News

News/Press Release Archive  |  The Sports Page  |  Sports Page Archive
Board News  |  Community Newsletters  |  School News Weekly

2003-2004 News Archive

Amazing Student Artwork on Display

Plan to be amazed when you see the high quality of student artwork displayed at the Glendale Adult Center.

GUHSD Superintendent Vernon Jacobs and Governing Board member Vicki Johnson admire the "Best of Show" artwork created by Apollo art student Julie Baker.

Top art students from each of our nine high schools displayed two- and three-dimensional works through August 13.

The free exhibition was at 5870 West Brown Street in Glendale. This was the second annual district wide art show for our students.

The GUHSD Visual Arts Program includes multi-level, year-long course offerings in Two-Dimensional and Three-Dimensional Design as well as Photography.

Students are required to demonstrate their skills through performance-based assessments illustrating their works of art and orally delivering an artist's statement to a panel of evaluators.

2004 Volunteers Honored by Governing Board

June 2004 - In a luau and vacation themed event, 13 volunteers from across the district were honored by the GUHSD Governing Board for "Going the Extra Mile."

Glendale Union High School District has a long history of volunteerism and community service. Our high schools benefit greatly from the contributions of parents and community volunteers who work with our students throughout the year. Volunteers help in the classroom, on the playing field and in a variety of school-sponsored activities.

Each year the GUHSD Governing Board honors a volunteer selected by each school as a model of outstanding service to students and staff.

We thank you for your support of our students and our schools.

Glendale Union High School District - Class of 2004 "Accelerating to the Future!"

Apollo  315 Cortez  215 Glendale  255 Greenway  333 Independence  282		Moon Valley  376 Sunnyslope  320 Thunderbird  385 Washington  286 Metrocenter  77
Northern Annex  8

Say It with Flowers - the modern way!

Nearly three thousand fresh long-stemmed roses were delivered to Glendale Union High School District graduates of the Class of 2004 this week, thanks to a surprise donation from Speaking Roses®.

School principals delivered the pleasant surprise to students as they received their diplomas. The unique flowers came with a gold imprinted message on the petals showing the school logo and "Class of 2004."

"We hope to see some of these flowers in scrapbooks at alumni reunions years from now," said Public Affairs Director Carole Sabo. "We want to thank Wells Fargo Bank for funding this project."

Speaking Roses® is a Utah-based company that embosses personalized messages, logos or photographs on roses for any occasion. The 125 boxes of flowers were delivered free of charge to be housed overnight in refrigerated storage, courtesy of Fry's Food and Drug at 43rd Avenue and Northern. The district has nine high schools located in Phoenix and Glendale.

State Education Has Parent Survey

May 13, 2004 - The Arizona Department of Education is conducting a Parent Survey regarding federal and state accountability legislation. Results of the survey will be used in future planning by the ADE.

The deadline for completing the survey is June 4. You may obtain copies at your local school or access the Department's online site. The site is http://www.ade.state.az.us.

Click on the image above for the State Board of Education Parent Survey.

Student Artist Displays Woodcraft

May 2004 - Malcomb Howard, a Moon Valley student, is a professional Kachina doll artist who regularly sells his works to shops in Scottsdale, Sedona and other cities throughout Arizona and New Mexico. He learned and developed his artistry under the tutelage of his father, Milton Howard, a well-established artist of some reknown. Malcomb recently displayed two of his Hopi Kachina dolls, a Kokopelli and an Eagle dancer, in the MVHS office. Malcomb traces his heritage through the Hopi, Navajo and Apache tribes.

District "Relay for Life" Benefits American Cancer Society
Cancer never sleeps... and neither will we!

May 2004 - Setting a national record for a first year event, Glendale Union High School District students and staff held the first-ever district Relay for Life with a total of more than $137,000 being donated.

The event benefits the American Cancer Society and was held in honor of long-time district teacher Dolores Jacobs, wife of Superintendent Vernon Jacobs, who lost her battle with cancer on September 11, 2003.

Thunderbird High School students, student clubs and staff joined efforts to spearhead and host the event. Many friends of two student cancer survivors were instrumental in planning the event. Each district school formed teams (65 teams in all) to participate in an overnight relay which began Friday evening April 30 at 5 p.m. and continued non-stop through Saturday morning, May 1.

The event featured the relay itself, with team members keeping a perpetual walk going, and a luminaria lighting in honor of deceased and surviving cancer victims. The event had a celebrative atmosphere, and was a family event.

Each of the high schools in Glendale Union sponsored its own unique fund-raising efforts. The district goal of $20,000 was surpassed in October, as donations continued to roll in. One such fund-raising effort (shown here) was a student/faculty basketball game, held at Thunderbird High School, where donations were accepted and items benefiting the cause were being sold.

A special 'Thank You' goes to Hernandez Photography for helping document this memorable event.

Teachers and Students Meet Governor

Skip Cass, CEO of Ch 3 TV, Greenway High teacher Adam Mrozinski, Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano, Ira Fulton of Fulton Homes and Desiree Stickley, GWHS student.		Skip Cass, Ch 3 TV; Moon Valley teacher Kelley Bagby; Governor Napolitano; Ira Fulton and MVHS student Julianne Pfeiffer.

May 4, 2004 - Two GUHSD teachers were nominated by their students for the annual Silver Apple award sponsored by Channel 3 TV and Fulton Homes. Governor Janet Napolitano attended the awards dinner May 4 at the Wells Fargo Conference Center in Phoenix. Four high school teachers were honored from across the state.

Whale-size Science Project at Greenway

May 2004 - Students in Ty Caylor's Life Skills class built an actual size whale as part of their science curriculum. In studying whales, students needed some help in visualizing the large size of whales, so students used math skills to scale and then build a whale in the correct proportions. By inflating the whale, students were able to walk inside and see how large the whale could be.

Superintendent Supports Governor's Kindergarten Plan

April 26, 2004 - As superintendent of the Glendale Union High School District, I support Governor Janet Napolitano's proposal for a statewide full-day kindergarten program.

My responsibility is to oversee the education of students, grades 9 through 12, in nine public high schools and two alternative schools located in Glendale and Phoenix. I am sure that there are those who would wonder why a high school superintendent would become involved in pushing for such legislation. What could it possibly mean for us?

Let me assure you that high school educators believe that early childhood education and intervention strategies are critical for the future success of students as they progress through the grades. Children must already have a solid foundation of life experiences and knowledge of the basics of reading, math and writing at the onset of formal schooling in the first grade. Without this foundation, young children are doomed to be perpetually 'behind' in their academic growth and will have reduced self-esteem that will carry into the secondary and adult years.

Research shows that most full-day kindergarten students demonstrate higher academic and social achievement than half-day kindergarten students. Full-day kindergarten programs that are appropriate for kindergarten age children have been found to provide cognitive, social, physical and emotional benefits for children. Half of the nation's kindergartners are in full-day programs.

The results of an evaluation study on full-day versus half-day comparison in oral language development, early mathematics concepts and emergent literacy skills all indicated significant differences in favor of full-day kindergarten. The analysis of pre- and post-test ratings of children's behaviors indicate that full-day kindergarten tends to improve students' behaviors. Several studies have found that children who attended a full-day program displayed more positive behavior in the classroom, including being more involved in learning experiences, showing original thought and engaging more in independent learning and self-initiated play.

Our high schools have several programs in place to address academic problems of our incoming freshmen, more than half of which are seriously below grade level in reading. However, it is extremely difficult for middle school and high school teachers to accomplish the necessary three-plus years' growth in reading ability for students who are only with them for a year or two. When these older students cannot read at grade level and are still struggling to keep up with their studies, there is a much greater chance that these young people will drop out of school at the first legal opportunity (age 16).

A strong beginning for our kindergarten children will lead to more responsible and productive adults in the future. Our state and nation need the best we can produce. That means supporting our children from the beginning. Let's not be "penny-wise and pound-foolish." Please support the Governor's proposal to fund all-day kindergarten and urge your legislators to do the same. Let's give all of our children a chance to succeed.

Wittman Named Red Cross Hero Educator

April 2004 - The Real Heroes Event was created by the American Red Cross, and sponsored by The Arizona Republic newspaper to honor and celebrate ordinary people who have done extraordinary acts that resulted in lives being saved, improvement of life or a situation and in general betterment of humanity.

Judi Wittman

Judi Wittman, social worker at Greenway High School, is one such individual. Nomination comments by Principal Liz Tataseo and co-worker Cheryl Wimberly state, "Judi is an ideal candidate for this award...she gives so much of herself and her time for others."

In addition to the demanding role of school social worker, Wittman sponsors Greenway's Anti Defamation League Peer Training Program for 20 students. The student trainers then go into the classroom and lead discussions and acitvities on prejudice, hate, rumors and bias. Judi reaches over 400 students a year with this program to produce a gentler, kinder, more understanding campus whose students will become compassionate citizens of this new world.

Because she truly cares, Judi Wittman also sponsors GWHS Unitown and coordinates an adopt-a-family drive with student council and national honor society students who prepare food baskets to be provided to families in need. This year she delivered more than 60 baskets to community members.

Glendale Union Sweeps ASPRA*tions AWARDS
Bringing more honors to GUHSD in the ongoing DRIVING SUCCESS effort! Congratulations!!

April 2004

Overall Excellence in Public Relations - Award of Merit
The Glendale Union High School District Public Affairs Office developed a marketing plan and calendar for the 2003-04 school year. A committee comprised of parents, teachers, support staff, administrators and business marketing professionals brainstormed what the district is really 'about' and what our publics want to know. The result is a marketing plan that focuses on four distinct messages that are addressed in all that we do.

Carole Sabo, Administrator of Public Affairs and Nancy Wawro, Assistant
 

Award of Excellence - Apollo Principal's Breakfast
Apollo High School Principal Debbie Greenfield meets with student council officers, athletic coaches, club presidents and their sponsors for a "Principal's Breakfast" on the first Tuesday of each month. The breakfast offers a forum to discuss issues of interest, upcoming events and plans to promote school spirit.

The interaction among students and staff has led to increased participation in extracurricular activities and a more open and family-friendly atmosphere throughout the campus.
 

Award of Excellence - "Driving Success Marketing Program"
Riding on the heels of success from recent NASCAR advertising, the Glendale Union High School District Public Affair Office embarked on a full saturation campaign called "Driving Success." The campaign has reached all audiences and has raced off into little niches never anticipated at the campaigns' inception. All governing board events this year have carried the 'driving success' theme, and the theme has been incorporated into speeches, curriculum presentations and the district's website.
 

Award of Merit - Independence "Wellness Tips of the Day"
School nurse Linda Keeler of Independence High School has taken on the challenge of marketing good choices to students, thereby assuring a healthier generation for the future. Each day, students are reminded about good habits and healthy life-styles through her "Wellness Tips of the Day" which are read on the daily announcements.

The Tips contain health and safety reminders on smoking, over exposure to the sun, effects of coffee, tea, coke and chocolate on teeth, even playing it smart instead of 'cool' by tying your shoes. Mark Farison is principal of Independence High School.
 

Award of Merit - (Community Organization) - Viking Parent Club and Sunnyslope High School
The Sunnyslope High School Viking Parent Club initiated a specific fund-raising campaign to collect Arizona tax credit monies to pay for graduation festivities for students. Sunnyslope Senior Night is an annual drug and alcohol-free graduation party that is an all night 'lock-in' that ends with a breakfast the following morning.

The Viking Parent Club has raised nearly $7,000 in tax credit monies to fund the event through the efforts of the club and other community members. More than 85% of graduates are expected at the event this year. John Croteau is principal of Sunnyslope High School.
 

Award of Merit (Multi-cultural Relations) - Greenway High School Peer Training & ADL
The Arizona Anti-Defamation League and Greenway High School developed a model program for peer training in acceptance and appreciation of diversity.

The emphasis is on increased understanding of racial, cultural, religious and socioeconomic barriers. Behavior of freshman students has noticeably improved after peer trainers have met with them. The effect is strong and the positive results do not diminish over time.
 

Award of Excellence for Contributions to Education - Vernon Jacobs
Glendale Union High School District Superintendent Vern Jacobs came up through the ranks in the district, having served more than 25 years in almost every capacity including teacher, coach, assistant principal, principal, personnel director, assistant superintendent for operations, assistant superintendent for curriculum and, for the past two years, as superintendent. Vern's enthusiasm for kids and education is contagious, and he can always be found at school events chatting with employees and community members and especially with students.

With his wealth of experience, Mr. Jacobs clearly demonstrates a firm grasp of public relations principles. He engages persons most affected by a decision in the decision-making process, and LISTENS to what they say. Superintendent Jacobs is a public relations director's dream come true, because he is willing to allow creativity and latitude in P.R. projects - as long as they work! A highly organized individual in both his professional and personal life, with Vern Jacobs - kids are still the bottom line! 'What's best for kids' guides everything he does. And it shows. Every day!
 

Congressman Shadegg Attends Honor Society Induction

April 2004 - (second row, second from the right) Congressman John Shadegg stands proudly with
principal John Croteau (second row, far right) with the new members of the National Honor Society
at Sunnyslope High School after attending their induction ceremony.

IHS Car Show Raises $3,200 for Athletics

Academic Rally at Sunnyslope for AIMS Math

April 16, 2004 - Sunnyslope High School was selected as the site for the AIMS Math Test Academic Rally on April 16. The AIMS test will be given Thursday, April 22 and is required for students in the class of 2006 in order to graduate.

Sunnyslope was selected as the site for the rally because students have exceeded the state standards and more than 99% of Sunnyslope students took the last AIMS test. The attendance rate is outstanding in the state. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne and the U.S. Secretary of Education's Counsel Susan Sclafino addressed freshmen and sophomore students about the importance of taking the test and doing well.

A special AIMS math cheer was featured to resemble a sports rally	The Sunnyslope speech team presented a skit depicting the importance of getting a good night's sleep and eating a good breakfast before taking the test

Student Nominations Bring Teachers Recognition

April 2004 - Glendale language arts teacher Angela Johnson (left) and GHS student Lorene Openshaw admire the Arizona Dairy Council gift basket provided to Ms. Johnson as KNIX Radio/Fulton Homes "Teacher of the Week."

Johnson also received a $300 cash award. Her student, Lorene Openshaw wrote the nomination.

Greenway High School social studies teacher Carol Hoyt has also been honored as KNIX Radio/Fulton Homes as "Teacher of the Week."

She received a similar gift basket and a $300 cash award. Hoyt was nominated by her student, Carolee Rodriquez.
 

GHS Literacy Campaign a Success

April 2004 - A hot air balloon lift-off heralded the Glendale High School's annual Literacy Campaign. Students entered the Read Across Arizona essay contest coordinated by teacher Marcy Ducca. The winner received a cross-city hot air balloon ride. The school's month-long "Read Across Arizona" campaign was coordinated to encourage reading among students and adults alike The April 15 Reading Rally was a huge success. Featured Bisbee mystery novelist J.A. Jance spoke to the group and autographed her book "Devil's Claw." High school students acted out chapter two of the book. Other guest readers included GHS principal Deborah Jordan and Superintendent Vernon Jacobs. The event was designed to encourage reading for pleasure.

Walmart donates $1,000 to Glendale High

April 16, 2004 - A local business celebrated its grand opening by donating to their neighborhood high school. Deborah Jordan, principal of Glendale High School happily accepted the $1,000 donation from Walmart at their new location at Northern and 59th Avenue. Glendale High NJROTC students performed the flag presentation at the opening day celebration.

DeVry University Helps Send Robotics Team to Nationals April 2004 - The Cortez robotics team received a $1000 donation from DeVry University to support their efforts in national competition. Susan McGarry, DeVry director of outreach services, presented a check to the students and team sponsor Theresa Lococo at the school. CHS student Rachel Tieman shows the colt mascot she designed to cover the pipe on their robotics entry.

Glendale Union is "What Parents Want" Rated in top 15% of school districts nationwide April 2004 - Glendale Union High School District has been named among a select group of school districts who are designated as "What Parents Want." Only slightly more than 16% of districts nationally are so designated. The ranking came from SchoolMatch, a national educational consulting and research firm with an extensive database containing information on all 15,576 school districts in the country. SchoolMatch collects data annually from auditable sources such as county and state auditors, taxing authorities and state boards of education. In recent years the firm has also surveyed thousands of parents who selected public schools using SchoolMatch service. Glendale Union was selected as a model of "What Parents Want," which addresses areas such as academic achievement, school safety, school climate and financial status. Parent Input Wanted April 2004 - The Glendale Union High School District administers a School Effectiveness Survey to parents every year during the month of April. The purpose of the survey is to examine parents' perceptions related to key indicators of school effectiveness. Each year 1575 parents are contacted by phone, with 175 parents randomly selected to participate from each schools attendance zone. The survey takes parents approximately 11 minutes to complete. Answers to questions regarding communication with teachers, administrators and matters relating to school climate are tabulated and used by schools for planning purposes.

"Best Buddies" Get a Boost

March 25, 2004 - The Greenway High School Best Buddies program got a real boost this week when Sanderson Ford of Glendale donated one thousand dollars to help fund the program. The GUHSD Governing Board accepted the gift at its March 24th meeting.

David Kimmerle, owner of Sanderson Ford, donated the funds that will be used to continue the Best Buddies program which pairs regular educaiton students with Special Education students as 'Best Buddies' for social and education outings.

The Best Buddies program encourages students at the high school to accept special education handicapped students as equals with the same feelings, hopes and dreams as any other teenager. The program has done much to boost the self esteem of special education students and give greater insights to their counterparts.

Lifelong friendships have been developed through this program, which is now active at Thunderbird, Apollo and Greenway high schools.

District Retirees Take Victory Lap at Dinner in Their Honor

Kevin Clayborn, Governing Board President

March 24, 2004 - Fifty-three teachers, administrators and support staff were honored at a retirement event held at Cortez High School. The staff members will retire at the end of this school year. Here are some of the remarks made by Governing Board President Kevin Clayborn at the celebration.

	A Cortez student assistant remembers Good ol' Number 3

"We are all here tonight to celebrate winners in the race for success for ALL students. We already saw a stock car that was driven by a winner - Dale Earnhardt. Dale Senior was famous not only for his outstanding success in his field - auto racing - but also for his down-to-earth attitude, his manners and his character. Good ol' Number 3 will be remembered as a hero to many for years to come."

Superintendent Jacobs (far right) and GUHSD Governing Board members listen as district administrators highlight the careers of each retiree.
Cortez principal Tom Hernandez introduces his retiring staff members. Cortez High School hosted the Winners Circle event.
Board members Bill Stout and Vicki Johnson pose with Public Affairs Administrator Carole Sabo (center) who organized the NASCAR themed event.

"You may not get your picture plastered on racetracks across the nation, but you are no less a hero in our eyes. Each of you honored here this evening has contributed the same loyalty, character, talent, resilience and plain good manners as Dale Sr. And, you have no doubt impacted as many human beings as Earnhardt, Sr. throughout your careers in education."

"First, you have directly impacted the lives of children in your care. You have encouraged your co-workers to travel those rough roads when things weren't going well, and you have volunteered your time and talent to steer many extracurricular activities both on and off the academic track. And, most importantly, you have left your mark on future generations through your innovations and the wisdom you have given your students who will carry your message on down the road to their children and grandchildren."

"You have fulfilled an awesome responsibility each day and you have traveled many miles to help children attain their goals. You will not be forgotten. Your impact will live on at Glendale Union. Your love for children will live on in those that follow you. WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS."

Retired Administrator of Finance Gene Dudo led the retirees on their Victory Lap to the Winners Circle.		Sunnyslope High School principal John Croteau along side an authentic racecar driven by Dale Earnhardt, Sr.

Moon Valley Retires Richard Jefferson's Jersey

MVHS Coach Boie and former Moon Valley star athlete Richard Jefferson are on hand as the NBA player's high school jersey is retired.

March 4, 2004 - Moon Valley High School graduate Richard Jefferson, now a star player on the NBA's New Jersey Nets returned to high school March 4 to witness the retirement of his high school basketball jersey, number 44. This means that no MVHS player will wear that number again.

Coach John Boie, who still coaches at Moon Valley, was on hand to introduce the 1998 graduate and member of that year's state 4A championship basketball team. Jefferson went on to attend the University of Arizona three years and was drafted in the 13th round by the National Basketball Association.

Jefferson enjoyed his visit and reminisced with old friends, coaches and teachers at the high school.  

Apollo Art Students Sweep Congressional Art Awards

U.S. Treasury Assistant Discusses Finances with Students

March 12, 2004 - Metrocenter Academy had the privilege on Friday, March 12, 2004, of Mr. Dan Iannicola, Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Department of United States Treasury, to come and present to our students on the importance of financial savings.

Mr. Iannicola and Marsha Lunden, a Desert Schools Federal Credit Union Education Specialist, gave the presentation to the students about the importance of starting to save at a young age, the dangers of credit cards, and how to build good credit as young adults to be able to purchase a car or house. The students were very in touch with the presentation and afterwards felt they had learned a great deal.

"I never really thought about all the trouble I could get in with credit cards. When I go into a store, I am always asked if I want to open a credit card and save 10% on my purchase, but now I know they fail to tell me the interest rates and annual fees of the card. I definitely have wider eyes when thinking about opening a credit card and now know what to look for, especially reading the contract fully before signing the documents," said Veronica Sanchez, a student.

The presentation was educational to all the students and visitors from the Desert School Federal Credit Union, the Mall Manager of Metrocenter Mall, and Arizona Credit Union League.  

MV Teacher Wins Silver Apple

March 3, 2004 - Moon Valley teacher Kelly Bagby received the coveted Silver Apple award from Channel 3 KTVK television and Fulton Homes.

Moon Valley teacher Kelly Bagby is presented the Silver Apple award by Patti Kirkpatrick

Bagby teaches Spanish at Moon Valley, and was nominated by her student, junior Julianne Pfeiffer who wrote an essay on her favorite teacher.

(l to r) MVHS junior Julianne Pfeiffer; Kelly Bagby, Silver Apple winning teacher; and
Channel 3 Television anchor Patti Kirkpatrick

Bagby received the award March 3 in her classroom. Channel 3 anchor Patti Kirkpatrick and community relations director Marlene Klotz Collins were on hand for the presentation. Bagby is one of four high school teachers in the state to be so honored. A total of 16 teachers were selected for this award from more than 2000 entries.

District Staff Celebrate 25 Years

Caricatures depicting career experiences were on display.

	Reflecting on successful careers was the theme.

February 2004 - Twenty-five district staff members took a trip down memory lane at a dinner held in their honor. Teachers, support staff and administrators with 25 years of service were invited to an evening of "reflection" to celebrate their service to the district. Principals and district supervisors took a few moments to share career highlights of the honorees with the Governing Board, co-workers and family members.

Independence High School honorees Brenda Baker, Assistant Principal and Lee Pfeiffer, mentor teacher pose with Principal Mark Farison (left).

	Washington High School teacher Vic Johnson sees his "reflection."

The fun event was hosted by the Superintendent and Governing Board. Superintendent Vern Jacobs praised honorees for their dedication and accomplishments over the past 25 years. "You have been 'driving success' for 25 years, and are still going strong," he remarked. Jacobs added, "Our district is proud to have a salary schedule that values longevity and encourages lifetime careers in our district. We hope to see all of you (working) in Glendale Union for many more years to come."
 

	More 'fun' caricatures.

In keeping with the Driving Success event theme "Reflections," each honoree was given a caricature depicting special memories and accomplishments from their years in the district.

The evening ended in fun when the 25 honored staff were provided with a little memento from the year they were hired - a framed yearbook photo from 1978!

Greenway Grad Accepts California Governor Appointment

January 2004 - Greenway High School graduate (1992) Kimberly Yee has accepted the appointment as Deputy Cabinet Secretary for Education and Consumer Affairs for the state of California. California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger named Yee last week.

Yee has worked with the California Department of Education and was later policy advisor to the state board of education under Governor Pete Wilson. An Arizona native, she also worked as a senior staff member to the Senate Committee on Education for the Arizona Legislature.

Yee received dual undergraduate degrees in English and Political Science from Pepperdine University and a Masters degree in Public Administration from Arizona State University. "This is a dream come true," said Yee.

District Schools Meet and Exceed State Standards

All nine high schools in the Glendale Union High School District have been labeled as successfully meeting state goals for academic performance in the 2002 Achievement Profiles released by the Arizona Department of Education.

In the first year of Achievement Profiles, schools across Arizona have been categorized as Underperforming, Maintaining Academic Performance, Improving or Excelling.

Eight of the district's schools - Apollo, Cortez, Glendale, Independence, Greenway, Moon Valley, Sunnyslope and Washington - have met the state standards for academic performance. Thunderbird High School earned additional points for exceeding state performance and progress goals and was labeled an 'improving' school.

We are pleased to see this validation by the State of Arizona Department of Education. Profile rankings are based on AIMS test scores in Reading, Writing and Mathematics as well as low dropout and high graduation rates.

"Our teachers have worked diligently for several years to align our curriculum with the State Standards and to keep our children in school," added Superintendent Vern Jacobs. "We are pleased with the results thus far, and will continue to move forward so that all of our students and their schools exceed the goals."

Qwest Brings Best-Selling Parenting Author Dr. Anthony Wolf To Glendale Union School District On March 3

February 12, 2004 - Cortez High School hosted "An Evening with Dr. Wolf," an interactive presentation on how parents can facilitate better communication with their teenagers at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 3.

This event is part of a larger program called Teen Talk, which was developed by Qwest Communications, in collaboration with Dr. Anthony Wolf. Dr. Wolf is a practicing clinical psychologist and accomplished author of parenting guides, who speaks to groups around the country reminding parents and teenagers of the importance of communicating in a healthy, productive way about a wide range of topics.

A brochure on teen-parent communication, developed by Qwest and Dr. Wolf, was distributed the night of the event to all attendees.  

History Students Pose Questions to Presidential Candidate

February 4, 2004 - Washington High School hosted presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich on Tuesday, February 3, the day of the Arizona Democratic Primary election.

Kucinich was elected in 1978 as the youngest mayor of a major city (Cleveland, Ohio). He later served as Ohio state senator and is now a U.S. Congressman serving as chairman of the Congressional Progressive Caucus.

Senior Government and Advanced Placement U.S. History students met with the candidate to pose questions as to his views on various issues facing our country.

At the end of the one-hour session, Congressman Kucinich heartily praised the students, saying that they were 'remarkable' for the depth of their understanding and the caliber of their questions.

He added that the Washington students were more on the level of University students, not high school.

Kucinich noted that he would remember their session for a long time to come.

Hometown Boy Makes News

February 2, 2004 - Sunnyslope High School graduate Jonathan Kaye (1988) turned the hometown upside down by winning the Phoenix FBR Open PGA golf tournament on February 1st. Kaye earned $936,000 with a final-round 67 to finish at 18-under 266 on the TPC of Scottsdale.

Glendale Union had another connection to the golf tournament. Current Sunnyslope High School assistant basketball coach Rich Caniglis, who also graduated from Sunnyslope (1984), served as Kaye's caddy for the event.

Left: Kaye's 1988 yearbook picture. Click on image for full yearbook page.

District Rewarded for Saving Energy

December 2003 - The Governing Board received a $10,000 grant at its December meeting from Carrier Corporation and Sigler & Reeves, local distributors of heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration systems.

Sigler & Reeves representatives Charles Amerise and Rebecca Parsons prepare to present
the $10,000 check.

Glendale Union earned the award because of its innovative use of energy-saving heating and air conditioning equipment.

The grant will be used to provide teacher training in technology & education and to purchase instructional materials and equipment for the district's Introtech classes, which expose students to the many fields in technology.

Jim Threadgill, Administrator of Operations and Mike Montgomery, Administrator of Facilities accepted the award.  

Thanks to the Community

November 5, 2003 - Thanks to the community for your support of our recent bond authorization. A total of $80 million will be used to renovate and build new facilities at our nine high schools in Phoenix and Glendale.  

Greenway Art Teacher Dedicates "Trident" Sculpture at Open House

September 2003 - Michelle Benson, Greenway art teacher, is shown at left with the metal sculpture she (and hubby) welded together for Greenway High School's campus. The sculpture is now on display in their quad. It was dedicated to Greenway at their open house this year.

"My husband, Eric Ballentyne, is a metal fabricator for Christy Signs here in Phoenix. He and I have done many large projects together in the past while we operated a sign business for years back in Michigan. This Trident happened like those did: I get the idea and design together on paper, and then he turns it into a reality many times larger! I have some background in blacksmithing from working with mentor art educator and veteran blacksmith, Bill Morrison, for three years before I moved to Arizona. I also taught metal sculpture for two years at the high school after Bill retired.

"The sculpture is made of steel construction, the pieces we cut ourselves, grinded, welded and painted. The Trident itself is 20 feet long to the tip of the points (Four inch steel tube that we grinded down to bare metal). The upright support is 6 inch square tubing and is about 15 feet high to where the trident is mounted on it. The 4' x 6' 'G' is made of brushed aluminum, as are the tips. The elements along with the shaft are made of 1-inch solid square steel, and the 'flames' were hand-forged and hammered out, tapered and given a 'wave' shape which is purely for aesthetics...they imply motion.

"The piece is mounted upward indicating the direction we all want for our students to go in life. The sculpture of a Trident has less to do with demons and more to do with being a symbol of strength and empowerment, something we as faculty, staff and administration strive to give all of our students."  

Glendale Union Takes Four Honors

June 3, 2003 - Glendale Union High School District teachers and students took four of 12 awards at the first annual awards gala, "Everyday Heroes" at the Orpheum Theatre May 31, 2003. The ceremony was televised live on Cox 9 television.

Co-sponsored by the Arizona Interscholastic Association and local businesses, the event named honorees for outstanding achievement both on and off the field.

GUHSD took both the boys and girls awards for Scholar-Athlete of the Year for the 4A/5A division. Kristen Kuhl of Apollo High School has participated in volleyball, soccer and softball and is also a member of the National Honor Society, Anytown and the student council. She plans to attend the University of Arizona and become a physics teacher.

Top Scholar-Athlete among the boys is Marc (Drew) Martinez of Greenway High School. Marc is a letterman in football, wrestling and track. His hobbies include growing carnivorous plants and breeding dart frogs. He was the district's "Achievement Above All" recipient this year and plans to be a physician.

Taking top honors as Coach of the Year was Mike Brown of Greenway High School. Coach Brown encourages his players to do their personal best and his leadership inspired his football team to adopt the slogan, "Do the Right Thing."

The After the Bell award went to the Thunderbird High School "Best Buddies" program, whose mission is to integrate the developmentally disabled with their non-disabled peers. This is the first year for the Best Buddies program at Thunderbird. Kathy Caretto is the teacher sponsor.

Washington High School Athletic Director Ron Gadus was a finalist for Administrator of the Year.

How To Get A Scholarship - College Recruiting Made Easy

It is possible to get a great education and a scholarship from a great college! But these colleges won't find you. You have to find them! Do you know everything you can - and must - do?

Find out during a special 60-minute presentation at our school to learn the secrets of how the college recruiting "game" is really played.

"The Realities of College Recruiting" Presented by Jack Renkens Washington High School Auditorium Monday, February 23, 2004 at 7:00pm

Former college coach and recruiting expert, Jack Renkens has helped thousands of families around the country head down the right path of finding scholarships. Often it's down a path they didn't know existed. It's a "can't miss" event.

If you want to know more, ask your coach or Paul Yarnevich.  

Big Heads Appear on Apollo High School Campus

October 2003 - The Big Heads were a big hit at the Homecoming Assembly and Parade at Apollo High School. After learning how to make the papier maché heads from Art Smith at Moon Valley, Barbara Dahlstedt and Julie Allred tackled the giant project with the Apollo Art Club. The heads were made from 36-inch balloons, newspaper, and wallpaper paste. The heads weigh approximately 5 pounds apiece and took about two months to construct. The Art Club members could only see out of the mouths, so that made the "Good vs. Evil" basketball game at the Homecoming Assembly very amusing.  

Governing Board Honors Six Merit-Scholar Semifinalists

GUHSD merit scholars semifinalists are (left to right): Paul Coombs, Moon Valley; Joel Balzano, Sunnyslope; Jason Winerip, Sunnyslope; Jacob Vollmer, Sunnyslope; Christopher Andros, Washington; and Joshua Routh, Washington.

September 17, 2003 - The six GUHSD Merit Scholar Semi-Finalists were chosen from more than 1.3 million juniors in more than 21,000 high schools in the U.S.A. who entered the 2004 National Merit Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. The 16,000 designated semi-finalists from around the country have earned the right to continue in the national competition for 8,000 scholarships worth a total of $32 million.

Assistant Superintendent Warren Jacobson introduced these National Merit Semi-Finalists to the GUHSD Governing Board noting, "They represent the top 1.2% of the very best and brightest students in the entire country. They are our nation's academic champions .... (the students) can now be counted among this elite group of high school scholars."

The six semi-finalists are:

• Paul Coombs, Moon Valley
• Joel Balzano, Sunnyslope
• Jacob Vollmer, Sunnyslope
• Jason Winerip, Sunnyslope
• Joshua Routh, Washington
• Chris Andros, Washington  

Thunderbird Teacher Named Consumer Science Teacher of the Year

August 2003 - Joanne Michael, 28-year veteran of Thunderbird High School, has been named Family and Consumer Science Teacher of the Year by the Family and Consumer Sciences Educators of Arizona (FACS Ed).

Michael has taught foods, family living, child development and career education while at Thunderbird, and currently serves as vice president on the FACS Ed Executive Board.

The 28-year veteran teacher has been active in community projects and planning committees and is the FACS Ed department chair at Thunderbird.  

Two GUHSD Schools Among Top in Country

June 3, 2003 - Apollo and Sunnyslope high schools in the Glendale Union High School District are among three schools in Arizona named to the "Top High Schools" - a list of the nation's top high schools. Public schools were ranked according to a ratio called the Challenge Index, devised by Jay Mathews of the Washington Post newspaper.

A ratio was devised that takes the number of Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate tests taken by all students at a school in 2002 divided by the number of graduating seniors. The index is designed to identify schools that challenge average students and have the strongest Advanced Placement programs in the country. Each of the schools on the list is in the top four percent of all American high schools.

GUHSD Teacher Training Wins National Award

Honorees (L to R) Mentor teachers: Renee Kaye, Vic Johnson, Mary Kay Hoffman, Lee Pfeiffer,
Cristi Davis, Peggy Gregory, Mary Anne Berens; Mary Pat Eul, GUEA President;
and Kim St.Clair, mentor teacher.

June 2003 - Glendale Union High School District's teacher mentor program is one of eight nationally to be awarded the National Education Association (NEA)/Saturn/United Auto Workers Partnership Award for Teacher Mentoring Programs.

GUHSD’s mentor teacher program, now in its ninth year, addresses first-through-third year and teachers new to the district. Unique features of the program include a well-defined curriculum, mentors who still teach part of the day, ongoing training for mentors and their proteges and daily personal interaction between mentors and proteges. The program focus is on instructional techniques and enhancement of classroom management skills.

Glendale Union Education Association president Mary Pat Eul and lead mentor Cristi Davis accepted the award at the NEA national convention in June.

New Assistant Superintendent Named at Glendale Union

June 11, 2003 - Warren K. Jacobson, Arizona's 2003 Principal of the Year from Greenway High School,is the new Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction for the Glendale Union High School District.

Jacobson was at the helm of Greenway High School for six years. Beginning his 26th year in the district, Jacobson has served as social studies teacher and instructional specialist, assistant principal for discipline and attendance, for operations and resources and for student services. His experience covers several schools in the district, including Thunderbird, Glendale, Independence, Apollo and Greenway high schools and the district office.

While at Greenway, he supervised a cadre of 42 faculty, staff and community members in developing the program application that led to Greenway being identified as winners in the Arizona Secondary School A+ Recognition program in 1994. Greenway was named a National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education in 1995. He has conducted numerous workshops and teacher training programs and assisted in the development of the nationally recognized Student Assistance Program at Greenway.

Jacobson is known as a results-oriented problem solver and consensus builder. He currently serves on the Education Committee for the Arizona Anti-Defamation League.