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Arizona College Prep - Oakland Campus (2020-2021)

ACP Oakland VEX Robotics created and launched a new website to help interested parents, students and the community find out more about Chandler Unified School District robotics and other club programs. VEX Robotics (VRC) is a competitive robotics competition where various teams play against each other in several events every year, leading up to a world competition in Dallas, TX. Check out their website to learn more about robotics -- including opportunities to learn about design, coding, engineering and more at:  ACPO Vex Robotics website

Arizona College Prep - Erie Campus (2020-2021)

Congratulations to Alexis Coffey who won 2nd place in the East Valley Jewish Community Center (EVJCC) and Chandler-Gilbert Community College (CGCC)'s art competition! Alexis' artwork reflected the experience and interpretation of how students' lives have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The "Stuck@Home, But My Imagination is Free" juried art exhibition was open to East Valley students in grades 7-12.

Basha Elementary (2020-2021)

The Sun Lakes Rotary honored Katherine Barton from Basha Elementary as teacher of the month for November. She received a framed certificate and $500 from the Sun Lakes Rotary - sponsored by Trust Bank and Earnhardt Auto Centers.

Hamilton High (2020-2021)

Hamilton High student Sam Bregman is raising money with a goal of providing shoes to every student at Galveston Elementary in time for the holidays. Shoes for Galveston Students Fundraiser

Weinberg Gifted Academy (2020-2021)

The Sun Lakes Rotary honored Lisa King from Weinberg Gifted Academy as teacher of the month for December. She received a framed certificate and $500 from the Sun Lakes Rotary - sponsored by Trust Bank and Earnhardt Auto Centers.

Patterson Elementary (2020-2021)

Congratulations to these students who ran and won 2020-2021 Student Council officer positions: Alexandra W. (President), Megan L. (Vice President), Sloane W. (Secretary), April S. (Treasurer), Madison L. and Amelia R. (Historians). We are so proud of you!

Basha High (2020-2021)

Basha High Bears Future Farmers of America (FFA) students, under the direction of teacher Sharon Metzger, shined in the district FFA competitions. They had two first place teams, Livestock Evaluation and Nursery Landscape, one second place team, Agriculture Mechanics, and many individual award winners.

Chandler High (2020-2021)

The Chandler Wolves defeated the Hamilton Huskies 23-21 on Saturday, Dec. 12 and are once again the Open Division Champions! This is the Wolves' fifth straight title and sixth in seven years. Congratulations, players, Coach Garretson and staff, on another undefeated season and state championship!

Chandler High (2020-2021)

Chandler High senior Aryan Mathur has been named a Semifinalist for the 2021 Class of the Coca-Cola Scholars Program and is in the running for a $20,000 scholarship. Only 1,609 high school seniors were selected as semifinalists from a pool of 99,403 applications submitted from across the country based on their academic excellence, leadership and service demonstrated in school and community activities. A joint effort of Coca-Cola bottlers across the country and The Coca Cola Company, the Coca-Cola Scholars Program is the largest corporate-sponsored, achievement-based scholarship program in the United States. Good luck, Aryan! Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation 2021 Semifinalists

Chandler Traditional Academy - Liberty Campus (2020-2021)

CTA Liberty and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) recognized two 6th graders for outstanding writing. Our sixth graders participated in the Patriotism to Me Writing Contest sponsored by the VFW. Liberty had two winners at 6th grade -- competing with 7th and 8th graders. Second place at the Post Level went to Raenon Parson. He received a certificate and medal along with a $100 scholarship prize. Third place at the Post Level went to Adrian Aguilar. He received a certificate and medal along with a $75 scholarship prize. Way to go, 6th grade Eagles!

Patterson Elementary (2020-2021)

Mrs. Benoche's 4th grade students earned the Clean Classroom trophy for keeping their classroom neat and tidy.

Bologna Elementary (2020-2021)

The first generation in her family to become a college graduate, Bologna teacher Selene Mendoza Vasquez graduated on December 12 with her Masters Degree. Here's to empowering everyone around you and giving #athopecusd. We are so proud of you!

Jacobson Elementary (2020-2021)

As part of our school holiday cheer, students passed out paper chains to each class. Then students in each class decorated their paper chain piece with their holiday traditions to celebrate our diversity! When they finished, fourth grade teacher Mrs. Estevez and her class hooked them all together and hung them for all to see in the front of the school. We may have to keep social distancing, but we are still working together as JETS!

Basha Elementary (2020-2021)

Special Education teacher Katie Barton was selected as the November's Sun Lakes Rotary Teacher of the Month. Katie is an outstanding educator with a heart of gold and a tremendous work ethic.

Jacobson Elementary (2020-2021)

Jacobson teachers are welcoming their new students VIRTUALLY to help new students get to know one another before the first day of school in January. Several Chandler Online Academy students are coming back in January after the winter break. Students who are in-person at school now are greeting their soon-to-be classmates virtually to help get to know each other before the first day! Students are grateful to see some smiling faces AND participate in a few activities with the classroom team before they officially come to class on January 5th! Friends get to CONNECT before the first day of school and are excited for when their IN-PERSON learning begins together! What a great idea to help support strong classroom learning environment. JETS fly with PRIDE!

Casteel High (2020-2021)

Robin Flyte's 7th and 8th grade STEM research methods class at Casteel High School (the only class of its kind in the district) explored Physics and Math using marshmallow catapults. Students determined the best angle for launch to achieve maximum distance and also how to hit a target. Photo Album

Patterson Elementary (2020-2021)

Congratulations to Nixon D. who won 1st place and Ashtyn Z. who won 2nd place in our school spelling bee.

Arizona College Prep - Erie Campus (2020-2021)

ACP High School senior Kristin Myer has been named a semifinalist for the 2021 class of the Coca Cola Scholars Program, moving to the next round of the selection process to become a Coca-Cola Scholar and win a $20,000 college scholarship. Only 1,609 high school seniors were selected as semifinalists from a pool of 99,403 applications submitted from across the country based on their academic excellence, leadership and service demonstrated in school and community activities. A joint effort of Coca-Cola bottlers across the country and The Coca Cola Company, the Coca-Cola Scholars Program is the largest corporate-sponsored, achievement-based scholarship program in the United States. Best of luck, Kristin! Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation 2021 Semifinalists

Bologna Elementary (2020-2021)

Congratulations to Du, our 20-21 Bologna Spelling Bee Champion! Congratulations also to Kimberly who is our Finalist!

Hamilton High (2020-2021)

Congratulations to Hamilton seniors Jayashree Adivarahan, Ria Manathkar, Viveka Chinnasamy, Matthew Torel, Manvi Harde and Aris Zhu who have been named Semifinalists for the 2021 class of the Coca-Cola Scholars Program. These students move now to the next round of the selection process to become a Coca-Cola Scholar and receive a $20,000 college scholarship. 1,609 high school seniors were selected as Semifinalists from a pool of 99,403 submitted applications from across the country based on their academic excellence, leadership and service demonstrated in school and community activities. A joint effort of Coca-Cola bottlers across the country and The Coca Cola Company, the Coca-Cola Scholars Program is the largest corporate-sponsored, achievement-based scholarship program in the United States. Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation 2021 Semifinalists

Chandler High (2020-2021)

Chandler High School Theatre presented "A Christmas Carol - A Live Radio Play" to a sold-out, socially-distanced audience under the stars in the Chandler Center for the Arts West Parking Lot. It was a special night that showcased unbelievable talent and creativity.

Chandler High (2020-2021)

Kaylie Ray was named to First Team All-CUSD 2020 Girls Volleyball. In addition, Taylor Aguano and Reece Denney were Honorable Mention. Congratulations to Bobby Robson, Coach of the Year!

Hull Elementary (2020-2021)

Hull Elementary students in Heidi Raaf's second grade classroom learned all about the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Students made their own hot air balloons to show off in their classroom parade.

Hull Elementary (2020-2021)

The annual Turkey Bowl at Hull Elementary was a little different this year with only sixth grade students, and no fans to cheer them on. It was still a great time. Everybody won, and principal Josh Cagle refereed.

Patterson Elementary (2020-2021)

Mrs. Manmano's kindergarten students earned the Clean Classroom trophy for keeping their classroom neat and tidy.

Santan Elementary (2020-2021)

Ernny Perez-Cortez was named Santan Elementary's "Kind Kid of the Month." Ernny will receive a certificate and a gift card to Menchie's Frozen Yogurt. The submitted form read: "Ernny in Jennifer Maize's kindergarten class greets each of his classmates by name every morning. The students begin their day with a big smile because of his act of kindness."

Arizona College Prep - Erie Campus (2020-2021)

[FILE PHOTO from 2019] Congratulations to the ACP Hydrohat team of ACP Innovators Sohani Sandhu, Abraham Troop, Kaitlyn Lai, Omina Nematova, Diya Nath, Ivan Alexander Kroumov, Jacob Kaufman-Warner, Nealin Banerjee and Daniel Wu on winning this year's Maricopa County Department of Public Health Climate and Health Champion Award 2020 in the Youth category! Their project in developing a hydrothermal-hat with sensors to monitor vital signs will play a vital role in helping to reduce heat illnesses in Maricopa County. Along with developing the Hydrothermal-Hat, their goal is to donate some of the hats to individuals and will most certainly help those most at risk of heat illness. The Maricopa County community is honored to have this team as part of our community.
Check out their Photo Album.
Check out their website at: SenseHydro, LLC

Arizona College Prep - Erie Campus (2020-2021)

Congratulations to ACP Erie teacher Rachna Nath who in November was named 2020 Teacher of the Year by the Arizona Technology Council and Arizona Commerce Authority at the 17th annual Governor's Celebration of Innovation (GCOI) Awards! Mrs. Nath received a plaque and a $1,500 award. The GCOI Awards honor the technology leaders and visionaries who are making critical contributions to technology, bioscience and education throughout the state of Arizona. 2020 Governor's Celebration of Innovation Awards

Arizona College Prep - Erie Campus (2020-2021)

Arizona College Prep freshman JT Mulvihill designed a tougher football helmet and won a national prize for his invention! Congratulations, JT! AZCentral.com website: A Chandler student designed a tougher football helmet and won a national prize for it

Arizona College Prep - Oakland Campus (2020-2021)

Congratulations to former Oakland student JT Mulvihill who was selected as a BROADCOM MASTERS 2020 National Finalist -- one of the top 30 finalists in the country! Congratulations also to his Investigative Science teacher, Larissa Brown. Science for Society & the Public website: 2020 Broadcom MASTERS Winners and Finalists

Chandler Traditional Academy - Independence Campus (2020-2021)

We are proud to announce that 20 new members were inducted virtually into the National Elementary Honor Society. Congratulations!

Hamilton High (2020-2021)

Hamilton's social worker team works hard to support families in need by providing daily food, hygiene, school supplies, clothing, gift cards, cleaning supplies and other basic necessities. They also assist other CUSD schools with supplies and gift cards by collaborating with staff and programs across the district. In November, they gave 80 Thanksgiving meals to Hamilton families at Sun Lakes Methodist Church and $2,280 in Fry's gift cards. This was made possible through community partnerships with local churches, the Sun Lakes community, neighborhood businesses and parents who support them every day, making sure students are taken care of and are able to focus on learning. Additionally, for the past six years, the Safeway store on Alma School and Chandler Heights has provided 40 Thanksgiving meals to underprivileged families at Hamilton. Partners at the Sun Lakes Methodist Church also donated 80 turkey meals. Together, we make a difference in our school and community.

Hamilton High (2020-2021)

During Rivalry Week, Hamilton and Chandler High Schools worked together to raise donations for the Arizona Make-A-Wish Foundation. Make-A-Wish provides critically ill children a once in a lifetime experience with their family members. Both student councils are proud of their school communities and their participation for raising $3,896 for the foundation.

Hull Elementary (2020-2021)

Hull Elementary second graders shared what they would do if they were President of the United States.

Hull Elementary (2020-2021)

Third graders in Cara Fenton's class made Native American shelters using natural resources.

Hull Elementary (2020-2021)

Hull Elementary third graders are so grateful for their new dictionaries. Thank you, Sun Lakes Rotary Club!

Knox Gifted Academy (2020-2021)

Knox Gifted Academy's ninth annual "Giving Thanks Parade" went virtual this year. Like the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade it was inspired by, students at KGA had to find another way to bring their community together with their annual parade. The parade was watched in classes and sent home to parents. Kinder students made balloons. Fifth grade made floats and students in 4th-6th grade were in the recorder band. This year's parade looked different, but still brought joy to the school community.

Hamilton High (2020-2021)

On November 21, theatre students from all over the state auditioned for colleges from all over the nation and competed for scholarships. We are proud to announce that our own Kristiana Corona received The Ovation Scholarship, which is awarded by the Educational Theatre Association to one student in each state or region who is majoring in theatre.

Rice Elementary (2020-2021)

Rice Elementary's student council food drive was a huge success! They collected over 6,000 canned goods which were donated to United Food Bank and Chandler CARE Center. Four watermelon bins were overflowing -- as well as 20 paper boxes, and several bags. AMAZING JOB!

Basha Elementary (2020-2021)

Basha Elementary student council was able to donate over 90 turkeys and non-perishable food items to the Chandler Care Center meal distribution program.

Chandler High (2020-2021)

The Chandler Wolves defeated the Hamilton Huskies 34-14 on Friday night to win the Battle of Arizona Ave. and the Geico Series trophy. In addition, the 7-0 Wolves are the 6A Premier Champions and enter the Arizona Open Division tournament ranked #1 in the state and #5 in the nation.

Chandler High (2020-2021)

Chandler High and Hamilton High worked together to raise donations for the Arizona Make-A-Wish Foundation. Make-A-Wish provides critically ill children a once in a lifetime experience with their family members. Experiences include: I want to meet someone, I want to visit some place, or I want to be someone for a day. Both student councils are proud of their school communities and their participation for raising $3,896 during Rivalry Week for the foundation.

Chandler High (2020-2021)

Chandler High boys basketball teamed up with AZCEND food bank to host a food drive this past Saturday. The team was able to collect 1,123 pounds of food and turkeys.

Chandler Unified School District (2020-2021)

Counselors and social workers across the district celebrated Hope Week November 9-13. The Chandler Education Foundation created videos for Perry High and Galveston Elementary to highlight their social emotional learning campaign. Additionally, the CUSD CARES activity book (also available digitally on the website link) was provided to every Title I elementary student with colored pencils and a sharpener. CUSD CARES Activity Book

Chandler Unified School District (2020-2021)

Food Management Magazine has recognized Chandler Unified School District for a "Best K-12 Meals" in the country. The food and nutrition department won the "Best Salad" for the popcorn chicken salad entry. This is a great accomplishment and highlights the food innovations happening in the field. Photo credit comes from Casteel High School. Meal description: Crispy romaine lettuce, diced cabbage, julienned carrots, shredded cheddar cheese and a hard-boiled egg topped with crispy popcorn chicken, served with housemade dinner roll, milk and juice on the side, it's easily a fan favorite at CUSD! Food Management Magazine: Popcorn Chicken Salad

Hamilton High (2020-2021)

Hamilton High defeated rival Perry 3-1 Saturday night at Mesquite High to win the state girls volleyball title. The Pumas, playing in their second straight 6A state championship game, won the opener 25-19 before the Huskies prevailed in the next three, 25-12, 25-22 and 25-18 to win their first state title. Congratulations to Huskies coach Sharon Vanis and Pumas coach Fred Mann on great seasons.

Hull Elementary (2020-2021)

Hull Elementary students and staff "give drugs the boot" during spirit week on Western Day.

Patterson Elementary (2020-2021)

Mrs. LaRue's 6th grade students earned the Clean Classroom trophy for keeping their classroom neat and tidy.

Payne Junior High (2020-2021)

Payne Junior High builders club students, under the direction of Rosemary Schlechty, made holiday decor for nursing home residents to brighten their holidays.

Santan Junior High (2020-2021)

Santan Junior High student council (STUCO) collected Fry's Gift Cards to help support Chandler Care Center's Thanksgiving distribution. By collecting gift cards, they were able to successfully and safely help families in need. Students brought in gift cards they purchased from Fry's Marketplace and donated them to student council. From there, Santan's STUCO was able to buy from the list of supplies and package a great Thanksgiving dinner for the families who needed it the most. Thanks to Santan's generous students and staff, they were able to raise a total of $1,435! Santan was able to package and donate 122 Thanksgiving meals for the Chandler Care Center.

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