the same technology that developed roof top farming in urban areas, the truck farm will be brought to community events and local elementary schools to teach the community about farming. Partnering with the Growhouse, a community garden and organic restaurant, nine students, called “greenterns,” will lead classroom instruction using the truck farm.

“We definitely wanted something that would be hands-on because if you’re just there lecturing them, you’re most likely going to lose their attention,” Gladys Arce said.

The truck farm is currently growing lettuce, cabbage, peas, herbs and strawberries and will likely be ready for its first harvest in a couple weeks, according to the Growhouse’ Kenny Barrett, who purchased the pickup truck from a South Phoenix farmer.

“Showing people that they can be self-sustaining not only helps our environment, but it helps people as well,” she said. “It helps promote healthy eating,” Samanta Arroyos said.

“I honestly never thought I’d be planting plants and vegetables on a truck, so it’s a pretty memorable experience,” Arce said.

PUHSD Students to Attend C3 Latino Youth Conference

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 22:45:56 GMT

Over 100 Phoenix Union students will attend the C3 Latino Youth Conference at Phoenix college, December 7. C3 is for College, Career and Commitment to the future. There will be career exploration, college workshops, college and resource fair and college preparatory agencies on hand. Students will choose to attend three workshops covering these topics: Apprenticeship Programs, Computer Information Systems, Education, Healthcare, Law and Workforce Education.

This event is only open to PUHSD students. The District has partnered with Phoenix College, Chicanos Por La Causa; Valle del Sol, Friendly House and other community-based organizations to present this first-annual event.

PUHSD Welcomes Chinese Delegation

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 22:46:35 GMT

Phoenix Union welcomed a delegation of six Chinese officials from Feicheng City, China, November 19. The group included a superintendent, three principals, an education supervisor and the vice mayor of the city. They met with PUHSD Superintendent Kent Scribner and Assistant Superintendent for Business and Finance Lorrie Drobny, and visited the Central High and Bioscience High campuses. Former principal T. J. Jenkins and teachers Sandor Lubisch, Crystal Gu and Ramona Howard began the relationship with Phoenix Union two summers ago, conducting professional development workshops with 160 Chinese teachers who teach English. The delegation also made stops in New York, Washington D.C., San Francisco and Canada.

Barry Manilow to Donate Yamaha Piano

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 22:47:37 GMT

Legendary singer-songwriter Barry Manilow is coming to town, but he won’t be empty-handed. He is donating a Yamaha piano to Carl Hayden High School to launch a local instrument drive for the Phoenix Union High School District and he hopes others will follow his philanthropic lead. Anyone who donates a new or gently-used musical instrument to the Comerica Theatre Box Office will receive two free tickets (valid for pre-selected seat locations while supplies last) for Manilow’s December 9 concert at Comerica Theatre in Phoenix.

Comerica Theatre will be the base for the instrument drive in Phoenix, from now through December 9. They are able to accept the instruments, Monday through Friday during the hours of 10 A.M. – 4 P.M.

Rebecca Grace, band director at Carl Hayden, will head a team of music teachers who will collect and distribute the instruments to schools. Woodwinds and brass instruments are always needed, according to Grace, as well as guitars and strings. Three District schools have string orchestras.

Alhambra Student Takes 7th Place at AIA Individual Chess Championships

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 22:49:05 GMT

Khanh Phan finished in 7th place at the AIA Individual Chess Championships, November 16-17 at Rio Rico, the highest of any Phoenix Union player. Esmeraelda Jimenez also competed at the event, which brings the top 16 players from each of four regions in the state.

“It was one of the strongest fields that I have seen and our players competed and conducted themselves like champions. At least 12 of the top 64 players in the state were from Phoenix Union schools. I look forward to next year when Khanh who is now the highest-rated player that I have coached at Alhambra will get another shot at taking the big prize,” coach Barry Wilder said.

Alhambra DECA Club Was Visited By Mark West

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 22:49:54 GMT

The Alhambra DECA club was visited by Mark West, former player and now executive of the Phoenix Suns, November 16. He spoke on topics that included balancing career and family, maintaining a positive public image, remembering to financially plan for the future, and achieving your personal goals. The students enjoyed asking questions.

SciGirls to Feature Bioscience Students

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 22:50:39 GMT

SciGirls, a PBS television program that showcases bright, curious “tween” girls putting science and engineering to work in their everyday lives, will feature three Bioscience students in a November 30 episode. The episode is called Bee Haven, and has been bills as “the latest buzz from downtown Phoenix: the SciGirls use math, mapping and data visualization to prove that their urban beehive can thrive in an urban environment.” Now sophomores Briana Diaz Monica, Hernandez and Damaris Moore were selected for the episode and teamed up with an ASU professor and The Grow House, for a weeklong filming in March to learn how to build a beehive, raise honey bees and produce honey.

Dragon Robotics to Hold Fundraiser

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 22:51:24 GMT

The Bioscience robotics team, Dragon Robotics, will be hosting a fundraising event next Friday, November 30at The Panda Express Restaurant at 10^th St. and Indian School. From noon to 10 p.m. Panda Express will donate 20 percent of a purchase will go to the Bioscience team.

Central Dedicates Peace Pole

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 22:52:41 GMT

Central dedicated its Peace Pole, November 20 with a ceremony that mirrored the diversity of the campus, where over 50 languages are spoken by students. Students from 33 different countries participated in the ceremony. The four-sided peace pole has the words “May Peace Prevail on Earth,” written in eight different languages and a cement base will accommodate more languages on tiles. The Class of 2010, North Baptist Church and a private anonymous donor made the pole possible. The dedication was held on Universal Children’s Day and celebrates the diversity of students who come from different corners of the world to learn together and form life-long friendships. The dedication included a Native American blessing, a gathering of students from around the world and a keynote address by Calvin Terrell, a community advocate and diversity trainer. Students and their countries represented in the ceremony included Cuba, Somalia, Mexico, Kenya, Cote D’Ivoire, Japan, China, Iraq and Morocco, as well as Apache and Navajo nations and the Hebrew faith.

“We have students from all parts of the world who have come to Central as immigrants, refugees, and exchange students,” Kristie Pinner, English Language teacher said. “They not only learn together in class every day, but they also learn from each and make life-long friendships. They are truly paving the way towards a global community and set the example of how people can work together as one. I am sure that the Peace Pole will be used for future Peace on Earth Days and as a constant reminder of our growing diversity within our student population.”

According to Pinner, the idea started a few years ago with the school’s first “Peace On Earth Day” (held in April) when a community member brought in a “mobile” Peace Pole for a ceremony in which students from several different countries gave short speeches about what peace meant to them. It was such a great concept that Central began to plan on its own permanent Peace Pole on campus.

The students from the Be The Change Club (the diversity club made up of students from BobcatTown) and the Peer Leadership class took on the task of planning the ceremony.

Central Speech and Debate Celebrating Victories

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 22:53:26 GMT

After the first few tournaments of the year, Central Speech and Debate has some celebrations to report. Eddie Holmes who reached the semifinal round of Dramatic Interpretation at Red Mountain High School, Mountain View High School, and Dobson High School; Raymond Seto reached the octafinal round of Novice Lincoln-Douglas Debate at both Red Mountain High School and Mountain View High School; Shad Padilla who reached the semifinal round of Humorous Interpretation at Dobson High School. In addition, Raymond Seto, Thy Tran, and Fatima Irene Abulil have all earned membership into the National Forensic League Speech and Debate Honor Society for their work in the field of competitive Forensics.

Carl Hayden Culinary Art Students Visited Career Day

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 22:54:12 GMT

Consumer and Family Science teachers Jennifer McKay and Kandy Cordova took a group of Culinary Art 3-4 Students to a Career Day at the Double Tree Resort in Scottsdale, November 19. Students took a tour of the back of the house and resort grounds, had a fabulous lunch and met Chef Lee Hillson, Executive Sous Chef, at the Phoenician ( from Iron Chef on the Food Network) and Chef Michael Cairns, Executive Chef at the Montelucia. Both chefs are world renowned and are considered to be in the five percent of chefs in the world. They have cooked for presidents and other elites.

Metro Tech FBLA to Compete in Anaheim, CA

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 22:54:51 GMT

Metro Tech has a team that has qualified to compete at Future Business Leaders of America Nationals in Anaheim, CA next summer where they will represent Arizona. The team of Crystal Loza, Kevin Parra and Edgard Robles was one of the top eight nationally ranked teams during the qualifying round of the FBLA Virtual Business Challenge. There is a second challenge in February when other Metro teams can also qualify for the National conference.

Maryvale Boys Soccer Pre-season Top 10 Pick

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 22:56:02 GMT

The Panthers Boys Soccer team is a pre-season top 10 pick, ranked sixth in Division I. Neighboring school, Carl Hayden is tabbed number four according to the Arizona Republic rankings. Two Maryvale players to watch are Jose Hernandez, a sophomore midfielder and Ricardo Alvarez, a senior goalkeeper. Hernandez was a second team Division I All-state player last year, the only freshman on either the first or second teams. Maryvale was top-ranked last year entering the playoffs, but lost in the second round. Coach Abel Hoyos was named the Division I Coach of the Year.

Trevor Browne Sends Most Students to State Chess Championships

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 22:56:45 GMT

Matt Bejar finished 11^th in the Individual State Chess Championships, November 16-17 at Rio Rico. The Bruins had six individuals qualify for the 64-person tournament, the most ever. Bejar, Martin Cruz, Jose Moreno, Sergio Velasquez, Moses Velasco and Jose Peregrina all qualified by being in the top 16 of their region. It was a break-out season for Trevor Browne’s Chess team, finishing second in its 14-team region, 7^th in the 22-team State Team Championships. There are 49 schools that compete in AIA Chess, and some 425 students. Browne, which has one of the largest chess teams with 19 students, had never sent more than two players to the individual championships. The Bruins are coached by Adam Moukad.

Bostrom Hosts Regent University President

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 22:52:03 GMT

In an effort to promote college-going, Special Education Office Assistant Marie Culmone contacted colleges and universities around the country asking for pennants, banners, t-shirts, or any item that would represent their institution. What they didn’t expect was for the president of a university on the other side of the country to personally deliver the goods. Regent University (Virginia Beach, VA) President Dr. Carlos Campo came to Bostrom, November 26 as part of a Phoenix trip. Campo is an advocate for Hispanic and African American students pursuing higher education. He has initiated several programs and scholarship opportunities, and established the Center for Latino Leadership at Regent. He delivered the t-shirts and was able to spend some time with Bostrom students.

Meanwhile, Bostrom’s cafeteria has a line of banners and pennants from Harvard to Appalachian State along the ceiling, and another row is growing. “I never expected this kind of response. I am thrilled, and happy for Bostrom. It’s been a lot of fun,” Culmone said.

Metro Tech Student Wins Four Medals at Academic Decathlon

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 16:16:58 GMT

Diana Martinez won four medals for the Knights at the Phoenix Union Academic Decathlon, November 9-10, including a gold in Varsity Speech. Metro’s next competition will be at the Region II Decathlon, in February.

PUHSD Students Compete in Academic Decathlon

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 16:07:51 GMT

Over 350 students from 12 Phoenix Union schools and five out-of-district schools competed in the 19^th Annual Academic Decathlon District Tournament, November 9-10 at Maryvale High School. The first event of the season is open to all Academic Decathlon Program members. Academic Decathlon is the premier high school academic competition where students compete in 10 different events in both subjective (Speech, Interview, Essay) and objective (Mathematics, Economics, Art, Music, Social Science, Language & Literature, Science) areas. Each year, United States Academic Decathlon determines a theme which most of the subject areas are focused on; this year’s theme: Russia.

South Mountain won the overall team competition, followed by Boulder Creek, Maryvale and Cesar Chavez.

This is the first tournament of the school year, and it helps to both prepare all students for later tournaments and helps coaches select their “final nine” who will eventually compete at Regional Tournaments in February. All of the teams at the district tournament will compete at one of the four Regional Tournaments in February, but only the top teams from each Regional Tournament will qualify for and compete at the State Tournament in March.

Another unique aspect of Academic Decathlon is the formation of Grade Point Average categories, which pits top GPA students (Honors) vs. top, above-average (Scholastics) vs. above-average, and average (Varsity) vs. average. The team scores are calculated by taking the top two scores from each of the three GPA categories.

“This is not a trivia contest. The material has both breadth and depth; students who spend time vigorously studying this material are truly ready for college, as most of the curriculum is written by college professors or experts in the field of study,” South Mountain coach Todd Decker said.

Barry Manilow to Collect Instruments and Make Donation

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 16:08:53 GMT

Alhambra Student Wins in Super Quiz

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 16:09:32 GMT

Juan Solis won gold medals in Scholastic Math and Super Quiz at the PUHSD Academic Decathlon, November 9-10. Alhambra finished 9^th in the 17-team event.

Bioscience Students Place Sixth in Academic Decathlon

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 16:10:10 GMT

Bioscience placed sixth in the 17-team PUHSD Academic Decathlon, November 9-10. Leading scorers were Mackenzie Kong-Sivert, who won seven medals, including gold in Scholastic Economics, Science, and Gerardo Calderon and Brandon Beltran, who each scored a maximum 1000 points in the Interview event. They tied for the gold medal for the Varsity division and Overall.

Betty Fairfax Students Win Gold at Academic Decathlon

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 16:10:48 GMT

Autumn Harris and Deven Richardson took gold medals at the PUHSD Academic Decathlon. Harris won the Scholastic Math event, and Richardson took the Varsity Super Quiz event at the 17-school, 350-student event November 9-10 at Maryvale.

Central Student Wins Five Medals at Academic Decathlon

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 16:11:34 GMT

Nathalie Nunez won five medals at the PUHSD Academic Decathlon, November 9-10 at Maryvale High School, including a gold medal in Varsity Music.

Cesar Chavez Places Fourth at Academic Decathlon

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 16:12:10 GMT

Cesar Chavez placed fourth in the PUHSD Academic Decathlon, November 9-10, finishing behind South Mountain, Boulder Creek and Maryvale in the 17-school event. Brian Diaz won five medals, including gold in Scholastic Art, and Music and Overall Music. Vincent Chankongshinh had five medals, and he and teammate Erica Cortez had maximum scores of 1000 in the Interview event, winning gold for the Varsity division as well as Overall top scores for that event. Amanda Camez won a gold in Varsity Language. Fifteen Chavez decathletes won medals, and Jose Guzman’s 6,355 points led the Champions, and was fourth-best overall in the Honors division and sixth-best among the over 300 competitors.

Carl Hayden Teacher Awarded Recycler of the Year Award

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 16:13:17 GMT

Carl Hayden’s Alejandrina Mejia, science teacher and advisor for the school’s Blue Planet Society won the Arizona Recycling Coalition 2012 Education Recycler of the Year Award.

Carl Hayden Holds Veterans Day Ceremony

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 16:13:57 GMT

The school held a Veteran’s Day ceremony, November 9 to recognize veterans that were former graduates and current staff members. The staff members who served our nation are: JROTC Instructor Sergeant First Class Cliff Brumels (Army); JROTC Instructor SFC Mark Ellison (Army); Counselor Dr. Raul Torres (Army); Librarian Kent Franklin (Army); Science teacher Annette Fields (Army); Science teacher Brian Cano (Army); security assistant Luis Alvarez (Army); Christopher Franco (Army); Computer Science teacher Diane Gaffney (Navy); Computer Science teacher Ernest Aragon (Air Force), English teacher Craig Musser (Air Force); Special Education teacher Major Patricia Foster (Air Force).

Carl Hayden Wrestling Team was Featured on MTV Program

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 16:15:05 GMT

The Carl Hayden Wrestling team and Olympic Gold Medalist Henry Cejudo were featured in the debut of a new health and wellness series on Tr3s:MTV called “Empuje” Sunday, November 11.

In the episode, Cejudo, who attended Maryvale High, works as a mentor to Carl Hayden wrestler and football player, Mark “Tank” Montanez, who struggles to become a better athlete by overcoming his poor eating habits.

“Empuje,” or Drive in English, is a three-part documentary that features various celebrities who motivate young Latinos to pursue healthier lifestyles. The episode was filmed here in Phoenix last December at Carl Hayden during the winter break. Coach Joel Lopez and the Falcons welcomed the crew and Cejudo, who continued to work with the wrestling team during last season. The Olympian took Hayden’s top wrestler, Efren Hernandez under his tutelage, as well.

“Efren is ranked number one in Arizona right now, and Henry has been a major force in his career and development. Hopefully Efren will follow in his footsteps,” Coach Lopez said.

“Having this opportunity not only helped promote the sport of wrestling but catapults Carl Hayden Wrestling on a global map. I love working with these kids and they deserve every ounce of recognition they can get especially from a popular network like MTV.

Tr3s:MTV, Música y Más can be seen in Phoenix on Cox Channels 147 and 430, Dish Network 872 or DirectTV 445.

Metro Tech Boys Soccer Competes in Championship Game

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 16:15:55 GMT

The Metro Tech Boys Soccer team made it to the Charter Athletic Association Championship Game for the second year in a row, but the defending champions fell to South Pointe High School, 3-1, in the title match, November 8 at Metro Tech. Metro defeated South Pointe last year for the championship. The Knights beat West Phoenix High School, 4-2 in the semifinals to advance to the finals.

Maryvale Student Wins 13 Medals at Academic Decathlon

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 16:17:37 GMT

What a performance for Jose Machado who led the Maryvale Academic Decathlon team to a third place finish in the Phoenix Union Decathlon, November 9-10. He won 13 medals, scored over 7,000 points, finishing second overall in the 17-team, 350-student event in the Honors division. Machado won gold in Honors Science and Overall Science; Honors Super Quiz and Overall Super Quiz. Maryvale finished just behind South Mountain and Boulder Creek and edged perennial power Cesar Chavez. Walter Cardona won Gold in Super Quiz Scholastic division, Erick Escalera won Gold in Interview Overall, and Melissa Aguilar took Gold in Scholastic Essay and Overall.

Maryvale Student Attend Arizona Recycling Coalition Conference

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 16:18:33 GMT

Four students from Maryvale attended the Arizona Recycling Coalition Conference, November 8 on scholarships-- Karina Alvarez; Adriana Romo; Mario Morales and Marvin Villa. Maryvale has been the recycling leader in the District three months in a row, Ibn October, the Panthers collected 3,740 pounds. The District gathered 19,640 pounds, or 9.82 tons.

Maryvale Graduate is a National Cross Country Champion

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 16:20:22 GMT

2012 Maryvale graduate Martin Koko and his Central Arizona College Cross Country team are the 2012 NJCAA National Cross Country Champions. Koko finished fourth in State last year in Division I, just five seconds out of second place.

South Mountain Wins Academic Decathlon

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 16:20:53 GMT

South Mountain won the Phoenix Union Academic Decathlon, November 9-10 at Maryvale High School and set the stage for another successful season. The school has qualified for State in 22 of the last 23 years. South’s 36,187 points beat Boulder Creek’s 35,308, with Maryvale and Cesar Chavez finishing 3^rd and 4^th in the 17-school event. Connor Wade led the Jaguars with eight medals and the gold medal for the overall top scorer. He won Gold in Economics, Art, and Music; Silver in Science and Language & Literature, and Bronze in Speech, Mathematics, and Social Science, Wade has been the Overall Individual Top Scoring student for an unprecedented third time in a row, winning as a sophomore, a junior, and now as a senior. He will be attempting to be the highest scoring student at the Regional Competition in February for the second time; he came in 2nd overall in the Region his sophomore year, and won last year as a junior.

Other South Mountain highlights included Benjamin Webb, with seven medals, and the gold for the top overall scorer in the Varsity division, and Anto George, who had three medals and was the fifth-highest scorer in the tournament in the Honors division. The Jaguars showed depth, placing first in four events, second in two events and third in two events.

Trevor Browne Student Wins Two Gold Medals at Academic Decathlon

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 16:21:52 GMT

Hansel Figueroa won two gold medals in Varsity Interview and Overall Interview in the PUHSD Academic Decathlon, November 9-10.

PUHSD Honors Employees

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 14:44:19 GMT

Over 150 Phoenix Union employees attended the annual Employee Appreciation Reception, November 1 at Metro Tech’s banquet room. The event recognizes those employees celebrating 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and more years of service. The honored guests were Claire Hurlburt, and English and ELL teacher at Maryvale, who has worked with the District for 40 years, and Dusty Lovelady, an alarm technician who has been with PUHSD for 35 years. Employees received service pins, certificates and plaques. Superintendent Kent Scribner and governing board members Lela Alston and Ben Miranda presented the awards. The event was made possible by donations from Logicalis, RBC Capital Markets and Stone and Youngberg.

Marching Bands Participate in Veterans Day Parade

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 14:45:59 GMT

The marching bands of Betty Fairfax, Central and North participated in the Veterans Day Parade in Phoenix. North High led the way, right behind a former North High Mustang, entertainer Wayne Newton. The parade route was two miles long and the bands play the entire route without a break. Last year, Central was chosen as the best band among the 18 bands that participated.

Alhambra DECA Students Participate in Junior Achievement Stock Market Challenge

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 14:47:28 GMT

Fifteen Alhambra DECA students participated in the Junior Achievement Stock Market Challenge. The students were sponsored by Charles Schwab. Prior to the event, Schwab sent company representatives to the school to work with the class. Teams start with $500,000. They have 90 minutes to buy and sell selected stocks based on real world news and significant issues facing each company. The top 3 teams with the highest portfolio values receive trophies. Alhambra had one team in the top third (23rd out of 89 teams.)

Alhambra Finishes 10th in State Chess Team Championships

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 14:49:02 GMT

Alhambra finished 10^th in the 22-team State Chess Team Championships, November 2-3. Phan Khanh and Esmeraelda Jimenez qualified for the State Individual Championships, November 9-10. Khanh’s brother, Tin won the individual state title last year, and was the second-best player out of Region 2. Each region sends 16 players to the individuals event. Jimenez is the highest AIA-ranked female player in Region 2, and may be the best girl in the state.

Alhambra Students Participate in "Wipe It Out!" Day

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 14:53:15 GMT

Alhambra participated in the city’s Neighborhood Services Department Graffiti Free Phoenix: “Wipe It Out!” Day, November 3. Teachers, counselors, and 16 students worked together to make the Camelback Corridor neighborhoods feel safer and look great. They joined volunteers from different neighborhood, corporate and faith-based organizations removing graffiti from various locations throughout the city.

Central Students Win Arizona State Fair Photography Awards

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 14:54:05 GMT

Four Central Visual Arts students earned awards for their photography at the Arizona State Fair. Amber Guillen, 12^th grade, received a first place and honorable mention for her two photographs. Ricky Dimas, 11^th grade, received a third place; Alondra Burgos, 11^th grade, and Javier Jimenz, 10^th grade, received honorable mention.

Carl Hayden Band Continues to Impress

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 15:00:47 GMT

The Carl Hayden Band continues to impress. The Falcons are one of 10 schools in their division that qualified for the State Marching Championship, November 10 at Glendale Community College. Their performance at the State Marching Festival, November 3 earned the Hayden Band a rating of “Excellent,” and special awards for Auxilary (color guard) and Visual. Of 65 bands in Hayden’s division, only 24 qualified for the State Marching Festival and only 10 advanced to state. Rebecca Grace is the Director of Bands and Performing Arts Department Chair.

Carl Hayden Varsity Wrestlers Compete in Las Vegas Tournament

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 15:07:25 GMT

Four Carl Hayden Varsity Wrestlers competed in The Las Vegas Southwest Classic ‘Freakshow’ National Pre-season Tournament, November 3-4. Efren Hernandez, ranked No. 1 ranked in state went 6-1 placing 3rd in the largest bracket of the tournament. His only loss came to a California All-American from Northridge who was the eventual champion in the weight class. Other Falcon Wrestlers were: Hernan Garcia (4-2), Martin Luevano and Daniel Otero.

“They all competed well and represented Carl Hayden on a national stage. It was a great way to kick off our season,” Coach Joel Lopez said. “Our next home match is scheduled for Wednesday Nov. 21st at home against Millennium and Camelback."

Carl Hayden Held Anti-Bullying Day

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 15:09:07 GMT

Carl Hayden held its Anti-Bullying day, November 2. During lunch, 310 students and 75 staff members participated, and signed the No Bullying Pledge. They read facts on bullying and cyber bullying.

Maryvale Chess Team Placed 11th in State Chess Tournament

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 15:09:58 GMT

Maryvale’s Chess Team placed 11^th in the 22-team State Chess Tournament, November 3-4, and its top two players, Jay Garcia and Jonathan Ceja qualified for the Individual Championships, November 9-10.

North Sophomore Places in D1 Boys State Cross Country Championship

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 15:15:49 GMT

Sophomore Leroy Hinojosa placed 56^th in the Division I Boys State Cross Country Championship, the best finish of a Phoenix Union runner. He qualified as an individual, and competed against 190 other runners.

Barry Manilow to Donate Yahaha Piano to Carl Hayden

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 14:45:21 GMT

Mark's Cafe in Tempe Hosts North High Fundraiser

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 15:17:03 GMT

Mark's Café in Tempe hosted an all-you-can-eat Pasta Bar fundraiser benefiting North High School's Culinary Arts Program, November 7.

"I have sat on the advisory board for this education program for a couple of years, and know how important this education is to those taking these classes," says Mark's Cafe's owner, Chef Mark Vojtek. "The Culinary Arts program at North is taught by Mary Sarwark, one of our favorite regulars and someone who is very devoted to these children. We have teamed up with Mary to help raise money so the kids will be able to take part in various culinary-related activities and trips. We currently employ two of the students at the cafe and have utilized many of them during big catering orders. They are amazing, very gifted and we expect them to go far and do great things in the culinary world."

The $10 Pasta Bar donation included three all-you-can-eat pastas, salad and beverage. The students from the culinary program served guests and were able to share their course experiences and career ambitions with them.

South Mountain Student Medals in Cross Country Championships

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 15:42:33 GMT

Junior Daniel Frietz was a medalist in the Boys Division II State Cross Country Championships, finishing 6^th in the 183-runner field, November 3 at the Cave Creek Golf Course. He finished with a time of 16:37 over the 5-kilometer course.

Trevor Browne Chess Finished 7th in State Chess Team Championships

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 15:43:26 GMT

Trevor Browne’s Chess team finished seventh in the State Chess Team Championships, November 2-3, the top school in the region, and the District. The Bruins also qualified six players for the Individual State Championships, November 9-10. The top 16 players in each region go to that event. Matt Bejar, Martin Cruz, Jose Moreno, Sergio Velasquez, Moses Velasco and Jose Peregrina moved on to the Individual State matches. Bejar was 4^th-best in Region 2. Forty-nine schools have AIA chess teams, and 22 teams made it to the state team event. Catalina Foothills won the team title.

Trevor Browne Finishes 17th in D1 Cross Country State Championships

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 15:44:12 GMT

Trevor Browne had the best showing of any Phoenix Union schools at the Division I Cross Country State Championships, November 3. The Bruins finished 17^th in the team standings. Best finishers were Aislinn Reyes, 70^th, Nalleli Ordonez, 78th and Norma Ordonez, 87^th. There were 171 girls in the field.

Trevor Browne Principal Earned his Ed.D

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 15:44:56 GMT

Principal Gabriel Trujillo is now Dr. Trujillo. He earned his Ed.D in educational leadership from ASU. His dissertation was on the effectiveness of summer school as a credit recovery program for ninth graders failing courses during their first semester of high school.

Greater Phoenix Music Festival Features PUHSD Students

Fri, 19 Oct 2012 17:49:29 GMT

The Greater Phoenix Music Festival featuring three all-star student choirs takes place Saturday, October 27 at 4 p.m. at Phoenix College’s Bulpitt Auditorium. The Honor Choir, made up of 32 singers will be led by Joel Rinsema, Assistant Conductor for Phoenix Chorale. The Women Choir of 78 singers will be conducted by Rachel Stoddard, Assistant Professor of Music at Arizona Christian University. The Greater Phoenix Festival Choir of approximately 80 men and women will be led by Dr. Kenny Miller, Coordinator of Vocal Studies at Phoenix College. A Phoenix College choir will also perform at the concert. The students audition and are selected by a panel of music teachers. These top vocalists throughout the District come together for the first time the day before, and rehearse Friday and Saturday prior to the concert.

Maryvale High School to Host Academic Decathlon

Fri, 19 Oct 2012 17:50:04 GMT

Maryvale High School will be hosting the 2012 PUHSD Academic Decathlon Scrimmage on Friday and Saturday, November 9-10. It is the first opportunity for competition for the District schools and other invited teams, before the regionals in February. Over 300 students will be competing and some 200 volunteers are needed for judging, test proctoring and other assignments. On Friday, November 9 judges are needed for interviews and speeches. Training begins at 4 p.m., dinner is provided and competition usually ends at 8:30 p.m. On Saturday, November 10, test proctors are needed for the morning, beginning with continental breakfast and traing at 7:30 a.m., and testing from 8-12:30 p.m. If the public is interested in volunteering for the Academic Decathlon, contact Sharon Bernero at bernero@phoenixunion.org

Alhambra Ceramics Students Received Awards of Distinction

Fri, 19 Oct 2012 17:50:55 GMT

Three Alhambra High School Ceramics Students received Awards of Distinction at the Arizona State Fair: Bryan Duran won 1st Place for 9^th Grade Ceramics Category, for replica of a coral snake; Bianca Uriarte won 1st Place in 11^th grade Ceramics Category, for replica of chinese takeout and Stephanie Lorenzano: placed 2nd in 11^th grade Ceramics Category, for replica of a sushi platter. The projects were completed at the end of last school year and reflect last year’s grade levels. All three are currently enrolled in Ceramics 3-4. Their teacher is Barry Bertolet.

Bioscience Award for "Best School for a Mad Scientist in Training"

Fri, 19 Oct 2012 17:51:46 GMT

Bioscience High School has won a lot of awards, but this one may be the oddest. The Phoenix New Times named it the “Best School for a Mad Scientist in Training.” While touting its rigorous focus on math and science, the publication said “you know that a school is serious about the biological sciences when it has a desert tortoise named Isis and a mascot named the Double Helix Dragons.”

Central Teacher Receives State Award

Fri, 19 Oct 2012 17:52:49 GMT

English teacher and Speech and Debate Coach Kevin Berlat recently won the National Federation of High Schools award for Outstanding Speech and Theater Educator of the Year for the state of Arizona. His resume will be submitted for the Southwest Section award and then for the national award.

Central Teacher to Receive Art Education Award

Fri, 19 Oct 2012 17:53:38 GMT

Judith Mariahazy, art teacher and the instructional leader for visual arts at Central, is the recipient for the Arizona Art Education Association State Award;. The J Eugene Grigsby, Jr. Award is one of the most honorable awards for the association. She will be honored for her accomplishments in Art Education at the annual AAEA State Convention, Friday, November 2 in Tucson. Mariahazy is also this year’s Central High School Teacher of the Year. Dr. Grigsby was a Phoenix Union art teacher, beginning his career at Carver High School in 1946, and later moving to Phoenix Union. He was a professor at ASU for 22 years, as well.

Central Golf Tournament Scheduled for Nov. 3

Fri, 19 Oct 2012 17:54:46 GMT

Everything is a bit smaller for the Central High Golf Tournament, Saturday, November 3, and that is what makes it fun. It is nine holes, on the Encanto 9 Executive Course, and the entry fee is only $40 with proceeds going to the Central High School Interact Club. It is a two-player scramble, not four, and each player can only use one club and a putter. For more information, email centralgolf@cox.net or call (602) 764-7568.

Metro Tech Offering Dual Enrollment With Community Colleges

Fri, 19 Oct 2012 17:55:44 GMT

Many of the Career and Technical Education programs at Metro Tech offer dual enrollment with community colleges. This year the Automotive Technology Program has 17 students earning college credit with Gateway Community College, while taking Metro Tech classes taught by Metro Tech teachers.

South Mountain Students Attend MBA Women's International Seminar

Fri, 19 Oct 2012 17:56:43 GMT

The power of women was the theme at South Mountain, October 16, as over 100 female students attended a seminar presented by Gail Romero, the CEO of MBA Women International. The organization, dedicated to the advancement of business women as corporate leaders, executives and entrepreneurs, held its annual Leadership Conference and Career Fair, October 18-20 in Phoenix. The school event was part of an outreach effort to build leadership skills for women.

Romero discussed physiological differences between men and women that make women more effective in leadership. Besides the creativity and resourcefulness of women honed through centuries of family management, Romero says they can be better in the board room. She said men think with the frontal lobe of their brain, and their high testosterone makes them more aggressive with a desire to win. Women utilize left and right brain traits, and oxytocin, a hormone that encourages bonding, so that women develop a relationship with those with whom they are negotiating. She cited that corporate boards of directors that have women as members had 36% greater profits than those companies with male-only boards.

She had the students close their eyes visualize where they will be, what they would look like, what they would be wearing and what they would be doing in 10 years. Students mentioned the air force, pharmacy school, business school and law practice and the a CEO of a sports business. Romero stressed getting a mentor to “help you dream and figure out how to get there.” She stressed starting a written plan today, starting with five things you want to accomplish in your life over the next 10 years. She mentioned that men are risk-takers, but women can’t be afraid to fail.

“Failure is good. When someone says you can’t do that, I say ‘watch me prove them wrong.’ You don’t need to be empowered. You already have it.”

Female students should learn leadership skills now in high school, and make a commitment to change your path in life.

Romero gave some advice on networking, and invited students to attend the conference on Saturday.

South Mountain student Mercedes Villa appeared on KTVK TV’s morning news show discussing the event and attended the MBAWI conference on a scholarship. She is ranked third in her class, is a member of the girls varsity basketball team and the step team.

Maryvale to Host PUHSD Academic Decathlon

Thu, 04 Oct 2012 19:48:50 GMT

Teaching American History Grant Sends Teachers to Taliesin West

Thu, 04 Oct 2012 19:49:57 GMT

Thirty of the PUHSD teachers who participate in the Teaching American History Grant from the U.S. Department of Education spent the day at Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West in north Scottsdale, September 15. A tour of the landmarked site was led by Shawn Rorke-Davis, education director there, who grew up at Taliesin West as the daughter of Wright’s personal physician. The teachers then received an intensive day of Kagan Cooperative Learning training.

Last June, the teachers’ annual field study was a bus tour through northern New Mexico (Acoma, Taos, and Laguna pueblos, Santa Fe and Pecos National Monuments) and northern Arizona (Four Corners, Hubbell Trading Post, Flagstaff, Prescott, and Jerome). District American History teachers are participating in the three-year course of study, entitled Colonial to Centennial: American & Arizona History (C2C), that introduces content instruction and materials that integrate the colonial and territorial history of the Southwest, and especially of Arizona, with the typical scope and sequence in U.S. History courses.

Central Choir Placed in Three Ensembles at Greater Phoenix Choir Auditions

Thu, 04 Oct 2012 19:56:35 GMT

The Central Choir students had an outstanding showing at the recent Greater Phoenix Choir Auditions, with 40 students placed in the three ensembles. – Honors Choir; Women’s Choir and Festival Chorus. The students will perform a concert, which will culminate their festival weekend, on Saturday, October 27 at 5p.m. at Phoenix College. There will be 12 Central singers in Honor Choir, 5 in Women’s Choir and 23 in Festival Chorus.

“This is the highest number of students accepted since I have been at Central,” Director of Choirs Troy Meeker said. “ Even more exciting, almost 40 percent of the top performing ensemble for the district will be made up of Central High students.”

Central Student Selected for 2012 AzAHPERD High School Dance Teacher of the Year

Thu, 04 Oct 2012 19:57:48 GMT

Ashley Schell has been selected as the 2012 Arizona Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AzAHPERD) High School Dance Teacher of the Year. Schell will be honored at an awards ceremony, October 25 at the Phoenix Convention Center.

Chavez Teacher Receives Surprise from KNIX Radio

Thu, 04 Oct 2012 20:04:18 GMT

English teacher Christine Coffey got a surprise visit at her class, October 3, when KNIX Radio and Fulton Homes awarded her with the Teacher of the Week award. Coffey received $300 from Fulton Homes, a classroom wall clock to commemorate the honor, and a goodie bag from the Dairy Council of Arizona. Coffey will be featured on the KNIX website, and on the morning show, October 12. Another Coffey, Carolyn Coffey (no relation), the KNIX morning show personality, presented Christine with the award. Coffey was nominated by fellow English teacher Charlene Cunningham, who wrote a glowing nomination letter, citing her efforts to push students to new levels in reading and writing for AIMS and Advanced Placement English testing, including tutoring and practice testing on Saturdays.

“She goes out of her way to ensure that our young people have what they need for success both in and outside the classroom, “Cunningham wrote. “ Chris is also a mentor to her fellow teachers and is always happy to share her wealth of knowledge with all teachers on campus.

Coffey teaches sophomore Honors English, and Advanced Placement English.

Battle on Baseline Quickly Approaching

Thu, 04 Oct 2012 20:04:58 GMT

Playoff implications and bragging rights are on the line for the second annual Cesar Chavez vs. Betty Fairfax rivalry game. Call it the Laveen Bowl, or the Battle on Baseline, these two schools, located 20 blocks apart, will square off this Friday, October 12 at the Champion’s Stadium at 7 p.m. Through the first six games, Chavez was 6-0, ranked fifth in Division II, while Betty Fairfax was 5-1 in the same division. Last year, in the first-ever meeting, the Fairfax Stampede beat the Champions. The game, which takes place during the schools’ fall break, will be broadcast live on AM 1060 Radio and streamed on the AIA website, www.aia365.com.

North Student Art Displayed at Wolfswinkel Education Center

Thu, 04 Oct 2012 20:20:09 GMT

Student art work from North High School is on display at the Wolfswinkel Education Center at the Phoenix Art Museum for the month of October. Works from 42 students are exhibited. A reception will be held Wednesday, October 17, from 4– 7 p.m. The public is invited to attend.

South Teacher Receives Esperanza Award

Thu, 04 Oct 2012 20:20:46 GMT

Esperanza means hope, and no one demonstrates that more than Julio Rubio, who gave hope and a kidney to his ailing daughter earlier this year, and gives hope to students and staff every day as a Spanish teacher. The South Mountain High School teacher was selected as a 2012 Chicanos Por La Causa and SRP Esperanza Award winner, honoring Latino teachers who inspire students of all backgrounds, play an active role in the school, and demonstrate a true commitment to the community.

Rubio is one of four educators who will be recognized at a dinner ceremony, October 24, at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown. Each of the honorees will receive a stipend and a $2500 donation to their respective schools. The Esperanza winners will also receive a 50 percent scholarship towards a masters or doctoral program at the Argosy University.

Rubio teaches Spanish 1-2, Spanish Honors and Spanish Advanced Placement, a class in which every student passed the AP exam. He is also an AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) teacher, utilizing college-preparation strategies. Rubio is extremely active in school and community, co-advising for M.E.Ch.A, LULAC (League of United Latin American Citizens) and the Spanish Honor Society. Each year he sponsors and choreographs a group of student folklórico dancers to provide cultural performances for the school and he hosts visiting high school student performers from Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico. He presents a Día de los Muertos school-wide competition and organizes the Cesar Chavez assembly each year. He is involved with Promise Arizona, assisting community members with voter registration. This year, he organized an information session on the DREAM Act and Deferred Action for students, parents and community members. When Kimberly Osuna was selected as the City of Phoenix District 8 Youth of the Year last spring, she cited Rubio as the person who has had the most positive influence on her future.

Rubio is homegrown, graduating from Camelback High School in 2003 and serving as an instructional assistant at Maryvale High in the Phoenix Union District for two years prior to earning his degree at ASU. He earned a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from NAU last year.

Rubio joins fellow Phoenix Union Esperanza winners Selina Alonzo--Maryvale and Guadalupe Meza--South Mountain (2010) and Vanessa Valenzuela--Carl Hayden (2009).

PUHSD Students Participate Walk-A-Thon

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 17:55:26 GMT

Hundreds of Phoenix Union students will take part in the Be a Leader Foundation “Taking Steps Towards College Success” walk-a-thon, October 14. The walk starts at Margaret T. Hance Park with a College Resource Fair, 9 -11 a.m. and then the crowd walks to the Burton Barr Library to take part in a free National Association for College Admissions Counseling (NACAC) College Fair, and a tour of the library’s College Depot. For more information, visit www.bealeaderfoundation.org.

Alhambra Teachers Aim for National Board Certification

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 17:56:14 GMT

Alhambra teachers are going for National Board Certification in a big way. Seventeen teachers are going through the process, and already six are up for full candidacy to earn what it is considered the teaching profession’s highest honor. The certification is presented by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards to teachers who demonstrate, through a performance assessment, that they meet the high and rigorous standards for what accomplished teachers should know and be able to do. While the District has 24 National Board Certified Teachers, Alhambra does not currently have one. The group is working with the Arizona K-12 Center and its project director, former PUHSD and National Board Certified teacher Alaina Adams.

Camelback Introduces Assistant Principal for Instruction

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 17:56:59 GMT

Camelback has a new assistant principal for instruction—Matthew Georgia. Georgia came from California where he was a special education teacher and administrator, as well as a coach in Hemet School District. He earned a BS from Fordham University in New York, and a Masters from National University in special education. Georgia takes over for Keith Brazier, who moved to assistant principal for student opportunities at the beginning of the year.

Central Clarinet Quartet Performed at Phoenix Environmental Quality Commission

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 17:57:47 GMT

Central High sent its clarinet quartet to perform at the Phoenix Environmental Quality Commission 25th Anniversary event, September 20 at Phoenix City Hall. One of the speakers, former Director of the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality Steve Owens was surprised by the talented students.

"Wow, I want to acknowledge the clarinet quartet. I had no idea there were in high school, I thought they were part of the Phoenix symphony," Owens said.

Members of the quartet are Ryan Fernandez; Rebekah Patterson; Azalea Yuhnke and Yoshio Achutegui. The quartet is part of Jamie Johnston’s Central band program.

Central Golf Tournament Held Nov. 3

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 17:58:27 GMT

Battle on Baseline

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 18:00:03 GMT

It’s not too early to anticipate the implications of the second annual Chavez vs. Betty Fairfax football game. Call it the Laveen Bowl, or the Battle on Baseline, these two schools, located 20 blocks apart, will square off Friday, October 12 at the Champion’s Stadium at 7 p.m. Through the first five games, Chavez was 5-0, ranked fifth in Division II, while Betty Fairfax was 4-1 in the same division. It is likely the two teams will still only have one loss between them when they meet, with playoff possibilities on the line. Last year, in the first-ever meeting, the Fairfax Stampede beat the Champions. The game, which takes place during the schools’ fall break, will be broadcast live on AM 1060 Radio and streamed on the AIA website, www.aia365.com.

Falcons Badminton To Compete at State Tournament

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 18:01:12 GMT

The Falcons Badminton team held a 7-4 record with two matches remaining before the State Tournament which is held during Fall Break (October 8-12) at Independence High School. Hayden has racked up wins against Phoenix Union schools, going 6-1 against its sister schools. Members of the team are Marisol Adame; Lorissa Barabe; Valeria Chavez; Miranda Coronado; Sandra DeLeon; Yasmin Gandarilla; Karla Hernandez; Argenis Soto; Blanca Gomez; Andrea Manriquez; Laura Piedra; Daniela Vizcarra.

Tickets on Sale of Annual Carl Hayden Camino al Futuro Scholarship Dinner

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 18:02:00 GMT

Tickets are now on sale for the Annual Carl Hayden Community High School Camino al Futuro 2012-2013 Tejano Scholarship Dinner & Dance takes place Saturday, October 20 from 6-11 p.m. at the T-Bone Steakhouse, 10037 S. 19^th Avenue. There will be dinner, dancing and music from The Reality Band Featuring Smiley, and prize drawings. Tickets are $40 each, and all proceeds go to Carl Hayden High School student scholarships. The event is sponsored by the Carl Hayden Class of ’79. For more information, contact Betty Lopez at (602) 516-4614 or Michelle Gutierrez at (623) 986-5489 or mgutierrez37@gmail.com.

Carl Hayden Golf Tournament Scheduled for Oct. 6

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 18:02:55 GMT

The Carl Hayden Golf Tournament is scheduled for October 6 at Arizona Grand Resort. The four-person scramble gets underway at 7:30 a.m. Proceeds benefit the Hayden athletic department. Sponsors also get a foursome for $400, and individual players are $75 entry fee. For more information, contact Victor Mena at (602 3030 or vmena@phoenixunion.org.

Maryvale Performing Arts Continues to Thrive

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 18:03:28 GMT

Maryvale continues to have thriving arts programs, both in performing and visual arts. In the performing arts, 1024 students are participating in Guitar, Choir and Jazz Choir, Piano; Advanced Placement Music Theory; Theatre, Dance, Band, Orchestra and there is even a Mariachi class. Almost 300 students are in dance classes, and 212 are in guitar classes. The band, which includes marching, concert and beginning, numbers 120. In visual arts There are 688 students in Digital Photo; Art; Drawing and Painting and Ceramics 1-4.

Metro Tech Annual Fall Garden Festival Held Oct. 20

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 18:11:02 GMT

Metro’s Annual Fall Garden Festival and Community Celebration, “Educating for a Greener World,” will be Saturday, October 20, from 8-2 p.m. Presented by Metro Tech High School and Maricopa County Master Gardener’s is geared towards local community and garden lovers who are interested in learning new techniques for gardening, and to have a fun family-oriented time. The Festival offers garden speakers on garden topics, garden-related vendors and local garden clubs, plant sales, a rummage sale, children’s area, drawing prizes/silent auction and food. Attendance is free. In keeping with its sustainability efforts, one of the goals of the event is to bring together community members to exchange ideas and to share research-based information; on how to enhance quality of our community’s life by conserving water and resources, reducing landfill waste, responsible use of chemical products, and teaching the benefits of hands-on growing of vegetables, fruits and flowers.

PUHSD Students Receive Visit From NBA Hall of Famers

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 18:13:04 GMT

North High students received the long and short of NBA Hall of Famers when 7-foot 4-inch Ralph Sampson and 5-foot 9-inch Calvin Murphy visited the school for a Stay in School Assembly, September 21. The two joined former Suns player and current announcer Tim Kempton to deliver their messages of perseverance, self-esteem, motivation, attitude and determination, and the importance of a college education. The Hall of Famers were in town for a Jerry Colangelo Hall of Fame Golf Classic, and through the help of the First Impressions Foundation of Peoria, several Hall of Famers made visits to schools in Peoria and Phoenix Union. North packed the football field with the largest assembly of the day, complete with JROTC color guard, Mustang Band and cheerleaders. The school also invited seniors from nearby Franklin Police and Fire High School.

Phoenix Union schools Carl Hayden and Betty Fairfax held assemblies simultaneously. The Harlem Globetrotters’ Meadowlark Lemon and former Suns player Eddie Johnson visited Hayden, while Laker Hall of Famer Elgin Baylor and Ann Meyers-Drysdale went to Fairfax.

After the large assembly, 400 seniors converged on the gymnasium for a college expo, to discuss college and career opportunities with representatives from several local institutions. Many of the students won prizes during the event. One student won a suit from First Impressions, and others won electronic devices and video games, and a paid admission fee to the college of their choice.

Sampson, newly inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Mass., dominated college basketball from 1980-84, earning First Team All-American and Player of the Year three years in a row while playing for the University of Virginia. He was drafted by the Houston Rockets, won Rookie of the Year in 1984 and helped lead the Rockets to the NBA Finals in 1986. Injuries cut short his career.

Murphy, a lightening quick guard, flourished in 13 pro seasons with the San Diego and Houston Rockets from 1970-1983. He was automatic from the free-throw line, once making 78 consecutively. He scored over 1,000 points in 11 straight seasons. During a college career at Niagara, The All-American averaged over 33 points a game. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1993.

PUHSD Schools Get Visits from National Basketball Hall of Famers

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 14:53:40 GMT

Betty Fairfax, North and Carl Hayden High Schools had visits from National Basketball Hall of Famers, Suns and Mercury players Friday, September 21 to hear a Stay in School message at assemblies. The seniors also participated in a senior college expo, meeting college representatives. The visits were arranged by the First Impressions Foundation and organizers of the Jerry Colangelo Basketball Hall of Fame Golf Classic that took place Sept. 19-21. Seniors were also entered to win giveaways, including having their college application fee paid by First Impressions. Hall of Famer Ralph Sampson and Tim Kempton were at North, Harlem Globetrotter legend Meadowlark Lemon and Eddie Johnson went to Carl Hayden and Hall of Famer Elgin Baylor and Ann Meyers visited Betty Fairfax.

PUHSD Students To Take Part in Be A Leader Foundation Walk-A-Thon

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 14:54:28 GMT

Alhambra Teachers Working to Become National Board Certified

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 14:55:28 GMT

Trevor Browne Celebrated 40th Anniversary

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 14:56:11 GMT

The school celebrated its 40^th Anniversary, September 14 during Homecoming with a pre-game program in the auditorium, followed by the dedication of Bill Mitton Stadium. The program, entitled “Connecting the Past to the Present to Motivate our Future” recognized academic, artistic and athletic accomplishments, and individuals and faculty members. entertainment was provided by the TGB Band, the Soundwave vocal group, former TGB Idol singers. Out on the football field, the Bruins only football coach for the first 29 years of the school was honored. A scoreboard sign was unveiled to show “Bill Mitton Stadium” as Mitton, family, former players and staff watched. Mitton won 206 games at Trevor Browne, winning 15 regional titles, and appearing in the state championship game in 1980-82, winning it all in 1981. The Bruins started fast against Central that night, jumping to a 14-0 halftime lead, before falling to the Bobcats, 28-14.

Browne Performing Arts Department Opened 20 Year Old Time Capsule

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 14:57:11 GMT

As part of the 40^th Anniversary festivities, the school’s performing arts department decided to open a time capsule, September 13, sealed behind a dedication plaque in the auditorium lobby since 1992. Larry Ray, the District carpenter who originally created the vault and sealed the capsule, was there to remove the framed plaque, and pry open the capsule. Kathy Silk, the dance teacher, remembered when the capsule was placed in the wall, but couldn’t recall the contents of the capsule until they were revealed. There were performing arts programs, yearbooks, t-shirts, photographs, homecoming ribbons, news magazines and other artifacts of the day. The event was videotaped for Bruin TV, and the time capsule contents were displayed during a 40^th Anniversary celebration the following day.

Bioscience Student Joined ASU Genetics Team

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 14:58:46 GMT

Carlos Alvarado is just a senior in high school, but during his summer internship at ASU, he joined a team of college students that is researching the development of a low-cost biosensor that would detect contaminated drinking water. He is part of a nine-person team that is competing in the 2012 International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) competition that challenges students to design and build simple biological systems. The biosensor could identify bacteria that cause diarrheal disease, the world’s second-leading cause of death in children under five years old. The team will present at the regional event in October at Stanford University.

Camelback Alumni Participating in Genetics Competition

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 14:59:52 GMT

Camelback alumnus Abhinav Markus (2010 grad) is making a huge difference not only at ASU but possibly in developing countries, as well. He is part of an interdisciplinary team of nine students participating in the 2012 International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) competition that challenges students to design and build simple biological systems made from standard, interchangeable parts. The ASU team is developing a low-cost biosensor that would detect contaminated drinking water. It would detect bacteria that cause diarrhea, an affliction that kills as many as 1.5 million children worldwide every year, according to the World Health Organization. Markus is a biomedical engineering student in ASU’s Ira Fulton Schools of Engineering. In October, the team will present is device at a regional competition at Stanford University.

Camelback GEARS Hosted Rollout of Real World Design Challenge

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 15:00:39 GMT

Camelback and its GEARS (Game Design, Engineering, Architecture, Robotics and Sustainability) program hosted the statewide rollout of the Real World Design Challenge, September 13. It is the first year that the contest has come to Arizona. The Real World Design Challenge provides high school students the opportunity to work on real-world engineering challenges in a team environment. Solutions are submitted in January, and one team from each participating state moves on to the national event in Washington, D.C. in March. This year there are two challenges- one in aerospace and one in civil design.

Carl Hayden JROTC Placed Second at Roland Chu Memorial Invitational

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 15:04:42 GMT

The Falcon JROTC Adventure team is in second place after phase one of the Roland Chu Memorial Invitational. The wilderness events were held at Camp Raymond near Flagstaff, September 15. The Falcon cadets placed first in Rope Bridge and Land Navigation, second in the Leadership Reaction Course; fourth in the Rope climb and ninth in the Endurance run. Hayden has 17 points, trailing Maryvale by six points. The Physical Training phase of the competition takes place at Maryvale High School, October 20. The Falcons are coached by Senior Army Instructor Cliff Brumels. The event is named for Sergeant First Class Chu, a former Carl Hayden JROTC instructor.

Falcon Football is Fun Again

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 15:05:24 GMT

Football is fun again at Carl Hayden. The Falcons have forgotten the 66-game losing streak that ended in 2009. The Falcons were 2-2 going into its September 21 game with North High, and can better their three-win season last year under second-year coach Jeremy Zimmerman this year.

"The faculty is real good with congratulating kids and being interested with what is going on," Zimmerman said. "I think overall there's support (from the student body) growing. There is respect for the hard work they're putting in."

Tickets On-Sale for Carl Hayden Scholarship Dinner

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 15:07:04 GMT

Franklin Students Participating in Bureau of Land Management Celebration

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 15:08:57 GMT

Seventeen Franklin students are participating in a Bureau of Land Management 200-year celebration this semester, with a curriculum that traces the development of public lands and public land laws, including historical events in U.S. history that led to the formation of Arizona in the country’s westward expansion. The students are learning how that expansion to the Southwest during the 19^th and 20^th centuries led to cadastral land surveying. They will get a hands-on introduction to surveying, using historical and modern-day methods on a field trip. The coursework culminates with the class attending the Public Lands Commemoration Forum, September 27, where Justice Sandra Day O’Connor and former Secretary of the Interior and Arizona Governor Bruce Babbitt will be among the speakers. The speakers will discuss the roles of the judicial, executive, and legislative branches of the federal government and how these branches influenced the development of the public lands and public land laws.

Maryvale Teacher Selected as a Guest of NBC's Teacher Town Hall

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 15:16:08 GMT

Selina Alonzo has had a busy September. She was named a Champion of Change, and traveled to the White House to be honored by the President’s Commission for Educational Excellence for Hispanic Education earlier in the month, and September 21-23 she was in New York City as a guest of NBC’s Teacher Town Hall, which aired on MSNBC, September 23. It was part of the network’s annual three-day Education Nation Summit that brought together over 300 thought leaders representing education, government, business, philanthropy and media. Alonzo was one of eight people on the panel during the two-hour live broadcast.

Metro Tech To Host Annual Community Celebration

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 15:17:11 GMT

Metro’s Annual Fall Garden Festival and Community Celebration, “Educating for a Greener World,” will be Saturday, October 20. Presented by Metro Tech High School and Maricopa County Master Gardener’s is geared towards local community and garden lovers who are interested in learning new techniques for gardening, and to have a fun family-oriented time. The Festival offers garden speakers on garden topics, garden-related vendors and local garden clubs, plant sales, a rummage sale, children’s area, drawing prizes/silent auction and food. Attendance is free. In keeping with its sustainability efforts, one of the goals of the event is to bring together community members to exchange ideas and to share research-based information; on how to enhance quality of our community’s life by conserving water and resources, reducing landfill waste, responsible use of chemical products, and teaching the benefits of hands-on growing of vegetables, fruits and flowers.

North Students Named National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 16:39:55 GMT

Diana Muller and Christopher Dendy were named National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists in the 2013 National Merit Scholarship Program.

Muller and Dendy qualified as semifinalists by being among the highest-scoring entrants in Arizona in the 2011 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT.) Both students are in North’s International Baccalaureate Program.

The 16,000 semifinalists this year represent less than one percent of the 1.5 million juniors from over 22,000 high schools who take the PSAT. National Merit Finalists are highly coveted as prospective students to every college and university in the country, and the designation often leads to academic scholarships.

Muller is on track to be North’s valedictorian, ranked #1 in the Class of 2013. Muller has been involved in theater, was the president and founder of the school’s mock trial team, and plays on the Mustang tennis team, but her strengths lie in math and science. Her interest was further piqued working in a neuroscience lab at ASU last summer, performing immunohistochemistry on rat brains as a research assistant. Muller says the role of the brain on human function is fascinating to her, and she hopes to continue lab research in college. She wants to be in the science/medical field, majoring in biochemistry or neuroscience. She is considering the Barrett Honors College at ASU, University of California-Berkeley or University of California-San Diego. Her brother Ryan was a National Merit Scholar finalist at North in 2011.

Dendy lists history as his favorite subject and he would like to enter a career in civil administration or politics. He describes himself as socially-minded and committed to pursuing the greater good in an effort to help society and those around him. Dendy was a member of the National Honors Society, and active with North’s Family of Leaders (NFL) a teambuilding and tolerance camp. He was also a National Laureate Le Grand Concours winner for three years as a French student and he hopes to continue to study French in college. He is interested in several universities, including the Claremont Consortium (Claremont McKenna, Pomona College) and its Politics, Economics and Psychology major. He is also considering Swathmore College near Philadelphia, the University of Chicago, Cornell and the Barrett Honors College at ASU.

About 90% of semifinalists become finalists, according to the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC.) Phoenix Union had three semifinalists last year, including two from North, and four more National Merit Commended students from North. Since 1990, North High has had 92 National Merit Scholarship semifinalists and finalists and 109 Commended students. This year’s Commended students have not yet been announced.

North Students Named Hispanic Recognition Scholars

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 16:40:52 GMT

Seniors Alexia Lagarda and Ceasar Udave were named Hispanic Recognition Scholars. The program identifies nearly 5,000 highest-scoring Hispanic/Latino students from the approximately 235,000 Hispanic/Latino juniors who take the PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT) each year.

Lagarda is North’s Robotics club president which competes in FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics events. Here career goal is to be an engineer and build robots. Lagarda is also active in JROTC as a color guard member, mock trial club secretary, National Art Honor Society, Interact Club and Hiking Club. Outside school, she is involved in the New Pathways Program, helping students improve their lives and the lives of others. Lagarda will be the first in her family to attend college. She is applying to the University of Arizona, ASU, Boston University and Rochester University.

Udave loves music and physics. His safe career strategy is to become an engineer. But the tuba player in the North band has a creative side, as well. He likes to write jokes and wants to do stand-up comedy, he draws sketches and he is also interested in film, acting and animation. He hasn’t ruled out the idea of coming back to North High after college and teaching International Baccalaureate classes. Besides band, he is in drama and the hiking club at school. He is considering ASU’s Barrett Honors College, New York University, Duke and Columbia.

Although the National Hispanic Scholars program does not provide a financial reward, being named is an important academic recognition for students and colleges and universities that are particularly interested in communicating with academically exceptional Hispanic/Latino students.

South Alumni and Performing Arts Manager Honored for Their Work

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 16:42:09 GMT

Two former South Mountain students and Performing Arts magnet manager were honored for their work in the 2011-12 season at the 23^rd Annual ariZoni Awards of Excellence in Theatre ceremony, September 17.

Susan St. John, who has been teaching in the Performing Arts Magnet for 19 years was honored with a nomination as a Best Supporting Actress in the Mesa Community College production of ‘Pygmalion’.

Drama Magnet graduate, Michael Thompson (Class of 2006) was nominated and won Best Supporting Actor for his work in Stray Cat Theatre’s production of ‘Milk Milk Lemonade’.

Former Visual Arts Magnet student Kyle Bennett (Class of 1995) received a nomination for his role as Pharoah in Mesa Encore Theatre’s production of ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’. Kyle also showcased a musical number from that production during the ceremony. While attending the Visual Arts Magnet at South Mountain, Kyle participated in many Performing Arts Magnet activities, including several musical productions.

Suns-Diamondbacks Student Received Student of the Term for English Department

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 16:43:20 GMT

Cory Vaughn White received the honor of Student of the Term for the English Department at Suns-Diamondbacks. He was nominated for this honor for his achievement, perseverance, and effort by teacher Christopher Bates. Vaughn has endured many hardships, including school attendance issues while taking care of his younger siblings for over a semester when his mother suffered a stroke. He was referred to Suns-Diamondbacks, and now that he is back in school, he is also playing football for Maryvale, the school in his home attendance area. He scored three touchdowns in the past two games.

Congressman Ed Pastor Accepting Applications for Nominations

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 17:11:35 GMT

Congressman Ed Pastor is accepting applications for nominations to military academies for 11^th grade students. The deadline to request an application for nomination is October 12, and the deadline to submit the application is October 19. The academies include the Air Force, Naval, West Point, Merchant marine and Coast Guard. To attend one of the five service academies, students must be nominated by their U.S. Congressman or Senator. Applicants need to be at least 17 years old, U.S. citizens, unmarried with no obligation to support children, and able to show good character, scholarship and leadership skills and physical and medical fitness. For more information, contact Rep. Pastor’s office at (602) 256-0551, or visit www.pastor.house.gov and click on Services, and then Academy Nominations.

Alhambra Chess Team Took First Place at Pinetop State Invitational

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 17:12:17 GMT

The Alhambra chess team took first place team trophy at the Pinetop State Invitational, September 8. The Lions narrowly edged out Trevor Browne by half a point. Hieu Le defeated an opponent rated more than 260 points higher for the biggest upset medal of the tournament. Josh Yazzie scored an impressive five points to finish in a three-way tie for first place in the Alternate section. The Lions tied for second in State last year.

Fairfax Senior Attended National Hispanic Congressional Caucus Youth Conference in Washington D.C.

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 17:15:55 GMT

Fairfax senior Irania Felix attended the National Hispanic Congressional Caucus Youth Conference held in Washington, D.C this past summer, and in October she will represent the school and community in a national conference. She is headed to the National League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) Youth Conference in Washington, D.C. on October 3. Felix is the current President of the LULAC Youth Council at Fairfax and she is being sponsored by the Adult LULAC chapter #1083.

Carl Hayden Band to be Featured on 94.5 Radio Station

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 17:17:52 GMT

Carl Hayden’ Falcon Band has been selected as the featured Fulton Homes Noon Salute band on KOOL Radio for the week of September 17. For the week, the band’s performance of the National Anthem will play at noon on 94.5 FM. The Falcon band was also videotaped and their National Anthem can be seen and heard at http://kool.radio.com/fulton-homes-noon-salute/

“The top submission of the month receives a $1,000 donation, so we’re keeping our fingers crossed for that,” Band Director Rebecca Grace said.

Central and Phoenix Suns Launch SunsCentral

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 17:20:40 GMT

The Phoenix Suns and Central High launched the “SunsCentral” program September 7 amid music, dancing, t-shirt tossing and more at two student assemblies in the school’s auditorium. Suns managing partner Robert Sarver, announcer Al McCoy, former player and now vice president Mark West, the Gorilla mascot and the Suns Hip-Hop team were on hand to announce the $250,000 Suns Charities grant that will provide support services to struggling Central students to help keep them in school, and improve the graduation rate. The unique program will target at-risk freshman and sophomore students identified as falling far below achievement levels. The grant will include funding of two additional math teachers and two English teachers to reduce class loads for these students from 30 students to one teacher, to 15 to 1, and provide tutoring and direct teacher intervention. The two-year commitment will focus on four key factors that directly impact a student’s likelihood of staying in school: success in the classroom, attendance at school, mentoring, and work-study.

“Never has there been a professional sports organization make a commitment like this to a school. We can’t thank Robert Sarver and Suns Charities enough. We are so proud they chose Central High.,” Principal Chris Jones said.

“When I was in high school, we always heard the grass is always greener somewhere else,” Sarver said at the beginning of the presentation. “What I have learned is that the grass is greener where you water it. We’re going to water it here at Central. You’re going to see a lot of us here at Central. Everyone’s going to graduate.”

The hip hop squad and The Gorilla sported Bobcat football jerseys, and tossed t-shirts and giveaways into the crowd. Suns announcer Al McCoy announced that all the students and families were invited to an upcoming Phoenix Mercury game, and the Suns issued a challenge-improve the attendance rate by one percent in the semester, and the organization will bring out their entire game day entertainment crew to a Central High basketball game.

The Suns will have a presence at the school through facility improvements, volunteer hours, a celebrity speaker series, work-study opportunities and entertainment elements at school functions.

Metro Tech Student Won Grand Prize in Ritz Carlton Tea Competition

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 17:22:50 GMT

Metro Tech’s Fashion Program had three finalists and a grand prize winner in the annual Ritz Carlton Tea Competition. The competition draws hat designers and “fashionistas” from all over the city. Contestants are required to wear or design a hat and attend tea at the Ritz Carlton during the month of August. Metro Tech’s Fashion/Interior Technology program had over 60 students attend tea August 27- 28. Many of the students designed their own hat for the event.

Twenty people were chosen and invited to the finalist tea, September 9, with a guest of their choice. Aracely Nunez, Melissa Ruiz, both second year, Metro Tech fashion students and Alejandra Bocardo, a first year fashion student, were selected as hat design finalists. All three students designed their hats from scratch. Fashion industry judges chose the four winners from the following four categories: Vintage, Classic Elegance, Chic Trendy, and Over the Top. Ruiz took a grand prize for the Over the Top Category. Her prize was tea for two for a year at the Ritz Carlton valued at $1200.

“This was a wonderful social event for all our students who participated in the tea, hat competition, etiquette lesson , and information the Ritz Carlton staff presented on possible careers at the hotel,” instructor Katy Hansen said.

North Students Served Breakfast at Sun Devil Fire and Alarm

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 17:23:53 GMT

Eight members of Mary Sarwark’s Foods class went to Sun Devil Fire and Alarm to serve breakfast. The request was sent out by the Careers-Culinary Arts Program director for students to aid Hickman Farms in serving this breakfast. They say it was great fun and were invited to do it again next Saturday for an international event in west Phoenix.

PUHSD Partners with Jerry Colangelo Stay In School Tournament

Fri, 07 Sep 2012 15:20:49 GMT

Phoenix Union is partnering with the Jerry Colangelo Stay in School 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament, September 21-23, with a portion of the proceeds going to the Phoenix Union Foundation for Education, as well as the Peoria School District. This event is in conjunction with a Basketball Hall of Fame Golf Classic taking place at the Wigwam, Sept. 19-21, featuring Hall of Famers, U.S, Olympic Basketball players, and NBA and WNBA players past and present.

The tournament will be played at the new Salvation Army Croc Community Center in South Phoenix. It is open to adults, and student divisions from 5^th grade through high school. Teams must have a minimum of 4 players. Teams can also register on-line at www.FirstImpressionsFoundation.com

The basketball celebrities, local businessmen women and college and university representatives will be participating in Stay in School Town Halls at several Phoenix Union schools, September 21.

24 Alhambra Students are Helping to Register Voters

Fri, 07 Sep 2012 15:22:16 GMT

Twenty-four Alhambra students are volunteering hundreds of hours helping to register Arizonans to vote in the upcoming election. They registered over 400 people to vote September 1. These students were recognized by the Campaign For Arizona’s Future. They were given an award recognizing them for going above and beyond in volunteer recruitment. U.S. Government teacher Christopher Oglesby has helped organize the students, which also includes a visit by

Paul Penzone, candidate for Maricopa County Sheriff. He visited the students September 11. He talked about the importance of community involvement; ways to get civically involved; and some of the issues he feels are important to address should he win the election. In the interest of fairness, Oglesby also will have Republican candidates visiting the class as well.

Central Partners with Phoenix Suns

Fri, 07 Sep 2012 15:22:59 GMT

The Phoenix Suns and Central High launched the “SunsCentral” partnership, September 7 at a student assembly. Suns forward Channing Frye and managing partner Robert Sarver were on hand to announce the $250,000 Suns Charities grant, that will provide support services to struggling Central students to help keep them in school. The unique program will target at-risk freshman and sophomore students identified as falling far below achievement levels. The grant will include funding of two additional math teachers and two English teachers to reduce class loads for these students from 30 students to one teacher, to 15 to 1, and provide tutoring and direct teacher intervention. The two-year commitment will focus on four key factors that directly impact a student’s likelihood of staying in school: success in the classroom, attendance at school, mentoring, and work-study.

Governor Brewer, Superintendent Huppenthal Visit Franklin

Fri, 07 Sep 2012 15:23:35 GMT

Governor Jan Brewer, State Superintendent of Public Instruction John Huppenthal and several community organizations that make up the Arizona Public Engagement Task Force came to Franklin High School, September 5 to launch ArizonaCommonCore.org, a web tool tool for Arizona Educators, families and business leaders to learn more about Arizona’s Common Core standards. Students greeted all the dignitaries, and Principal Lorenzo Cabrera kicked off the event with a welcome speech. He and some students then gave Governor Brewer and Huppenthal commemorative bricks that were original bricks from the 1926 building, and Franklin polo shirts. Phoenix Union is already implementing the common core standards in English and algebra classes. Forty-six states have joined in this initiative to implement rigorous new K-12 standards and assessments, so that from school district to school district, state to state, students will have consistent curriculum, and be able to better assess achievement compared to students nationwide.

Two PUHSD Teachers Honored By White House

Fri, 07 Sep 2012 15:24:18 GMT

Maryvale English teacher Selina Alonzo was honored as “Champions of Change,” August 31 at the White House, and received a Commitment to Excellence Award from President Barack Obama’s Commission on Educational Excellence for Hispanics.

Alonzo and Guadalupe Meza of South Mountain were among ten educators selected, honoring those who are setting a strong example in education and strengthening the nation by teaching Latino students.

The White House Champions of Change program highlights individuals, businesses or organizations that are improving their communities by “out-innovating, out-educating and out-building the rest of the world.”

The Commission and the Office of Public Engagement hosted an event at the White House to honor those who are “Winning the Future,” empowering and inspiring other members of their respective communities. They participated in panel discussions about their work with the Department of Education and White House officials, and had the opportunity to tour the White House.

Alonzo has been teaching English for eight years. She was named the 2009 Phoenix Union High School District Classroom Teacher of the Year, and in 2010, she was a Chicanos Por La Causa and SRP Esperanza Award winner, honoring Latino teachers who inspire students of all backgrounds, play an active role in the school, and demonstrate a true commitment to the community. A graduate of Carl Hayden High School who benefitted from the Hispanic Mother-Daughter program, Alonzo earned her teaching degree and returned to the community where she grew up. As a community member, Ms. Alonzo represents urban families by serving on the Board of Directors for The Neighborhood Center, through Neighborhood Ministries. She is committed to working for justice by living, teaching, serving and fellowshipping in the same Phoenix community in which she was raised.

“In my classroom, I had to figure out how to love my students into learning. My students allow me to educate their minds if I first taught their hearts. Love changes people, it moves them and it inspires them. We see the empowerment education brings. My students do all the work. They are the real champions of change,” Alonzo said.

Parent Advisory Committee Positions to Be Elected

Fri, 07 Sep 2012 15:21:38 GMT

Parents being served by the Native American Education Program in Phoenix Union High School District are invited to vote for candidates running for Parent Advisory Committee positions. The elections will be held on Wednesday, September 12at the Center for Educational Services (CES) building, 4502 N. Central Ave., in the first floor training room, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Eligibility to vote for officer positions includes parents and legal guardians of current PUHSD students. For more information, contact the Native American Education Program at (602) 764-1350.

Congressman Ed Pastor Accepting Applications for Nominations

Thu, 30 Aug 2012 19:40:20 GMT

Congressman Ed Pastor is accepting applications for nominations to military academies for 11^th grade students. The deadline to request an application for nomination is October 12, and the deadline to submit the application is October 19. The academies include the Air Force, Naval, West Point, Merchant marine and Coast Guard. To attend one of the five service academies, students must be nominated by their U.S. Congressman aor Senator. Applicants need to be at least 17 years old, U.S. citizens, unmarried with no obligation to support children, and able to show good character, scholarship and leadership skills and physical and medical fitness. For more information, contact Rep. Pastor’s office at (602) 256-0551, or visit www.pastor.house.gov and click on Services, and then Academy Nominations.

PUHSD Partnering with Colangelo Basketball Tournament

Thu, 30 Aug 2012 19:41:28 GMT

The basketball celebrities, local businessmen women and college and university representatives will be participating in Stay in School Town Halls at several Phoenix Union schools, September 21.

Bioscience Students Selected for PBS TV Program

Thu, 30 Aug 2012 19:43:29 GMT

SciGirls, a PBS television program that showcases bright, curious “tween” girls putting science and engineering to work in their everyday lives, will feature three Bioscience students in a November episode. The episode is called Bee Haven, and has been bills as “the latest buzz from downtown Phoenix: the SciGirls use math, mapping and data visualization to prove that their urban beehive can thrive in an urban environment.” Now sophomores Briana Diaz Monica, Hernandez, Damaris Moore were selected for the episode and teamed up with an ASU professor and The Grow House, for a weeklong filming in March to learn how to build a beehive, raise honey bees and produce honey

Central Choir Receives Visit from Motivational Speaker

Thu, 30 Aug 2012 19:44:20 GMT

The Central Choir was fortunate to receive a visit from Scott Lang, one of the top music leadership speakers in the country, August 30. For almost a decade, Lang has been educating and entertaining audiences of all ages through his workshops and keynote presentations. As a nationally known leadership trainer for the past seven years, he works with some of America's top ensembles and conducts over 100 workshops annually.

“I had the opportunity to bring him out four years ago and it changed my life as an educator as well as the lives of my students. He is a dynamic speaker who is very unlike anything you’ve ever seen before,” Director of Choirs Troy Meeker said.

Franklin To Host Gov. Brewer and Superintendent Huppenthal

Thu, 30 Aug 2012 19:48:43 GMT

Governor Jan Brewer, State Superintendent of Public Instruction John Huppenthal and several community organizations chose Franklin as the site for a press conference to introduce the Arizona Common Core Standards, September 5. Teachers, parents and students also participated in the event, which was led by Expect More Arizona. According to the Governor’s Office, Franklin was an attractive selection because of its “A” letter grade ranking and its unique focus on careers.

North Swimming and Diving Celebrates Renovated Pool

Thu, 30 Aug 2012 19:50:09 GMT

The North Swimming and Diving team celebrated with companies and community members who saved the YWCA Pool, August 29. The pool, which serves as a practice facility for the Mustangs, was in disrepair when several companies stepped forward to donate their time and supplies to refurbish the pool in June. Natural Reflections Pools spearheaded the $ 24,000 project at 755 E. Willetta.

Franklin Student Thanked for Good Deed

Thu, 30 Aug 2012 19:46:44 GMT

Principal Lorenzo Cabrera addresses the students of Franklin every day. During the second week of school, he asked the students what they would do if they found $100. It was a character question, and Cabrera was impressed with the answers. Then he told the students that a Franklin student, a junior named Kevin Flores, had found a $100 bill on the floor in class, and turned it in. Another Franklin student had brought the money and she was supposed to deposit in the bank that day for her family. Flores was given a $30 gift certificate, and the admiration of all, including Cabrera, who summed it up by saying “This is what Franklin is all about.”

KJZZ Now Accepting Applications for After-School Programs

Thu, 23 Aug 2012 19:26:45 GMT

KJZZ's Youth Media Center (a collaboration of Phoenix Union High School District, KJZZ, and Maricopa Community College) is now accepting applications for its after-school program that will begin on September 10. Spot 127 is a free program for high school students that provides instruction and mentoring in journalism, photography, and audio/video production. Participants will have the opportunity to create original content that will be pitched to local and national media outlets while learning from professional journalists and industry experts. Students who are interested will be asked to commit to attending Spot 127 two days a week from 3:15-6:15 p.m. from September through May. Space is limited to 40 students, and spots are filling up fast. To apply or for more information, please go to Spot127.org.

Girls Volleyball Begins for PUHSD

Thu, 23 Aug 2012 19:27:32 GMT

Girls Volleyball begins for 11 Phoenix Union schools this week. Ten schools play in the Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA), and Metro Tech competes in the Charter Athletic Association. The AIA schedules began as early as August 27. Most teams play an 18-game schedule, not including tournaments, which runs until mid-October. Six schools compete in Division 1, and four of the schools are in Division II.

Franklin Teaching ECAP Class

Thu, 23 Aug 2012 19:28:21 GMT

Franklin’s Professional Development Specialist Heidi Bonfante developed and is teaching a professional development/professional growth class for the ECAP, the state’s Education and Career Action Plan. An ECAP reflects a student’s current plan of coursework, career aspirations, and extended learning opportunities in order to develop the student’s individual academic and career goals. The course explores the requirements of and resources available through ECAP. Bonfante pursued the project with the support of the Arizona Department of Education, and Northern Arizona offers it as a graduate elective for educators. Last semester, 36 Phoenix Union faculty and staff participated in the pilot class. NAU will again offer the online class this semester. Bonfante is one of the District’s National Board Certified teachers, and an Arizona Master/Mentor Teacher.

Metro Tech Adds Boys and Girls Cross Country

Thu, 23 Aug 2012 19:29:05 GMT

Metro Tech has added another sport to its interscholastic lineup, with boys and girls cross country making its debut. The magnet school, which competes in the Charter Athletic Association, has volleyball, boys soccer, boys and girls basketball, co-ed soccer, chess and spirit line.

Protege of Arizona Now Open for Business

Thu, 23 Aug 2012 19:30:18 GMT

Protégé of Arizona, Metro Tech’s school of cosmetology is open for business, Tuesday through Friday from 1:30 to 5 p.m. and Saturday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. The talented students can provide haircuts, hair color, perms, manicures, pedicures and other beauty services, at very affordable prices. Appointments can be made at 602-764-8057 and walk-ins are welcome. Protégé is located on the southeast corner of the campus, off Thomas Road, just west of 19^th Ave.

Metro Tech Alumni Succeeds at ASU

Thu, 23 Aug 2012 19:29:39 GMT

Former student Rudy Calderon (Class of 2007 Valedictorian) has quite a ride since graduating from high school. After a year studying abroad in Taipei, Taiwan as an exchange student with Rotary International, he went to the ASU Barrett Honors College, where he is working on degrees in Global Studies and Mandarin Chinese. He is scheduled to graduate in the Spring of 2013. At Barrett, he has also received scholarships to participate in the college’s study abroad programs to China and Peru. He also served as a delegate to the Rotary International Convention in London in 2009, and then toured Europe on behalf of Rotary, meeting young Rotarians. Calderon would like to pursue graduate degrees in international relations and global affairs and he hopes to be an international diplomat for the United States, and work with an international organization. His brother is following in his footsteps. Jorge Calderon won a Gates Millennium Scholarship, was valedictorian at Metro Tech in 2011 and is currently in the Barrett Honors College at ASU.

New Evaluation System Approved

Thu, 16 Aug 2012 14:27:24 GMT

The Governing Board approved a new teacher observation instrument to measure classroom performance at the August 9 Board Meeting. The observation is part of the legislatively-mandated (HB 2823) evaluation system that school districts must have in place this school year. It was developed this past summer by a committee of District teachers and administrators. A second part of the evaluation will include student performance, which is required next year. Teacher classroom performance will account for 100 percent of a teacher evaluation this year. Next year, 67 percent of the evaluation will be teacher performance, and student performance will be worth 33 percent. Teachers will have two observations per year. An observation will include a pre-conference, a complete lesson observation and a post-conference. One annual evaluation for all teachers will take place using results from the two observations. The observation instrument aligns to the InTASC (Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium) teaching standards, covering five standards: The Learner and Learning; Content Knowledge; Assessment; Instructional Practices and Professional Responsibilities. Teachers will be rated as highly effective, effective, developing and ineffective. Teachers that are developing or ineffective will have specific professional development interventions to improve any deficiencies.

Diamondbacks, Helios Education Foundation and AZ College Scholarship Foundation Introduce Scholarship Recipients

Thu, 16 Aug 2012 14:28:54 GMT

The Arizona Diamondbacks, in conjunction with the Helios Education Foundation and Arizona College Scholarship Foundation introduced the first eight scholars who will receive four-year college scholarships, August 11 at a pre-game ceremony. Of the eight, three were Phoenix Union students-- Nancy Florez, North; Andres Morales, Trevor Browne and Jonathan Yamasaki, Alhambra. Flores and Morales will be attending ASU, and Yamasaki, Northern Arizona. Each of these students has participated in a college prep program such as Be A Leader, ACE, Gear Up, and has demonstrated high academic achievement while overcoming personal obstacles, according to the Diamondbacks. The Arizona College Scholarship Foundation, will continue to support these scholars via one-on-one mentoring and other career counseling.

KJZZ Youth Media Center Now Accepting Applications

Thu, 16 Aug 2012 14:29:41 GMT

PUHSD Football Kicks Off

Thu, 16 Aug 2012 14:30:22 GMT

High school football kicks off one week earlier this year, with all 10 Phoenix Union schools opening their 10-game regular seasons, Friday, August 24. Six schools play in Division I—Trevor Browne, Alhambra, Central, Carl Hayden, Maryvale and North, and four schools are in Division II—Camelback, Cesar Chavez, Betty Fairfax and South Mountain. Two opening games pit PUHSD schools against each other. Alhambra visits Central, and Camelback hosts South Mountain. All varsity games begin at 7 p.m.

Open House Schedule

Thu, 16 Aug 2012 14:34:00 GMT

Alhambra: Open house is Thursday, August 23 from 5:30 to 8 p.m., beginning with dinner in the cafeteria, classroom visits at 6 p.m. and a parent meeting in the library.

Camelback: Open house will be Friday, August 24, beginning at 5 p.m. The Camelback Spartans open their football season at home that night at 7 p.m.

Central: Central’s Open ouse will be Thursday, Aguust 23, from 5-8 p.m.

Maryvale: Open House is tonight, (Wednesday) August 22 from 5:30 until8:30 p.m.

Metro Tech: Metro Tech will hold its Open House,, Thursday, August 30 from 5-7:30 p.m.

Browne Football Stadium Named for Long-Time Coach

Thu, 16 Aug 2012 14:35:03 GMT

For 29 years, Coach Bill Mitton and the Trevor Browne Bruins Football teams were synonymous with success. He started the program soon after the school opened in 1972, and in Trevor Browne’s 40^th Anniversary year, the football stadium will be named in his honor. The Phoenix Union Governing Board unanimously approved the recommendation at the August 9 Board Meeting, in front of dozens of family, friends, and former players of Mitton.

Mitton won 206 games at Trevor Browne, and coined the Bruins, the “Pride of the West Side.” His teams were regulars in the playoffs, winning 15 regional titles, and from 1980-82 the Bruins played in the State Championship games, winning the title in 1981. His teams made the playoffs a record-19 consecutive years. When he retired in 2000, he was only one of four Arizona coaches to have won more than 200 games at the same high school. Mitton is a member of the Arizona Coaches Hall of Fame and was recently named one of Arizona’s best high school coaches by azcentral.com.

Business teacher Phil Kohm, who organized the Trevor Browne Hall of Fame last year, spearheaded the effort to name the stadium after Mitton. The official ceremony will take place as part of the school’s 40^th Anniversary celebration, September 14 when the Bruins host Central High School at Bill Mitton Stadium.

“I thought about what is the importance of this. I think it is to connect the past with the future,” Mitton said at the board meeting. “I hope that Trevor Browne will continue to be the Pride of Westside. Thank you. This is quite an honor for me and my family.”

Former Camelback Students Give Advice to Students

Thu, 16 Aug 2012 14:36:08 GMT

Thirteen former Camelback students came back to give some advice on college and career to the marketing classes of Julia Bourdo, August 14. This has been a tradition over the years for current students to hear the personal stories, and the economic, social and academic challenges and accomplishments of individuals from the same school, neighborhood and backgrounds. Some of the students were recent graduates, attending university and community college, all the way up to a woman from the Class of 1986 who is now a vice president of a large corporation. Jeff Stephens, a local architect and volunteer for the marketing department each school contacts the DECA Club Alumni students to arrange this event.

Falcon Robotics Attended AUVSI Conference

Thu, 16 Aug 2012 14:37:05 GMT

The Falcon Robotics team attended the AUVSI North American Conference, August 8-9. AUVSI stands for the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International. The team showcased their recent Autonomous Underwater Vehicle, or AUV, which competed at the organization’s RoboSub event in San Diego in July. Carl Hayden was the only high school present in a field of colleges invited to attend and display their AUVs. The conference featured hundreds of organizations and corporations that are involved in the autonomous vehicle industry. The team received much praise for their work and they received a very special visit from Admiral Matt Klunder, the Chief of Naval Research at the Office of Naval Research in Arlington, Virginia.

Fairfax Principal to Serve on International Baccalaureate Americas Regional Council

Thu, 16 Aug 2012 14:38:50 GMT

Principal Dr. Zack Muñoz has been selected to serve on the International Baccalaureate (IB) Americas Regional Council. He is one of 13 individuals and five from the United States representing schools or organizations in North America, Central America and South America. Muñoz has worked with IB while at North High School, and brought the prestigious academic program to Betty Fairfax last year. The council is involved in strategic planning, issues that impact the outreach and effectiveness of IB, developing connections with important constituents and marketing. The Regional Council’s purpose, according to IB, is to strengthen the capacity of the regional office to promote access to an IB education and increase the acceptance of the IB diploma at universities in the region. The Americas Council is one of three regional councils. There is also an Asia Pacific region and Africa, Europe and the Middle East region.

PUHSD History Teachers Participate in U.S. Department of Education Teaching American History Grant

Thu, 05 Jul 2012 18:26:47 GMT

Phoenix Union history teachers continued their participation in the U.S. Department of Education Teaching American History Grant. This year, the thirty social studies teachers focused on the 19th century, culminating in Arizona statehood.

The year culminated in the annual June field study week--a bus tour with University of Arizona Professor Katherine Morrissey through northern New Mexico (Acoma, Taos, and Laguna Pueblos, Santa Fe and Pecos National Monuments) and northern Arizona (Four Corners, Hubbell Trading Post, Flagstaff, Prescott, and Jerome). The group stayed in historic inns – a favorite was the restored La Posada in Winslow.

Teachers led student projects for the Arizona Centennial which will be posted on the centennial website; these range from online productions about the historic districts surrounding MetroTech to materials about Alhambra’s 50th anniversary.

In December, the grant cadre went to the National Council for the Social Studies annual conference in Washington DC, where teachers presented a session addressing materials for teaching about the Latino southwest. They also attended clinics at Smithsonian museums, the State Department, Congress, the Supreme Court, Mount Vernon, the Newseum, the Library of Congress, and the National Archives.

Saturday sessions brought national experts to Phoenix museums and archives for the teachers: social studies technology expert Tom Daccord, history and literacy expert Fran Macko, and University of Arizona historian of the west Katherine Morrissey. In April, the group traveled with art historians to Mission San Xavier del Bac in Tucson.

The three-year course of study, entitled Colonial to Centennial: American & Arizona History (C2C), introduces content instruction and materials that integrate the colonial and territorial history of the Southwest, and especially of Arizona, with the typical scope and sequence in U.S. History courses.

PUHSD is one of the last school districts in the United States to win a Teaching American History grant from the Department of Education. The program was discontinued in recent budget cuts to education, but the $1.6 million grant to Phoenix Union continues.

PUHSD Scholarship Counts

Wed, 13 Jun 2012 18:08:56 GMT

Phoenix Union’s mission is “Preparing every student for success in college, career and life.” The college-going numbers have been going up every year, as have the scholarship totals. Seniors in the Class of 2012 from the 11 comprehensive schools earned over $39 million in merit and athletic scholarships, not including millions more in financial aid and grants. It was the highest total ever for the District. Last year, $24 million was offered, and for the class of 2010, $14 million was the scholarship amount. In 2010, 2,225 graduates entered an Arizona college or university in the fall after graduation, an increase of 365 more than 2009 and 505 more than 2008.

PUHSD To Provide Meals for Needy Children

Wed, 13 Jun 2012 18:09:40 GMT

Phoenix Union High School District, along with other agencies, will provide breakfast and lunch for needy children 18 years of age and younger at 12 high schools, Monday through Thursday, May 29 – June 27. Those schools are also summer school sites.

Funded through the U.S. Department of Education food and nutrition programs, the Summer Food Program has, for over three decades, prepared and served more than 3 million meals at as many as 60 sites throughout Phoenix. Summer lunches are an extension of the National School Lunch Program.

Meals will be made available to all children 18 years of age and under within the approved geographical area without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation or marital or family status.

Breakfast will be served from 7:30 A.M. until 8:30 A.M., with lunch being served from 10:45 A.M. until 12:45 P.M. Adults are welcome to accompany children and can purchase breakfast for

$2 and lunch for $3.

Phoenix Union Foundation for Education Awards 55 Scholarships

Mon, 21 May 2012 15:03:16 GMT

The Phoenix Union Foundation for Education awarded 55 students $64,500 in scholarships for colleges and universities. Scholarships are generated by employee donations, community and individual donations and two fundraisers, a golf tournament and a gala. The top winners were $8000 scholarships to Juana Flores, Maryvale; Mayra Sanchez, Metro Tech; Gabriel Tena, Carl Hayden and Edith Kumara, Alhambra.

Alhambra Wall of Scholarships top $2 million

Mon, 21 May 2012 15:04:17 GMT

Alhambra has had a Wall of Scholarships for several years now, announcing scholarship winners and tallying the totals. But this year, those scholarship certificates have filled three walls, and by the first week of May, merit scholarships for colleges and universities were at $2,924,000 with more offers rolling in.

Central Student Places 4th in 3200 Meter

Mon, 21 May 2012 16:42:43 GMT

Orbelin Araujo placed 4^th in the 3200 meter race at the Division I State Track and Field Championships, May 12 at Mesa Community College. He also ran the 1600 metes, finishing 17^th.

Chavez Students Compete in State Track and Field

Mon, 21 May 2012 16:45:42 GMT

Ben Denegall had the best performance for Chavez, finishing 8^thin the 300-meter hurdles event at the Division 1 State Track and FieldChampionships, May 12 in Mesa. Denegallran a 40.38 time.

Franklin Police and Fire has 30 Open Slots

Mon, 21 May 2012 16:46:42 GMT

Franklin Police and Fire High School has 30 openings for freshmen for the 2012-13 school year. The unique, small four-year school that specializes in career education in law enforcement, firefighting and emergency medical services, also provides a full high school curriculum in a small school setting. The school was labeled in “A” school in the state’s first letter grade rating. Franklin enrolls 100 freshmen for year. The school, located at 1645 W. McDowell, has 271 students. For more information and enrollment information, call Franklin at (602) 764-0217. Applications for the school are also available at www.franklinpoliceandfire.org .

Fairfax Seniors Awarded Over $5 million in Scholarships

Mon, 21 May 2012 16:47:43 GMT

It’s only the second senior class for Betty Fairfax, but itis certainly a record-breaker. Atthe school’s Senior Scholarship and Awards Night, May 15, 137 students wererecognized for earning a grand total of $5,566,350 in post-secondary merit and athletic scholarships.

Fairfax Student Ties for High Jump Title at State Track and Field

Mon, 21 May 2012 16:48:29 GMT

Taj Brewer tied for the high jump title at the Division II State Track and Field Championships, May 12 at Mesa Community College, clearing 6 feet-four inches. Orlando Coleman, Jr. placed 5^th in the 100 meters, with a 10.93 time, and the Stampede finished 10^th in team standings with 23 points. Fairfax also finished 7th in the 4 x 100 relay.

Maryvale Student Takes Third at State Track and Field

Mon, 21 May 2012 16:49:06 GMT

Martin Koko took third place in the 3200 meter race at the Division I State Track and Field Championships, May 12 in Mesa.

Metro Tech Outstanding Seniors Honored

Mon, 21 May 2012 16:49:46 GMT

Metro Tech held its annual Seniors Honors and Awards ceremony, May 15, and reported a record $2,500,000 in scholarships offered to students. Arizona State and Grand Canyon University led the way. ASU offered over $300,000 in scholarships to 29 students. The top two students were recognized- Danh Vu, Valedictorian, and Rebeca Gutierrez, Salutatorian.

Metro Tech Held Mock Wedding Ceremony

Mon, 21 May 2012 16:50:33 GMT

Metro Tech held its annual Mock Wedding Ceremony, May 4. This was an opportunity for the photo students to practice their wedding photography and portrait skills. Other Career and Technical programs Fashion Design, Culinary Arts, Floral, Advertising Art, & Film & Digital Media contributed skills specific to their areas of expertise. Fashion provided the models, wedding party, and clothing, Floral prepared the wedding party flowers and bouquets. Advertising Art designed the wedding invitation, Culinary baked the wedding cake and Film & Digital Media provided a cast member and video-taped the wedding.

Staff cast members played Father and Mother of the Bride – John and Liz Kally; Father and Mother of the Groom – Katie Hansen and Paul Miller; Minister – George Masamery; Groomsman – David Calderon; Ring Boy and Flower Girl – Children of Craig Visquesney and Seth Bute

Metro Tech Chess Finished Second in Regular Season

Mon, 21 May 2012 16:51:54 GMT

Metro’s Chess team finished the season as champions in regular season play in the Charter Athletic Association, and finished second in the post-season tournament, with Jesus Meza taking 1st place in Third Board play and Miguel Solis getting 2nd in Second Board play.

North Student Tied for Fifth in State Track and Field Championships

Mon, 21 May 2012 16:52:35 GMT

Dashawn Gooden long jumped 22 feet-7 inches and tied for fifth in the event at the Division I State Track and Field Championships May 12 in Mesa.

South Students Excel at State Track and Field Championships

Mon, 21 May 2012 16:53:17 GMT

Scott Simpson took state titles in the 100 and 200 meters, and teammate Jordan McLamb won the 400-meters, at the Division II State Track meet at Mesa Community College, March 12. The Jaguars finished with 30 points, and 9^th in the team totals. Simpson, a senior ran 10.75 in the 100, and had a personal-best of 21.95 in the 200 meters. McLamb ran 48.63 in the 400-meter. Daniel Frietz, a sophomore, placed ninth in both the 1600 and 3200-meter races. The South Mountain Girls best showing was a third place finish in the 4 x 100 relay. The girls finished 18^th in the team totals, with 11 points.

South Students to be Inducted into Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society

Mon, 21 May 2012 16:54:16 GMT

Up to 50 students will be inducted into the school’s new Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society today. Membership in Rho Kappa is an honor bestowed upon a student for his or her accomplishments in the field of Social Studies and overall academic achievement. South’s chapter is named after Ryan Lancaster, a beloved Social Studies teacher who was lost in a tragic accident five years ago. The National Council for the Social Studies began Rho Kappa in 2011 with a few chapters in Florida. South Mountain is proud to be one of the first schools in the nation to have a Rho Kappa charter.

Conscious Capitalism in Action Gives Students Entrepreneurial Experience

Mon, 21 May 2012 15:07:10 GMT

Eleven students had 90 seconds to pitch their own business plans to a panel of 10 judges actingas potential angel investors or venture capitalists, and another two minutes to field questions. These were the finalists in the Camelback High School Business Plan Competition, held May 10 in the school library. The two juniors and nine seniors were competing for up to $5,000 in scholarships and each was already guaranteed tuition to a four-day entrepreneurial camp. Among the businesses pitched were an origami brag book called “Memories”; eco-trendy accessories; a hip hop barbershop/recording studio; a shoe store that takes trade-in shoes and re-furbishes them for charity; “Poi-fit” fire dancing exercise company; a customized piñata business and a company that makes attractive hospital gowns. Requested start-up costs ranged from $4,000 to $400,000.

The finalists qualified with written plans, and were now asked to sell the idea in person. The event, called Conscious Capitalism in Action, required that each business idea aim to enhance the quality of life for people, while simultaneously advancing corporate performance. The judges were successful Phoenix businessmen and women asking questions such as: Who is your competition? How do you plan to market your business? How will you make money? What makes your product or company different?

The scholarship winners were: $5,000 to Edward Garcia- Housing Development Plan, called Five Stone, whose mission is to provide relocated oil workers with appropriate housing in North Dakota; $5,000 to Katia Chavez- Hospital Custom Gowns; $3,000 to Ana Sotelo- Recycled purses and accessories out of candy wrappers; $2,000 to Nancy Ayala- memory books; $1,000 to Jose Urrea-Barber shop with recording studio and $1,000 to Daniela Corral- DJ Piñatas.

Daniel Cruz’ presentation about the shoe company, Sole for the Soul, did not win, but two of the judges approached him on investing in his idea, according to marketing teacher Julia Bourdo. He has a meeting with them after he graduates in two weeks.

Scott McIntosh created this event and provided the scholarships and camp opportunities.

McIntosh is a retired miner and civil engineer who sold his company and became involved in an organization called Social Venture Partners, which has partnered with Camelback. He has energized the marketing students with several projects and entrepreneurial experiences, including starting up a Junior Achievement chapter. He is passionate about “Conscious Capitalism,” developing businesses that are sustainable because they have a higher purpose of improving lives while performing financially.

Chavez Student Awarded Scholarship to Telluride Association Sophomore Seminar

Mon, 21 May 2012 16:43:43 GMT

Zaria Cheatham has been awarded a full scholarship to the 2012 Telluride Association Sophomore Seminar (TASS) at Indiana University. This six-week-long educational program is centered around a college-level seminar for gifted and highly motivated high school sophomores. This year’s theme is “Don’t Believe the Hype: Facing Cultural Misinformation about African Americans with Historical and Legal Truths.” Among the requirements, Cheatham had to complete a five-essay application and receive a personal interview by the Telluride Association board. The TASS Scholars enjoy free tuition, room and board and books at the seminar. Telluride Association is an independent not-for- profit educational organization which has offered summer programs to high school juniors of exceptional promise since 1954.

Elevate Phoenix Lends a Hand at Chavez

Mon, 21 May 2012 16:44:36 GMT

A program called Elevate Phoenix is lifting at-risk students into college-going, community-minded productive citizens at Cesar Chavez High School. The non-profit, privately funded outreach project connects students with a fulltime staff of peer mentors who provide a peer leadership elective class; after school mentoring/tutoring; career instruction/post-secondary preparation; character, life skill and leadership development and community service. The Elevate Phoenix program at Chavez has partnered with Gateway Community College providing 37 graduating seniors with scholarships, as well as a five-week postsecondary readiness class this summer.

Students in the high school program also give back, mentoring at neighboring Bernard Black Elementary School once a week to create a pipeline of relationship-building and future Elevate Phoenix students, beginning in the second grade. This year, 20 Elevate Phoenix students at Chavez who completed the peer leadership class received fully loaded laptops as a reward at a Senior Recognition Ceremony, May 10. Next year there will be 100 students, and four classes offered.

“The project is really organic, because for every one student we help, we are impacting others, both in the elementary schools and in the high school,” Tim Cleary, Executive Director said. “We want to create a legacy, a revolving door with people who care, and when the high school students help similar kids, the younger kids connect, and it holds the high school students accountable. It is about relationships, and having one significant adult in a student’s life whenever they need that person. “

Cesar Chavez counselors play a big part in selecting the students for the Elevate Phoenix program, and monitor their progress over the semesters. To date, Elevate seniors have a 100 percent graduation and 98 percent postsecondary entry rate, and 71percent of the high school students in Elevate improved their grades annually over the first two-and one-half years of the program.”

The model for Elevate Phoenix came from Denver several years ago, called Colorado Uplift, and it now serves 4000 students in 22 schools. The Elevate concept is expanding to Elevate Orlando, New York and Portland. It is gaining momentum in Phoenix, as well, supported by a growing group of local philanthropists looking for results, not publicity. Next year, Camelback High School and Balsz Elementary Schools will team up with Gateway Community College. Phoenix Union and Elevate Phoenix hope the program grows to other high schools.

Metro Tech Cosmetology Program Open During Summer School

Mon, 21 May 2012 16:51:21 GMT

Metro’s cosmetology program, Protégé of Arizona, will be open during summer school, May 29-June 21, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 40 students need to keep busy as they perfect all services for the State exam. Their prices are sensational, such as their current special: two haircuts for $5.00. No appointments are necessary, but you can call 602 764-8057.

Graduation Schedules Announced

Mon, 14 May 2012 15:44:01 GMT

The Phoenix Union graduation schedule is set for 16 schools, May 23 and 24. Eleven comprehensive schools will hold commencement exercises at the Arizona Veterans Coliseum. Cesar Chavez High School will open up the two-day marathon at 10:30 a.m. on a Wednesday, and Betty Fairfax will have the closing ceremony at 8:30 p.m., Thursday May 24. The line-up is: Wednesday, May 23: Cesar Chavez- 10:30 a.m.; Maryvale-1 p.m.; Alhambra-3:30 p.m.; Trevor Browne-6 p.m. and Carl Hayden, 8:30 p.m. Thursday, May 24: Metro Tech- 8 a.m.; Central-10:30 a.m.; Camelback- 1 p.m.; North-3:30 p.m.; South Mountain-6 p.m.; Betty Fairfax-8:30 p.m.

Small schools Bioscience and Franklin Police and Fire will hold graduations at Herberger Theatre, Wednesday, May 23. Bioscience goes at 4:30; Franklin at 6 p.m. Suns-Diamondbacks Education Academy graduates May 23 at 7 p.m. at Central High School Auditorium and Bostrom’s commencement exercises are Thursday, May 24 at Trevor Browne High School Auditorium.

PUHSD to Provide Free Lunch for Students Over Summer

Mon, 14 May 2012 15:45:53 GMT

For the 31^st summer, the Phoenix Union High School District, along with other agencies, will provide breakfast and lunch for needy children 18 years of age and younger at 12 high schools, Monday through Friday, May 29 – June 27.

Meals will be served at the following PUHSD campuses: Alhambra High School—3839 W. Camelback Road; Betty Fairfax--8225 S. 59^th Ave.; Bostrom High School--3535 N. 27^th Ave.; Camelback--4612 N. 28^th Street; Carl Hayden--3333 W. Roosevelt; Central High School--4525 N Central Avenue; Cesar Chavez--3921 W Baseline Road; Maryvale--3415 N. 59^th Ave.; Metro Tech--1900 W. Thomas Road; North High School--1101 E. Thomas Road; South Mountain--5401 7^th Street; and Trevor Browne--7402 W. Catalina Drive.

Each of these school campuses will be hosting Summer School. Food will be prepared, as it is during the regular school year, at each location in the school cafeteria. Participating community members will be directed to the designated areas of each campus.

Breakfast will be served from 7:30 A.M. until 8:30 A.M., with lunch being served from 10:45 A.M. until 12:45 P.M. Adults are welcome to accompany children and can purchase breakfast for

$2 and lunch for $3.

Summer School Breaks Records

Mon, 14 May 2012 15:48:08 GMT

Phoenix Union is in store for a record-breaking summer school. Almost 5,000 current students have signed up for the May 29-June 21 sessions offered at 12 schools. The District also offers a 9^th Grade Summer School for incoming freshmen, with an emphasis on reading and math courses. The deadline for enrolling is May 18. For more information, contact a District school or call (602) 764-1341.

ASU Hispanic Mother-Daughter Program Held 28th Annual Awards Ceremony

Mon, 14 May 2012 15:49:02 GMT

The ASU Hispanic Mother-Daughter program held its 28^th annual awards ceremony, May 7 and Phoenix Union was well represented. PUHSD currently has 150 students in the program, not including the many participants who are now attending ASU or other secondary education opportunities. The ASU Hispanic Mother Daughter Program (HMDP) raises educational and career aspirations of Hispanic women. HMDP increases the number of first-generation Hispanic women who complete a bachelor’s degree by directly involving mothers in the educational process of their daughters.

PUHSD Students Receive HMDP Star of the Year Award

Mon, 14 May 2012 15:54:26 GMT

Alhambra Individuals Involved in Troop to Teachers Program

Mon, 14 May 2012 15:58:52 GMT

There has been a lot of discussion lately about employment for returning servicemen and women. One such program is the Troop to Teachers program, administered through the Arizona Department of Veteran Affairs. The program helps prepare those leaving active duty, with stipends and grants toward degrees, certification and placement, including a three-year subsidy for teaching at a low-income school. PBS is preparing a story on the program which will air later this spring, and a crew came to ELL teacher Jeanne Erickson’s class for footage, and interviews. Erickson was a master sergeant in the Army Reserve and National Guard for 22 years, before transitioning into full-time teaching, a career she has enjoyed for 15 years. While she had a taste of training military administrators, and substituting, she has been active in the Troop to Teachers program for 10 years, serving as a mentor, supporting new teachers who have retired from active duty. According to the program’s state administrator Ashford Harrigan, former military personnel bring leadership, management, discipline, maturity and experience to the job. Usually, these individuals are not offered the program until they have been in the service for six years or more.

At Alhambra, there are six individuals in the program, besides Erickson: Social Studies teacher Adam Otero, Social Studies; David Thelon, health/PE, Mark Etter, business, Damian Fairbanks; Medical and Health Care magnet manager, Mike Slifer, science and Jim Nixon, JROTC.

“I usually show them my uniform and tell the students about my career at the beginning of the year. The military experience really helps in discipline and controlling a classroom, Erickson said. “Sometimes, for fun, I tell a student who is acting up to get down and do 20 pushups. They think I am crazy, but I tell them if they don’t do it right, I’ll send them over to JROTC, and they’ll show how it’s done. It’s not meant as punishment, but it does get their attention.”

Camelback Students Placed in Top Ten in Entrepreneurship Promotional Project

Mon, 14 May 2012 16:03:12 GMT

Valarie Villalobos and Edward Garcia placed in the national top 10 in the Entrepreneurship Promotional Project event at the DECA International Career and Development Conference on April 27- May 2 in Salt Lake City, Utah, where over 16,000 students from throughout the world attended. The team of Villalobos and Garcia’s 30-page written event started with the vision of volunteer and entrepreneurial advocate Scott McIntosh

“Mr. McIntosh spent hours at Camelback High this school year by spreading the word on our campus about entrepreneurship; creating an Entrepreneurship Club, bringing actual entrepreneurs in from the school’s Social Venture Partners to teach a six-week program about entrepreneurship in six of our Camelback classrooms, starting an after school Junior Achievement Program and offering $12,000 worth of scholarships to senior and junior students who completed a socially-conscious business plan,” Marketing teacher and DECA advisor Julia Bourdo said.

The other Camelback students that attended the International DECA conference were Aaron Doering in the International Entrepreneurship Project; Talisa Gallegos and Martin Corona in the Hospitality Research Event; Jamar Pinnock, Francisco Navarrete, and Antuan Woods in the Sports Entertainment Research Event.

Camelback Held Senior Honors and Awards Ceremony

Mon, 14 May 2012 16:04:03 GMT

Camelback held its Senior Honors and Awards Ceremony, May 7, and through that date, the students had amassed $2,469,228 in scholarship offers. The class’s valedictorian, Jazmine Tamayo and salutatorian, Dulce Ponti were also announced. Tamayo also won a Dorrance Scholarship, which supports first-generation college students. Up to 25 students statewide receive the Dorrance which is valued at $65,000 at either NAU, ASU or U of A.

Camelback Montessori Exceeds Enrollment Goals

Mon, 14 May 2012 16:05:18 GMT

The Camelback Montesorri high school program projected a first-year class of 25, and it surpassed that goal with enrollment. The program starts next fall. Two teachers have been hired, and will spend five weeks in Cincinnati, acquiring the Montessori training and certification this summer. Camelback has the first Montesorri high school in Arizona.

Central Senior Selected as Doodle4Google Finalist

Mon, 14 May 2012 16:06:09 GMT

Senior River MacDonald was the 10^th-12^thgrade state finalist for Arizona in the Doodle 4Google Design Contest. Out of over 114,000 entries across the country, 250 students were chosen asstate finalists. Only one student in grades 10-12 were selected perstate. The theme of his doodle was “If I could travel in time, I’dvisit…..” and his idea was to visit “The cities of the future.” From all the state finalists, only 10 advanced in each age group. The state finalists, and state winnersare at http://www.google.com/doodle4google/finalists.html#d=d5-13

Carl Hayden JROTC Competed at Color Guard Nationals

Mon, 14 May 2012 16:09:59 GMT

Carl Hayden’s JROTC went to Color Guard Nationals in Daytona Beach, FL May 4-5. Two groups competed. The Female Color Guard placed 5th in the Nation and the Male Color Guard placed 15th in the nation. The competition had 40 color guards from all over the United States and Guam. JROTC Instructor Sgt. Cliff Brumels also competed against the other instructors in Florida. In the judging for executing commands he came in 3rd Place.

Trevor Browne Teacher Named National Council for Geographic Education Teacher of the Year

Mon, 14 May 2012 16:11:32 GMT

Social Studies teacher Suzanne Vogt was named the 2011-2012 National Council for Geographic Education’s Teacher of the Year. The National Council for Geographic Education is a non-profit organization, chartered in 1915 to enhance the status and quality of geography teaching and learning. NCGE supports geography teaching at all levels—from kindergarten through university. Vogt most recently organized “Holocaust Remembrance Night” on April 10 to a packed community room of students and staff, overwhelmed by the story of Oskar Noble, a Polish Holocaust Survivor who lived in the Warsaw Ghetto for part of World War II. Noble is also a member of the Phoenix Holocaust Survivor Association.

Trevor Browne Boys and Girls' Track Teams Succeed at PUHSD Track Finals

Mon, 14 May 2012 16:12:40 GMT

The Boys and Girls’ Track teams for their 3^rd and 1^st place finishes at the PUHSD Track and Field Championships, May 4-5. Senior Clarissa Sanchez continued her dominance by winning both the 1600 & 3200 finals, Junior Deshay Harper won both the 100M and the 300M Hurdles, Shermane Smith captured the Long Jump & Triple Jump titles, and Junior Anthony Lopez won the 400, 800, and anchored the 4x800M relay. Lopez is currently ranked one of the top five runners in the state for 400M.

Poetry Central Winners Announced

Thu, 03 May 2012 15:19:49 GMT

Cristián Vega, a ninth grader from Central, won first place overall in the District poetry contest, and was honored at the 16^th annual Poetry Central which took place at ASU Downtown Campus, May 3. Her poem was entitled Warcycle. Alexandra Watson from Metro Tech won the 10^th grade division; Grace Dillon Moffett of Betty Fairfax took first and second places for Grade 11, and Cinthia Garcia from Maryvale won the 12^th grade division, and was second overall. Adrian Gonzalez of Central placed first in Language (other than English).

The event brought 11 schools and 109 school level poetry winners and creative writing teachers together for a day of workshops with professional writers and poets, poetry readings from students and guest writers, and an awards presentation for the winning poems and their creators. Two of Phoenix Union’s own were among the guest poets-- Keith Brazier, an assistant principal at Camelback, who is a published poet, motion picture screenplay writer, television script writer and science teacher, and Central High School English teacher Mark Williams, who has two published novels and is authoring another currently.

Science in the City Held at Franklin HS

Thu, 03 May 2012 15:24:11 GMT

The 8^th Grade summer program called Science in the City will be held June 4 – June 21 (Monday-Thursday) at Franklin Police & Fire High School from 8:30 – 1:30. This year’s Science in the City will be offered to Roosevelt, Balsz and Cartwright students who will be entering 8^th grade next fall. Science in the City will be co-taught by middle school and high school science teachers. The interactive program includes many field trips to “where science happens.” For more information, call (602) 764-1321.

PUHSD Students Participate in Dare2Dream Leadership Conference

Thu, 03 May 2012 15:25:10 GMT

The students shared information to the workshop participants, who were middle school students from partner districts. The panel members were asked to share the following: (1) If you could go back in time, what advice would you give to yourself as an entering freshman on your first day of school? (2) Please share what you love about your campus and what you want others to know.

Over 500 middle school students attended the event, which included student workshops covering themes ranging from “Making your college dreams come true” to “Financial Aid 101.”

This year's conference had a research component to measure the impact of the program in helping students transition from middle school to high school and college. Students will be able to stay connected throughout the year via social media and community involvement activities.

Volunteer Brings Junior Achievement Back to Camelback

Thu, 03 May 2012 15:38:24 GMT

The Camelback marketing department has caught the entrepreneurial bug, thanks to the involvement of super volunteer Scott McIntosh. He has brought Junior Achievement back to the campus, and has fostered entrepreneurship among the junior and senior students in marketing teach Julia Bourdo’s classes. It culminates with a business plan contest called Conscious Capitalism in Action. Twenty-two students started the contest, and on May 10, 15 finalists will get 90 seconds to pitch their ideas to a panel of judges from the business community. On the line are $17,000 in scholarships, provided by McIntosh, which will be awarded to six students. A written business plan has already been judged, worth 70%, but now comes the oral “pitch” to possible “angel investors” or venture capitalists. Two $5,000 scholarships, a $3000 and a $2,000 scholarship will be available for the 12 seniors competing, and two $1000 scholarships will be available for the juniors. Among the businesses pitched are a brag book called “Memories”; a shoe store that sells new shoes, and re-furbishes old shoes that are traded in; “Poi-fit” fire dancing exercise program; a customized piñata business and a company that makes attractive hospital gowns.

McIntosh is a retired miner and civil engineer who sold his company and became involved in Social Venture Partners, which has partnered with Camelback. He began as a guest speaker and now comes to the school once a week. He has energized the students with several projects and entrepreneurial experiences. He is passionate about Conscious Capitalism, developing businesses that are sustainable because they have a higher purpose of improving lives while performing financially.

Camelback's Relay For Life Raises Over $70,000

Thu, 03 May 2012 15:39:13 GMT

Camelback’s 4^th annual Relay for Life all-night walk-a-thon was a record-breaker. The event raised $60,000 for the American Cancer Society before the first steps were taken, the night/morning of April 28-29, and another $10,000 was raised by the end of the event. Last year, the event raised $61,000. Three students raised over $1,000 on their own.

PUHSD Visual Art Students Will Present at SMOCA

Thu, 03 May 2012 15:41:24 GMT

Visual Arts Students from Central High and South Mountain will be presenting their art work during an Opening Reception on May 10 at the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art. This is the culminating art show of their year-long Visions program during which time Central students participated in Photography workshops with internationally renowned fine art photographers and South Mountain students, in hands-on workshops with highly acclaimed Sculptors. The exhibit will run until October.

Stampede Robotics Competed in FIRST World Championships

Thu, 03 May 2012 15:46:32 GMT

The Stampede Robotics Team competed in the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) World Championships in St Louis, April 25-28. Winners of the Las Vegas Regional that earned the team a trip to the event, Fairfax was ranked as high as 11^th in the qualifying rounds, and finished 33^rd out of 100 teams.

“This is a huge success for our team being able to compete at this level with the top teams in the world, Coach Michael Gard said. “Being ranked in the top one-third of all teams on our field shows we had a strong, consistent robot and a strong team. The students did an outstanding job all weekend interacting with the other teams and during the judging interviews. We have a very young successful team and they are already looking forward to continued future success.”

The students also had the chance to visit with many corporations and over 40 colleges that help provide college scholarships.

Fairfax Boys Tennis Finishes the Season with 14-0 Record

Thu, 03 May 2012 15:47:19 GMT

The Fairfax Boys Tennis team finished the season undefeated with a 14-0 record and ranked as the number three-seeded team in the power rankings. They opened the first round of the State Team Tournament April 23 with a victory over Youngker High School, 5-0. However, the Stampede lost a quarterfinal match against 11^th ranked Notre Dame Prep Academy May 1. The Stampede were coached by Jerry Fiedler, who has coached the boys since the school opened in 2007. Fairfax has been led by Dre Avalos, who qualified for the State Individual

Championships, and advanced to the second round, and Taylor Bleigh and Leo Hernandez, who made it to the state quarterfinals in doubles.

Fairfax Students of the Month Announced

Thu, 03 May 2012 15:47:55 GMT

Fairfax Students of the Month for March were Oscar Cisneros, ELL; Rey Delgado, P.E.; James Farmer, Science; Shalleia Jacobs, AVID; Jazzera McKnight, Social Studies; Andy Ortiz, Math; Sierra Preston, JROTC; Ismael Rios, Special Education and Breanna Tranter, Art.

Carl Hayden Robotics Competed in FIRST International Competition

Thu, 03 May 2012 15:50:08 GMT

The Hayden Robotics team, winners in the Arizona Regionals, finished 45^th out of 100 teams in the International FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) in St. Louis, April 25-28. Individually, Falcon team member John Rangel was named to the Dean’s List, one of only 10 of 2000 nominees.

“We earned this ranking despite the fact that we were one of the top individual scoring robots in the division. Our weakness was in not earning enough “coopertition” points, a point system that rewards opposing alliances for working together to balance on the middle ramp at the end of the game,” coach Fredi Lajvardi said. “We were in a position to achieve this, but several of the opposing teams were either not capable or chose not to cooperate for strategic reasons.”

The Falcon robot’s namesake, Angelica Hernandez, a former robotics team member, who graduated from ASU as the Outstanding Engineering Student last year, travelled to St. Louis to watch “Angelica’s Dream” battle. Dulce Matuz, a former Falcon recently named one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People of the Year, was also at the event. She was interviewed at a show for “elite” donors to FIRST, explaining how FIRST Robotics changed her life.

The Falcons now gear up for an underwater event they host in June, and a RoboSub competition in San Diego in July.

Carl Hayden JROTC Drill Team Competed in Golden Bear West Coast Nationals

Thu, 03 May 2012 15:51:26 GMT

The Carl Hayden JROTC Drill teams traveled to California for the Golden Bear West Coast Nationals, competing against 70 teams from Hawaii, Guam, Utah, Nevada, Oregon, Arizona and California, April 28. The Falcon cadets were Novice Division Champions. The unarmed team placed second in the unarmed sweepstakes (overall). The armed team earned a first place trophy in regulation, one of the categories, and a 2^nd place overall. Kevin Chavez took a 2^nd place trophy in Armed Commanders Award and Julian Smith placed 5^th in the Armed Knock Out Drill.

North Boasts 42 International Baccalaureate Candidates

Thu, 03 May 2012 15:52:22 GMT

North High School has 42 International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma candidates and 23 Certificate candidates in its senior class. The IB Diploma is the most difficult to attain. Candidates must take a battery of six subject area exams, complete an interdisciplinary course called Theory of Knowledge, prepare an extended essay reflecting independent research, and complete at least 250 hours of CAS hours (extracurricular activities that can be categorized as creativity, action, or service).

According to research from 2011 IB Graduates from seven countries, having the IB Diploma or Certificate is a great advantage for post-secondary education. The average acceptance rate of Diploma Programme students into college is 22 percentage points higher than the average acceptance rate of the total population. The average SAT score of Diploma Programme candidates who responded is 1953. The average for Certificate candidates is 1794. The national average SAT score is 1500. 97 percent of respondents felt very well or well prepared for future studies, and 65% of Diploma students plan to study abroad during university years, and 51% intend to pursue a career in another country.

South Mountain Social Studies Granted RHO KAPPA National Honor Society Charter

Thu, 03 May 2012 15:55:08 GMT

South’s Social Studies Department has been granted one of the first charters for the RHO KAPPA National Honor Society for Social Studies, Ryan J. Lancaster Chapter. RHO KAPPA is the only national organization for high school juniors and seniors excellence in the field of Social Studies. Students with a 3.0 grade point average or higher in their three years of Social Studies at South will be inducted and given a blue and gold cord for graduation. The chapter was named after Lancaster, a social studies teacher at South, who was killed in a car accident five years ago.

“Mr. Lancaster has left a legacy in many ways, and thanks to his family for making this chapter possible,” social studies instructional leader Cathy Ballman said.

Former South Student Signed to East Carolina for Basketball

Thu, 03 May 2012 15:56:32 GMT

Former South Mountain student-athlete Elise Shelton has signed a national letter-of-intent to attend East Carolina University and play basketball for the Pirates beginning with the 2012-13 season. Shelton, a 6-4 center, played at Phoenix College last season, where she averaged a double-double with 14.7 points and 11.6 rebounds per game. She also produced 3.4 blocks per contest. Shelton led the Arizona Community College Athletic Conference (ACCAC) in rebounding and blocked shots, was fifth in field goal percentage and eighth in scoring. As a Jaguar, she averaged 5.8 points and 4.7 rebounds per game her senior season. The Jaguars advanced to the Arizona 5A Division II state semifinals on the way to posting a 20-5 overall record and 11-1 league ledger.

Bruins Baseball Made Division I Playoffs

Thu, 03 May 2012 15:57:24 GMT

The Bruins Baseball team made the Division I playoffs again this year, and won a first round game against this year’s nemesis, Tolleson, 3-0, April 28. Two of Browne’s four regular season losses came against Tolleson, but the Bruins were seeded ahead of the Wolverines, and were able to host the first-round contest. TGB lost to #3 Sandra Day O’Connor in the second round.

Former Bruin, Marcel Jones, Drafted to New Orleans Saints

Thu, 03 May 2012 15:58:05 GMT

Former Bruin Marcel Jones was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the 7^th Round of the NFL Draft, April 29. Jones played football and basketball for the Bruins, and the offensive tackle played collegiately at the University of Nebraska.

Students Participate in AP Mock Exam

Tue, 01 May 2012 15:16:18 GMT

Over 350 students participated in the District’s 4^th annual Advanced Placement (AP) Mock Exam, April 16 at ASU Downtown, preparing for the rigorous exams later in May.

The students tested in AP Statistics and AP Calculus in the morning, and after lunch, The AP readers gave the students insight on how to write free response answers and reviewed each question’s rubric to ensure that the students are truly aware of the details needed to “Strive for a Five” on the exam. Each reader gave the students an open forum to ask questions. The Mock Exams were created by Math Content Specialist Mona Toncheff and the District math departments to improve AP test grades.

“I was so impressed with our students and their abilities to ask important questions to support their own understanding of the exam,” Toncheff said. “This is a great accomplishment to have so many students in our AP Mathematics program and kudos to all of our math teachers for encouraging increased enrollment in our upper level courses.”

In AP Calculus AB (first year) Cesar Bernal of Metro Tech was first, Brenda Gutierrez, Maryvale and Coniqa Hernandez, Metro Tech tied for second and Geoffrey Graff, Cesar Chavez, was third. In AP Calculus BC, Nhi Van of Maryvale was first, Carlos Valentine, Metro Tech was second and there was a three-way tie for third between Yvette Perez, Metro Tech, Ashley Villalba Escober, Maryvale and Nehal Jolly, Bioscience. In AP Statistics, North students took all places. Sam Goldsmith placed first, Leslie Araujo and Bobby Camon tied for second, and Brandon Hoang was third.

North High had the highest average on the multiple choice section of the AP Statistics exam, and Maryvale had the highest average for the combined Calculus exams, although Carl Hayden had the highest average for the AB exam.

Poetry Central to Take Place May 3

Tue, 01 May 2012 15:18:01 GMT

Phoenix Union’s celebration of the spoken word, Poetry Central, takes place at ASU Downtown May 3. This annual event brings the District’s best poets and creative writing teachers together for a day of workshops with professional writers and poets, poetry readings from students and guest writers, and an awards presentation for the winning poems and their creators. This year, two of Phoenix Union’s own will be guest poets-- Keith Brazier, an assistant principal at Camelback, who is a published poet, motion picture screenplay writer, television script writer and science teacher and Central High School English teacher Mark Williams, who has two published novels and is authoring another currently.

Science in the City to be Held at Franklin

Tue, 01 May 2012 15:18:54 GMT

Carl Hayden Student Selected to Receive ASU Innovation Award

Tue, 01 May 2012 15:23:54 GMT

Marie Araiza was selected to receive an ASU College of Technology and Innovation Junior ST(EM)²Innovation Award. She received the award at a reception at the Polytechnic campus of ASU, April 26. Out of 100 nominations throughout Arizona, only 37 were selected and only 10 math students were selected for the Math category in which Araiza was nominated. One student from each category will be selected for a $1,000 scholarship to ASU for next year and will receive a plaque being honored by ASU faculty for her accomplishments in math.

Maryvale Student Named Gates Millennium Scholar

Tue, 01 May 2012 15:24:41 GMT

Fernando Chavez was one of five Phoenix Union High School District students named Gates Millennium Scholars this spring, earning scholarships valued up to $250,000, which can be applied toward undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees. Over 25,000 applied for the scholarship this year with 1,000 selected. Scholarship recipients are assessed in the areas of academic achievement, community service and leadership. The goal of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Gates Millennium Scholars program is to promote academic excellence and provide an opportunity for outstanding minority students with financial need to reach their highest potential and increase representation of minorities in disciplines such as science, education, engineering, mathematics, public health and sciences.

Chavez was a Congressional Page for Rep. Ed Pastor in the fall of 2010 in Washington, D.C. and earned a 4.0 at the Congressional School he attended during that time. At Maryvale, he has a 4.5 GPA and is in the top two percent of his class, ranked 10^th of 507 students. Chavez has been in JROTC for four years and is currently the battalion command sergeant major. He has co-captained the Maryvale Chess team, which competed in the State Tournament twice in the last three years. Chavez has also mentored children who are involved in chess at the YMCA. A member of the National Honor Society, Chavez is planning to go to ASU for a year and then transferring to either New York University or Georgetown. He plans to study political science and philosophy perhaps as a double major. His career goals are to attend Harvard to earn his law degree and become a U.S. Congressman. His ultimate goal is to run for President of the United States of America.

Metro Tech Chess Team Making a Mark

Tue, 01 May 2012 15:25:27 GMT

There is a new chess team in the District, and it is making its mark. Metro’s Team Rook finished its regular season in the Charter Athletic Association with a 20-1 record and hosted the State Team Championships, April 30, and Individual Championships, May 7. The team competed in the Arizona Scholastic Tournament, April 20-22 against teams from all over the state. Metro won a 2^nd place trophy in the opening round “Blitz” competition, and placed 4^th in the overall competition behind nationally acclaimed Catalina Foothills and Gilbert High School and third place Chandler Prep. Team captain Carlos Valentin won a medal for individual performance. Bud Denny, Danh Vu, Jesus Meza, and Du Vu were other team members. Team Rook is coached by Social Studies teacher Ricardo Gardea.

North Freshman Invited to United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues

Tue, 01 May 2012 15:26:24 GMT

Quetzalli Enrique, a freshman at North High School has been invited to return to the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) for the 11th Annual session which will take place May 7-18 at United Nations headquarters in New York. Enrique attended last year's session, and also participated in the Global Indigenous Women's Caucus and the Indigenous Youth Caucus which meet in conjunction with the proceedings of the UN system.

South Mountain Student Receives Coca-Cola Scholarship

Tue, 01 May 2012 15:28:43 GMT

Jesus Barrentios received a $20,000 scholarship from Coca-Cola. He was a guest of Coca-Cola, April 14-16 in Atlanta, enjoying his first airline flight. Eight students from Arizona were invited, vying for scholarships of $10-20,000 depending on recommendations, class grades, school activities and especially community service. Barrentios plans to attend ASU majoring in some type of engineering. He also has a small computer repair business.

Trevor Browne Student Named Gates Millennium Scholar

Tue, 01 May 2012 15:36:05 GMT

Juan Mora was one of five Phoenix Union High School District students named Gates Millennium Scholars this spring, earning scholarships valued up to $250,000, which can be applied toward undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees. Over 25,000 applied for the scholarship this year with 1,000 selected. Scholarship recipients are assessed in the areas of academic achievement, community service and leadership. The goal of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Gates Millennium Scholars program is to promote academic excellence and provide an opportunity for outstanding minority students with financial need to reach their highest potential and increase representation of minorities in disciplines such as science, education, engineering, mathematics, public health and sciences.

Mora continues a tradition of Gates Millennium Scholars at Trevor Browne. The school had two each in 2007 and 2008. He is already planning to use the Gates Scholarship for graduate school, since he has also won a Dorrance Scholarship, as well, which is a full-ride to a state university. Mora is outstanding in math. This year in Academic Decathlon, he took first place in the math event in District and Region and 3^rd in State. He participated in Mathletes, and not only ranked number one at Trevor Browne, but in the top five percent in the nation. He tutors fellow students in math and writing, is an officer for student government, National Hounors Society, and heads a youth group at his church. Mora has a 4.02 GPA, ranked 13^th in his class of 581, and has already earned 19 college credits through the Estrella Mountain Community College ACE Plus program. He plans to dual-major in: Mathematics (Secondary Education) and Mathematics (Business) at ASU.

Alhambra Chess Competed in US Chess Federation National Championships

Tue, 01 May 2012 15:19:55 GMT

The Alhambra Chess competed in the United States Chess Federation high school national championships for the fourth year in a row, in Minneapolis, Minnesota April 12-15. Sixteen Alhambra students successfully raised $10,000 to make the trip possible. The Lions competed in three different sections with over 1300 of the best high school players from more than sixty teams around the country. After seven grueling rounds, Alhambra was able to take the fourth place trophy in the division for players who are not yet rated on the national level. Hieu Le, Luis Perez, Joseph Orosco, David Luong, and Eric Shan were top performers.

“Special recognition also goes to the Alhambra chess club president Karen Jimenez and team captain Tin Phan for their inspiring leadership in bringing our team together to continue this Alhambra tradition of excellence,” coach Barry Wilder said.

Alhambra tied for second in the Arizona team championships last fall, and Tin Phan won the individual state title.

Relay for Life Holds Special Meaning for Camelback

Tue, 01 May 2012 15:20:34 GMT

The fourth annual Relay for Life at Camelback’s Football Stadium, April 28-29 has extra meaning this year. Longtime former counselor Karen Disarufino lost her fight to cancer, and another teacher was diagnosed, this year. Organizers expect over 300 people and 40 teams to walk all night long, because cancer never sleeps. Camelback, North, Cesar Chavez and Bioscience will represent Phoenix Union. There are four colleges represented—Phoenix College, NAU and ITT, and an alumni group from Clemson, and elementary schools Villa Montessori and Madison Meadows. The Relay begins at 6 p.m. with a luminaria ceremony at 9 p.m. and closing ceremonies at 6 a.m., Sunday. The relay raised $61,000 last year, and already $41,000 was raised as of April 20. The Camelback Student Government, led by advisor Jessica Peifer, has been instrumental in growing the Relay for Life event each year at the school.

Cesar Chavez Student Named Gates Millennium Scholar

Tue, 01 May 2012 15:21:26 GMT

Jessica He was one of five Phoenix Union High School District students named Gates Millennium Scholars this spring, earning scholarships valued up to $250,000, which can be applied toward undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees. Over 25,000 applied for the scholarship this year with 1,000 selected. Scholarship recipients are assessed in the areas of academic achievement, community service and leadership. The goal of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Gates Millennium Scholars program is to promote academic excellence and provide an opportunity for outstanding minority students with financial need to reach their highest potential and increase representation of minorities in disciplines such as science, education, engineering, mathematics, public health and sciences.

Jessica He has a well-rounded background from her four years in Academic Decathlon. During her career, the Champions won two regional titles, and finished in the top 10 at State the last three years. This year at regionals, she won 7 medals, was the overall champion of the Scholastic Division and her perfect 1,000 score tied her for Most Outstanding Interview. Only 16, she skipped 8^th grade, is currently number four in her senior class, and wants to pursue a career in biomedical engineering. She excels in science and math, public speaking and literature, and was Area Champion for the American Region Oratorical competition. She plays violin and piano, is an officer for National Honors Society and spends several hours a week working at her church. One of five daughters to Chinese immigrant parents, she was the first to be born in the U.S. She is deciding between Ohio Wesleyan, University of Rochester and Drexel in Philadelphia.

Fairfax Student Named Gates Millennium Scholar

Tue, 01 May 2012 15:22:08 GMT

Julie Parker was one of five Phoenix Union High School District students named Gates Millennium Scholars this spring, earning scholarships valued up to $250,000, which can be applied toward undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees. Over 25,000 applied for the scholarship this year with 1,000 selected. Scholarship recipients are assessed in the areas of academic achievement, community service and leadership. The goal of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Gates Millennium Scholars program is to promote academic excellence and provide an opportunity for outstanding minority students with financial need to reach their highest potential and increase representation of minorities in disciplines such as science, education, engineering, mathematics, public health and sciences.

Parker is Fairfax’ first Gates Scholar. Her passion is theatre. She has been part of the theatre program since her freshman year. She has acted, and is currently directing a play. She has worked as an intern in the school’s auditorium, is a member of the International Baccalaureate theatre class, and won Best Actress Award at Fairfax. Parker is Native American, a member of the Gila River community and serves on the Gila River Youth Council. Parker was selected Ms. Indian First Attendant for Betty Fairfax. She plans to go to ASU and pursue both a bachelors and masters in Technical Theatre. She would like to work someday at Disney doing musical productions within the parks.

Carl Hayden Student Named Gates Millennium Scholar

Tue, 01 May 2012 15:22:47 GMT

Balmis Lopez is one of five Phoenix Union High School District students named Gates Millennium Scholars this spring, earning scholarships valued up to $250,000, which can be applied toward undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees. Over 25,000 applied for the scholarship this year with 1,000 selected. Scholarship recipients are assessed in the areas of academic achievement, community service and leadership. The goal of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Gates Millennium Scholars program is to promote academic excellence and provide an opportunity for outstanding minority students with financial need to reach their highest potential and increase representation of minorities in disciplines such as science, education, engineering, mathematics, public health and sciences.

Lopez has dreamed of becoming a pilot since he was a young boy and his goal is to fly his own plane. Thanks in part to the Gates Foundation, he is planning to attend Embry Riddle University and major in aeronautical engineering. In addition to being awarded the Gates Millennium, he received: ASU’s Provost’s Scholarship, Westminster College Merit Award, Embry-Riddle Academic Achievement Scholarship and the GEAR UP-AZ College Scholarship Foundation Scholarship. He is ranked sixth out of 468 seniors, with a GPA of 4.57. Lopez is an active member of Hayden’s National Honor Society and is President of the Spanish National Honor Society. He belongs to the school’s sustainability club, Blue Planet Society, and Youth Alive Club. Lopez emigrated from El Salvador, and entered Carl Hayden speaking very little English. After one year in the English Language Learner program, he was able to transfer into mainstream honors classes.

South Mountain Journalism Students Interview Suns Players

Tue, 01 May 2012 15:31:12 GMT

South Mountain journalism students had a lesson in sports writing, April 2, visiting the Phoenix Suns at U.S Airways Arena. They were supposed to cover a practice, but when the practice was cancelled, Suns’ Jared Dudley came out for an interview, and told the nervous reporters to “push through their shyness.” The students visited the media center, and then to a hallway outside the Suns’ lockeroom where one by one, the players and coaches came out, and the young reporters took photographs, recorded comments, and summoned up the courage to ask questions. Channing Frye was a favorite, reminding everyone that he’s playing for his “hometown” team, since he attended St. Mary’s High School.

I was surprised at how cool and nice they were,” sophomore Amie Scroggins said. “I thought they’d avoid us and not want to get interviewed or photographed. The trip actually made me a big fan of the Suns.”

Senior journalism student Milca Calymayor wrote a story headlined “Interview the Pros like Pros” on the memorable outing.

Suns-Diamondbacks Teacher is PUHSD's Newest Master Teacher Mentor

Tue, 01 May 2012 15:32:35 GMT

Heidi Bonfante is Phoenix Union’s newest Master Teacher Mentor, successfully completing the portfolio process for the Arizona K-12 Center. Bonfante is a professional development specialist for small schools Suns-Diamondbacks and Franklin Police and Fire High School. Arizona's Master Teacher Program places experienced, accomplished teachers into leadership roles in schools as mentors or coaches for their peers. Master Teacher Mentors provide observation, support and professional development primarily to teachers in their first or second year of teaching in the profession. Phoenix Union now has ten Master Teachers. Bonfante is also one of the District’s National Board Certified Teachers, having earned her certification in English while teaching at St. Mary’s High School. She has been a teacher for 24 years, but is in her first year with Phoenix Union.

Suns-Diamondbacks Students Participated in Career Day

Tue, 01 May 2012 15:34:33 GMT

Suns-Diamondback students participated in a career day oncampus, April 13. Special guestsincluded a case worker, a representative from the Suns Diamondbacks, a dentistand his assistant, a poet and members from the Phoenix SWAT department.Students engaged in discussions about career choices and educationalrequirements for each field.

Central Jazz Band to Perform at Valley of the Sun United Way Yearly Lunch Banquet

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 15:56:55 GMT

The Central Jazz Band has been invited by the Valley of the Sun United Way to take part in its yearly lunch banquet, April 20. In addition, the United Way has requested that the band record the songs that the students have been working on this semester.

“They are going to use our recording and mass produce 1000 copies of this CD to give as a gift to everyone who comes to the banquet,” band director Jamie Johnston said. “There are going to be approximately 1000 CEO’s and major executives that are in attendance at this year’s event.

The jazz band will rehearse with Diamondbacks’ organist Bobby Freeman, April 11, and go into a professional recording studio, April 12 for a day of recording six songs.

“The recording studio that we are recording at is called Big U Recording Studio. The owner, Sam Esparza, is a Central graduate and met his wife (Renee Young Esparza – band director at Maryvale) while they were both in band at Central. Sam is donating his time to record our kids. This – for him is also a huge undertaking because he has to have the CD ready to ship out in less than 24 hour for the mass production.”

Cesar Chavez to Hold Eighth Annual Senior Portfolio Show

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 15:54:23 GMT

The Eighth Annual Senior Portfolio Show will be held, Thursday, April 19 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. This is the school’s annual celebration of student achievement where all seniors exhibit their best academic, extracurricular, and community service accomplishments. A primary goal of the Senior Portfolio Show is to expose graduating students to many entities—business, higher education, community organizations, and neighboring schools and districts. The show is huge, spanning the gymnasiums and cafeteria, and attracting thousands of parents, students and community members.

“Many times in high school only the star athletes or musicians or honor students have the opportunity to “shine” publicly. The Senior Portfolio Show lets every single student “shine” for one special night and lets thousands of people ask them about their interests, plans and accomplishments,” Spanish teacher and Portfolio Night organizer Susan Soto said. “The families, friends, even entire neighborhoods, former principals, pastors, and coaches are able to take pride publically in their young people and their accomplishments.”

Betty Fairfax Robotics Heads to International First Robotics Championships

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 16:07:35 GMT

It is the first time a Phoenix Union team has won a regional outside of Arizona, and only the second PUHSD school to win a regional (Carl Hayden has won AZ Regionals in 2011 and 2012.) The Las Vegas Regional included 42 teams from Nevada, California, Arizona, Utah, Wyoming and Mexico.

The Stampede Robotics team caught the eye of Las Vegas’ Cimarron-Memorial High School and the Waterford School in Sandy, UT. These two teams along with the Fairfax squad, playing a robotics version of basketball called “Rebound Rumble,” joined forces to become the number one-seeded alliance. The alliance was undefeated at 6-0 in the elimination rounds to win the competition, including setting the competition-high score of 98 points twice during the elimination rounds.

In addition, the Stampede Robotics team brought home the Coopertition™ Award which celebrates the team that best demonstrates the greatest level of Coopertition™ during the event, based on their performance on the field.

The Fairfax Stampede Robotics team members are: seniors Robert Alvarez and Tyler Barfield; juniors Kathleen Sem and Andy Ortiz; sophomores Jonathan Romo; Sergio Lucero; Juan Garcia; Samantha Fletcher; Ricardo Jimenez; Marcus Frazier; Leonardo Enciso; Roberto Alvarez; David Haddad; and freshman Garrett Dubois.

The next challenge is getting to St. Louis, and raising the necessary funds in the next three weeks for entry fees, travel and lodging. Anyone interested in contributing to the Fairfax Robotics team can contact coach and engineering teacher Michael Gard at (602) 764-9000 Ext. 69050 or mgard@phxhs.k12.az.us.

The Stampede Robotics team is sponsored by General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems, JC Penney; Montgomery & Interpreter, PLC, and the Laveen Community Council.

Betty Fairfax and Carl Hayden will represent PUHSD in the International Championships later this month at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis.

PUHSD Offers Free Summer School for Current Students

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 15:50:49 GMT

Free summer school will be offered for current Phoenix Union students, May 29-June 21, Monday through Thursday at all comprehensive high school campuses, and small school Bostrom. Courses will vary by school and student interest. Incoming ninth graders will have an opportunity to improve reading and math skills in preparation for high school at 9^th Grade Summer School, June 4-27. Betty Fairfax and Cesar Chavez High Schools will hold 9th Grade Summer School May 29-June 21. Carl Hayden’s 9^th Grade Summer School is May 29-June 21 and a late start of June 11-29 for incoming Isaac District students. A summer school day will run 8:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. Students can earn one-half credit upon completion of the course.

PUHSD Football Players to Continue on to Phoenix College

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 15:51:43 GMT

Nine football players from Phoenix Union High Schools will continue their playing careers at Phoenix College. Keith Newsome, Alhambra; Benjamin Gardner and Damon Hendrix, Camelback; Brandon Jones and Trey Sueing, Betty Fairfax; Danta Patterson, Chandler Hovik and Deon Vance, Cesar Chavez and Jose Estrella, Carl Hayden.

Bioscience Held Exhibitions of Learning-Projects in Progress

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 15:52:56 GMT

Bioscience held its Exhibitions of Learning-Projects in Progress, April 3-5 at the school. The theme this year was the Challenges of and Visions for Our Community.

Franklin Firefighting Students Competed in Ninth Annual High School Fire Science Muster Competition

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 16:11:21 GMT

The firefighting students competed in the Ninth Annual High School Fire Science Muster Competition, April 14 at Westgate City Center. Franklin took on other high school fire programs from Moon Valley, Apollo, Glendale, Sunnyslope, Valley Vista, Northern Arizona Vocational Institute of Technology and Peoria Unified School District. Fire Departments from Phoenix, Glendale, Peoria and Buckeye sponsored the fire fighter competition.

Maryvale Fashion Students Made 125 Duffel Bags for Arizona Foster Children

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 16:13:16 GMT

The Fashion students made 125 duffel bags for foster children in Arizona, and on April 18, they were able to present them to the organization that distributes them. The fashion teacher is Phyllis Harper.

Metro Tech Future Business Leaders of America Chapter Won Four State Conference Events

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 16:14:27 GMT

Metro Tech has the largest and most dominant Future Business Leaders of America chapter in the state, and it proved it April 5 in Tucson at the State Conference. Metro won four events, placed 2^nd in two, and 3^rd in another. State champs were the Business Presentation team of Janny Valadez and Rebecca Gutierrez; the Virtual Business Management Challenge duo of Edgar Robles and Christain Escobedo; the Business Financial Plan team of Yevette Perez and Janny Valadez; and the Emerging Buinsess Issues team of Joselinne Morales, Sonia Roman and Crystal Ramos. Jose Rojas was second in Job Interview and Manuel Arvizu placed 2^nd in Accounting II. Metro won the Gold Chapter Award, one of only 101 chapters and 4300 student members in Arizona. The Metro FBLA has 168 members.

Metro Tech Computer & Network Technology Students Presented Capstone Project

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 16:15:25 GMT

The Computer & Network Technology Program senior students presented their Capstone Project, April 13. This year the students implemented a Wide Area Network (WAN) topology which linked together Phoenix, the United States’ States Department in the District of Columbia, and Japan.

North Students Participate in ASU's Spirit of Service Junior Scholar Program

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 16:16:46 GMT

Antonio Rocque, Molly Stoneman, Nuri Lucas and Inyene Undoinwang are participating in ASU’s Spirit of Service Junior Scholar program, sponsored by the College of Public Affairs at the downtown campus. The students work 10 hours a week on community service projects, teaming with an ASU Scholar-mentor. The students receive a $1000 stipend for the year. This year, the program included a competition among the five high School groups to make short presentations of their community-service projects, and North had the winning entry. The goal of the project was for the high school scholars to help create a college-going culture among their high school peers. The North team developed an interactive assembly in which sophomores and juniors played “The Game of Life: College Edition”, which was created by the junior scholars. The students moved around the life-sized game board in the gym, taking a survey, learning how to apply to college and determining what level of post-graduate work, and gathering insight regarding ACT and SAT entrance exams, and college-life, especially the critical first year. After completing the game, the students attended a college fair in the school’s quad area.

South Mountain Performing Arts Magnet Students Participated in "At Home in the Desert: Youth Engagement and Place"

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 16:18:17 GMT

The South Mountain Performing Arts magnet students participated in an evening of music, dance and dialogue at an event entitled “At Home in the Desert: Youth Engagement and Place,” April 13. The event at the South Mountain Community College Black Box Theatre featured performances by the Warner A. Gabel Branch of the Boys & Girls Club; and ASU Herberger Institute students. The program explored what it means to live in our desert city as individuals and members of the community.

South Mountain Communication Magnet Students Intern and Produce Own Shows

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 16:19:13 GMT

Cristian Garcia and Dylan Wooley, two communication magnet students, are interning for KXXT 1010 AM and producing their own shows, including a show on bullying that aired March 25. They are producing the Roslyn Williams show “Life Matters Today” on Sunday evenings at the KXXT studio. The two students began by producing public service announcements for local non-profit organizations through Radio Phoenix. Wooley is a member of an anti-bullying committee at South Mountain.

South Mountain to Host Mother & Daughter Tea

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 16:20:03 GMT

The school is hosting a Mother & Daughter Tea April 21 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event, entitled Treasured Moments, is open to the public. There will be activities ranging from table decorating, hat modeling, a silent auction and plenty of food. Admission is $10 per person, or $80 per table. For more information, contact LaVerne Odoms at 602 764-5019.

Trevor Browne Student Named Dell Scholar

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 16:21:47 GMT

Dawt Khun has been named a Dell Scholar. The Dell Scholars Program aims to provide students with everything they need to begin and complete college. Dell Scholars receive $20,000 each to complete their higher education over the course of six years. Khun plans to attend Grand Canyon University, where she will study nursing. She is only one of four Arizona students of 300 nationwide to earn the Dell Scholarship, but based on her life story, those were good odds.

Khun is from Burma. After her father died in an accident, she was forced into child labor by the government. She arrived in the U.S. in 2008 as a refugee, without her family, and was placed in foster care. She knew no English, only Chin, her native language. In two years she was re-classified out of English Language Learner classes, and now has an unweighted 3.8 grade point average. By the time she graduates in May, she will have taken five years of math in four years and is enrolled in the highest math class Trevor Browne offers-- Advanced Placement Calculus 1-2. She is currently taking her fourth year of science when most students only take the required two years. Two years ago, she was selected by the ACE Plus program to take community college classes while she is in high school and she will earn twenty or more college credits before attending Grand Canyon University. To earn enough credits to graduate this year, Khun has been taking night school classes for the past two years.

Now that she has aged out of the foster care system, she is faced with the burden of supporting herself. She had to find a new place to live and is completely self-sufficient.

“She has been successful in school only because of her own determination and eagerness to become educated. There is no other student I can compare Dawt with since her circumstances are unlike any other student I know,” her counselor Christina Salazar said. “The obstacles she has faced and still face are enough to make anyone else give up, but she will never accept failure. Nor will she take her education for granted since she could not attend school for some time in Burma.”

Khun, who is ranked 15^th out of over 500 seniors, is also receiving $10,000 a year from Grand Canyon, and is a finalist for the Asian and Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund.

PUHSD Community Gains Free Access to NBC Learn

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 15:49:58 GMT

Phoenix Union teachers, students and parents can now benefit from an online multi-media collection of over 12,000 videos, documents and images from NBC Learn, the education arm of NBC News. These resources, which include historic primary-source newscasts, the latest current events and original education video from NBC Learn, are aligned to curriculum and state standards. As part of NBC’s Education Nation Los Angeles events in May, NBC News and the University of Phoenix donated 250 middle and high school site licenses for NBC Learn K-12, and Phoenix Union received the two-year subscription, plus free training and professional development sessions. NBC Learn is accessible from the Phoenix Union website at www.phoenixunion.org/nbclearn .

Said NBC news anchor Brian Williams of this new educational feature, “If all these words and pictures were locked in a vault on aging film and video tape, and never used for learning purposes, that would be a genuine tragedy.”

Sweden's The Real Group to Perform at Central High

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 15:59:43 GMT

The Central Choir is proud to present The Real Group, live in concert on Saturday April, 21 at Central’s auditorium. The Real Group, from Sweden, is one of the top vocal jazz groups in the world, according to Central Choir Director Troy Meeker. This concert is being presented in part by the Central Choir program as well as the Sedona Academy of Chamber Singers. Both local groups will also perform during the concert.

“They have a different take on jazz than many of their American contemporaries which makes them intriguing to listen to,” Meeker said. “This is only one of two performances that The Real Group currently has scheduled in the U.S. during this tour so we are expecting a sell out for this very special one night event.”

Tickets are $14, $17 and $20 and can be purchased online at www.realgroupphx.eventbrite.com .

Meeker has also arranged for the quintet to conduct a two-hour student workshop for choir students throughout the Valley earlier in the day. For more information, contact Troy Meeker at meeker@phoenixunion.org.

Senator Jon Kyl and Congressman Ben Quayle to Attend U.S. Service Academies Conference at Camelback

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 15:48:56 GMT

Senator Jon Kyl and Congressman Ben Quayle will host a U.S. Service Academies Conference for all Arizona students and their parents, Saturday, April 28 at Camelback High School from 10 a.m. to noon. Representatives of the Air Force, Coast Guard, Merchant Marine, Army and Naval Academies will explain the unique academic, career and military opportunities each school offers. Congressional staff will also be present to explain the required Congressional application and nomination process. Educators are encouraged to attend, as well. To RSVP, go to http://kyl.senate.gov/rsvp/ or call (602) 840-1891.

5th Annual Stampede Scramble Golf Tournament to be Held May 5

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 16:10:08 GMT

Betty Fairfax High School supporters can help raise money for academic scholarships by participating in the 5th Annual Stampede Scramble Golf Tournament, May 5 at Coldwater Golf Club in Avondale. The school is seeking sponsors and golfers to contribute to a fund that benefits graduates as they move to post-secondary education. The tournament includes a gift bag and shirt, BBQ Dinner, contests and prizes. Registration is $60 for an individual golfer or $225 for a foursome. For more information contact Phillip Wooley, (602) 721-6405 or wooley@phoenixunion.org

Another PUHSD Robotics Team Success

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 17:26:25 GMT

The Betty H. Fairfax High School Robotics team was a member of the winning alliance in the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Las Vegas Regional competition, this past weekend in Las Vegas, Nevada, and has qualified for the International FIRST Robotics Championships in St. Louis, April 25-28. It is the first time a Phoenix Union team has won a regional outside of Arizona, and only the second PUHSD school to win a regional (Carl Hayden has won AZ Regionals in 2011 and 2012)

The Stampede team caught the eye of Cimarron-Memorial High School in Las Vegas, NV and The Waterford School in Sandy, UT. These two teams along with the Fairfax squad combined to become the number one-seeded alliance and moved through the elimination rounds undefeated 6-0 to win the competition, including setting the competition-high score of 98 points twice during the elimination rounds.

In addition, the Stampede Robotics Team also brought home the Coopertition™ Award which celebrates the team that best demonstrates the greatest level of Coopertition™ during the event, based on their performance on the field. Stampede Robotics also received the Judge’s Award at the Arizona Competition, which was a way the judges recognized the team’s unique efforts, performance, and dynamics.

The Stampede Robotics team is coached by Michael Gard. Betty Fairfax and Carl Hayden will represent PUHSD in the International Championships later this month.

Bioscience to Host Evening of the Arts

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 17:29:23 GMT

Our community is invited to attend and celebrate Bioscience High School's 5th Annual Evening of the Arts. The celebration takes place this Friday, April 13th, from 5:00 - 8:00 pm. The evening will showcase artwork from our creative students, along with spoken word and performance art. Support our Galapagos-going students by purchasing food from the gourmet food trucks that will be supporting our event: Luncha Libre, Torched Goodness, and Hey Joe! The school is located at 512 E Pierce Street.

Trevor Browne Competes in Annual Chandler Rotary Invitational Track and Field

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 15:51:25 GMT

Over 100 schools competed in the 72^nd Annual Chandler Rotary Invitational Track and Field meet, one of the top events in the Southwest, March 23-24, and Trevor Browne was there. The Bruins had strong showings in the distance races. Michael Torres was 15^th in the 3200 meters and 25^th in the 1600. Clarissa Sanchez had the 25^th best time in the 3200 and was 36^thin the 1600. said.

“Out of 3000 athletes competing, and well over 100 per event, from all over Arizona and many different states – they did extremely well. Both had personal bests, and great times against elite competition,” coach Robert Mica

Sanchez, a senior, won’t run in college but she was accepted and will attend University of Arizona on a full academic scholarship. Torres, a senior, will run in college and is currently being recruited by Central Arizona.

JROTC Cadet Receives Honors at All Services Rifle Competition

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 15:46:02 GMT

JROTC cadet Alan Rodriguez competed in the All Services Rifle Championship in Anniston, Alabama, March 23-24, where he received a Distinguished Shooters Badge. He is the only second shooter in the Phoenix Union High School District to receive this medal. His overall performance ranked in the top 50 shooters in the nation surpassing over 2000 shooters in the United States.

BBVA Compass Bank and NBA Cares Donate Time, Money to Central

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 15:41:36 GMT

Central High was the beneficiary of the BBVA Compass Bank and NBA Cares “TEAM.WORKS. IN SCHOOLS” hands-on service project, March 28. Over 100 bank employees and Central students joined the NBA Cares team to landscape, paint, install new furniture, and provide educational equipment such as smart boards, e-readers, drying cabinets for the art department and a new ice machine. The NBA Cares team included NBA hall of Famer Bob Lanier, former Sun Cedric Ceballos, former Mercury Bridget Pettis and former NBA player Felipe Lopez. After a kick-off rally, the crew was off to work sites, painting baseball dugouts, landscaping areas of campus and painting murals in the cafeteria. Superintendent Kent Scribner, Governing Board President Linda Abril and Principal Chris Jones went shoulder to shoulder with the NBA and WNBA stars, painting a Bobcat in the cafeteria. BBVA Compass has been with NBA Cares for two years now, doing revitalization projects in six cities this year. This is the second year a Phoenix Union school was selected for the service project. Last year, Trevor Browne received a visit from NBA Cares and BBVA.

Phoenix Union Foundation for Education to hold Annual Golf Tournament

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 15:36:47 GMT

The Phoenix Union Foundation for Education holds its annual Scholarship Open, Friday, April 27 at the ASU Karsten Golf Course. Major sponsors this year are Logicalis, Adolfson and Peterson and CORE Construction. Proceeds fund post-secondary scholarships for Phoenix Union students. For more information, go to http://foundation4education.org/ .

Free Summer School Courses at Phoenix Union High Schools

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 15:35:11 GMT

Free summer school will be offered for current Phoenix Union students, May 29-June 21, Monday through Thursday at all comprehensive high school campuses, and small school Bostrom. Courses will vary by school and student interest. Incoming ninth graders will have an opportunity to improve reading and math skills in preparation for high school at 9^th Grade Summer School, June 4-27. Betty Fairfax and Cesar Chavez High Schools will hold 9th Grade Summer School May 29-June 21. Carl Hayden’s 9^th Grade Summer School is June 11-29, Monday through Friday. A summer school day will run 8:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. Students can earn one-half credit upon completion of the course.

Phoenix Union Student Art Show to Open at First Friday

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 15:32:57 GMT

The Phoenix Union Student Art Show will open on First Friday, April 6 from 5pm - 9pm at Garfield Galleria, located at 316 W. McDowell Road. The show will run through April 27, when student awards will be announced.

Phoenix Union High School Governing Board Adopts Redistricting Map

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 15:31:54 GMT

The Phoenix Union High School District Governing Board adopted a new governing board election wards map at a special meeting, March 27. Presented with two proposed maps, the board voted 5-0 with one abstention to approve the map entitled “Voting Rights Emphasis,” which will be submitted to the U.S. Department of Justice for pre-clearance. If approved by the DOJ, The new election wards will not be in effect until the 2014 Governing Board election.

Phoenix Union began the redistricting process in January to comply with a 1990 consent decree born out of a court case to review, and if necessary, re-draw the boundaries based on decennial census information in order to keep each of the five wards as “nearly equal” in population, as possible, and in conformance with voting rights requirements. Because of rapid population growth in some areas of the school district, and population loss in other areas, new ward boundaries had to be created.

Based on the 2010 Census, each ward should have an “ideal” total population size of 130,518, without diminishing minority voting representation. The adopted map has wards ranging in population from 128,094 to 131,288 residents. The greatest change came in Ward 1 in Southwest Phoenix and Laveen, which went from 169,000 residents to 131,000. Wards 2, 3 and 4 added 12,000-17,000 more residents in the new alignment.

The percent of voting age minority residents increased from 57% to 69% in Ward 4, but dropped two percentage points (39% to 37%) in Ward 3, the only ward that had less than 50% voting age minority residents. Four of the five wards are minority-majority wards, and minority representation was not diminished.

Phoenix Union has seven governing board seats, five representing geographic wards, and two that are at-large, meaning those members are elected from all voters residing in the District. The reapportioned wards will not be used until 2014, when the five single-district governing board terms end. The two at-large governing board seats will be determined in the 2012 election.

The adopted map with realigned ward boundaries is available at www.phoenixunion.org/redistricting.

Maryvale Choir Students Return from International Travel

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 15:48:27 GMT

Maryvale’s choir and guitar students just returned from their international travels , touring Peru where they performed in two concerts, one in Lima for a Catholic School (Colegio de San Antonio) where they played for an audience of well over 600. They toured ruins in Trujillo, Chiclayo, Cajamarca, and Cusco (including Machu Pichu). Their final concert was in Cusco in Iglesia de Santo Domingo. The massive church is built on ancient ruins , the acoustics were stunning and they had a great audience, according to teacher James Yancey.

The Peru group met more Maryvale students in Washington, D.C where both the choir and guitar ensembles achieved gold medals. This is a first for choir (they received a gold rating in both jazz category as well as madrigal). They also received 6 trophies in total for their scores in instrumental as well as vocal. They took tours of the capitol, White House, all the monuments, as well as several of the Smithsonian Museums.

North Kicks off "Spread the Word to End the Word" Campaign

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 15:50:09 GMT

North High kicked off the “Spread the Word to End the Word” campaign, March 26 with an Assembly presented by the school’s Best Buddies Club. The goals of the campaign are to communicate to students that the “R” Word, “retard,” is derogatory and callous and to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities. This campaign also contributes to the school-wide goals of being a safe, bully-free, accepting place for all students. The event included guest speaker Buddy Ambassadors from Best Buddies Arizona, student skits by North Best Buddies students and a video.

Best Buddies matches students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) with other high school students and creates one-to-one friendships between them, crossing the invisible line that often separates those with disabilities from those without. North has been doing the Spread the Word campaign for three years. The school’s club has about 40 general education and special education students. The general ed students commit to a couple hours of companionship and school activities with their buddies, and one off-campus activity a month.

Falcon Robotics Win FIRST Arizona Regional Competition

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 15:43:27 GMT

The Carl Hayden High School Robotics team won the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Arizona Regional Robotics competition, March 23-24 at Chandler’s Hamilton High School. It is the second consecutive year the Falcons Robotics team has won the Arizona Regional, which featured teams from Brazil, Mexico, Canada, New Mexico and Arizona.

The Falcons finished with a match record of 10-1 in qualifying rounds, the second-best record among the 50-team field, and moved into the elimination rounds where they formed an alliance with teams from Toronto, Canada and Seton Catholic High School of Chandler. That alliance, playing a robotics version of basketball called “Rebound Rumble”, won two quarterfinal matches and two semifinal matches. In the finals, the Falcons and its allies lost the first match before winning the final two matches over an alliance of teams from Flagstaff high schools, Scottsdale Saguaro and Glendale Cactus. The win propels the champions to the International FIRST Competition in St. Louis, April 25-28.

The Falcons were also rewarded with the Industrial Safety Award from Underwriters Laboratories for having the best run robot pit and the Innovation in Control Award by Motorola. Falcon team member John Rangel won the Dean's List award and is now in contention for the national award.

The Falcons named this year’s robot, "Angelica's DREAM" to honor Angelica Hernandez, an alumna of the program, and is now a mechanical engineer after graduating as the Outstanding Engineering Student at ASU last year. Hernandez has advocated for the DREAM Act, legislation would provide a path to legalization for undocumented students brought to this country as minors.

Camelback Baseball Gifted Equipment by Dodgers Player

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 15:40:31 GMT

A hometown hero gave back to his community, and Camelback’s baseball team couldn’t be happier. The Dodgers’ Andre Ethier presented the Spartans with new baseball cleats donated by new sponsor, New Balance, March 24. During the meet and greet with the boys, he decided to buy the team new uniforms, too. Ethier played high school ball at nearby St. Mary’s and collegiately at ASU

“I’ve been pretty excited and choked up about this,” Camelback Coach Todd Goertzen said.

Carl Haydent Student Wins Journalist of the Year

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 15:44:29 GMT

When you consider how many high schools there are in Arizona, and how many high school students publishing high school newspapers, to be named the Arizona Journalist of the Year is something special. Senior Monica Contreras of Carl Hayden was so named, by the Arizona chapter of the Journalism Education Association. Contreras has been with Hayden’s newspaper, the Cornerstone, for four years, and is currently editor-in-chief, a leadership position in charge of organizing the staff and serving as the final editor for every story. She has attended many workshops and conventions to improve her skills and learn new things. This year she designed a news magazine, and worked on more videos as both videographer and editor. Monica is also in JROTC, runs track and cross country, attends community college classes on Saturdays and during the summer as part of the ACE program. According to her advisor, Jill Jones, she has a gift for writing, a passion for journalism, and will become the first in her family to go to college.

She will receive a plaque and small scholarship from the Arizona Interscholastic Press Association, and will next compete at the national level.

Alhambra's DECA Club Recognized for Excellence

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 15:38:09 GMT

Alhambra Sports, Entertainment & Hospitality Marketing/ DECA Club was one of 12 high schools nationally, and the only Arizona school to win the National DECA Aspire Higher Advocacy Campaign Award.

Alhambra won the PEAK Level (Silver) which challenged DECA chapters to perform three school outreach advocacy activities, perform three public policymaker outreach activities and perform three community outreach advocacy activities during Career and Technical Education Month in February. This makes the third National Award that the Alhambra DECA program has won this school year.

Among the policymaker activities, DECA did a letter writing campaign to legislative representatives expressing the value and need for support of programs like DECA in the Arizona educational system and the DECA members created a promotional kit about Alhambra DECA for businesses used to form partnership between the program and local businesses. For school outreach, DECA students volunteered at the library for the entire month, and promoted DECA to middle school students and freshmen, and created several morning announcements and emails to promote the club to the faculty, staff and students. In the community, the students helped a middle school theatre class on two Saturdays to build sets for a play, set up a Marketing/DECA website and brought several business partners to give the students first-hand business advice for the future, and emphasizing needed job skills to be successful.

Rob Lange is the Sport, Entertainment & Hospitality Marketing teacher and DECA Advisor.

Senator Jon Kyl and Congressman Ben Quayle to Host US Service Academies Conference

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 15:34:11 GMT

Carl Hayden JROTC Travels to El Paso for Competition

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 15:47:09 GMT

The Carl Hayden JROTC took 30 cadets to El Paso, Texas, March 23-24, to compete in Skills Meets that included Physical Fitness, Rifle, Color Guard( Male & Female), Unarmed Drill, Armed Drill. The Falcons took home the University of Texas Commanders Cup, the first time a Phoenix school has won the overall scoring award, beating 16 other schools. The rifle team took first place, and David Nieto was the top shooter with a 2^nd and 3^rd place individual medals. Other results included the boys color guard-first place; girls color guard-first place, The armed drill team - second overall; PT Team overall- 4^th place, Unarmed Team overall- 6^th place with a overall place-1^st place(Commanders Cup). The teams compete at the State Drill Competition at Alhambra High School, April 14 and the Hayden Color Guards go to Nationals in Daytona Beach, Florida in May to compete for the National Championship in Color Guard.

Fairfax Students Finish 35th in Academic Decathlon

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 14:55:44 GMT

Fairfax finished 35^th in its first trip to the State Academic Decathlon March 9-10 at Mesa Red Mountain High School, but was one of five Phoenix Union schools to make the 40-school field. Savannah Wolfe was the high scorer for the Stampede.

Camelback to Host U.S. Services Academies Conference

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 14:58:15 GMT

Camelback will host a U.S. Services Acadamies Conference for all Arizona students and their parents, April 28 from 10 a.m.- noon. Senator Jon Kyl and Congressman Ben Quayle and representatives of the Air Force, Coast Guard, Merchant Marine, Army and Naval Academies will explain the unique academic, career and military opportunities each school offers. Congressional staff will also be present to explain the required Congressional application and nomination process. Educators are encouraged to attend, as well. To RSVP, go to http://kyl.senate.gov/rsvp/ or call (602) 840-1891.

Central Students Compete at State Speech and Debate Tournament

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 14:59:36 GMT

The Bobcat Speech and Debate team competed at the Arizona Interscholastic Association 5A Conference State Speech and Debate Tournament, held at Mesquite High School, March 16-17. Rand Musaffar reached the semifinal round of Poetry Interpretation, placing among the top 14 performers in the entire state. Nicole Mayberry was State Runner Up in Original Oratory, and placed 4^th in Dramatic Interpretation. In her career, Mayberry has reached six final rounds at the State Championships, with three 2^nd Place finishes. Her finish in Oratory also qualifies her for the National Individual Events Tournament of Champions in that event, to go along with her prior qualification in Dramatic Interpretation. Central’s coach Brian Gruman served as the State Tournament Director.

Other honors to the Speech and Debate team members are: Henry Sands awarded the degree of Distinction, and Sharay Satchell awarded a degree of Honor from the National Forensic League Speech and Debate Honor Society in recognition of their participation in the world of Speech and Debate. Octavio Edgington was also awarded the degree of Distinction from the National Forensic League Speech and Debate Honor Society for his work over the course of the year.

Central Students Selected to Arizona All-State Choir

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 15:02:46 GMT

Over break, four Central students auditioned to be a part of the 2012 Arizona All-State Choir, and William Ramsey and Mizraim Osuna were selected to the ensemble, which will perform in April. Over 800 students auditioned and were required to sing a classical solo as well a selection which they had never seen before. Ramsey and Osuna must now memorize seven songs (in English, German, Latin, and Italian) and will travel to the University of Arizona in April to participate in three days of rehearsal concluding with a concert.

Central Student to Compete at International DECA Competition

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 15:08:43 GMT

Brandon Young learned during Spring Break (March 12-16) that he had qualified to represent Central and the State of Arizona at the International DECA Competition in Salt Lake City Utah, April 27-2. He will compete in the Sports and Entertainment Marketing individual event, as well as take part in many educational events offered at the conference.

Cesar Chavez Decathlon Team Finishes in 9th Place

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 15:10:05 GMT

The Decathlon team finished ninth in the State Decathlon, March 9-10 in Mesa, the highest of the five qualifying Phoenix Union teams, and just edging neighborhood rival South Mountain, which beat Chavez in the Regionals. Chavez has finished in the top 10 at State the last three years. Five students scored 6000 points or more, led by Brian Diaz’ 6681, and followed by Liliana Espinoza, Lisa Wong, Jessica He and Jesus Guzman. Espinoza won a gold medal in Honors Show Prep and a bronze in Honors Show Prep. She added a silver medal in Honors Speech. Karla Martin won a silver medal in Varsity language and Literature. The Champions are coached by William Kibler.

Chavez to Hold Cesar Chavez Celebration

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 15:21:08 GMT

The school will hold a Cesar Chavez Celebration sponsored by the Mecha Club Thursday, March 29. Calvin Tyrell, who is a dynamic speaker on diversity and tolerance will be the featured guest.

Smokejumpers of Boise to Visit Franklin Police and Fire

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 15:21:55 GMT

The Bureau of Land Management Smokejumpers of Boise, Idaho will visit Franklin Police and Fire for the Firefighting students’ awards night for passing the BLM Wildfire course. The Smokejumpers will also come out to the school the next day to give a presentation to the fire students of Franklin. Using high-performance aircraft and parachutes, the 84 jumpers are based in Boise, Idaho. The Smokejumpers’ primary mission is to be first on the scene when fires occur in remote areas. The Smokejumpers can operate out of Boise or virtually any airport with adequate runway length and fueling capabilities, providing a long-range, large-payload, rapid response to an emerging or ongoing fire.

Maryvale JROTC Team Took 1st at State Orienting Meet

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 15:23:18 GMT

The Maryvale JROTC Orienteering Team took the First Place Unit Award at the JROTC Arizona State Orienteering Meet at Lake Pleasant March 3. A total of 33 high schools and 172 teams from throughout Arizona participated in the competition. Richard Gardner and Daniel Rivera were first place overall; Rafael Ruiz and Angel Salazar were 6^th overall, Ivan Velez and Fray Urguijo were 7^th overall, and Yanet Penaloza and Yessina Gonzalez were 9^th overall, and the top female team. Braullio Castillio and Sofia Santacruz were third in the co-ed division.

Orienteering is a fun and challenging outdoor activity in which participants navigate their way on foot, using only map and compass, along trails or cross-country or a combination of both. Orienteering events are held in woodlands, deserts, grasslands, city parks, or almost anywhere outdoors, and each event is divided into several levels of difficulty.

The Maryvale JROTC Orienteering Team is coached by Sergeant First Class Daryl Yost and Master Sergeant Anthony Porchia.

Metro Tech Students Win Culinary Scholarships

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 15:24:14 GMT

Four Metro Tech students won C-CAP (Careers through Culinary Arts Program) scholarships worth over $100,000 to culinary schools. Oscar Sanchez won a bachelor’s program full ride to the Culinary Art Institute at Hyde Park, NY, valued at $96,000. Petra Fierra won at $2500 scholarship, Alejandro Curvas won a $3,000 scholarship and Jack Quijada won an apprenticeship worth $15,000. The awards were presented at a breakfast, March 19.

Metro Tech’s Culinary Arts Chef Dean Wilberscheid spent hours on Saturdays working and practicing with the students, and attended many C-CAP workshops with the students all over the Valley.

North Student Named Top 10 in Careers through Culinary Arts Program

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 15:25:17 GMT

Gustavo Alegria was named a Top Ten Junior in the Careers through Culinary Arts Program. He received membership in the American Culinary Federation as a Junior Culinarian at $65 (High School student between 16-18 years of age) and tuition paid for any Master Class at Scottsdale Le Cordon Bleu.

South Students Place 10 at State Decathlon

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 16:33:13 GMT

The Academic Decathlon team placed 10^th in the 40-team State Decathlon, March 8-9. Connor Wade led the Jaguars and had the 15^th-best score in the Honors division with 7,676, and won silver medals in Honors Economics, and Overall Economics. Markaya Hill won gold medals in Show Imp Overall and Varsity, and gold in Speech Varsity and Overall. She also took silver medals in Show Prep Overall and Varsity. Benjamin Webb won a bronze in Varsity Essay. It was the Jaguars 21^st State competition in the past 22 years under coach Todd Decker.

Trevor Browne Student Receives New American University Scholarship

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 16:34:08 GMT

Erik Mendez has received the New American University Scholarship, worth $11,000 towards his tuition over the course of eight semesters. Mendez maintains a 3.414 GPA, scored a 24 on his ACT, serves daily as a junior AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) tutor, and holds a job outside of school working 26 hours per week, Monday through Friday. Erik has been accepted into Arizona State University, University of Arizona, Northern Arizona University, and University of North Dakota.

Trevor Browne Student Takes Bronze in Math Division of Academic Decathlon

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 16:35:15 GMT

Juan Mora took a bronze medal in the Math Scholastic Division of the State Academic Decathlon, March 9-10 at Red Mountain High School, and was the leading scorer among the Bruins. Browne finished 25^th in the 40-school championship.

Central Choir to Host top Swedish Jazz Group "The Real Group"

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 15:04:33 GMT

The Central Choir is proud to present The Real Group, live in concert on Saturday April, 21 at Central’s auditorium. The Real Group, from Sweden, is one of the top vocal jazz groups in the world, according to Central Choir Director Troy Meeker. This concert is being presented in part by the Central Choir program as well as the Sedona Academy of Chamber Singers. Both local groups will also perform during the concert.

Tickets are $14, $17 and $20 and can be purchased online at www.realgroupphx.eventbrite.com .

Fairfax Senior's Named King/Queen at Military Ball

Sun, 11 Mar 2012 19:01:07 GMT

Fairfax Senior Cadet Major Frank Matos and Senior Cadet Major Chanice Noble were crowned King and Queen at the Phoenix Union High School District JROTC Annual Military Ball held at the Sheraton Crescent Hotel in February. This is the first time in JROTC Military Ball history that the royal duo came from the same high school.

Fairfax Soccer Players Named Second Team All-Section in Division II

Sun, 11 Mar 2012 19:01:56 GMT

Four soccer players from Fairfax were named second team All-Section in Division II, Section III. Forward Armando Lopez, midfielder Glen Bautista, midfielder Cristian Diaz and defender Jose Velasquez received post-season honors.

Seven Camelback DECA Students Medaled at DECA Career Development Conference

Sun, 11 Mar 2012 19:02:27 GMT

Seven Camelback DECA students medaled at the DECA Career Development Conference, March 5-6 in Phoenix and won free trips to Salt Lake City for the International event in April. Edward Garcia placed first in Professional Sales, and teamed with Valarie Villalobos to finish first in the Entrepreneurship Promotion Campaign event. Talisa Gallegos and Martin Corona were first in Business Operations. Autuan Woods, Jamar Pinnock, and Francisco Navarrette placed second in Business Operations. Aaron Doering placed second in International Business Plan, and third in Business Service Marketing. Julia Bourdo is the marketing teacher and DECA advisor. There were 1200 students present, with over 37 schools throughout the state of Arizona. These students will join over 14,000 students at the international competition in Utah. DECA is a student marketing and entrepreneurship organization.

Chavez to Host Redistricting Meeting

Sun, 11 Mar 2012 19:02:58 GMT

Chavez will host a community meeting on Phoenix Union’s redistricting process, Tuesday, March 20 at 6 p.m. Four alternative maps of the re-drawn governing board election wards will be presented for public comment. A final map must be adopted by the Governing Board by April 1.

Franklin Students Earn Wildland Fire Fighting Certification

Sun, 11 Mar 2012 19:03:33 GMT

Twenty-five Franklin students took part in the Urban Youth in the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Conservation and Resource Management Field Certification program, to earn their Wildland Fire Fighting certification and Chainsaw certification in a week-long training conducted by the Phoenix District. They are now ready for seasonal employment and hope to obtain their Red Cards shortly after successful competition of the Wildland Fire Fighting Type 2 training. The students acquired hands-on technical firefighting skills such as proper tool use, fire behavior, fire science, and fire survival skills and operations, field exercises, such as actively building and maintaining a fire line and deploying fire shelters. Prior to the weeklong fire training, the Conservation and Resource Management Field Certification crews travelled to the Prescott National Forest to successfully earn the three-day chain saw and cross saw certification with the Forest Service Staff.

Hayden Midfielder Named to the All-Arizona Boys Soccer Team

Sun, 11 Mar 2012 19:04:09 GMT

Amado Sanchez, a senior midfielder was named to the All-Arizona boys Soccer team by the Arizona Republic, one of 11 players selected.

1987 Carl Hayden Boys 4A State Championship Honored

Sun, 11 Mar 2012 19:04:41 GMT

The 1987 Carl Hayden Boys 4A State Championship team was honored at halftime of the State Division I Boys Championship game, February 25 at Jobing.com Arena. The coach back then, Argie Rhymes, is still the Falcons coach today. The 1987 squad was the second of four state titles Rhymes won at Hayden where he has coached for 30 years. Rhymes’ coaching career, which began at Phoenix Union High School, has run 37 years with over 600 wins.

Falcons Varsity Softball Played in Buckeye Softball Invitational

Sun, 11 Mar 2012 19:05:17 GMT

The Lady Falcons Varsity Softball team participated in the Buckeye Softball Invitational, March 2-3 and won the consolation bracket by beating Parker, 6-5. Alberto Castro is the girls softball coach.

Carl Hayden to Host Golf Tournament

Sun, 11 Mar 2012 19:05:38 GMT

Carl Hayden will hold its annual golf tournament fundraiser, Saturday, April 28 at the Arizona Grand Resort. The Tommy Nuñez Foundation Fundraiser for Carl Hayden Community High School benefits student extracurricular activities and athletics. Team foursomes and sponsorships are also available. For more information, contact Moody Jackson at (602) 764-3034.

Maryvale Soccer Doing Well

Sun, 11 Mar 2012 19:06:43 GMT

Boys soccer coach Abel Hoyos was named the Division I Coach of the Year. He also was chosen the Division I, Section I Coach of the Year. Hoyos led the Panthers to the State Tournament, and were top-ranked, before Tolleson upset Maryvale in the second round.

Jose Hernandez, a freshman midfielder for the Panthers was named to the second team Division I All-State team by the Arizona Republic. He was the only freshman on either the first or second teams.

Maryvale’s Girls did well too, in the post-season honors. Forward Andrea Mungia and defender Martha Perez were first team all-Section I and Stephanie Mungia was named to the second team.

Maryvale Hosts Track Meet

Sun, 11 Mar 2012 19:07:03 GMT

The Phoenix Union Relays kicks off the track season for the District schools. The State Champion Chandler girls and boys also made the trip to Maryvale, March 2, and won both divisions. Trevor Browne came in second in both the boys and girls divisions. Betty Fairfax was third in the boys division and South Mountain took third in the girls division.

Metro Students Take 2nd Place in FBLA Virtual Business Management Game

Sun, 11 Mar 2012 19:07:44 GMT

Edgar Robles and Christian Escobar teamed up and took second place in the National Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Virtual Business Management game. The duo competed against 287 High School teams from 28 states across the country. The on-line contest, sponsored by Knowledge Matters LLC, is presented every year to help teach high school students entrepreneurship, management, and supervision. Students use Virtual Business software to experience the virtual management of a warehouse distribution center. Students must incorporate a variety of decision making strategies and be quick with scheduling, planning, organizing, and financing of their business. This year’s Virtual Business Management contest was played from February 2-March 2. Robles and Escobar, under the nickname “RET” jumped into first place early in the month-long contest and maintained their nationwide lead until moments before the contest closed. They finished second in the nation and earned a trip to FBLA nationals this year in June.

South Mountain Soccer Coach Named Coach of the Year

Sun, 11 Mar 2012 19:08:09 GMT

Boys soccer coach Carlos Aguilera was named the Division II Section 3 Coach of the Year. The Jaguars advanced to the state tournament, but lost to eventual state champion Tucson Salpointe. Soccer player Yabin Cruz, a junior forward was named to the Arizona Republic’s Boys Division II All-State second team.

Browne has Three Soccer Players Named to All-Division I 2nd Team

Sun, 11 Mar 2012 19:08:42 GMT

Trevor Browne had three soccer players named to the All-Division I 2nd team- forward Enrique Martinez, midfielder Joshua Murrillo and defender Efren Salayandia. Stephen Verdugo, a goalie, joined the other three Bruins on the 2nd team, all-Section 1 team.

3 Trevor Browne Teachers Accepted to Advanced Placement (AP) Fellows Program

Sun, 11 Mar 2012 19:09:13 GMT

Three Trevor Browne teachers have been accepted to the Advanced Placement (AP) Fellows Program. The recipients are Tracey Clark (French), Amy Huss (Spanish) and Brisa Lagunas (Spanish). The College Board AP Fellows Program awards scholarships to secondary school teachers who teach AP or Pre-AP courses in schools that serve economically disadvantaged students or traditionally underrepresented minority students. College Board AP Fellow recipients receive a scholarship of $1,000 to attend an AP Summer Institute. Clark will attend the institute in San Diego. Huss and Lagunas will attend institutes in Tucson and Phoenix, respectively. AP Summer Institutes are subject-specific professional development opportunities that provide teachers with the support and training needed to teach AP courses.

Phoenix Union to Host Teacher Job Fair

Sun, 11 Mar 2012 19:09:36 GMT

Phoenix Union will host a Teacher Job Fair, Saturday, March 24 at Metro Tech High School, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Schools are primarily seeking math, science and special education teachers.

Foundation to Host Scholarship Open Golf Tournament

Sun, 11 Mar 2012 19:10:04 GMT

Governing Board To Adopt New Election Ward Map March 27

Sun, 11 Mar 2012 19:10:43 GMT

The Phoenix Union Governing Board will adopt a new election ward map at the March 27 special governing board meeting which will then be sent to the Department of Justice for pre-clearance. That map will be a reconfiguring of the five wards based on 2010 population census data. The public and governing board is considering four alternative maps developed from input at community meetings, and from proposed maps submitted by the public via an online mapping program. These alternative maps, with demographic background information, are available at the Phoenix Union website at www.phoenixunion.org/redistricting. One community meeting was held March 5 and another is scheduled for March 20 at Cesar Chavez High School at 6 p.m. Public input will be considered through March 22.

The school district is complying with a 1990 consent decree born out of a court case to review, and if necessary, re-draw the boundaries based on decennial census information in order to keep each ward as “nearly equal” in population, as possible, and in conformance with voting rights requirements. Because of rapid population growth in some areas of the school district, and population loss in other areas, new ward boundaries have to be created. Based on 2010 census data, each ward should have an “ideal” total population size of 130,518, without diminishing minority voting representation.

Alhambra Student Named to the Division I All-State Second Team.

Sun, 11 Mar 2012 19:00:20 GMT

Martin Plascencia, a senior midfielder for the Lions was named to the Division I All-State second team by the Arizona Republic. Ivonne Perea-Garcia, a forward on the girls soccer team was named to the Division I, Section I all-section first team.

Bioscience Student Selected as Youth Ambassador

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 19:01:22 GMT

Santiago Gariepy has been selected as a youth ambassador to travel to Ramat-Gan, Israel for a summer student exchange program. The Youth Ambassador Exchange Program, sponsored by Phoenix Sister Cities, offers young people an opportunity to learn about and experience each other’s cultures. The students live with a host family for three weeks and then house their host family’s son or daughter when they come to Phoenix later in the summer. Ramat-Gan is one of nine Phoenix Sister Cities.

Camelback Still Accepting Applications for Montessori College Prep High School

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 19:02:48 GMT

The school is still taking applications for its new Montessori College Preparatory High School, which will begin with 9^th graders next year. For more information, contact Melissa Jackson at 602 764-7000, or go to the school website at www.camelbackhs.org to find an application.

Central Speech and Debate Excells at Local and National Level

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 19:04:29 GMT

Nicole Mayberry traveled to the Harvard National Speech and Debate Tournament, February 16-18, which featured students from almost 400 schools, representing 40 states and five countries. She reached the Quarterfinals of Dramatic Interpretation, which means she was among the final 24 competitors in a field that started with close to 400 entries. Mayberry also reached the Octafinals of Original Oratory, placing among the final 50 out of 305. Mayberry has been awarded the degree of Premier Distinction, the highest degree that the National Forensic League Speech and Debate Honor Society can bestow upon a student, representing excellence in all forensic disciplines. Only one-percent of all speech and debate competitors ever earn this degree.

Closer to home, other Speech and Debate Bobcats competed at Copper Canyon High School, February 17-18. Octavio Edgington placed 3^rd in Lincoln-Douglas Debate. Shad Padilla reached the semifinals of Prose Interpretation.

Other honors for Bobcats include Padilla earning membership into the National Forensic League Speech and Debate Honor Society. Khaina Cole, awarded a degree of Distinction and Julian Gonzales, awarded a degree of Special Distinction.

Chavez Boys Basketball Falls One Game Short

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 19:06:02 GMT

Cesar Chavez’ quest for a first state title in a team sport fell one game short, when the Champions fell to Tempe Corona del Sol, 66-53 in the Division I Boys Basketball State Championship game, February 25. It was the second time in three years that Chavez played in the title game. The Champions finished the season 27-6, beating Sierra Vista Buena, Mesa Red Mountain, and Pinnacle in the tournament, before taking on the top-seeded Aztecs. It is the fifth year in a row that a Phoenix Union basketball team has played in a state championship game. The South Mountain girls won state in 2008, North boys in 2009 and 2010 (over Chavez), and Betty Fairfax in 2011.

Laveen Baseball Classic Kicks off High School Baseball Season

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 19:07:09 GMT

The Laveen Baseball Classic has become bigger and better as a kickoff to the high school baseball season. The third annual tournament, played February 22-25, attracted 20 teams, including nine Phoenix Union teams, and teams from as far away as Douglas, Sierra Vista and San Luis. Ball fields were used at Cesar Chavez, Betty Fairfax and Alhambra. Trevor Browne won the Division I title, while Queen Creek took the Division II/III title. This year, the tournament committee decided to honor the late North High coach Jeff Pankenier who passed away last October. The MVP award was called “The Hawk” after the former coach’s nickname. Dave Pankenier, Jeff’s brother, was present to make the presentation of the awards to Trevor Browne’s Jesus Soto, and Queen Creek’s Chad Leonard.

Carl Hayden to Hold Annual Golf Tournament Fundraiser

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 19:08:24 GMT

Carl Hayden will hold its annual golf tournament fundraiser, Saturday, April 28 at the Arizona Grand Resort. The Tommy Nuñez Foundation Fundraiser for Carl Hayden Community High School benefits student extracurricular activities and athletics. An early bird discount of $70 per player ($15 less) is offered prior to March 9. Team foursomes and sponsorships are also available. For more information, contact Moody Jackson at (602) 764-3034.

Maryvale Dancers Awarded Superior with Distinction

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 19:09:50 GMT

The Maryvale dancers walked away with a rating of Superior with Distinction in all three categories of adjudication, including choreography, technique and performance at the Arizona State Dance Festival, February 25.

“Melissa Calles choreographed the piece for the show, demonstrating amazing skill and maturity in her choreography. The dance company members performed with amazing energy, strength, pride, professionalism, passion and commitment,” dance company director and Performing Arts instructional leader Amanda Kinnaird said.

Members of the dance ensemble are Yesenia Arellano; Melissa Calles; Vanessa Castaneda; Flor Castro; Janet Flores; Alexa Hernandez; Pedro Hernandez; Shalise Johnson; Alejandra Navarrete Mendoza; Fernanda Ordaz; Osiris Ornelas; Angelica Ortega; Eduardo Perez; Andrea Reyes Ramirez and Jocelin Rios.

Metro Tech Students Win at Arizona Skills/USA Regionals

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 19:11:04 GMT

Six Metro Tech Automotive Technology students were winners in the Arizona Skills/USA regionals in the Brakes, Steering and Suspension contest, February 24. From the morning classes, Victor Soto won gold, Cristian Olvera, silver and Rosendo Bojorquez, bronze. In the afternoon classes, Roberto Bastida won gold, Walter Reyes, silver and Mauricio Guitron, bronze.

North Student Selected as Youth Ambassador

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 19:11:45 GMT

Susan Valdez-Villarreal has been selected as a youth ambassador to travel to Ennis, Ireland for a summer student exchange program. The Youth Ambassador Exchange Program, sponsored by Phoenix Sister Cities, offers young people an opportunity to learn about and experience each other’s cultures. The students live with a host family for three weeks and then house their host family’s son or daughter when they come to Phoenix later in the summer. Ennis is one of nine Phoenix Sister Cities.

North High School to Compete in Upcoming Robotics Competition

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 19:12:49 GMT

North High will field a robot in the upcoming FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Arizona Regional Robotics competition at Chandler Hamilton High School, March 22-24, but the team couldn’t do it alone. The 15 students have partnered with two Arizona State University science professors, John Olson and Cayle Lisenbee, who are mentors. John Doherty, a math teacher and club sponsor for the North Robotics didn’t think the team would compete this year, but anonymous donors gave the $6000 needed to enter the event.

South Mountain JROTC Wins All Army Invitational

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 19:13:38 GMT

South Mountain JROTC competed in the All Army Invitational at Carl Hayden, February 25 and won first place overall in the unarmed competition. The Armed drill team took home 2^nd in inspection. The South Mountain JROTC traveled to San Antonio, Texas earlier in February and competed in our Brigade Drill Meet featuring the best of eight states and came home with 2^nd place in exhibition drill.

Bioscience student selected to speak by National Epilepsy Foundation

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 15:11:01 GMT

Santiago Gariepy, junior, has been selected by the National Epilepsy Foundation to speak in front of a congressional committee regarding epilepsy this spring. Gariepy and his mother will leave for Washington D.C. on March 31.

Camelback Accepting Applications for Montessori College Prep High School

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 15:22:41 GMT

Camelback GEARS Experience to be held March 1-3

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 15:26:47 GMT

The Camelback GEARS Experience will be March 1 from 3 to 7 p.m. GEARS stands for the School of Game Design, Engineering, Architecture, Robotics and Sustainability. Junior high students and their parents are invited to attend, to learn more about the “school within a school” that focuses on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.) This year, the GEARS Experience will be held in conjunction with the annual Camelback Pride Night. There will be many displays, hands-on activities and contests for students and their families. The school is also inviting exhibitors to participate in the event, and to support the activities and competitions of the Camelback SkillsUSA student organization. To reserve a display booth, contact Dr. Jeanea Lambeth at (602) 764-7000, or lambeth@phoenixunion.org .

Chavez Boys Basketball Advanced to the Semifinals

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 15:28:02 GMT

The boys’ basketball team continued to roll in the Division I State Championship tournament. The Champions earned a first round bye, beat Sierra Vista Buena, February 18 and Mesa Red Mountain, February 21. Chavez advanced to the semifinals at Jobing.com Arena, meeting Pinnacle in a semifinal game, February 23. Two years ago, Chavez lost to North High in the championship game of Class 5A, Division I.

Carl Hayden Theatre Arts Program Ranked "Excellent"

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 15:29:00 GMT

Hayden’s theatre arts program received a rating of “Excellent” for their performance, and their show was ranked as one of the top shows at the Arizona One Act competition in Tucson, February 18. Even more impressive is that social studies teacher Trish Galindo wrote the play, entitled “Quince.” It is a play about teen pregnancy in which the lead character, Marisol, reveals to her parents that she is pregnant during her Quinceanera. There were 20 students in the production, 17 on stage and three backstage. The play was first performed at Hayden in December.

Carl Hayden JROTC Rifle Team Competed in 2012 Army JROTC Service Championships

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 15:37:09 GMT

Carl Hayden’s JROTC Rifle team competed in the 2012 Army JROTC Service Championships in Anniston, Alabama, February 8-12, finishing 14^th in the nation. This competition started last November with 214 teams and 2150 shooters stretching as far east as Germany and as far west as Guam, Japan and Hawaii. Captain Alan Rodriguez, a junior in his second year with the rifle team, medaled, finishing 15^th, and received a Junior Distinguished Shooter Badge. He also qualified to shoot in the All Services match, March 22-24 in Anniston, Alabama. David Nieto finished 24^th, and he may qualify for the All Services event, as well. Other team members are Kevin Chavez, 60^th place, Yara Hernandez,118^th and Nestor Alvarez, 148th. Hernandez and Alvarez are first-year shooters. The team scored 4151 points out of 4800 possible points. . The team competes in the Sporter Three-Position Air Rifle division. According to Cordero-Torres, Sporter means the rifle and equipment costs are minimal compared to what the Olympic shooters use, although some of the shooters that were in this competition will be competing at the Olympic trials this month. The Hayden team is coached by Sergeant First Class John Cordero-Torres

Carl Hayden SciTech Festival Continues

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 15:38:41 GMT

The SciTech Festival continues with Carl Hayden hosting an all-day science festival, Saturday, March 3. Robotics, engineering, alternative fuel vehicles and solar energy exhibits will be on display. Hayden also hosted Dean Kamen, the famous inventor who started FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics competitions, February 21. His topic, “A Morning of Robotics,” featured the award-winning Falcon Robotics team. SciTech is the biggest Arizona celebration of innovation ever. Over 250 organizations have partnered to showcase Arizona’s leadership in science, technology and innovation with over 150 free events.

Carl Hayden Science Teacher Awarded Honorable Mention

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 15:39:29 GMT

Fredi Lajvardi, science teacher and robotics coach was awarded an Honorable Mention for the DiscoverE Educator Award by the National Engineers Week Foundation and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, February 22 in Mesa. He was selected for his dedication in transforming student achievement through engineering in grades 6-12. He was selected among educators from all over the country.

Maryvale Hosted Community Safety Expo

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 15:40:22 GMT

Maryvale hosted a Community Safety Expo, February 16. Phoenix Police gave a public safety presentation, discussing crime statistics and trends, and gave tips regarding reporting incidents, taking precautions and how to protect self and property. Parents and students also heard presentations on drugs and alcohol, and gangs and graffiti.

Suns-Diamondbacks to Begin New Community Council

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 15:41:21 GMT

The staff and faculty of Suns Diamondback Education Academy are beginning a new community council, to plan ways to provide support to the school and students. The council would meet ever month. They kicked off the council, February 22 with brainstorming and planning purposes. Representatives from the Suns, the Diamondbacks and Bookman’s will be in attendance.

“The Suns and the Diamondbacks have expressed a desire to become more active in their support of our school. Bookman’s wants to establish a relationship, and have given gift cards to the teachers for supplies and have offered to supply games for a game room for the students to use at lunch,” Principal Lisa Scinto said.

North to Host 5K Memorial Run

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 15:42:00 GMT

North High will host a 5K Memorial Run, March 3 in honor of Coach Jeff Pankenier, who passed away in September. The school staff and students want to pay tribute to baseball and football coach Pankenier for his years of dedication and commitment to athletics. The run will start at 9 a.m. from Central High School, and the route runs through Steele Indian School Park. Entry fees are $20 for adults, and $10 for students. The proceeds from this event will provide a scholarship fund for senior athletes from North High School. Participants can register on-line at www.northhs.com .

PUHSD Governing Board Ward Redistricting Process Continues

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 15:06:11 GMT

The process of redrawing Phoenix Union Governing Board election wards continues. Residents have had the opportunity to submit map proposals through an online mapping program. At the March 1 Governing Board meeting, (6:30 p.m. District Offices) the District’s consultants, Research Advisory Services, Inc., will present 4-5 alternative maps to the Governing Board. On Monday, March 5 maps will be presented to the community at a public meeting for resident input. That meeting will be at 6 p.m. at the District offices. Input will be considered through March 22. On Tuesday, March 27, at 6 p.m. at a special Governing Board meeting, the Governing Board will adopt one final map, which will be submitted to the Department of Justice.

The school district is complying with a 1990 consent decree born out of a court case to review, and if necessary, re-draw the boundaries based on decennial census information in order to keep each ward as “nearly equal” in population, as possible, and in conformance with voting rights requirements. Because of rapid population growth in some areas of the school district, and population loss in other areas, new ward boundaries have to be created. Based on 2010 census data, each ward should have an “ideal” total population size of 130,518.

The reapportioned wards will not be in effect until 2014, when the five single-district governing board terms end. The two at-large governing board seats will be determined in the 2012 election.

More information on the Phoenix Union redistricting process, can be found at www.phoenixunion.org/redistricting.

Fairfax Outstanding Professional Learning Community Named

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 15:07:32 GMT

The Algebra 1-2 Team of Patricia Chittenden, Michael Epstein, Greg Jarvis, Katherine Martinez, and Josh Wray were named the Outstanding Professional Learning Community (PLC) team for the first semester. This Team collaborated to create the highest A-C student grade attainment rate and Criterion Reference Test (CRT, a District-wide final exam) passing rate in Fairfax Algebra 1-2 course history.

“Their combined work created unprecedented student achievement growth in the math department and their students finished among the top two percent in CRT percentage passing rates in Algebra for the entire district,” Principal Zack Muñoz said.

“Special PLC recognition goes out to Katherine Martinez for her outstanding work with her students in Pre-Calculus. 92% of her students passed the first semester CRT exam with a 70% or better, which is the highest passing percentage in all of PUHSD.”

Stampede basketball falls short against Peoria

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 15:09:33 GMT

After an outstanding season that had them ranked #1 in the power rankings at one point, the Stampede Basketball team fell short in defense of its State Championship, ending its season, February 22 in the quarterfinals of the Division II playoffs with a 55-53 loss to Peoria.

Congratulations to Maryvale Dance Ensemble!

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 18:18:10 GMT

“Melissa Calles choreographed the piece for the show, demonstrating amazing skill and maturity in her choreography. The dance company members performed with amazing energy, strength, pride, professionalism, passion and commitment,” dance company director and Performing Arts instructional leader Amanda Kinnaird said.

Alhambra Students win at Academic Decathlon

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 16:58:09 GMT

Freddy Melara won gold medals in Music and Science in the Scholastic Division, and Barbara Olachea won a bronze medal in the essay event in the Honors Division at the Region II Academic Decathlon, February 3-4 at Cesar Chavez High School.

Alhambra Student Awarded for Artwork

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 16:59:21 GMT

Maribel Torres was one of three Phoenix Union students to have her art selected by the Phoenix Union Foundation for Education for its annual Gala, February 10. Torres received a monetary purchase award for the piece, which was presented to one of the honorees at the event.

Her art teacher is Julia Flannigan.

Betty Fairfax Academic Decathlon Team Moves Forward to State

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 17:00:17 GMT

The Fairfax Academic Decathlon team will be one of four rookie teams competing at the State Academic Decathlon for the first time. The Stampede placed 3^rd in the Super Quiz Relay, and finished 7^th in the 28-team Region II competition, February 3-4, earning an at-large spot in the 40-school State event, March 9-10 at Mesa Red Mountain High School. According to Coach Ryan Usserry, the team members have increased their scores ten percent from last year and they reached their goal of making it to the state championships. Top performers were senior Emmanuel Casildo, with a gold medal in Scholastic Essay and senior Dillon Jumps, who earned a silver medal in Scholastic Economics.

Fairfax Boys Basketball Finished #1 in Division II Power Rankings

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 17:01:51 GMT

The boys basketball team, defending state champions, finished the regular season, ranked #1 in the Division II Power Rankings. The top eight teams in each of the three sections played a sectional tournament, February 8-11, before moving on to the 24-team state tournament. A section consists of 21 or 22 teams. The section tournament will determine four automatic bids to the state tournament as well as the section champion and runner-up. The state tournament begins February 16 and culminates with the championship game, February 25 at Jobing.com Arena in Glendale.

Camelback Teacher Awarded Betty Fairfax Outstanding Teacher Award

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 17:02:49 GMT

Marketing teacher and DECA Club advisor Julia Bourdo was honored at the Phoenix Union Foundation for Education Gala, February 10, winning the Betty Fairfax Outstanding Teacher Award, named after the late educator/philanthropist. This is the first time the award has been presented.

Camelback Students Place in Academic Decathlon

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 17:03:30 GMT

Maria Lopez and Aaron Doering won medals at the Region II Academic Decathlon. Lopez won a bronze in Varsity Science, and Doering was a bronze medalist in Scholastic Speech.

Central Students Awarded at Gala Art Contest

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 17:04:12 GMT

Robert Falls and Karina Rocha won the Phoenix Foundation for Education Gala Art contest, and their pieces were presented to honorees at the February 10 event. The students received a monetary purchase award. Of the three selected, two came from Central and fine arts teacher Cianne Guidry’s class.

Central Band Students Featured on ABC 15

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 17:04:52 GMT

Saxophonists Ivan Martinez Morales and Julian Salazar got up extra early to represent Central by performing duets for the ABC15 Morning News, February 7. They performed at the Fry’s Market at 7^th Avenue and Camelback to help bring awareness to the 100-ton food drive.

“It was for a great cause, and these two boys did an amazing job representing Central,” said band director Jamie Johnston, who arranged the 5-7 a.m. appearance.

Central Students Place in Academic Decathlon

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 17:05:35 GMT

Stephanie Walker won a gold medal in Art and Angelica Pope won a bronze medal in Music and a silver in Science in the Varsity Division of the Region II Academic Decathlon, February 3-4 at Cesar Chavez High School.

Chavez Hosts Academic Decathlon

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 17:07:31 GMT

The Champions hosted the Region II Academic Decathlon, February 3-4, and it turned into a battle of Baseline Road, before South Mountain High topped the two-time defending champs. Boulder Creek came in a distant third in the 28-team competition. Chavez qualified for the State Decathlon at Red Mountain High School, March 9-10. Their team score of 37,068 is 8^th-best in the state. Chavez and South dominated the medals. Jessica He and Brian Diaz finished 1-2 in overall points scored in the Scholastic Division, and Liliana Espinoza won the silver in overall points in Honors Division.

Seven of the nine students captured individual medals, and the team took second place in the Super Quiz Relay. Diaz won seven medals, including gold in Music, Art, Economics and Super Quiz, while Jessica He had six silver and a gold in Interview, where she shared the Most Outstanding Interview Trophy with three other girls who had perfect 1,000-point scores. Other medalists were Jesus Guzman and Ray Villariz in Honors; Lisa Mai in Scholastic and Karla Martin in Math.

Chavez Girls Basketball Wraps Up While Boys Program Continues

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 17:09:36 GMT

The Champions Basketball team entered the Division I, Section I tournament as the top seeded school in the eight-team event, and 5^th in all of Division I, according to power rankings. The tournament, February 8-11 will determine seeding for the 24-team Division I tournament which begins February 16.

The Chavez Girls Basketball team finished 9-9, one place out of the sectional playoffs, but it was a memorable season as the adopted team of the WNBA Phoenix Mercury. The Mercury was on hand for Senior Night, February 2 when nine of the 11 team members were honored. The Mercury brought out its hip hop squad, mascot Scorch, a DJ, and front office personnel, including President Amber Cox. There was a big crowd, and the home team won the game. Throughout the year, the Mercury donated new uniforms, shoes, travel bags and travel sweats, coaching shirts and are helping with a team banquet. The Champions did many community service events with the Mercury, such as raising money for Tsunami victims, a water drive for the Girl Scouts, participating in a Cancer Walk, taking families shopping for Christmas, and sharing tickets and time with local elementary students. The girls attended Mercury games, including taking their dads to a U.S. Airways Arena suite for Father’s Day. Later this spring, they will attend an etiquette dinner.

“This has been a tremendous opportunity for our girls. The Mercury have been great,” Coach Bernadette Campas said. “Anytime we contacted them, they were more than willing to help. We can’t thank them enough. Our girls have learned valuable lessons about giving to others, and what it takes to be successful in sports and in life.”

The Mercury has adopted Phoenix Union teams from Camelback, Trevor Browne, Carl Hayden and Maryvale since the program began.

Franklin Recognized by Phoenix Historic Preservation Commission

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 17:10:35 GMT

Franklin was one of 79 properties recognized for Arizona’s Centennial by the Phoenix Historic Preservation Commission, February 2. The school, built in 1926-27 has been placed on the Phoenix Historic Property Register and National Register of Historic Places. Principal Lorenzo Cabrera and Assistant Superintendent Nora Gutierrez received a certificate at the ceremony. Each property will receive an exterior wall-mounted plaque noting its historical status. The Phoenix Historic Property Register was established in 1986 and includes over 200 buildings, structures, sites, and districts significant in local, regional, state or national history, architecture, archeology, engineering and culture. Properties are reviewed for consistency with design guidelines to protect the integrity of their historic character, and are eligible to receive city financial incentives to assist with rehabilitation.

Carl Hayden Wrestlers Qualify for Division I State Championship

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 17:11:32 GMT

Carl Hayden had three wrestlers qualify for the Division I State Championship meet following strong performances at the Section I tournament, February 3-4. Efren Hernandez, now 39-5, earned a fourth-seed at state in the 126 pound class, finishing third in Sectionals. Hernan Garcia (134 lbs.) placed fourth, and Martin Luevano (195 lbs.) also qualified for State, finishing second in Sectionals, and knocking off the number one seed from Yuma Cibola.

Carl Hayden's SciTech Festival Underway

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 17:13:37 GMT

The SciTech Festival is underway, and Carl Hayden will play a part, hosting Dean Kamen, the famous inventor who also started FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics competitions, February 21 at 9 a.m. His topic, “A Morning of Robotics,” will feature the award-winning Falcon Robotics team. Hayden will also host an all-day science festival, Saturday, March 3. Robotics, engineering, alternative fuel vehicles and solar energy exhibits will be on display. SciTech is the biggest Arizona celebration of innovation ever. Over 250 organizations have partnered to showcase Arizona’s leadership in science, technology and innovation with over 150 free events.

Maryvale Students Head for State Academic Decathlon

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 17:14:30 GMT

Maryvale’s Academic Decathlon team is headed to the State Decathlon after a 6^th place showing in the Region II Decathlon, February 3-4 at Cesar Chavez High School. The Panthers were one of five Phoenix Union teams in the 28-team competition to earn an at-large berth in the State Championship, March 9-10 at Mesa Red Mountain High School. Jose Machado won a silver in Honors Art and Erika Neves scored a bronze in Scholastic Art and the team finished fourth in the Super Quiz Relay.

Maryvale Wrestlers Qualify for Division I State Tournament

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 17:15:21 GMT

Maryvale had three wrestlers qualify for the Division 1 Wrestling State Tournament, February 10-11- Luis Martinez at 113 lbs, Victor Sanchez at 120 lbs and Sebastian Leonard at 195 lbs. Martinez placed second in the Division 1 Section 1 meet.

South Mountain Wins Academic Decathlon

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 17:17:23 GMT

South Mountain won the Region II Academic Decathlon, beating rival Cesar Chavez, February 3-4, after finishing second to its neighbor school each of the last two years. Led by high scorer Connor Wade, who led all competitors with 8,173 points, and seven individual medals, South amassed 38,650 points to Chavez’ 37,068. The Jags also had Anto George (bronze-Honors); Benjamin Webb, (gold-Varsity) and Markaya Hill, (bronze-Varsity) medal as top overall scorers in the 28-team regional. Webb earned eight individual medals, including gold in Speech, Economics, Music, Language & Literature, and Super Quiz. Hill shared the event’s Outstanding Interview Trophy with three other competitors with a 1,000, and Helena Moore not only won a gold medal in Speech, but her perfect score of 1000 earned her a share of the Outstanding Speech Trophy. Other team members are Vivian Ontiveros, Sergio Avila, Lea Rodela and Marissa Sandoval.

Coach Todd Decker has taken the South Academic Decathlon team to the State Championship for the 21^st time in 22 years. The team has the 6^th best qualifying score going into the state event which will be held at Mesa Red Mountain High School, March 9-10. Wade, a junior, comes into the State Decathlon with the third-best score among individuals in Arizona. 725 students competed in four regions across the state.

It is the second time the Jaguars won the Regional, and first since 2007-2008. They had finished second four times since 2006-2007. Academic Decathlon is made up of 10 events. Team members are classified according to grade point average into three divisions: Honors, Scholastic and Varsity. Three students compete in each division.

South Mountain Girls Basketball Advances to Division II, Section III tournament

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 17:18:55 GMT

The South Mountain Girls Basketball team advanced to the Division II, Section III tournament, and won its first game over Desert Edge, 52-46. The sectional tournaments determine seeding for the state tournament, which begins February 15.

Suns-Diamondbacks Students Rewarded for Perfect Attendance

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 17:19:54 GMT

Six students with perfect attendance from Suns Diamondback Education Academy enjoyed a Phoenix Suns game from their own private suite, February 4. The City of Phoenix’ Neighborhood Services Department offers a unique opportunity for youth to attend events at the U.S. Airways Center through the U.S. Airways Center Suite program. Light refreshments were provided for the group.

“This was a fantastic reward for our students, and the Suns won 95-89 against Charlotte. Thank you to Chanel Moody for organizing the wonderful event,” Principal Lisa Scinto said.

Trevor Browne Academic Decathlon Extended to State Decathlon

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 17:20:41 GMT

Trevor Browne’s Academic Decathlon team’s season has been extended to the State Decathlon, March 9-10 at Red Mountain High School in Mesa. The Bruins placed 9^th in the Region II Decathlon, February 3-4 and qualified as an at-large entry into the 40-school championship. Andrea Santos won a gold medal in Varsity Division Math and Juan Mora took silver in Scholastic Math. Stephanie Aguilar contributed a bronze in Speech in the Scholastic Division.

Trevor Browne Wrestling Qualifies for State Tournament

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 17:21:18 GMT

The Bruin Wrestling team had a fine showing at the Division 1, Section 1 Wrestling tournament, February 3-4, qualifying four wrestlers for the State Championships in Prescott, February 10-11. Riek Riek at 126 lbs., Roberto Ramirez Sanchez at 138 lbs., Enrico Barillas at 170 lbs., and Isias Ochoa at 182 lbs.

Interactive Online Mapping Tool Available to Public

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:58:26 GMT

Residents living in the Phoenix Union High School District boundaries will have a chance at redrawing the maps of its five single-member governing board districts or wards through the use of an online mapping program that is now available on the District’s website at www.phoenixunion.org/redistricting.

The online mapping site allows individuals to draw and submit proposed maps that adhere to the key principles of redistricting--equal distribution of population and preserving minority voting representation-- in each of the five wards. Users can move precincts and neighborhoods from existing wards to create new wards, while the mapping program simultaneously updates the demographics of each ward.

Based on 2010 census data, each ward should have an “ideal” total population size of 130,518. Currently, Ward 1 in southwest Phoenix and Laveen, which experienced rapid growth in the last ten years, has 30 percent more residents than the targeted population, while three wards in the north and east of the school district have up to 13 percent less than the 130,000 mark. The new wards should also be geographically compact and connected.

The online tool will be active until February 20 to gather additional community input into the redistricting process. Additional meetings will take place at the PUHSD District office at 4502 N. Central Avenue in March for additional public input and eventual adoption of the redistricting plan that must be submitted to the Department of Justice by April 1. Here is the meeting schedule.

• Thurs., March 1, 6:30 p.m. - Research Advisory Services, Inc., with its collected community input, will present 4-5 alternative maps to the Governing Board at its regular monthly meeting.

• Mon., March 5, 6:00 p.m. - Draft maps will be presented to the community at a public meeting for resident input. Input will be considered through March 22.

• Tues., March 27, 6:00 p.m. - At a special Governing Board meeting, the Governing Board will adopt one final map, which will be submitted to the Department of Justice.

The reapportioned wards will not be in effect until 2014, when the five single-district governing board terms end. The two at-large governing board seats will be determined in the 2012 election.

Franklin Student Spoke at White House Hispanic Community Action Summit

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 19:51:52 GMT

Sophomore Analyssa Berzoza represented Phoenix Union High School District and Franklin at the White House Hispanic Community Action Summit, January 28. She spoke to over 300 attendees to recommend a round table discussion on Education Opportunities, which was one of 33 topics discussed.

Maryvale Soccer Team Advances

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 19:54:03 GMT

The Panthers boys soccer team entered the Division I state playoffs as the second-ranked team. They won their opener against Mesa Mountain View, 2-0 in overtime, January 31, advancing to a second round game, February 4. The Maryvale girls team also made the playoffs, meeting Chaparral in the opening round.

North to Host Future Freshman Night

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 19:54:58 GMT

Future Freshman Night will be Thursday, February 23, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. It is a great opportunity for 8^th grade students and their parents to explore the many opportunities at North High, including the International Baccalaureate magnet. For those incoming freshmen not yet enrolled, this is also a great opportunity to apply.

South Mountain Students Showcase Art at ASU West

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 19:55:54 GMT

Student artists from the visual arts magnet have over 60 pieces of art on display at ASU West, for “Expressing Human Rights, All People Free & Equal: An Exhibition,” January 20-March 16. The Cultural Arts Coalition is presenting the artwork as a means to explore and inquire about human rights. Students have contributed ceramics, bead art, photos, drawings, paintings and digital art. The exhibit at the Fletcher Library will hold a human rights tour and reception, March 2.

Trevor Browne Alumni Named Pacific West Conference Basketball Player of the Week

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 19:56:55 GMT

Former Trevor Browne student and now Brigham Young University Hawaii women’s basketball player Shayla Washington has been named the Pacific West Conference Women’s Basketball Player of the Week for her play in the Seasiders’ two games, January 22-28. That week included a January 28 loss in her hometown to nationally ranked Grand Canyon University. Washington, a junior, averaged 19 points and 9 rebounds during the week. She shot 57.1 percent (4-7) from three-point range and also averaged 2 steals per contest. This is her eighth time on the conference honor roll this season and first Player of the Week honor.

Central Choir and Band Students Selected for All-Region Choir, Band and Orchestra

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:24:32 GMT

Choir and band students from around the valley competed for placement into the All-Region Choir, Band, or Orchestra, January 28, and Central had seven students selected. The auditions include over 30 schools and 1,000 students. William Ramsey, Mizraim Osuna, Tony Contreras and Anahis Aguilera made All-Region Choir. Ivan Martinez Morales – baritone Sax and Julian Salazar – tenor Sax made All-Region Band, and Ninabah Winton-piccolo made All-Region Orchestra. The All-Region Festival and Concert in which these students will perform will be at Central, Saturday, February 18 at 3 p.m. and costs $5.

“This is a rigorous and difficult audition that requires students to perform a prepared solo (or etudes) as well as perform a piece of music without ever having seen it before,” Troy Meeker, Choir Director said. “It often takes years of diligent practice and dedication to your craft to reach a level at which a student is selected for this ensemble.”

Compared to past years, our Band is continuing an upward trend placing one, two and now three students during the past three years. Choir, for the fourth year in a row, has placed more students in an All-Region Choir than any other school in Phoenix Union.

Camelback Volunteer Impacts DECA Club

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:26:02 GMT

Local architect and longtime Camelback volunteer Jeff Stephens has really made his mark on Camelback Marketing, and the marketing club, DECA. He teaches Toastmaster’s to the advanced marketing students the first semester and the program with a “Speak-Off” awards luncheon. This year the event was at McCormick and Schmick’s Restaurant with over 125 students, staff, administration, judges, and guests in attendance.

Each year Stephens shows and tries on his vintage collection of hats from around the world to the senior advanced marketing class. They discuss the history of the hats, the history of who wears them, and how they market their trade.

“The students have such a great time during this educational period and each student gets to try on this wonderful collection of hats,” Julia Bourdo said. “Jeff is the volunteer of a lifetime for me. He has been coming into my class for the past twenty plus years teaching Toastmaster to marketing students.”

Camelback GEARS Experience to Focus on STEM

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:28:52 GMT

The Camelback GEARS Experience will be March 1 from 3 to 7 p.m. GEARS stands for the School of Game Design, Engineering, Architecture, Robotics and Sustainability. Junior high students and their parents are invited to attend, to learn more about the “school within a school” that focuses on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.) This year, the GEARS Experience will be held in conjunction with the annual Camelback Pride Night. There will be many displays, hands-on activities and contests for students and their families. The school is also inviting exhibitors to participate in the event, and to support the activities and competitions of the Camelback SkillsUSA student organization. To reserve a display booth, contact Dr. Jeanea Lambeth at (602) 764-7000, or lambeth@phoenixunion.org .

Phoenix Union in the Midst of Redistricting Process

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:32:13 GMT

Phoenix Union High School District has begun the process of re-defining the boundaries of its five single-member governing board districts or wards with community meetings held in each ward for citizen input. Members of the public will have the opportunity to draw and submit their own maps using an online mapping program found at www.phoenixunion.org/redistrictinguntil February 20. The process will include another public meeting in March to narrow down options, and the Governing Board will meet by March 29 to consider alternative maps and adopt one final map for submittal to the Department of Justice.

There are seven governing board members, five of whom represent specific geographic wards within the school district boundaries. The reapportioned wards will not be in effect until the 2014 elections, when the five single-district governing board terms end. The two at-large governing board seats will be determined in the 2012 election.

Phoenix Union to Host Academic Decathlon

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:44:47 GMT

Phoenix Union will host the Region II Academic Decathlon, February 3-4 at Cesar Chavez High School, and organizers are looking for volunteers to proctor or score essays and tests, judge speeches and interviews and assist with other activities. No experience is necessary, and training is provided. The sessions for most of the volunteers usually run 4-9 p.m. on Friday, and Saturday morning. Most volunteers work one of the two sessions. There will be 288 students representing 29 schools, competing to qualify for the State Decathlon. If you are interested being one of the 250 volunteers needed, contact Sharon Bernero at bernero@phoenixunion.org .

Fourth Annual Phoenix Union Foundation Gala

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:45:20 GMT

The Fourth Annual Phoenix Union Foundation for Education Scholarship Gala is Friday, February 10 at the Wyndham Phoenix Hotel. The evening includes dinner, a silent auction and entertainment provided by Phoenix Union students. A Friend of Phoenix Union and a Distinguished Alumnus will also be honored. Proceeds benefit college scholarships for Phoenix Union graduates. Last year, $128,000 in scholarships was awarded to 71 seniors. The Gala is the largest fundraiser of the year for the Foundation. For more information, go to www.foundation4education.org or call (602) 492-7833.

Special Education Department to hold College, Career and Life Expo

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:45:50 GMT

The District’s Special Education Department is holding its annual College, Career and Life Expo, Saturday, February 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Metro Tech. Students, parents, guardians and teachers are invited. This year’s event will feature a health fair. Exhibitors include community colleges and universities, transportation, healthcare services and state and federal agencies. There will be health care providers available, free massages and blood pressure checks and door prizes and gift cards. Presentations will be in English and Spanish. For more information, contact Anita Massey at (602) 764-3067.

Students Place at DECA Competition

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:53:33 GMT

Thimothy Fair, Dwight Melvin. Kavar McDaniel, Stephanie Gene placed at the DECA Metro District Regional competition.

Solar Charging Station Groundbreaking Held

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:52:17 GMT

Students had a groundbreaking, January 20, for the Solar Charging Station that they will build on the campus in the next two months. The station will charge everything from cell phones and laptops to a diesel/electric hybrid the students are also building. Fourteen students and teacher Cory Waxman are behind the project, which took almost three years of design work on the project from professional engineers and a donation from APS, just to get to construction. They worked with Gannett/Fleming engineers, navigated city approval with permits and inspections, and received a $2500 grant from APS. The solar charging unit will take five to eight weeks to build, and should be ready by April. The Solar Charging unit will be 7 x 14 feet around, and 11 feet high, with 8 solar panels, each able to generate 100 kilowatts. The unit can be expandable up to two more solar panels. The system would be able to charge an electric car in 10-12 hours. (even at night, with stored electricity) The students, with the help of contractors will build the unit, which will also double as a carport like shade structure. The students involved in the groundbreaking are Doug Liu, Jaycob Proffitt, Kyle Oxley, Alec Kimball and Rahat Alam.

While he was a teacher at Central High, Waxman worked with students a few years ago to build a solar hydrogen car that actually converted sun into energy while the car was driving.

“This is the kind of thing you can’t learn from a textbook. It is happening in the real world.” Waxman said.

Sci-Tech Festival Underway

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:57:14 GMT

The SciTech Festival is underway, and Carl Hayden will play a part, hosting Dean Kamen, the famous inventor who also started FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics competitions, February 21 at 9 a.m. His topic, A Morning of Robotics will feature the award-winning Falcon Robotics team. Hayden will also host an all-day science festival, Saturday, March 3. Robotics, engineering, alternative fuel vehicles and solar energy exhibits will be on display. SciTech is the biggest Arizona celebration of innovation ever. Over 250 organizations have partnered to showcase Arizona’s leadership in science, technology and innovation with over 150 free events.

Central Speech and Debate Student Wins Southwest Championship

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:57:48 GMT

Nicole Mayberry continued her incredible year of Speech and Debate, winning the tournament championship in Impromptu Speaking at the Southwest Championship at ASU, January 13-14. Mayberry also placed 2^nd in Original Oratory, 3^rd in Dramatic Interpretation and was the 4^th highest individual student in the tournament, which featured 44 schools from six states.

The team’s next tournament is the 13^th Annual Bobcat Bonanza, held at Central High School on February 3-4.

Central Student Named Youth of the Year

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:59:17 GMT

Beylul Woldebruk, a junior has been named the Youth of the Year for the Harry and Sandy Rosenzweig branch of the Boys and Girls Club of Metropolitan Phoenix. She is one of 12 teenagers who will be honored at a February 18 banquet, where the Metro Phoenix Youth of the Year will be announced. This award goes to youth who have overcome seemingly insurmountable odds to become successful in their lives. Her family emigrated from Eritre, a tiny country at the Horn of Africa when she was little. She wants to become a doctor.

Franklin to Hold Recruitment Fair

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:00:56 GMT

Franklin Police and Fire High School is looking for a “few good students,” for the 2012-2013 school year. The specialty small school that features law enforcement, firefighting and emergency medical service career training is holding a Recruitment Fair, February 4 from 9 a.m.- 12 p.m. at the campus at 1645 W. McDowell Road in Phoenix. The school is a 9th through 12th grade school that offers a full high school curriculum, plus career and technical education. Franklin will bring in approximately 100 freshmen each year. There is limited space for the other grades, as well. For more information, call (602) 764-0204.

Maryvale Soccer Team Continues Successful Season

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:01:51 GMT

The Panthers boys soccer team is having a season to remember. Going into its final regular season game, January 26, Maryvale was the top-ranked team in Section 1, Division 1, and third overall in the entire Division 1 rankings. The Panthers, 10-3, beat powerhouse Ironwood, January 20 in a shootout, 2-1, after playing shorthanded for much of the second half, and overtime periods. Maryvale and Carl Hayden appear to have the best chance to bring home Phoenix Union’s first ever soccer state title. Hayden lost in the title game two years ago.

North to Host Memorial Run

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:04:28 GMT

North High will host a 5K Memorial Run, March 3 in honor of Coach Jeff Pankenier, who passed away in September. The school staff and students want to pay tribute to baseball and football coach Jeff Pankenier for his years of dedication and commitment to athletics. The run will start at 9 a.m. from North High School. Entry fees are $20 for adults, and $10 for students. The proceeds from this event will provide a scholarship fund for senior athletes from North High School. Participants can register on-line at www.northhs.com

Suns-Diamondbacks Enrollment Increases

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:09:27 GMT

No sooner than 42 students graduated from Suns-Diamondbacks on December 22, another group of 60 students enrolled January 9, increasing enrollment to 227 students. The school holds two graduations a year, and has six six-week sessions per year. Orientation for the final two sessions are February 13, and April 2 at 5 p.m.

English Teacher Uses Typewriters to Improve Spelling

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:42:47 GMT

English teacher Ryan Adney likes typewriters. He collects them, refurbishes them and uses them in his classes. He discovered a 1952 Royal typewriter in the school library a couple years ago, brought it to class, and the students were fascinated with it. He decided to experiment with 14 typewriters of every size and shape in his 10^th and 11^th grade English classes, to find if students could improve their writing skills. Here were his findings:

“1) Students who use a typewriter on a daily journaling activity and coupled with intensive spelling corrective activities tend to score higher on spelling assessments than students who complete the same intensive spelling corrective activities without a typewriter. 2) Most students feel that composing on a manual typewriter imparts their work with greater value. 3) Students enjoy using typewriters in a classroom setting. 4) Old technology can be highly interesting to adolescents,” Adney reported.

Apparently that old technology is coming back, like turntables and records. Adney’s quirky approach to teaching attracted the attention of CBS Morning News reporter Bill Geist, who visited Alhambra to do a story about the Adney and his class, January 17.

Adney published a report on his typewriter experiment, and found that 68 percent of his students felt their spelling had improved and 100 percent said they enjoyed using the typewriters to write in their daily journals.

2012 Governing Board Members Selected

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:46:48 GMT

Governing Board officers were selected for the 2012 year and for the second consecutive year, Linda Abril will be the president and Ben Miranda will serve as clerk. The board meeting schedule was also approved. Regular meetings will take place at the district office, 4502 N. Central Ave. on Thursdays at 6:30 p.m., February 2, March 1, April 5, May 3 and June 7 for the remainder of this school year. Special meetings or study sessions may also be scheduled, as needed.

Camelback to Host Montessori Program

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:55:46 GMT

Camelback High School will host the first Montessori High School program in Arizona, beginning with a freshman class in August, 2012. Called the Camelback Montessori College Preparatory, the program will start with 25 ninth-graders and add 25 students each year to a capacity of 100 students. Applications for 2012-2013 ninth-graders are now available, and will be accepted until January 31. For more information on the Camelback Montessori College Preparatory program, call Camelback High School at (602) 764-7000. Applications are available at www.camelbackhs.org.

The idea for a Montessori program was right next door. Principal Dr. Chad Gestson visited with Villa Montessori School, located across the street from the high school, and there was interest from school officials and parents to be able to continue students’ Montessori education.

Montessori schools, named after Italian physician and educator Maria Montessori, feature a discovery model, with students learning from activities, materials and projects, not from direct instruction. Each student has an Individual Education Plan (IEP), learning takes place in longer blocks of time, and often, not in a classroom. Students are more independent and can choose learning activities.

Betty Fairfax Students of the Month

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:54:12 GMT

The following students were December Students of the Month: Alisa Nelson, Art; Rachel Hill, Business; Alex Estrada; English/ELL; Anayssa Torres, AVID; Mariah Garcia, Library; Susanna Ramirez, Performing Arts; Ruby Dominguez, PE/Health; Jennifer Le, Science; Katina Apostal, Science; Sarah Guinea, English; Catherine Hostetter, JROTC; Chanice Noble, JROTC; Andrew Mercado, JROTC; Alexander Bryant, SPED; Ashley Glick, World Language; Carmela Erika Viel Sanchez, World Language.

Central Global Studies Magnet Alumni Stay Involved in Global Affairs

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:00:09 GMT

Metro Tech to Host CTE Preview Night

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:03:30 GMT

Metro Tech will have a Career and Technical Education (CTE) Program Preview Night, Thursday, January 26 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The event is open to all current 10^th grade students and their parents/guardians who are interested in Metro Tech’s unique CTE Career program offerings. 11^th and 12^th grade students from any Phoenix Union campus can enroll in the classes, which meet in block classes in either the morning or afternoon session. Transportation from the home school is included. These classes give students specialized workplace skills which can provide an edge in the competitive job market and an opportunity for scholarship opportunities. At the Preview Night, students and parents can visit the CTE programs, meet the teachers, take a classroom/lab tour and find out more.

Global Studies Program Welcomes Visitors from Costa Rica

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:58:31 GMT

It is a busy month for the Central Global Studies program. They welcomed visiting students and teacher-chaperones from their sister school in Costa Rica, Liceo Laboratorio Emma Gamboa January 19. Central’s sister school from Hermosillo, Mexico will be in town this week, capping off the visit with a performance of singing and dancing by the Rondalla and Grupo de Danza Folklorica Mexicana Friday, January 27 at 7 p.m. in the school’s auditorium. Admission is $5 for individuals, and $10 for families. Tickets are available at the door or at the Global Studies Office on the campus of Central High.

Metro Tech To Host Future Freshman Night

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:02:32 GMT

The school will also host a Future Freshmen Night that same night, Thursday, January 26 from 5:30 to 7, for 8^th graders and their parents interested in attending Metro Tech as a full-time student in its four-year program. Metro Tech is a magnet high school, featuring high academic achievement and Career and Technical Education courses. The school is designated as an Arizona Higher Performing School, by the National Center for Educational Achievement/ACT, based on academic growth, student performance and career readiness. It is one of only 183 such schools in the state.

North JROTC Making A Difference in the Community

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:05:27 GMT

The North High JROTC program is making a difference in the community. They recently spent the weekend cleaning up the alleys in the area of 19^th Street and McDowell, removing graffiti, trash and discarded items. The Coronado Neighborhood was very grateful for the cadets’ help. JROTC Instructors Lieutenant Commander James Gallagher and Sergeant Major Dennis Torres work with their students to orchestrate a wide variety of community events.

"This is huge for us," said Christina Henry, who helped form the Coronado East Fight Back neighborhood group. "People think we don't care about the community, but this shows the people who live here do care.

North Screens 'Freedom Riders' Documentary

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:06:16 GMT

North High School’s M.E.Ch.A. Club is partnering with the Black Student Union and Tonatierra Community Development to present a documentary film of the 1960’s Freedom Riders and the Civil Rights movement in the Deep South, January 26 from 6-8 p.m. The free screening of the film is open to the public and will be held in the North Auditorium. The film, Freedom Riders, by filmmaker Stanley Nelson, is based on Raymond Arsenault’s book, Freedom Riders: 1961 and the Struggle for Racial Justice.

Suns/Diamondbacks to Offer 'Graduation Matters' Workshops

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:07:21 GMT

Suns-Diamondbacks is offering students a series of workshops, titled “Graduation Matters,” framed around the Arizona Career Information System (AZCIS) Education and Career Action Plan (ECAP.) Topics include: resume writing, making financial plans for the future, and dressing for success. Each week, students will have a guest speaker, who will walk them through the ins and outs of preparing for life after high school. Guest speakers include representatives from the universities and colleges, as well as the military and Phoenix business community. The series ends with a parent review party, where students will have a chance to show off everything they have learned and present their electronic portfolios to their parents. Workshops will run from January 23 through April.

Students Volunteer on MLK Day of Service

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:08:09 GMT

Eleven students from Suns-Diamondbacks participated in MLK Day of Service, January 16, planting, leveling soil, clearing trash and pulling weeds at a community garden.

District Employees Give Over $1100

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:51:14 GMT

Employees at the District office gave the gift of hope to four student families, donating over $1100 to its “Season of Sharing.” In some cases, these are “students in transition,” not living with parents or family. The money will be used for necessities such as food, blankets, warm clothes, and perhaps a holiday gift that these students and families need, rather than want.

Betty Fairfax to Host Holiday Basketball Tournament

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:54:58 GMT

Defending State Champion Betty Fairfax will be hosting the Phoenix Union Holiday Boys Basketball Tournament, January 4-7. All ten Phoenix Union schools will compete, along with St. Mary’s, Goldwater, Westwind Prep, Westview and Tucson schools Salpointe and Flowing Wells. There will be eight games each day, beginning at 9 a.m. The championship game is Saturday, January 7 at 8 p.m. Fairfax meets Flowing Wells at 6:30 p.m., January 4 and if the Stampede win, they will play at 8 p.m. the next night against the Carl Hayden-Goldwater winner.

Trevor Browne Cross Country and Track Presented $5,000 Donation

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:10:33 GMT

Trevor Browne’s Cross Country and Track runners cover a lot of real estate during the year, but now they have some real estate partners who have the Bruins covered. The National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals of Arizona (NAHREPAZ) presented a check for $5,000 to the track/cross country teams, December 21. The proceeds were the result of one of the association’s member winning a dance contest at its Noche de Gala, December 10. Grey Sehnert designated Trevor Browne Cross Country and Track her organization of choice, and went on to win the “Dancing with the Stars’ contest. The NAHREPAZ with Sehnert’s Fred Astaire dance instructor presented the check at the school. The check presentation is just part of the story.

Browne’s Cross Country team, coached by Robert Mika, has been all over the city volunteering in different events. They met some of the realtors at a race, and were invited to help out the Hispanic Realtors’ annual 5K American Dream Run in October. The realtor group was impressed with the students, and realized their difficulty in getting to college.

“Gail Buck, the President, contacted me and wanted to help these kids get to college and give them the same high school experience other, more affluent students have,” Mika said.

They donated shirts and hats for the kids to train in. They took the kids to the Runners Den shoe store and bought the kids running shoes, the first time many of them have ever owned new running shoes.

The realtors, mostly Hispanic women, want to mentor the student/athletes and try to eventually provide college scholarships. Some of the women would like to relate their career stories with the students.