June 1, 2007
1,820 Students to Graduate June 6
 Countdown to graduation has already begun for both parents and seniors. On Wednesday, June 6th, 1,820 students will be graduating from Arcadia, Chaparral, Coronado, Desert Mountain and Saguaro high schools and Sierra Vista Academy.
- Arcadia High School’s graduation is at 8 p.m., The Dodge Theater, 400 W. Washington St., Phoenix 85003.
- Chaparral High School’s graduation is at 8 p.m., 6935 E. Gold Dust Ave., Scottsdale.
- Coronado High School’s graduation is at 8 p.m., 2501 N. 74th St., Scottsdale.
- Desert Mountain High School ’s graduation is at 8 p.m., 12575 E. Via Linda, Scottsdale.
- Saguaro High School’s graduation is at 8 p.m., Scottsdale Stadium, 7408 E. Osborn Road, Scottsdale.
- Sierra Vista Academy’s graduation is at 5 p.m., Scottsdale Conference Resort, 7700 E. McCormick Parkway, Scottsdale.
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Three Principals Win Award
 Margaret Serna, principal of Tavan Elementary School; Jeff Quisberg, principal at Anasazi Elementary School; and Anne-Marie Woolsey, principal at Arcadia High School, have been selected for membership in the AZ LEADS3 Circle of Honor. They are being recognized as outstanding instructional leaders based on achievement profiles, superintendent’s recommendation, survey feedback from constituents and a site visit by an AZ LEADS3 team. They are in an exemplary group, representing the top 2 percent of principals in the State of Arizona.
Margaret, Jeff and Anne-Marie's accomplishments will be recognized on Tuesday, June 26, at the Leading Change Institute held at the Hilton El Conquistador Resort in Tucson. State Superintendent Tom Horne will present the awards at a special reception.
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Moroccan VIPs Visit Scottsdale
 Students of American History at Desert Mountain High School learned first hand from the Vice Mayor of Marrakech, Morocco that Morocco was the first country in the world to recognize the independence of the United States from Britain in 1776.
Visiting Scottsdale during the week of May 20-24 were Khalid El Fataoui, vice mayor of Marrakech for international relations and Abderrazak Moummi, president of regional economic development. They were visiting Scottsdale to continue discussions on establishing a Sister City relationship.
On May 24, Dr. Althe Allen, executive director of middle and secondary schools and excelling teaching & learning, greeted the delegation. It was agreed that meaningful affiliations between the two cities will allow citizens of both to better understand one another. As the world becomes stronger, it is important for the citizens of both cities to go beyond the stereotyped images of both countries as portrayed by the media in both countries. Visits by students and teachers, as well as the learning of the language of each country, can help overcome misconceptions that exist.
The delegation visited two class rooms at Desert Mountain High School. In Chris Fredericks' American History class, the Moroccans explained that their country is a strong democracy and that respect for human rights and the freedom of women to dress as they please is a fact of life. They also explained that Morocco should not be lumped in with the images portrayed of other Arab states. Morocco is very tolerant of differences of ethnic groups and is a moderate Islamic country which respects the beliefs of all its citizens.
In Susan Mochir's French class, the delegation spoke in French, and the students asked many questions about the importance of learning more than one language. Marrakech students learn French and Arabic early in life and must study a third language in high school. The most popular third language is English.
The city council of Scottsdale has in the past established a Sister Cities relationship with Alamos, Mexico; Cairns, Australia; Kingston, Ontario, Canada; and Interlaken, Switzerland. The Board of Directors of the Scottsdale Sister Cities organization is exploring a new relationship with Marrakech, Morocco. The visit by the Marrakech city officials is a follow up visit to one by officials of Scottsdale to Marrakech.
The two cities have agreed to explore the establishment of meaningful affiliations between them. Areas being explored include travel, tourism, water treatment, economic development, golf management and education. The objective is to find areas of equal benefit to the citizens of both cities. Thursday’s visits were dedicated to exploring education and youth affiliations.
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 Nutritional Services & Wellness Openings
Are you looking for a part-time job? Take a look at the open Nutritional Services & Wellness positions that Scottsdale Unified School District has available for next school year. If you have a relative, friend, neighbor, or just know someone who is good with food and children, please have them view job openings, at http://www.susd.org/district/employment/hrsclass.cfm .
Desert Canyon Middle School Students’ Missile Defense Day
Honor students at Desert Canyon Middle School had a chance to explore careers in engineering, aerospace and missile defense by building and launching a variety of rockets while applying force and motion concepts learned in math and science this year in a real life application. They also learned about the U.S. Missile Defense Program and its importance to national security, including hearing from guest speakers who are involved in this program.
"We need to encourage young people to consider these types of careers. Not only can they have a fulfilling career, but can make a tremendous impact on the future of our nation and its security for future generations," teacher Tracy Dodrill said.
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Jump Start the START SMART Process!
 Is your child entering kindergarten this August? If so, Community Schools is offering a summer Kindergarten Jump Start program for students entering kindergarten in the Scottsdale Unified School District. This program will be held at the following locations: Hopi, Kiva and Zuni. This unique summer program is designed to give your child a glimpse into what it will be like to be a kindergartner. Activities are designed to foster both social and educational growth in children. Don't miss out on this amazing educational opportunity. Space is limited, so Register Today! For more information, please view the brochure .
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Do You Know a Community Hero?
 A Community Hero is…
- Someone whose volunteer service to others embraces the Scottsdale sense of community
- Someone who has not received prior public recognition for his or her volunteer efforts
Nominations for the 2007 Frances Young Community Heroes are due by 5 p.m., August 10, 2007. Criteria: An individual, age 14 or older, whose volunteer services directly benefit Scottsdale citizens and/or Scottsdale organizations through:
- Providing services that support education, youth or senior programs, environmental issues, animal interests, religious institutions, neighborhoods, arts and culture, or health and human services
- Performing outstanding volunteer work
- Serving as a community role model and mentor
- Demonstrating random acts of kindness
Nominations forms are available in the Scottsdale Tribune, through the City of Scottsdale, or submit online at www.gdc4s.com/communityheroes .
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Planning Your Summer Vacation? Remember to Plan for START SMART Too!  Keep the first day of school – August 13th – in mind when planning your family vacation this summer. It’s important that children are in school because learning begins on the very first day of instruction. Scottsdale Unified teachers come to class each day prepared to teach all students, but learning can only happen when children are in class! Remember to START SMART on August 13th!
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On May 31, Officer Mark Ruffennach with the Scottsdale Police Department gave out 37 R.E.A.C.H. Certificates and T-shirts to Pueblo Elementary School students in grades K-6 who show excellence in and out of the classroom. Officer Ruffennach presented the awards and explained what it means to be a proud student of Pueblo and to always do your personal best. Officer Ruffennach was part of Pueblo’s fourth quarter spirit assembly which celebrates the efforts of all students during the fourth quarter.