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Chandler High (2022-2023)

Theatre students represented Chandler High like champions at the AZ State Thespian Conference. During the conference, the tech team and "APAC" (company theatre) competed and all of the CHS Theatre students attended workshops and watched performances. Students also met Stephen Gregg (playwright of their fall play Trap) and took his workshop on playwrighting. APAC's One Act "Pirates!" received a Superior Rating, senior Katie Stone received a $500 scholarship to Open Jar Institute, and senior Nicki Glorioso was one of eight to receive a $1,500 college scholarship!

Chandler Unified School District (2022-2023)

The CARE Center would like to thank the community for making this year's Thanksgiving distribution a huge success. The CARE Center had more families registered this year than years past, and although the donations were lower, they were able to help every family that showed up to the distribution event. Thank you for making this possible!

Did you know Chandler CARE Center provides services all year long? The CARE Center has a food bank, behavioral health center, medical and dental clinic, parenting classes, and much more. The Chandler CARE Center's medical and dental clinic is a Qualified Charitable Organization (QCO). You can take the State's QCO tax credit for up to $400 for single filers or $800 married couples. This credit is a dollar-for-dollar tax credit (not a deduction) and is stackable on top of other Arizona State tax credits available (such as the extra-curricular tax credit). VIDEO: Superintendent's Focus on the Chandler CARE Center

Chandler Unified School District (2022-2023)

Thank you, Chandler Compadres, and all our community partners. In December, the Compadres took a handful of students holiday shopping. These students and their families are in need of extra support which they receive from our Federal Programs team.

Jacobson Elementary (2022-2023)

The Jacobson Elementary "Space Explorers" club was recently feature in the Santan Sun News. Check out the story online here (pages 38-39).

Knox Gifted Academy (2022-2023)

Please help us congratulate, Manomay Vader of Knox Gifted Academy! Fourth grader Monomay placed 8th in the State Math League Contest. He placed fifth at the district level. As the largest network of local and state math competitions at the elementary, middle, and high school levels in the United States and abroad, mathleague.org runs more than 400 contests globally and reaches over 30,000 students each year.

Basha High (2022-2023)

STATE CHAMPIONSHIP:  The Basha Bear Regiment won the Arizona State Marching Band Championship for Division 2 bands! On November 19, the Bears performed in the Arizona Band and Orchestra Directors Association (ABODA) event where they secured the win. Please join us in congratulating the students and teachers!

Chandler Traditional Academy - Freedom Campus (2022-2023)

Principal Christina Lucas-Sheffield and Dean Melissa Anderson were turned into an ice cream sundae by CTA Freedom students! Families that participated in PTO's checkathon got to vote and participate in this fundraising reward.

Hamilton High (2022-2023)

On November 23, the Hamilton High School tennis courts were dedicated in honor of long-time tennis coach Phil Gonzales. Phil Gonzales dedicated thirty-eight years of teaching and coaching in the Chandler Unified School District. He worked at Willis Junior High School, Bogle Junior High School, Chandler High School, and the past twenty-four years were at Hamilton High School. Phil's love of coaching tennis has produced many individual and team champions setting the stage for a tradition of success which continues in the Hamilton program today. Read more of the resolution here.

Hamilton High (2022-2023)

The three Hamilton High Orchestra's under the direction of teacher Amber Dudley performed at the Fall Orchestra festival and earned the high marks from the judges. Congratulations!

• Chamber Orchestra - Superior with Distinction (highest score from all judges)
• Symphonic Orchestra - Superior with Distinction (highest score from all judges)
• Concert Orchestra - Excellent (2nd highest score)

Jacobson Elementary (2022-2023)

Jacobson alumni refereed the Annual Turkey Bowl at Jacobson Elementary. All four young men are seniors in CUSD: Hayden Nikolaus (Hamilton), JJ Hinsberg (Hamilton), Xavier Arnett (Hamilton), Drew Vanderah (Arizona College Prep - High School).

Perry High (2022-2023)

Perry High School senior Sumaya Quitugua (Acoma Pueblo) is an example of Indigenous Excellence in Chandler Unified School District. The Phoenix Indian Center named Quitugua one of two High School Students of the Year for 2022. She will be honored during a dinner ceremony on Wednesday, November 30 at the Heard Museum in Phoenix. Perry High School photography teacher and Indigenous Student Advisor Megan Drivinghawk nominated Quitugua for the award. Read more about her here.

Santan Elementary (2022-2023)

Family, friends, and fun! The Santan Elementary School Pumpkin Fest Carnival was a huge success.

Tarwater Elementary (2022-2023)

The inaugural meeting of Tarwater's Genius Hour was held this month. Project Managers - Travis Nguyen and Elise Bohn (pictured) are fourth graders helping facilitate the project process for the second grade teams. They will also get an opportunity to work on a project of their own. Students work on their projects at school in a self-directed manner within clear project process framework. Teams recommend and vote for a topic to explore, hone in on a question, and decide how they would like to present their learning. This is part of the empowering skill practice Genius Hour targets. They are nurturing self-motivated learners and self-directed problem solvers. Genius Hour has also provided opportunity for second grade teachers Cindy Bickley, Janell Ochs, Sophia Limjoco, and fourth grade teacher Regina Rahberger to collaborate. They hope to expand the program in the coming semester.

Chandler Traditional Academy - Independence Campus (2022-2023)

Congratulations to CTA Independence's Spelling Bee 2022-2023 Winner, Snikitha Panyala! We are so proud of your efforts and hard work preparing. Good luck at the district Spelling Bee in January!

Chandler Unified School District (2022-2023)

Nkiruka Aningo of Knox Gifted Academy, Susana Ceballos of Willis Junior High, and Priscilla Gillison of Hancock Elementary are the recipients of the Intel Teacher Diversity STEAM Grant in 2022. Each recipient receives $1,200 which can go toward their schooling and education.

"With the grants, both Chandler Unified and Intel promote the vision of diversity and equity within the CUSD community, " Director Of CUSD Equity & Inclusion Adama Sallu said.

"Intel is proud to support CUSD educators dedicated to transforming the school-to-STEAM pipeline into an equitable pathway for all students. Most people had a teacher who changed their life for the better. We are investing in teachers who are inspiring families and striving to make Chandler a more vibrant community for everyone," Jenn Sanchez, Intel Arizona Community Manager, said. Read more on the Intel Teacher Diversity STEAM Grant Winners.

Hancock Elementary (2022-2023)

Priscilla Gillison, office manager at Hancock and an ASU student, is one of three CUSD recipients of the 2022 Intel Teacher Diversity STEAM Grant. Priscilla receives $1,200 which can go toward schooling and education.

"This is going to help me so much because I need a printer at home, but they are so expensive. I also need a desk, so I will not have to cover my dining table with all my schoolwork. I feel incredibly lucky! I want to thank principal Dr. Joe Walters. I would have never even known about this grant, let alone been able to apply had he not recommended me."

"Intel is proud to support CUSD educators dedicated to transforming the school-to-STEAM pipeline into an equitable pathway for all students. Most people had a teacher who changed their life for the better. We are investing in teachers who are inspiring families and striving to make Chandler a more vibrant community for everyone," Jenn Sanchez, Intel Arizona Community Manager, said. Read more on the Intel Teacher Diversity STEAM Grant Winners.

Knox Gifted Academy (2022-2023)

Nkiruka Aningo, fifth-grade student teacher at Knox Gifted Academy, is one of three CUSD recipients of the Intel Teacher Diversity STEAM Grant in 2022. Nkiruka receives $1,200 which can go toward schooling and education.

" I am so grateful for this opportunity, and I would like to thank the committee for selecting me as one of the winners. I would also like to thank my principal Kristy Braaksma and my mentor teacher Laura Yockey for recommending me for this opportunity."

"Intel is proud to support CUSD educators dedicated to transforming the school-to-STEAM pipeline into an equitable pathway for all students. Most people had a teacher who changed their life for the better. We are investing in teachers who are inspiring families and striving to make Chandler a more vibrant community for everyone," Jenn Sanchez, Intel Arizona Community Manager, said. Read more on the Intel Teacher Diversity STEAM Grant Winners.

Willis Junior High (2022-2023)

Susana Ceballos, media assistant at Willis, is one of three CUSD recipients of the Intel Teacher Diversity STEAM Grant in 2022. She begins student teaching next semester. Susana receives $1,200 which can go toward schooling and education.

"I am so grateful and honored to have received this award. I would first like to thank our incredible principal Jeff Delp for nominating me and being such a supporting and encouraging presence in our school. I am so excited to be able to use the scholarship to help make my future classroom a welcoming and warm place for students."

"Intel is proud to support CUSD educators dedicated to transforming the school-to-STEAM pipeline into an equitable pathway for all students. Most people had a teacher who changed their life for the better. We are investing in teachers who are inspiring families and striving to make Chandler a more vibrant community for everyone," Jenn Sanchez, Intel Arizona Community Manager, said. Read more on the Intel Teacher Diversity STEAM Grant Winners.

Casteel High (2022-2023)

In honor of Veterans Day, Chandler Unified School District's Dr. Camille Casteel High School (CCHS) hosted its second Veterans Living Library on November 9, 2022. A "living library" is a chance for guests to meet experts on certain topics, in this case veterans. Attendees could then "check out" their experiences and stories. Casteel's media assistant Christine Williamson Diaz, an original CCHS staff member since the school opened in 2015, introduced the concept to Casteel for the first time in 2021. With her connections to friends, Casteel staff members, and Sun Lakes Rotary, she gathered 12 veterans to share their stories. She wanted to bring new ways for students to learn in a school library setting while sticking to a library's foundation of primary resources, research, and discovery. Read more about Casteel High School's living library and meet three veterans.

Basha High (2022-2023)

Congratulations to Basha High alum and US Marine Brisa Sayler. Sayler graduated from Basha High School May 2019, left for boot camp in November 2019, and is currently a corporal stationed at Camp Pendleton in San Diego, CA. Thank you for your service.

Basha High (2022-2023)

Congratulations to Basha High School students who earned the AP Capstone Diploma or AP Seminar and Research Certificate during the 2021-2022 school year. The AP Capstone Diploma program helps students develop critical thinking, research, collaboration, and presentation skills that are essential for academic success. To receive the AP Capstone Diploma, students must earn scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar, AP Research, and on four additional AP Exams. To receive the AP Seminar and Research Certificate, students must earn scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar and AP Research. CAPSTONE SCHOLARS: Madison Carrington, Amelia Cunningham, Alexander DeGrave, Amelia Edwards, Madigan Fredette-Roman, Marina Hess, Zoe Huestis, Allyson Huynh, Jessica Li, Riley Mayes, Kennedy Melton, Jadyn Ocampo, Aiden Stubbs, Tyler Tannenbaum and Meghana Tripuranenit. AP SEMINAR AND RESEARCH CERTIFICATES: Morgan Esch, Haylee Montes and Taylani Tran.

Casteel High (2022-2023)

Congratulations to Jayden Katz and Ashley Kalscheur who earned the AP Capstone Diploma during the 2021-2022 school year. The AP Capstone Diploma program helps students develop critical thinking, research, collaboration, and presentation skills that are essential for academic success. To receive the AP Capstone Diploma, students must earn scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar, AP Research, and on four additional AP Exams.

Chandler Unified School District (2022-2023)

Twenty-eight CUSD students earned the AP Capstone Diploma and 7 have earned the AP Seminar and Research Certificate during the 2021-2022 school year. The AP Capstone Diploma program helps students develop critical thinking, research, collaboration, and presentation skills that are essential for academic success. To receive the AP Capstone Diploma, students must earn scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar, AP Research, and on four additional AP Exams. To receive the AP Seminar and Research Certificate, students must earn scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar and AP Research.

Hamilton High (2022-2023)

Congratulations to Hamilton High students who earned the AP Capstone Diploma or AP Seminar and Research Certificate during the 2021-2022 school year. The AP Capstone Diploma program helps students develop critical thinking, research, collaboration, and presentation skills that are essential for academic success. To receive the AP Capstone Diploma, students must earn scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar, AP Research, and on four additional AP Exams. To receive the AP Seminar and Research Certificate, students must earn scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar and AP Research. CAPSTONE SCHOLARS: Richa Chirravuri, Nour Hassan, Nikasha Kapadia, Ria Kulhari, Iris Lai, Joohyun Lee, Hillary Li, Marenda Li, Jubilee Lin, Annie Qin, and Zariya Sharns. AP SEMINAR AND RESEARCH CERTIFICATES: Camille Disalvo, Diana Gordon, Eden Krieger, and Orli Sanyal.

Chandler High (2022-2023)

Chandler High teacher Kelsey Brown was named an "Arizona International Baccalaureate (IB) Career Program Teacher of the Year." She teaches IB History as well as the IB Personal and Professional Skills course for all IB Career students. She has worked diligently at helping to foster learning and ethical decision making in her classes and prides herself on helping to make students engaged and intentional learners. The IB Career program helps to promote the CTE courses on our campus as well as provide rigorous academic resources for these students. In turn, it helps create opportunities, such as earning an IB College and Career certificate, college credits and career certifications. CUSD Newsroom: Chandler High Teacher Named ‘Arizona IB Career Program Teacher of the Year’

Jacobson Elementary (2022-2023)

Jacobson Jets LOVE our new soccer nets! Thank you, PTO. All three playgrounds received brand new soccer nets and our students are playing hard. Look for the new, large-sized nets on the K-1 playground, the 2-3 playground and the 4-6 playground. Thank you, also, to our sixth grade Leadership Club for putting the nets together for our school community.

Jacobson Elementary (2022-2023)

JETS WORK HARD... PLAY HARD! Hooray for new recess equipment! Our students work hard in the classroom and need time to run and play and socialize together. Beautiful updated playgrounds with new equipment get our kiddos excited.

Jacobson Elementary (2022-2023)

Jets are making the earth a better place! Thank you to our Jets sixth grade leadership crew. Mrs. Banas and class collect paper to recycle each week. Our recycling crew has filled up an entire dumpster which totals over 400 pounds of paper recycling! The city of Chandler picks up our school's recycling every two weeks.

Santan Elementary (2022-2023)

Kindergartners in Mrs. Reuss' class took a visit to our health assistant, Mrs. Wingate! They learned where her office is, landmarks they see on the way, and asked her about helping our school and community. She even had time to answer some questions!

Weinberg Gifted Academy (2022-2023)

Congratulations to Kerri Zitar, winner of the 2022 Arizona Association of Teachers of Mathematics (AATM) Copper Apple Award for Teaching in Mathematics. The Copper Apple Award is the highest recognition awarded annually by the Arizona Association of Teachers of Mathematics to recognize excellence in mathematics education in Arizona. The Copper Apple Award for Teaching is given to one K-12 teacher who has made outstanding contributions in fostering an interest in mathematics among students.

Basha Elementary (2022-2023)

A huge shout out to Hamilton High Air Force Junior ROTC for coming to Basha Elementary and training the new flag corps students. They did an excellent job explaining flag etiquette, and our Basha Bobcats are ready to begin their flag corps duty.

Hamilton High (2022-2023)

Hamilton High's Air Force Junior ROTC program was recently recognized as a 2022 "Distinguished Unit, With Merit" by Headquarters AFJROTC. This is AFJROTC's highest-level unit award and the distinction places Hamilton's corps of cadets in the top 10% of the 870 AFJROTC units worldwide. According to the Director of Air Force Junior ROTC, Colonel Johnny McGonigal, "These awards recognize the personal growth and accomplishments of the cadets, contributions of the instructors as mentors, and the support of the school and local community. " During his presentation of the award to the cadets, Lieutenant Colonel Greg Franklin, Hamilton's Senior Aerospace Science Instructor, recognized their leadership and organizational skills which resulted in the unit receiving an 'Exceeds Standards' on their SY2022 triennial formal HQ inspection. He also commended them for their dedication to the school and community in amassing over 2,000 service hours during the school year.

Hamilton High (2022-2023)

Hamilton's AFJROTC instructors were recognized by the Director of Air Force Junior ROTC, Colonel Johnny McGonigal, as "Outstanding Instructors" for 2022. This award recognizes the top 10% of 1,800+ AFJROTC instructors worldwide. In a letter to the CUSD Superintendent and Hamilton High School Principal, Colonel McGonigal recognized the efforts of Lt Col Franklin and Hamilton's 20-year Aerospace Science Instructor, Master Sergeant Fred Driver: "These professional educators 'represent the 'Best of the Blue' we have in AFJROTC. Through this award, we honor their exemplary contributions and impact on their cadets, school, and community."

Riggs Elementary (2022-2023)

Riggs first graders Zander Wong and Ever Weems are new authors. The books they created were bar coded and added to the school library by the librarian, Kim Reininga. The librarian offers this opportunity to everyone at the school and these two worked hard to create books to share. Now their friends can check out their books to read!

Riggs Elementary (2022-2023)

Riggs fifth grade students participated in a science lab based on balanced and unbalanced forces. The challenge was for the students to successfully run all three cogs simultaneously down the track to get from point A to point B in under 30 seconds. The students were under the direction of a classmate to direct their decision making. Students had to consider size, track lengths, and angles amongst other things.

Basha Accelerated Middle School (2022-2023)

The Basha Accelerated Middle School Academic Pentathlon was featured on Fox 10 News for placing 1st in nation, aiming for their third national title. Fox 10: Chandler students aim for third win at the National Academic Pentathlon

Basha Elementary (2022-2023)

What a turn out! Basha Elementary PTO held its first event of the year -- Family Bingo Night. Basha families and staff had a great time!

Riggs Elementary (2022-2023)

Riggs kindergarten had presentations to learn about different jobs in our community.

Jacobson Elementary (2022-2023)

Jets Fly with pride! Thank you to our amazing Jacobson Elementary PTO! Each one of our students received a special Jacobson Jets sticker to kick off the school year. Our fantastic kiddos are proud of their community school!

Jacobson Elementary (2022-2023)

Jacobson fifth-grade students are lending their leadership skills to family drop off and pick up!

Chandler Traditional Academy - Freedom Campus (2022-2023)

Sixth grade students at CTA Freedom in Lori Woodman's class have been learning about ancient civilizations. They learned about cuneiform, the first known writing system. Then, they used cuneiform symbols to write messages on salt dough tablets.

Basha Accelerated Middle School (2022-2023)

STATE CHAMPIONSHIP:  Congratulations to the Basha AMS Academic Pentathlon Team for finishing in 1st place in the State for the second year in a row! STATE CHAMPIONS WINNING TEAM: Arnav Modem, Karan Vallamshetla, Grace Gaffney, Pranjal Singh, Abhinav Sirigineedi, Breanna Bearden, Dorian Hewett, Kayla Ong and Andrew Ritchay.

Basha Accelerated Middle School (2022-2023)

STATE CHAMPIONSHIP:  Basha AMS Academic Pentathlon STATE INDIVIDUAL MEDALISTS:

• Honor Division
  Grace Gaffney: Literature - GOLD; Karan Vallamshetla: Science - BRONZE; Mathematics - SILVER; Arnav Modem: Fine Art and Mathematics - BRONZE; 3rd PLACE OVERALL; Daniel Gu: Mathematics - GOLD; Jocelyn Beall: Mathematics - SILVER
• Scholastic Division
  Pranjal Singh: Literature, Social Science, Science and Fine Art - GOLD; 1st PLACE OVERALL; Soham Joshi: Literature and Social Science - SILVER; Science - BRONZE; 2nd PLACE OVERALL; Hunter Brown: Literature - BRONZE; Sidharth Donepudi: Social Science - BRONZE
• Varsity Division
  Wyatt Mekhanik: Literature - SILVER; Zev Kochar: Social Science - GOLD; Karsen Roughsedge: Social Science and Mathematics - BRONZE; Dorian Hewett: Science - GOLD; Mathematics - BRONZE; 3rd PLACE OVERALL; Kayla Ong: Fine Art - SILVER; Syiran Nittala: Fine Art - BRONZE; Mathematics - SILVER; Yogendrasrinivaswaroop Tirumalasetti: Literature - BRONZE

Weinberg Gifted Academy (2022-2023)

Our students excel outside the classroom, as well! 6th grader Olivia Bracke recently competed in the state "Drive, Cip, and Putt" competition. She placed 2nd in putting and 5th overall! Way to go, Olvia! Keep up the hard work.

Weinberg Gifted Academy (2022-2023)

Noa Joffe, 5th Grade Weinberg Gifted Academy, has been growing her hair and wearing it long for many years. When she was thinking of cutting her hair, her mom mentioned she could take a little more off (10 inches in all) and donate it to Locks of Love. They are a non-profit that make wigs for children who don't have hair. Though Noa misses her long hair, she knows there are children who don't have any and would appreciate the donation. She hopes to inspire other kids to do the same.

San Marcos Elementary (2022-2023)

Paige Godrich's 5th Grade class created "scratch art" to create excitement around the new school year and to encourage relationship building in her classroom.

San Marcos Elementary (2022-2023)

San Marcos 2nd graders in Kristie Moreno, Amanda Russo, and Liz Lucky's classrooms read First Day Jitters to ease their first week nerves. The second grade team has been hard at work building positive classroom culture and relationships.

San Marcos Elementary (2022-2023)

San Marcos kindergarten teachers (Courtney Geil, Tonee Lopez, and Emilee Taylor) welcomed our new students to campus. We can't wait to watch this bright group or students learn and grow this year!

Chandler Traditional Academy - Independence Campus (2022-2023)

Intel surprised CTA Independence student Lavin Bhat with a laptop and a schoolwide ice cream party! Lavin was the winner of Intel's "Name the Crane" contest. The largest crane in the world came to Intel and was given the name "Skyreacher." Thank you, Arizona's Family, for sharing Lavin's story. Watch on YouTube!

Arizona College Prep High School (2022-2023)

Nicolas Acedo, ACP High School freshmen, won a silver in Kumite and a bronze in Kata in the 2022 National Karate Championships in Spokane, WA in July. Nicholas represented Chandler Martial Arts Center, Chandler, AZ.

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