GUHSD Students Meet Politicians
Students (from left to right) Bianca Reyes, Kritsada Sukkha, Yosette Ledezma,
Desano Dunn, Vince Salazar, Lucero DeAnda, Daniel Macedo, and
Karla Gonzales pose for a snapshot with Senator Hillary Clinton.
March 2007 - During the week of March 11 students from Glendale, Independence, and Greenway traveled to Washington D.C. on the Close Up trip. They met representatives from Senator's Kyl and McCain and their Representatives. Independence and Glendale High also met up with AZ Treasurer Martin and Senator Hillary Clinton.
2007 Concert Choir Festival
March 2007 - Greenway High School and the school's chorus director, Jeff Yoder, recently hosted this year's district-wide Concert Choir Festival. Phillip Carr, choral director at Southwest College, served as guest clinician. Choirs from each school in the district performed two pieces of music, which Carr then critiqued.
2007 Band and Orchestra Festival
March 2007 - Independence High School and the school's instrumental music director, Eric Zimmerman, hosted this year's district-wide Band and Orchestra Festival. In addition to being critiqued by clinicians, performances at the festival were recorded and will be used for the district's performance-based assessment. Students will listen to the recording, give their group a score in each musical element and then defend the score with relevant details from the performance.
Three Thunderbird Students Honored by City of Phoenix
March 2007 - Congratulations to Amy Stabler of Thunderbird High School, who was named the Outstanding Young Woman of the Year by the city of Phoenix Youth and Education Commission. The award was announced at a recent luncheon held at the Arizona Club.
Amy Stabler
Two other Thunderbird students were also honored at the luncheon. Tiffany Son had earlier been named Outstanding Young Woman for city council District 1 and Ryne Barry had been named Outstanding Young Man for District 3, which Amy Stabler also represented.
Former Superintendent Recognized for Contributions
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Vernon Jacobs accepts plaque from
Governing Board President Kevin Clayborn
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February 2007 - The Governing Board members of the Glendale Union High School District invited former Superintendent Vernon Jacobs back to the district office for one of their meetings on February 21. The intent of the invitation was to honor the previous Superintendent for his dedication and service to the district.
Board President Kevin Clayborn presented a plaque to Jacobs. The inscription on the plaque read: "Presented to Vernon Jacobs by the Governing Board of the Glendale Union High School District. In recognition of your inspiring service as Superintendent of the Glendale Union High School District from 2002-2006. Nearly 10% of all Excelling high schools in Arizona are in Glendale Union High School District. This is but one measure of the success our community, students, schools, and staff experienced under your leadership."
When accepting the plaque, Jacobs humbly exclaimed, "I didn't do this, the teachers did."
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Apollo Basketball Makes
History
February 2007 - The Apollo Hawks boy's basketball team made history by winning their third consecutive championship. The team won 61-48 over Tucson's Ironwood Ridge on February 24 at the Jobing.com arena.
This is the first team in 4A history to win three championships in a row, according to the AIA. The teams head coach is Mr. Mark Nold.
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Rams Repeat as 4A Division II Champions
February 2007 - The Lady Rams were able to hold on to their championship title after beating the Page Lady San Devils on February 23 at the Jobing.com arena. The girls finished with a 60-47 win, claiming a second consecutive state title. The team's head coach is Mr. Ty Bauer.
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Annual Financial Audit is Exemplary
February 2007 - The district has received final audit reports for the 2005-2006 fiscal year. These reports represent a comprehensive and lengthy review of GUHSD's financial operations by independent auditors. The objective of this annual process, which starts in April and concludes the following December, is to provide verified financial information to various users including oversight agencies such as the Arizona Auditor General and the Arizona Department of Education, bond holders, bond rating agencies, lenders, and interested district patrons.
Glendale Union High School District received the following:
Comprehensive Annual Financial report or CAFR. This report is divided into three main sections including an introduction to the district, the financial statements including the auditor's report, and statistical information on financial trends and other economic data. The most important item to note is the Independent Auditor's Report which expresses an "unqualified opinion" on the financial statements indicating the district is in compliance with generally accepted accounting principles and fairly present Glendale Union High School District's financial position. This opinion is the highest and most desirable possible.
The Single Audit reporting package represents testing of the district's federal grants and the related internal control systems to ensure legal compliance. The report summary has an unqualified opinion, identifies the programs selected for testing (Title 1, Voc Ed and the PE Curriculum Grant) and most importantly reports there are not any findings.
The USFR Compliance Questionnaire provides information to the Auditor General relative to the compliance with the Uniform System of Financial Records. The USFR is a compilation of recommended accounting practices and laws that GUHSD must follow as a school district. The questionnaire consists of 26 pages and over 230 questions and tests that the auditor must address in 22 areas including budgeting, cash, inventory, capital assets, revenues, expenditures, payroll, travel, financial reporting, attendance reporting, transportation, food service, student activities, and long term debt. Appendix A includes 10 comments that the auditor made after their examination. The district provided additional information to the auditors documenting how they have addressed these comments.
Taken as a whole, these reports demonstrate that Glendale Union High School District operates a highly efficient, legally compliant and accurate financial operation. The financial information the district provides is accurate and can be relied upon to demonstrate compliance with laws, budgets, and other funding restrictions.
AIMS Exams to Begin This Week
February 2007 - Arizona’s Instrument to Measure Standards, the state assessment program that measures the academic achievement of high school students, will begin with writing on Tuesday, February 27 and reading on Wednesday, February 28. The math test is scheduled for April 11.
All high school students are required to take and pass AIMS as part of the requirements for a diploma from the Glendale Union High School District. Students who do not pass any portion of the test on the first try must retake the exam each time it is given. (Students who meet the standards are encouraged to retest to exceed.)
Sophomore students from Sunnyslope and Apollo High Schools recently attended an AIMS assembly that coached students on the coming exam.
For more information on the AIMS exam, contact http://www.ade.state.az.us/AIMS/default.asp or call 1-866-688-AIMS.
Moon Valley and Apollo Student Signs with Nebraska
February 2007 - Two Glendale Union High School studentssigned a letter of intent with Nebraska on Wednesday, February 7, 2008. (from left) Moon Valley’s Jaivorio Burkes and Apollo’s Prince Amukamara.
Back in November, both players had the opportunity to visit Nebraska during a recruiting trip. Both were allowed to run out of the Memorial Stadium tunnel before a game in front of 81,000 Husker fans who chanted their names. Burkes said he “felt like a rock star.” Amukamara said his reason to sign was because he felt “so loved and welcomed.”
Thunderbird High Crowned Wrestling Champs
February 2007 - Congratulations to the Thunderbird High wrestling team, which won its second straight Class 4A Division 1 state title. Independence High School placed second in the same division.
Two GUHSD Teachers Receive National Board Certification
February 2007 - Congratulations to Independence High School Spanish teacher Sheila Bacon and Greenway High School English teacher Lyn Cannaday, who both recently received National Board Certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS). NBPTS is “an independent, nonprofit organization formed in 1987 to advance the quality of teaching and learning by developing professional standards for accomplished teaching, creating a voluntary system to certify teachers who meet those standards and integrating certified teachers into educational reform efforts.
Annual Student Art Exhibition
February 2007 -The district's Annual Student Art Exhibition will be on display at the Phoenix Art Museum Administration Building beginning February 2. The show runs through February 27. The free show features extraordinary student artwork from all nine of our high schools.
2007 Dance Symposium
January 2007 - This year’s Dance Symposium was hosted by Thunderbird High School. Thirty dancers from each school were invited to participate in the unique experience of taking two master classes from specialists in the field of dance. Our guest artists were Bonita Lovett for hip-hop, Chris Wakimoto for jazz, and Maria Burrola for lyrical dance.
After the dance clinics, the students performed two dances for each other on stage. It was a wonderful opportunity to gain experience from other experts and to be able to share the incredible talent we have in our district. Our dance teachers did an excellent job in preparing the dancers.
Special thanks go to Michelle Condor (THS dance teacher) and the Thunderbird administration for organizing such a outstanding event!
Business Teachers Teach Dining Etiquette to Students
January 2007 - Business teachers Darrell Preston and Tim Mayfield from Sunnyslope High School built in their curriculum several years ago the opportunity for senior students to learn or brush up on their dining etiquette before they graduated and entered the workforce. Preston and Mayfield arranged for David and Barbara Rothschild from EATiQuette to teach students the basics of formal dining, including how to dress when picking up an application, what r.s.v.p. means, the signal that lets the waiter know you are finished, and how to be prepared when dining with potential clients. After the presentation by Mr. Rothschild, sixty-four students were able to practice their manners while experiencing fine dining at Vincent's on Camelback. Students dined on roasted vegetable soup with croissants, mushroom chicken with fresh vegetables, and a fresh apple tart ala mode.
Aspiring Administrators Workshop
January 2007 - The Glendale Union High School District held an Aspiring Administrator's workshop on Tuesday, January 23.
Superintendent Jacobson addressing Aspiring Administrators.
Hosted by Dr. Linda Rosness, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, Assistant Principal's from each of the nine schools were invited to share their insights of administration. Discussions of job description, examples of an average day in the job and reasons for moving into administration were shared by the panel of assistant principals.
Twenty-three teachers from within the district took part in the workshop.
Three Glendale Union Schools Identified As "Top Tier"
January 2007 - The Arizona Department of Education (ADE) and Arizona State University (ASU) have identified three schools in the Glendale Union High School District as highly performing "front tier" schools. They are Glendale, Sunnyslope, and Washington High Schools.
ADE and ASU recently completed Phase 1 of the Benchmarking Study, conducted with Prism Decision Systems and Idea Science, to identify Arizona's benchmark or "front tier" schools. The study evaluated student achievement as well as various school characteristics.
In Phase 2 of the study, researchers will take a closer look at selected "front tier" schools "to determine what unique characteristics each school may have which would account for its higher student performance over time (2004-06) when compared to other schools with similar constraints."
Ultimately, ADE will use the findings of the study to help lower-performing schools with similar characteristics improve student achievement.
Sunnyslope High Selected For National Study of "Turnaround Schools"
January 2007 - The U.S. Department of Education has selected Sunnyslope High School to represent the Glendale Union High School District in a national study of model "turnaround" schools.
The study, which is part of the department's Longitudinal Assessment of Comprehensive School Reform Implementation and Outcomes, will provide information on how schools in communities with varying economic resources have improved and sustained student achievement.
The U.S. Department of Education used state assessment data to identify a small group of schools for the study. Sunnyslope was one of only 54 high schools in Arizona to receive an "Excelling" label—the highest possible ranking—in the 2006 Arizona LEARNS school profiles. In total, five schools in the Glendale Union High School District were recognized as Excelling. Sunnyslope has received the Excelling rating for the past three years.
Researchers from WestEd, an independent research firm contracted by the U.S. Department of Education, will visit Sunnyslope and other participating schools to "interview school administrators, teachers, and parents about the school's turnaround success and other relevant information." Data collected from the study will be presented to Congress and other education stakeholders.
Career and Technical Education Discuss Programs with Business Representatives
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Assistant Superintendent Dean Petersen reviews data with the CTE accountability team.
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January 2007 - The Career and Technical Education department held the Annual Accountability meeting on January 30, 2007. Hosted by Apollo High School, students, teachers and business representatives gathered to review student data, tour the career and technical education programs, and discuss current programs. Business representatives offered suggestions on how C.T. E. programs within the district could be improved. Culinary arts teacher Andy Knutz and several of his students prepared breakfast for the event.
Special thanks to Joan Bandurand, Del E Webb School of Construction; Tony Slater DEI Professional Services; Lee Case, Neoteric Ltd; Joyce Barden, DeVry; Jenni Appleyard, Mervyns; Monty Monteith, Monty's Hallmark; Chef Jon-Paul Hutchins, Scottsdale Culinary Institute; Josh Jamagin, First Baptist Children's Center; Michael Achey, Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center; and Michael Kasperski, Banner Thunderbird Hospital. Student representatives were Thomas Lesar, Apollo; Andy Frank, Sunnyslope; Amber Acord, Washington; Erin Racette, Greenway; Leticia Erickson, Washington; Joshua Petersen, Thunderbird; Sophia Morales, Cortez; Emeline Ciobanasiu, Apollo; and Natalya Wipprecht, Moon Valley. Teachers were Rudy Aguilar, Steve Ducey, Bill McClure and Lora Zimmer, representing Applied Technology; Brian Davis, Curtis Folkman, and Buck Nelson, representing Business; Judy Carpenter, Joanne Michael, Debbie Raatz and Collie Smith, representing Family and Consumer Science; Juli Harvey representing Aspire to Teach; Kathy Gierke, representing Certified Nursing Program; Rhonda Sykes, representing Health Careers; and Bryant Johnston and Darrell Wiseman, representing Fire Science.
Thunderbird Senior Earns Perfect Score
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Adam Barrowclough
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January 2007 - Adam Barrowclough, Thunderbird Senior, scored a perfect 36 on the ACT test. He was the only one from Arizona that received the highest score.
Last year, only 256 of a total of more than 2.2 million students tested during the year received perfect scores, and none was from Arizona.
Adam is in the top 1% of his class of 450. Earlier in the school year he was recognized as a National Merit semifinalist. Semifinalists are in the top 1% of all those who took the PSAT test.
Barrowclough is applying to several California colleges, Ivy League universities and the honors college at ASU. He is considering majoring in computer engineering or economics and hopes to work after college as either an engineer or securities trader.
New Governing Board Member Sworn In
January 2007 - New Governing Board member Donna Stout and current board member Kevin Clayborn were sworn in to office by fellow board member Vicki Johnson on January 3, 2007.
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Donna Stout is sworn in by Vicki Johnson
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Kevin Clayborn is sworn in by Vicki Johnson
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Kathy Jacka, who was elected for a two year term, was sworn in by Johnson on January 8, 2007.
Kathy Jacka is sworn in by Vicki Johnson
New Horizons Student Art Competition
December 2006 - Students from over 40 Valley high schools recently competed in the annual New Horizons High School Art Competition at the Shemer Art Center in Phoenix. Seven GUHSD students were recognized with awards totaling $400 in cash and prizes. They were Carlos Aguilar of Independence High School; Justin Ayala, Sarah Hill and Aaron Huyser, all of Apollo High School; Nicole Galipeau and Catlyn Thomas of Moon Valley High School; and Carlos Us of Washington High School.
Artwork from the competition was on display at the center until January 5. The exhibit included an outdoor art installation created by Moon Valley High School students. The project, which featured imaginatively decorated duck decoys, was coordinated by Moon Valley art teacher Art Smith.
Johnson Receives Award
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Vicky Johnson
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December 2006 - Governing Board Member, Vicki Johnson was recently awarded a Turquoise cluster award at the annual Arizona School Boards Association conference in December. Mrs. Johnson had recorded 173 hours of continuing education units. This is the third time she has received a cluster award.
The ASBA Academy of Board Member Development is a continuing education program designed to equip school board members with the knowledge and techniques necessary to develop policies and practices to support the instructional leadership role of the school district. The inservice training program is based on workshops, conferences, and other training opportunities with the following objectives: To recognize board members for personal efforts; to be an incentive for voluntary board member inservice training; and to promote the idea of better boardsmanship.
Cluster Awards with colored ribbons are presented to members who have attained the Master of Boardsmanship along with Clusters at the various levels, or those folks who have reached each level beyond the Masters of Boardsmanship which requires 84 CEUs in at least eight core curriculum areas.
According to the Academy of Boardsmanship brochure, the number of CEUs (or Continuing Education Units) for board training a board member attends is classified as follows:
| First Cluster: 120 CEUs Quartz |
| Second Cluster 160 CEUs Turquoise |
| Third Cluster 220 CEUs Bronz |
| Fourth Cluster 330 CEUs Silver |
| Fifth Cluster 400 CEUs Gold |
Matt O. Hanhila Sportsmanship Award to Apollo and Cortez
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Cortez
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December 2006 - Each year the Arizona Football Officials Association present the Matt O. Hanhila Sportsmanship Award to the head coach and staff who demonstrate the high ideals of sportsmanship and fair play during the football season. This year the award was presented to both Apollo and Cortez High Schools.
On December 2, 2006, prior to the championship game, the 4A Conference Division II Sportsmanship Award was presented by Larry Kindred to Cortez Head Coach Ron Sowers, Principal Tom Hernandez and Athletic Director Rob Ambrose.
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Apollo
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On December 9, 2006, prior to the championship game, the 4A Conference Division I Sportsmanship Award was presented by Larry Kindred and Don Cerimeli to Apollo Head Coach Zack Threadgill, Assistant Coaches Steve Threadgill, Ross Luna, Tim Poole, Brett Irwin and Athletic Director Dan Streeter.
Congratulations to Apollo and Cortez High Schools for demonstrating "Victory with Honor".
Thunderbird Student Signs with U of A
November 2006 - Zane Johnson (pictured with his mother), Thunderbird High School senior two guard, signed a letter of intent with The University of Arizona on November 8th at Thunderbird High School. Zane is a four year starter at Thunderbird who was recruited by most of the top twenty-five basketball programs in the nation. Last year Zane was a unanimous pick for conference Player of the Year. He averaged 22 points and 14 rebounds.
NFL Football Player David Macklin Contributes $5000 to Apollo Football Club
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Apollo Head Coach Zach Threadgill receives a $5000 check on behalf of the Apollo football team from AZ Cardinal David Macklin
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November 2006 - David Macklin is #27, cornerback, for the AZ Cardinals. As a seven-year veteran in the NFL, David has excelled on the field and in the community. On Monday, November 20, Macklin stopped by Apollo’s football banquet to show his support by dropping off a check in the amount of $5,000. David has supported Apollo High School and their football team. He attended numerous games throughout the 2006 season and is continuing his support by donating $5,000 to the football team for non-salary/non-personnel related costs. He has also applied for Apollo to receive a matching grant from the NFL. David donated the same amount and obtained an NFL matching grant for his high school alma mater, Menchville High School in Newport News, VA, earlier this year.
His commitment to community service and children has led to the creation of his foundation, 27 REASONS. The mission of his foundation is to encourage and support disadvantaged kids in overcoming life challenges. Through his foundation, David has assisted youth in Arizona and Virginia through motivational speaking, purchasing holiday gifts, and donations to families, schools, and youth leagues. He also enhanced the athletic ability and self esteem of numerous kids through football camps in his hometown of Newport News, VA. For more information on David Macklin’s foundation, please visit http://www.27reasons.org/.
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.
Washington Career and Technical Education Teacher Vying for National New Teacher of the Year Spot
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Buck Nelson
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November 2006 - Buck Nelson is a marketing instructor at Washington High School in Phoenix, Arizona. During the past five years, he has built up the school's business department. Nelson teaches marketing, advanced marketing, and cooperative education. He is also the chair of the school's business department and the DECA organization adviser. Noticing the students' lack of employability skills, Nelson was instrumental in creating new marketing classes to better prepare the future workers. Students are taught some of the necessary skills that are required in the workforce. Nelson helps his students find employment. He also established a school-based enterprise that has improved the students' customer-service skills and overall business knowledge.
As a DECA adviser, Nelson has increased the organization's membership and has received 29 regional awards from competitions. Nelson has made an impact on career and technical education on the state level. He is the Director for New Member Recruitment for the Arizona ACTE. Nelson is a past president of the Arizona Cooperative Education Association. He has also designed and published the "Cooperative Education Teachers Training Manual" and the "District Performance-Based Assessment for Marketing." In addition to being a good teacher, Nelson "is a dynamic, forward-thinking person who makes people want to work with him to make a difference for CTE. Buck Nelson has leadership; organizational, human relationship and CTE content skills that assist him in being an outstanding teacher."
In July 2005, Nelson was named Career and Technical Education New Teacher of the Year for Arizona. In May 2006, Nelson was named Career and Technical Education New Teacher of the Year for Region V. Region V includes 5 national regions all states west of the Missouri River excluding Texas and New Mexico.) December 1, 2006, the announcement for the National Career and Technical Education New Teacher of the Year will be in Atlanta, GA.
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Independence High School Celebrates 30th Anniversary
November 2006 - A 30-year anniversary celebration was held on November 3 in conjunction with the homecoming football game at Independence High School. Former principals and teachers, along with students and their families were invited to share in the celebration.
Former principals Ron Gardner, Wendy Blair and Principal Mark Farison enjoyed reminiscing with fellow alumni at the 30th Anniversary celebration.
A special thank you to the committee members who worked many hours to make the event a success.
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Apollo High Students Attend Construction Banquet
November 2006 - Six students from AHS attended the Del E Webb 19th Annual Construction Banquet on November 1, 2006 at the Phoenix Civic Plaza. They were accompanied by Career and Technical business teacher, Bevan Greibesland. The pre-banquet seminar included topics such as: summer programs, construction management overview, and admission to ASU, Financial Aid opportunities, and student activities.
Students from Bevan Greibesland’s class pose with Governor Janet Napolitano at the 19th Annual Del E Webb Construction Banquet.
The students were able to attend the event free of charge, thanks to the various corporate sponsors and representative from around the valley. The event provided them the opportunity to network and learn more about earning a degree in construction or to become a manager within a huge construction industry. The opening address was delivered by Governor Janet Napolitano.
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2006 Marching Band Festival
October 2006 - GUHSD Band Directors were all smiles when their Marching Bands took the field at the annual District Marching Band Festival Monday, October 30, 2006 at the Glendale Community College Football Stadium. Hundreds of spectators looked on as the bands performed their theme marches.
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Apollo
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Cortez
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Glendale
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Greenway
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Independence
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Moon Valley
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Sunnyslope
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Thunderbird
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Washington
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Glendale Union High School District Excels in 2006 Arizona School Profiles
October 2006 - Of the 522 high schools in Arizona that received an Arizona LEARNS label, 54 were excelling. Nearly 10% of these Excelling high schools were from Glendale Union High School District. Released by the Arizona Department of Education on October 25, the profiles rate schools across the state from "excelling" to "failing" in six categories.
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Superintendent Warren Jacobson celebrates with excelling school
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The GUHSD schools designated as "excelling" are Cortez, Greenway, Moon Valley, Sunnyslope, and Thunderbird.
The number of schools in the district receiving this rating increased 44 percent from last year. That accomplishment is all the more remarkable in that statewide the increase in schools so designated was only 3 percent.
In addition, four schools in the district (44 percent) received "highly performing" labels, the second highest ranking. They are Apollo, Glendale, Independence, and Washington.
The Arizona Department of Education considers various criteria in determining the ratings. A few of these include Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP), graduation and dropout rates, and how a school's students perform on AIMS in the current year and over a three-year average.
Warren Jacobson, Superintendent of Glendale Union High School District, attributes the district's high ratings to its strong professional development program, skilled curriculum coordinators, and motivated teachers, as well as to the fact that the district has historically been data driven. "Glendale Union administrators and teachers have high expectations for all students," Jacobson said. "The schools continually encourage students to re-test to try to exceed the standard."
David Braswell, President of the GUHSD Governing Board, added, "The district's outstanding performance in the school ratings presents an excellent opportunity to recognize each of our school principals, teachers, and parents whose tireless efforts are so essential to the short- and long-term success of our students."
To ensure the continued success of its students, GUHSD offers state standards prep classes; before and after school tutoring, including programs sponsored by state funds; a 4-week math tutoring program for AIMS; and Project SHARP, a free summer math program.
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.
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Kathy Jacka Appointed to Board
Superintendent of Schools Sandra Dowling (left)
congratulates Kathy Jacka after she is sworn in.
October 2006 - Kathy Jacka is the newest member to be appointed to the Glendale Union High School District Governing Board. She was sworn in on October 4, 2006 by county Superintendent Sandra Dowling. The vacant seat became available when former member James Kraft submitted his resignation from the board to the Superintendent of Schools on September 21.
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THS Parent Association Holds Successful Golf Tournament
September 2006 - The 3rd Annual Thunderbird High School Golf Classic, sponsored by the Chief Parent Association, was held on Sunday, September 24, at the Pointe Golf Club at Lookout Mountain. The neighborhood event was a huge success with 124 golfers participating. Many thanks to the Chief Parent Association’s dedicated volunteers, who did a great job putting on what many said was one of the most organized and professional tournaments they had ever participated in.
The tournament winners (left to right): Dr. John DeSalvo,
John Souza, Jason Schecterle and Brent Wilde.
Mark your calendars now for the 4th Annual Thunderbird High School Golf Classic - Sunday, September 23, 2007 at the Pointe Golf Club at Lookout Mountain.
Two Glendale Union Teachers are Rodel Semi-Finalists
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Sharon LaTouf
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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.
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Kim Thomas
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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.
National Merit Scholar Semi-Finalists Recognized
September 2006 - More than 1.3 million juniors in over 21,000 high schools in the USA entered the 2006 National Merit Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. 16,000 students from the pool of 1.3 million were designated as National Merit Semi-Finalists. They have earned the right to continue in the national competition for 8,000 Merit Scholarships worth approximately $32 million. These students represent the top 1.2% of the very best and brightest students in the entire country. They are our nation’s academic champions. Three students from Glendale Union High School District can be counted among this elite group of high school scholars.
Honorees are:
- Adam Barrowclough, Thunderbird
- Rose Springfield, Greenway
- Elizabeth Perry, Thunderbird
Dr. Elizabeth Schauer Joins 2006 Vocal Ensemble Festival as Guest Clinician
September 2006 - Apollo High School hosted Vocal Ensemblegroups from all nine of the district’s high schools. There, each group performed two songs for guest clinician, Dr. Elizabeth Schauer, from the University of Arizona, who critiqued the students' performances and worked with the students on techniques for performance improvement. Dr. Schauer encouraged proper technique and musical interpretation, with a sprinkling of humor. Students shared the great opportunity of getting professional feedback as well as the chance to listen to the talent from other schools in the district.
Congratulations to all of the Vocal Ensemble Directors for preparing their students to the level of excellence that was seen that day.
Amye Godfrey, Independence
Chuck Sedgewick, Cortez
Cheryl Max, Glendale
Stephanie Gramm, Sunnyslope
Jim DeBusk, Washington
Clydene Balke, Apollo
Justin Jenkins, Moon Valley
Dana Graybeal, Thunderbird
Jeff Yoder, Greenway
Moon Valley High School Awarded Healthiest School in Arizona by National Got Milk? Contest
September 2006 - With nearly one-third of U.S. children and teenagers either overweight or on the brink of becoming so, it's never been more important for schools to take an active role in helping fight childhood obesity - a problem that has tripled over the last 30 years. In an effort to draw attention to and reward those schools already doing just that, the got milk? campaign created the Healthiest Student Bodies contest, which awards $1,000 grants to 50 schools nationwide, including Moon Valley High School.
Beating out more than 1,500 others, Moon Valley High School earned its spot on the elite roster of 50 when Senior Jason Moore nominated the school for their dedication to bettering the health of its students by providing free milk, fruit and salad during lunch as well as giving every student a chance to be physically active. To reward the entire student body, Kim Kiernan from the got milk? campaign visited the school on September 8, 2006 and presented them with a $1,000 grant to further aid in its students' health and wellness. Jason received a prize package that included gear from Adidas and Baby Phat/Phat Fram.
Moon Valley High School is the only school in Arizona to be recognized with this award.
New Media Centers for Three GUHSD Schools
August 29, 2006 - Governing Board member Kevin Clayborn cuts the ribbon at Apollo
High School's new media center. Parents and community members were invited to tour the
new facility after a short ceremony.
August 28, 2006 - Governing Board clerk James Kraft joins parents and students as he
prepares to cut the ribbon at the new media center at Moon Valley High School.
August 28, 2006 - Governing Board member Kevin Clayborn (center), joined by
Glendale Mayor Elaine Scruggs (right), Superintendent Warren Jacobson,
Governing Board President David Braswell, and Principal Deborah Jordan,
cuts the ribbon of the new media center at Glendale High School.
GUHSD Rolls Out The Red Carpet at Annual Back to School Rally
August 2006 - A red carpet and numerous student paparazzi from each of the schools welcomed 1,200 teachers, aides and administrators to the annual GUHSD Back to School event at the Glendale Civic Center hosted by newly appointed Superintendent Warren Jacobson. The event featured speaker Captain Terry 'Moose' Millard; Cortez teacher Vito Maynes singing "All of Me"; Moon Valley ROTC student color guard; and the National Anthem sung by GUHSD vocal music instructors.
Moose Millard entertained the crowd with his motivating speech explaining 'to build a high performance culture, where people are routinely heroic, it's a personal responsibility'. He showed memorable examples of work cultures where people have fun and love what they do while producing amazing performance results.
GUEA President Mary Pat Eul addressed the educators. She explained it's the little things that make a difference in students' and co-workers' lives. Eul challenged her peers to notice the little things, comment on them whenever possible, and help make a difference in someone's life. Mary Pat Eul will be finishing her fifth and final year as GUEA President at the end of this school year.
Governing Board President David Braswell reminded the group what an outstanding district Glendale Union is. He commented, "Throughout the years I've been fortunate to visit other school districts and I can say, without a doubt, GUHSD is the finest school district I've ever visited in my life." He then thanked the audience for choosing to be part of such excellence.
Warren Jacobson, newly appointed superintendent of the Glendale Union High School District, shared personal reflections on his 28-year career in the district. He reflected on the African proverb "It takes a village to educate a child" and shared a story of special education kids who linked their arms to help another child to the finish line. Jacobson noted GUHSD is on the 'cusp of greatness.' He encouraged the audience to continue to work together and work smarter to move the district forward toward that goal. In a symbolic gesture of teamwork at the end of his speech, Warren Jacobson invited his cabinet members to join him on stage to link arms to come to the finish line together.
During the event, prizes were distributed to the audience of teachers. Donations from area businesses such as Shamrock Foods; Einstein Bros Bagels; Sonic Drive-In, McDonalds, Pizza Hut; Hollywood Video,and Westcor at Metrocenter were handed out, along with restaurant gift certificates from: Bobby Qs; Bill Johnson's Big Apple; Pedro's Mexican; Olive Garden - Metrocenter; El Torito - Metrocenter; Kiss The Cook, First Watch, Valle Luna and Bitz-ee Mama's.
Also contributing to the event were Apollo High students Cody Albin and Sarah Hill who created the giant award statues that graced the stage. A special thank you to Bee Scene Productions for creating the music video which highlighted each school's staff, to students from each district high school who served in the roles of paparazzi to greet our teachers on the red carpet and to the GUHSD Facilities office for their creation of our lighted posters which were the backdrop for the stage.
Three New Principals Begin the 2006-2007 School Year
August 2006 - GUHSD proudly welcomes three new principals to leadership roles for the 2006-2007 school year.
Michael Dellisanti
Greenway High Principal
Michael Dellisanti has served as assistant principal at Greenway for 14 of his 27 years in the district. He began as a vocal music director at Washington, Glendale and Thunderbird prior to becoming assistant principal.
His goals as a new principal "will be to continue the culture of collaboration and inclusive empowerment with the faculty and staff at Greenway High School and ensure that all teachers are challenged to achieve their professional and personal best. I will also improve and increase communication with parents and the community. Meanwhile, we will work so that our students and school can reach new heights of achievment."
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Michael Fowler
Moon Valley High Principal
Michael Fowler returns to Moon Valley as school principal having been Assistant Principal at Apollo and MVHS. He also served as a school counselor, Varsity Boys Basketball and Track Coach at Glendale High School.
Fowler's goal for the upcoming year is "community involvement and continuous improvement as we move from a 'Highly Performing' school to an 'Excelling' school in state rankings, and to maintain athletic excellence."
Michael Fowler joined the GUHSD family in 1999.
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Carol Lippert
Washington High Principal
Washington High School principal Carol Lippert 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 also served as the Assistant Principal. In November 2005, while at Moon Valley, Lippert was selected as the Arizona School Administrators Assistant Principal of the Year for Arizona.
Washington High School's mission this year is to "Charge Towards New Heights," explains Lippert. "We will accomplish this through challenging and consistent curriculum, concise and clear expectations, caring adults, parental and community involvement, and a clean and secure learning environment."
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130 New Teachers Join GUHSD Family
August 2006 - A record-breaking group of new teachers was welcomed to the GUHSD family at a dinner held in their honor at Glendale High School. The Grauman's Chinese Theater themed event featured footprints of famous individuals to greet guests outside the cafeteria door. The footprints were the artwork of Apollo art students Cody Albin and Sara Hill. AHS Art teacher and district Fine Arts Curriculum Coordinator Barbara Dahlstedt assisted with the project.
Inside, nearly 130 new teachers were introduced to the superintendent and governing board by their school principals. These new teachers, who just finished two weeks of training with district teacher mentors, were noted to be the largest number of incoming teachers since the 70's. Outgoing Human Resources administrator and new Associate Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction, Dr. Jennifer Johnson, welcomed the new educators. Dr. Linda Rosness, new Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources, offered words of encouragement to the first-year teachers and congratulated them on choosing such a successful district to begin their careers.
Dr. Linda Rosness Named H.R. Assistant Superintendent
Dr. Linda Rosness
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July 2006 - Superintendent Warren Jacobson and the Governing Board selected Dr. Linda Rosness as the new Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources on July 26, replacing Dr. Jennifer Johnson who was recently promoted to Associate Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction.
Dr. Rosness leaves Moon Valley High School after serving 5 years as school principal. She has worked in the district since 1985 beginning as an English teacher at Greenway. Dr. Rosness served as a Counselor at both Independence and Greenway; was Assistant Principal at Moon Valley, Greenway and Independence; and served as sponsor of several student groups at these schools.
Honors for Dr. Linda Rosness include University of Arizona 1993 High School Counselor of the Year and National Directory of Distinguished Doctoral Dissertations - Women and Minority Issues. She received each of her educational degrees: Bachelors in Education/Secondary Education in English; Masters in Education; Masters in Counseling and Ed.D. in Education Leadership and Supervision from Arizona State University.
Stars Entertain Summer School Graduates
July 2006 - Graduates of the GUHSD summer school program at Greenway High School were treated to a performance by two stars during their commencement ceremony on July 6th.
World renowned trumpeter Dr. Jesse R. McGuire played to the graduates at no charge because he was moved by the fact these 63 students went the extra mile to earn their high school diploma. Dr. McGuire is known to Arizona Diamondback baseball fans for his performance at the opening of game seven of the 2001 World Series.
Rising star Bethany Wright also performed for the graduates. Wright is the Fox 10 television 'Arizona Idol' from 2004, who sang and played the piano during the commencement activities. She related to the students speaking about her career, the highlights and derailments in life , her career and polishing relationships.
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
Jennifer Johnson Promoted to Associate Superintendent
Dr. Jennifer Johnson
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July 2006 - The Glendale Union High School District Governing Board unanimously voted Dr. Jennifer Johnson to serve as the new Associate Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction. Her new role begins immediately.
Dr. Johnson, who celebrated her 25th year of service to the district in 2005, began her GUHSD career as a reading, speech and theater teacher at Washington High School. She assumed the duties of assistant principal at both Cortez and Greenway High Schools. While serving as principal of Thunderbird High School, Jennifer Johnson was recognized by the Arizona School Administrators as Distinguished Principal of 1999.
In 2001 Dr. Johnson's career brought her to the district office to serve as Administrator of Operational Support. She became Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources in 2005.
New Superintendent Announced for Glendale Union High School District
Warren K. Jacobson
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July 2006 - The Glendale Union High School District Governing Board is pleased to announce the recommendation of Mr. Warren K. Jacobson as the new Superintendent for the district, effective July 1, 2006. Mr. Jacobson replaces Mr. Vernon Jacobs, who left the district on June 30th.
Currently employed as the Associate Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction for the district, Mr. Jacobson has served the district for the past 28 years. As Associate Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, Mr. Jacobson has overseen the instructional management system of the GUHSD, including the coordination of the district's curriculum and assessment practices and the award-winning teacher mentor program.
A high school graduate of the Glendale Union High School District, Mr. Jacobson joined the district in 1978 as a teacher at GUHSD's Thunderbird High School in Phoenix, Arizona. There he taught United States Government, Free Enterprise, International Relations and United States History.
Simon Foundation Supports Metrocenter Academy
June 2006 - The GUHSD Governing Board accepts a donation in the amount of $2,000 to the
Metrocenter Academy from Simon Youth Foundation to be used to supplement the learning/teaching
experience at the Educational Resource Center located inside Metrocenter Mall. (L to R) Board
members Vicki Johnson, Kevin Clayborn, James Kraft and Board President David Braswell
stand with academy teachers Janice Reed and Nancy Vander Ark; board member
Steve Burke and Assistant Superintendent of Student Services Dean Petersen.
Moon Valley "Aspire to Teach" Featured on ADE Website
June 2006 - Aspire to Teach students from Julie Harvey's class at Moon Valley High School are starring on the Future Educators of America website for the State of Arizona. To see photos of the students in action visit: http://www.ade.az.gov/cte/FEA/Pictures.asp.
Board Offers Superintendency to Jacobson
June 2006 - The Glendale Union High School District Governing Board is pleased to announce the offer of employment to Mr. Warren K. Jacobson as the new Superintendent for the district, effective July 1, 2006.
The board decision was unanimous, with a 5-0 vote.
Volunteers Applauded for Service to the District
June 2006 - At a dinner in their honor, 12 devoted district supporters from Phoenix and Glendale communities were recognized for their service to the Glendale Union High School District.
School principals introduced each honoree and their family members to the superintendent, governing board and members of the audience while highlighting the impact their honoree has on their campus. Superintendent Vernon Jacobs thanked the individuals for taking time away from their family and careers by volunteering in our schools, and assisting with GUHSD students and student clubs.
Volunteers of the Year for 2005-2006 are:
- Apollo - William and June Nelson
- Cortez - Estella Howard
- Glendale - Rockne & Tammy Anderson
- Greenway - Lori Fox
- Independence - Cassandra Webb
- Moon Valley - Tamela Estepp
- Sunnyslope - Leslie Schexnayder
- Thunderbird - Mary Lou Micheaels
- Washington - Trudy Williford
- District Office - Lieutenant Frank Balkcom
Jacobs Selected for Circle of Excellence Award from North Central Association
June 2006 - Superintendent Vernon Jacobs has been selected for the 2006 North Central Association's Circle of Excellence Award. The award is given annually to dedicated individuals who have been unceasing in their quest for continuous school improvement in North Central Accreditation member schools. This is the highest honor that Arizona North Central Association can bestow.
During his 33-year career as Principal, Assistant Superintendent, and in his former position as Associate Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, Superintendent Jacobs has worked closely with the NCA Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement to assure continuous improvment in student learning. In a letter from State Director of Arizona NCA Donald Enz writes, "The Arizona NCA State Committee is extremely pleased and proud to include you with this group of recognized educators. Your long-term contributions and your commitment to quality schooling in Arizona are greatly appreciated."
Jacobs was inducted into the NCA Circle of Excellence during the Arizona School Administrator's Annual Summer Conference held in Tucson this month.
3rd Annual Thunderbird High Golf Classic
Planned for September 24
June 2006 - The Chief Parent Association at Thunderbird High School is sponsoring the 3rd Annual Thunderbird High School Golf Classic on Sunday, September 24th at The Pointe Golf Club at Lookout Mountain (7th Street/Thunderbird) at 1 P.M. This fundraising event benefits the group's scholarship program and other campus needs. The scramble format offers fun for all levels of play.
Past tournaments have been great successes raising more than $30,000 for Thunderbird High!
The $125 entry fee includes play and a post-tournament no-host bar "Happy Hour and Awards Ceremony" with delicious hors d'oeuvres. A Putting Competition, Hole-in-One contest, and Closest to the Pin and Longest Drive games add to the excitement. A Raffle and Silent Auction for many great prizes will complete the day's activities.
There are opportunities for Hole Sponsorships and your donation of services and/or goods is greatly appreciated. Please contact Paige Lewis at 602-510-4504 or Debbie Sloan at 602-793-1176 for more information.