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Madison Elementary School District
Art competition winners honored  This year’s youngest artist, Camelview Kindergartener Nathan, Huerta shows off his artwork (submitted photo). One student from each Madison school was selected for excellence in artistic production and will have their artwork permanently displayed at the District Office. This year’s winners are: Genasee Cunningham, Nathan Huerta, Aimee Clifford, Gabrielle Maxwell, Quenton Oney, Tristan Richards, Hannah McCracken, and Case Hinkel.
Research shows that children are more likely to succeed academically and are less likely to engage in violent behavior if their families are involved in their education. As a result, Madison Rose Lane fourth grade teachers are making sure to do all they can to get parents involved. Teachers Amanda Halpern, Amanda Dahl and Erin Kiesell took a note from their mentor Tracy Sucato, who held a Thanksgiving celebration for her classes’ families, and decided to hold a Mother’s Day celebration. Their classes created invitations, designed a menu, decorated, and prepared food for the celebration. “The kids took so much pride in preparing something for their mothers and the turnout was amazing,” Kiesell said. Dahl agreed, adding, “All the mothers were so proud of their children and had a wonderful time.” In April, during the week of AIMS, to avoid test “burnout” and relieve stress, Halpern’s class invited parents to participate in a week of educational and fun activities. Parents were asked to share their knowledge and skills with the class in a way that got the children out of their seats. The program, called “Brain Break,” is an activity that involves movement or encourages creativity. The response was overwhelming, Halpern says. Parent volunteers Steve and Trina Whittaker read the book “Everybody Needs a Rock” by Byrd Baylor. Students then chose from a variety of rocks “donated” by the Whittakers to create pet rocks. The students showed amazing imagination and creativity during this activity. Student Alexis Lohman said, “Making pet rocks was different and it made us use resources more creatively; it rocked.” The next day, parent volunteers Suzy and Tim Wilke introduced the children to various fitness activities. Tim taught the children about agility, while Suzy introduced them to step aerobics, and their daughter, Riley, demonstrated stomach and leg exercises. On Thursday everyone was sore, so thank goodness parent Susan Kassenbrock was gentle with her wonderful exploration of Helen Frankenthaler’s paintings. Students used paints, water, spoons, and droppers to create beautifully colorful designs based on their emotions. Each activity energized the students and taught them something new and exciting. Not all teachers are comfortable with the idea of inviting parents into their classrooms. Teacher and parents alike should note the numerous studies that show teachers with open-door policies and children whose parents are involved at the school have a better attitude and higher academic achievement.
Girls finish run in fashionable style Clarendon’s Girls on the Run team participated in the 5K WonderGirl Race at Kiwanis Park in Tempe on Saturday, May 17. Twelve girls from Clarendon trained for this race since early March, practicing Mondays and Thursdays in preparation for the big day. The girls received great support both from teachers as well as family, friends, and members of the community. Seven teachers from Clarendon lent their athletic talent and time to be running buddies for the girls, accompanying their assigned buddy side-by-side on the 5K course. These teachers included: Rachael Day, Hilda Palache, Angela Perkins, Jennifer Spector, Melissa Bessey, Heather Fredal, and Carlos Ardon. Coach Ann Sueyoshi enthusiastically cheered the girls on to victory while co-coach Aimée Kohli ran along side them in the race. The WonderGirl 5K was designed to raise money specifically for the Girls on the Run program of Maricopa County. Further, the race was intended to promote the goals of the Girls on the Run program—girl power and a positive, healthy self-image among them. Girls came decked out, wearing decorated tiaras and the signature purple shirt of the season. Girls on the Run programs from schools across the county were present, along with an outpouring of support. Following the race, the Clarendon team and coaches celebrated at McDonald’s with the girls’ families. According to Sueyoshi, “It was an incredibly successful, rewarding day … anyone could see that by looking at the faces of our girls!” Hill takes first in essay contest
For the second year in a row, a sixth-grade Clarendon student has won first place the statewide Spanish Language Essay contest in the 6-8th grade category. Ariana Hill, who is a native English language speaker in Carlos Ardon’s sixth grade English-Spanish Dual Language classroom at Clarendon School, was the top finisher. Last year one of Ardon’s students, Luis Rodríguez, also won first place. The contest was hosted by the Tucson Association for Bilingual Education and the Arizona Association for Bilingual Education as part of the XXVI Annual Conrado Gómez Torneo de Ortografía activities. Hill returned to Tucson to read her award-winning essay at the Spanish Language Spelling Bee at Wakefield Middle School in Tucson, where she also received a prize check for $100.
Brooke Bessesen, author and illustrator of children’s books, including the award winning “Look Who Lives in the Desert,” recently came to work with Encanto students. Bessesen’s book is designed to examine 21 animals in a fun and fanciful manner. She also has created supporting curricula to accompany her books, including supporting Language Arts and Science. She generously decided that, in honor of Earth Day, she would donate the proceeds from the day’s school visit to support wildlife conservation. Students voted for the National Humane Society and then Bessesen sent her day’s fee to the organization in honor of Encanto School.
Encanto third grade teacher Luis Valencia’s student, Fernando Guillén, placed fourth in the Arizona Spanish Language Spelling Bee, held at Wakefield Middle School in Tucson. Three other former Encanto students representing Clarendon also placed high in the competition. Ariana Hill and Gustavo Córdova, both members of Aimee Kohli’s fourth-grade classroom, placed fifth in the 4th-5th grade category (Córdova placed second representing Encanto last year). Olivia Marroquín, from Carlos Ardon’s sixth-grade classroom, placed third in the 6th-8th grade Spelling Bee. The district is proud to have students that are continuing to excel at Clarendon in dual language studies once they leave Encanto. Encanto and Clarendon are “sister schools” on adjacent campuses. Students completing the third grade at Encanto enroll at Clarendon to attend fourth through sixth grades.
The Longview Student Council is taking part in the Plant-a-Billion campaign sponsored by the Nature Conservancy and organized on campus by third-grade teacher Jenny Tejada. Every dollar collected is equal to one tree planted in the Atlantic Forest in Brazil. The campaign echoes the worldwide campaign for tree planting by the United Nations Environment Program, which has the objective to plant a billion trees every year. Montecito student Alexis Guzman volunteers his time after school as a docent for the campus’s outdoor learning lab (submitted photo).
Montecito recently dedicated its courtyard outdoor learning lab, “Our Little Desert/Nuestro Pequeño Desierto,” to former principal Judy Whiles, who oversaw the conceptualization and development of the learning lab.  Montecito student Alexis Guzman volunteers his time after school as a docent for the campus’s outdoor learning lab (submitted photo). Soroptimist International of Camelback provided funding for the training of fourth through sixth-grade docents to give tours and information about the desert habitat, native animals, and garden. The student docents volunteer their time after school to learn about the habitat. They have been working with Ada Davis from Native Resources along with teachers Nichole Ybarra and Andrea Selinger.
Osborn Middle School teacher Brian Holman reports that his class has raised $42,529, with about $7,500 left to raise, for June’s Government in Action trip to Washington, D.C., for 60-plus students who have worked to earn their places. The Washington, D.C., Program is designed to provide students with the civic knowledge of how the country operates, along with the motivation and inspiration to get involved. In order to earn a place in the program, students must: log dozens of hours of after-school research on social issues and craft legal solutions to identified areas of concern; participate in community service and fundraising efforts; achieve excellence in the classroom and in after-school activities; model academic excellence for their peers; maintain exceptional attendance throughout the entire school year; and attend the class trip to Washington, D.C., document their experiences, and share them with others after they return. Students must each raise $800 to go on the trip, which has not been easy in this economy. Individuals who want to support the program may contribute a Tuition Tax Credit through the Osborn School District (www.OsbornSchools.org) or a Working Poor Tax Credit through the Osborn Educational Foundation (www.OsbornNet.org/OEF).
Music teacher Richard Sanders conducted the fourth grade “Arizona Musical”—a presentation of Arizona’s history in narration, song and dance. Songs and research include early history of Arizona (before statehood), land forms, animals, state symbols and importance of all cultures in Arizona's development as a state. Students learn more than 50 facts about their home state just from the contents of songs that are fun to sing and easy to memorize. Sanders also conducted the second and third grade musicals. The second grade students performed the musical, “Everybody Smiles in the Same Language,” and third graders, “This Beautiful Land We Share.” Both featured a positive message in song and narration about getting along together in our schools, community and country. Both choirs consist of more than 200 students. Following that show, families were invited to visit classrooms for the Young Author’s Evening, where they read stories written by their children.
The Phoenix Union Partnership of Business and Education hosted its second annual Scholarship Open on April 25, and the sold-out event generated more than $40,000 for student scholarships to pursue higher education. With the help of title sponsor AAMCO and major sponsors Thunderbird Mountain Facilities Performance Services, Network Infrastructure Corporation and Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Arizona, the money raised almost doubled the amount from the previous tournament. The team of Greg Strange, Rob Waldon, Chris McRae and former principal Dr. Jim McElroy shot an 11 under par 59 at the ASU Karsten Course to win the tournament. The Partnership of Business and Education is the District’s 501(c)(3). With the help of PUHSD employees, business and education partners, it provides scholarships for Phoenix Union graduates. The Partnership has given more than $300,000 in scholarships in the past seven years, including $38,000 for 32 students this year. Funds from the 2008 Scholarship Open will be used to fund next year’s scholarships.
Emma Ignaszewski of North High School won the Spirit of Phoenix Women’s Sports Association (PWSA) Award and a $5,000 scholarship at the organization’s annual banquet April 2. Ignaszewski is North’s valedictorian, and on her way to Cornell University. She is a two-time all-state swimmer, played No. 1 singles on the tennis team, competed in track for one year, and is a National Merit Scholar finalist. The award recognizes “women who are passionate about their chosen endeavors and who serve as incredible examples of how hard work and determination are essential in reaching one’s life goals and dreams.”
The North High Boys Tennis team had its best season in 50 years, advancing to the State Championship match for the first time since 1958, April 22. The Mustangs, vying for their first state tennis title since 1941, fell to Ironwood Ridge, 5-1 in the finals. Freshman star Vlad Mihai won the only match, beating Ironwood Ridge’s top player. The girls team was also outstanding, posting a 14-1 record going into the playoffs. The tennis programs are on the upswing at North, where 36 boys and 30 girls tried out for the teams.
North High’s Senior Scholarships, Honors and Awards event was a celebration of academic achievement, as well more than $3 million in scholarships were awarded at the May 13 event. Highlights included two U.S. Military appointments: Nicolas Estrada-Stephen to West Point and Mister Jackson to the Air Force Academy, educations valued at $380,000 each. Karen Ellis was named one of only 20 Flinn Scholars, a prestigious award worth more than $50,000 and education travel opportunities. Justin Strong won a Dorrance Scholarship, worth $40,000 and one of only 27 given in Arizona. Guadalupe Velasquez won an ASU Leadership Scholarship, worth $36,000 and one of only 21 chosen in the state.
Juan Rivera of Central High was just doodling around when he entered the Doodle for Google Art Contest at the urging of his art teacher, Cianne Guidry. The sophomore’s entry wound up being one of two Arizona finalists selected from a pool of thousands in the Grade 10-12 category. He will receive a Google Art kit and certificate. Rivera’s name is posted on the Doodle for Google site under State Finalists. Arizona is in Region 8. His doodle should have won regional,” Guidry said. “The student Juan lost to in the region came from Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts in Texas.”
Camelback High School’s Javier Esquivel is a recipient of a prestigious Gates Millennium Scholarship, an award that can follow a student throughout his undergraduate and post-graduate career up to $100,000. Esquivel is No. 2 in his class with a 4.705 grade point average. He played football, is a member of the Academic Decathlon team, and French National Honors Society, and president of the National Honors Society. He also plays in the band. Esquivel also won a Hispanic Heritage Youth Award Gold Medallion for Sports, and a $3,000 education grant. He was honored at a ceremony May 15 at Arizona State University. He was one of 21 regional winners who can now vie for a National Award with 11 other regions. Of the 21 regional winners, five were Phoenix Union students. Esquivel is going to Purdue University in Indiana to study Aeronautical Mechanical Engineering.
More than $1 million in scholarships were awarded to seniors at the Camelback Celebration of Success Honors and Awards Ceremony May 12. There were 12 Arizona State University President’s Scholarships, valued at $36,000 over four years, given to Harvey and Herbert Bowler, Jordan Nicole Dailey, Ceridwen Davies, Cory and Tyler De Leon, Javier Esquivel, Oliva Mattis, Tyler McIntosh, Erica Spiller, Joanna Vasquez and Starrisha Williams. ASU also awarded five Provost Scholarships, valued at $30,000 and three University Scholarships. Herbert Bowler was named the school’s valedictorian and Javier Esquivel, who also won a prestigious Gates Millennium Scholarship, was the salutatorian. Esquivel, Spiller and Anita Montoya also won Doran Scholarships to ASU, named for Phoenix Union High grad Wayne Doran, who offers scholarships to PUHSD seniors annually.
Whisenhunt visits Cardinals Academy Students at the Arizona Cardinals Preparatory Academy were paid a special visit by Arizona Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt and his wife, Alice, on May 13. Coach Whisenhunt talked to the students about the importance of education in his everyday life and his profession. Alice has been volunteering with the students during the school year. During the special visit, students presented her with handwritten letters of appreciation. The Arizona Cardinals Preparatory Academy is located on the campus of Richard E. Miller Elementary, 2021 W. Alice Ave. Serving grades 5 and 6, the academy was formed as a community partnership to offer accelerated instruction and service learning to help students focus on learning and achieving success in a way they might not find in a regular classroom environment.
Washington Elementary School participated in Make A Difference Day, celebrated nationwide and giving the opportunity for school staff, students and community members to join together to beautify their community.  PTA President Jeff Spellman gets some help planting a tree on the Washington Elementary campus from students Luis L., Micah S., James S., and David D. (photo courtesy of WESD). More than 100 volunteers, students and staff gave their time on April 12 to complete many projects at Washington. A new school mural was painted, trees were planted, the grounds were swept and raked, and the students received a new play area on the basketball courts for hopscotch and four square.
Brophy student’s project is a winner Alexander Fredrickson, a senior at Brophy College Preparatory, won a spot in the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair in Atlanta, Ga. He competed last month with 1,500 of the top science and engineering high school students from around the world and was featured on the Intel Web site with a short video explaining the nature of his project entitled "Electromagnetic Accelerator Efficiency Comparisons.”  Alexander Frederickson Fredrickson’s path to get to the international competition was paved with numerous other awards and wins at various local and national competitions. In March he was awarded the following honors at the Arizona Science and Engineering Fair for his project: The Herbert Hoover Young Engineer Award (for outstanding overall engineering project); The U.S. Air Force Scientific Achievement Award; The U.S. Navy and Marine Corps Naval Science Award (plus $75); and the first place Gold Medal for the Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Division (plus $100). He also received the Grand Prize Award for the AzSEF ($200 award) and invitations to compete in both the International Science and Engineering Fair in Atlanta (a one-week all expense paid trip), and the International Sustainable World (Energy, Engineering & Environment) Project Olympiad in Houston (a three-day all expense paid trip). While in Houston early last month, he won a bronze medal and $500. He also received a $4,000 scholarship to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Locally, Fredrickson won first place and the grand prize for his project in the “Scientific Achievements” category of the Maricopa County Fair Science Projects Exhibits, held during the fair in April.
National Junior Honor Society elections were held on April 18 on the campus of AmeriSchools Academy, 1333 W. Camelback Road. The results of the election are as follows: President Cristian Macias, Vice President Janell Brown, and Secretary Jeff Presley. In addition, Lathan Teague and Kevin Ortiz were named co-treasurers. Teague will be moving on the high school next year so the co-treasurers for the 2008-09 school year will be Ortiz and Dominic Queen. The students will be making decisions on fundraisers and scheduling upcoming school events. For more information, visit www.amerischools.org/camelback.html.
Xavier College Preparatory, an all-girls Catholic high school established in 1943 in Phoenix, announced that senior Yasmine Hafiz has been named a 2008 U.S. Presidential Scholar by the United States Department of Education Commission on Presidential Scholars. Each year, up to 141 students are named Presidential Scholars, one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students. The Scholars represent excellence in education and the promise of greatness in young people. Candidates are evaluated on academic achievement, SAT and ACT scores, leadership and service activities, essays and self-assessments. Hafiz will be honored for her accomplishments during the program’s national recognition events, held this month in Washington, D.C. Hafiz is the fifth U.S. Presidential Scholar to graduate from Xavier. Xavier’s class of 2008 also included five National Merit Finalists, nine National Merit Commended Scholars, one National Achievement Scholarship Program for Black Americans Scholar and six National Hispanic Scholars. Other students who recently received national recognition included senior Kathryn Neal, who achieved a perfect score on the 2008 National Latin Exam. She will be recognized with a certificate from the ACL/NJCL National Latin Exam Committee. Only 1,062 students out of over 135,000 who participated in the United States, Canada, England, China and eight other countries attained this distinction. Senior Alison Yurcak will receive the National Dance Education Organization’s 2008 Artistic Merit, Leadership, and Academic Achievement Award. The NDEO also recognized Sister Joan Fitzgerald, Xavier principal, and MaryBeth Mueller, Diocese of Phoenix executive director of Education and Evangelization, for their commitment to and achievement in dance arts education. Members of Xavier’s class of 2008 were accepted at 163 colleges and universities. The 241 graduating seniors garnered more than $13 million in college scholarships, and all will attend post-secondary institutions.
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