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Local Awards Archive

Wakefield Named English Acquisition Services Teacher of the Year

November 2006 - The English Acquisition Services unit of the Arizona Department of Education has selected Ms. Lisa Wakefield as the EAS "Teacher of the Year." Wakefield was notified by representatives of the department on Monday, November 12, 2006, along with last year's winner, Karen Merritt, who is also part of Glendale Union High School District.

Wakefield is an English Language Learner teacher at Greenway High School. 

Apollo Link Crew Recognized at Best of the West Awards

October 2006 - Congratulations to the Apollo High School Link Crew, which received an honorable mention in Westmarc's 14th annual Best of the West Awards. The awards, which recognize "outstanding contributions to the image, lifestyle, and economic development of Western Maricopa County," were presented at the University of Phoenix Stadium on October 26. The Apollo Link Crew, sponsored by Michelle Olshan and Jennifer Aikman, was nominated in the Education K-12 category.

Two Glendale Union Teachers are Rodel Semi-Finalists

Sharon LaTouf

September 2006 - Washington High School Math Teacher, Sharon LaTouf, has been honored as a semi-finalist for the Rodel Exemplary Teacher Award. The Rodel award recognizes teachers that are role models for future teachers. The teacher who wins the award will be a mentor for several student teachers who will work with the experienced teacher over the next six years. Sharon's success in working with students would be passed on to the next generation of teachers, so that they, too, could have a high number of students passing math class and meeting recognized standards.

Kim Thomas

Glendale High School Math Teacher, Kim Thomas has also been honored as a semi-finalist for the Rodel Exemplary Teacher Award. Kim received word that she was a semi-finalist on September 18, 2006. In 2007, Rodel will honor sixteen new Rodel Exemplary Teachers in Maricopa and Pima counties to become the fourth cadre of award winners. These exceptional teachers, selected from the current group of semi-finalists, will be honored at an awards ceremony and receive recognition for their outstanding achievement and excellent instruction to Arizona students.

Metrocenter Mall Awards $10,000 in Scholarships

July 2006 - Ten recent graduates each received a $1,000 scholarship to be used for their future education from Westcor's Metrocenter Mall.

Metrocenter Marketing Manager Jennifer Munn and GUHSD Community Relations Administrator Kim Mesquita presented the scholarships to the students during an awards presentation held at Metrocenter Mall on July 13, 2006. District teachers, counselors and GUHSD administrators attended the awards ceremony along with family members and friends.

To be eligible for the scholarship, each student wrote an essay which was submitted to mall management for selection of the winners.

The 2006 Metrocenter Mall Scholarship winners are:

• Jena E. Eberly, Greenway High School
• Andrew V. Gonzales, Independence High School
• Valerie L. Aanenson, Independence High School
• Brittany M. Fasnacht, Moon Valley High School
• Mario E. Angulo, Sunnyslope High School
• Melinda Ward, Sunnyslope High School
• Connie Leung, Thunderbird High School
• Elizabeth A. Zollinger, Thunderbird High School
• Lizet Barriga, Washington High School
• Loan T. Nguyen, Washington High School

Department of Education Recognizes GUHSD English Language Learners Program

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.

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

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.

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.

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. Mildred Norman and Jack Kensler of Operation Quality Time (QT) 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 with IHS student athletes Jose Sanchez and Rueben Ramirez.

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

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.

Schroeder Selected for AIAAA Distinguished Service Award

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.

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.

WHS Student Named Phoenix Outstanding Young Man

March 2006 - Congratulations to Washington High School student Brad Meese who was selected as the 2006 City of Phoenix District 5 Outstanding Young Man. He will be honored at the Mayor's Partnership Awards Luncheon on Thursday, April 27.

Glendale Reporter
Honored by Board

February 2006 - The GUHSD Governing Board recently congratulated Glendale Star Newspaper reporter Jean Bihn for receiving the Arizona School Boards Association Media Award.

Reporter Jean Bihn with Board President David Braswell (left)
and board member Vicki Johnson.

Jean Bihn was nominated by the governing board through a board resolution that read in part, "WHEREAS, Jean Bihn, Education Reporter for the Glendale Star, has lived up to her highest tradition of accuracy, fairness and comprehensiveness in her coverage of public education for the Glendale Union High School District, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that we, the Governing Board of Glendale Union High School District go on record expressing our deepest thanks to Jean Bihn and the Glendale Star by nominating her and the organization for the Arizona School Boards Association Media Award."

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 Albegra 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 52 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.

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 in 2002. Carol Lippert joined the MVHS faculty in 2004 where she continues to serve as the Assistant Principal for Student Services.

GUHSD Earns "Award of Excellence in Special Education"

November 2005 - The Arizona Department of Education selected GUHSD for the "Award of Excellence in Special Education."

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 special education director and 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.

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.

Student Nomination Brings Recognition to Melanie Droz

September 2005 - Sunnyslope senior Ashley Michelle Lawson admired her teacher so much that she decided to nominate her for recognition.

In her letter of nomination, Ashley wrote, "Melanie Droz is not only a great teacher, but an admirable friend. She is the newspaper advisor and also manages four junior English classes. Ms. Droz is enthusiastic and always there for the newspaper staff...she creates a fair environment. I see her as my role model in every aspect."

Newspaper advisor and Language Arts teacher Melanie Droz was selected as "Teacher of the Week" by KNIX radio and Fulton Homes. She will be featured on the 'Tim and Willy' radio segment at KNIX 102.5 FM on September 16 between 6 and 7 a.m.

Her photo and the student's letter will also appear on the Teacher of the Week page at www.knixcountry.com

Jacobson Inducted Into North Central "Circle of Excellence"

June 2005 - Warren Jacobson, Associate Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction for the Glendale Union High School District, was recently inducted into the North Central Association's Circle of Excellence. Dr. Donald Enz, Arizona State Director for NCA, made the announcement at the Arizona School Administrators Conference in Tucson with over 550 educators in attendance.

Warren Jacobson
GUHSD Associate Superintendent

The Circle of Excellence Award is AZ NCA CASI highest honor awarded to Arizona educators since 1996. The Circle of Excellence Award is given to dedicated individuals who have been unceasing in their quest for continuous school improvement in NCA CASI member schools. Warren Jacobson and the Glendale Union High School District exemplify the NCA standards of excellence in their involvement at the state, district, school, and community level. "Warren Jacobson is one of NCA's heroes," stated Mr. Enz. "Not only does NCA use Glendale Union as the high school district model, Mr. Jacobson shares the district's process with others throughout the state and nation."

District Accreditation is a powerful systems approach to improving student performance results over time. District Accreditation recognizes that increasing student achievement is more than teaching reading, math, or science better. It is a result of how well all the parts of the education system - the district, school, and classroom - work together to meet the needs of students.

Merritt Named ADE English Acquisition Services Teacher of the Year

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.

Karen Merritt
English Language Learner teacher
Glendale High School

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.

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

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 and the message "vote yes on May 17" - 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

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

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

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!

Thunderbird Girls Basketball
Takes State

March 2005 - Thunderbird High School girls basketball is celebrating another 4-A State Girls Basketball Championship.

Submitted by Tony Hernandez Photography

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.

Students Exhibit Work at the
Phoenix Art Museum

February 2005 - The Phoenix Art Museum hosted the annual Glendale Union High School District student art show reception on Thursday, Feb 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” (below).

 Sarah White, Apollo
"Fall in Flag"
Best of Show and 1st Place in 2-D Design

Other winners in 2-Dimensional Design were:
 
 • Simone Luevano, Moon Valley
    “Hedy Lamarr” (below) - District Honor Award
 
 • Janelle Hansen, Glendale
    "Little Girl's Best Friend"(below)
    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

Simone Luevano, Moon Valley
“Hedy Lamarr”
District Honor Award

Janelle Hansen, Glendale
"Little Girl's Best Friend"
People's Choice Award

3-Dimensional Design Awards:
 
 • Jade Sherman, Apollo
    “Iris of My Eye” (below) - District Honor Award

 •  Rene Vega, Apollo
    “What People See When They Look At Me” (below)
    1st Place
 
 •  Nuha Sarraj, Thunderbird
    “Old Shoe” - 2nd Place
 
 •  Vanessa Valdez, Cortez
    “Untitled” - Honorable Mention

Jade Sherman, Apollo
“Iris of My Eye”
District Honor Award

Rene Vega, Apollo
“What People See When They Look At Me”
1st Place

Photography Awards:

 • Daniel Cavanaugh, Thunderbird
    “Untitled” (below) - District Honor Award
 
 •  Tonja Gortarez, Independence
    “Untitled” (below) - 1st Place
 
 •  Kelly Jefferson, Washington
    “The Vision" - 2nd Place
 
 •  Alan Mitchell, Apollo
    “Oceanside Escape” - 3rd Place
 
 •  Sarah Tucker, Sunnyslope
    “Brother” - Honorable Mention

 Daniel Cavanaugh, Thunderbird
“Untitled"
District Honor Award

Tonja Gortarez, Independence
“Untitled”
1st Place

The GUHSD Fine Arts coordinator is Gayle Gadus.

Interact Student Receives Channel 3 Gold Star

Apollo student Waheeda Siddiqui accepts the
Gold Star Award from Ch 3 TV host Royal Norman.

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.

During lunchtime, Waheeda Siddiqui poses at the
Interact Club's Tsunami donations booth.

"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.

(L to R) Teacher Leigh DeVoto, student Armando Reyes
and disc jockey Chris Parker of Mix 96.9 FM radio. 

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.

  DJ Chris Parker presents Armando
with the Kid of the Week award.

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.

GUHSD Relay for Life Wins Community Service Award

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.

Thunderbird teacher Kathleen Adams, (center) stands with
GUHSD Superintendent Vernon Jacobs (center left),
THS graduate and student event leader Courtney Barry, (center right)
and Westmarc representatives at the 2004 Best of the West award event.

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.

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.

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.

2004 Jack Peterson Student Photography Contest Winner

Jonathan Shafer

December 2004 - In its sixth year, the ASBA statewide student photo contest saw Sunnyslope High School (Glendale Union) student, Jonathan Shafer, win first place in the black and white category for "West Fork, Oak Creek Canyon."

Shafer's winning photo appears on the back cover of
the Arizona School Boards Association 2005 directory.

Johnson Receives ASBA Master of Boardsmanship Recognition

December 2004 - Governing board member Vicki Johnson was among 34 other board members from around the state who received her Masters of Boardsmanship. The Arizona School Boards Association Academy of Boardsmanship's highest award level is the Master of Boardsmanship. These board members have earned 84 continuing education credits (which is equivalent to 84 hours of training) in all 10 core curriculum areas.

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.

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.

Sunnyslope High School Language Arts teacher and Life Guides sponsor Terri Fields addresses the audience at the 2004 Golden Bell Awards celebration.

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.

Fine Arts coordinator Gayle Gadus and Associate Superintendent Warren Jacobson receive the Golden Bell award with art teachers (l to r) Dawn Jacoby, THS; Karen Bell-Zinn, WHS; Barbara Dahlstedt, AHS and fine arts assistant Karen Wheeler.

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!

CHS Teacher Named KNIX Teacher of the Week

  Teacher Amanda Bradshaw (center) with KNIX radio representatives.

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 a representative of KNIX. Ms. Bradshaw was nominated by her student, Jenna Julius, a junior at Cortez.

Glendale Police Department Honors Glendale High School

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.

A three dimensional piece titled "Wild Horse" was created by student artist Rogelio Areliano (teacher Kim Sample) from Sunnyslope High School.

"Wild Horse"
by Rogelio Arellano, Class of 2004
2004 District Three-Dimensional Design Honor Award
Teacher: Kim Sample
Sunnyslope High School
"Wild Horse" was made from baling wire, tissue paper, and spray paint. It was a discovery in the subtle movement of the Debra Butterfield's horses, whose work was the inspiration for the project. This figure was actually part of the district 3D-Design assessment project on illustrating the illusion of movement. The representation of the horse's figure and gesture was achieved by using common materials that contrasted each other, the wire being rigid and stiff while the tissue paper created a soft, delicate texture to represent the figure.

The final piece is a two dimensional design titled "Snake Eye" by Jorge Ibarra. Jorge's teacher is Barbara Dahlstedt from Apollo High School.

"Snake Eye"
by Jorge Ibarra, Class of 2006
2004 District Two-Dimensional Art Honor Award
Teacher: Barbara Dahlstedt
Apollo High School
"Snake Eye" is a multimedia work of art created on layers of mat board pieces. The image of a snake's eye continues on each piece of mat board, but the media changes with each piece. Different colors and textures of mat board were used to help create variety in the work of art. The angles in the mat board pieces help direct the viewer's eye to the focal point in the center. The most important element of art used in this piece is value. The gradation of value from light to dark gives the snake skin a three-dimensional look, as well as, creating dramatic contrast that commands the viewer's attention.

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.

Arizona Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year

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.

First Place Poem for Cortez Student

September 2004 - Cortez High School student Rodica Kocur's poem "Different" won First Place in the 9-10th Grade category of the Arizona Education Foundation's 2004 Polly Rosenbaum Writing Contest.

GUHSD Recognized for Record-Setting "Relay for Life"

August 2004 - The Arizona Cancer Society recognized the district for its role in the Relay for Life that was held at Thunderbird High School in May 2004, which raised more than $137,000 - setting a national record for an inaugural event.

Winning Essay Honors Teachers

May 2004 - An essay written by a Cortez High School student shows the impact a teacher can have on a student.

Gina Hief, Cortez High School

Gina Hief, a student from Cortez High School, submitted this essay to the Arizona Education Foundation's Polly Rosenbaum Writing Contest addressing the subject: "Arizona Teachers: Why Are They Important?" Gina was named a 2003 "Polly" Contest Winner for her essay, "The Boy."

Gina's advanced placement English teacher was Alicia Hurst.

Petersen Named Administrator of the Year

May 2004 - Dean Petersen, GUHSD assistant superintendent of student services, was named the 2003-2004 Family and Consumer Sciences Education Administrator of the Year by the Association for Career and Technical Education.

Jacobs Receives Distinguished Service Award

May 2004 - Superintendent Vernon Jacobs is the recipient of Arizona's 2004 Bernard Stewart Distinguished Service Award from the Association for Career and Technical Education.

Teachers and Students Meet Governor

Skip Cass, CEO of Ch 3 TV, Greenway High teacher Adam Mrozinski,
Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano, Ira Fulton of Fulton Homes
and Desiree Stickley, GWHS student.

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

Skip Cass, Ch 3 TV; Moon Valley teacher Kelley Bagby;
Governor Napolitano; Ira Fulton and MVHS student
Julianne Pfeiffer.

Wittman Named Red Cross Hero Educator

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

Judi Wittman

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

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

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

Glendale Union Sweeps ASPRA*tions AWARDS

Bringing more honors to GUHSD in the ongoing DRIVING SUCCESS effort! Congratulations!!

April 2004

Overall Excellence in Public Relations - Award of Merit

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

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

Award of Excellence - Apollo Principal's Breakfast

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

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

Award of Excellence - "Driving Success Marketing Program"

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

Award of Merit - Independence "Wellness Tips of the Day"

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

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

Award of Merit - (Community Organization) - Viking Parent Club and Sunnyslope High School

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

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

Award of Merit (Multi-cultural Relations) - Greenway High School Peer Training & ADL

The Arizona Anti-Defamation League and Greenway High School developed a model program for peer training in acceptance and appreciation of diversity.

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

Award of Excellence for Contributions to Education - Vernon Jacobs

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

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

Student Nominations Bring Teachers Recognition

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

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

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

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

Greenway Spanish teacher honored

October 2003 - Linda Landrum, Spanish teacher at Greenway High School has received the Arizona Language Association Award for Outstanding Secondary School Educators.

Landrum was presented the award for her outstanding work in high school Spanish instruction.

The association's membership includes teachers and professors of foreign languages and English as a Second Language from all educational levels, elementary through university.

"In addition to Linda's excellent teaching skills, she also initiated and taught the first Maricopa Community College District Italian foreign language video-conference-network course," said association President Joyce Story.

Thunderbird Teacher Named Consumer Science Teacher of the Year

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

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

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

Winning artwork brings $60,000

March 2003 Julie Baker, an Apollo High School sophomore, won first place in the Congressional Art Competition in February. She will receive a full scholarship to the Art Institute of Phoenix worth $60,000 where she hopes to pursue a bachelor's degree in graphic art.

Her winning art was of her Grandpa, Dr. Lewis Rabinowitz, (as a 5-year-old child dressed in a tuxedo and top hat) with the Hebrew prayer for the dead in the background. It was a scratchboard drawing in black and white. This artwork is on the December page of the Apollo school calendar. Julie's art will be hung in Congress for one year.

Julie received four round-trip airline tickets from Southwest Airlines, 2 nights lodging at the Marriott Hotel, $300 and a lucite star-shaped trophy. In June, she will go to Washington, D.C. with her parents, Chuck and Lori, and her art teacher, Barb Dahlstedt. There were 208 entries in the contest sponsored by Congressman John Shadegg.

GUHSD Teacher Named Phoenix Top Volunteer

Suzanne Horst, Greenway High School social studies teacher, was honored by the City of Phoenix on Tuesday evening, December 10. She received The City of Phoenix Golden Heart Award. The award is presented to the ONE person in the entire city who has had the greatest positive affect on other people through volunteer work. The award is essentially the top volunteer award from the city. Suzanne has been instrumental in running a homeless shelter for years. She almost single handedly arranges for clothing, personal toiletry items and food for a significant population that is unable to meet their own basic needs.