ChandlerUnified School District

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Arizona College Prep Middle School (2021-2022)

Congratulations to ACP Middle School spelling bee champion 6th grader Aadi Rao who won runner-up in the district spelling bee, held on January 13 at the Chandler Center for the Arts. Aadi now moves on to compete in the regional spelling bee on February 8 in Queen Creek.

Basha Accelerated Middle School (2021-2022)

Congratulations to Basha AMS school spelling bee champion 8th grader Nethra Chintaboina who won 1st place in the district spelling bee, held on January 13 at the Chandler Center for the Arts. Nethra now moves on to compete in the regional spelling bee on February 8 in Queen Creek.

Basha Accelerated Middle School (2021-2022)

Congratulations to Basha Accelerated Middle School teacher Allison Ekren who earned National Board Certification in December. Achieving National Board Certification is a rigorous process, and 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. National Board for Professional Teaching Standards website: Mission and History

Basha Elementary (2021-2022)

Congratulations to Basha Elementary school spelling bee champion 6th grader Josh Ronsayro who placed in the top eleven at the district spelling bee, held on January 13 at the Chandler Center for the Arts. Josh now moves on to compete in the regional spelling bee on February 8 in Queen Creek.

Basha High (2021-2022)

Congratulations to Basha High teacher Katie Nall who earned National Board Re-Certification in December. Achieving National Board Certification is a rigorous process, and 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. National Board for Professional Teaching Standards website: Mission and History

Bogle Junior High (2021-2022)

Congratulations to Bogle Junior High school spelling bee champion 7th grader Owen Leo who placed in the top eleven at the district spelling bee, held on January 13 at the Chandler Center for the Arts. Owen now moves on to compete in the regional spelling bee on February 8 in Queen Creek.

Carlson Elementary (2021-2022)

Congratulations to Carlson school spelling bee champion 6th grader Maria Parada Ortega who placed in the top eleven at the district spelling bee, held on January 13 at the Chandler Center for the Arts. Maria now moves on to compete in the regional spelling bee on February 8 in Queen Creek.

Chandler Traditional Academy - Independence Campus (2021-2022)

Congratulations to CTA Independence school spelling bee champion 5th grader Shree Thallikar who placed in the top eleven at the district spelling bee, held on January 13 at the Chandler Center for the Arts. Shree now moves on to compete in the regional spelling bee on February 8 in Queen Creek.

Chandler Traditional Academy - Liberty Campus (2021-2022)

Congratulations to CTA Liberty school spelling bee champion 6th grader Raania Khan who placed in the top eleven at the district spelling bee, held on January 13 at the Chandler Center for the Arts. Raania now moves on to compete in the regional spelling bee on February 8 in Queen Creek.

Chandler Unified School District (2021-2022)

Four CUSD teachers earned their National Board Certification in December: Courtney Cook (Rice Elementary), Wendy Dafoe (Riggs Elementary), Allison Ekren (Basha Accelerated Middle School) and Cristy Wellik (Ryan Elementary). This brings the total number of CUSD Nationally Board-Certified teachers and staff to 62. Achieving National Board Certification is a rigorous process, and 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. National Board for Professional Teaching Standards website: Mission and History

Chandler Unified School District (2021-2022)

Four CUSD teachers earned their National Board Re-Certification in December: Jolene Gallup (San Marcos Elementary), Katie Nall (Basha High), Lily Chen (Hamilton High), and Dr. Amy Spilde (Instructional Resource Center). Achieving National Board Certification is a rigorous process, and 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. National Board for Professional Teaching Standards website: Mission and History

Haley Elementary (2021-2022)

Congratulations to Haley school spelling bee champion 5th grader Chloe Passno who placed in the top eleven at the district spelling bee, held on January 13 at the Chandler Center for the Arts. Chloe now moves on to compete in the regional spelling bee on February 8 in Queen Creek.

Hamilton High (2021-2022)

Congratulations to Hamilton High teacher Lily Chen who earned National Board Re-Certification in December. Achieving National Board Certification is a rigorous process, and 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. National Board for Professional Teaching Standards website: Mission and History

Hancock Elementary (2021-2022)

Congratulations to Hancock school spelling bee champion 6th grader Zoya Siddiqui who placed in the top eleven at the district spelling bee, held on January 13 at the Chandler Center for the Arts. Zoya now moves on to compete in the regional spelling bee on February 8 in Queen Creek.

Instructional Resource Center (2021-2022)

Congratulations to Dr. Amy Spilde of the Melinda Romero Instructional Resource Center who earned National Board Re-Certification in December. Achieving National Board Certification is a rigorous process, and 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. National Board for Professional Teaching Standards website: Mission and History

Knox Gifted Academy (2021-2022)

Congratulations to Knox Gifted Academy school spelling bee champion 5th grader Manha Hossain who placed in the top eleven at the district spelling bee, held on January 13 at the Chandler Center for the Arts. Manha now moves on to compete in the regional spelling bee on February 8 in Queen Creek.

Rice Elementary (2021-2022)

Congratulations to Rice Elementary teacher Courtney Cook who earned National Board Certification in December. Achieving National Board Certification is a rigorous process, and 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. National Board for Professional Teaching Standards website: Mission and History

Riggs Elementary (2021-2022)

Congratulations to Riggs Elementary teacher Wendy Dafoe who earned National Board Certification in December. Achieving National Board Certification is a rigorous process, and 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. National Board for Professional Teaching Standards website: Mission and History

Ryan Elementary (2021-2022)

Congratulations to Ryan Elementary teacher Cristy Wellik who earned National Board Certification in December. Achieving National Board Certification is a rigorous process, and 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. National Board for Professional Teaching Standards website: Mission and History

San Marcos Elementary (2021-2022)

Congratulations to San Marcos Elementary teacher Jolene Gallup who earned National Board Re-Certification in December. Achieving National Board Certification is a rigorous process, and 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. National Board for Professional Teaching Standards website: Mission and History

Weinberg Gifted Academy (2021-2022)

Congratulations to Weinberg Gifted Academy school spelling bee champion 6th grader Everett Casper who placed in the top eleven at the district spelling bee, held on January 13 at the Chandler Center for the Arts. Everett now moves on to compete in the regional spelling bee on February 8 in Queen Creek.

Jacobson Elementary (2021-2022)

Jacobson kindergarten students are authors! Students work on shared writing to create a class story before writing their own piece. This week, students are writing about the upcoming 100th day of school!

Basha Elementary (2021-2022)

Our Bobcats are taking over Basha Elementary today! Our new principal and dean are busy conducting observations, announcements, and duty! PHOTO ALBUM: Basha Bobcats Take Over the School

Haley Elementary (2021-2022)

Rep. Jennifer Pawlik visited Rice Elementary and Haley Elementary recently. She shared with students some of her responsibilities in the legislature. We are grateful for her advocacy for students and schools.

Hull Elementary (2021-2022)

Hull Elementary second graders in Heidi Raaf's class read the story, Olive, the Other Reindeer then were challenged with a STEM project. The kids had to create a flying "contraption" with one piece of paper and attach Olive (the dog) to see whose "reindeer" would fly the farthest. They could also use tape, 1 piece of yarn, and one paperclip, if needed.

Knox Gifted Academy (2021-2022)

Maricopa County School Superintendent recently recognized Knox Gifted Academy principal Lynn Weed as a semifinalist for the Maricopa County Exemplary Principal Award. She was selected from more than 1,200 principals in Maricopa County. Congratulations!

Rice Elementary (2021-2022)

Rep. Jennifer Pawlik visited Rice Elementary and Haley Elementary recently. She shared with students some of her responsibilities in the legislature. We are grateful for her advocacy for students and schools.

Bogle Junior High (2021-2022)

Bogle's Project Lead The Way (PLTW) teacher, Michelle Mohrweis, printed 3D braille stampers for the vision department. Early braille readers at Bogle, Sanborn, and Bologna get to practice their braille reading using these stampers in play-doh.

Basha High (2021-2022)

Basha High senior Anokh Ambadipudi was named a Flinn finalist in December, in the running for the prestigious Flinn Scholarship valued at more than $120,000. The scholarship covers tuition, fees, housing and meals at any of Arizona's three public universities plus study abroad. In March, Anokh will interview with a selection committee of statewide leaders, and the Flinn Scholars Class of 2022 will be announced in April. Congratulations, Anohk! Flinn Foundation website: Flinn Finalists one step away from Flinn Scholarship

Chandler High (2021-2022)

Congratulations to Simone King, Chandler High School senior, for receiving a full-ride scholarship to Boston College through the QuestBridge Scholar Program. Simone is one of only 1,674 finalists nationwide to receive a four-year Match Scholarship. Well done, Simone!

Chandler High (2021-2022)

Gabriella Miller, Chandler High School junior, won a national student writing contest, the Local Letters for Global Change contest, sponsored by the Pulitzer Center. Gabby's letter to US Congressman Greg Stanton raising attention to the critical issue of missing and murdered indigenous women and girls was chosen from over 925 entries written by students in the US and internationally! Her letter, photo, and bio will be published on the Pulitzer Center website in January.

Chandler High (2021-2022)

Kayla King, an International Baccalaureate (IB) senior, was officially named a Flinn finalist in December, in the running for the prestigious Flinn Scholarship valued at more than $120,000. The scholarship covers tuition, fees, housing and meals at any of Arizona's three public universities plus study abroad. In March, Kayla will interview with a selection committee of statewide leaders, and the Flinn Scholars Class of 2022 will be announced in April. Congratulations, Kayla! Flinn Foundation website: Flinn Finalists one step away from Flinn Scholarship

Perry High (2021-2022)

Perry High senior Moira MacCatherine was named a Flinn finalist in December, in the running for the prestigious Flinn Scholarship valued at more than $120,000. The scholarship covers tuition, fees, housing and meals at any of Arizona's three public universities plus study abroad. In March, Moira will interview with a selection committee of statewide leaders, and the Flinn Scholars Class of 2022 will be announced in April. Congratulations, Moira! Flinn Foundation website: Flinn Finalists one step away from Flinn Scholarship

Chandler High (2021-2022)

Shannon Moxley's senior English class dives right in on day one of the third quarter. These seniors are reading and using the clues and timeline in order to solve a mystery. Getting these students prepared for Shakespeare has never been so fun!

Hamilton High (2021-2022)

In January, Hamilton High DECA (formerly Distributive Education Clubs of America) was named a DECA Membership Achievement Award winner for 2021-22. This award is given in recognition for building a strong local program focused on serving an exceptional number of members, advisors, alumni, and business partners dedicated to academic and career preparation, community service projects, membership recruitment, school outreach activities and other DECA-related endeavors. Of the 3,000 chapters nationwide, only 775 chapters earned recognition in DECA's membership campaign. Congratulations, Hamilton DECA and chapter advisor Dr. Enid A. Thompson.

Fulton Elementary (2021-2022)

Congratulations to 4th grade teacher Jill Lanning, 6th grade teacher Kirstiana Person, and principal Shannon Hannon! Their grant applications were selected and funded by the Fiesta Bowl Wishes for Teacher Program! That's $2,500 each! Mrs. Hannon's proposal was for a mindfulness room for our students. Mrs. Lanning and Mrs. Person are adding Chromebooks to their classrooms. We are so excited for them and for the students to reap the benefits of these grants. Thank you, Fiesta Bowl Charities!

Chandler Traditional Academy - Goodman Campus (2021-2022)

Tarun Sankar, CTA Goodman 3rd grade student, scored 7 out of 7 winning 1st place in the Best of Phoenix Chess Tournament, K-3 section.

Arizona College Prep Middle School (2021-2022)

City of Chandler Mayor, Kevin Hartke, spoke to the Arizona College Prep Middle School National Junior Honor Society members. He shared inspiration and ideas about leadership. The students learned so much!

Basha Elementary (2021-2022)

It's "Snow Day" in 1st grade! Basha 1st graders are learning about snow and getting a sweet treat! PHOTO ALBUM: Snow Day in 1st Grade!

Chandler High (2021-2022)

Chandler High has TWO Flinn Semifinalist Wolves, Kayla King and Simone King! The Flinn Scholars Program has named 80 of Arizona's highest-achieving high-school seniors as Flinn Scholarship Semifinalists, advancing them in a process toward the state's most prestigious merit-based scholarship. Approximately 40 Flinn Scholarship Finalists will be selected from this group to interview in March with a five-person selection committee, which will choose the 20 students in the Flinn Scholars Class of 2022.The Flinn Scholarship, which includes funding for tuition, housing, meals, and study abroad, is valued at more than $120,000.

Chandler High (2021-2022)

Chandler High Link Crew hosted a Finals Cram Session to help freshmen prepare to take final exams for the first time in high school. Link Leaders made some great connections with students to discuss what to expect on final exam days. Students were also given tips for success for final exam preparation. We had over 100 freshman students attend, and there was some great energy in the cafeteria.

Haley Elementary (2021-2022)

The Sun Lakes Rotary honored Paige Green, special education teacher from Haley Elementary, as teacher of the month for November. Congratulations!

Hull Elementary (2021-2022)

At the Hull Elementary, spelling bee sisters take the top spots. Fifth grader Julianna Changho won the bee, and her sister sixth grader Angelie Changho was the runner-up/alternate.

Jacobson Elementary (2021-2022)

Jacobson Elementary first graders were able to go on their first field trip ever to IMAX Theatre.

Riggs Elementary (2021-2022)

Preschool students at Riggs Elementary had the Arizona Science Center's Early Childhood team out to do a hands-on learning lesson on rockets! All the students learned about different parts of a rocket before having the opportunity to build their own. Once they were finished, they got to test them out by using the stomp rocket launcher.

Sanborn Elementary (2021-2022)

Congratulations to the winners of the Sanborn Elementary spelling bee: sixth grader Marilyn Nguyen for first place and fifth grader Felicity Rios for runner-up.

Shumway Leadership Academy (2021-2022)

Students at Shumway Leadership Academy taught their families how to use their English program at the third annual English Language Development Family Night. They were all smiles as they took over the role of teacher for the night.

Sanborn Elementary (2021-2022)

Sanborn's school spelling bee was held on December 3. Congratulations to Marilyn Nguyen, our 2021-22 School Spelling Bee Champion, and Felicity Rios, the first runner-up.

Sanborn Elementary (2021-2022)

Media Tech, Kathleen Leonard, applied for a Donors Choose grant for our school in November and the project was fully funded by three different companies! Through this grant, Sanborn received 90 mice for our classroom laptops and class book sets as well as crayons for use in the library.

Andersen Elementary (2021-2022)

Christen Morton's PreK class at Andersen Elementary went looking for birds camouflaged in the trees while studying their science unit, "Feathered Friends."

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