The Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) Governing Board will be acting upon the retirement notice from Superintendent John M. Baracy on May 6th. Dr. Baracy will be retiring on Friday, October 3, 2008.

“The Governing Board has been very pleased with Dr. Baracy’s leadership and would like to have him stay. We feel very fortunate to have worked with him for the past four years and are glad to have his expertise as we continue to work through the upcoming facility usage issues. We are confident that the culture of collaboration he helped create will continue and that the leadership team he has assembled will allow us to achieve great things with our next leader,” said Karen Beckvar, SUSD Governing Board President. Read more...

Please read a letter from Dr. Baracy

Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) is going green by implementing numerous “Earth-friendly” programs and increasing awareness among employees.

SUSD has made efforts to “get greener” in lots of areas ranging from energy-efficient appliances to artificial turf to upgraded lighting fixtures and bulbs. “Our efforts don’t end there,” said John Muir, director of Building Services for the District. “We have also switched to green cleaning products and systems that limit electricity and water use. Our efforts are paying off, too. We’ve received hundreds of thousands of dollars in rebates.” In fact, the District has received more than $400,000 in rebates from APS, SRP and GE. Read more...

	Charro George Jackson, scholarship chairman, and Claren Mortenson	Gianna Miller and Charro George Jackson, scholarship chairman

Students and staff of the Scottsdale Unified School District were center stage as the Scottsdale Charros rewarded excellence in education.

The civic group honored 34 teachers, one from each school, and 11 high school students at its annual banquet held last Friday night at the Doubletree Paradise Valley Resort.

The Scottsdale Unified School District would like to extend our sincerest thanks to the Scottsdale Charros for their continued generous support of our teachers and students.

The Charros named Gianna Miller from Desert Mountain High and Claren Mortenson from Chaparral High as recipients of the Future Teacher Scholarship award. Each will receive scholarships valued at $75,000 to pursue degrees in education at any in-state University. Upon completion of their education degree, these scholars were also offered teaching positions in the Scottsdale Unified School District upon graduation from college. The Charros announced that next year they will offer five scholarships and will also award three scholarships to SUSD teachers pursuing their Masters Degree.

Thank you Scottsdale Charros, for all you do for our school district!

Dr. Michael Helminski, principal at Kiva Elementary School, and Jeff Quisberg, principal at Anasazi Elementary School, have been nominated for the National Distinguished Principals (NDP) Program. Read more in the April 25^th issue of Community Connection.

Approximately 300 8th through 12th grade students from Arcadia Neighborhood Learning Center, Ingleside Middle School and Arcadia High School and 75 teachers participated in lead-in activities during DNA Week at Arcadia High School this week. The event was designed to inspire, advance and promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) opportunities for students, teachers and community.

Students and teachers rotated through DNA fingerprinting and extractions labs in an onsite CCS Presentation Mobile equipped with the latest technology. Arcadia High School's Biotechnology and Advanced Placement student leaders and teachers provided direction and support. Read more in the April 25^th issue of Community Connection.

The Scottsdale Unified School District's Governing Board voted to approve the naming of Coronado High School's newest facility — the Roy Coppinger Baseball Complex.

Coppinger was the baseball head coach from 1961 until 1989. During his tenure, Coppinger led the baseball team to 10 state championship games that resulted in four state titles.

Coronado High School's alumni group has to raise $5,000 before it can buy a $17,000 scoreboard that will display Coppinger's name and the years the team played in championship games.

Laguna Elementary School was recently named one of nine finalists for the Intel® Schools of Distinction Awards – Science Excellence category. The annual program honors schools for implementing innovative and replicable math and science programs that produce positive educational results. As a finalist, Laguna received $2,500 grant from the Intel Foundation.

Did you know that April 22^nd is Earth Day? Many of our students are reducing their "carbon footprint" this year by planning activities, proposing possible solutions to problems and environmental issues and planting flowers and trees. Read more in the April 18^th issue of Community Connection.

Aztec Elementary School is hosting an Open House from 6:30-8 p.m. on April 23 to provide parents an opportunity to participate in the Scholastic Book Fair and to view student art work that will be displayed in the hallway around the courtyard. Parents will also have an opportunity to see students perform a portion of the musical "Tom Sawyer" that was presented in March. There will be an informational meeting about the preschool program, kindergarten program and 6th grade program. The Aztec choir, band, and strings will perform in the NW courtyard from 7:15-7:30 PM. Liberty Wildlife and Desert Botanical Gardens are also expected to be at the Open House to provide a couple of "being there" experiences. All classrooms will be open to the public. For more information, please view the flyer.

All of our students are safe. Two schools - Cocopah Middle School and Sequoya Elementary School - have been in precautionary lockdown. Police are in the area investigating a domestic dispute.

We will provide you with additional information as we receive it.

Thank you for your patience during this time.

Anatola He, a senior at Chaparral High School, was awarded the Flinn Scholarship, which provides 20 of Arizona’s highest-achieving students an unparalleled package for undergraduate study. In partnership with Arizona’s three state universities, the program develops enriched educational experiences to expand scholars' life and career options, while creating the challenging educational environment that students experience at the nation’s most selective colleges. The scholarship helps students achieve their most ambitious educational goals by underwriting tuition and living expenses and providing an allowance for international study.

The Flinn Scholarship also provides the full cost of tuition and fees for four years at an Arizona public university; a three-week overseas seminar plus two additional summers or semesters of international study-related travel and professional development; personal mentoring by university faculty and Flinn Foundation professionals; Public policy seminars on timely topics and issues; opportunities to meet leaders in business, government, education and the arts and fellowship in a community of similarly high-achieving students.

Anatola is also the Siemens College Board 2007-2008 Student winner.

John Ingraham, a senior at Saguaro High School, was awarded the Flinn Scholarship, which provides 20 of Arizona’s highest-achieving students an unparalleled package for undergraduate study. In partnership with Arizona’s three state universities, the program develops enriched educational experiences to expand scholars' life and career options, while creating the challenging educational environment that students experience at the nation’s most selective colleges. The scholarship helps students achieve their most ambitious educational goals by underwriting tuition and living expenses and providing an allowance for international study.

The Flinn Scholarship also provides the full cost of tuition and fees for four years at an Arizona public university; a three-week overseas seminar plus two additional summers or semesters of international study-related travel and professional development; personal mentoring by university faculty and Flinn Foundation professionals; Public policy seminars on timely topics and issues; opportunities to meet leaders in business, government, education and the arts and fellowship in a community of similarly high-achieving students.

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) include:
• Autism
• Asperger’s Syndrome
• Pervasive Developmental Disorders/Not Otherwise Specified (PDD/NOS).

Did you know that today 1 in 150 children is diagnosed with an ASD? A new case is diagnosed almost every 20 minutes resulting in 67 children being diagnosed per day. There will be more children diagnosed with an ASD this year than with AIDS, diabetes and cancer combined. It affects over 1.5 million people in America and is the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the U.S. In SUSD 1 out of every 145 students has a diagnosis of ASD. Read More...

Scottsdale Unified School District and other schools across the Valley encourage parents to take their children to the workplace for a learning experience – after school is out for the summer. Districts around the Valley are recommending June 19 as a preferred date for Take Your Child to Work Day.

The national date, April 24, comes at a particularly difficult time for students who are working hard to complete their school work for the year. Taking children to work after the school year ends allows them to learn from their visit to the workplace without missing a single precious day of school.

Julianne Trump, a business and marketing teacher at Desert Mountain High School, was recently named the DECA Advisor of the Year at the Arizona State DECA conference in Tucson.

Ms. Trump has been extremely involved with the DECA leadership both, at Desert Mountain High School and state-wide, for many years. Ms Trump has encouraged students to take on leadership roles in the State DECA program and Desert Mountain Co-President Lindsey Gilman was elected to State Office at the Tucson convention. Student Jennalee Pfeiffer currently serves as a State DECA Officer. This year the DECA-Booster (DMBAA-DECA Booster) program formed a 501 (c) (3) corporation to help provide financial support for the Desert Mountain students.

With tax season upon us, it’s a great time to think about ways you can reduce your 2008 Arizona State Income taxes. Although the deadline has passed for claiming a tax credit on your 2007 State taxes, it’s never too early to make a donation that can be claimed when you file your 2008 State taxes.

Did you know that Arizona law allows taxpayers to receive a tax credit of up to $200 for individual filers and up to $400 for married filers? You can claim the tax credit when filing your 2008 Arizona State Income Tax. The school must receive the funds by December 31, 2008. It’s a win, win situation for you and the school!

To contribute online, please visit: http://payments.susd.org/

If you have additional questions, please contact Scottsdale Unified School District at 480-484-6143, or the Arizona Department of Revenue at: www.azdor.gov/ResearchStats/Schooltaxcredit.htm.

A series of informational meetings for parents on the new English Language Development Models that will be implemented for the 2008-2009 school is being held. For dates, times and locations of the Road Shows, please view the flyer.

Hundreds came to Coronado High School on Wednesday evening to pay tribute to Eugene L. Hanson and Joe Gatti at the school's dedication ceremony for the new Eugene L. Hanson Performing Arts Auditorium and unveiling of the re-constructed Gatti “The Seven Arts” Mosaic. Read more in the March 20^th issue of Community Connection.

Scottsdale All City Athletic Awards Banquet is at 6 p.m. on Monday, March 24 at Chaparral Suites, 5001 N. Scottsdale Road.

This new, tri-annual banquet is a way for Scottsdale citizens and businesses to recognize and honor the accomplishments — both academic and athletic — of athletes within SUSD’s sports programs. More than 48 athletes will be honored and scholarships will be handed out by the Scottsdale Charros and Scottsdale Healthcare. Winter sports will be honored during this banquet. These sports include: basketball, wrestling and soccer.

The next banquet will take place on May 19 for spring sports (track, baseball, softball, tennis).

The Scottsdale Unified School District Foundation (SUSDF) celebrated its first year of grants funding with “Quest for Student Excellence Grants.”

The selection committee met over Spring Break and reviewed all applications. SUSDF was delighted with the initial response received. They reviewed more than 40 grant applications from 18 schools and will be issuing more than $31,000 in 24 grants to 16 schools. The process has heightened the awareness of both the needs and the vast creativity among SUSD teachers and administration and inspired the foundation to continue its efforts to raise more funds for more causes.

The SUSDF will announce a new grants application process in the Fall of 2008.

Coronado staff, students and alumni will dedicate the new Eugene L. Hanson Performing Arts Auditorium and unveil the re-constructed Gatti “The Seven Arts” Mosaic at 6 p.m. on March 19.

Eugene L. Hanson wrote Coronado High School’s fight song and hymn and he helped design the school’s original auditorium. He was Coronado’s first band and orchestra director when the school opened in 1961. Hanson family members will be in
attendance for the dedication. Read more...

Each day our teachers plan new and important lessons to help SUSD students gain mastery of the subject matter in their classes. That is why it so important for children to be in school every day.

Due to the increase in rigor of state standards, it is more important than ever that students are in school so they have ample opportunity to learn. Because new skills build on skills already acquired, students are more successful on tests when they have consistent classroom attendance.

April Testing Dates to Remember:

• AIMS, Dual Purpose Assessment (DPA) and Terranova will be administered April 7-18.

To view testing calendars, please visit: www.susd.org/district/assess/index.cfm.

Daniel Winnick of the Phoenix Coyotes made a special visit and read a book to several primary classes at Anasazi Elementary School.

Scottsdale Unified School District students are honoring a literary legend. Along with The National Education Association, students and teachers are saluting Dr. Seuss as part of Read Across America Week.

In celebration, members of the community visited several classrooms at SUSD schools to read stories to the students. At many elementary schools, students and teachers dressed up as literary characters to get into the spirit. This year marks the 51st anniversary of "The Cat in the Hat."

Would you like to work for Arizona’s Most Excelling School District? If you are about to graduate or are already an experienced teacher, simply stop by Scottsdale Unified School District’s booth at the Great Arizona Teach-In Career Fair for more information about a rewarding career with SUSD.

The Great Arizona Teach-In is from 10 a.m.- 3 p.m., Saturday, March 15th, at the Phoenix Civic Plaza, 111 N. 3rd St., Phoenix 85004. For more information about the Great Arizona Teach-In, please visit: www.teachinaz.com/ecf.html.

What are your children doing on March 21 - District Recess? Kids Club will have camps at Hopi Elementary School and Cheyenne Traditional School on March 21. Camp hours are from 6:30 a.m.-6 p.m. The cost is $40. Children must bring their own lunch, three drinks and two snacks. For more information, please view the flyer.

Spring Break means more time to be physically active and healthy… but it can also mean more time to sit around surfing the Internet, watching TV and playing video games.

Did you know? American children spend about five hours a day in front of various screen media for entertainment, including television, video games, and the Web. This means that over the course of a year they spend more time in front of a screen than in school. Read more...

The Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale has announced the eight finalists for the clubs' 2008 Youth of the Year, including three from Scottsdale high schools.

The finalists were selected based on the club's five core values: home and family, community service, scholastic achievement, moral character and service to the club.

SUSD's finalists for the club's highest honor are Allison Kueffner, Saguaro High School; Katie Loker, Desert Mountain High School; and Caitlin Peil, Coronado High School.

The winner will be announced March 29 at the Celebrate Youth Dinner and Auction at the Scottsdale Resort and Conference Center. The Celebrate Youth Dinner and Auction is sponsored by General Dynamics and Casino Arizona. The Arizona state finalist for Youth of the Year will be announced during the State Youth of the Year Breakfast scheduled for April 22 at the Hyatt Regency Phoenix.

A team of Cocopah Middle School students has designed a city for the future. This week, Daniel Baele, Samuel Brebner and Kyle Koser, along with Gifted Specialist Jan Speisman, went to Washington, D.C. to present their designs at the Future Cities Competition.

The Future Cities Competition is a national team-based education program designed for 7th and 8th grade students. Working in teams of three, the students are required to create a city of the future.

The Cocopah team won the Arizona Future City Competition in January with an entry called Luz de la Vida, a city in northeastern Venezuela that uses bioluminescence principals to generate light.

Students at Mohave Middle School can now get a first hand look at history.

The Scottsdale Exchange Club has donated a "Freedom Shrine" to the school. The Shrine consists of more than 30 high quality reproductions of American Historical documents mounted on fine wood.

The school recently held a dedication ceremony in the cafeteria, where the documents are displayed.

Thanks to everyone who made this wonderful donation possible.

Democrat House Representative David Schapira made a special visit to Hohokam Elementary School today.

Representative Schapira visited Nurse Allie Ernst, RN, BSN to discuss HB2673, and why the bill is a vital step in the success of students in Arizona schools. Representative Schapira is one of the sponsors of the bill. He also visited with Principal Chad Caudle and Dan Craddock, assistant principal, as well as the 5th and 6th grade gifted classes which are learning about legislation.

Starting in the 2009-2010 school year, HB2673 would require the governing board of schools/districts to assign at least one registered nurse (RN) on a full-time basis to each site in the district; require the governing board of schools/districts with fewer than 750 students to assign at least one RN to serve on a rotational basis to the sites in the district; and require that if the governing board decides to opt out of the requirements, they must hold a public meeting no later than November 1 of that school year and specify the reasons for opting out and then transmit a written explanation of the reasons to the Arizona Department of Education who will publish a list of these schools on their Web site. Additionally, Allie has been asked to testify at the reading of the bill On February 27.

Many thanks to members of the Scottsdale Sunrise Rotary Club for their generous donations to Aztec Elementary School.

The Scottsdale Sunrise Rotary donated a vision screening machine for preschool age children. They also donated LEA vision symbols cards to be used for screening preschool and school age students.

Thank you, Sunrise Rotary!

Today, students from across the Scottsdale Unified School District were treated to an afternoon of baseball excitement courtesy of the Scottsdale Charros.

The Charros held their annual baseball luncheon at Scottsdale Stadium.

Under a crystal blue sky, students enjoyed lunch donated by Julio G's and then hit the fields for some baseball skills training.

Former Major League players shared some trade secrets with the youth who represented Scottsdale's elementary, middle and high schools. Players included Ethan Blackaby, Milwaukee Braves; Byron Browne, Philadelphia Phillies; Rod Gaspar, San Diego Padres; Kevin Kobel, New York Mets; Jim McAndrew, New York Mets; Bo McLaughlin, Oakland Athletics; Ken Rudolph, Baltimore Orioles; Al Schmelz, New York Mets and Bart Zeller, St. Louis Cardinals.

Thank you, Charros, for a wonderful afternoon!

Students from Valley public, private and charter schools will compete in the Region II Spelling Bee that will take place at 8 a.m. on February 11^th at the Scottsdale Community College Performing Arts Theater. Seven of those students will proudly represent Scottsdale Unified School District: Cassidee Kido, Cocopah Middle School; Christian Sulit, Hopi Elementary School; Jessica Sola, Supai Middle School; Ellen Sudarshan, Desert Canyon Elementary School; Alex Marinello, Kiva Elementary; Kalli Hopkins, Pueblo Elementary School; Adam Curwin, Cheyenne Elementary School and Karthik Nambiar, Desert Canyon Middle School.

Valley school districts take turns hosting the Regional II Spelling Bee. This year SUSD will host the Bee, and Superintendent Dr. John M. Baracy will present the welcoming remarks.

This year’s outstanding Scottsdale Unified School District educators, volunteers and students have been announced for 2008. This week Principals at each SUSD school presented their winners with an awards letter from the Charros. The winning educators also received a balloon bouquet courtesy of Cactus Flowers. Founded in 1961 as a special activity organization of the Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce, the Scottsdale Charros consists of 40 Active members and more than 150 Life members dedicated to serving the community through the promotion and support of education, youth programs and economic development. For more than 40 years, the Charros have provided their time and financial support to athletic programs, parent teacher organizations and the faculty of each school in the Scottsdale Unified School District. The Charros annually award full scholarships to in-state universities to two Scottsdale high school seniors who are pursuing a degree in education. Read more in the February 1 ^st issue of Community Connection.

The Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) Governing Board recently approved the appointment of Michelle G. Marshall as the new General Counsel of the District's Legal department.

After obtaining her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Arizona, Ms. Marshall graduated from Stanford Law School. She comes to SUSD from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission where she was a trial attorney. Her 12 years of experience also includes work as an associate at Fennemore Craig, P.C., a Phoenix law firm.

Ms. Marshall is a member of the Arizona Women Lawyers Association and the Arizona Black Bar.

If you live within the District/school boundaries and your child will be four years-old by September 1, she/he may qualify for this early learning program.

The Preschool Academy program is offered at Hohokam, Tavan, Tonalea and Yavapai -Title 1 Elementary Schools. For dates and times, please view the flyer.

For the third consecutive year, the City of Scottsdale is being honored for helping young people succeed, and the Scottsdale Unified School District is proud to be part of that recognition.

The City has been named one of the 100 Best Communities for Young People by America’s Promise – The Alliance for Youth. The quality of education in Scottsdale’s schools was cited as a key factor in the ranking. Read more in the January 25^th issue of Community Connection.

Heather Demmons, a teacher at Arcadia High School, has won the Outstanding Teacher of American History award for the state of Arizona. She was nominated by retired Arcadia teacher Paulette Lollar, a member of the local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. The national award winner will be announced in July.

Heather is an outstanding teacher who bristles at the thought that some consider history a boring subject. She brings great enthusiasm into her classroom and uses a variety of strategies to help students develop critical thinking skills which will serve them well the rest of their lives. Heather is also the sponsor of Club STAND (Students Taking Action Now - Darfur). STAND has raised more than $20,000 to provide relief to the displaced victims of the turmoil in Sudan.

Scottsdale All City Athletic Awards Banquet is at 6 p.m. on Monday, January 28 at Chaparral Suites, 5001 N. Scottsdale Road.

This new, tri-annual banquet is a way for Scottsdale citizens and businesses to recognize and honor the accomplishments — both academic and athletic — of athletes within SUSD’s sports programs. More than 40 athletes will be honored and scholarships totaling several thousand dollars will be handed out by the Scottsdale Charros and Scottsdale Healthcare. Fall sports will be honored during this banquet. These sports include: football, swimming and diving, cross-country, badminton, golf and volleyball. Read more in the January 25^th issue of Community Connection.

Sharing Healthy Experiences (s.h.e.) is a program designed to help young teens and parents survive and thrive in today’s environment. The s.h.e. Forum is from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. on March 1st at Ingleside Middle School, 5402 E. Osborn Road, Phoenix. For more information, please view the flyer. If you have any questions, please contact Katey McPherson at 480-484-1114.

The Foreign Language Immersion (FLI) program at Pueblo Elementary School offers parents an opportunity for their child to learn a second language at a time when children learn languages best.

For the 2008-09 school year, the FLI program will be open to incoming students in kindergarten and first grade. English speaking students enrolled in this program, will spend half of the school day learning regular curriculum in Spanish and the other half learning in English. Students are taught the curriculum and will learn to speak, read and write in two languages.

Pueblo is currently accepting open enrollment applications for students who will be entering kindergarten and first grade in 2008-2009 for our Foreign Language Immersion Program. For more information about the Foreign Language Immersion Program, please visit www.susd.org/Pueblo/ or call Pueblo Elementary School at 480-484-3100.

Congratulations to Cassidee Kido, a seventh grade student at Cocopah Middle School, who took home first place in Scottsdale Unified School District’s Spelling Bee.

Twenty-nine elementary and middle school students from across the District competed for the title of District champion. Family members gathered at Arcadia High School to cheer on the students.

Kido and Christian Sulit, a fourth grade student at Hopi Elementary School, were the final two spellers!

Kido was declared the winner after spelling the words derelict and pinnacle.

The top seven competitors from the bee move on to the Regional II Spelling Bee next month hosted by Scottsdale Unified School District. They are: Cassidee Kido, Cocopah Middle School; Christian Sulit, Hopi Elementary School; Jessica Sola, Supai Middle School; Ellen Sudarshan, Desert Canyon Elementary School; Alex Marinello, Kiva Elementary; Kalli Hopkins, Pueblo Elementary School; Adam Curwin, Cheyenne Elementary School; and Karthik Nambiar, Desert Canyon Middle School.

Hopi Elementary School is going green! Everyone at Hopi was encouraged to participate in SRP's 2007 Change a Light program. Families agreed to switch regular incandescent light bulbs for Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs (CFL) and then entered a contest held by SRP. Hopi placed fourth in the challenge and earned $1,000 for the school! Even better than the financial gains that the top four schools earned, is the benefit to our environment. The competition resulted in pledges to change almost 177,000 bulbs to CFLs. This will have the following effect over the life of the bulbs - enough kilowatt hours will be saved to light 28,000 homes for a year, 78 million pounds of greenhouse gas emissions will not be produced and $5 million of energy costs will be saved! Thank you to everyone who participated in this valuable program.

In addition to the Change a Light competition, Hopi PTA has provided recycle containers for paper in every classroom. Hopi Student Council members collect the containers and dump them into the Hopi recycle bin located in the turn around once a month. All of this paper will now be recycled instead of heading to a landfill. Anyone can add their personal paper products to the large recycle bin at any time.

Copper Ridge Math & Science Academy is hosting its 2008-2009 Open House for 9^th, 10^th and 11^th graders from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. on January 26^th at the school, 10101 E. Thompson Peak Parkway, Scottsdale 85255. For more information or to open enroll, please call 480-484-1560.

On Monday, actor and activist Louis Gossett, Jr. addressed youth representing Valley school districts on the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Gossett spoke of responsibility and becoming role models for today's youth.

The school program, called “VOICES,” featured the national award winning Voices of Saguaro choir. Students were also given the opportunity to ask questions of Mr. Gossett during the assembly.

Gossett also founded the Eracism Foundation, which teaches tolerance and cultural awareness to youth to help rid the world of racism.

Special guest speaker Captain Clovis Jones, Jr., current president of the Archer–Ragsdale Arizona Chapter, Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. (TAI), current vice president of the Arizona Chapter of the Vietnam Helicopters Pilots Association, Inc. (VHPA), and a past president of The Organization of Black Airline Pilots, Inc. (OBAP), encouraged students to pursue their dreams with persistence. The dream he had of becoming a pilot at age four had a few detours along the way, but with persistence, he was finally able to make his dream a reality while attending Morehouse College in Atlanta.

SUSD Service Learning students from Arcadia, Chaparral, Coronado, Desert Mountain and Saguaro high schools, along with students from other area high schools including Basha High School in Chandler and Gateway Early College High School in Phoenix, were on hand for the celebration.

The Scottsdale Unified School District’s annual Torneo de Ortografía (Spanish Spelling Bee) is from 5-7 p.m. on January 17 at Mohave Middle School, 5520 N. 86th St., Scottsdale. More than 120 SUSD students who speak, or are learning to speak Spanish will participate in this year’s Torneo de Ortografía. The Translation and Interpretation department would like to say “Muchas Gracias” to Chris Sawyer, principal of Mohave, for hosting the competition. Good Luck and Buena Suerte to all of the participants!

On January 14, Community Celebrating Diversity (CCD), in collaboration with Scottsdale Unified School District, will celebrate its 8th annual “Youth Voices” program in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at 2 p.m. in the Auditorium at Saguaro High School, 6250 N. 82nd St.

This free event will feature Louis Gossett, Jr. who will address the Valley’s youth. As a respected African American actor, Gossett has earned an Emmy for Roots, an Oscar for An Officer and a Gentleman and a Golden Globe for The Josephine Baker Story. As an impassioned activist, Gossett believes in empowering others. Through the “Youth Voices” program, inspirational speakers share their life experiences of hate and prejudice and how they transitioned into a positive vision of acceptance. For event information, please call 480-484-6187. Read more...

Did you know that SUSD has adopted a comprehensive Student Wellness Policy? The purpose of this policy is to provide school environments that promote and protect student's health, well-being, and ability to learn by supporting healthy eating and physical activity.

Areas covered in SUSD's Wellness Policy include:

• Nutrition Guidelines
• Nutrition Education
• Physical Activity
• Parent, Community and Staff Involvement
• Other School-Based Activities
• Evaluation

If you would like more information or have question about SUSD's Student Wellness Policy, please visit www.susd.org/district/wellness or contact Tori Trahan, RN, health services coordinator. Read more...

Schools throughout the District will be hosting tours and open houses in preparation for enrolling children in Kindergarten for the 2008-2009 school year. Come visit us to meet teachers, principals and learn about great features offered by schools in the Scottsdale Unified School District.

For more information, please view the schedule for Kindergarten Round-Up.

At the January 8^th Governing Board meeting, the Board re-elected Karen Beckvar as President and Dr. Eric Meyer as Clerk for 2008.

Phoenix Suns Forward Shawn Marion visited Cheyenne Traditional School on Thursday to speak to the 6th graders. Sonija Chopra, a sixth grader, donated 20 pairs of athletic shoes to a contest/charity sponsored by KTAR Radio. The student who donated the most shoes won a surprise visit from Shawn at his/her school.

Scottsdale Unified schools and district offices will be closed December 24-January 4 for Winter Break. Have a safe and happy holiday!

Saguaro High School won its second consecutive Class 4A Division I football title with a 23-21 victory over Tucson Canyon del Oro Saturday at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale.

Congratulations to the Saguaro Sabercats football team and athletic staff! To view the the complete coverage, please view the Arizona Republic article and the East Valley Tribune article.

Angela Duckworth, a student and swimmer at Desert Mountain High School, was one of two winners from a field of 32,000 nominees to land the 2007 Wendy’s High School Heisman Award on Friday night in New York City.

The award recognizes high school students who have an outstanding record of achievement in academics, athletics and community service. About 32,000 high school seniors applied for the award in a program that is now in its 14th year. Of those, 1,202 were named state finalists. Those were whittled down to 102 state winners, from which 12 finalists were chosen.

Angela won an all-expense-paid trip to New York City from December 7-9, where she received a gold medal presented by two-time Heisman Trophy winner Archie Griffin and a $100 Wendy’s gift card.

NAGT Southwestern Section Chair Kaatje Kraft and Carol Tichio

The National Association of Geoscience Teachers announced that the 2007 Outstanding Earth Science Award for the Southwestern Region of the United States was awarded to Carol Tichio, a science teacher at Arcadia High School.

This award is given for exceptional contributions to the stimulation of interest in the Earth Sciences at the secondary level. Ms. Tichio has brought exciting “hands-on, minds-on” science to her students who are learning not just what Earth science is about, but how science is done.

Winter Break Kids Club Camp will be held from December 26^th-28^th and January 2^nd-4^th at Cheyenne Traditional School, 11130 E. Cholla St. and Hopi Elementary School, 5110 E. Lafayette Blvd. Please remember that the Kids Club camp will be closed on Monday and Tuesday, December 24^th and 25^th and on Monday and Tuesday, December 31^st and January 1^st. The cost for the camp is $40 a day. Please pack a lunch, two snacks and three drinks each day for your child. For more information about the Winter Camp, please view the flyer or contact the Community Schools department at 480-484-8614 or 480-484-8616.

The Scottsdale Unified School District has teamed up with the National Football League to make a difference in the lives of children this Super Bowl season. The NFL is joining with the Arizona Cardinals, Super Bowl XLII Host Committee, the NFL Youth Education Town and local schools for a sports equipment and book donation project called Super Kids-Super Sharing.

Students bring their lightly used books and sports equipment to school and place those items in collection boxes.  Those donations are then made available to children in need through the NFL Youth Education Town.  Five SUSD schools will be among the recipient schools. View poster

Service Learning students across the Scottsdale Unified School District spent this Thanksgiving week giving back to their community. Service Learning students delivered turkeys and all the trimmings to less fortunate families throughout the area. The holiday boxes are a result of weeks of food drives and fundraisers. In all, about 310 turkeys made their way into Phoenix and Scottsdale homes this year!

Did you know that parents outside of the SUSD boundaries may enroll their child in a Scottsdale Unified School District school? SUSD will begin to accept Open Enrollment applications for 2008-2009 school year during the initial enrollment period of December 3, 2007- January 14, 2008.

Open Enrollment packets are available at all of our 33 schools and on our Web site at www.susd.org/district/administrativeservices/openenroll.cfm.

Here are just a few reasons why you should consider open enrollment for your children in one of Arizona’s Most Excelling School Districts:

Once accepted to an SUSD school through the Open Enrollment process, parents will not need to fill out another application for the remainder of their child’s public school career. Parents will need to provide their child's transportation to and from school. There are a limited number of our schools that are not accepting students through the Open Enrollment process because those schools are at full capacity. Please call the school in which you are interested to check Open Enrollment availability.

Your child’s special place to Excel is waiting in the Scottsdale Unified School District!

'Twas the night before the New Year,
And all through the house,
Not a creature was stirring,
Not even the computer mouse.

Preparations are made to bring in the New Year,
When suddenly you remember
Tax credit time is here!

You run to your computer,
With a mad dash,
To make your tax credit contribution,
To SUSD with a flash.

Dollar for dollar, tax credit is applied each year,
Your donation costs you nothing but
Will bring our students, athletes and other programs great cheer.

So as the end of the year draws out of sight,
Remember, donate tax credit,
To help SUSD's future stay bright!

A win, win situation! Arizona law allows taxpayers to receive a tax credit of up to $200 for individual filers and up to $400 for married filers. You can claim the tax credit when filing your 2007 Arizona State Income Tax. The school must receive the funds by December 31, 2007.

To contribute online, please go to: http://payments.susd.org

Your tax credit donation can be used for:

• Tutoring
• Field trips
• Overnight trips
• Athletic programs

If you have additional questions, please contact the Scottsdale Unified School District at 480-484-6100, or the Arizona Department of Revenue at: www.azdor.gov/ResearchStats/Schooltaxcredit.htm

DON’T FORGET! Your Tax Credit Donations are due by December 31st!

• Deliver to your school or the Education Center up until Friday, December 21st
• Or mail and have Postmarked by December 31st
• Or for your convenience, Contribute Online by midnight, December 31st

Thank you in advance for your support of our schools!

Editors Note: All schools and the Ed Center will be closed for Winter Break from December 22nd through January 6th. Happy Holidays!

Scottsdale Unified School District hosted its first-ever Steroid Awareness Day Presentation this week at the Phoenician Resort. Special guests at the evening event included Don Hooton, president of the Taylor Hooton Foundation; Denise Garibaldi, Taylor Hooton Board of Advisors; and Ross Shimabuku, sports anchor at Channel 3, who emceed the event.

The Taylor Hooton Foundation is a non-profit organization founded in 2004 to raise awareness about the dangers of Performance Enhancing Drug (PED) use among the nation’s high schools. Read more in the November 16^th issue of Community Connection.

Scottsdale Leadership, Inc., a nonprofit leadership program serving Scottsdale and the surrounding community for more than 20 years, has announced the 2007 Spirit of Community Leadership Award winners and three finalists for the Youth Leadership Award. Two of the finalist are Scottsdale Unified School District students. Read more in the November 16^th issue of Community Connection.

On November 10^th at Perry High School, Chaparral High School won its third volleyball championship in the past four years by defeating Cactus Shadows in the 4A 1 State Championship game. Congratulations to Coach Crowley and varsity team members: Chelsea Sasso, Meghan Nehf, Cat Highmark, Cara Sherlock, Megan Abraham, Sarah Kuperman, Skyler Butcher, Katie Budolfson, Abbey Withey, Meredith Ellinger, CeCe Twitty and Jane Steffens.

Chaparral's Badminton and Boy’s Golf teams also recently won state championships.

Angela Duckworth, a student at Desert Mountain High School, has been selected as one of 12 national finalists for the 2007 Wendy’s High School Heisman Award.

The award recognizes high school students who have an outstanding record of achievement in academics, athletics and community service. About 32,000 high school seniors applied for the award in a program that is now in its 14th year. Of those, 1,202 were named state finalists. Those were whittled down to 102 state winners, from which 12 finalists were chosen.

Angela won an all-expense-paid trip to New York City from December 7-9 , where she will receive a gold medal presented by two-time Heisman Trophy winner Archie Griffin and a $100 Wendy’s gift card.

Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) is hosting the first-ever Steroid Awareness Day Workshop on Wednesday, November 14 at 7 p.m. at The Phoenician, 6000 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale. Highlights include special guest speaker Don Hooton. This event is open to the public at no cost and no RSVP is required. Read more...

Brigadier General Thomas Browning (Retired, United States Air Force) will be the keynote speaker at this year’s Veteran's Day event on Friday, November 9th. The program is being commemorated two days before the official Veterans Day, November 11th, because the park where the event is being held cannot accommodate weekend crowds along with the significant number of people who attend this event.

The program will be at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, southeast corner of Indian Bend and Scottsdale roads. At 3 p.m., General Dynamics will provide refreshments, and the 108th Army National Guard Band will play patriotic music. The official part of the program begins at 3:30 p.m. with the presentation of colors and the playing of the National Anthem.

Service Learning student Alexa Vogtritter, a junior at Chaparral High School, is a guest speaker at this year's Scottsdale Veterans Day program. Alexa will be speaking about service and support for our Veterans. Read more...

Thank you, Scottsdale Unified School District community, for approving both the Maintenance and Operations (M&O) Override and Capital Override! Your support allows Scottsdale Unified School District to continue providing the best possible education for our students.

"We want to thank our community members for their support of both overrides on Tuesday. Our children are the beneficiaries of our community's support. We pledge to continue to work diligently to earn the trust of our community and develop quality programs for our children to reach our goal of 33 excelling schools," said Superintendent Dr. John M. Baracy.

The M&O Renewal Override:

• In existence since 1989
• Funds 179 teaching positions
• Reduces class sizes
• Funds specialized programs including music and fine arts

The Capital Override is 100 percent EXCELLING SCHOOL focused:

• 87.2% of the funds will be used for classroom related items including school furniture and equipment, library materials, classroom instruction materials, fine arts equipment, playground improvements and athletic equipment.
• 12.8% of the funds will be spent on technology for network support.

Copper Ridge Math & Science Academy is hosting its 2008-2009 Open House for 9^th, 10^th and 11^th graders from 9-11 a.m. on November 17^th at the school, 10101 E. Thompson Peak Parkway, Scottsdale 85255. For more information or to open enroll, please call 480-484-1560.

Service Learning students from Saguaro High School are working on a project to make blankets for those affected by the recent California wildfires. Through the help of the Salvation Army, these blankets will be distributed to families who have lost their homes and personal belongings. The goal is to give a sense of hope to the victims and to let them know that people are concerned about this devastating tragedy in California. A blanket represents a sense of comfort and security these displaced families truly need at this time.

Service Learning students at Arcadia High School are collecting fire ribbon donations. The money will be used to buy grocery store gift cards. Students also are collecting clothing. On November 5th they will partner with a local quilt shop to make pillowcases, pillows and simple blankets.

Cochise Elementary School is conducting a collection drive to help victims of the San Diego Fires. They will collect diapers, baby food, gently used clothing, new socks/undergarments, pet food, water bottles, non-perishable foods (except canned goods), batteries, children’s games, toys, art supplies, books, toiletries, electronic gadgets and headphones.

Eleven Coronado High School Jobs for Arizona Graduates (JAG) students applied to the state for a free trip to the JAG National Student Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C. in December. Of those 11, three students went through an extensive application and interview procedure with the board members of state JAG and all three were chosen.

The students, Melina Guerrero, Lizzeth Alvarez, and Scott Breckenridge, will accompany Tina Mortenson, JAG teacher, on the trip. They will have a chance to tour national monuments and the Smithsonian museum, meet top political and business leaders and participate in workshops with JAG students from around the country. Only 12 Arizona students were chosen for this honor.

Chaparral High School's Badminton team won the 4A State Championship last week. The Firebirds swept top-seeded and defending state champion Sunnyslope High School 5-0 in the championships. The team is coached by Carrie Davis.

Also, the Boy’s Golf team won the 4A Region Championship. The team is coached by Richard Peterson.

Arcadia High School's Girls' Swimming and Diving team earned its second consecutive 1^st place title at the 4AII State swim championships on October 20^th and 21^st at ASU. Lindsey Stevens was named 4AII girl outstanding swimmer of the meet.

The Boys Swim team had outstanding performances and earned 2^nd place, only 67 points behind Flagstaff. Michael Zoldos was named 4AII outstanding boy swimmer of the meet.

Arcadia dominated overall in the number of state champions in many individual events as well as in relays.

Twenty-five Scottsdale Unified School District Service Learning students will spend this weekend helping the members of their community in various service activities for “Make A Difference Day.”

Saturday, October 27 is “Make A Difference Day,” a national day of helping others created by USA WEEKEND Magazine. This annual event takes place on the fourth Saturday of every October.

For Make a Difference Day, senior citizens at the The City of Scottsdale Granite Reef Senior Center signed up to have a teen volunteer visit them for the afternoon. Volunteers will spend time with them and help do things around their apartments. Some seniors have teen volunteers vacuum, dust, talk, read and write letters.

More information about the Service Learning Program is available on the SUSD Web site at: www.susd.org/district/servicelearning/.

MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) has been around for many years, but has recently received considerable attention in the media. Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) wants parents and the community to be informed about the facts surrounding this health concern.

Our schools practice sanitary procedures that ensure a safe environment for all of our students. Should you have any questions, please contact your school nurse or see the resources below.

Additional information about MRSA can be found at:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Questions and Answers about Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in Schools
• Arizona Department of Health Services: Information on MRSA
• Arizona Department of Health Services Letter
• Newsday article: No Need to Run Scared; Staph is an Old Bug

The following District letter went home with all students today.

"Come See our Progress" from 4-6 p.m. on Thursday, October 25th. The continuous student-led tours will start in the Arcadia High School office, 4703 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix. You are invited to come and tour the beautiful new buildings at Arcadia High School. Come view the plans for the new gym and circle conference room, which should be completed by August 2008. If you have any questions, please call Arcadia's office 480-484-6300.

Scottsdale Unified School District is leading the way in Arizona education as 22 of its 33 schools received the state’s highest ranking.

Twenty-two schools received the Excelling label, five are ranked Highly Performing, three are Performing Plus and three are Performing.

The Department of Education ranks schools as Excelling, Highly Performing, Performing Plus, Performing, Under Performing and Failing. Ratings are based on student performance on state tests and graduation and dropout rates. Just last month it was announced that 32 of Scottsdale’s 33 schools also made academic “Adequate Yearly Progress” under the No Child Left Behind Act.

Excelling Schools: Anasazi, Aztec, Cherokee, Cheyenne Traditional, Cochise, Copper Ridge, Desert Canyon, Hopi, Kiva, Laguna, Pima, Sequoya and Zuni Elementary Schools; Cocopah, Copper Ridge, Desert Canyon, Mohave and Mountainside Middle Schools; Arcadia, Chaparral, Desert Mountain and Saguaro High Schools.

Highly Performing Schools: Pueblo, Tavan and Tonalea Elementary Schools, Arcadia Neighborhood Learning Center and Ingleside Middle School.

Performing Plus Schools: Hohokam and Navajo Elementary Schools and Coronado High School.

Performing Schools: Yavapai Elementary School, Supai Middle School, Sierra Vista Academy* (6-8) and Sierra Vista Academy* (High School).

*Sierra Vista Academy has earned the highest Education label possible for alternative schools which is "Performing".

There will be some significant changes to the Arizona's Instrument to Measure Standards (AIMS) Tuition Waiver that the State of Arizona grants students who exceed the standard on AIMS.

Beginning with students graduating in 2009, only AIMS results from the sophomore or junior year will be used to determine eligibility for the AIMS Honors Tuition Waiver. That means that students must exceed the standard during their sophomore or junior year; students will no longer be allowed to use the AIMS test results from their senior year to become eligible for the AIMS waiver.

AIMS Augmentation will no longer be available for students graduating after December 31, 2007. Students graduating January 1, 2008 and beyond will be required to pass the AIMS test without the use of AIMS Augmentation. Special education and 504 students are still eligible for waivers of the graduation requirement according to State statute.

Scottsdale Unified School District is now offering evening courses through Pinnacle Online Education and Community Schools. Pinnacle Online Education is a pilot program this year. It is specifically for students in need of course credit recovery, not those seeking enrichment opportunities. These classes will begin on October 22nd.

Only Guidance Counselors can register a student for online courses and must sign the registration form. A copy of the student’s current transcript must be attached to the registration when it is returned to the Community Schools department. The fee is $250 per class per session.

• Students must attend the first day of class in order to register properly and get access information.
• Students must take Midterms and Finals in the computer labs during open hours. No exceptions.
• Classes are based on a six-week schedule, but extensions are available.
• Student Code of Conduct and Technology Usage agreements are in effect anytime a student is on campus, including in computer labs after school.
• Students can take a maximum of four credits of SUSD online classes (.5 credit each) in this program.

For more information, please view the Community Schools Web page at: www.susd.org/district/communityschools/index.cfm#evening.

Mohave Middle School was selected as a "NASA Signature in Space School." They were given a banner designed by Lockheed Martin for students to sign. This was part of a week-long program that included guest speakers from the aerospace industry and a "Rocket Day" sponsored by Honeywell. For Rocket Day, students from Mohave's Comprehensive Gifted Program, along with students enrolled in Mohave's Astronomy Exploratory Club, signed the banner.

After it was signed, this banner was returned to NASA. It will be flown aboard the upcoming STS 120 Discovery Shuttle mission. After the mission, the banner will be returned to Mohave with an official seal showing that it has flown in space. It will also bear the autographs of the Discovery shuttle crew. The launch is scheduled for October 23, 2007.

Scottsdale Area Association of REALTORS® held its annual Education Day with Scottsdale Unified School District on October 4th. During the event, 20 REALTORS toured the new Coronado High School, Sierra Vista Academy and Hopi Elementary School. While at Hopi, the REALTORS® viewed a Smart Board demonstration and played Are You Smarter than a 5^th Grader with the school's student government 5^th grade students. The 5^th graders won by one point. The REALTORS® are looking forward to a rematch next year.

Each year the Scottsdale Charros award four-year scholarships to an in-state university to two SUSD high school seniors who want to pursue a career in education. This prestigious Future Teacher Scholarship includes full tuition and fees, housing, food, books, a stipend for living expenses and a one-time computer purchase.

The Charros have been awarding these scholarships annually since 1999, and there are currently nine students attending university on this scholarship. To learn more about the program, please visit the Scottsdale Charros Web site. Every year, the Charros provide applications, posters and other promotional materials to the SUSD high schools for distribution by the Guidance Counselors. However, some seniors are still unaware of this exceptional opportunity.

Applications for the Charros' Future Teacher Scholarship are due by October 31. For more information, please view the scholarship application.

The National Independent Flag Dealers Association held its annual convention in Scottsdale this week. They donated seven U.S. flags to Scottsdale Unified School District's Title I schools to help educate children and the state about the Made in the USA campaign for U.S. made flags. A special thank you goes to the National Independent Flag Dealers Association for its generous donation!