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2005-2006 News Archive

MV Math Teacher Receives SRP Learning Grant
GUHSD 'Perfect' on AIMS
Special Recognition for Retiring GUHSD Staff
DOE Recognizes GUHSD English Language Learners Program
Superintendent Vernon Jacobs Resigns
Student Poets Honored
Two ELL Students Receive Dolores Jacobs Scholarships
Student Organizers Raise More Than $72,000 for Cancer Research
GUHSD Supporters, Programs and Local Media Earn Awards
SHS Life Guides Program Named Outstanding K-12 Program
Sunnyslope High Selected as 2006 Model School
Students Receive VASA Art Recognition
Schroeder Selected for AIAAA Distinguished Service Award
Congressional Art Honors for Apollo Students
Glendale High Student Named National Scholarship Finalist
Annual Student Art Exhibition - March 2-30
Six Students Compete in National Merit Scholarship Competition
All-Weather Track Yields Bit of Greenway History
Greenway to Host Sports Card Show - March 18
March is National Athletic Training Month
Independence Students Rewarded for Good Grades and Attendance
Staff Celebrates 25 Years
GHS Grad Saluted for Community Service by Ford
New Media Center Opens at Independence
Journalism Teacher Receives Columbia Scholastic Press Award
Arizona Cardinals Football Player Thanked for Support
GUHSD Joins with Glendale Police to Share Toys for Tots
Project SHARP Math Program Receives ASBA Honors
Coach Boie Honored by Jefferson
Lippert to Represent Arizona as Assistant Principal of the Year
GUHSD Earns "Award of Excellence in Special Education"
THS Students Selected to Film Documentary
Former Graduate Supports School
Aspiring Teachers Learn About Alternative Certification
NFL Player Donates $10,000 to Independence
GUHSD Reports Student Achievement Success
Connecting with Graduates
Dual District Teacher Job Fair
Westcor Endorses Partnership with Metrocenter Academy
Cortez Student Wins Veterans Day Award
50th Anniversary Event a Huge Success
Thunderbird NJROTC Unit Conducts Fall Leadership Training
2005 Marching Band Festival Nov. 7
Eighteen Pennsylvania School Superintendents To Visit District
MV's DisneyHand Teacher and Principal Attend Development Institute
National Academic Champions Honored
Parent Association Raises $28,000 in THS Golf Tournament
Annual Bond Update Meeting Held in New Facility
TV Chef Donates Time and Talents to Teaching Teens
Extraordinary Fine Arts Opportunities Engage Students
Glendale High Receives $25,000 Donation
Helping Hurricane Victims - A Priority for GUHSD Students
Student Nomination Brings Recognition to Melanie Droz
District Holds Annual Back-to-School Event
GUHSD Welcomes 87 New Teachers
Summer School Graduation Features Renowned Trumpeter
Golf Tournament to Benefit Thunderbird High


MV Math Teacher Receives SRP Learning Grant

May 2006 - Moon Valley High School math teacher Veronica Carlson has been selected to receive a $3,998 Learning Grant from Salt River Project.

In a letter from SRP, Corporate Contributions Administrator Rosemary Gannon explains the program and their selection, "The Learning Grants by SRP program was designed to help educators provide math and science learning experiences that would have an immediate and productive impact on students. Yours is such a program."

Carlson, a 2005 DisneyHand teacher, is excited about the addition of this technology to her classroom. The funds will be used to purchase a SmartBoard, multi-media projector and a computer to assist in the teaching of algebra and math.

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GUHSD 'Perfect' on AIMS

   

May 2006 - The district is pleased to congratulate this year's senior class for meeting the academic challenges of the AIMS test. Approximately 3,700 eligible seniors were able to pass Arizona's Instrument to Measure Standards and receive their high school diplomas.

Associate Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction Warren Jacobson commented on this year's AIMS scores stating, "We are thrilled to death about the perfect success rate and so pleased our students and their families can be part of the graduation ceremonies."

The Class of 2006 is the first class required to pass AIMS in order to graduate. For some students it was necessary to boost their scores enough to pass AIMS through an augmentation process.

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Special Recognition for Retiring GUHSD Staff

May 2006 - At a dinner in their honor 44 staff members were thanked for their years of dedication to the Glendale Union High School District and its students.

Collectively these district employees have contributed 1101 years of service to Phoenix and Glendale communities through their district employment, averaging 25 years each.

(L to R) Cortez Principal Tom Hernandez stands with
retiring faculty members teacher Robert Erickson
and Assistant Principal Pat Witter.
Veteran Moon Valley teacher Diane Newton (center) and
her daughters celebrate Newton's retirement.

Teacher Jim Gualdoni of Independence High School, who began teaching in 1964, is leaving the district after a 42-year teaching career. As the longest tenured retiring teacher in the state, Gualdoni was included in recognition by Starbucks as the company honored Arizona teachers during National Teacher Appreciation Week in May. The entire staff of Independence High School shared in the Starbucks celebration.

Also retiring after 30+ years of service are high school principals Elizabeth Tataseo and Virginia Gibney. Tataseo, only the 4th principal in Greenway High School's history, was among the first to teach at Greenway where she taught chemistry, advanced biology, and AP Biology for 20 years. She later became district science curriculum coordinator and then moved to Cortez High as their assistant principal. In the fall of 2003 Tataseo was named principal at Greenway High.

Independence High School Principal Mark Farison
highlights the 42-year career of retiring teacher
Jim Gualdoni at the event.
Thunderbird High School Principal Norman Smalley reminisces with retiring teachers Linda Pfeifer,
James Jeffries and Kathleen Adams.

During a school staff meeting, Superintendent Jacobs spoke of Liz,"Ms. Tataseo is a strong leader and innovative educator whom we all owe a tremendous debt of gratitude. Greenway is stong and vibrant, where students learn and are valued. In naming her replacement, our goal for Greenway is to continue the great tradition of leadership that Liz and those before her have modeled."

Retiring Superintendent Vernon Jacobs recalls working with Liz Tataseo (left) and Virginia Gibney.
Associate Superintendent Warren Jacobson shares a story about retiring curriculum coordinators Gayle Gadus (center)
and Karen Henderson.

Washington High Principal Virginia Gibney is also retiring after 31 years of district employment. Gibney began her career as a teacher of English in Chinle and then moved to Phoenix to teach at Greenway High School and later assume the role of the district Language Arts Curriculum Coordinator. She served as assistant principal at Greenway and later moved to Washington High School as principal. Virginia Gibney served on various curriculum development committees for the Arizona Department of Education on ASAP and AIMS. Superintendent Vernon Jacobs reflects on Gibney's 7 years as WHS principal and her career with the district, praising Ms. Gibney's "extraordinary contributions to the district and to the world of education. She helped build Washington High School into a respected organization and leaves a durable record of remarkable accomplishment. Her work will be remembered with pride, not only in Phoenix and Glendale, but state-wide. We wish her well in her future endeavors. She still has much to give."

Retiring GUHSD staff honor Superintendent Vernon Jacobs with a standing ovation, as Jacobs waves good-bye.

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Department of Education Recognizes GUHSD English Language Learners Program

   
(L to R) ELL teacher Karen Merritt of Glendale High,Superintendent Vernon Jacobs and ELL Curriculum Coordinator Karen Henderson with the Spotlight Award.
 

May 2006 - The Arizona Department of Education hosted their second annual Spotlight on Success awards dinner in Tuscon on May 1, 2006. Glendale Union High School District's English Language Learners Program was recognized as a state model during the event. Superintendent Vernon Jacobs, Glendale High School Principal Deborah Jordan, District ELL Coordinator Karen Henderson and Glendale High teacher and ELL Department Chair Karen Merritt were presented the award and honored for their collaborative leadership.

Karen Henderson and Karen Merritt presented at the Collaborative Leadership/Professional Learning Communities Summit the following day. There they outlined how GUHSD's program for English Language Learners incorporates curriculum, instruction, and assessment, as well as how to develop a standards-based curriculum for English Language Learners at the high school level.

This is another example of how GUHSD is preparing secondary students by providing relevant, personalized teaching and learning and rigorous, rich content curricula reflective of data-driven decision making. Professional learning communities, such as GUHSD's ELL program, support a climate for change which must exist in order for our schools to move forward in assuring success for all our students.

Glendale Union High School District offers English Language Learner programs at nine high schools: Apollo, Cortez, Glendale, Greenway, Independence, Moon Valley, Sunnyslope, Thunderbird and Washington. The district staffs its ELL program with teachers who have training in structured English immersion and who may have earned a full or provisional bilingual or English as a Second Language endorsement. The following district teachers taught ELL during the 2005-2006 school year: Connie Ballesteros, Brad Bates, Christine Bergner, Thomas Birk, Kierra Burns, Sarina Buskirk, Angela Cook, Leigh DeVoto, Garry Epstein, Sarah Finnegan, Rachel Gilpin, Derica Griffiths, Karen Gueli, Marie Guest, Paul Hastings, Kelly Hearn, Paul Hershberger, Marguerite Hinojosa, Nicole Kettner, Robin Lewis, Pandy Linnartz, Kim Means, Karen Merritt, Jeannie Paparella, Damon Pieri, Ron Pinkerton, Julie Rasor, Susan Seliquini, Richard Sparks, Antonio Vazquez, Tamara Voas, Jon Vreeken, Lisa Wakefield, Prince Williams, Melissa Wood and Rosemary Wucinich.

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Superintendent Vernon Jacobs Resigns

Vernon Jacobs    
Vernon Jacobs
 

May 2006 - Superintendent of Glendale Union High School District Vernon Jacobs announced to his cabinet members, principals and Governing Board on Friday, April 28 that he would be resigning from the district effective June 30, 2006. The Governing Board accepted his resignation at the May 3rd governing board meeting.

Mr. Jacobs began his career as a teacher and a coach at Glendale High School in 1973. From Glendale High he served as an administrator at Cortez High School, Apollo High School, and Thunderbird High School. In 1992, Jacobs was selected to serve at the District Office as the Assistant Superintendent of Operations. In 2000, Jacobs was selected to serve as the Associate Superintendent of Curriculum.

Vernon Jacobs was appointed Superintendent on July 1, 2002. While the districts demographics have changed dramatically, the fiscal challenges have skyrocketed as resources diminished, and medical insurance costs have escalated, under Jacobs superintendency the teachers and staff at each school have continued to get the best out of each student every year. Just like Jacobs motto, children in Glendale Union High School District continue to learn, behave, and participate.

The improved performance of students under Jacobs' leadership is reflected in the highest assessment scores since the inception of the assessment program 30 years ago. The Glendale Union High School District individual school's state ratings have risen to their highest labels ever. The number of students passing the AIMS assessments in reading, language and math has risen to 97, 97, and 95 percent of their senior cohort group. The drop-out rate, which is at 2.5%, has decreased annually and the student participation rate has increased to 70%. Twenty percent of the student population on each campus is enrolled in advanced placement courses, fostering higher student achievement scores and nurturing positive self esteem. Because of Jacobs' vision, the Glendale Union High School District has become a well-respected, honored and accomplished model of educational success, sought out by local, state and national educators searching for instructional guidance and innovative leadership.

"As I reflect upon my professional career here at Glendale Union High School District, the constant, unbending belief each of us adheres to is the knowledge that ALL CHILDREN WILL LEARN. This is our enduring battle cry, and the District's momentum will carry us forward, doing what is best for children. Students will continue to grow and learn and be successful, because it's what we believe. And it's who we are," said Vernon Jacobs. "It has been an honor to serve this community for the past 33 years."

Mr. Jacobs plans to spend more time with his family, including two grandchildren.

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Student Poets Honored

May 2006 - Parents and staff joined the board in celebrating youth talent at the annual district poetry reception on May 3, 2006. Student poets and their language teachers were recognized during the governing board meeting.

Students from each grade level in English and Foreign language poetry were selected to be honored for their work. Students addressed the board and read their poetry to an audience of parents, teachers, district staff and board members.

School poetry coordinators worked with district Language Arts Coordinator Tami Strege to implement the annual district-wide competition. They are: Ruben Miranda, Apollo; Rachel Svardal, Cortez; Marcy Ducca, Glendale; Jeanne Genung, Greenway; Donna West, Independence; Diane Newton, Moon Valley; Tricia Parker & Sarah Finnegan, Sunnyslope; Lauren Dahlk, Thunderbird and Charity Aguilera at Washington High School.

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Two English Language Learner Students Receive Dolores Jacobs Scholarships

May 2006 - This year the Dolores Jacobs Scholarship has been awarded to two English Language Learner graduates: 1) Fernando Ramirez at Glendale High School and 2) Maribel Orta at Moon Valley High School. Each student received a $1000.00 scholarship to be used for post-secondary education or training.

Anita Walker, daughter of Dolores Jacobs, will present the scholarships at the local school's Honors and Awards Ceremony, on May 1 at Moon Valley High School and on May 11 at Glendale High School.

Each year friends and family members of Dolores Jacobs, former English Language Learner teacher and wife of Superintendent Vernon Jacobs, select the scholarship recipients from the nominations made by each local English Language Learner Department. This year two $1000.00 scholarships were awarded to honor English Language Learner students who embody the qualities Dolores modeled for her students: a love of learning, optimism, determination, and dedication to others.

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Student Organizers Raise More Than $72,000 for Cancer Research

April 2006 - After nearly a year of planning, student council presidents from each of our nine high schools have brought together more than 950 concerned individuals with one shared goal - to Fight the Battle against cancer.

Student organizers and staff from each campus joined with community members to participate in the 3rd annual district Relay for Life held at Cortez High School on April 28-29. The overnight Relay was held to raise awareness about cancer, and bring in contributions for the American Cancer Society's quest to find a cancer cure.

Keynote speakers for the event were Arizona Secretary of State Jan Brewer and Dr. Karl Kingsley, a researcher from the American Cancer Society. Superintendent Vernon Jacobs, who lost his wife Dolores to cancer just a few years ago, also addressed the audience. He thanked Tom Hernandez, the student planners and Cortez staff for hosting the Relay for Life event this year.

Participants set up camp and shared in fun activities while alternating team members took turns walking around the new track throughout the night. With donations still coming in, these teams raised more than $72,000, creating a three-year total of well over $300,000 raised by GUHSD students, staff and members of the community.

Many thanks to CHS student Krisline Isiderio for organizing the 2006 district wide event, and to the other school relay representatives/student council presidents: Kayla Dunlap, Apollo; Natalie Estrella, Glendale; Elizabeth Mecham, Greenway; Domini Mayberry, Independence; Matt Coronado, Moon Valley; Andrea Woodward, Sunnyslope; Grant Cushman, Thunderbird and Saja Al-Jabin, Washington.

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GUHSD Supporters, Programs and Local Media Earn Awards

April 2006 - The Glendale Union High School District received honors at the recent Arizona School Public Relations Association awards luncheon held at Metro Tech High School in Phoenix. Jack Kensler and Mildred Norman of Operation Quality Time (left side of below photo) were recognized for their contributions to education with an "Award of Merit" for their support of the Glendale High School Night School Program.

Accepting honors in "Multicultural Relations" was ELL Curriculum Coordinator Karen Henderson for the district's Model English Language Learner (ELL) Program.

Under "Individual Contributions to Public Education", Anquan Boldin of the NFL Arizona Cardinals football team was recognized with an "Award of Merit" for his support of athletic programs at Independence High School. Accepting the award for Boldin were football coach Kelley Moore (left in below photo) with IHS student athlete Jose Sanchez, ASPRA past-president Terry Locke, and student Rueben Ramirez.

Education reporter Teri Carnicelli (right photo) and the North Central News received a news media "Award of Merit" for their coverage of education in their monthly newsletter.

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SHS Life Guides Program Named Outstanding K-12 Program

April 2006 - The Sunnyslope High School Life Guides Program has been selected as the outstanding K-12 program to win the "Pathways to Higher Education Award" by the Arizona Commission for Postsecondary Education.

Life Guide students from Sunnyslope High School work one-on-one with elementary students, assist in classrooms, and act as role models to show the younger students that "big kids" do stay in school and value education.

In one example of the Life Guides in action, students under the director of veteran teacher Terri Fields worked on a promotion of literacy project. The teenagers wrote and created a book, illustrated the pages and then read their book to elementary students. The popular project was a win-win for both groups of students.

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Sunnyslope High Selected as 2006 Model School

Sunnyslope    

April 2006 - Sunnyslope High School has been selected as one of 27 model high schools nationwide to participate in an initiative sponsored by the Council of Chief State School Officers, Washington, D.C., and the International Center for Leadership in Education, Rexford, NY. The project, "Models, Networks and Policies to Support and Sustain Rigor and Relevance for All Students," is gathering information on how outstanding high schools provide all students with a rigorous and relevant education. The high schools will share their successful practices with more then 6,000 educators at the 14th annual Model Schools Conference in Kissimmee, Florida, on June 25-28. Principal John Croteau will make the Sunnyslope presentation at the Conference.

Criteria for selection as a model high school includes a learning environment that promotes high achievement, use of data to make instructional decisions, a rigorous and relevant curriculum, personalized instruction, increased student learning time and parent and community involvement.

Sunnyslope High School will also join the 600 schools in the International Center's Successful Practices Network. Through the Network, the professional staff of Sunnyslope can exchange best instructional practices, successful methodologies and peer support with other member schools. Case studies will be prepared by the International Center on each high school to serve as a resource for educators and policymakers. Visit www.LeaderEd.com for details.

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Students Receive VASA Art Recognition

April 2006 - Several district students from Apollo High School and Washington High participated in the Visual Art Student Award (VASA) show at the West Valley Art Museum in Surprise recently. The student artwork was diplayed for public viewing and judged in the show.

Artwork by Cristina Drotar, Apollo High
Danielle Fowler from Apollo and her work

Receiving cash recognition for their works were: Cristina Drotar, Danielle Fowler, Jorge Ibarra, Kyle Harrison and Thomas Lesar.

WHS student David Still by his artwork,
with art teacher Karen Bell-Zinn
Artwork by Jorge Ibarra,
Apollo High

Art teachers are Barbara Dahlstedt at Apollo and Karen Bell-Zinn at Washington.

Artwork by Kyle Harrison,
Apollo High
Artwork by Thomas Lesar,
Apollo High

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Schroeder Selected for AIAAA Distinguished Service Award

Robbin Schroeder    
Robbin Schroeder
 

March 2006 - GUHSD athletic assistant Robbin Schroeder has been selected to receive the Arizona Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (AIAAA) Distinguished Service Award - outside the field of athletic administration.

The award is presented in recognition of her special accomplishments and contributions to athletic administration at the local, state and national levels during her 22 years of district employment.

Schroeder is the only Arizona nominee submitted for the National Award of the same name. She was nominated by her current supervisor, Jim Threadgill, Assistant Superintendent of Operations/Athletics who wrote in the nomination: "She has a unique historical perspective of the 4A Conference having served with 9 conference presidents and, as such, has provided a high level of stability during each year's transition. It is not unusual for Robbin to receive phone requests for athletic direction or policy from schools throughout the state and even the AIA on a daily basis. Robbin is a true professional whose strengths are honesty, integrity and loyalty. She has earned the respect of all who have worked with her."

Robbin Schroeder will receive her award and be honored September 10-12, 2006 at the Annual State Athletic Directors Conference in Prescott.

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Congressional Art Honors for Apollo Students

March 2006 - On March 20, 2006 Rep. Ed Pastor announced that two Apollo High School students have been selected as winners in the 2006 Congressional Art Contest for District 4.


Rep. Ed Pastor with art competition honorees
Cody Jayne Albin (left) and Fatma Thoayle.

Fatma Thoayleb, a sophomore at Apollo, received 2nd place in the competition for her charcoal drawing titled "Found in Translation". She was awarded a $15,000 scholarship to the Art Institute of Phoenix. Apollo junior Cody Jayne Albin earned an honorable mention in the same competition.

Representative Ed Pastor, D-Arizona, hosts the art competiton for students residing in his district.

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Glendale High Student Named National Scholarship Finalist

Bobbie Wilson    

March 2006 - Senior Bobbie Wilson of Glendale High School has met all requirements to qualify as a Finalist in the competition for Achievement Scholarship awards to be offered to outstanding Black American students in 2006.

Wilson was among the more than 130,000 students to enter the annual National Achievement Program competition in which 4,600 participants receive recognition and some 800 win.

The Program is an academic competition in which only Black American high school students participate.

 

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Annual Student Art Exhibition - March 2-30

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Six Students Compete as Finalists in National Merit Scholarship Competition

March 2006 - Glendale Union is pleased to announce that all six of this year's semi-finalists have advanced to finalist standing in the National Merit Scholarship Competition.

Vincent Leonard from Glendale High; Denise Gray and John Rogers, Moon Valley High; Alexandra Clarke, Sunnyslope High; Colin Penrose, Thunderbird High, and Zechariah McElrath of Washington High School have been named National Merit Scholarship finalists. These students have an academic record of high performance in all 4 years of high school and have each been recommended by their principal to compete in this year's competition for one of the three types of scholarships awarded: National Merit $2,500 Scholarships, corporate-sponsored scholarships, and college-sponsored scholarships.

For further details on these scholarships, visit: http://www.nationalmerit.org

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All-Weather Track Yields Bit of Greenway History

March 2006 - As Greenway High School prepared for their first track meet on the new all-weather track, those in attendance for the ribbon cutting ceremony took a trip down memory lane to recognize some of the individuals who had been instrumental in the development and success of the school's Track and Field Program:


Left to right are track coaches: Mike Brown, Tony Helm, Clyde Volz, Rob Roberson,
Scott Giddings, Robbie Robinson and Wendall Sheets.

Coach Wendall Sheets, started the program in 1973 as first head coach, setting the foundation for its future.

Robbie Robinson, Head Boys Coach from 1975 to 1981, currently serving as Greenway's jump coach.

Scott Giddings is the only distance coach Greenway has ever known and current Head Girls Coach since 1966. His Lady Demon Squads have won the Region Championships 5 of the last 10 years.

    

Rob Roberson, current Athletic Director at Sunnyslope, coached at Greenway in the late 70's/early 80's.

Clyde Volz arrived at Greenway as Head Boys Coach in 1983 after a successful career at Sunnyslope.

Tony Helm, a Greenway counselor was coach of the Girls team from 1992 - 1994.

Mike Brown currently serves as Boys coach and has been instrumental in the success of Greenway hurdlers and sprinters in recent years.

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Greenway to Host Sports Card Show - March 18

March 2006 - Greenway High School will host a Sports Card Show at the school on March 18 featuring several Hall of Fame players who will be available for autographs. Admission is $1. The show will run from 10:00 a.m. to 4: 00 p.m. Nearly 65 tables will be set up in the show.

Hall of Fame guests will be:

  • 12:00 - 1:00  Phoenix Suns Eddie House and James Jones
  • 1:00 - 3:00  Brett Sagerhagen - 2-time Cy Young winner and 1985 World Series MVP
  • 1:00 - 3:00  Jim Abbott - winning pitcher on the 1988 Team USA that beat Japan for the 1st U.S. Gold Medal in Olympic Baseball. Abbott pitched a no-hitter for the Yankees on 4-8-89. His accomplishments, not just in sports, but in life have made him a hero to anyone with a disability - he was born without a right hand.
  • 2:00 - 3:30  Minnie Minoso - 7-time baseball All Star, 3-time gold glove of Chicago White Sox and Raja Bell from the Phoenix Suns.

Tickets will be needed to get autographs and can be obtained by contacting Jeff Thalblum at 623-587-9766. Phoenix Suns autographs are $15; Saberhagen & Abbott autographs are $20.

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March is National Athletic Training Month

   

March 2006 - Congratulations to the GUHSD Athletic Trainers during National Athletic
Training Month:

     • Tia Bowling, Apollo
     • Jerry Cross, Cortez
     • Mike Hilditch, Glendale
     • Ron Kordonowy, Greenway
     • Darren Couts, Independence
     • Junita Payne, Moon Valley
     • Mark Espinoza, Sunnyslope
     • Ryan Wolff, Thunderbird
     • Kim Rodgers, Washington
 

National Athletic Trainer's Association

 

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Independence Students Rewarded for Good Grades and Attendance

March 2006 - The 11th annual P3 celebration was held to recognize 566 students for academic excellence and perfect attendance for the fall semester. Specially designed T-shirts were given to the students who earned grades of B or better. Students had the opportunity to receive one of several donated door prizes from local businesses.

The P3 team, made up of teachers, staff and students, coordinated the assembly for students.

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Staff Celebrates 25 Years

   

March 2006 - Governing Board members, administrators, and principals congratulated 26 staff members for their career longevity and thanked them for their dedicated service to the district at a dinner in their honor on March 1.

Photos dating back to 1980 and 1981 were provided to the 25-year staffers along with personalized caricatures depicting highlights of their lives and careers.

Honorees include: Walter Phillips, Apollo; Jennifer Johnson, District; Marcy Ducca, Kris Willis, Glendale; Lea Anne Alvarez, Darrell Barrett, Jeanne Genung, Julie Stockwell, Greenway; Rosie Andrade, Corby Archer, Marita Callaway, Phyllis Gendreau, Karen Haskell, Sandra Roberson, Independence, Julie Harvey, Deborah Hoff, Art Smith, Moon Valley; Trudee Ely, Susan Hodge-Parker, Teresa Peters, Northern Annex; Joey McAuley, Sunnyslope; Steve Gurule, Scott Kay, Thunderbird; David Blood, Salvatore Rizzo and Virginia Rodriguez, Washington.

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GHS Grad Saluted for Community Service by Ford


Edsel B. Ford II presents David Kimmerle the portrait Ford Motor Company commissioned
for his 2006 Salute To Dealers award February 10 in Orlando, Florida.

February 2006 - Edsel B. Ford II and Ford Motor Company recently honored David Kimmerle of Sanderson Ford in Glendale as part of its 2006 Salute to Dealers program for his outstanding commitment to the community and those who live in it.

David Kimmerle is the only automobile dealer in Arizona and one of just nine Ford Motor Company dealers - across all eight brands - to receive this award.

Kimmerle, a graduate of Glendale High School, is passionate about young people and supports opportunities for local youth. He has been a loyal district supporter and an instrumental partner in the Best Buddies program within the Glendale Union High School District.

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New Media Center Opens at Independence

February 2006 - A ribbon cutting ceremony was held at Independence High School to celebrate the completion of the school's new media center and classroom complex.

Principal Mark Farison hosted the ribbon cutting. He was joined in cutting the ceremonial ribbon by (see photo, above): Glendale City Council member Joyce Clark; IHS student body president Domini Mayberry, GUHSD superintendent Vernon Jacobs; Governing Board members Vicki Johnson and Kevin Clayborn; Glendale Union Education Association President Mary Pat Eul; IHS teacher Linda Parrott; McCarthy Construction Project Engineer Pam Culbertson; A.R.T. Architect Eve Eppard and McCarthy Construction Vice President of Education Services Rob Langhoff.

    

Both McCarthy Construction and Architectural Resource Team (A.R.T.) are currently working on similar projects at other schools in the district. Joyce Clark is City of Glendale Councilmember from the Yucca District which includes Independence High School.

The new building, nearly 27,000 square feet, was made possible due to the support of district voters in passing the GUHSD bond override in 2003. The building will house a large open library with an attached 64-computer lab and space for media and science classes. The science wing is expansive enough to accomodate for growth.

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Journalism Teacher Receives Columbia Scholastic Press Award

Peggy Gregory    
Peggy Gregory
Greenway High School
 

February 2006 - Teacher Peggy Gregory of Greenway High School has been selected to receive the James F. Paschal Award of the Columbia Scholastic Press Advisers Association for 2006 (on the unanimous recommendation of the Honors and Awards Committee of the Columbia Scholastic Press Advisers Association).

The Paschal Award will be presented to Gregory on Friday, March 17, 2006, in the Rotunda of Low Library on the Columbia University Campus. She and a guest is invited to attend the Awards Luncheon.

Peggy Gregory has also received the Gold Key of the Columbia Scholastic Press Association for 2006 from the same committee.

The Columbia Scholastic Press Association is a program of the Graduate school of Journalism at Columbia University in the City of New York. Their web address is www.columbia.edu/cu/cspa.

Peggy currently teaches journalism and is a teacher mentor at Greenway High School.

About the awards: The Paschal Award, first given in 1987, is named for Professor James F. Paschal of the University of Oklahoma in Norman, in honor of his service to both CSPAA and to the Oklahoma Interscholastic Press Association.

The Gold Key was first presented publicly in 1930 and has been awarded to distinguished faculty advisers, professional journalists and others in public life who have supported the student press. It is the Assoication's highest honor for a person.

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Arizona Cardinals Football Player Thanked for Support


December 2005 - Arizona cardinals football player Anquan Boldin holds the personalized jersey
he received from Winnie Moore on behalf of Independence High School for his numerous
contributions and support of athletic and academic programs at the school.

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GUHSD Joins with Glendale Police to Share Toys for Tots

December 2005 - Four GUHSD locations joined with the U.S. Marine Corps in cooperation with Lieutenant Frank Balkcom of the Glendale Police Department and former governing board member Ian Hugh to participate in the 2005 U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots holiday collection campaign.


Apollo principal Brian Capistran, former governing board member Ian Hugh, Glendale police
officers, and U.S. Marines join AHS student council members in the Toys for Tots holiday
campaign. Toys were collected at four GUHSD locations: Apollo, Glendale, Independence
and the District Office

Staff and students at Apollo, Glendale, Independence and the District Office donated new toys during the month of December which were picked up by Marine Corp representatives and GPD officers for distribution. The toys were then distributed to needy children of the community just prior to Christmas.

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Project SHARP Math Program Receives ASBA Honors

   

December 2005 - The Arizona School Boards Association selected the GUHSD Project S.H.A.R.P. math program for a Golden Bell Runner-up award. District Math Coordinator Cory Shinkle, Project S.H.A.R.P field trip coordinator Marilynn Steffen, and Associate Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Warren Jacobson accepted the award at a December banquet. Program coordinator Suzanne Somers was unable to attend.

Project S.H.A.R.P., which stands for Summer High School Algebra Readiness Program, has provided its incoming ninth grade participants an expanded opportunity in mathematics that has delivered impressive results. Overall, students who successfully completed the course had higher grades at the end of the first semester than those who did not enroll in the program. A collaboration of teachers from Glendale Union, Washington Elementary and Glendale Elementary school districts worked together using cooperative learning, team teaching, games, activities and field trips to shape the minds of the incoming freshmen.

Students who participate in Project S.H.A.R.P. have a much higher success rate in high school algebra. The Project impacts students' math ability, and teachers value the well-defined objectives, teaching strategies, student-teacher ratios and the ability to collaborate with colleagues.

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Coach Boie Honored by Jefferson

   
John Boie
Moon Valley High School
Basketball Coach
 

November 2005 - NBA entertainment was on the Moon Valley High School campus the day after Thanksgiving. Their purpose was to gather sound bites and interview Coach John Boie for a video clip of Moon Valley graduate and NBA All-Star Richard Jefferson. The story, Mentors of NBA Players, will air at a later date on 'NBA Inside Stuff' with Ahmad Rashad.

Jefferson, who was in town for the Mets vs. Suns game, attended the filming and visited with the boys basketball team who were present for practice. After the film crew finished taping, Richard invited the boys and Coach Boie to join him outside. Once outside, Richard Jefferson presented Coach Boie, his mentor and high school basketball coach, with the keys to a brand new Toyota Sequoia sport utility vehicle.

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Lippert to Represent Arizona as Assistant Principal of the Year

   
Carol Lippert
Moon Valley High School
 

November 2005 - Carol Lippert has been named Arizona Assistant Principal of the Year by Arizona School Administrators (ASA). She will be honored at the annual Assistant Principal's Forum and Awards Banquet in Washington, D.C. on April 28 & 29, 2006.

Nominations for the award were submitted by her school principal, Dr. Linda Rosness; Language Arts Department Chair Deborah Hoff; fellow Assistant Principal Susan Hertneky and District Superintendent Vernon Jacobs, each of whom commented on her committment to students, putting them and their interests first.

As Arizona's representative, Lippert becomes eligible for the National Assistant Principal of the Year award sponsored by the National Association of Secondary School Principals and Virco, and the prize award of $5,000.

A native of Arizona, Lippert earned a BA in secondary education, majoring in Biology from the University of Arizona. She received her Masters in Educational Administraton from Northern Arizona University. She began her career with the district in 2000 as a science teacher at Thunderbird High School, and became Assistant Principal at THS on 2002. Carol Lippert joined the MVHS faculty in 2004 where she continues to serve as the Assistant Principal for Student Services.

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GUHSD Earns "Award of Excellence in Special Education"

   

November 2005 - The GUHSD Transitions Program at Northern Annex received the "Excellence in Special Education Award" from the Arizona Department of Education at the Director's Institute this year.

GUHSD Special Education Director June McCulley explains, "This program is so successful because the Transition teachers believe that students with emotional or behavioral disabilities can meet the requirements of our curriculum in a smaller setting. The teachers meet every morning before school starts and discuss individual student needs and develop a plan for dealing with those needs. Everyone is on the same page, working together for the student. It is a very committed and competent staff."

An upcoming issue of the ADE SPECIAL EDition newsletter will feature a profile of program facilitator Denise Scafone. Scafone oversees the Transitions and Homebound services provided to students with emotional and behavioral learning disabilities at the 10 classroom campus referred to as the Northern Annex.

Denise Scafone was the first teacher in the developing Transitions program under the guidance of psychologist June McCulley, and social worker Jackie Nelson. Nelson was facilitator of programs at Northern Annex prior to moving to the district office as Guidance and Support Services Coordinator.

Transitions teachers are: Paul Bojanac, Brett Eklund, Trudee Ely, Patrick Ferrel, Kathy Gindt, Todd Ockenfels, Patrick Wilson, Dan Jones, Tanisha Lawrence, Colby Mills.

Program Aides are: Ira Lazenby, Robert Johnson, Nathan Lange, Lorena Ochoa, Curtis Ogland, Robin Kornegay, Joseph Meyers, Cindy James, Erin Reilly, Randy Huizar.

Job Coach is Stephanie Dunlap-Daye.

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THS Students Selected to Film Documentary

November 2005 - Thunderbird High seniors Grant Cushman and Justin Yngelmo have been selected to film a documentary on Teenagers and Peer Pressure in Ennis, Ireland during Spring Break 2006, as part of the Phoenix Sister Cities Youth Ambassadors Program. This past summer they both spent three weeks overseas as part of the program.

Grant and Justin were chosen as youth ambassadors for the project partly because of their passion for film which has now spanned most of their high school careers. They are both founding members of HBD Productions and Thunderbird High School Film Club and have been making short independent films as well as school video announcements, and commercials for upcoming special events for the last three years. Grant is the Student Body president at Thunderbird and Justin is the Student Body vice-president. They are both members of the National Honor Society and the Thunderbird Tennis team.

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Former Graduate Supports School

   

November 2005 - NBA player Richard Jefferson recently expressed support for Moon Valley High School through a generous donation of sports equipment and clothing, valued at nearly $31,000.

Jefferson, a graduate of Moon Valley, has kept in contact with MVHS staff, including his former basketball coach John Boie, throughout the years. He has been a strong supporter of the basketball program, the school and the district.

This year, Richard Jefferson agreed to serve as a 'poster child' for the district program that highlights many successful graduates. His image and a personal reflecting is printed on posters that hang throughout the district as reminders to students that a good high school education is the foundation to a successful future.

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Aspiring Teachers Learn About Alternative Certification

   
Dr. Johnson reviews the Alternative Certification program.
 

November 2005 - Dr. Jennifer Johnson hosted a meeting at Sunnyslope High School for aspiring high school teachers. The meeting provided candidates with details on the Alternative Path to Secondary Certification program that is sponsored by the Arizona Department of Education.

    
 
Marguerite Hinojosa received her certifcation through this program and shares her point of view about changing her career into teaching.

After a welcome from district Superintendent Vernon Jacobs, Patty Hardy from the Arizona Department of Education explained the purpose of the program and the ADE requirements for this certification.

Independence High School Principal Mark Farison shared the principal's perspective of this new program with the audience.

ELL teacher Marguerite Hinojosa is certified through this program. She explained how she was able to change her career of more than 10 years as producer of the Good Morning Arizona program on Channel 3 TV into the teaching profession, by completing the alternative certification process.

If you are interested in a career teaching at a high school and would like more information pertaining to alternative certification program, visit our Employment page.

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NFL Player Donates $10,000 to Independence

   

November 2005 - Anquan Boldin, wide receiver for the Arizona Cardinals, visited Independence High School on November 15 to make a generous donation of $10,000 to purchase new equipment and sports items for the school's football program.

"This is a school that I just fell in love with," commented Boldin. "I actually held a camp here over the summer and Coach Moore was so helpful. He got his whole team to come out and help with my camp and ever since then I've been in contact with the football team and the basketball team."

"He has come out to lift with the guys and he has really taken a special interest in our kids," shared Independence Head Football Coach Kelley Moore. "He's been on the sidelines for a couple of games and it has really been a morale booster for our program."

Boldin donated $5,000 out of his own pocket and that figure was matched with a grant from the NFL's Youth Football Fund.

Read more on this topic at: http://www.preppublications.com/issues/2005/11/06.shtml

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GUHSD Reports Student Achievement Success

November 2005 - Parents and students attended the annual student achievement report to the governing board on November 2 at Apollo High School, where information from each curriculum area was presented. Included in the program was AIMS testing, student test results, and program successes from the 2004-2005 school year.

Curriculum Coordinators, Read 180 teachers, and the Associate Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction spoke to the group about the continuous improvement district students are experiencing on the AIMS tests. Emphasizing the importance of reading in all subject areas, Associate Superintendent Warren Jacobson provided the audience with several sample readings and explained the unique features in each reading and how it pertains to the new Read 180 program the district has implemented at all nine schools. Students from actual Read 180 classes provided videotaped testimonials about how the new program has helped them read better and understand more of what they read. The featured students were present at the dinner event and were introduced to the governing board and the audience.

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Connecting with Graduates

   
Glendale High graduates Jake Long with
his father John F. Long reminisce with Superintendent Vernon Jacobs.
 

November 2005 - Superintendent Vernon Jacobs presented John F. Long with a poster that features the successful developer and home builder.

The poster is a thank you for Long's offer to serve as a 'poster child' for the district's campaign that highlights successful graduates as living testimonials to the benefits of having a great high school education as a foundation to a lifetime of success.

Both John F and his son Jake are graduates of Glendale High School.
 

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Dual District Teacher Job Fair

November 2005 - Interested teaching candidates, mark your calendars for our Teacher Job Fair coming March 25, 2006.


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Westcor Endorses Partnership with Metrocenter Academy


November 2005 - President Vicki Johnson presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Michael Fisher, Property Manager of Metrocenter Mall for Westcor's continuing support of educational achivement in the Glendale Union High School District.

Westcor recently purchased the mall property and with that transfer of ownership reaffirmed support of the district's Metrocenter Academy which operates within the mall.

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Cortez Student Wins Veterans Day Award

   

November 2005 - Cortez High School student Nicole Gallagher received notification from the Carl T. Hayden Veterans Affairs Medical Center that she won first place in the annual State Veterans Day Essay contest. More than 459 entries were submitted from across the state.

Veterans Affairs committee representative Carole Ann Suarez presented Nicole with a $200 savings bond and balloons at her school. Suarez informed Nicole that she will be riding on a float in the November 11th Veterans Day Parade. November 9th Nicole participated in an essay reading with Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordan.

Nicole's essay, which was about her grandfather, is published in the Veterans Day Parade program that is handed out along the parade route.

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50th Anniversary Event a Huge Success

   
Students, families, alumni and former staff watch history in the making.
 

November 2005 - A 50 year rededication celebration was held on November 3 & 4 in conjunction with the homecoming football game at Washington High School this year.

    
 
Mayor Phil Gordon

Graduates, current and former staff, local dignataries along with students and their families were invited to share in the festivities. For the Homecoming parade, homecoming kings and queens dating back to 1955 rode in convertible cars from the same year they earned their crowns.

Commemorative bricks and T-shirts were sold as fundraisers for the event. Log onto www.whsrams.com for more details.

   
Featured speakers at the
50th anniversary event.
 

Washington High School wishes to thank the following people for being part of the 50th Anniversary Rededication event:

       • Pat McMahon, TV/radio personality
       • WHS Vocal Ensemble and Jim DeBusk, music director
       • Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon
       • Claude Mattox, District 5 City Council member
       • David Lujan, AZ House of Representatives from District 15
       • Joe Cole, senior class president 1955-56
       • Saja AlJabiri, student body president 2005-06
       • Virginia Gibney, WHS principal
       • Vernon Jacobs, GUHSD Superintendent
 

A special thank you to the committee members who worked many hours to make the event a success.

Visit our Alumni & Grads page for more information.

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Thunderbird NJROTC Unit Conducts Fall Leadership Training

October 2005 - For the second year in a row, the Thunderbird High School Navy JROTC Unit conducted its highly successful Basic Leadership Training (BLT) Camp at Prescott Pines Camp in Prescott, Arizona over the Fall Break, 10 to 14 October.

The 28 cadets, instructors and chaperones departed Thunderbird High School on Monday and returned Friday.