ChandlerUnified School District

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Riggs Elementary (2019-2020)

Congratulations to Alyssa Vesco, 6th grader in Corey Swint's class, who was named Gilbert Citizen of the Month for January 2020.

Basha High (2019-2020)

Basha High's academic decathlon team were "Super Quiz Champions" at the Williams Field High School Invitational. Brielle Edwards was MVP/Top Scorer. Justin Schade won third overall and five individual awards and Winter Ashley scored a perfect 1000/1000 in Interview. Congratulations!

Casteel High (2019-2020)

Michelle Capriotti teaches a class at Casteel High School that gives students an opportunity to explore teaching as a possible career. Students in the class spend one day a week in an elementary classroom. Shown in this picture Sierra Bingham, a sophomore at Casteel, teaching a STEM lesson to third graders. Sierra planned an engaging lesson where students built a shelter for an abominable snowman.

Galveston Elementary (2019-2020)

Samantha Bagley's fourth graders enjoyed meeting their kindergarten buddies in Shannon Fritz' class. The fourth graders each chose a book to read to them. Buddy Classes Photo Album

Hamilton High (2019-2020)

Hamilton High's academic decathlon team once again upheld their reputation as one of the top progroms in the State, by winning the final tournament to determine the regional competition. Students competed on college-level material in seven core subjects in addition to delivering both a prepared and an impromptu speech, participating in an interview, and writing an essay. Their thematic topic this year is "Health and Wellness" with a science focus on the biology of cancer.

Riggs Elementary (2019-2020)

Riggs first grade teachers aged overnight to celebrate the 100th day of school with their students. Special activities also took place in the classroom. In language arts, students wrote about how they will look and what they will be doing in 100 years and in math they had to work on how they would spend $100.

Shumway Leadership Academy (2019-2020)

Sarah Hutchins, Shumway's reading specialist, has obtained Wilson Level 1 Certification. This was a yearlong extensive training in the Wilson Reading System. Her commitment to learning how to give intense, systematic, and explicit reading instruction is a gift she will be giving to her students.

Weinberg Elementary (2019-2020)

This month, two Weinberg students were honored as Town of Gilbert's January Students of the Month! Pictured left to right are Hudson Hayes from Miss Lexi Colaianne's class, and Brielle Lauritzen from Mrs. Kim Jan's class. Congratulations!

Casteel High (2019-2020)

Congratulations to Mateline (Matty) Pace who took 1st place and a $5,000 scholarship in the statewide Feeding the Future 2020: School Lunch-Inspired Bites and Beverages competition on January 11! Students in the competition worked with a local chef to create school lunches that were appealing and desirable, while meeting nutritional and budgetary restrictions of the National School Lunch Program. Each team spent months testing and costing recipes with the help of Blue Watermelon Project chefs to better understand the challenge schools face everyday: how to provide delicious, nutritious and affordable lunches to students. The Feeding the Future competition is hosted by the Blue Watermelon project, an initiative of Slow Food Phoenix. Slow Food Phoenix - Blue Watermelon Project website

Chandler Unified School District (2019-2020)

Culinary students from CUSD took the top three spots in a statewide completion on January 11, Feeding the Future 2020: School Lunch-Inspired Bites and Beverages, hosted by the Blue Watermelon project, an initiative of Slow Food Phoenix. We are proud to announce our winners:

• Mateline (Matty) Pace (Casteel High) - 1st place and a $5,000 scholarship
• Keeley Erickson and Royal Schrader (Perry High) - 2nd place and $3,000
• Brandon Park and Miqueas Barrios (Perry High) - 3rd place and $2,000

Feeding the Future details: "With mentorship from professional chefs, teams of high school students have crafted meals that adhere to both the nutritional and budgetary restrictions of the National School Lunch Program. Each team spent months testing and costing recipes with the help of Blue Watermelon Project chefs to better understand the challenge schools face everyday: how to provide delicious, nutritious and affordable lunches to students." Slow Food Phoenix - Blue Watermelon Project website

Perry High (2019-2020)

Perry Culinary students competed in the statewide Feeding the Future 2020: School Lunch-Inspired Bites and Beverages competition where they worked with a local chef, Chef Tamara Stanger, to create school lunches that were appealing and desirable, while meeting nutritional and budgetary restrictions of the National School Lunch Program. Each team spent months testing and costing recipes with the help of Blue Watermelon Project chefs to better understand the challenge schools face everyday: how to provide delicious, nutritious and affordable lunches to students. Congratulations to Keeley Erickson and Royal Schradder who placed 2nd, winning $3,000, and Brandon Park and Miqueas Barrios who placed 3rd, winning $2,000. The Feeding the Future competition is hosted by the Blue Watermelon project, an initiative of Slow Food Phoenix. Slow Food Phoenix - Blue Watermelon Project website

Conley Elementary (2019-2020)

Fifth grade Conley Elementary student Zhaid Diaz was highlighted as the "Junior Coach of the Month" in the Playworks Arizona newsletter.

Fulton Elementary (2019-2020)

Congratulations to Stavros Tsangaris, Trower Parker and Jason Luo of Fulton's Phantom Phoenix VEX Robotics Club who triumphed at the robotics tournament at the Maricopa Institute of Technology on January 11. They emerged as the Teamwork Champions! Their success has qualified them to compete at the 2020 Arizona VEX IQ Elementary School State Championship in February. VEX Robotics Club Photo Album

Chandler High (2019-2020)

Chandler High Math Club students competed in the MathLeague Competition in Laveen, and placed in the top 3 for their grade level: Senior Kenneth Applegate - 2nd place overall; Junior Aryan Mathur - 1st place overall; Junior Katarina Fenner - 3rd place overall.

Chandler High (2019-2020)

Thirteen Wolves competed in Scottsdale Community College's annual Math/Science Field Day. Congratulations to Katarina Fenner (highest overall score from Chandler High in the math competition), Autumn Towne (1st place in the Pre-Calculus competition), and Grace Combe (3rd place in the Pre-Calculus competition).

Chandler Traditional Academy - Liberty Campus (2019-2020)

Congratulations to CTA Liberty teacher Carlie Ramirez who was awarded a $500 grant from SRP and the Arizona Cardinals Touchdown for Teachers program. Ms. Ramirez has a diverse classroom where she gets to work with students from kindergarten to sixth grade. She plans to use the funds to improve her classroom with more hands-on material. This will create a unique learning environment Ms. Ramirez' students. Website: Touchdowns for Teachers brought to you by SRP and the Arizona Cardinals

Chandler Unified School District (2019-2020)

On January 6, all CUSD engaged in equity-focused professional development. Schools provided a plethora of learning from equity data walkthrough, social-emotional learning and trauma informed care, socio-cultural makers, and more. Pictured: The Weinberg Elementary equity team kicked off their presentation with a glimpse at not only what the data shows the school demographics are, but also what it feels like to be a part of each demographic as a student at the school. This powerful visual led perfectly into a TED talk by author Grace Lin who shared her experiences growing up as the only Asian student in her school to becoming an author. Her talk solidified the importance of windows and mirrors.

Frye Elementary (2019-2020)

Third graders at Frye became geologist and studied minerals. They had to do a streak test to find the hardness of each mineral.

Hamilton High (2019-2020)

Congratulations to Hamilton senior Devrath Iyer who was named a Top 300 scholar in the Regeneron Science Talent Search 2020 -- one of only three from Arizona -- in recognition for his science project titled "Automatically Analyzing Open-Ended Survey Responses using Statistical and Machine Learning Methods". The Regeneron Science Talent Search, the nation's oldest and most prestigious STEM competition, "provides students a national stage to present original research and celebrates the hard work and novel discoveries of young scientists who are bringing a fresh perspective to significant global challenges." Scholars hail from 192 American and international high schools in 39 states and Guam. They were selected from 1,993 applications received from 659 high schools across 49 states, and chosen based on their exceptional research skills, commitment to academics, innovative thinking and promise as scientists. Each scholar and their schools will be awarded $2,000 each. 2020 Regeneron Science Talent Search 2020 Scholars

Hartford Sylvia Encinas Elementary (2019-2020)

Congratulations to Hartford Sylvia Encinas Technology Teacher Kerry Kester who recieved a $2,500 STEM grant from the Phoenix Suns and APS. She was honored during a Phoenix Suns game and has already used the grant money to purchase Bee Bots to use with her kindergarten and 1st grade students. APS/Phoenix Suns Stem Grant - Photo Album

Hartford Sylvia Encinas Elementary (2019-2020)

Families were invited to the Hartford TOP (Talent + Opportunity = Promise) classes' showcase in December to see some of the Project Based Learning taking place in our TOP classes. Hartford TOP Classes Family Showcase - Photo Album

Sanborn Elementary (2019-2020)

Sanborn 5th graders worked collaboratively in small teams to build robots and design them to master a course involving several turns and maneuvers. They even taught Principal Caryn Cole how to drive one of them.

Santan Elementary (2019-2020)

Third grade students at Santan Elementary were lucky enough to get a visit from Officer Fitch and his K-9 partner Duko in January. Students are currently working on a weekly Journeys story titled, Aero and Officer Mike. This story is an informational text about the everyday duties/life of a police officer and his K-9. Chandler Police Department was gracious enough to agree to come to Santan and offer insight on this topic, creating a "text to world" experience for all students involved! Officer Fitch and K-9 Visit Photo Album

Santan Junior High (2019-2020)

Santan Junior High - team 7A went to Harkins to watch "The Outsiders" after reading the novel.

Arizona College Prep - Erie Campus (2019-2020)

Congratulations to ACP's own Rachna Nath, one of only two winners selected from North America in the Turnitin 2019 Global Innovation Awards. The Global Innovation Awards recognize institutions and educators who help students everywhere to do their best, original work. This year's global and regional winners have worked tirelessly to champion authentic learning, enhance assessment practices, help students to achieve learning objectives, and support institutional strategy. Turnitin Global Innovations Awards website

Arizona College Prep - Erie Campus (2019-2020)

Congratulations to the ACP Knights Math Team on taking the 2nd Place Sweepstakes award in December's Mathleague Competiton. The following members were individual winners as well: Freshman - Alex Kroumov in 3rd place; Stevie Ortiz in 2nd place; and Dean Brasen in 1st place. Sophomore: Blake Enwiller finished in 3rd place. Seniors: Michelle Yao, took 3rd and Taman Truong finished in first place.

Auxier Elementary (2019-2020)

Congratulations to Auxier teacher Stephanie Moore who recently earned National Board Certification. The process was rigorous, but worthwhile. National Board Certification was designed to develop, retain and recognize accomplished teachers and to generate ongoing improvement in schools nationwide. It is the most respected professional certification available in K-12 education. Created by teachers, for teachers, the National Board Standards represent a consensus among educators about what accomplished teachers should know and be able to do. Board certification is available in 25 certificate areas spanning 16 disciplines from Pre-K through 12th grade. National Board for Professional Teaching Standards website

Basha High (2019-2020)

Congratulations to Basha High teacher Lindsay Daly who recently earned National Board Certification. The process was rigorous, but worthwhile. National Board Certification was designed to develop, retain and recognize accomplished teachers and to generate ongoing improvement in schools nationwide. It is the most respected professional certification available in K-12 education. Created by teachers, for teachers, the National Board Standards represent a consensus among educators about what accomplished teachers should know and be able to do. Board certification is available in 25 certificate areas spanning 16 disciplines from Pre-K through 12th grade. National Board for Professional Teaching Standards website

Haley Elementary (2019-2020)

Congratulations to Haley teacher Spencer Emmons who recently earned National Board Certification. The process was rigorous, but worthwhile. National Board Certification was designed to develop, retain and recognize accomplished teachers and to generate ongoing improvement in schools nationwide. It is the most respected professional certification available in K-12 education. Created by teachers, for teachers, the National Board Standards represent a consensus among educators about what accomplished teachers should know and be able to do. Board certification is available in 25 certificate areas spanning 16 disciplines from Pre-K through 12th grade. National Board for Professional Teaching Standards website

Arizona College Prep - Erie Campus (2019-2020)

Emma Francisco, 11th grader at ACP Erie, is one of six winners of the 2019-20 Girls Rule Foundation Brilliant, Beautiful & Bold (BBB) Role Model Award. The BBB Role Model Awards & Mentoring Program is a special way that the Girls Rule Foundation celebrates and acknowledges girls who embody their principles of leadership and compassion. The six winners will receive $1,000 from the Laura Anderson Scholarship Fund to further their dreams, leadership mentoring from the Girls Rule Foundation, and many additional extraordinary opportunities throughout the year -- including being the face of Girls Rule for one year. Girls Rule Foundation website

Chandler High (2019-2020)

Every semester, Chandler High celebrates students who have earned positive referrals for hard work, positive character, caring actions, and more. Congratulations to Christian Hernandez (12th) and Daisy Hernandez (10th), the Fall 2019 winners of laptops after having their names drawn from the 100 names submitted this fall.

Santan Elementary (2019-2020)

Congratulations to Kim Sanford of Santan Elementary who achieved National Board Certification in December 2019. The process to earn this advanced certification beyond the Arizona state requirements is rigorous and long. Kim was required to write over 40 pages to show evidence of her teaching and take multiple assessments. She is one of four Chandler teachers to attain this certification this year. Thank you, Kim Sanford, for your dedication to your students and Santan!

Basha Elementary (2019-2020)

Basha staff jumped into 3rd quarter learning about how Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) affect the brain, and how we can help support our students. Back to School for 3rd Quarter Photo Album

Sanborn Elementary (2019-2020)

Congratulations to our Sanborn school spelling bee top spellers: Sebastian Williams (champion) and Alexis Muro (runner-up).

Sanborn Elementary (2019-2020)

Congratulations to Sanborn Special Education Department Chair Danielle Harris and Dean of Students Torie Brown who graduated in December from NAU and ASU respectively with masters degrees in Educational Leadership.

Basha Elementary (2019-2020)

End of the quarter means 6th grade challenge presentations! Their task in December was to create a character and give it three moving parts. 6th Grade Challenge Photo Album

Carlson Elementary (2019-2020)

The 5th graders at Carlson Elementary worked all quarter long designing and engineering a jet toy car. They partnered with engineers from SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) and volunteers from the Sun Lakes Rotary on this program. This hands-on learning allowed students to learn many concepts about force and motion as they made adjustments in their car's design. The project culminated with a race to see whose design traveled the farthest.

Riggs Elementary (2019-2020)

Congratulations to Riggs 3rd grader Ellie Villalpando who was named Gilbert Citizen of the Month for December 2019!

Bologna Elementary (2019-2020)

Congratulations to Allison B., Kevin S., Aileth P. and Gabriel C., our kindergarten SPARK Students of the 2nd quarter!

Bologna Elementary (2019-2020)

Congratulations to Edgar H., Cati B. and Iker T.,our 1st grade SPARK Students of the 2nd quarter!

Bologna Elementary (2019-2020)

Congratulations to Jaxon B., Sabrina G. and Kayla F., our 2nd grade SPARK Students of the 2nd quarter!

Bologna Elementary (2019-2020)

Congratulations to Ava P., Nyah T., Janina W. and Chrisopher R., our 3rd grade SPARK Students of the 2nd quarter!

Bologna Elementary (2019-2020)

Congratulations to Rance S., Noella H., Joshua F., Douglas B. and Carel G., our 4th grade SPARK Students of the 2nd quarter!

Bologna Elementary (2019-2020)

Congratulations to Jaxon G., Sergio C., Chloe S. and Angie F., our 5th grade SPARK Students of the 2nd quarter!

Bologna Elementary (2019-2020)

Congratulations to Minelva M., Naydean G. and Kydel S., our 6th grade SPARK Students of the 2nd quarter!

Bologna Elementary (2019-2020)

Congratulations to Shakuru who was the Principal of the day in December! He did a great job doing classroom observations!

Elite Performance Academy (2019-2020)

EPA science students are excited about the new Tower Garden! Thank you, Mrs. Barker, for helping to set it up!

Basha Elementary (2019-2020)

Congratulations to Jessica Pfau, Technology Integration Specialist at Basha Elementary, who was recognized by the Sun Lakes Rotary as their November Teacher Of the Month! Thank you, Jessica, for all you do for staff and students!

Hull Elementary (2019-2020)

Congratulations to our K-6 Character Counts winners who were recognized in December.

Hull Elementary (2019-2020)

Hull Elementary fourth grade team of Natalie Viera, Jennifer Benzer, Wendy Banas and Amy Frechette won a Target $700 grant for students to go to the Scottsdale Arabian horse show.

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