ChandlerUnified School District

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Basha Accelerated Middle School (2019-2020)

Basha Accelerated Middle School eighth grader Skylar Kulas was runner-up in the regional spelling bee competition on Thursday, February 20. She will head to the state competition on Saturday, March 21, at the Arizona PBS station.

Tarwater Elementary (2019-2020)

Tarwater celebrated Black History with their annual essay contest, classroom activities, and library selections highlighting a plethora of African American change-makers.

Chandler Unified School District (2019-2020)

The 2nd annual Chandler Innovation Fair (CIF) was an incredible success. More than 4,000 students were represented and over 5,000 people attended. CIF featured student innovation as the cornerstone, including the Hamilton Invitational Science and Engineering Fair research and projects, student inventions, project based learning presentations, computer science projects, robotics showcases, and elementary and junior high robotics competitions in both FLL and VEX. The Junior High State VEX Robotics tournament (hosted by Willis Firebots) was held at the event, and the Firebots took home the state championship. Every CUSD school was represented alongside over 60 interactive vendors and CTE programs. The award ceremony will take place on March 2 at the Chandler Center for the Arts. The award ceremony will feature keynotes from Intel and Camille Casteel, as well as special awards from our community partners: Intel, Waymo, SRP, State Farm, Grand Canyon University, and the City of Chandler. Chandler Innovation Fair 2020 Video and Photo Album

Basha Elementary (2019-2020)

The Bobcat Green Team recently spent time working with SRP Connect to become energy wise.

Perry High (2019-2020)

Eight students from Caryn Butler's graphic design level 2 and 3 classes competed in an Advertising Design competition at the Region 3 conference of SkillsUSA. Approximately 60 students from various east valley schools competed. Four of the eight students scored in the top ten and qualified to attend the SkillsUSA State Championships in April: Holly Hames, Nicole White, Maria Durrans, and Abby Kozel. Holly took the silver medal, placing 2nd out of all of the participants. Congratulations to all of the Perry Pumas who participated in this challenging competition!

Riggs Elementary (2019-2020)

Congraulations to Lilian Holt, 5th grader in Becky From's class, who was named the Gilbert Citizen of the Month for February 2020.

Basha Accelerated Middle School (2019-2020)

Congratulations to Skylar Kulas, the District Spelling Bee champion!

Basha High (2019-2020)

As part of the fifth annual California Aerospace trip, 11 Basha High AFJROTC cadet leaders spent four days visiting such locations as SpaceX, the Griffith Observatory, the Space Shuttle Endeavour at the California Science Center, March Field and Palm Springs Air Museums and the Reagan Presidential Library. This exciting trip enabled cadets to greatly expand their knowledge and understanding of aviation as well as space exploration.

Bologna Elementary (2019-2020)

Bologna Elementary celebrates and honors the contribution of African American pioneers in space travel during Black History Month this year. Each morning on the announcement, the school highlights different contributions of African Americans figure in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).

Chandler High (2019-2020)

Congratulations to Katherine Chou who was named a 2020 National Merit Scholarship Program Finalist. Of the 1.6 million entrants who took the 2018 PSAT/NMSQT, Katherine is now one of 15,000 finalists in the running for National Merit Scholarships.

Chandler Unified School District (2019-2020)

CUSD schools are reflecting on the 400-year history of African American contributions from August 20, 1619 to the present. This year, CUSD highlights Pioneers of Space Travel. Black History Month Celebration - February 2020 Photo Album

Hamilton High (2019-2020)

Congratulations to our 21 National Merit Finalists! Emily Abraham, Neya Balakrishna, Julia Fletcher, Margaret Han, Devrath Iyer, Nivea Krishnan, Jihyun Lee, Chloe Leff, Ashley Lepham, Rebecca Li, Elissa Matlock, Burke Peterson, Rohan Sathe, Dev Singhania, Kevin Tang, Antonio Valdez, Kevin Wang, Sherry Wang, Karina Yang, Sarah Zhang, and Vivian Zhao. These students took the PSAT/NMSQT their junior year, scored in the top 1%, and are recognized for their abilities, skills and accomplishments.

Hull Elementary (2019-2020)

Hull Elementary second graders in Heidi Raaf's class had a great time in the "rice fields," while visiting and studying about China.

Knox Gifted Academy (2019-2020)

Fifth grade was all abuzz the with designing, engineering, collaborating, and dreaming of possibilities for their golf hole designs for our Science and Engineering night. This year, students could choose between working on teams to create table top golf holes or fun size ones. We can't wait for construction to begin! Golf Hole Designs Photo Album

Payne Junior High (2019-2020)

Student comment: "Ms. (Cynthia) Bartlett plans amazing assignments for the kids, and she shows up everyday ready to teach!"

Tarwater Elementary (2019-2020)

Tarwater Elementary was selected as only one of a few schools in the country to have contact with the International Space Station next August. Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) selected 10 schools from around the country to participate. The primary goal of the ARISS program is to engage young people in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math activities and raise their awareness of space communications, radio communications, space exploration, and related areas of student and career possibilities. Amateur Radio on the International Space Station website

Hartford Sylvia Encinas Elementary (2019-2020)

Humphrey 4th Grade Students did a great job presenting their biography information for a wax museum on February 17.

Auxier Elementary (2019-2020)

Auxier Elementary fifth graders in Lindsay Leischner's class combined a valentine party with a STEM project. Students worked in groups using a rubber band and some ribbon in order to stack cups.

Perry High (2019-2020)

Congratulations to Perry senior Brandon Park who advanced in the Careers through Culinary Arts Program (C-CAP) competition and will be up for a college scholarship ranging from $1,000 to a possible $125,000 full-ride Bachelor's degree. Brandon will compete on Saturday, March 28, 2020 and results will be announced April 21!

Perry High (2019-2020)

Congratulations to Perry High students Julia Allen and Aly Torres. Julia and Aly were 1st place winners at the HOSA (Future Health Professionals, formerly known as Health Occupations Students of America) Regional Competition in February .

Bologna Elementary (2019-2020)

Congratulations to Wyatt who is a leader in showing SPARK. Wyatt was selected as the Principal for a Day in February!

Sanborn Elementary (2019-2020)

Congratulations to Michelle Coffman, this year's Outstanding Volunteer Award winner for Sanborn! Michelle has volunteered in the classroom reading with students, in the workroom making copies and materials, at PTO events, as an Art Masterpiece instructor, and on our Site Council. We appreciate all the time and energy she devotes to our Sanborn students and community!

Santan Junior High (2019-2020)

Seventh grade students at Santan Junior High learned about convection currents, both in the earth and the atmosphere. To illustrate the concept, they built and launched hot air balloons to help students make connections with convection and the lift of the balloons into the sky. It was a fun day for all who participated.

Frye Elementary (2019-2020)

Frye Elementary celebrates their 40th anniversary this year!

Hartford Sylvia Encinas Elementary (2019-2020)

Congratulations to Samantha Oliden who was honored as the AAA Award recipient from Hartford Sylvia Encinas Elementary School!

Payne Junior High (2019-2020)

Daya Wilson and Aidan Doyle, VEX Robotics teammates and students from the House of Payne Robotics Team, traveled to Whiteriver, Arizona to compete in the Last Chance Qualifier Tournament. Team 1096D, the Techno-Panther, won both the tournament championship and the Excellence Award! The Excellence Award is presented to teams at or near the top of all tournament rankings in competition, skills, design and other judged awards. They exhibited a high-quality team interview with the judges, and a student-centered robotics program that demonstrates positive team conduct, sportsmanship, and professionalism. Congratulations, Daya and Aidan!

Sanborn Elementary (2019-2020)

Congratulations to Rowan Scott, Madison Price, Sophia Coria, Brooke Mehlberg, Ilse Lopez, Sofia Iglesias-Cortez, Mia Velasquez, Faith Bishop, Jessabel Fernandez, Abigail Soto, Jada Miller, Andrea Valdez, Marina Rodriguez, Emily Medina, Anaya Cortez, Makyha Bryant and Anahi Hernandez who were selected to attend Hermanas (Sisters): Diseña tu futuro (Design Your Future) . This one-day conference provides a supportive environment in which young women can interact with successful Latinas professionals in STEM careers, explore technological careers, receive encouragement to finish school, attend college, and to pursue their goals. Hermanas has partnered with the Intel Corporation since 2006 to plan and host a day of learning and fun activities to stimulate interest in STEM.

Jacobson Elementary (2019-2020)

Students in sixth grade are colonizing MARS! Students are learning about farms and natural resources. These designers work collaboratively to read articles on how BEST to use natural resources and technology OR supplement when resources are not available. They listened to each other present their ideas and then had time to design their OWN Mars colony plans, and finally build models of their designs. JETS scientists fly with PRIDE!

Chandler High (2019-2020)

Chandler High hosted the 2020 CUSD Leadership Convention for all student councils throughout the district to celebrate leadership, spirit, and fundraising efforts. Thanks to CHS StuCo, Michael Gray, other high school student councils, their sponsors, and CUSD Nutrition for organizing and delivering an amazing day of "Exploring Leadership." As part of the agenda, CUSD schools presented a check for nearly $10,500 to the American Heart Association, and guest speaker Will Adams brought the house down with motivational speaking and dance. Student Council Convention Photo Album

Chandler High (2019-2020)

Twenty-three Chandler High Air Force JROTC cadets visited Luke Air Force Base and had a mission briefing on the F35 Lightning 2 along with some up close and personal time with the aircraft. Cadets also viewed an Explosive Ordinance Disposal and a medical training center.

Hull Elementary (2019-2020)

Student Tylie Johnson and teacher Jennie Carrillo were honored at the Chandler Center for the Arts at the AAA Pride Awards held on February 5.

Ryan Elementary (2019-2020)

Congratulations to our Ryan Student Council, awarded "Most Spirited" at the Student Leadership Conference at Chandler High on February 7!

San Marcos Elementary (2019-2020)

San Marcos Student Council attended the Student Leadership Conference and showcased their leadership skills among peers in the district with their theme "Exploring BIG Ideas." Student council students loved this day of SPIRIT and leadership growth!

Sanborn Elementary (2019-2020)

Congratulations to the Sanborn Student Council, winning the "Best Collage Award" at the CUSD Student Leadership Conference at Chandler High on February 7!

Santan Elementary (2019-2020)

Congratulations to this years' Triple-A Award winners: student Emmie Conti; co-volunteers Bridget Arenson and Bekki Patzer; and teacher Danica Schroeder!

Chandler Unified School District (2019-2020)

Students from ACP Erie, Basha, Chandler and Hamilton high schools provided interactive exhibits at the Chandler Science Spectacular on February 8. Our STEM partners at Si Se Puede were also present. Chandler Science Spectacular Photo Album

Andersen Elementary (2019-2020)

The Andersen Elementary Family Engagement Team put on a 4th Grade Family Math Night in February, bringing families together to teach them how to support their child at home while students did an escape room activity in the library. Family Math Night Photo Album

Arizona College Prep - Erie Campus (2019-2020)

ACP Erie is very excited to announce that junior Hiwot Endeshaw has been selected to participate in the KEYS Research Internship Program at the University of Arizona. This bio-science program will give Hiwot the opportunity to work alongside top faculty in research labs at the University of Arizona. Congratulations!

Auxier Elementary (2019-2020)

Auxier Elementary students "Green Team" action team created a recycling program and school garden. In January, they were honored to have Dave the Garden Guy out to the school to film a segment for the Channel 3 news. He helped the students learn more about gardening and plant a new crop.

Basha Elementary (2019-2020)

The Basha Elementary Student Council attended the district wide Student Council Convention at the Chandler Center for the Arts in February.

Chandler Online Academy (2019-2020)

Devyn Faulkner, a senior at Chandler Online Academy, was chosen to speak to teachers and other school personnel about living with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) at a National Conference being held at the Disneyland Californian Hotel. She reviewed a new guide that was created to help school staff work with students struggling with this debilitating syndrome.

Chandler Traditional Academy - Liberty Campus (2019-2020)

First grade Spanish Dual Language Immersion (DLI) students had a blast creating penguin habitats. They were on display for our school's Celebration of Learning Night, where families came in to see amazing projects at every grade level.

Chandler Unified School District (2019-2020)

CUSD student councils convened on Friday, February 7 to show off their spirit and celebrate the hard work to benefit the American Heart Association. The schools collaborated to raise nearly $10,500. The theme this year was "Exploring Leadership." Shout out to the high school student councils and the advisors (Britni Michaelson - ACP Erie; Jamie Emerson - Basha High; Lynda Frederickson - Casteel High; Michael Gray -Chandler High; Violet Richard- Hamilton High; Lerina Johnson -Perry High; Shawn Mitchell- Chandler Early College) for organizing this event. Student Council Convention Photo Album

Haley Elementary (2019-2020)

The Haley news crew spent time with the CUSD Central Kitchen staff learning about how they operate on a large scale to support the schools as they prepare breakfast and lunches each day. Haley News Crew and Central Kitchen Interview Photo Album

Hartford Sylvia Encinas Elementary (2019-2020)

Hartford Sylvia Encinas Elementary Student Council won the award for Most Spirited at the 2020 CUSD Leadership Convention on February 7.

Hull Elementary (2019-2020)

Hull Elementary second grade students enjoyed a Mexican Fiesta while studying about Mexico.

Riggs Elementary (2019-2020)

Riggs Elementary principal Jan Weyenberg was the "Mystery Reader" for Dawnielle Edward's second grade class and read the book Dex, the Heart of a Hero.

Sanborn Elementary (2019-2020)

Leslie Russell, Community Outreach and Education Coordinator for the Attorney General's Office came to Sanborn Elementary to talk with students about Internet safety and how to best protect their personal information and identity while gaming or using social media. She presented this important information during two separate assemblies in an engaging, age-appropriate, and straightforward manner.

Sanborn Elementary (2019-2020)

Congratulations to Rosa Flores who was honored with an Apple Achievement Award at the Chandler Center for the Arts on February 5.

Sanborn Elementary (2019-2020)

Congratulations to Anahi Hernandez, recipient of the 2020 Chandler Volunteer Youth Recognition Award! Chandler Volunteer Youth Recognition Awards Photo Album

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