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2004-2005 News Archive

Jacobson Inducted Into North Central "Circle of Excellence"

Warren Jacobson GUHSD Associate Superintendent

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.

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.

Apollo Student Artwork Hangs in U.S. Congress

May 2005 - Two Apollo High School students took first place in 2005 Congressional Art award contests. Trent Franks' Congressional Art Award Winner is Sarah White for her batik entitled "Fall in Flag." In addition to her first place honors, White receives a partial tuition scholarship to the Art Institute of Phoenix along with 4 plane tickets, hotel accommodations at the Marriott Hotel and $300 for a trip to Washington, D.C. for the official opening of the 2005-06 Congress art exhibit.

Ed Pastor's Congressional Art Award winner is Kassey Turnage for her pastel entitled "Rhythm and Reflections" who also received a scholarship to the Savannah, Georgia College of Art and Design. Both Turnage's and White's pieces will hang in Congress for a year.

Teacher Barbara Dahlstedt will accompany the students to Washington, D.C. for the official opening of the 2005-06 exhibits on June 14, 2005. This is the third year in a row that students from Apollo High School have had first place winners in this competition. In 2003 and 2004, Apollo had first place winners in John Shadegg's district. Apollo High has been well represented with winning art work hanging in the halls of U.S. Congress steadily since June 2003.

Other winners from Apollo were Ronnie Marquez, second place; Christina Drotar, third place and Angella Knaack, ninth place.

James Kraft Joins GUHSD Governing Board

James Kraft GUHSD Governing Board Member

May 2005 - We would like to welcome Mr. James Kraft as our newest Governing Board Member.

Mr. Kraft has served as a Representative for the Arizona State Legislature and has been a member of numerous committees for the North Phoenix District.

He was an Adjunct Professor for DeVry University (Computer Science, Law & Ethics). His educational experience includes a BA in Economics from Baylor University, MBA in Finance from Xavier University and Juris Doctor degree from the University of Kentucky/Salmon P Chase College of Law.

James is married to Bev Kraft, Governing Board Member of Washington Elementary School District.

Mr. Kraft was appointed as our new Governing Board Member by Dr. Sandra Dowling, Superintendent of Schools for Maricopa County.

It's Graduation Time

May 2005 - The excitement and the wonder of graduation is nearing as students across the district ready themselves for the big day.

Memories of the past four years in high school, the dances, the games and the great friendships made flow through students' minds. It's a time to reflect on the teachers and staff who cheered and encouraged - even on those most challenging days - wanting only for you to do your best and be proud of your accomplishments.

It's a busy time, getting all assignments completed and turned in on time, finishing exams, signing yearbooks, exchanging summer phone numbers and planning graduation celebrations with family and friends.

The district will distribute nearly 3,000 diplomas to this year's Class of 2005,
from our nine high schools and Metrocenter Academy.

Merritt Named ADE English Acquisition Services Teacher of the Year

Karen Merritt English Language Learner teacher, Glendale High School

May 2005 - The EAS unit of the Arizona Department of Education announced their selection of the inaugural English Acquisition Services (EAS) "Teacher of the Year." She is Karen Merritt, teacher at Glendale High School.

Her submission was one of over 50 candidates from around the state. The scoring was based on a stringent rubric and the applicants had to submit detailed work/academic histories, English Language Learners (ELLs) student academic standing, detailed recaps of work with ELLs and school/district references. Judging occurred on Thursday, May 12, 2005. Karen was officially notified on Friday, May 13.

She was the unanimous choice of an independent five-member panel in a blind judging. The panel members were: an author on ELL education issues, an educational consultant/retired school board member, a community member/parent, an ELL coordinator for an elementary school district and an assistant principal in Nogales Unified School District.

The formal presentation is part of the 2005 SEI conference, "Standards, Strategies, Assessment: Improving Academic Achievement." The banquet will take place on May 25, 2005 at the Starr Pass Resort, 3800 W. Starr Pass Boulevard, Tucson, AZ. Place: Tucson Ballroom, 6:00 pm.

State Superintendent of Education Tom Horne will be in attendance at the banquet and speak. The honor will be presented by Dr. Maria Ferrier-Hernandez, Former Undersecretary at the U.S.D.O.E. for the Office of English Language Acquisition.

English Language Learner Receives Scholarship

May 2005 - Nathalie Zambakari, a Thunderbird High senior, recently received the Dolores Jacobs Scholarship in the amount of $1,000. The Dolores Jacobs Scholarship fund was established in 2003 to honor the memory of Dolores Jacobs, former ELL teacher in the Glendale Union High School District and spouse of the current Superintendent Vernon Jacobs.

The $1000 scholarship is awarded annually to one graduating senior, a former or current ELL student who embodied the qualities Mrs. Jacobs modeled for her students: a love of learning, optimism, determination, and dedication to others. The award is to be used for post-secondary education or training.

Of the nine high schools within the district, each ELL department nominated one graduating senior. Letters of nomination by teachers, a statement of intent by the students, and an interview by the nine-member scholarship committee was part of the selection process. ELL Teacher Leigh DeVoto said, "Nathalie Zambakari stands out in the crowd, whether it is in a classroom or soccer field. She is vibrant, bright, and full of life. I met Nathalie when she entered my classroom as a transfer student from another high school out of the district. She had transferred schools because she had heard among her Sudanese friends that Thunderbird High School was a serious school, and she wanted a serious education. She felt that she did not have enough homework at the other school, so she rode the city bus each day to attend THS."

Nathalie was born in Africa and has the ability to speak seven different languages. As a child, she moved from one African nation to another. Nathalie stated in her essay "Having fled my native nation and becoming a refugee, I learned valuable lessons as I moved across the African continent to Europe and then to the United States. I realized
the importance and value of education along the journey. I saw people struggle trying to escape the civil wars that had led millions of people to become refugees in neighboring nations."

As a child she recalls every event as if it occurred yesterday. She states "The life of a refugee is somewhat harder than television depicts it today." Her parents were forced to build a mud house to shelter her and her nine siblings. They walked across hundreds of kilometers to escape, losing all of their belongings. They dropped the coat of their nationally and were given the light clothes of summer when escaping the winter of war. The title of REFUGEE was given to them and they became part of a realm known as the Land of Refugees. "We were fortunate that the United
Nations intervened several weeks later with food that was not necessarily good, but was nutritious" says Nathalie.

Nathalie recalls the Christmas of 1990 where it rained for several days and she and her family sat under mango trees like homeless people without any defense against the ceaseless downpour of Mother Nature. "Those memories of suffering were instructive in shaping my perception of education, and they will remain indelibly engraved in my mind. Those memories help me strive for knowledge so that I can one day go back to Sudan and help those who I left back there".

During the three years Nathalie attended Thunderbird High she managed to participate in sports, extracurricular activities and devote time to community service. With the scholarship, Nathalie plans to attend a local University to become a medical doctor.

Nathalie Zambakari is the second recipient of the Dolores Jacobs scholarship. Abraham Yepiz was the first recipient. Yepiz graduated from Washington High in 2004.

Sunnyslope Makes Newsweek's Best High School List

May 2005 - Sunnyslope High School, part of the Glendale Union High School District, is listed by Newsweek Magazine as having one of the best high schools in America.

There are currently 27,468 public high schools in America. Newsweek's Best High Schools List uses a ratio of the number of Advanced Placement (AP) and/or International Baccalaureate (IB) tests taken by all students at a school in 2004, divided by the number of graduating seniors. Although that doesn't tell the whole story about a school, it's one of the best measures available to compare a wide range of students' readiness for higher-level work, which is more crucial than ever in the postindustrial age. Sunnyslope High ranked in the top 3.5% at 976.

Principal John Croteau stated, "We are excited about being in the top 1000 schools in the country. The Sunnyslope faculty and staff continually set high expectations for students. This is a validation of those efforts".

Sunnyslope High School is located at 35 W Dunlap Ave, Phoenix. Principal John Croteau can be reached for comment at 623-915-8760.

Student Poets Honored

May 2005 - Parents, students and teachers celebrated the written works of our talented students at the board meeting on May 4th. The annual Poetry Winners event recognizes English Language and Foreign Language student poetry winners from across the district.

Winning poetry is selected by language and grade level by a committee of language arts teachers. Students and their parents are invited to an outdoor reception after which student honorees were presented to the Governing Board by Language Arts Curriculum Coordinator Sue Maland.

Student poetry winners and their teachers:

English Language -
9th Grade
1st Place: Miles Blitch, Sunnyslope - Teacher: Sheila Novak
2nd Place: Elizabeth Carter, Glendale - Teacher: Lisa Reynolds
3rd Place: Colleen Trompeter, Greenway - Teacher: Erik Johnson
4th Place: Laura Phrasavath, Sunnyslope - Teacher: Sheila Novak

10th Grade
1st Place: Amy Stabler, Thunderbird - Teacher: Patrick Henry
2nd Place: Nicole Galipeau, Moon Valley - Teacher: Deborah Hoff
3rd Place: Rachael Stingham, Independence - Teacher: Donna West
4th Place: Rebecca Pringle, Sunnyslope - Teacher: Terri Fields

11th Grade
1st Place: Caty Lederman, Sunnyslope - Teacher: Tricia Parker
2nd Place: Chelsie Holloway, Moon Valley - Teacher: Juli Harvey
3rd Place: Wadzi Muzwidzwa, Cortez - Teacher: Diane Bykowski
4th Place: Summar Alsemeiry, Moon Valley - Teacher: Juli Harvey

12th Grade
1st Place: Adnan Khera, Greenway - Teacher: Elaine Boggs
2nd Place:Tom Holtzworth, Greenway - Teacher: Joan Gasperak
3rd Place: Brad Moore, Independence - Teacher: Mark Gaspar
4th Place: Shannon Tamis, Glendale - Teacher: Sue Edwards
 

Foreign Language:
9th grade
1st Place: Laura Ellis, Cortez - Teacher: Lara Fitzgerald
2nd Place: Milijana Karac, Sunnyslope - Teacher: Jeannie Paparella

10th grade
1st Place: Dragana Mitrovic, Sunnyslope - Teacher: Patricia Jimenez
2nd Place: Annette Wancho, Sunnyslope - Teacher: TerrI Fields

11th grade
1st Place: Dario Pasalic, Cortez - Teacher: Diane Bykowski
2nd Place: Rodica Kocur, Cortez - Teacher: Diane Bykowski

12th grade
1st Place: Kathryn Lawrence-Doyle, Greenway - Teacher: Jeanne Genung
2nd Place: Axel Gonzalez, Glendale - Teacher: Susan Edwards
 

Phoenix Teacher Wins National Disney Education Award

Moon Valley High School Teacher Veronica Carlson Chosen From More Than 50,000 Nominees for Successful, Creative Classroom Strategies

May 2005 - Disney heroes have been capturing children's hearts for generations, but the newest Disney hero is reaching them in ways that Cinderella or Aladdin never could. Veronica Carlson, a teacher at Moon Valley High School in Phoenix, has been chosen from more than 50,000 nominations nationwide to receive the 2005 Disney Teacher Award in celebration of her creativity, innovative teaching methods, and ability to inspire her students.

	Veronica Carlson

As one of only 45 Disney Teacher Honorees, Carlson receives $10,000 from The Walt Disney Company and a trip to Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif. for a week of fun and celebration from July 23-28. In addition, Disney awards $5,000 to Moon Valley High School.

"I try to be creative in all my lessons. I want to appeal to students' interests and keep them engaged in learning," said Carlson. "We move around a lot and they talk with their math buddy. When I ask a question in class or do an activity, instead of them telling me the answer, which only engages one child at a time, they tell it to their math buddy. By using math buddies, more students are engaged and involved in my lessons."

"One lesson I really look forward to is building parabolic solar hot dog cookers. A group of teachers and I developed this activity," Carlson continued. "We turn a shoebox into parabola, similar to the shape of a satellite dish, which collects the sun's rays and gathers them at the focus of the parabola, which is the hottest point. That's where we cook the hot dog. The students measure the shoebox and use graphing calculators to determine the focus of the parabola. They also use the graphing calculator to determine the temperature at which the hot dog is going to cook."

"Veronica is a remarkable teacher who makes a difference in our students' lives on a daily basis," commented Linda Rosness, principal of Moon Valley High School. "She is a highly respected educator, in our district and throughout the state, who exhibits passion, enthusiasm and commitment to the daily instruction of our students. In addition, Veronica's students' scores on district and state assessments are consistently one of the highest."

Read the full press release from Disney.

Apollo High School Names New Principal

Brian Capistran

May 2005 - Brian Capistran, assistant principal at Apollo High School, has been named the new instructional leader for Apollo. Capistran is replacing Debbie Greenfield, who is retiring at the end of the school year.

Superintendent Vernon Jacobs believes Capistran will continue to move forward on the path of excellence that has been established. "Brian Capistran has the organizational and communication skills to work well within the Apollo community. He has vast experience working within our district learning system and holds the strong belief that all students can learn and that teachers make a difference."

A product of Glendale Union, Capistran graduated from Glendale High School in 1990. He earned a BA in Secondary Education, majoring in Spanish from the University of Arizona in 1994. In 2002, he received his Masters in Administration and Educational Leadership from the University of Phoenix.

Capistran began his career teaching at Sunnyslope High School in 95. During his six years at Sunnyslope he taught Spanish, served as the foreign language department chair, and was the head coach for track and cross country. In addition, he served as the Summer School Assistant Supervisor and was appointed the Assistant Principal for Discipline and Attendance in 2001. Mr. Capistran joined the Apollo High faculty in 2002 where he has served as the Assistant Principal for Student Services.

Capistran and his wife, Marcela, have two sons.

Glendale Union Student Receives Flinn Scholarship

Vidula Patki 2005 Thunderbird High Flinn Scholar

May 2005 - Thunderbird High School senior Vidula Patki has been named a Flinn Scholar.

The Flinn Scholarship is given to an Arizona student who will be attending an Arizona university. To become a Flinn Scholar a student must have a minimum score of 1400 on the SAT; must fill out an extensive application, write three essays, be actively involved in school with an outstanding GPA and have three letters of recommendation. The student is then granted the first of two interviews before a panel of judges.

By becoming a Flinn Scholar, the scholarship of $40,000 is renewable each year.

Art Teachers Display Personal Works

First Class Staff Departures - Flight #420

April 2005 - Departing staff members were honored at a dinner reception held atGreenway High School on April 20. Governing Board members, districtadministrators, principals and staff gathered to reflect on the careers of 28 staff members who are retiring from the district to begin their journey to new destinations.

The Glendale Union High School District congratulates our retiring staff and sincerely thanks each for their years of service to our students, our schools and our community.
 

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

ASPRA President Nedda Shaffir and Janet Miller.

In life we come across many people. Some stick out in your mind and some simply fade away. Some are admired for their impact on others as well as the key role they play impacting a community. Janet Miller is the person who comes to mind.

On May 17, the Glendale Union High School District will be asking voters to approve a continuation of the current override of the statutory limits on the district's maintenance and operation budget. Parent and concerned citizen Janet Miller decided to take an active role in this campaign. She volunteered to be one of the co-chairs of the citizens committee. Janet devised a strategic plan that would communicate the importance of the election - not just to reach the parents, but all members of the community.

This job is no small task. Janet's generous spirit of innovation and leadership has led her to contribute back to her community - to her children's school district. She is absolutely passionate in advocating for public education. It is obvious that she has a hidden agenda - she wants what is best for all students. The Glendale Union High School district applauds her.
 

Jean Bihn, reporter for the Glendale Star, Excellence in Education Award

	Governing Board President Vicki Johnson with award-winning reporter Jean Bihn and The Glendale Star newspaper owner Billy Toops.

Ms. Jean Bihn of the Glendale Star understands the value of education - she is an educator herself. She uses her columns to inform and teach Glendale readers about their neighborhood schools. Being a product of public education, raising her kids in public schools and having a son who is aspiring to be a math teacher, she thinks like a teacher.

Ms. Bihn is well versed on issues affecting education and stays current with the changes. She understands education jargon, complex reports, such as how to read AIMS scores and what a cohort class is. You can mention NCA, NCLB, AYP and Jean understands. When other reporters "just don't get it", Jean does.

Jean loves Glendale… in fact she has been heard to say that if it didn't happen in Glendale, then it's just not news. She reports the news accurately and fairly, without sensationalism. Jean is a true professional and a best friend to public education.
 

The Arizona Republic Newspaper - "Around Our Schools" column
Mariam Frank and Lori Baker, Excellence in Education to a News Media for Consistent and Accurate Reporting on Education

Lori Baker, Arizona Republic Newspaper education reporter (right) with ASPRA President Nedda Shaffir

If you want to see a parent smile, put their child's name in the newspaper. Especially one with a daily circulation of more than 400,000, reaching 1.5 million readers.

"Around Our Schools" is a weekly column published in the Arizona Republic newspaper. Student achievement, upcoming events and other "brag bits" are submitted to the community relations department by local teachers. The community relations department organizes the information and submits the information to the local reporter and editor. The information that is published is consistent and accurate.

Instant gratification is created - teachers read their info, students read their names and parents read the successes of the district. If that is not enough, the information is posted on the Arizona Republic website. Grandparents, aunts and uncles can celebrate their relative's successes simply by logging on. Did I mention the impact it has on community and business partnerships? Organizations and individuals have contributed to school projects as a result of the weekly "Around our Schools" publication.

Thank you, Arizona Republic, for providing an avenue for schools and districts to share their successes and stories of achievement.
 

Westcor Malls, Veronica Lovesy, VP of Marketing and Jennifer White,
Award of Excellence for Contributions to Public Education

	Left to right: Veronica Lovesy, Westcor Region Vice President, Marketing; Nedda Shaffir, ASPRA President; and Jennifer White, Westcor Marketing Manager, Desert Sky Mall.

The Glendale Union High School District knows that participation in extra-curricular activities help pave the path to graduation. Funding programs such as band, drama and athletics is a major hurdle for all schools in Arizona. The GUHSD jumped for joy when Westcor Malls created their "Extra Credit School Challenge", which works in conjunction with the Arizona Tax Credit Program.

When it comes to educating our most precious resource, our children, Westcor pledged to make a difference with public education funding. Programs such as the Extra Credit School Challenge, Friends and Family Discount Shopping Day, Educator's Discount Card, to the new Teacher's Supply Closet assist districts and teachers with additional funding. Thank you Westcor for your creative approach to the tight budget and for advocating for public education!

Concert Under the Stars and Auction to Support Washington High School Bands, Orchestra

April 2005 - The Washington High School Wind Symphony, Orchestra and Jazz Band are tuning up for a spring extravaganza at their annual Concert Under the Stars on Friday, May 13, at 6:30 p.m. on the school campus at 2217 West Glendale Avenue, Phoenix. The concert is free and open to the public (bring your own lawn chair).

In addition to being treated to great music, guests will have the opportunity to take part in live and silent auctions. Washburn Music of 2002 E. Camelback is putting a grand up for auction - a baby grand piano, that is. They’ve also donated an upright piano and an electric piano (all three instruments will have a minimum required bid). Also up for auction will be an electric guitar, donated by Guitar Center of 2772 W. Peoria. A variety of autographed memorabilia, gift certificates and guest passes will also be available for bidders. All proceeds will support instrumental music at Washington High School.

Musical selections for the evening will include: Sakura featuring senior Erica Page on cello, The Inferno by Robert W. Smith from Dante’s Divine Comedy, and a selection of jazz classics. The Washington High School Wind Symphony, Orchestra and Jazz Band are under the direction of Chris Pierson, who is in his third year at Washington.

The Community has Suffered a Great Loss with the Death of Governing Board member Bill Stout

April 2005 - The district is sad to announce the passing of long-time governing board member and friend Bill Stout. Mr. Stout passed away on April 7, 2005 after a valiant battle with cancer.

Bill Stout was a member of the GUHSD Governing Board for the past 24 years, having been first elected in 1981. He continued to be an active and highly contributing member of the Board until his death. As Governing Board member, Stout was known for his support of teachers and staff and was a key force in promoting career education curricula for students. Mr. Stout actively participated in school events, including the Thunderbird Relay for Life to benefit the American Cancer Society.

Mr. Stout is survived by his wife Donna and two adult children.

Stout was a key figure in the Glendale community and was largely responsible for the passage of the district system for city elections. He served as a delegate to the 2000 Democratic National Presidential Convention and was active in local and state Democratic party politics. He recently retired as Maricopa County Constable for the Glendale Justice Precinct.

We will truly miss Bill Stout for his caring attitude, his wisdom, common sense and his ability to bring people together for a common cause. The results of his influence and his love of children and education will continue to be felt by all of us who knew him and were touched by him.

Students Honor Survivors and Raise $120,000 for Cancer Research

April 2005 - District students organized a Relay for Life event honoring survivors of cancer and promoting research for a cure for the disease. Thesecond annual Dolores Jacobs / Thunderbird High School Relay for Life held on April 1 & 2, 2005 raised more than $120,000 for the American Cancer Society. Donations continue to come in via their website.

It's about community!
Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon greeted the crowd, praising the students for their initiative in bringing the community together for this cause. He thanked the participants for their involvement and offered words of encouragement to cancer survivors and their families as we all work together to 'fight the battle' and find a cure for cancer.

It's for the Survivors!
To begin the event, bagpipes played as Survivors gathered to walk the first lap of the overnight relay in unison. Family members and supporters joined the survivors to complete the lap in a show of support. At dusk the cancer survivors were recognized at a dinner served in their honor.

Students, staff and community team members set up camp and settled in for the evening. Relay team members signed up to walk through the evening and into the morning because 'cancer never sleeps and neither do we'. Music, games and reading kept participants awake while waiting for their turn to walk.

It's about commitment!
Washington High staff member Marion Frock vowed to walk 80 laps - totalling 20 miles - to help fight the disease. He met his goal with stamina to spare!

Students from each of our nine high schools felt a need to help 'fight the battle'. They organized the district-wide event. Thunderbird student Drew Hart (center photo below), and cancer survivor and Thunderbird Counselor, Kathleen Adams worked with the students as they prepared for more than 800 participants to be on campus for the Relay for Life from Friday night to Saturday morning.

It honors those lost!
In the dark of the night luminarias lit up the track carrying personalized messages to honor those lost to cancer. More luminarias on the bleachers illuminated the infield delivering the message of "HOPE." Hope for a cure. Hope for a cancer-free future.

High School Students Help Fight the Battle

March 2005 - The Glendale Union High School District will hold their second annual American Cancer Society Relay for Life event on April 1 at Thunderbird High School. The theme of this year’s event is “Fight the Battle”, which is an overnight event that increases awareness of cancer in the community. Students from all nine high schools have organized teams who are committed to keep at least one person walking the track at all times - because cancer never sleeps.

Mayor Phil Gordon will kick off the event with a welcome on April 1 at 6pm and the Survivors Lap will begin immediately after. The survivors lap symbolizes the courage survivors and their families display in their lives everyday. A survivor’s dinner, hosted by Apollo high school, will be served at 7:30 pm. When the sun goes down, Independence students will light hundreds of luminaries to light the way under the stars, and a moment of silence will be held for those who have lost their lives to cancer (9pm). A closer look at the luminaries reveals pictures, names, stories and even wishes of individuals who fought the disease. The next morning will begin with a breakfast, hosted by Sunnyslope High School and served by players from the Arizona Sting.

Last year, Thunderbird students and staff members were passionate about coordinating the first event because two of their classmates were diagnosed with cancer and one teacher lost her life to the disease. Glendale Union High School students were able to collect more than $137,000, setting a national record for the American Cancer Society.

Thunderbird High School is located 1750 W Thunderbird, Phoenix, AZ 85023. For more information contact Kim Mesquita at 623-435-6019 or 480-421-8498.

High School Students Benefit from Free Health Care
School-Based Clinic Grand Opening on March 30

March 2005 - Every school should have a center students can visit when they are not feeling well, but not every school has the kind of health care center like Glendale High School. Glendale High, located at 6216 W Glendale Ave, has a school-based primary health care clinic - assisting district students who lack adequate access to primary health care services. The FREE services, which are provided to students who are medically underserved, include:

• Assessment and management of acute minor illness and injury
• Medication and prescriptions
• Physical exams, sports physicals
• Referral for health problems beyond the scope of practice
• Assessment and management of chronic diseases, such as asthma and diabetes
• Immunizations
• Nutritional and emotional health assessment
• Health education

The school, as a community, provides an ideal site for health care. It is comfortable, accessible, and culturally sensitive. Sheila Mehlem, family nurse practitioner, coordinates and staffs the clinics. Mehlem works closely with the school nurses to address health care needs that nurses, parents, teachers, or other school staff may identify. Parents are encouraged to be present at the time of the health visit. No child is seen without written permission. Other school-based clinics within the Glendale Union High School District are located at Sunnyslope High and Independence High.

The Glendale Union High School District was awarded a Community Development Block Grant from the City of Glendale. Representatives from both the City and the District will be at the grand opening scheduled for 8:00 a.m. Tours will be provided.

Washington Student Athletes Chosen for TV Commercial

March 2005 - Four students from Washington High School Cross Country team were chosen to participate in a television ad for New Balance running shoes. The commercial was filmed locally and features George Holberg, Tommy and Zach McElrath and Anthony Olsen.

The ads will run this spring, however if you'd like to see a sneak preview, visit http://newbalance.com/clubnb/ads/ and click on the cross country link at the right.

GUHSD Parent School Effectiveness Survey

March 2005 - The Glendale Union High School District administers a School Effectiveness Survey to parents every year during the month of April. The purpose of the survey is to examine parents' perceptions related to key indicators of school effectiveness. Each year 1575 parents are contacted district wide, with 175 parents randomly selected to participate from each school's attendance zone. The survey takes parents approximately 11 minutes to complete and provides valuable information to school personnel and administrators with regard to how each school, and the district as a whole, is performing in relation to the pre-determined indicators of school effectiveness.

Looking For a Great Teaching Job - In a Successful District?

Triple your opportunity to land a certified position by attending our tri-district job fair on March 26, 2005

March 2005 - Three districts have joined together to provide you with outstanding teaching/employment opportunities. Triple your chances of finding a job with the ease of three school districts under one roof!

The Glendale Elementary School District, Glendale Union High School District, and the Washington Elementary School District will host a Job Fair for certified positions on March 26, 2005.

What to expect? To gain knowledge about each District and their available teaching positions for the 2005-06 school year. Each District will conduct screenings/interviews and possibly issue Letters of Intent, or a Contract! You are encouraged to bring a copy of your resume, certificate, fingerprint clearance card, and letters of recommendation. Information booths will be set up at which you may learn about each district’s educational programs, benefits, and salary schedules.

Want to attend? Please visit the web sites of the districts in which you are interested in to complete a certified application prior to 3/26/05. The Washington Elementary District will contact qualified applicants to schedule screenings/interviews during the fair. Applicants for the Glendale Elementary and the Glendale Union High School District should contact each district of their choice to schedule a screening/interview for the fair. Walk-ins are welcome and will have the opportunity to complete an application(s) at the fair, but they will not be guaranteed an interview.

GUHSD Sends Three Teams to State Basketball Finals

March 2005 - Glendale Union proudly sent three of the four teams vying for the 2005 4A State Boys Basketball Championship to the Glendale Arena for the first ever 'February Frenzy' event. Athletes from Glendale, Sunnyslope
and Apollo competed for the state title in an arena packed with more than 80,000 fans.

Apollo claims first victory at State Basketball Championship.	Apollo Principal Debbie Greenfield and husband Al react to the team win.	State 4A Basketball trophy presentation as seen on the Glendale Arena jumbotron.

Apollo High School Boys Basketball earned their first ever state basketball title this year capturing the trophy to display at their school. Glendale High had their best winning season in the last 20 years. Not since 1985 had a Glendale team advanced to the state semi-finals. Sunnyslope Boys advanced to play in the semi-finals after beating the No. 1 ranked team.

School coaches are Mark Nold, Apollo; Scott Stafford, Glendale and Dan Mannix, Sunnyslope.

Thunderbird Girls Basketball Takes State

	Submitted by Tony Hernandez Photography

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

The team has played in the state championship game each of the past 4 years and has won the title THREE times - in 2002, 2003 and now in 2005!

Steve Burke is their coach.