ChandlerUnified School District

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Chandler Unified School District - (2019-2020) Congratulations to Perry and Hamilton High DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) teams for taking home both the gold AND silver awards in the Junior Achievement Stock Market Challenge, winning first and second places, respectively. Junior Achievement's Student Stock Market Challenge website 
   Hamilton High - (2019-2020) Hamilton Business and FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) students participated in the 2019 Stock Market Challenge sponsored by Junior Achievement. The JA Student Stock Market Challenge is a live stock market simulation, featuring teams of high school students who compete to see who can accumulate the highest possible net worth in their investment portfolio. The exciting, fast-paced event offers a taste of what it's like to build a portfolio, manage risk, and experience its performance in a compressed period of time. Approximately 430 students (86 teams, five students per team) from around 20 valley high schools experienced the thrill of the trading floor at Junior Achievement's 2019 Stock Market Challenge Event. Hamilton had eight teams (40 students) participate. Five Hamilton teams placed in the top 25. Junior Achievement's Student Stock Market Challenge website 
   Basha Elementary - (2019-2020) Basha Elementary's Technology Department is proud to implement zSpace, an AR/VR (Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality) learning experience to increase engagement and meet educational standards in science, math, reading, technology and MORE! Begining in October 2019, students in kindergarten through 6th grade will learn the basics of using the zSpace hardware. SanTan Sun News article: VR takes Chandler students to another dimension 
   Sanborn Elementary - (2019-2020) Anahi Hernandez was honored by Chandler High School with the Scruffy's Tuffys Achievement Award. Anahi has demonstrated exceptional character in her academics as well as social interactions with students and staff. She is a shining leader here at Sanborn and is so very deserving of this award.  
   Casteel High - (2019-2020) Ms. Yard's AP Biology Students are playing "Cytosis," a biology board game where students model key cellular processes that keep each cell functioning properly within the body thanks to the Chandler Education Foundation Classroom Education Enrichment Grant.  
   Casteel High - (2019-2020) The digital photography students visited Tempe Camera on Wednesday, October 30. This industry visit allowed students a first hand look at the sales, rental and repair shop and also the printing area. The tour included a behind the scenes look into a dark room along with witnessing how slides are scanned.  
   Frye Elementary - (2019-2020) Angelica Abbey's 6th graders went "Math or Treating" today! Kids got to choose the review math problem, and earn whichever prize it corresponded with!  
   Perry High - (2019-2020) Congratulations to Perry High DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) for winning first place in the Junior Achievement Stock Market Challenge! The JA Student Stock Market Challenge is a live stock market simulation, featuring teams of high school students who compete to see who can accumulate the highest possible net worth in their investment portfolio. The exciting, fast-paced event offers a taste of what it's like to build a portfolio, manage risk, and experience its performance in a compressed period of time. Approximately 430 students (86 teams, five students per team) from around 20 valley high schools experienced the thrill of the trading floor at Junior Achievement's 2019 Stock Market Challenge Event. Chris Atwood, Hunter Quick, Sammie Baldwin and Bryce Lynch beat out 86 teams from around the state to bring home the trophy to PHS! Junior Achievement's Student Stock Market Challenge website 
   Perry High - (2019-2020) Perry's Concolor Yearbook staff won First Place in General Excellence at the Arizona Interscholastic Press Association's Fall Convention for their 2019 book But Who's Counting? Individual staffers also won awards for their photography and writing. Sydney Carlson & Layla Mushtaq, Sydnee Milkovic & Lauryn Terry, and Sophia Vojacek & Amanda Romano won Honorable Mention for Clubs, Academics and Sports, respectively. Abby Kozel & Alexa Guy won Excellent in Sidebar Writing for their Student Life Stats. Ashley Johnston & Layla Mushtaq won Superior for Student Life. And Sydnee Milkovic won Superior in Featured Photo for Combustion Experiment.  
   Riggs Elementary - (2019-2020) Riggs 3rd graders started a gardening project to promote healthy choices. Research shows school gardens have a positive impact on student learning, health, and nutrition. They teach good eating habits, science, math, and business skills. They also introduce students to new and healthy foods -- and get students moving and outside. A hydroponic garden tower was donated by Benita Riesgraf, a Chandler mom, thanks to a grant she received from Changex.org and the Arizona Sustainability Alliance. The program, "Sow It Forward," empowers teachers and students to learn about food growth and the importance of having access to fresh fruits and vegetables. We will have the tower until Thanksgiving, at which time the seedlings will be transplanted into our community garden. Students planted the following plants in the Tower Garden: Sweet Basil, Arugula, Bib Lettuce, Gourmet Lettuce, Black Magic Dino Kale.  
   Casteel High - (2019-2020) Casteel High School senior Sadie DeShon was named a Samsung American Legion Scholar national finalist from Girls State. She will receive a $10,000 award. Samsung American Legion Scholarship website 
   Chandler High - (2019-2020) Congratulations to Nina Anguis, Luke Bass, Melody Colucci, Esme Crawford-Paz Soldan, Alexis Gonzalez, Miranda Gonzalez, Jacob Pisors, and Jose Segovia who have been named National Hispanic Scholars for scoring within the top 2.5% on the PSAT/NMSQT amongst Hispanic and Latino testers during their junior year.  
   Chandler High - (2019-2020) Chandler High FFA (Future Farmers of America) recently visited 50 elementary school classrooms and taught approximately 1,150 students about the life cycle of a pumpkin. CHS FFA partners with the Arizona Farm Bureau with the Ag in the Classroom Program. CHS FFA was announced as the "2019 Farm Bureau Ag in the Classroom Outstanding Program" and will receive their award on November 16.  
   Chandler Unified School District - (2019-2020) Superintendent Dr. Camille Casteel meets with student leaders throughout the school year to develop their leadership skills. Last week, the Student Advisory Council discussed how to market their schools.  
   Conley Elementary - (2019-2020) Conley Elementary teacher Christina Bergstrom won the KTAR News 92.3 FM's "Pay Tribute to a Teacher" award for September. KTAR News host Larry Gaydos surprised Bergstrom in her classroom with a $2,500 check, courtesy of Valley Toyota Dealers. Her kindergarten buddy class came to join her students and her team in the celebration! KTAR News article and video: Bighearted Chandler teacher wins KTAR's Pay Tribute to a Teacher award 
   Galveston Elementary - (2019-2020) Tana Miller's third grade class read a story about bats and then used animal research to create these awesome bat habitats!  
   Hancock Elementary - (2019-2020) Hancock Elementary third graders were excited to receive a generous gift from Sun Lakes Rotary -- their own personal dictionary. Sun Lakes Rotary Club's Dictionary Project website 
   Hull Elementary - (2019-2020) The sixth grade team won a $750 grade level Chandler Education Foundation grant this year! This award will be utilized to provide scholarships for students with financial hardships, and to assist with the chaperone fees associated with camp. We are so grateful for this gift. Thank you! Chandler Education Foundation Cash for Classrooms Campaign 
   Hull Elementary - (2019-2020) The Hull first grade team won a CEF (Chandler Education Foundation) grant to bring life cycle science into classrooms. Students will be able to watch butterflies, ladybugs, praying mantis and even ants travel through their life cycle from egg to adult before their very eyes. Students love researching and presenting on insects after having them in the classroom! The life cycle unit will culminate with a production of "BUGZ! The Musical" for the school and parents!  
   Hull Elementary - (2019-2020) Congratulations to all of our first, second and sixth grade Chandler Education Foundation (CEF) grant winners!  
   Ryan Elementary - (2019-2020) Congratulations to Cristy Wellik who was awarded a $500 grant from the Touchdowns for Teachers program, sponsored by Salt River Project and the Arizona Cardinals. Touchdown for Teachers website 
   Arizona College Prep - Erie Campus - (2019-2020) WASTECON 2019 showcased different types of sustainability methods being implementing all over the U.S. at the Phoenix Convention Center on Wednesday, Oct. 23. As part of the event, the Arizona Recycling Coalition announced their six $5,000 grant awardees... and we are proud to announce that three ACP Knights were granted a $5,000 award to start sytrofoam recycling in our own school cafeteria using Tenebrio beetles! The grant will fund an effort to manage styrofoam within the schools cafeteria, reduce ACP Erie's ecological footprint, and aim for a sustainable school. The president of the organization also mentioned that though there was a record number of applications this year, ACP Erie was on top of the list! Arizona Department of Environment Quality is looking forward to our project as a pilot program for other organizations, too. Way to go, Aahana Dugar, Blake Entwiller and Nevan Hanford. GO KNIGHTS! Arizona Recycling Coalition Grants website 
   Carlson Elementary - (2019-2020) Chandler Fire Department came and set up a fire house for the 3rd graders to explore and learn about fire safety.  
   Carlson Elementary - (2019-2020) Kindergarten went on a field trip to Schnepf Farms and learned about harvests and life cycles while having a great day at the farm.  
   Hamilton High - (2019-2020) James Flannery's architectural drafting students took a tour of new construction in downtown Chandler and asked many questions. Thanks to Layton Construction, Whitneybell Perry Inc., and especially project manager Lisa Shea, Hamilton architecture students were able to tour a four-story office building, one-story commercial space, outdoor recreation plaza and hotel, and the new parking garage site. Architecture Field Trip Downtown Chandler Photo Album 
   San Marcos Elementary - (2019-2020) San Marcos Battle of the Books team members, led by Jolene Gallup and Dolores Barcelo, competed in their first competition of the year!  
   San Marcos Elementary - (2019-2020) Select second grade families were invited to "Family Engagement Reading Night." Students were able to enjoy a movie and popcorn while parents worked with the Engagement Team -- Stephanie Clark, Jolene Gallup, Amy Nettles, Lauren Delfino-Karl, Jennine Ballew, Jennifer Davis and Debbie Vickma -- on strategies to help their children become better readers. Parents left equipped with support, materials and games to help their children succeed.  
   Hancock Elementary - (2019-2020) Hancock 1st thru 6th graders create their favorite storybook characters using pumpkins.  
   Jacobson Elementary - (2019-2020) Jacobson JETS fifth graders are studying human rights. All students analyze authentic text and critically think/discuss what it means to have human rights for all. Here students are working in pairs to create a Universal Declaration of Human Rights poster to present to classmates. They are becoming experts and excited to showcase their creations with each other. Jets Fly With Pride!  
   Riggs Elementary - (2019-2020) Congratulations to Preston Brooke who was honored as Gilbert Citizen of the Month for September 2019.  
   Riggs Elementary - (2019-2020) Congratulations to Mrs. Wendy Dafoe, 1st Grade Teacher at Riggs Elementary. She was selected as one of the winners of an SRP Touchdowns for Teachers Grant, in partnership with the Arizona Cardinals. She received $500 to be used to benefit her classroom, to purchase hands-on materials to improve lessons and class engagement. Way to go, Mrs. Dafoe! SRP Touchdowns for Teachers website 
   Santan Junior High - (2019-2020) Congratulations to Ana Abbott, Chicanos Por La Causa Esperanza Award Recipient and Teacher of the Year for 2019. The Esperanza award recognizes outstanding Latino teachers who have distinquished themselves through their extraordinary achievements. Chicanos Por La Causa website 
   Navarrete Elementary - (2019-2020) Mrs. Weight's 6th grade students celebrated making the Honor Roll and Principal's List.  
   Perry High - (2019-2020) Perry High students Joyce Poon, Bailee Lewis, and Holly Hames in Caryn Butler's graphic design program each received a $750 cash scholarship from the Graphic Communications Education Foundation. Each plans to continue their education in the Visual Graphic Communications field. The money can be used for tuition, books, or graphic tools such as a laptop, drawing or camera equipment. Graphic Communications Education Foundation website 
   Bologna Elementary - (2019-2020) Congratulations to our SPARK Students of 1st quarter for kindergarten - 3rd grade: George, Diana, Aubriella, Aaliyah, Candelario, Ariana, Adara, T'Niyah, Kevin, Isaiah, Brenden, Amairani and Wyatt.  
   Bologna Elementary - (2019-2020) Congratulations to our SPARK Students of 1st quarter for 4th - 6th grade and Special Education: Kayla, Dannielle, Erika, Angelis, Dylan, Anahi, Jaslyne, Nicole, Paityn, Lili, Giselle, Alex, Jonathan and Ibi.  
   Weinberg Elementary - (2019-2020) Weinberg Elementary teachers were awarded EIGHT Cash for Classroom grants from Chandler Education Foundation (CEF). The grants will bring exciting and educational programs and materials to our students. The grants will fund Scholastic News, musical instruments, technology lessons, fractured fairy tales and more! A big THANK YOU to CEF and all the families who donated to the Cash for Classrooms fundraising efforts.  
   Arizona College Prep - Erie Campus - (2019-2020) The Knights Innovators presented their idea of a Hydrothermal Hat to Maricopa Superintendent of Schools Steve Watson and Deputy Superintendent Matt Morales. Both of them had a great time at Rachna Nath's class playing with all of her pets. The team's Hydrothermal Hat idea was highly appreciated, and Mr. Morales is connecting the team with companies like Medtronics, SAP, Intel and First Solar. The team has also been invited by the Chandler Innovation Incubator program to start the Track 1 program and an entrepreneurship soon.  
   Basha Elementary - (2019-2020) Fifth and sixth Grade students in the AR/VR zSpace STEM Club met for the first time to experience the immersive world of AR/VR (Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality). Students will learn physics, biology, math, language arts, music and MUCH MORE through a hands-on approach. AR/VR brings students unique experiences with content that would otherwise be Dangerous, Impossible, Counterproductive or too Expensive: "D.I.C.E." (Acronym courtesy of Jeremy Bailenson; head of the Stanford Virtual Human Interaction Lab.) AR/VR zSpace Club meets once a week from October through March.  
   Basha High - (2019-2020) Once again, the Basha High School FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America) Early Childhood chapter was one of 33 schools from across the country that has earned the Lead4Change Certified School honor in recognition for its inspiring community service work and demonstration of leadership. Lead4Change is a student leadership program which provides leadership lessons that align with 21st century skills and integrate literacy, social-emotional learning, and project-based learning standards. Additionally, Lead4Change provides financial support to help students with their community service projects as they apply leadership lessons and address specific needs in our community. Pictured: Teacher/Chapter Adviser, Melanie Alexander; Student/FCCLA Chapter President, Sebastian Dees; and Principal, David Loutzenheiser.  
   Chandler Unified School District - (2019-2020) Thirty-one CUSD students from CTA Liberty, CTA Humphrey and Chief Hill Academy won awards at the Week without Violence poetry and poster contest over fall break.  
   Hancock Elementary - (2019-2020) Hancock fourth through sixth grade teachers enjoyed working together and learning new techniques in the brand new Z-Space Lab.  
   Navarrete Elementary - (2019-2020) Congratulations to Navarrete sixth grade teacher Kelly Miller who won a $500 grant in the SRP/Cardinals Touchdowns for Teachers program.  
   Perry High - (2019-2020) Perry High School "Puma Diner" is up and running. It was created and run by Perry students to work on a variety of job skills while feeding the Puma Nation.  
   Santan Junior High - (2019-2020) Santan Junior High Spanish teacher Ana Abbott was one of four educators across Arizona to be named by Chicanos Por La Causa as an Esperanza Latino Teacher of the Year. She will be recognized at an awards event at ASU Gammage Auditorium. Additionally, the Santan Junior High Jazz band will be performing that evening.  
   Patterson Elementary - (2019-2020) Congratulations to Parker Williams, who received the Gilbert Town Council Citizenship Award in October.  
   Chandler Unified School District - (2019-2020) The Chandler Education Foundation's Cash for Classrooms campaign was once again a huge success thanks to the generosity of CUSD staff and families. More than $80,000 in grants were awarded. The CEF "Woo Hoo Patrol" celebration took place Friday, October 18 as 125 grants were awarded to teachers at 36 schools, and 17 schools received school-wide grants. Grant recipients received balloons, big checks, certificates and ribbons.  
   Jacobson Elementary - (2019-2020) The Chandler Education Foundation (CEF) Woo Hoo Patrol visited Jacobson Jets territory! Eight teachers were awarded grants for curriculum extensions in the classroom and grade level projects. We are grateful for the generous support and opportunity to reach for the stars!  
   Navarrete Elementary - (2019-2020) Navarrete third grade students had to "save" patient's lives by solving distributive property problems correctly. All the patients survived! Students had fun dressing up like doctors and operating on large numbers, cutting them apart into a small array, manageable for multiplication. After determining the best course of action, the doctors put the numbers back together to form the correct answer.  
   Patterson Elementary - (2019-2020) Congratulations to our Chandler Education Foundation (CEF) grant winners! Michelle Hufford was awarded a grant to purchase graphic novels for all of our students to enjoy. Shelley Schmidt, Sierra Walker and Nichole Manmano were awarded sensory materials that allow students to practice educational standards using fine motor skills.  
  

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