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May 2005 - The EAS unit of the Arizona Department of Education announced their selection of the inaugural English Acquisition Services (EAS) "Teacher of the Year." She is Karen Merritt, teacher at Glendale High School. Her submission was one of over 50 candidates from around the state. The scoring was based on a stringent rubric and the applicants had to submit detailed work/academic histories, English Language Learners (ELLs) student academic standing, detailed recaps of work with ELLs and school/district references. Judging occurred on Thursday, May 12, 2005. Karen was officially notified on Friday, May 13. She was the unanimous choice of an independent five-member
panel in a blind judging. The panel members were: an author
on ELL education issues, an educational consultant/retired
school board member, a community member/parent, an ELL coordinator
for an elementary school district and an assistant principal
in Nogales Unified School District. The formal presentation is part of the 2005 SEI conference, "Standards, Strategies, Assessment: Improving Academic Achievement." The banquet will take place on May 25, 2005 at the Starr Pass Resort, 3800 W. Starr Pass Boulevard, Tucson, AZ. Place: Tucson Ballroom, 6:00 pm. State Superintendent of Education Tom Horne will be in attendance at the banquet and speak. The honor will be presented by Dr. Maria Ferrier-Hernandez, Former Undersecretary at the U.S.D.O.E. for the Office of English Language Acquisition.
English Language Learner Receives ScholarshipMay 2005 - Nathalie Zambakari, a Thunderbird High senior, recently received the Dolores Jacobs Scholarship in the amount of $1,000. The Dolores Jacobs Scholarship fund was established in 2003 to honor the memory of Dolores Jacobs, former ELL teacher in the Glendale Union High School District and spouse of the current Superintendent Vernon Jacobs. The $1000 scholarship is awarded annually to one graduating senior, a former or current ELL student who embodied the qualities Mrs. Jacobs modeled for her students: a love of learning, optimism, determination, and dedication to others. The award is to be used for post-secondary education or training. Of the nine high schools within the district, each ELL department nominated one graduating senior. Letters of nomination by teachers, a statement of intent by the students, and an interview by the nine-member scholarship committee was part of the selection process. ELL Teacher Leigh DeVoto said, "Nathalie Zambakari stands out in the crowd, whether it is in a classroom or soccer field. She is vibrant, bright, and full of life. I met Nathalie when she entered my classroom as a transfer student from another high school out of the district. She had transferred schools because she had heard among her Sudanese friends that Thunderbird High School was a serious school, and she wanted a serious education. She felt that she did not have enough homework at the other school, so she rode the city bus each day to attend THS." Nathalie was born in Africa and has the ability to speak
seven different languages. As a child, she moved from one
African nation to another. Nathalie stated in her essay "Having
fled my native nation and becoming a refugee, I learned valuable
lessons as I moved across the African continent to Europe
and then to the United States. I realized As a child she recalls every event as if it occurred yesterday.
She states "The life of a refugee is somewhat harder
than television depicts it today." Her parents were forced
to build a mud house to shelter her and her nine siblings.
They walked across hundreds of kilometers to escape, losing
all of their belongings. They dropped the coat of their nationally
and were given the light clothes of summer when escaping the
winter of war. The title of REFUGEE was given to them and
they became part of a realm known as the Land of Refugees.
"We were fortunate that the United Nathalie recalls the Christmas of 1990 where it rained for several days and she and her family sat under mango trees like homeless people without any defense against the ceaseless downpour of Mother Nature. "Those memories of suffering were instructive in shaping my perception of education, and they will remain indelibly engraved in my mind. Those memories help me strive for knowledge so that I can one day go back to Sudan and help those who I left back there". During the three years Nathalie attended Thunderbird High she managed to participate in sports, extracurricular activities and devote time to community service. With the scholarship, Nathalie plans to attend a local University to become a medical doctor. Nathalie Zambakari is the second recipient of the Dolores
Jacobs scholarship. Abraham Yepiz was the first recipient.
Yepiz graduated from Washington High in 2004.
Sunnyslope Makes Newsweek's Best High School ListMay 2005 - Sunnyslope High School, part of the Glendale Union High School District, is listed by Newsweek Magazine as having one of the best high schools in America. There are currently 27,468 public high schools in America. Newsweek's Best High Schools List uses a ratio of the number of Advanced Placement (AP) and/or International Baccalaureate (IB) tests taken by all students at a school in 2004, divided by the number of graduating seniors. Although that doesn't tell the whole story about a school, it's one of the best measures available to compare a wide range of students' readiness for higher-level work, which is more crucial than ever in the postindustrial age. Sunnyslope High ranked in the top 3.5% at 976. Principal John Croteau stated, "We are excited about being in the top 1000 schools in the country. The Sunnyslope faculty and staff continually set high expectations for students. This is a validation of those efforts". Sunnyslope High School is located at 35 W Dunlap Ave, Phoenix. Principal John Croteau can be reached for comment at 623-915-8760.
Student Poets Honored
May 2005 - Parents, students and teachers celebrated the written works of our talented students at the board meeting on May 4th. The annual Poetry Winners event recognizes English Language and Foreign Language student poetry winners from across the district. Winning poetry is selected by language and grade level by a committee of language arts teachers. Students and their parents are invited to an outdoor reception after which student honorees were presented to the Governing Board by Language Arts Curriculum Coordinator Sue Maland. Student poetry winners and their teachers: English Language -
10th Grade 11th Grade 12th Grade
Foreign Language: 11th grade
Phoenix Teacher Wins National Disney Education AwardMoon Valley High School Teacher Veronica Carlson Chosen
From More Than 50,000 Nominees for Successful, Creative Classroom
Strategies
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May
2005 - The excitement and the wonder of graduation is
nearing as students across the district ready themselves for
the big day. 
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May 2005 - Disney heroes have been capturing children's hearts for generations, but the newest Disney hero is reaching them in ways that Cinderella or Aladdin never could. Veronica Carlson, a teacher at Moon Valley High School in Phoenix, has been chosen from more than 50,000 nominations nationwide to receive the 2005 Disney Teacher Award in celebration of her creativity, innovative teaching methods, and ability to inspire her students.
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Veronica Carlson |
As one of only 45 Disney Teacher Honorees, Carlson receives $10,000 from The Walt Disney Company and a trip to Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif. for a week of fun and celebration from July 23-28. In addition, Disney awards $5,000 to Moon Valley High School.
"I try to be creative in all my lessons. I want to appeal to students' interests and keep them engaged in learning," said Carlson. "We move around a lot and they talk with their math buddy. When I ask a question in class or do an activity, instead of them telling me the answer, which only engages one child at a time, they tell it to their math buddy. By using math buddies, more students are engaged and involved in my lessons."
"One lesson I really look forward to is building parabolic solar hot dog cookers. A group of teachers and I developed this activity," Carlson continued. "We turn a shoebox into parabola, similar to the shape of a satellite dish, which collects the sun's rays and gathers them at the focus of the parabola, which is the hottest point. That's where we cook the hot dog. The students measure the shoebox and use graphing calculators to determine the focus of the parabola. They also use the graphing calculator to determine the temperature at which the hot dog is going to cook."
"Veronica is a remarkable teacher who makes a difference in our students' lives on a daily basis," commented Linda Rosness, principal of Moon Valley High School. "She is a highly respected educator, in our district and throughout the state, who exhibits passion, enthusiasm and commitment to the daily instruction of our students. In addition, Veronica's students' scores on district and state assessments are consistently one of the highest."
Read the full press release from Disney.
Apollo High School Names New Principal
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Brian Capistran |
May 2005 - Brian Capistran, assistant principal at Apollo High School, has been named the new instructional leader for Apollo. Capistran is replacing Debbie Greenfield, who is retiring at the end of the school year.
Superintendent Vernon Jacobs believes Capistran will continue to move forward on the path of excellence that has been established. "Brian Capistran has the organizational and communication skills to work well within the Apollo community. He has vast experience working within our district learning system and holds the strong belief that all students can learn and that teachers make a difference."
A product of Glendale Union, Capistran graduated from Glendale High School in 1990. He earned a BA in Secondary Education, majoring in Spanish from the University of Arizona in 1994. In 2002, he received his Masters in Administration and Educational Leadership from the University of Phoenix.
Capistran began his career teaching at Sunnyslope High School in 95. During his six years at Sunnyslope he taught Spanish, served as the foreign language department chair, and was the head coach for track and cross country. In addition, he served as the Summer School Assistant Supervisor and was appointed the Assistant Principal for Discipline and Attendance in 2001. Mr. Capistran joined the Apollo High faculty in 2002 where he has served as the Assistant Principal for Student Services.
Capistran and his wife, Marcela, have two sons.
Glendale Union Student Receives Flinn Scholarship
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Vidula Patki
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May 2005 - Thunderbird High School senior Vidula Patki has been named a Flinn Scholar.
The Flinn Scholarship is given to an Arizona student who will be attending an Arizona university. To become a Flinn Scholar a student must have a minimum score of 1400 on the SAT; must fill out an extensive application, write three essays, be actively involved in school with an outstanding GPA and have three letters of recommendation. The student is then granted the first of two interviews before a panel of judges.
By becoming a Flinn Scholar, the scholarship of $40,000 is renewable each year.
Art Teachers Display Personal Works
First Class Staff Departures - Flight #420
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April 2005 - Departing staff members were honored at a dinner reception held atGreenway High School on April 20. Governing Board members, districtadministrators, principals and staff gathered to reflect on the careers of 28 staff members who are retiring from the district to begin their journey to new destinations.
The Glendale Union High School District congratulates our
retiring staff and sincerely thanks each for their years of
service to our students, our schools and our community.
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Deborah Greenfield |
Apollo |
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Cindy Klein |
Apollo |
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Lanna Sullivan |
Apollo |
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Susan Whitcher |
Apollo |
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Nancy Jakes |
Cortez |
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Douglas Obye |
Cortez |
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Kathleen Frondell |
Glendale |
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Pat Record |
Glendale |
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Don Brazier |
Greenway |
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Don Denson |
Greenway |
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Judith Dixon |
Greenway |
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Sherry Green |
Greenway |
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Steve Mitchell |
Greenway |
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Cherry Buffington |
Independence |
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Marita Callaway |
Independence |
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Linda Bailey |
Moon Valley |
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Ernesto Garcia |
Moon Valley |
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Joan Schaum |
Moon Valley |
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Christine Locke |
Sunnyslope |
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Terri Fields |
Sunnyslope |
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Michael Franovich |
Thunderbird |
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Jerelyn Garrity |
Thunderbird |
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Marilyn Perry |
Thunderbird |
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Jessie Wilson |
Thunderbird |
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Brenda Cavaliere |
Washington |
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Sid Bailey |
District Office |
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Billy Hicks |
District Office |
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Ed Moriarity |
District Office |
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Community Members Receive Contribution to Public Education Awards
April 2005 - At the 2005 ASPRA*tions Awards Luncheon, several deserving community members nominated by the district received awards. The nominations were judged by out-of-state public relations officials.
Janet Miller, Individual for Contributions to Public Education Award
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ASPRA President Nedda Shaffir and Janet Miller. |
In life we come across many people. Some stick out in your mind and some simply fade away. Some are admired for their impact on others as well as the key role they play impacting a community. Janet Miller is the person who comes to mind.
On May 17, the Glendale Union High School District will be asking voters to approve a continuation of the current override of the statutory limits on the district's maintenance and operation budget. Parent and concerned citizen Janet Miller decided to take an active role in this campaign. She volunteered to be one of the co-chairs of the citizens committee. Janet devised a strategic plan that would communicate the importance of the election - not just to reach the parents, but all members of the community.
This job is no small task. Janet's generous spirit of innovation
and leadership has led her to contribute back to her community
- to her children's school district. She is absolutely passionate
in advocating for public education. It is obvious that she
has a hidden agenda - she wants what is best for all students.
The Glendale Union High School district applauds her.
Jean Bihn, reporter for the Glendale Star, Excellence in Education Award
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Governing Board President Vicki Johnson with award-winning reporter Jean Bihn and The Glendale Star newspaper owner Billy Toops. |
Ms. Jean Bihn of the Glendale Star understands the value of education - she is an educator herself. She uses her columns to inform and teach Glendale readers about their neighborhood schools. Being a product of public education, raising her kids in public schools and having a son who is aspiring to be a math teacher, she thinks like a teacher.
Ms. Bihn is well versed on issues affecting education and stays current with the changes. She understands education jargon, complex reports, such as how to read AIMS scores and what a cohort class is. You can mention NCA, NCLB, AYP and Jean understands. When other reporters "just don't get it", Jean does.
Jean loves Glendale… in fact she has been heard to say
that if it didn't happen in Glendale, then it's just not news.
She reports the news accurately and fairly, without sensationalism.
Jean is a true professional and a best friend to public education.
The Arizona Republic Newspaper - "Around
Our Schools" column
Mariam Frank and Lori Baker, Excellence in Education to a
News Media for Consistent and Accurate Reporting on Education
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Lori Baker, Arizona Republic Newspaper education reporter (right) with ASPRA President Nedda Shaffir |
If you want to see a parent smile, put their child's name
in the newspaper. Especially one with a daily circulation
of more than 400,000, reaching 1.5 million readers.
"Around Our Schools" is a weekly column published
in the Arizona Republic newspaper. Student achievement,
upcoming events and other "brag bits" are submitted
to the community relations department by local teachers. The
community relations department organizes the information and
submits the information to the local reporter and editor.
The information that is published is consistent and accurate.
Instant gratification is created - teachers read their info, students read their names and parents read the successes of the district. If that is not enough, the information is posted on the Arizona Republic website. Grandparents, aunts and uncles can celebrate their relative's successes simply by logging on. Did I mention the impact it has on community and business partnerships? Organizations and individuals have contributed to school projects as a result of the weekly "Around our Schools" publication.
Thank you, Arizona Republic, for providing an avenue
for schools and districts to share their successes and stories
of achievement.
Westcor Malls, Veronica Lovesy, VP of Marketing and Jennifer
White,
Award of Excellence for Contributions to Public Education
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Left to right: Veronica Lovesy, Westcor Region Vice President, Marketing; Nedda Shaffir, ASPRA President; and Jennifer White, Westcor Marketing Manager, Desert Sky Mall. |
The Glendale Union High School District knows that participation in extra-curricular activities help pave the path to graduation. Funding programs such as band, drama and athletics is a major hurdle for all schools in Arizona. The GUHSD jumped for joy when Westcor Malls created their "Extra Credit School Challenge", which works in conjunction with the Arizona Tax Credit Program.
When it comes to educating our most precious resource, our
children, Westcor pledged to make a difference with public
education funding. Programs such as the Extra Credit School
Challenge, Friends and Family Discount Shopping Day, Educator's
Discount Card, to the new Teacher's Supply Closet assist districts
and teachers with additional funding. Thank you Westcor for
your creative approach to the tight budget and for advocating
for public education!
Concert Under the Stars and Auction to Support Washington High School Bands, Orchestra
April 2005 - The Washington High School Wind Symphony, Orchestra and Jazz Band are tuning up for a spring extravaganza at their annual Concert Under the Stars on Friday, May 13, at 6:30 p.m. on the school campus at 2217 West Glendale Avenue, Phoenix. The concert is free and open to the public (bring your own lawn chair).
In addition to being treated to great music, guests will have the opportunity to take part in live and silent auctions. Washburn Music of 2002 E. Camelback is putting a grand up for auction - a baby grand piano, that is. They’ve also donated an upright piano and an electric piano (all three instruments will have a minimum required bid). Also up for auction will be an electric guitar, donated by Guitar Center of 2772 W. Peoria. A variety of autographed memorabilia, gift certificates and guest passes will also be available for bidders. All proceeds will support instrumental music at Washington High School.
Musical selections for the evening will include: Sakura featuring senior Erica Page on cello, The Inferno by Robert W. Smith from Dante’s Divine Comedy, and a selection of jazz classics. The Washington High School Wind Symphony, Orchestra and Jazz Band are under the direction of Chris Pierson, who is in his third year at Washington.
The Community has Suffered a Great Loss with the Death of Governing Board member Bill Stout
April
2005 - The district is sad to announce the passing of
long-time governing board member and friend Bill Stout. Mr.
Stout passed away on April 7, 2005 after a valiant battle
with cancer.
Bill Stout was a member of the GUHSD Governing Board for the past 24 years, having been first elected in 1981. He continued to be an active and highly contributing member of the Board until his death. As Governing Board member, Stout was known for his support of teachers and staff and was a key force in promoting career education curricula for students. Mr. Stout actively participated in school events, including the Thunderbird Relay for Life to benefit the American Cancer Society.
Mr. Stout is survived by his wife Donna and two adult children.
Stout was a key figure in the Glendale community and was largely responsible for the passage of the district system for city elections. He served as a delegate to the 2000 Democratic National Presidential Convention and was active in local and state Democratic party politics. He recently retired as Maricopa County Constable for the Glendale Justice Precinct.
We will truly miss Bill Stout for his caring attitude, his wisdom, common sense and his ability to bring people together for a common cause. The results of his influence and his love of children and education will continue to be felt by all of us who knew him and were touched by him.
Students Honor Survivors and Raise $120,000 for Cancer Research
April 2005 - District students organized a Relay for Life event honoring survivors of cancer and promoting research for a cure for the disease. Thesecond annual Dolores Jacobs / Thunderbird High School Relay for Life held on April 1 & 2, 2005 raised more than $120,000 for the American Cancer Society. Donations continue to come in via their website.
It's about community!
Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon greeted the crowd, praising the
students for their initiative in bringing the community together
for this cause. He thanked the participants for their involvement
and offered words of encouragement to cancer survivors and
their families as we all work together to 'fight the battle'
and find a cure for cancer.
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It's for the Survivors!
To begin the event, bagpipes played as Survivors gathered
to walk the first lap of the overnight relay in unison. Family
members and supporters joined the survivors to complete the
lap in a show of support. At dusk the cancer survivors were
recognized at a dinner served in their honor.
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Students, staff and community team members set up camp and settled in for the evening. Relay team members signed up to walk through the evening and into the morning because 'cancer never sleeps and neither do we'. Music, games and reading kept participants awake while waiting for their turn to walk.
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It's about commitment!
Washington High staff member Marion Frock vowed to walk 80
laps - totalling 20 miles - to help fight the disease. He
met his goal with stamina to spare!
Students from each of our nine high schools felt a need to help 'fight the battle'. They organized the district-wide event. Thunderbird student Drew Hart (center photo below), and cancer survivor and Thunderbird Counselor, Kathleen Adams worked with the students as they prepared for more than 800 participants to be on campus for the Relay for Life from Friday night to Saturday morning.
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It honors those lost!
In the dark of the night luminarias lit up the track carrying
personalized messages to honor those lost to cancer. More
luminarias on the bleachers illuminated the infield delivering
the message of "HOPE." Hope for a cure. Hope for
a cancer-free future.
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High School Students Help Fight the Battle
March
2005 - The Glendale Union High School District will hold
their second annual American Cancer Society Relay for Life
event on April 1 at Thunderbird High School. The theme of
this year’s event is “Fight the Battle”, which
is an overnight event that increases awareness of cancer in
the community. Students from all nine high schools have organized
teams who are committed to keep at least one person walking
the track at all times - because cancer never sleeps.
Mayor Phil Gordon will kick off the event with a welcome on April 1 at 6pm and the Survivors Lap will begin immediately after. The survivors lap symbolizes the courage survivors and their families display in their lives everyday. A survivor’s dinner, hosted by Apollo high school, will be served at 7:30 pm. When the sun goes down, Independence students will light hundreds of luminaries to light the way under the stars, and a moment of silence will be held for those who have lost their lives to cancer (9pm). A closer look at the luminaries reveals pictures, names, stories and even wishes of individuals who fought the disease. The next morning will begin with a breakfast, hosted by Sunnyslope High School and served by players from the Arizona Sting.
Last year, Thunderbird students and staff members were passionate about coordinating the first event because two of their classmates were diagnosed with cancer and one teacher lost her life to the disease. Glendale Union High School students were able to collect more than $137,000, setting a national record for the American Cancer Society.
Thunderbird High School is located 1750 W Thunderbird, Phoenix, AZ 85023. For more information contact Kim Mesquita at 623-435-6019 or 480-421-8498.
High School Students Benefit from Free
Health Care
School-Based Clinic Grand Opening on March 30
March 2005 - Every school should have a center students can visit when they are not feeling well, but not every school has the kind of health care center like Glendale High School. Glendale High, located at 6216 W Glendale Ave, has a school-based primary health care clinic - assisting district students who lack adequate access to primary health care services. The FREE services, which are provided to students who are medically underserved, include:
- Assessment and management of acute minor illness and injury
- Medication and prescriptions
- Physical exams, sports physicals
- Referral for health problems beyond the scope of practice
- Assessment and management of chronic diseases, such as asthma and diabetes
- Immunizations
- Nutritional and emotional health assessment
- Health education
The school, as a community, provides an ideal site for health care. It is comfortable, accessible, and culturally sensitive. Sheila Mehlem, family nurse practitioner, coordinates and staffs the clinics. Mehlem works closely with the school nurses to address health care needs that nurses, parents, teachers, or other school staff may identify. Parents are encouraged to be present at the time of the health visit. No child is seen without written permission. Other school-based clinics within the Glendale Union High School District are located at Sunnyslope High and Independence High.
The Glendale Union High School District was awarded a Community Development Block Grant from the City of Glendale. Representatives from both the City and the District will be at the grand opening scheduled for 8:00 a.m. Tours will be provided.
Washington Student Athletes Chosen for TV Commercial
March 2005 - Four students from Washington High School Cross Country team were chosen to participate in a television ad for New Balance running shoes. The commercial was filmed locally and features George Holberg, Tommy and Zach McElrath and Anthony Olsen.
The ads will run this spring, however if you'd like to see a sneak preview, visit http://newbalance.com/clubnb/ads/ and click on the cross country link at the right.
GUHSD Parent School Effectiveness Survey
March 2005 - 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 district wide, with 175 parents randomly selected to participate from each school's attendance zone. The survey takes parents approximately 11 minutes to complete and provides valuable information to school personnel and administrators with regard to how each school, and the district as a whole, is performing in relation to the pre-determined indicators of school effectiveness.
Looking For a Great Teaching Job - In a Successful District?
Triple your opportunity to land a certified position by attending our tri-district job fair on March 26, 2005
March 2005 - Three districts have joined together to provide you with outstanding teaching/employment opportunities. Triple your chances of finding a job with the ease of three school districts under one roof!
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The Glendale Elementary School District, Glendale Union High School District, and the Washington Elementary School District will host a Job Fair for certified positions on March 26, 2005.
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MOON VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL - Cafeteria (at the East end
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8:00 am to 12:00 pm |
What to expect? To gain knowledge about each District and their available teaching positions for the 2005-06 school year. Each District will conduct screenings/interviews and possibly issue Letters of Intent, or a Contract! You are encouraged to bring a copy of your resume, certificate, fingerprint clearance card, and letters of recommendation. Information booths will be set up at which you may learn about each district’s educational programs, benefits, and salary schedules.
Want to attend? Please visit the web sites of the districts in which you are interested in to complete a certified application prior to 3/26/05. The Washington Elementary District will contact qualified applicants to schedule screenings/interviews during the fair. Applicants for the Glendale Elementary and the Glendale Union High School District should contact each district of their choice to schedule a screening/interview for the fair. Walk-ins are welcome and will have the opportunity to complete an application(s) at the fair, but they will not be guaranteed an interview.
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Glendale Elementary |
Glendale Union |
Washington Elementary |
GUHSD Sends Three Teams to State Basketball Finals
March 2005 - Glendale Union proudly sent three of
the four teams vying for the 2005 4A State Boys Basketball
Championship to the Glendale Arena for the first ever 'February
Frenzy' event. Athletes from Glendale, Sunnyslope
and Apollo competed for the state title in an arena packed
with more than 80,000 fans.
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Apollo claims first victory at State Basketball Championship. |
Apollo Principal Debbie Greenfield
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State 4A Basketball trophy presentation
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Apollo High School Boys Basketball earned their first ever state basketball title this year capturing the trophy to display at their school. Glendale High had their best winning season in the last 20 years. Not since 1985 had a Glendale team advanced to the state semi-finals. Sunnyslope Boys advanced to play in the semi-finals after beating the No. 1 ranked team.
School coaches are Mark Nold, Apollo; Scott Stafford, Glendale
and Dan Mannix, Sunnyslope.
Thunderbird Girls Basketball Takes State
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Submitted by Tony Hernandez Photography |
March 2005 - Thunderbird High School girls basketball is celebrating another 4-A State Girls Basketball Championship.
The team has played in the state championship game each of the past 4 years and has won the title THREE times - in 2002, 2003 and now in 2005!
Steve Burke is their coach.
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Superintendent Vern Jacobs welcomes past
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Employees Recognized for Career Longevity
March 2005 - In a long-standing tradition, the Superintendent and Governing Board recognized 22 individuals for their 25 years of service to the district. Educators and staff members were honored at a dinner attended by peers, family members guests and school/district administrators.
Highlights of the event included a trip down memory lane to the 1979-80 school year when these employees began their careers in the district. Staff were provided with a memory bag capturing "Events from 1979", listing events such as the Entertainment Invention - Sony Walkman Radio; the Business Invention - Parallel Computing; and the fashion fad of the decade - bell bottom jeans and parka vests. A yearbook photo dating back to the year of hire was also included for each honoree.
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Administrator of Technology Ed Moriarity, from
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Past and current yearbook photos of Thunderbird
Math and PE teacher Teri Neeley who is celebrating
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Supervisors introduced the dedicated staff members and discussed highlights from their careers and special recognitions each honoree has received during their employment.
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Christine Sideris, Language Arts instructor at
Washington
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Governing Board members personally congratulated each 25-year honoree and presented them with a Certificate of Appreciation. Twenty-five year recipients also received a specially designed caricature depicting important events in their careers. The caricatures were done by local artist Gary Drysdale.
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Michael Siwek, a graduate of Sunnyslope, is now Assistant Principal of Operations and Resources at Independence. Prevsiously he was a language arts teacher and coach at Thunderbird High School. |
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25 Years of Service Honorees for 2004-2005 are:
- Apollo: Starlett Hovious, Timothy Poole
- Cortez: Candy Treat
- Glendale: Maria Vel Carrillo, Deborah Jordan
- Greenway: Michael Dellisanti, Virginia Marich-Streeter, Charon Robinson, Gary Traber, Karla Whitham
- Independence: Cherry Buffington, Michael Siwek, Lisa Wallace
- Moon Valley, Debora Gray, Vincent Marzella, Russell Smith
- Thunderbird: Teri Neeley
- Washington: Christine Sideris
- District Office: Eve Desi, Donna Light, Ed Moriarity,
Sharon Thompson
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Board member Kevin Clayborn presents a
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Cortez visual arts instructor Donna McCarthy admires caricatures of the governing board created by CHS student Brent Sanderson. |
We thank each of you for your years of dedication and service to our district. You have made a difference in the lives of our students, our staff and the communities we serve.
GUHSD Students Take the FITNESS CHALLENGE
Second Annual Fitness Challenge Held
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Last year, Cortez students (L to R) Chris Hamby, Richard Knight and Josh Ratley admire the 2004 Fitness Challenge trophy. |
February 2005 - Adolescents are at a higher risk for chronic diseases than they have ever been in the past. The prevalence of obesity, Type II diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol, which used to be nonexistent among children and teenagers, has been increasing at an alarming rate in recent years. Research has shown that this is primarily a result of poor lifestyle choices related to diet and inactivity.
The results of the 2003 youth risk behavior survey conducted by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention indicate that 24% of Arizona high school students are overweight or at risk of becoming overweight. As these students become adults, there is an increased chance that they will remain overweight or become obese. Currently 56% of Arizona adults are either overweight or obese and the obesity rate in the state has increased 80% in the last ten years according to CDC statistics.
Recognizing these alarming statistics the Glendale Union High School District (GUHSD) has recently taken steps to promote the benefits of leading a physically active lifestyle and maintaining a healthy level of physical fitness. One of the strategies that the district has implemented has been to organize the annual GUHSD Fitness Challenge.
The GUHSD Fitness Challenge is an event designed to promote physical activity and fitness. This year the district hosted the 2nd Annual Fitness Challenge on Saturday, February 12th from 8:00 am until 1:00 pm. Representatives from the district's nine high schools demonstrated their fitness levels by participating in six events to assess health and skill related fitness.
Students participated in the 1 mile run/walk (cardiorespiratory fitness), push-up (muscular strength & endurance), sit-up (muscular strength & endurance), sit & reach (flexibility), standing long jump (lower body power), and shuttle run (agility). Students who demonstrated high levels of health-related and skill-related fitness received awards and all participants were eligible for health-related raffle items promoting leading a healthy and physically active lifestyle. Additionally, an award was presented to the school that demonstrates the highest level of overall fitness.
The goal of this event was to teach students about the value and benefits associated with lifetime physical activity and to encourage them to maintain adequate levels of physical fitness.
In all, 126 students from all of the district's nine high schools competed at the event winning awards for demonstrated physical fitness in several categories. Raffle prizes, give-aways and awards were provided by local merchants: Glenfair Lanes, Submarino’s, Harkins Theaters, Castles n Coasters, The Phoenix Zoo, The Arizona Rattlers, Glendale Therapeutic Massage, Westcor, The Arizona Sting and Desert Schools Coyotes Center, Take Notice, Magical Marketing, Arizona Dairy Council, Massaging RBC, Apollo Parent Action Club, American Graphic Enterprises, Teamplay USA, Arrowhead Towne Center, Amazing Awards, Boyce Thompson Arboretum, and Glendale Sports Clips
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Overall Individual Award Winners in the girls' category were:
Overall Individual Award Winners in the boys' category were:
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Push-up winners in the girls' category were:
Push-up winners in the boys' category were:
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Shuttle run award winners in the girls' category were:
Shuttle run award winners in the boys' category were:
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Sit-up award winners in the girls' category were:
Sit-up award winners in the boys' category were:
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Sit-and-reach award winners in the girls' category were:
Sit-and-reach award winners in the boys' category were:
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Standing long jump award winners in the girls' category were:
Standing long jump award winners in the boys' category were:
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One-mile run award winners in the girls' category were:
One-mile run award winners in the boys' category were:
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Overall school winners were:
- Apollo High School, first place
- Sunnyslope High School, second place
- Greenway High School, third place
Nominate Your P.E. Teacher for the
"My Favorite P.E. Teacher" Award
February 2005 - Do you know a P.E. teacher who's made a real difference in the lives of students? Someone who believes that every child can improve his or her chances of lifelong health and wellness by being physically active and fit? Someone who knows that fitness is fun for everyone, not just the athletically inclined?
It's time for students to nominate these great educators for the "My Favorite P.E. Teacher" award sponsored by P.E.4life and Sporting Kid magazine.
In 500 words or less, students should describe what this extra special P.E. teacher has done to make a difference in their lives and the lives of their classmates.
The winning P.E. teacher and the nominating student will be invited to attend National P.E. Day activities in Washington, DC, May 3 & 4.
The deadline for nominations is March 15 so there's still plenty of time to nominate your favorite P.E. teacher. But don't delay. Visit www.sportingkid.com for an online nomination form and return it to PE4life, 810 Baltimore, Suite 100, Kansas City, MO 64105.
Winners will be notified by March 31st.
Students Exhibit Work at the Phoenix Art Museum
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Sarah White, Apollo
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Simone Luevano, Moon Valley “Hedy
Lamarr”
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February 2005 - The Phoenix Art Museum hosted the
annual Glendale Union High School District student art show
reception on Thursday, February 3.
The exhibition, which runs through February 25, features outstanding student works from all nine high schools. Charcoal, mixed media, photography and three-dimensional art is displayed.
This year, student artwork was judged by Becky Ankeny, Michelle Dock and Larry McLaughlin, artists living in Phoenix.
Awards of Best of Show and First Place were presented to Apollo student Sarah White for her two dimensional piece titled “Fall in Flag” (left).
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Janelle Hansen, Glendale
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Other winners in 2-Dimensional Design were:
• Simone Luevano, Moon Valley
“Hedy Lamarr” (above right)-
District Honor Award
• Janelle Hansen, Glendale
"Little Girl's Best Friend"(left)
- People's Choice Award
• Ali Lockwood, Apollo
“Surprise” - 2nd Place
• Rachel Zimmerman, Thunderbird
“Alice in Wonderland Series”
- 3rd Place
• Matt Graves, Moon Valley
“Second Thoughts” - Honorable
Mention
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Jade Sherman, Apollo
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Rene Vega, Apollo
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3-Dimensional Design Awards:
• Jade Sherman, Apollo
“Iris of My Eye” (left) - District
Honor Award
• Rene Vega, Apollo
“What People See When They Look At
Me” (right) -
1st Place
• Abraham Adames, Independence
“Orange Reade” - 2nd Place
• Nuha Sarraj, Thunderbird
“Old Shoe” - 3nd Place
• Vanessa Valdez, Cortez
“Untitled” - Honorable Mention
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Daniel Cavanaugh, Thunderbird
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Tonja Gortarez, Independence
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Photography Awards:
• Daniel Cavanaugh, Thunderbird
“Untitled” (top left)
District Honor Award
• Tonja Gortarez, Independence
“Untitled” (bottom left)
1st Place
• Kelly Jefferson, Washington
“The Vision"
2nd Place
• Alan Mitchell, Apollo
“Oceanside Escape”
3rd Place
• Sarah Tucker, Sunnyslope
“Brother”
Honorable Mention
The GUHSD Fine Arts coordinator is Gayle Gadus.
Students Learn Dance Skills at Symposium
February 2005 - The annual GUHSD Dance Symposium was sponsored by Jaime Tull, dance teacher at Sunnyslope High School on Tuesday, February 1, 2005. Dance teachers from all nine high schools brought 30 students each to learn new skills in two clinics as well as perform two numbers in an afternoon show.
Clinicians included:
- Sara Dimmick, a recent ASU graduate of dance education and instructor for "Let's Dance" camp who taught hip-hop sessions
- Brenda Smith, an ASU Latin and Salsa dance instructor who presented two salsa sessions
- Melanie Suman, a teacher of a variety of styles at the Dance Shoppe in Phoenix who led two jazz sessions
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Sara Dimmick |
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Brenda Smith |
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Melanie Suman |
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GUHSD Dance instructors |
GUHSD Dance instructors include:
- Alyssa Abrams, Apollo
- Kathleen Trice, Cortez
- Shira Schwartz, Glendale
- Susan Brady, Greenway
- Dawn Romanini, Independence
- Candace Hughes, Moon Valley
- Jaime Tull, Sunnyslope
- Michelle Condor, Thunderbird
- Kelli Abramovich, Washington
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The symposium is facilitated by Gayle Gadus, GUHSD Fine Arts
Coordinator.
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50th Anniversary Plans Underway at Washington
February 2005 - A committee which will plan commemorative events for the 50th Anniversary for Washington High School will meet at the school on Wednesday, February 23rd at 7:00 p.m.
Former students, staff and interested community members will join together on a future date to celebrate Rams Pride and 50 years of student success. Join in on the fun - help us plan this historic event.
Anyone interested should contact the school at 623-915-8346
for more information or visit www.whsrams.com.
GUHSD Talent Pool Attracts Athletic Recruiters
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Dexter Davis (center) signs for ASU Football. |
February 2005 - Athletic recruiters have been busy signing talent from our schools. Several football stars and scholar athletes from Glendale Union have signed with college teams for next year.
Dexter Davis of Thunderbird has signed to play with the Arizona State University Sun Devils. Davis will also be honored this month at the 24th Scholar-Athlete Awards Banquet, sponsored by the Valley of the Sun chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame as the state's top defensive lineman and a Curly Culp Award honoree.
Chris McGaha, a wide receiver from the 2004 4A State Championship football team at Moon Valley High School, has signed with Arizona State University. Honors for McGaha include: Arizona Cardinals High School Football Player of the Year; Harry Stanton Award as Outstanding Arizona wide receiver; Arizona Football Coaches Association 1st Team All-State football wide receiver and return specialist and many more newspaper, magazine and media awards.
Brian Writson, another member of the 4A State Champs team from Moon Valley has signed to play for Northern Arizona University. Among his honors, Writson has received athletic recognition this year from The Arizona Republic newspaper, Channel 12 television, Variety Sports.com and Phoenix Metro Magazine as 1st team quarterback
Richie Brockel, a highly recruited football linebacker and Achievement Above All student from Greenway High, recently accepted a football scholarship with the Boise State Broncos.
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Celebrating Success Colts-style
February 2005 - A high school basketball game was the backdrop to an evening of success at Cortez High School recently.
Former administrators from the campus, responding to an invitation from the principal, gathered to celebrate the 45 years of success that led to a 'Highly Performing' label from the Arizona Department of Education in 2004.
Certificates of Appreciation were presented by Cortez Principal Tom Hernandez during half-time of the basketball game.
Olympic Gold Medalist Inspires Students
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Misty Hyman
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February 2005 - It started as a childhood dream back in 1984. U.S.A. Olympic Gold Medalist Misty Hyman shared her dream with Thunderbird High School students at their annual athletic awards luncheon, explaining as a young child she would watch the Olympics on telelvision and say, "I want to do that someday!" Having no idea at that time what event she would compete in, she remembers just wanting to be in the Olympics.
Swimming became her passion. She put her heart and soul into it. Hyman remembers long hours spent training and not being able to hang out with her friends due to morning and after-school practice. She would even go to school with wet hair, but it was all worth it.
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Students await a signature from
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Misty Hyman's advice to the students was to identify their dreams. Then, to set realistic and reachable goals. Hyman explained how she would start by competing in a local event and set her goal toward winning that event. If she didn't win, Misty would not move on until she had won that event. Once Misty started winning, she started training harder which in turn produced more wins. Hyman reflected on field trips she took with her swim coach. He would take her to places that had aquariums and they would study how fish swim. Afterwards she would return to the pool and attempt to replicate the fish movement.
Misty Hyman encouraged girls to start capturing their dreams
so they could realize some of the wonderful opportunities
available to them.
Interact Student Receives Channel 3 Gold Star
January 2005 - NewsChannel 3 television and Fulton Homes chose Apollo High School senior Waheeda Siddiqui as a Gold Star Award recipient. She is one of eight Arizona students to receive a $150 gift card and be featured in a story on Ch. 3 television.
Waheeda lived with war in Afganistan and came to America after missing several years of schooling. She has learned the English language, passed all her AIMS tests and is referred to as "a model student at Apollo" by school principal Deborah Greenfield.
Waheeda is a member of the Interact Club and was nominated by Interact sponsor and instructional aide, Robin McKnight.
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Apollo student Waheeda Siddiqui accepts the
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During lunchtime, Waheeda Siddiqui poses at the
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"Because, I just
to want help them"
Students Help Raise Money for
Tsunami Effort
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Apollo Asst. Principal Brian Capistran makes a donation. |
January 2005 - Students across the district are responding with generosity because they "just want to help" the victims of the Tsunami devastation in Southeast Asia. Student-led efforts have produced lunchtime collection points and donor competitions between staff and students and to raise money for the Red Cross effort.
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AHS students dig into their wallets to help the effort. |
At Cortez High School, sensing the interest her classes had in making a difference for these overseas victims, English teacher Nancy Porter challenged her students to raise $500 for the effort. Students donated holiday gift money, money earned from their part-time jobs and money normally set aside for going to the movies. They hoped they could help a little by giving up something that pales in comparison to the devastation and loss of lives the Tsunami victims were dealing with.
Ms. Porter remarked, "I knew these students would rise to the challenge." At last count the classes had collected nearly $3,000 - six times their original goal. Student names were posted on a "Donor Wall of Fame" when they contributed money as a thank you for their efforts.
CBS 5 television taped Cortez students as they
tallied donations.
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Donations for the Tsunami effort came from a generous campus and community. |
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"Kid of the Week" Honored at Thunderbird
January 2005 - The teacher nomination read, "Armando Reyes is an outstanding young man and an asset to our school." Reading on, it explains that Armando is a recent immigrant to the United States. He has learned English quickly, has a 3.29 grade point average and has passed all his AIMS tests.
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(L to R) Teacher Leigh DeVoto, student Armando Reyes and disc jockey Chris Parker of Mix 96.9 FM radio. |
DJ Chris Parker presents Armando
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Armando is an involved student. He helps teach adult English classes some evenings, is president of the campus Culture Club and, on his own time, mentors new ELL (English Language Learners) students while working two part-time jobs.
Radio DJ Chris Parker of Mix 96.9 FM visited Armando at Thunderbird High School and presented him with $96 naming him MIX 96.9 Kid of the Week. In addition to the cash prize, Armando was provided with a goodie bag from sponsor Rio Salado College. Armando was nominated by his ELL teacher Leigh DeVoto.
Annual Student Art Exhibition
Opening Thursday, February 3, 2004; show runs through February 25, 2005.
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The Glendale Union High School District proudly announces
its third Annual Art Show at the Phoenix Art Museum with an
opening reception held in the Administration Building from
5:00-7:00 PM on Thursday, February 3. Outstanding student
artwork from each of the nine district high schools will be
displayed featuring two-dimensional and three-dimensional
works as well as photography. Student work will have been
adjudicated and awards will be presented at the reception
including Best of Show, Best of Category, and District Honor
Awards. Reception balloting will determine the People's Choice
Award. An art show catalog will provide the names of the student
artists and teachers and which artwork is available for sale.
The reception will feature refreshments provided by the Moon
Valley High School Culinary Arts students and teacher Maria
Schott.
The Glendale Union High School District is comprised of nine
high schools serving 350,000 constituents in portions of the
cities of Glendale and northwest Phoenix. The 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 annually demonstrate their skills
through performance based assessments illustrating their works
of art and orally delivering an artist's statement to a panel
of external evaluators.
Many of the student artists have previously received prestigious
awards at the state fair, Shemer Gallery, West Valley Art
Museum AAEA Exhibition and Congressional Art Award. The show
will run through February 25, 2005 and the public is welcomed
to visit the Administration Building, Monday through Friday
between the hours of 10:00 AM and 4:30 PM.
Renowned Photographer Returns to High School
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January 2005 - Jerry Jacka, a graduate of Glendale High School and one of the most widely published photographers in the Southwestern United States, will return to school on January 19 to make a presentation to the visual arts students. Jerry's love of photography grew from the support of GHS journalism teacher Al Levin. Jacka and his wife Lois Essary Jacka (also a Glendale graduate and writer) will share amazing anecdotes and tales that would inspire any budding photographer.
Jacka's photographs have appeared in National Geographic Magazine and books, Smithsonian Magazine, National Parks publications, Readers Digest books, Sunset and many other publications. He has been profiled with portfolios of his work in magazines such as Arizona Highways, Outdoor Photographer, Art West and American Indian Art.
Jerry Jacka devoted a lifetime to photographing the Southwest, its land and people. He is noted for his sensitive portrayal of Native Americans and striking photographs of American Indian art. More than 1,500 of his photographs have appeared in Arizona Highways magazines and books. Five issues of Arizona Highways Magazine have been devoted entirely to his work, an achievement unparalleled by any other photographer.
Tax Credit - Thank You to Contributors
January 2005 - On behalf of the students of the Glendale Union High School District, thank you for your generous tax credit contribution. The students of the district will benefit from your contribution both now and in the future. In times of limited resources, tax credit contributions such as yours make an incredible difference in what's available to our students. Your kindness will truly be remembered.
GUHSD Board Members Publicly Sworn In
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(L to R) Maricopa County School Superintendent Dr. Sandra Dowling gives the Oath of Office to GUHSD board members Vick Johnson, Steve Burke and Bill Stout. |
January 2005 - On January 4, Steve Burke, Vicki Johnson, and Bill Stout were present at the Arizona Department of Education to be publicly sworn in as elected board members for the Glendale Union High School District.
These individuals were sworn in and presented a certificate of appointment along with the oath of office by the County School Superintendent, Dr. Sandra Dowling, a Cortez High School graduate.
The oath of office is the same oath that Governor Janet Napalitano and President George W. Bush recited.
For more information about the office of Governing Board
member, please click here.
Congratulations Moon Valley 4A State Football Champions
December 2004 - The Moon Valley Rockets high school football team, coached by Roger Britson, won the Skyline Region and 4A State Championship titles this year with a 14 - 0 season record. Coach Britson was chosen Skyline 4-A Coach of the Year, as well as the Arizona Association's 4A Coach of the Year.
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Phoenix Lettering and Viacom have sponsored a billboard at 35th Avenue and Cactus Road congratulating the team.
Culinary students prepared a turkey dinner feast for the whole team in recognition of the team effort and successful season. Culinary art instructors at Moon Valley are Pam Richter and Maria Schott.
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GUHSD Relay for Life Wins Community Service Award
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Thunderbird teacher Kathleen Adams, (center) stands
with GUHSD Superintendent Vernon Jacobs (center left),
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December 2004 - The Glendale Union High School District
"Relay for Life", in conjunction with Thunderbird
High School, received the "Best of the West" award
from Westmarc, APS, and Cox Communications. GUHSD was selected
as the winner in the category of "Service to Communities
- Health and Wellness" at the 12th Annual Best of the
West Awards in December 2004.
Relay for Life is the American Cancer Society's signature activity. It offers everyone in a community an opportunity to participate in the fight against cancer. Glendale Union High School District chose to participate in this event hoping that those lost to cancer will never be forgotten, that those who face cancer will be supported, and that one day cancer will be eliminated.
The GUHSD Relay for Life began as a power of advocacy, reaching out and uniting the community. Two Thunderbird High School students were diagnosed with cancer, along with two Thunderbird teachers and a third teacher who lost the battle. The initial goal was to raise $20,000. Little did anyone know that the efforts of the district, student body and staff would result in setting a National record? Over $137,000 was raised.
Students became more aware that Relay for Life is about fighting cancer; it's about honoring the people who have been lost to the disease, but more importantly it is about sharing hope. Students noticed that cancer does not discriminate. People from all walks of life united with one focus and one objective - to fight cancer. This was reality within their own community/school.
The event not only showed students that everyone could participate regardless of mental or physical abilities, race, religion, age, or socio-economic status, but it supported and improved positive growth by bringing the community together. Students and staff saw that determination of a small group became contagious and the end result was overwhelming - $137,000.
Honoring Richard Stapley
December 2004 - Richard Stapley has served 32 years on the Governing Board of the Glendale Union High School District. With seven of his own children graduating from one of the district's high schools, Stapley has taken a personal interest in student achievement.
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GUHSD superintendents, past and present honor,
governing board member Richard Stapley by speaking at
the event.
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The district received national recognition for its system of curriculum, assessment and instruction which was developed in his tenure. Additionally, Mr. Stapley was part of several successful bond and override elections. Several innovative employee benefits such as affordable child care, fitness center memberships, performance pay and additional incentives for long-term employees have been instituted. Additionally, a highly successful teacher mentor program for first through third-year teachers has continued to flourish.
Mr. Stapley was awarded with the ASPRA*tions Award in 2000 as well as the Award of Excellence for Contributions to Education in 2002. Mr. Stapley is a retired educator and businessman who is active in his church and community. He has served as a model of congeniality among members of the governing board and remains well-versed on issues affecting education and the district.
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Family, friends, fellow board members, district retirees and current GUHSD staff were invited to a reception in recognition of the three decades Mr. Stapley has served the district and the community as a Glendale Union governing board member.
Pictures, some dating back to the beginning of his tenure in 1973, were displayed at the event alongside messages written by district staff thanking Stapley for his years of support.
Graduation for 34 Metrocenter Academy Students
December 2004 - Metrocenter instructors Carolyn Kelly, Janice Reed and Nancy Vander Ark proudly presented 34 students with high school dipolmas they earned while attending Metrocenter Academy on December 15, 2004.
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Metrocenter Academy instructor Janice Reed congratulates the graduates. |
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Guest speakers listen as students address the audience. |
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Metrocenter students toss their tassels at graduation. |
Mr. Art Othon, Director of Community Development for Arizona Public Service, was the special guest speaker and he shared with those in attendance the hardships he endured while climbing the corporate ladder.
2004 Jack Peterson Student Scholarship Winners Announced
December 2004 - The Jack Peterson Student Scholarship Awards assist and encourage talented young people in Arizona to pursue professional preparation in education to help future generations. This scholarship was named in honor of former ASBA Executive Director Jack Peterson upon his retirement in 1998.
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Retired ASBA Executive Director Jack Peterson, congratulates THS student Amanda Jewel Begay on her scholarship. |
Amanda Jewel Begay of Thunderbird High School in Glendale Union High School District was one of this year's award recipients and received a $1,000 scholarship.
School Programs Recognized by
Arizona School Board Association
December 2004 - Each year, Arizona School Boards Association selects a number of academic programs throughout the state to honor outstanding examples of excellence in education. Through the Golden Bell Awards Program, the search for each year's nominees begins early in the fall.
The programs selected to receive Golden Bell Awards all meet a set of rigorous criteria. The programs honored must be student-oriented; have a significant effect on student achievement; demonstrate evidence of teacher creativity; be presented in clear, concise terms; demonstrate district leadership and be in operation for at least two years.
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Sunnyslope High School Language Arts teacher and Life Guides sponsor Terri Fields addresses the audience at the 2004 Golden Bell Awards celebration. |
Glendale Union is proud to announce that in the ninth through twelfth grade category "Life Guides" from Sunnyslope High School and GUHSD Visual Arts Curriculum, Portfolio and Assessment program were both recognized.
Life Guides, under the direction of Sunnyslope teacher Terri Fields, is a program in which high school students work at Desert View Elementary in assisting with specific classes and/or specific students on a daily basis. The SHS Life Guides provide Desert View students with assistance in academics and learning English. Equally important, the Life Guides serve as role models who show that "big kids" do stay in school and value education. The Sunnyslope Life Guides not only provide great assistance in the elementary school classrooms, but they also learn a great deal themselves. Many of the Life Guides are at-risk high school students. As they "teach" the elementary students, they are able to review, or in some cases, learn academic skills they may have missed. They develop a heightened sense of self-esteem and a responsibility toward the younger children that increases their attendance. They further their own writing skills through the projects they create and reports they write. Some Life Guides actually decide they want to become teachers.
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Fine Arts coordinator Gayle Gadus
and Associate Superintendent Warren Jacobson receive
the Golden Bell award
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The GUHSD Visual Arts Curriculum, Portfolio and Assessment Program requires all students in Art, Three-Dimensional Design and Photography courses to complete a portfolio of their work as part of the curriculum outcomes. What is unique about this program is that it is externally validated and assessed by visiting evaluation teams. These teams consist of three district teachers who interview students from each of the nine district high schools to determine their level of achievement and publicly report the results. The evaluation of student success drives continuous program improvement via insight gained from the evaluation of student work, analysis of achievement data, formal staff development workshops and sharing of successful instructional strategies. District Curriculum & Instruction Coordinator Gayle Gadus oversees the Fine Arts program.
Congratulations to both these programs!
GUHSD Board Calls for Election
December 2004 - At the December 1st governing board meeting, co-chairs of the district's Citizens Committee reported to the governing board that the committee found unanimous community support for an override election. Their recommendation to call for RENEWAL of override funding is the responsible action to take.
The Governing Board acted on the recommendation from the Citizens Committee to hold an election. The election will be May 17, 2005.
GUHSD Citizen Committee co-chairs are: Don DeBusk, Rick Fields and Janet Miller.
Citizen Advisory Committee Recommendations
Maintenance and Operation Board Override Recommendations
Cortez Teacher Named KNIX 'Teacher of the Week'
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Teacher Amanda Bradshaw (center) with KNIX radio representatives. |
The class applauds as Bradshaw is named Teacher of the Week. |
November 2004 - Teacher Amber Bradshaw was recognized
by KNIX radio station as being the "Teacher of the Week".
In class, as her students cheered and clapped, she was presented
with a trophy and certificate by representatives of KNIX radio.
Ms. Bradshaw was nominated by her student, Jenna Julius, a
junior at Cortez.
Glendale Police Department
Honors Glendale High School
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November 2004 - Glendale Police Chief Andrew Kirkland visited Glendale High School in late November. The staff at Glendale High School was honored for their assistance to the Glendale Police Department during the 29-hour hostage/barricade situation that began on September 26th and came to a successful conclusion on September 28th. The staff of Glendale High School provided shelter and food for over 30 people during this situation. Staff members even came to work early to prepare for the changes in class schedules and locations.
Glendale High School Resource Officer Corley McClung said, "The school did a great job helping the police department with a very difficult situation. The staff at Glendale High School is a first-class group."
Chief Kirkland presented the school staff with a plaque and
the highly coveted commemorative "gold coin" that
represents integrity, service, excellence, honesty, community
and pride. Click here
for more information.
Winning Student Artwork Displayed
November 2004 - For the second year student artists were recognized by the Governing Board for work that will adorn the district office.
Photography piece titled "Challenge the Psychoanalytic Pseudonym" was done by Leanne Young. Leanne's teacher is Dawn Jacoby from Thunderbird High School.
"Challenge the Psychoanalytic Pseudonym"
by Leanne Young, Class of 2004
2004 District Photography Honor Award
Teacher: Dawn Jacoby
Thunderbird High School
This artwork stemmed from an interest in portraiture and
a desire to create an artwork that incorporated many facets
of the subject's personality. By studying David Hockney's
joiner photography pieces came the idea to use this method
for a portrait that would help accomplish this goal. This
artwork is made with silver prints, plywood, and plexiglass.
Strong visual interest is created through the repeated geometric
shapes of the small photographs and objects in the photographs.
This piece also expresses parts of the subject's personality
that would not normally be seen, like her personal living
space and passion for music.
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A three dimensional piece titled "Wild Horse" was created by student artist Rogelio Areliano (teacher Kim Sample) from Sunnyslope High School.
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The final piece is a two dimensional design titled "Snake Eye" by Jorge Ibarra. Jorge's teacher is Barbara Dahlstedt from Apollo High School.
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These pieces of art will be displayed with the winning art piece from last year (shown below) entitled "Never Out of Style" by Moon Valley student Jordan Rebele, taught by Art Smith.
Art Smith, Moon Valley art teacher and student artist
Jordan Rebele stand with his work.
Student Achievement. . . Gaining Altitude
October 2004 - On October 20, 2004 GUHSD Associate Superintendent Warren Jacobson and the district Curriculum Coordinators presented the annual student achievement report to guests and the governing board. Parents from each high school were invited to participate in the event by taking a sample AIMS math test. Here are some highlights from the evening.
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Child Actor Turned NYPD Blue Star Discusses Diversity With Students
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(L to R) Ricky Schroder and cast members pose with Apollo High School Principal Debbie Greenfield. |
October 2004 - Students at Apollo and Washington high schools were recently treated to a movie preview and open discussion with NYPD Blue actor (as Det. Danny Sorrenson) Rick Schroder and cast members of the movie "Black Cloud." Schroder wrote, directed and briefly appears in the movie which was funded by Native American tribes and shot in four weeks for less than $1 million.
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Actor Eddie Spears signs shirts for lucky students in the audience. |
Schroder told students the film, based on a true story which had a strong impact on his life, provided a challenge in his life. He wanted to give something back and when Hollywood decided not to fund his effort - he went to the Native American tribes themselves. "Imagine, a white man asking for money from Native Americans--- that is a humbling experience."
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Signed T-shirts and posters were given to several students by the Black Cloud cast. |
Schroder and actor Eddie Spears, who plays Black Cloud, explained the benefit of working toward a goal and sticking with it through whatever challenges come along.
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Students and staff enjoy the movie preview. |
Spears shared his excitement about getting this lead role. He said the hard work and challenge in learning how to box, shooting within such a short timeline, and having a starring role was all worth it in the end.
Black Cloud is an inspirational story about a young Navajo,
Native American boxer, who overcomes personal challenges as
he comes to terms with his heritage, while fighting his way
for a spot on the US Olympic boxing team.
Nine District Students Named Merit Scholar Semifinalists
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A group shot of six of the Merit Scholar Semifinalists as they arrived for the board recognition. |
October 2004 - Nine GUHSD students who qualified as semifinalists for the National Merit Scholarship Corporation were recently recognized for their achievement (representing the top one-half of one percent of Arizona's graduating class). Associate Superintendent Warren Jacobson explained the scholarship program and the outstanding accomplishments these students have made in front of a standing-room-only gathering of parents, friends, district administrators and the governing board.
- Rebecca Jenkins -Cortez High School
- Kimberly Christensen, Russell Orn, James Savelsberg - Moon Valley High School
- Walker Donaldson, Andy Keyt - Sunnyslope High School
- Sarah Gayman, Brody Holohan, Vidula Patki - Thunderbird High School
Each of the students will have an opportunity to advance in the 2005 Merit Scholarship competition for a chance to win one of the 8,200 awards. Finalists will be announced in February 2005.
Arizona Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year
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September 2004 - Dan Davenport, a mathematics and science teacher from Glendale High School, has been chosen as Wal-Mart's Arizona State Teacher of the Year. As such, Davenport won $10,000 for Glendale High School and he will compete in the national competition for $25,000. |
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Students in Dan Davenport's class perform a demonstration
for the class as Davenport looks on.
"Best Unit in Nation" at Thunderbird High
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Proud cadets and Naval JROTC instructors
display the trophy they received recently from the Navy
League for Most Outstanding Unit in the Nation.
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September 2004 - Thanks to hard work and determination, the NJROTC unit at Thunderbird High School received the Navy League Most Outstanding Navy JROTC Unit in the Nation Award.
The selection recognizes the overall excellence of the unit in all areas: academic curriculum management, program administration and organizational development, community/school service, competitive team performance, cadet participation and leadership, instructor expertise, and school/district support.
The unit was nominated by NJROTC Area Manager Com-mander Kenneth Liles, U.S. Navy, who said the honor was deserved, "Due to the overwhelming achievements and consistent high standards demonstrated across the board. Thunderbird is highly deserving of this recognition."
The final selection was made by the Chief of Naval Education from the best 11 nominated of the 650 NJROTC units nationwide.
Instructors are Lt. Ron Maul and Lt. Toby Wilson.
(Submitted by Jean Franovich, THS)
Also Notable:
For the past 10 years, Navy ROTC at Thunderbird High School
has received the "Distinguished Unit Award" designating
THS a Naval Honor School.
Keeping Kids in Class
September 2004 - The Glendale Union High School District Governing Board approved a revised attendance and tardy policy at its June 2 meeting. Following several months of study and deliberation, a committee comprised of parents, teachers and administrators recommended changes that became effective with the start of the 2004 - 2005 school year.
The former policy allowed tardies and absences totaling 19 instances, whereby the new policy allows a combination of tardies and absences totaling 13 before a student is in danger of losing credit for a class.
Students can most benefit from their classes if they are ON TIME - IN CLASS - EACH DAY.
Posters like these can be seen on campuses throughout the
district - serving as a reminder of the importance of attendance.
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DeVry University Contributes to CHS Robotics
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September 2004 - William Van Zwol and Kevin LaMountain, both from DeVry University, were special guests at the September 15 Governing Board meeting. DeVry University was recognized for the generous $15,000 contribution made to Cortez High School for their extracurricular Robotics Club sponsored by Rob Ambrose. GUHSD is always thankful for support from our local community. |
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Apollo Student Wins GIMME THE MIKE Contest
August 2004 - Sadie Tate, an Apollo High School student
was the overall winner of the recent News Channel 3 "Gimme
the Mike" contest. Sadie won an artist development deal
from Aezra Records, a Saturn Ion car and other lprizes for
her singing accomplishment. Click here
for more details on the contest and her win.
Thunderbird High School Golf Classic
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August 2004 -The first annual Thunderbird High School Golf Classic was held on Sunday, September 19, 2004 at Moon Valley Country Club, 151 West Moon Valley Drive in Phoenix.
The Chief Parent Association at Thunderbird High School sponsored the event as a fundraiser to benefit the group's scholarship program, supplement school needs and help fund equipment for a new Media Center. The scramble format offered fun for all levels of play.
Entry fee included play, awards, and hor d'oeuvres. Several contests along with a Raffle and Silent Auction added to the excitement.
Click for the full THS Golf Classic brochure
For more information contact paigelaz@cox.net or debbiesloan@cox.net or contact the school.
Students Help Kool Our Troops
August 2004 - A class of Cortez High School students will begin a service project for our troops stationed in Baghdad, Iraq during the first few weeks of school.
Students in Amy Kuhn's Life Skills class will earn community service credit as they work on a class project creating "Kool" headbands or neckbands to help our troops deal with the 130 degree temperatures in Iraq. The headband project requires students to learn measuring, cutting, simple sewing, ironing and assembly skills which also meet some of their life skills IEP (Individualized Educational Program) goals.
The concept for the project came from Diana May, a special education aide at Cortez High School, whose son graduated from CHS and is currently in the Army stationed in Baghdad. When completed, the class will send more than 200 kool headbands to Diana's son's unit.
For more information, or to donate supplies for the project, contact Amy or Diana at Cortez High School at 623-915-8200.
Flying To New Heights
June 2004 - GUHSD's Community Relations office was recognized with the National School Public Relations Association's Golden Achievement Award in 2004 for our excellence in our district marketing program. We've been "Driving Success" for the 2003 - 2004 school year, and beginning in 2004 - 2005 Glendale Union High School District will be "Flying to New Heights."
Our goal is to reach new heights of success in preparing our students for the Choices and Challenges of the Twenty-First Century. We want to fly higher in all aspects of school life. Some of our goals include:
- Increasing the level of achievement in statewide AIMS
testing. Currently, all of our schools meet or exceed state
standards. We want all of our schools to exceed standards.
- Employing top quality teachers and staff;
- Improving interpersonal communication between the home
and the school;
- Increasing student involvement in extra-curricular activities
to develop leadership and teamwork skills;
- Upgrading the number of scholarships awarded for higher
education.
- Maintaining a safe and secure environment for learning
through smaller classes and personallized attention to students.
GUHSD Students Get SHARP at High School
June 9, 2004 - Incoming ninth graders in the Glendale Union High School District will get a jump start on their high school careers in a free course entitled Project S.H.A.R.P. (Summer High School Algebra Readiness Program). Along with algebraic skills, students will learn valuable writing and study skills.
Successful participants will receive one-fourth elective course credit. More than 900 students are enrolled in the course, which will run from June 14 through July 2. A special feature of the class is a once-weekly field trip to local business and governmental agencies to see how mathematics is used in the workplace.
Project SHARP has three sites to serve the district's students. Classes will be held at Glendale, Moon Valley and Washington high schools. There will be two teachers in each of 28 classrooms across the district. Teachers from Washington and Glendale elementary districts will join high school teachers as instructors for the course.
Project SHARP will run from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. daily for three weeks. Transportation is free to participants. Call the district office at 623-435-6000 for more information.
Board Approves New Attendance Policy
June 2, 2004 - The Glendale Union High School District Governing Board approved a revised attendance and tardy policy at its June 2 meeting. Following several months of study and deliberation, a committee comprised of parents, teachers and administrators recommended the changes that will take effect at the beginning of the 2004 - 2005 school year.
The former policy allowed tardies and absences totaling 19 instances, whereby the new policy allows a combination of tardies and absences totaling 13 before a student is in danger of losing credit for a class.
For the complete text of the Attendance and Tardies policy, click here.
Board Calls for West-MEC Education Vote
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2004 Glendale Union High School
District Governing Board
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May 2004 - After more than a year of study, the Glendale Union High School District Governing Board has called for an election seeking voter approval for GUHSD membership in the Western Maricopa Education Center (West-MEC). West-MEC is comprised of individual public school districts that combine efforts and expenditures to offer Career and Technical education programs to students
Legislation passed in 1990 allowed the formation of joint
technological education districts in Arizona. In 2002, eight
Westside communities voted to form the Western Maricopa Education
Center. The November 2 election question, if approved, would
permit GUHSD to join West-MEC. Current member districts are
Agua Fria Union, Buckeye Union, Cartwright Elementary, Dysart
Unified, Fowler Elementary, Pendergast Elementary, Peoria
Unified and Saddle Mountain Unified School District. There
are ten joint technological districts throughout Arizona.
Glendale Union Administrator of Career and Technical Education and Special Programs Dean Petersen noted that "Membership in West-MEC would provide our high school students with expanded opportunities to explore various career paths using the latest technology. In turn, Glendale Union would provide member students with the benefits of our award-winning programs."
By law, West-MEC is a separate governmental entity and is considered to be a school district in and of itself. The West-MEC governing board has approved Glendale Union's request to become a member. In November, local school district voters must ultimately decide whether to accept or reject the proposal.
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Glendale Union High School District #205
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