              |
           |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The GUHSD Visual Arts Program includes multi-level, year-long course offerings in Two-Dimensional and Three-Dimensional Design as well as Photography. Students are required to demonstrate their skills through performance-based assessments illustrating their works of art and orally delivering an artist's statement to a panel of evaluators.
2004 Volunteers Honored by Governing BoardJune 2004 - In a luau and vacation themed event, 13 volunteers from across the district were honored by the GUHSD Governing Board for "Going the Extra Mile." Glendale Union High School District has a long history of volunteerism and community service. Our high schools benefit greatly from the contributions of parents and community volunteers who work with our students throughout the year. Volunteers help in the classroom, on the playing field and in a variety of school-sponsored activities. Each year the GUHSD Governing Board honors a volunteer selected by each school as a model of outstanding service to students and staff. We thank you for your support of our students and our schools.
Glendale Union High School District - Class of 2004 "Accelerating to the Future!"
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
315
Say
It with Flowers - the modern way! 
 |
May 2004 - Malcomb Howard, a Moon Valley student, is a professional Kachina doll artist who regularly sells his works to shops in Scottsdale, Sedona and other cities throughout Arizona and New Mexico. He learned and developed his artistry under the tutelage of his father, Milton Howard, a well-established artist of some reknown. Malcomb recently displayed two of his Hopi Kachina dolls, a Kokopelli and an Eagle dancer, in the MVHS office. Malcomb traces his heritage through the Hopi, Navajo and Apache tribes. |
 |
District "Relay for Life" Benefits
American Cancer Society
Cancer never sleeps... and neither will we!
 |
May 2004 - Setting a national record for a first year event, Glendale Union High School District students and staff held the first-ever district Relay for Life with a total of more than $137,000 being donated.
The event benefits the American Cancer Society and was held in honor of long-time district teacher Dolores Jacobs, wife of Superintendent Vernon Jacobs, who lost her battle with cancer on September 11, 2003.
 |
Thunderbird High School students, student clubs and staff joined efforts to spearhead and host the event. Many friends of two student cancer survivors were instrumental in planning the event. Each district school formed teams (65 teams in all) to participate in an overnight relay which began Friday evening April 30 at 5 p.m. and continued non-stop through Saturday morning, May 1.
 |
The event featured the relay itself, with team members keeping a perpetual walk going, and a luminaria lighting in honor of deceased and surviving cancer victims. The event had a celebrative atmosphere, and was a family event.
Each of the high schools in Glendale Union sponsored its own unique fund-raising efforts. The district goal of $20,000 was surpassed in October, as donations continued to roll in. One such fund-raising effort (shown here) was a student/faculty basketball game, held at Thunderbird High School, where donations were accepted and items benefiting the cause were being sold.
A special 'Thank You' goes to Hernandez Photography for helping document this memorable event.
 |
 |
 |
Teachers and Students Meet Governor
 |
 |
|
Skip Cass, CEO of Ch 3 TV, Greenway High teacher Adam Mrozinski, Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano, Ira Fulton of Fulton Homes and Desiree Stickley, GWHS student. |
|
Skip Cass, Ch 3 TV; Moon Valley teacher Kelley Bagby; Governor Napolitano; Ira Fulton and MVHS student Julianne Pfeiffer. |
May 4, 2004 - Two GUHSD teachers were
nominated by their students for the annual Silver Apple award
sponsored by Channel 3 TV and Fulton Homes. Governor Janet
Napolitano attended the awards dinner May 4 at the Wells Fargo
Conference Center in Phoenix. Four high school teachers were
honored from across the state.
Whale-size Science Project at Greenway
May 2004 - Students in Ty Caylor's Life
Skills class built an actual size whale as part of their science
curriculum. In studying whales, students needed some help
in visualizing the large size of whales, so students used
math skills to scale and then build a whale in the correct
proportions. By inflating the whale, students were able to
walk inside and see how large the whale could be.
Superintendent Supports Governor's Kindergarten Plan
|
April 26, 2004 - As superintendent of the Glendale Union High School District, I support Governor Janet Napolitano's proposal for a statewide full-day kindergarten program.
My responsibility is to oversee the education of students, grades 9 through 12, in nine public high schools and two alternative schools located in Glendale and Phoenix. I am sure that there are those who would wonder why a high school superintendent would become involved in pushing for such legislation. What could it possibly mean for us?
Let me assure you that high school educators believe that early childhood education and intervention strategies are critical for the future success of students as they progress through the grades. Children must already have a solid foundation of life experiences and knowledge of the basics of reading, math and writing at the onset of formal schooling in the first grade. Without this foundation, young children are doomed to be perpetually 'behind' in their academic growth and will have reduced self-esteem that will carry into the secondary and adult years.
Research shows that most full-day kindergarten students demonstrate higher academic and social achievement than half-day kindergarten students. Full-day kindergarten programs that are appropriate for kindergarten age children have been found to provide cognitive, social, physical and emotional benefits for children. Half of the nation's kindergartners are in full-day programs.
The results of an evaluation study on full-day versus half-day comparison in oral language development, early mathematics concepts and emergent literacy skills all indicated significant differences in favor of full-day kindergarten. The analysis of pre- and post-test ratings of children's behaviors indicate that full-day kindergarten tends to improve students' behaviors. Several studies have found that children who attended a full-day program displayed more positive behavior in the classroom, including being more involved in learning experiences, showing original thought and engaging more in independent learning and self-initiated play.
Our high schools have several programs in place to address academic problems of our incoming freshmen, more than half of which are seriously below grade level in reading. However, it is extremely difficult for middle school and high school teachers to accomplish the necessary three-plus years' growth in reading ability for students who are only with them for a year or two. When these older students cannot read at grade level and are still struggling to keep up with their studies, there is a much greater chance that these young people will drop out of school at the first legal opportunity (age 16).
A strong beginning for our kindergarten children will lead to more responsible and productive adults in the future. Our state and nation need the best we can produce. That means supporting our children from the beginning. Let's not be "penny-wise and pound-foolish." Please support the Governor's proposal to fund all-day kindergarten and urge your legislators to do the same. Let's give all of our children a chance to succeed.
Wittman Named Red Cross Hero Educator
April 2004 - The Real Heroes Event was created by the American Red Cross, and sponsored by The Arizona Republic newspaper to honor and celebrate ordinary people who have done extraordinary acts that resulted in lives being saved, improvement of life or a situation and in general betterment of humanity.
 |
|
Judi Wittman |
Judi Wittman, social worker at Greenway High School, is one such individual. Nomination comments by Principal Liz Tataseo and co-worker Cheryl Wimberly state, "Judi is an ideal candidate for this award...she gives so much of herself and her time for others."
In addition to the demanding role of school social worker, Wittman sponsors Greenway's Anti Defamation League Peer Training Program for 20 students. The student trainers then go into the classroom and lead discussions and acitvities on prejudice, hate, rumors and bias. Judi reaches over 400 students a year with this program to produce a gentler, kinder, more understanding campus whose students will become compassionate citizens of this new world.
Because she truly cares, Judi Wittman also sponsors GWHS
Unitown and coordinates an adopt-a-family drive with student
council and national honor society students who prepare food
baskets to be provided to families in need. This year she
delivered more than 60 baskets to community members.
Glendale Union Sweeps ASPRA*tions
AWARDS
Bringing more honors to GUHSD in the ongoing
DRIVING SUCCESS effort! Congratulations!!
April 2004
 |
Overall Excellence in Public Relations -
Award of Merit
The Glendale Union High School District Public Affairs
Office developed a marketing plan and calendar for the 2003-04
school year. A committee comprised of parents, teachers, support
staff, administrators and business marketing professionals
brainstormed what the district is really 'about' and what
our publics want to know. The result is a marketing plan that
focuses on four distinct messages that are addressed in all
that we do.
Carole Sabo, Administrator of Public Affairs
and Nancy Wawro, Assistant
 |
Award of Excellence - Apollo Principal's Breakfast
Apollo High School Principal Debbie Greenfield meets with
student council officers, athletic coaches, club presidents
and their sponsors for a "Principal's Breakfast"
on the first Tuesday of each month. The breakfast offers a
forum to discuss issues of interest, upcoming events and plans
to promote school spirit.
The interaction among students and staff has led to increased
participation in extracurricular activities and a more open
and family-friendly atmosphere throughout the campus.
Award of Excellence - "Driving Success Marketing
Program"
Riding on the heels of success from recent NASCAR advertising,
the Glendale Union High School District Public Affair Office
embarked on a full saturation campaign called "Driving
Success." The campaign has reached all audiences and
has raced off into little niches never anticipated at the
campaigns' inception. All governing board events this year
have carried the 'driving success' theme, and the theme has
been incorporated into speeches, curriculum presentations
and the district's website.
 |
|
|
|
Award of Merit - Independence "Wellness Tips of the
Day"
School nurse Linda Keeler of Independence High School
has taken on the challenge of marketing good choices to students,
thereby assuring a healthier generation for the future. Each
day, students are reminded about good habits and healthy life-styles
through her "Wellness Tips of the Day" which are
read on the daily announcements.
The Tips contain health and safety reminders on smoking,
over exposure to the sun, effects of coffee, tea, coke and
chocolate on teeth, even playing it smart instead of 'cool'
by tying your shoes. Mark Farison is principal of Independence
High School.
 |
|
|
|
Award of Merit - (Community Organization) - Viking Parent
Club and Sunnyslope High School
The Sunnyslope High School Viking Parent Club initiated
a specific fund-raising campaign to collect Arizona tax credit
monies to pay for graduation festivities for students. Sunnyslope
Senior Night is an annual drug and alcohol-free graduation
party that is an all night 'lock-in' that ends with a breakfast
the following morning.
The Viking Parent Club has raised nearly $7,000 in tax credit
monies to fund the event through the efforts of the club and
other community members. More than 85% of graduates are expected
at the event this year. John Croteau is principal of Sunnyslope
High School.
 |
|
|
|
Award of Merit (Multi-cultural Relations) - Greenway High
School Peer Training & ADL
The Arizona Anti-Defamation League and Greenway High School
developed a model program for peer training in acceptance
and appreciation of diversity.
The emphasis is on increased understanding of racial, cultural,
religious and socioeconomic barriers. Behavior of freshman
students has noticeably improved after peer trainers have
met with them. The effect is strong and the positive results
do not diminish over time.
 |
|
|
|
Award of Excellence for Contributions to Education - Vernon
Jacobs
Glendale Union High School District Superintendent Vern
Jacobs came up through the ranks in the district, having served
more than 25 years in almost every capacity including teacher,
coach, assistant principal, principal, personnel director,
assistant superintendent for operations, assistant superintendent
for curriculum and, for the past two years, as superintendent.
Vern's enthusiasm for kids and education is contagious, and
he can always be found at school events chatting with employees
and community members and especially with students.
With his wealth of experience, Mr. Jacobs clearly demonstrates
a firm grasp of public relations principles. He engages persons
most affected by a decision in the decision-making process,
and LISTENS to what they say. Superintendent Jacobs is a public
relations director's dream come true, because he is willing
to allow creativity and latitude in P.R. projects - as long
as they work! A highly organized individual in both his professional
and personal life, with Vern Jacobs - kids are still the bottom
line! 'What's best for kids' guides everything he does. And
it shows. Every day!
Congressman Shadegg Attends Honor Society Induction
April 2004 - (second row, second from the right) Congressman
John Shadegg stands proudly with
principal John Croteau (second row, far right) with the new
members of the National Honor Society
at Sunnyslope High School after attending their induction
ceremony.
IHS Car Show Raises $3,200 for Athletics
|
|
April 2004 - Independence High School is "Driving Success." A Classic Car Show was recently held to raise money for IHS athletic teams. The participating teams were:
The teams earned a total of $3,200 from the event. Forty-two cars entered the event despite the rainy weather. Judges were on hand to award prizes to lucky participants.
Interested participants can enter their classic cars next year. The show will be held on April 2, 2004. More than 125 cars are expected to enter. Teacher Ray Jacobs coordinated the fund-raising event. Click on small pictures for larger images. |
|
Academic Rally at Sunnyslope for AIMS Math
 |
|
|
|
April 16, 2004 - Sunnyslope High School was selected as the site for the AIMS Math Test Academic Rally on April 16. The AIMS test will be given Thursday, April 22 and is required for students in the class of 2006 in order to graduate.
 |
|
|
|
|
Sunnyslope was selected as the site for the rally because students have exceeded the state standards and more than 99% of Sunnyslope students took the last AIMS test. The attendance rate is outstanding in the state. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne and the U.S. Secretary of Education's Counsel Susan Sclafino addressed freshmen and sophomore students about the importance of taking the test and doing well.
 |
 |
A special AIMS math cheer was featured
|
The Sunnyslope speech team presented a skit
|
Student Nominations Bring Teachers Recognition
 |
April 2004 - Glendale language arts teacher Angela Johnson (left) and GHS student Lorene Openshaw admire the Arizona Dairy Council gift basket provided to Ms. Johnson as KNIX Radio/Fulton Homes "Teacher of the Week."
 |
Johnson also received a $300 cash award. Her student, Lorene Openshaw wrote the nomination.
Greenway High School social studies teacher Carol Hoyt has also been honored as KNIX Radio/Fulton Homes as "Teacher of the Week."
She received a similar gift basket and a $300 cash award.
Hoyt was nominated by her student, Carolee Rodriquez.
GHS Literacy Campaign a Success
|
|
April 2004 - A hot air balloon lift-off heralded the Glendale High School's annual Literacy Campaign. Students entered the Read Across Arizona essay contest coordinated by teacher Marcy Ducca. The winner received a cross-city hot air balloon ride. The school's month-long "Read Across Arizona" campaign was coordinated to encourage reading among students and adults alike
The April 15 Reading Rally was a huge success. Featured Bisbee mystery novelist J.A. Jance spoke to the group and autographed her book "Devil's Claw." High school students acted out chapter two of the book. Other guest readers included GHS principal Deborah Jordan and Superintendent Vernon Jacobs. The event was designed to encourage reading for pleasure. |
Walmart donates $1,000 to Glendale High
 |
April 16, 2004 - A local business celebrated its grand opening by donating to their neighborhood high school. Deborah Jordan, principal of Glendale High School happily accepted the $1,000 donation from Walmart at their new location at Northern and 59th Avenue. Glendale High NJROTC students performed the flag presentation at the opening day celebration. |
 |
"Best Buddies" Get a Boost
March 25, 2004 - The Greenway High School Best Buddies program got a real boost this week when Sanderson Ford of Glendale donated one thousand dollars to help fund the program. The GUHSD Governing Board accepted the gift at its March 24th meeting.
David Kimmerle, owner of Sanderson Ford, donated the funds that will be used to continue the Best Buddies program which pairs regular educaiton students with Special Education students as 'Best Buddies' for social and education outings.
The Best Buddies program encourages students at the high school to accept special education handicapped students as equals with the same feelings, hopes and dreams as any other teenager. The program has done much to boost the self esteem of special education students and give greater insights to their counterparts.
Lifelong friendships have been developed through this program,
which is now active at Thunderbird, Apollo and Greenway high
schools.
District Retirees Take Victory Lap at Dinner in Their Honor
 |
|
Kevin Clayborn,
|
March 24, 2004 - Fifty-three teachers, administrators and support staff were honored at a retirement event held at Cortez High School. The staff members will retire at the end of this school year. Here are some of the remarks made by Governing Board President Kevin Clayborn at the celebration.
 |
|
|
|
A Cortez student assistant remembers
|
"We are all here tonight to celebrate winners in the race for success for ALL students. We already saw a stock car that was driven by a winner - Dale Earnhardt. Dale Senior was famous not only for his outstanding success in his field - auto racing - but also for his down-to-earth attitude, his manners and his character. Good ol' Number 3 will be remembered as a hero to many for years to come."
 |
|
Superintendent Jacobs (far right) and GUHSD Governing
Board members listen as district administrators highlight
the careers of each retiree.
|
|
 |
|
Cortez principal Tom Hernandez introduces his retiring
staff members. Cortez High School hosted the Winners
Circle event.
|
|
 |
|
Board members Bill Stout and Vicki Johnson pose with Public Affairs Administrator Carole Sabo (center) who organized the NASCAR themed event. |
"You may not get your picture plastered on racetracks across the nation, but you are no less a hero in our eyes. Each of you honored here this evening has contributed the same loyalty, character, talent, resilience and plain good manners as Dale Sr. And, you have no doubt impacted as many human beings as Earnhardt, Sr. throughout your careers in education."
"First, you have directly impacted the lives of children in your care. You have encouraged your co-workers to travel those rough roads when things weren't going well, and you have volunteered your time and talent to steer many extracurricular activities both on and off the academic track. And, most importantly, you have left your mark on future generations through your innovations and the wisdom you have given your students who will carry your message on down the road to their children and grandchildren."
"You have fulfilled an awesome responsibility each day and you have traveled many miles to help children attain their goals. You will not be forgotten. Your impact will live on at Glendale Union. Your love for children will live on in those that follow you. WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS."
 |
 |
|
Retired Administrator of Finance Gene Dudo led the retirees on their Victory Lap to the Winners Circle. |
Sunnyslope High School principal John Croteau along side an authentic racecar driven by Dale Earnhardt, Sr. |
Moon Valley Retires Richard Jefferson's Jersey
 |
MVHS Coach Boie and former Moon Valley star athlete Richard Jefferson are on hand as the NBA player's high school jersey is retired. |
March 4, 2004 - Moon Valley High School graduate Richard Jefferson, now a star player on the NBA's New Jersey Nets returned to high school March 4 to witness the retirement of his high school basketball jersey, number 44. This means that no MVHS player will wear that number again.
Coach
John Boie, who still coaches at Moon Valley, was on hand to
introduce the 1998 graduate and member of that year's state
4A championship basketball team. Jefferson went on to attend
the University of Arizona three years and was drafted in the
13th round by the National Basketball Association.
Jefferson enjoyed his visit and reminisced with old friends, coaches and teachers at the high school.
Apollo Art Students Sweep Congressional Art Awards
|
March 2004 - Congratulations to Barbara Dahlstedt, Apollo Art Teacher and five of her students who swept the Congressional Art Awards held at the Art Institute of Phoenix, Monday evening, February 23, 2004!
|
|
Honorable mentions were earned by Doug Cengiz, Julie Baker, and Emily Bushman. Congratulations again!
|
|
U.S. Treasury Assistant Discusses Finances with Students
 |
March 12, 2004 - Metrocenter Academy had the privilege on Friday, March 12, 2004, of Mr. Dan Iannicola, Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Department of United States Treasury, to come and present to our students on the importance of financial savings.
Mr. Iannicola and Marsha Lunden, a Desert Schools Federal Credit Union Education Specialist, gave the presentation to the students about the importance of starting to save at a young age, the dangers of credit cards, and how to build good credit as young adults to be able to purchase a car or house. The students were very in touch with the presentation and afterwards felt they had learned a great deal.
"I never really thought about all the trouble I could get in with credit cards. When I go into a store, I am always asked if I want to open a credit card and save 10% on my purchase, but now I know they fail to tell me the interest rates and annual fees of the card. I definitely have wider eyes when thinking about opening a credit card and now know what to look for, especially reading the contract fully before signing the documents," said Veronica Sanchez, a student.
The presentation was educational to all the students and visitors from the Desert School Federal Credit Union, the Mall Manager of Metrocenter Mall, and Arizona Credit Union League.
MV Teacher Wins Silver Apple
March 3, 2004 - Moon Valley teacher Kelly Bagby received the coveted Silver Apple award from Channel 3 KTVK television and Fulton Homes.
Moon Valley teacher Kelly Bagby is presented the Silver
Apple award by Patti Kirkpatrick
Bagby teaches Spanish at Moon Valley, and was nominated by her student, junior Julianne Pfeiffer who wrote an essay on her favorite teacher.
(l to r) MVHS junior Julianne Pfeiffer; Kelly Bagby, Silver
Apple winning teacher; and
Channel 3 Television anchor Patti Kirkpatrick
Bagby received the award March 3 in her classroom. Channel 3 anchor Patti Kirkpatrick and community relations director Marlene Klotz Collins were on hand for the presentation. Bagby is one of four high school teachers in the state to be so honored. A total of 16 teachers were selected for this award from more than 2000 entries.
District Staff Celebrate 25 Years
 |
|
Caricatures depicting career experiences
were on display.
|
 |
|
Reflecting on successful careers was the theme. |
February 2004 - Twenty-five district staff members took a trip down memory lane at a dinner held in their honor. Teachers, support staff and administrators with 25 years of service were invited to an evening of "reflection" to celebrate their service to the district. Principals and district supervisors took a few moments to share career highlights of the honorees with the Governing Board, co-workers and family members.
 |
|
Independence High School honorees
Brenda Baker, Assistant Principal and Lee Pfeiffer,
mentor teacher pose with Principal Mark Farison (left).
|
 |
|
Washington High School teacher
Vic Johnson sees his "reflection."
|
The fun event was hosted by the Superintendent and Governing
Board. Superintendent Vern Jacobs praised honorees for their
dedication and accomplishments over the past 25 years. "You
have been 'driving success' for 25 years, and are still going
strong," he remarked. Jacobs added, "Our district
is proud to have a salary schedule that values longevity and
encourages lifetime careers in our district. We hope to see
all of you (working) in Glendale Union for many more years
to come."
 |
|
More 'fun' caricatures. |
In keeping with the Driving Success event theme "Reflections," each honoree was given a caricature depicting special memories and accomplishments from their years in the district.
The evening ended in fun when the 25 honored staff were provided with a little memento from the year they were hired - a framed yearbook photo from 1978!
Greenway Grad Accepts California Governor Appointment
|
Kimberly YeeJanuary 2004 - Greenway High School graduate (1992) Kimberly Yee has accepted the appointment as Deputy Cabinet Secretary for Education and Consumer Affairs for the state of California. California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger named Yee last week.
Yee has worked with the California Department of Education and was later policy advisor to the state board of education under Governor Pete Wilson. An Arizona native, she also worked as a senior staff member to the Senate Committee on Education for the Arizona Legislature.
Yee received dual undergraduate degrees in English and Political Science from Pepperdine University and a Masters degree in Public Administration from Arizona State University. "This is a dream come true," said Yee.
District Schools Meet and Exceed State Standards
All nine high schools in the Glendale Union High School District have been labeled as successfully meeting state goals for academic performance in the 2002 Achievement Profiles released by the Arizona Department of Education.
 |
In the first year of Achievement Profiles, schools across Arizona have been categorized as Underperforming, Maintaining Academic Performance, Improving or Excelling.
Eight of the district's schools - Apollo, Cortez, Glendale, Independence, Greenway, Moon Valley, Sunnyslope and Washington - have met the state standards for academic performance. Thunderbird High School earned additional points for exceeding state performance and progress goals and was labeled an 'improving' school.
|
|
|
Sunnyslope High School Introtech students at work. Steve Ducey is their teacher. |
