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Andersen Junior High - (2019-2020) Andersen Junior High students in Amy Whiteley's class visited the "Future Jags" at Andersen Elementary to share their love of reading.  
   Basha Elementary - (2019-2020) Congratulations to Debbie Fast of Basha Elementary who earned her National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT) status for the second time. Thirty-eight teachers in CUSD have the NBCT status, and only three percent of certified K-12 teachers teaching in the United States have voluntarily worked towards and ultimately earned the rank of the NBCT title.  
   Basha High - (2019-2020) Basha High won the 6A girls volleyball state championship in dramatic fashion on Wednesday, Nov. 13. The Bears came from behind to defeat Perry High 14-25, 21-25, 32-30, 25-23, 15-10 to win their first-ever title. Congratulations to both teams on an incredible season!  
   Casteel High - (2019-2020) Sylvia Grace, Career and Technical Education teacher from Casteel High School, received the highest honor given to Project Lead the Way teachers, "PLTW Outstanding Teacher," at the Project Lead The Way national conference in San Antonio. Project Lead the Way recognized Sylvia in front of hundreds of attendees, including teachers from across the United States.  
   Casteel High - (2019-2020) Casteel High students made 3,660 "sweet rolls" and delivered them to various veterans organizations around the valley.  
   Casteel High - (2019-2020) Fifteen Casteel High student volunteers assisted the Sun Lakes Rotary Club with their Walk with a Doc initiative. While members of the Sun Lakes Community walk at their own pace, they have the opportunity to choose from one of three walks with varying lengths on flat ground and to have questions answered by local physicians. Students assisted with registrations and participated in walking with Sun Lakes Residents and engaging in conversation along with encouragement. In addition, the Hamilton and Casteel Interact clubs assisted with the annual Sun Lakes Rotary Breakfast, which helps raise funds for the Sun Lakes Rotary club and all of their initiatives.  
   Chandler High - (2019-2020) Chandler High School's "Step Up" choir concert, under the direction of Lori Lyford, with neighboring junior high and elementary schools (Andersen Junior High, Willis Junior High, Andersen Elementary, Conley Elementary, CTA Goodman, CTA Liberty, Hartford, Knox Gifted Academy, Sanborn Elementary, and San Marcos Elementary) was a wonderful experience for all the students.  
   Chandler High - (2019-2020) Chandler High science teacher Amy Andrews was named the Phoenix Suns NAU Educator of the Month and was recognized at a Suns game. Christian Harvey had this to say about his Human Bio Teacher in the nomination: "Ms. Andrews is a great role model. She wants all of her students to do well and makes sure they're consistent with their work and their grades are up to par."  
   Chandler High - (2019-2020) Twelve student-athletes signed NCAA Letters of Intent to participate in athletics at the collegiate level next year during Chandler High's Fall Athletic Signing Day. Congratulations and good luck to the following: Victoria Mason, Mykah Anderson, Ashlyn Reidhead, Gabriel Garcia, Gunner Garcia, Efrain Manzo, Joseph DiCarlo, Nicole Lunsford, and Cierra Bevilockway.  
   Chandler High - (2019-2020) Chandler High's Theatre Troupe attended the two-day Arizona State Thespian Conference in downtown Phoenix featuring a main stage production, dozens of one-act performances, and attend workshops geared toward honing their craft. Students were able to meet and collaborate with students from all over the state. CHS's APAC (Advanced Pantomime and Characterization) students took home a Superior Rating for their One Act titled, "Hammered: A Thor and Loki Play," one of our tech teams came home with 2nd place in one of the Tech Challenges, and 2 of our seniors took home 2 of 6 available scholarships. Nainoa Aguano won a $1,500 scholarship for his monologue/song audition, and Theo McEntire won a $1,500 scholarship for an essay he wrote about why he wants to be a theatre teacher. Additionally, EJ Newton, along with Nainoa Aguano and Theo McEntire, auditioned for college scholarships and were called back by several colleges who are interested in having them attend their schools.  
   Chandler High - (2019-2020) The Chandler High Dance Club performed at the City of Chandler's Woofstock Festival. The students did a great job, and many family members came with their furry friends to support our students.  
   Chandler High - (2019-2020) Chandler High School National Honor Society collected clothes for the Clothes Cabin, a Gilbert nonprofit that provides clothing and household linens to people in need.  
   Chandler Traditional Academy - Independence Campus - (2019-2020) The CTA Independence National Elementary Honor Society (NEHS) and student council sponsored our 2nd annual Turkey Trot. Frozen turkeys were donated to the Chandler Care Center during this event. Students, their families, and many staff members came out and walked a mile on a beautiful Saturday morning for a special cause!  
   Chandler Unified School District - (2019-2020) Debbie Fast of Basha Elementary (pictured left) and Kristine McGettigan (pictured right) of Hamilton High earned their National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT) status for the second time. Thirty-eight teachers in CUSD have the NBCT status, and only three percent of certified K-12 teachers teaching in the United States have voluntarily worked towards and ultimately earned the rank of the NBCT title.  
   Conley Elementary - (2019-2020) Conley Elementary students in Ronald Squillace's class visited Desert Cove Nursing Home. The students read stories and did a craft with patients. It was a great opportunity for students to do something positive.  
   Fulton Elementary - (2019-2020) Fulton Vex Robotics is kicking off the season with a bang. In the first tournament of the season, judges called for a tiebreaker for "Teamwork Champions" and team 4750C was in it. The stress was off the charts but they handled it with grace. They came in second but only missed it by two points. Team G came in third while team A took fourth place in the tournament. Additionally, team B won the Judges Award. That is a first for Fulton.  
   Galveston Elementary - (2019-2020) The Family Engagement Team at Galveston Elementary School, held a Movin' On Up Data Night for all families of second graders. Twenty-three enthusiastic families learned and practiced a reading fluency strategy. This reading fluency skill equips families with a research-based strategy with which to assist their child to become a better reader. Childcare was provided, the families became eager, engaged learners, and several left with fun raffle prizes! Families committed to help their child reach a goal set by their family. They left Data Night equipped with support, materials and a better understanding of how to help their child be successful.  
   Hamilton High - (2019-2020) Congratulations to Kristine McGettigan of Hamilton High who earned her National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT) status for the second time. Thirty-eight teachers in CUSD have the NBCT status, and only three percent of certified K-12 teachers teaching in the United States have voluntarily worked towards and ultimately earned the rank of the NBCT title.  
   Knox Gifted Academy - (2019-2020) Congratulations to Knox Gifted Academy third grader Puranjay Madupu who took 1st place in the Math League Competition and pushed Knox into 4th place.  
   Payne Junior High - (2019-2020) Payne Junior High seventh graders Hannah Johnson, Alyssa Kuraoka, Sahasra Malepati, and Sabra Sanders made 425 friendship bracelets and took them to Phoenix Children's Hospital over Veterans Day weekend to let the patients there know they had friends thinking of them, even if they've never met.  
   Perry High - (2019-2020) Congratulations to Perry High girls volleyball on an incredible season, runners up after a dramatic contest with Basha High for the 6A girls volleyball state championship on Wednesday, Nov. 13.  
   Tarwater Elementary - (2019-2020) Thirteen Tarwater Elementary sixth grade girls participated in the Hermanas Event held at Chandler-Gilbert Community college and hosted by Intel. The students participated in various activities to inspire them to go to college and consider a future career in STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Math). One sixth grader ended the event saying, "I want to go to college. I felt like I was sitting in a college class."  
   Willis Junior High - (2019-2020) Willis Junior High School hosted its annual showcase on November 7. There were displays of student work, hands-on activities for kids, live music, games, and much more. There was a tremendous community turnout and they were happy to host families from all feeder schools.  
   Willis Junior High - (2019-2020) Willis Jazz Band was selected to perform at this year's Arizona Music Educators Conference in Mesa, Arizona during the weekend of January 31, 2020. In addition to performing, the Willis Band has been selected to present a clinic to state educators on: "What it Takes to Build a Successful Jazz Program." They will then perform for the music educators as an Honorary Ensemble representing the best of the state.  
   Chandler Unified School District - (2019-2020) Chandler Unified School District was ranked #2 in the 2019 100 Top City of Chandler Based Companies. Excerpt from Chandler Chamber Board Chair Lori Gallegos: "The 2019 edition of The Chandler 100 [...] recognizes the top companies in Chandler. Within these pages you'll find the businesses that inspire, innovate and as community stakeholders, lead us to a vibrant economy while strengthening Chandler's business impact." 2019 Chandler Chamber of Commerce: Chandler 100 Top Businesses booklet (PDF) 
   Weinberg Elementary - (2019-2020) Congratulations to Weinberg second grader Payton Kornos from Mrs. Cami Smith's class who was named an October 2019 Gilbert Town Council Student Citizenship honoree!  
   Casteel High - (2019-2020) Congratulations to lacrosse player Rylee Dockery (Casteel junior) who along with Kateri Hernandez (Hamilton senior), Reese Mastellon (Hamilton junior), and Gabriella Valadez (Perry junior) were chosen by the Women's National Lacrosse Team to represent Team Arizona and will be traveling to the President's Cup in West Palm Beach, Florida in November. The CUSD girls were selected based on skill, athleticism, and leadership and will join other lacrosse players from the state to compete on the national stage. This is the highest division in Arizona for girl's lacrosse, and we are thrilled to cheer them on! Pictured, from left to right: Reese Mastellon, Kateri Hernandez, Rylee Dockery. Not pictured: Gabriella Valadez.  
   Chandler Traditional Academy - Freedom Campus - (2019-2020) Over 100 students have signed up for CTA Freedom's newly-launched Kindness Club! The students created an act of kindness chain and displayed it for National Kindness Day, Nov. 13. Each link in the chain tells of a personal act of kindness that the students have experienced.  
   Chandler Unified School District - (2019-2020) The Arizona Department of Education released results of the recently completed Post School Outcome Survey of 2018 graduates, in which students who exit high school are contacted and administered a 14-question survey designed to capture student engagement in post-secondary education/training or employment. The results show that 87% of students with disabilities who graduated from CUSD high schools in 2018 were engaged in their Post Secondary Outcomes, meaning they were either attending college, trade school, military, working or combination of school and work. CUSD continues to improve outcomes for students with disabilities as our collaborations with outside agencies/schools foster independence in taking the next step once they graduate from high school. Thank you to CUSD transition specialists Sandy Craghead (Basha High), Shiela Popovich (Hamilton High), Beth Curry (Perry High) and Carol Howe (Chandler High) for their dedication and efforts. Arizona Department of Education: Post School Outcomes website 
   Chandler Unified School District - (2019-2020) Congratulations to these four outstanding CUSD high school lacrosse players Kateri Hernandez (Hamilton senior), Reese Mastellon (Hamilton junior), Rylee Dockery (Casteel junior), and Gabriella Valadez (Perry junior). They were chosen by the Women's National Lacrosse Team to represent Team Arizona and will be traveling to the President's Cup in West Palm Beach, Florida in November. The CUSD girls were selected based on skill, athleticism, and leadership and will join other lacrosse players from the state to compete on the national stage. This is the highest division in Arizona for girl's lacrosse, and we are thrilled to cheer them on! Pictured, from left to right: Reese Mastellon, Kateri Hernandez, Rylee Dockery. Not pictured: Gabriella Valadez.  
   Hamilton High - (2019-2020) Congratulations to lacrosse players Kateri Hernandez (Hamilton senior) and Reese Mastellon (Hamilton junior), who along with Rylee Dockery (Casteel junior) and Gabriella Valadez (Perry junior) were chosen by the Women's National Lacrosse Team to represent Team Arizona and will be traveling to the President's Cup in West Palm Beach, Florida in November. The CUSD girls were selected based on skill, athleticism, and leadership and will join other lacrosse players from the state to compete on the national stage. This is the highest division in Arizona for girl's lacrosse, and we are thrilled to cheer them on! Pictured, from left to right: Reese Mastellon, Kateri Hernandez, Rylee Dockery. Not pictured: Gabriella Valadez.  
   Navarrete Elementary - (2019-2020) Congratulations to Stella B., Navarrete 2nd grader, who achieved reading one million words -- and is the newest member of the Millionaire Club!  
   Perry High - (2019-2020) Congratulations to lacrosse player Gabriella Valadez (Perry junior) who along with Rylee Dockery (Casteel junior), Kateri Hernandez (Hamilton senior) and Reese Mastellon (Hamilton junior) were chosen by the Women's National Lacrosse Team to represent Team Arizona and will be traveling to the President's Cup in West Palm Beach, Florida in November. The CUSD girls were selected based on skill, athleticism, and leadership and will join other lacrosse players from the state to compete on the national stage. This is the highest division in Arizona for girl's lacrosse, and we are thrilled to cheer them on! Pictured, from left to right: Reese Mastellon, Kateri Hernandez, Rylee Dockery. Not pictured: Gabriella Valadez.  
   Patterson Elementary - (2019-2020) Congratulations to Anne Walden's 2nd graders who won the Pawsitively Clean Classroom trophy for cleaning up their classroom this week.  
   Ryan Elementary - (2019-2020) Ryan Elementary held a Veterans Day Picnic with over 380 guests in attendance! Veterans Day Picnic - Photo Album 
   Ryan Elementary - (2019-2020) Ryan Elementary hosted a Go Green, Live Clean BMX assembly in November. The message: to live clean, work hard, and follow your dreams! BMX Assembly - Photo Album 
   San Marcos Elementary - (2019-2020) Media Specialist Jolene Gallup hosted Arizona Cardinals quarterback (and Chandler High alumni) Brett Hundley for an afternoon of reading. Brett Hundley visited San Marcos for a "Cardinals Milk and Cookies" event. Students danced with Big Red, had story time with Brett Hundley, and enjoyed milk and cookies. San Marcos students left with SMILES, high fives and autographed backpacks. Thank you, Arizona Cardinals, for supporting San Marcos students and encouraging the LOVE of reading!  
   Andersen Elementary - (2019-2020) Northrop Grumman visited our school on their Community Give Back Day, October 30, volunteering their time to beautify our school! THANK YOU, Northrop Grumman!  
   Andersen Elementary - (2019-2020) Thank you, veterans, for all you do! The Andersen Astronauts enjoyed celebrating you at our Veterans Day Assembly.  
   Andersen Junior High - (2019-2020) Students in Carolyn Cofoid's class at Andersen Junior High took time to appreciate bus drivers and their Miles of sMiles!  
   Basha High - (2019-2020) Basha High hosted the third annual Show Choir Live festival. They had more than 150 students participate from Santan Junior High, Payne Junior High and Basha Accelerated Middle School.  
   Basha High - (2019-2020) For the sixth year in a row, Basha High School cadets, under the direction of Colonel Clifford Stansell, raised money for Honor Flight Arizona, a program that sends WWII/Korean and Vietnam War veterans to Washington, D.C. free of charge. Cadets simply brought in loose change (pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters) and did this internally without asking for donations from any of the other classes in the school. This year they raised $1,725 and is by far largest donation ever! Honor Flight Arizona website 
   Basha High - (2019-2020) Basha High School students got CTA Freedom's fourth graders excited about science with their Science is Fun presentation.  
   Basha High - (2019-2020) Congratulations to Basha seniors Vennela Ambadipudi and Maxwell Turner who have been named National Merit Semifinalists based on last year's PSAT NMSQT scores. About 1.6 million students in some 22,000 high schools enter the National Merit Scholarship competition annually when they take the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). Semifinalists are the highest-scoring program entrants in each state and represent the top 0.5% of the state's senior students.  
   Bologna Elementary - (2019-2020) The inaugural Red Ribbon Week Character Picnic at Bologna Elementary was a success. Pictured: Principal Thuy Padilla with a student on "The Day the Crayons Quit."  
   Casteel High - (2019-2020) Counselor Rachel O'Brien and students from Casteel High School attended a Chandler City Council meeting Nov. 4 in association with a proclamation for Speak Up, Stand Up, Save a Life. Casteel students seek to bring awareness and spread the message that there is always someone who cares and who want to help students feel as if they have a safe place to go if they need help.  
   Casteel High - (2019-2020) The second annual diversity program was held November 1 at Casteel High. Under the direction of Bonnie McNamara, French Honors Society and French Club puts on the program for National French Week every year. This year, it was nicknamed the COLTure Day because they celebrated all the cultures of the Casteel Colts! They had Choir, Band, Project 15 dance, Asian K-Pop and Fan Dances, Folklórico and even a song in German. Exchange students from Norway, Denmark and Spain also shared their experiences.  
   Chandler High - (2019-2020) Chandler High School opened a Mindfulness Room in September. Prevention Coach Sarah Hunter runs the room for students and staff. Teachers can bring their students down for a mindfulness lesson during class time and students can come in before or after school and during lunch.  
   Chandler High - (2019-2020) The Chandler High Air Force JROTC presented the nation's colors during a Veterans Day assembly at Valley Christian High School. They have been honored to present colors at the Veterans Day event for the last eight years.  
   Chandler High - (2019-2020) The 2019 World Language Expo was an awesome display of students' talent and hard work. Thanks to Gigi Clara-Martinez, Evelyn Avitia Valverde, and Breiddy Guerrero for organizing the event and to everyone who performed on stage, or offered cultural activities, food, and fun. This year's theme was "BE KIND. THE WORLD NEEDS YOU," and CHS's World Language students and teachers decorated the courtyard with posters and crafts.  
  

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