The Marana Unified School Districtconsiders the amount constituentscontribute annually through

Combined Property Taxes to be of theupmost importance. Therefore, in keepingwith our commitment to ourcommunity we have been ableto reduce the Secondary TaxRate for the fifth consecutiveyear. However despite ourefforts, the recent change inthe Qualifying Tax Rateestablished by the State ofArizona has forced an increasein the Combined Property TaxRate for 2012.

We want to take thisopportunity to educate ourcommunity on property taxrates and the control, or lack ofcontrol, a school district has onthese two very independentrates. When a resident orbusiness owner analyzes’ theirCombined Property Tax Ratestatement, there are two lineitems which make up this rate:the Secondary Tax Rate and the PrimaryTax Rate.

The Secondary Tax Rate encompasses allvoter approved initiatives, such as generalobligation bonds and overrides. While theSecondary Tax Rate is set by the CountyBoard of Supervisors, a school district doeshave some ability in controlling this tax

rate. As we promised our community, theDistrict has continued to lower this rate forthe past five consecutive years bystructuring debt payments appropriatelyand using debt service dollars. In 2007, the

secondary tax rate was $2.05 per $100,000of assessed valuation. We are pleased toannounce that the rate has been set at$1.65 for 2012 - a 19.5 % reduction for taxpayers.

Unfortunately, a school district has limitedor no control over the Primary Tax Ratewhich pays for approximately 50% of

operational costs within a school district-Maintenance and Operations, Soft Capital,Unrestricted Capital and Adjacent Ways.This rate is solely determined bymultiplying the State of Arizona’s

Qualifying Tax Rate (QTR) bythe primary assessed value ofthe school district. As assessedproperty values decline, thestate is faced with increasingtheir funding to k-12 schooldistricts or increasing the QTR.As you may have noticed, thestate recently increased theQTR by nearly 17 %, from$1.4797 to $1.7682. Inessence, this method ofcomputing the Primary TaxRate results in a shift in schoolfunding from the state to thelocal tax payer.

Despite the overall increase inthe Combined Property TaxRate, most homeowners willexperience a tax savings of $26in 2012 as a result of ourdecrease in the Secondary Tax

Rate, combined with the 10.79% decreasein real and assessed home values, and thehomeowners rebate.

If you seek further clarification on propertytax rates, please contact our Chief FinancialOfficer, Dan Contorno, at 682-4757.Thank you for your continued support ofpublic education in your community.

$7.00

$6.00

$5.00

$4.00

$3.00

$2.00

$1.00

$-

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

$8.00

Secondary Tax Rate

Primary Tax Rate

Fall l 2011

Newsletter for resideNts of MaraNa UNified school district #6

1

MUSD Decreases Secondary Tax Rate for 5th Consecutive Year!

“The education of children is a community investment and we thank you for your continued support of public education.”

Marana Unified School District

682-3243

THE GOVERNING BOARDMaribel Lopez, President

Suzanne Hopkins, Vice President Tom Carlson, Member

John Lewandowski, MemberDan Post, Member

THE ADMINISTRATIONDoug Wilson, Ed.D., Superintendent

Carolyn Dumler, Ed.D., Assistant SuperintendentJan Truitt, Ed.D., Assistant SuperintendentDan Contorno, Chief Financial Officer

Brett Kramer, Ed.D., Executive Director

l Vision lWorld-Class Education For Tomorrow's Leaders

l Mission lThe Marana Unified School District,

in collaboration with parents and community, will challenge all students to achieve academic and

personal excellence in a rigorous, relevant and supportive learning environment.

INSIDE thehorizonPlc iNitiative .................................................... 4override PUblic forUM ....................................... 5awards & recogNitioNs ........................................6Mvhs life saviNg Message.....................................7estes state recogNitioN ........................................8Mhs award ....................................................... 8helP hUNgry childreN ........................................ 9stUdeNt sPotlights ............................................10tax credit .......................................................12

the district Newsletter, the horizon , is produced utilizing

a cost value process secured through a solicitation done

by the Marana Unified school district. the horizon is pub-

lished during the year for the community served by the

Marana Unified school district.

Tamara M. CrawleyDirector of Public Relations, Editor

Comments regarding The Horizon: Call 682-4777

2

A Welcome Message from Superintendent

Greetings to you from the MaranaUnified School District! Theschool year is off to a great start

and I am so proud of our hard workingstudents and dedicated staff. Marana staffmembers possess great pride, enthusiasm,and a strong commitment to provide thehighest quality education so our studentsbecome lifelong learners and responsiblecitizens.

We recognize that parents have a choiceregarding their child’s education and weappreciate that parents choose to entrusttheir child’s educational experience toMUSD. We take our responsibility veryseriously and we recognize that eachstudent has different needs. We also believethat all students can achieve at high levels.

To that end, it is our responsibility toensure that all students learn and that ourinstruction meets the needs of each child.We are very proud of our schools and thehard work they are doing within theirProfessional Learning Communities(PLCs). Please take the opportunity to readour feature article about PLCs on page 4.

I also direct your attention to page 5 whereyou will find information regarding ouroverride reauthorization on theNovember ballot and the Public Forumsscheduled September 27 and 28. Theproposed override is a continuation of theexisting override that was previouslyapproved by voters in November 2007. Byyear five of an existing budget override, aschool district must request voters tocontinue the override in order to keep thefull funding. Therefore, on November 8,MUSD will seek voter reauthorization ofthe override, to maintain the $6,400,000override funding currently in ourMaintenance and Operations budget.

Reauthorization of the current override isnot a request for new funding or programs.The renewal of the override will not createa new tax.

During these ongoing difficult budgettimes, the current override has allowed usto maintain support for our day to daymaintenance and operation expendituresincluding programs and services forstudents, utilities, supplies, and salary andbenefits of employees. I appreciate yourattention to this and hope to see you at oneof our Public Forums. Please visit our website at www.maranausd.org/override tolearn more about this reauthorization.

I believe through continued partnershipsbetween the child, home, school, andcommunity that our school district willcontinue to be of the highest quality.Thank you for your efforts in making theMarana Unified School District atremendous success. We look forward toanother fantastic year.

Pursuing Excellence,

Doug Wilson, Ed.D.Superintendent

Schedule for 2011

Regular Meetings of theMarana Unified School District Governing Board

Second and Fourth Thursdays of theMonth (*except as noted)

7:00 p.m.

Location of MeetingsMarana Municipal Complex11555 W. Civic Center Drive

Marana, AZ 85653(520) 382-1900

SEPTEMBER 22, 2011OCTOBER 6, 2011*OCTOBER 27, 2011NOVEMBER 10, 2011DECEMBER 8, 2011

“We appreciate that

parents choose to entrust

their child’s educational

experience to MUSD. We

take our responsibility

very seriously ...”

3

Education for Arizona’s HomelessChildren and Youth

What is the McKinney-VentoHomeless Education Act?The McKinney-Vento Homeless EducationAct is a federal law aimed at providinghomeless children and youth with an equalopportunity to succeed in school. It wasoriginally authorized in 1987 by theReagan administration, and reauthorizedby the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001.The intent of the law is to break the cycleof poverty and to address the problems thathomeless students face in enrolling,attending, and succeeding in schools. TheMcKinney-Vento law applies to all publicand charter schools. The major provisionsof the McKinney-Vento Act are:

l Each school district must designate a liaison for

homeless students.

l Homeless students can stay at their school of origin

(the school they attended when they were

permanently housed/last enrolled) or their school of

residence the entire time they are homeless and until

the end of any academic year in which they move into

permanent housing.

l Schools must immediately enroll homeless children

and youth regardless of missing documentation.

l Schools must provide homeless students

transportation to and from their school of origin.

l Homeless children and youth are not stigmatized or

segregated on the basis of their status.

What is the definition of homeless children and youth?The McKinney-Vento Act identifieshomeless students as “Children who lack afixed, regular and adequate nighttimeresidence”. This includes children andyouth who are:l Temporarily sharing the housing of other persons

due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or similar

reason

l Living in motels, hotels, or camping grounds due to

lack of adequate accommodations

l Awaiting foster care placement

l Living in emergency or transitional shelters, such as

group homes, runaway shelters and domestic violence

shelters

l Placed in temporary, non-permanent placements by

Child Protective Services

l Living in cars, parks, public places, abandoned

buildings, or similar settings

l Abandoned in hospitals

The other group covered under theMcKinney-Vento Act is unaccompaniedyouth (not in the physical custody of aparent or guardian). Students in homelesssituations must have the opportunity tomeet the same high academic achievementstandards as all students. This is why it is socritical that homeless children and youthreceive all the educational services for whichthey are eligible.

Are homeless students eligible for other services?Besides transportation to their school oforigin, homeless students are alsoautomatically eligible for the National Freeand Reduced Lunch Program. Students inhomeless situations are also eligible, basedon need, for Title I services, ELL services,Special Education services, and HeadStart/Even Start Programs. There are avariety of situations defined as homelessunder the McKinney-Vento HomelessEducation Act. Much is being done tohelp homeless children and youth maintaina stable educational environment and havea successful school experience.

For more information, contact StudentServices at 616-3013.

MUSD is committed toEffective Communicationand continues to pursue

additional opportunities to enhanceour outreach.

We encourage you to visit our newlydesigned Web site atwww.maranausd.org. The site offersvisitors a new design and expandedfunctionality including a new banner,colors, features, and greater viewingcapability. We believe that visitors willfind a highly organized and easy tonavigate Web site.

During your visit, you will find awealth of information about theDistrict, including curriculum, studentprograms, events, and news. Learnabout our strategic initiatives, meet ourGoverning Board and Administration,and learn about our schools. This is

just a sample of the valuableinformation available.

Hearing from the community isessential in helping us know that weare giving you the information youwant and in a format that makes sensefor you. Please feel free to call ouroffice at 682-4777 with questions,concerns, or compliments you mayhave.

MUSD Redesigns

District Web Site

“During your visit,

you will find a wealth

of information

about the District,

including curriculum,

student programs,

events, and news ...”

Last school year we introduced ourProfessional Learning Communities (PLC)model to you. We recognize that today’sstudents are tomorrow’s leaders and ourcore focus is not simply to ensure thatstudents are taught, but to ensure that theylearn. We also recognize that teachers arethe single greatest factor in studentachievement. A key to accomplishingstudent learning and achievement is toinvest in our teachers to assist them in theirsuccess. Therefore, we have continued toorganize our work around the PLC modelon several fronts.

First, our work resulted in the decision byschool administrators last spring to changethe start times for schools. This unanimousdecision provides the opportunity, for thefirst time, for teachers to collaborate acrossthe district utilizing the same early releaseday of Friday. This time also allows forwhat we call vertical integration – that is,integrating our elementary, middle, andhigh schools. For example, multiple Fridayafternoons are reserved for middle and highschool teachers to work collaboratively onspecific issues related to transitioningstudents from middle to high school.

MUSD teachers have also participated intwo “Coaching Academies” in the springand will participate in a third one in the

fall. These academies utilize a “train-the-trainer” model where national experts onthe PLC model worked with schoolgroups individually and collectively tochart a course for re-organizing processesand structures to support the PLCmodel. In particular, training focused onbuilding shared philosophy, trust, andnorms among teams of teachers.Establishing this collaborative cultureallows teams to perform in ways thatmaximize their individual and collectiveteaching efforts.

This fall, we will continue our focus onestablishing a genuine and true culture ofcollaboration through the introduction ofthe Gradual Release of Responsibility

Instructional Model (Fisher and Frey). Thistraining will provide a new common modelfor instruction in which all teachers will betrained and supported. Over the course ofthe next two years, MUSD will train andsupport every teacher on how to use agradual release of responsibility in theirinstruction to support student learning.The model also embraces the identification,in every lesson, of a group goal (howstudents work together), and a languagegoal (to help students verballycommunicate their learning). These lessongoals are essential to developing studentswho have “soft skills” employers mostdemand.

Finally, MUSD has formulated a plan toutilize our PLC initiative to transition tothe Common Core Standards. TheCommon Core Standards are a set ofrigorous and focused standards based onconcepts and skills our students need tomaster to be globally competitive. MUSDwill focus its efforts on the math standardsthis year, with the English Language Artsstandards to follow next year. Working ingrade and content teams, teachers willidentify which standards are the mostessential, judging by their durability (willpersist over time), leveragability (will aid inlearning other standards), and readiness(will prepare students for the next level).Teachers will identify gaps between ourcurrent standards and the new standardsand identify resources to fill those gaps.The outcome from this process will be aguaranteed and viable curriculum, meaningevery student learns it because every teachercan teach it.

“ MUSD will focus its

efforts on the math

standards this year.”

4

professional developmentcollaborative cultureeffective instructionconsistent curriculum

Marana Schools Committed to Student Learning and Achievement

ote

The Governing Board of the District has called

a special budget override election to be held

on November 8, 2011 seeking voter

authorization to continue the current 10%

Maintenance and Operation budget increase

previously approved by voters.

The proposed override is a continuation of the

existing override that was previously approved

by the voters in November 2007, which is

scheduled to phase down by one-third for each

of the next three years.

Continuing the budget override is not a request

for new funding or programs. The budget

override shall be funded from a levy of taxes

on the taxable property within the District and

be in effect for a period of seven years.

The budget override will not create a new tax.

In fact the District has continued to lower

secondary tax rates since 2007. Upon

reauthorization, the estimated associated tax

rate will remain approximately equal to the

existing tax rate.

The severe budget crisis at the state level has

resulted in the State reducing District funding

by $14,000,000 over the past three years. If the

override is not approved by the voters, the

District will experience unavoidable increases

in class size and the elimination or reduction in

the level of classroom and District support

services in multiple areas including but not

limited to the following:

• School aides

• Counseling

• Library

• Athletics

• Physical education

• Fine Arts

• Extra-curricular Activities

• Remedial, Elective Courses, and

Advanced classes.

Maintenance And Operation Budget Override Reauthorization

Public ForumSOn Tuesday, November 8, 2011, an election will be held in the Marana Unified School District.

Registered voters can make their vote count on

Proposition 400: Maintenance & Operation Budget Override, previously authorized in 2007.

Why is there another election to approve thecurrent override?

What is a M&O budget override?

What is a M&O budget override used for?

What is the difference between a Bond electionand a M&O override election?

Will the override cause the tax levy on propertylocated within the District to increase?

What will happen if the M&O overridecontinuation is not approved

by voters in November?

Invitation to the Public:Tuesday, September 27, 2011Mountain View High School3901 W. Linda Vista Auditorium at 7:00 P.M.

Wednesday, September 28 Marana Middle School11285 W. Grier Road AuditoriumAuditorium at 7:00 P.M.

Information presented by: Dr. Doug Wilson – MUSD Superintendent

www.maranausd.org/override l 682-4749

Your

Counts!

5

awards and recogNitioNs:Congratulations Employees of the Year

Congratulations to Christal Hamann, Butterfield Elementary School aide, selected as a Support Staff Employee of theYear. Ms. Hamann has served Butterfield Elementary for four years. As an aide, she tutors reading, math, science, andcreates hands on student activities. Ms. Hamann is described as an “outstanding, self-motivated, and an independentworker.” Ms. Hamann makes beautiful decorations for school events, volunteers for schoolactivities, volunteers in the summer to help get things ready for the upcoming year, andgenerously donated money so that students who could not afford to go on a field trip could havethe opportunity.

Congratulations to Shannon Heidinger-Adragna, Estes Elementary aide, selected as a Support Staff Employee of theYear. Ms. Heidinger-Adragna has served Estes Elementary for three years. As an aide, she tutors students in reading.Shannon is described as “ambitious, committed, and truly dedicated to the needs of students.” She has gone aboveand beyond through her willingness to volunteer countless hours through her fundraising and implementation of theSnak Pak program. On her own time, with the assistance of her family, she fundraised and implemented the program to serve theneediest of students.

Congratulations to Colleen Frederick, Estes Elementary School 4th grade teacher, selected as a Teacher of the Year.Ms. Frederick has served the Estes community for 11 years. She is described as “passionate and inspirational.” “Fromthe moment she opens the door in the morning to greet students, connections are created that further strengthen thetrusting relationships she has with her students.” Ms. Frederick also serves through her involvement in thedevelopment of the strategic plan and her current work on Professional Learning Communities (PLC). Herdedication and commitment to Estes as a whole is also evident by the multiple teams andcommittees she serves on.

Congratulations to Leah Oliver, Mountain View High School Sports Medicine teacher and Athletic Trainer, selected as aTeacher of the Year. Ms. Oliver has served the District for 23 years. She demonstrates the highest level of commitmentand dedication to health and well-being. Her expertise has earned a reputation as a phenomenal teacher who truly caresfor students, staff and parents. Ms. Oliver received the Certified Athletic Trainer Service Award by the Arizona AthleticTrainer’s Association. She serves as the high school representative for the AzAthletic Trainer Association, as well as servingon the Board of Directors for Imago Dei Middle School, a school for underprivileged students.

Congratulations

Congratulations to Dr.Doug Wilson,Superintendent, whowas named the 2011Advocate of the Year byThe Arizona SchoolCounselors Associationfor the outstandingwork he has done

towards enhancing the school counselingprofession and the exceptional service hehas provided by supporting studentachievement and success.

Congratulations to Denise Linsalata,Picture Rocks Intermediate Schoolprincipal, who has been named a 2011Rodel Exemplary Principal. Due to her

outstanding leadership and proven recordof high academic achievement, Ms.Linsalata is recognized as one of Arizona’sbest educational leaders.

Congratulations to Pennie Harcus, QuailRun Elementary School principal, whoreceived the 2011 Phoenician Award forOutstanding Faculty in the College ofEducation.

Congratulations to Kari Sjursen, QuailRun Elementary fifth grade teacher, whowas selected by Mickelson ExxonMobilTeachers Academy, to attend the 2011Mickelson ExxonMobil Teachers Academy.

Congratulations to Rosemarie Prater, Mountain

View High School teacher, who was named oneof nine finalists for the Arizona Department ofIntercollegiate Athletics and the Circle KCorporation “Outstanding High School FacultyAwards Program.”

Congratulations to Dr. MarianneCastellon, Director of Educational Services,selected by The University Council ForEducational Administration to receive TheExcellence in Educational LeadershipAward 2010.

Congratulations to Joni Rubinstein, EstesElementary School teacher, selected as awinner of the 2010 ING Unsung Heroesawards program.

6

Congratulations to Tawnya Caldwell, Desert Winds Elementary School principal, selectedto participate in the Rodel Exemplary Principal Initiative as a Rodel Aspiring Principal.

Congratulations to Sarah Ross, MaranaHigh School teacher, who was named the"Outstanding High School Teacher of theYear" by the Arizona Department ofIntercollegiate Athletics and the Circle KCorporation.

Congratulations to Tricia Johnson,Rattlesnake Ridge Elementary kindergarten teacher, and Jacque Thompson, Twin PeaksElementary 5th grade teacher, who have achieved National Board Certification. National

Board Certification is recognized throughoutthe country as one of the highest honors ateacher can receive.

Congratulations to Jennifer Miller,Thornydale Elementary teacher, who wasrecognized as part of the Office Max “A DayMade Better” national school advocacycampaign celebrating teachers for theirextraordinary efforts in the classroom.

school highlightsAs the prom and graduation seasonapproached, emergency responders along withMountain View High School Health andMedical Sciences Academy students took theopportunity to educate teens on the dangersof poor driving habits and the life-longconsequences forteens, families andthe community whenteens are injured orkilled in suchaccidents.

On Thursday May 5,

Northwest Fire District along with local lawenforcement personnel conducted a mockdemonstration of the perils of impaired ordistracted driving.

Approximately 1800 Mountain View HighSchool studentsgathered in the footballfield bleachers towitness a simulation ofthe tragic events thatunfold during a seriouscar accident involvingteens that may be

impaired or distracted.

“These MVHS students were extremelypassionate about making a difference in theircommunity, ensuring students are aware of thevarious distractions that can exists and theimportance of driving safely at all times,” statedStacey Hackett, MVHS school counselor.

“This demonstration provided us anopportunity to help reduce the number ofaccidents among teenagers, indirectly helpingto save lives,” states Adam Goldberg, NW FireDistrict captain.

Mountain View High School Participates in a Life-Saving Message

7

With 118 schools and nearly 70,000 studentsparticipating to collect pennies to clean, resealand brighten the Arizona State Capitol CopperDome, the grand prize winner of the ArizonaCENTennial Penny Drive was Estes ElementarySchool. Estes collected $1,309.70 pennies- morethan any other school in Arizona!

As a result, Estes Elementary school studentscelebrated their champion statuswith a celebratory school-wide pep assemblyFriday, May 20 with District Superintendent Dr.Doug Wilson, Arizona Superintendent of Public

Instruction John Huppenthal, plusrepresentatives of Arizona Centennial sponsorFreeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold, andpenny drive partner Bashas’ Family of Stores.Bashas’ provided cupcakes for the festivities alongwith coupons for free pizza for all Estes students,along with an appearance by Hickman’s FamilyFarms mascot “Funky Chicken.”

What’s more, the students of EstesElementary were treated to an appearance bythe Arizona Centennial’s official mascot, theCopper Chopper. Freeport-McMoRan also

presented Estes Elementary School studentseach a commemorative copper coin with theArizona flag.

“It was a close race between a few schools,and we were pleased to finally announce thatEstes Elementary School had collected themost pennies. It’s heartwarming to see theenthusiasm of these students, and theirteachers, too, who embraced this once-in-a-lifetime project that is creating a legacy for allArizona students,” said Karen Churchard,director of the Arizona CentennialCommission and 2012 Foundation.

Estes Elementary School Principal NancyPaddock said, “From the beginning, ourteachers and students alike were enthusiasticparticipants in the Arizona CENTennial PennyDrive. We recognized immediately thehistorical significance of this opportunity, andtook it as an opportunity to discover new facetsof Arizona’s history, plus act to collect thepennies. We are just delighted that theenthusiasm carried through to energize ourstudents to gather more pennies than any otherschool in the state. It’s an honor and we areproud to be a part of this legacy.”

school highlights

Marana High SchoolFreshman AcademyReceives State Award

Typical 14 year olds are both excited andterrified at the prospect of beginningtheir freshman year of high school. Theyare overwhelmed by the size of theschool, the interaction with olderstudents and the rigor of the coursework.Marana High School’s successful work intransitioning 8th grade students into asupportive high school environment andengage them academically and socially,resulted in their Freshman Academyprogram receiving a 2010 Golden BellAward by the Arizona School BoardsAssociation.

The Freshman Academy at Marana HighSchool provides freshmen the tools to besuccessful in high school and beyond.Groups of MHS students frequently visit8th grade students developing relationshipand talking about high school activitiesand programsprior to thestart of thefreshman year.Then duringthe summer,The TigerAcademy helpsincomingfreshmen withthe transitionwhere thefocus is on relationship building withteachers and soft skills acquisition such astest taking and time management. Thefirst day of school, freshmen participatein a morning orientation where upperclassman assist students with campustours and conduct activities to welcome

students to high school and make themfeel comfortable. During the course ofthe school year, students are offered avariety of positive experiences to helpthem know themselves and theirenvironment.

Through theFreshman Academy,students have theopportunity toexplore all four ofthe school'sacademies:MedStart Academy;Business & HumanServices Academy;Fine & Performing

Arts Academy; Science & TechnologyAcademy. In addition, students learnother skills such as study skills, learningstyles, communication, and communityservice. Marana High School students areprovided a strong foundation therebyincreasing their chances of success.

Estes Elementary School Wins the ArizonaCENTennial Penny Drive Contest

8

Groups of MHS students

frequently visit 8th grade

students developing

relationship and talking

about high school activities

and programs prior to the

start of the freshman year.

l Destruction of Information l

This is to advise you that the MaranaUnified School District will destroy allspecial education data and information onstudents who have been in specialeducation programs and who were bornduring the year 1989.

However, information contained in theserecords may be needed for other purposes,such as documentation for eligibility for social security benefits.

Before these records are destroyed, parents and/or eligible students havethe right to review the records and obtain copies of any information.Interested parents and/or eligible students should contact:

Marana Unified School DistrictEducational Services DepartmentSecretary of Special Education or

Marianne Castellon, Director of Special Education11279 West Grier Road, Suite 123

Marana, AZ 85653520-682-4782

Note: Destruction of Special Education records will take place onNovember 30, 2011.

Your Contributions Fed 78 ChildrenLast School Year - Thank YOU!

Sponsor a Chronically Hungry Child – Do you realize thatmany children who receive free or reduced meals at school areleft without adequate nutrition and are chronically hungry onthe weekend and during holiday breaks? This is why theMarana Unified School District is working to provideidentified students at selected Title I schools a nutritious, ready-to-eat Power Pack each Friday throughout the schoolyear. Studies have shown that students who have participatedin the Power Pack program are sick less often, have fewerstomach aches, and are more eager and able to learn.

For a contribution of $150.00, one child will receive a weeklyPower Pack the entire school year. Will you please considermaking a contribution? Donations of any amount will make adifference in the life of a child.

Thank you for your contribution.Cash or Check Donations: Payableto Marana Unified School District-Power Pack Program. Mail to:Marana Unified School District,11279 W. Grier Road - Suite 117,Marana, AZ 85653. Foradditional information,contact Student Services at520-616-3013.

Your Child May Be Eligiblefor Free or Reduced Price

School Meals!

Apply Online Todaywww.maranausd.org/food

Secure – Easy – Private – Fast

MUSD is pleased to announce the availability of applying forFree or Reduced Price Meals online! The process is SAFE,SECURE, PRIVATE, and AVAILABLE anytime! Quickprocessing and no more paper applications to complete andreturn. Convenient and good for the environment as well!

Eligibility determined by household size and income criteria.Children from households whose income is at or below thelevels set by the USDA Child Nutrition Program are eligible.Foster children under the legal responsibility of a foster careagency or court are eligible for free meals. All children inhouseholds receiving benefits from SNAP, the FoodDistribution Program on Indian Reservations or TANF, can getfree meals regardless of your income.

For more information and to apply online, visitwww.maranausd.org/food. Applications are also available atyour child’s school office.

Please contact MUSD Food Service Department at 682-4107 with any questions.

9

2011 stUdeNt sPotlights

DeGrazia Elementary Students celebratepatriotism during a school assembly.

Rattlesnake Ridge kindergarten studentsenjoy reading lesson with principal, CindyLewis.

Students enjoy traveling on MUSD’s MagicSchool Bus to the Ostrich Ranch.

Students at Picture Rocks IntermediateSchool learn about various post-high schoolopportunities, the benefits of educationand finding jobs during their annual CareerDay.

Congratulations to Marana High School

student, Cary Kelly, named a Flinn Scholar, a

first for the school. The Flinn Scholarship,

awarded annually to only 20 Arizona high-

school seniors, is one of the most prestigious

merit-based scholarships in the U.S.

Congratulations to Marana High School

student, Kyle Hoeye, who was named Army

Child of the Year. Operation Homefront

honored the winners of the 2011 Military Child

of the Year award at a ceremony in

Washington, D.C. on April 7.

Congratulations to Marana High students, Cary

Kelly and John McKearney who were named

2011 National Merit Scholarship winners.

These students are among 2,900 selected

within the country who will receive college-

sponsored scholarships worth up to $2,000 a

year for four years of undergraduate study.

Congratulations to Mountain View High

School students Christopher Gomez,

Stephanie Guzman, and Aubree Abril, who

have been selected as 2010-2011 National

Hispanic Recognition Program Scholars.

Congratulations to the Marana High School

Dance Team who placed first in the Varsity 5A Hip

Hop and Jazz at the State Competition.

Congratulations to the Tortolita Middle School

Geometry Students who placed first as a team at

the 2011 Central Arizona College Math

Competition. Tortolita Middle School also had

students who placed first, second, and third as

individual teams.

Congratulations to Marana Middle School who

was selected to receive a $647,432 federal grant

to expand and improve their physical education

program for students. MMS is one of 77 recipients

to receive the three-year grant awarded from the

Carol M. White Physical Education Program.

Congratulations to Mountain View High School

Future Business Leaders of America student

organization that placed in multiple categories

during the 2011 Arizona Future Business Leaders

of America (FBLA) State Conference.

Congratulations to Mountain View High School

for being selected as the recipient of the 2010-

2011 Tony Komadina Award for Outstanding

Girls’ Athletic Program in Arizona.

Congratulations to the DeGrazia ChessTeam for their superior performance in theArizona State Chess Championships heldin Pinetop Arizona.

University of Arizona Softball Teammembers visit with Twin Peaks ElementarySchool students about being good rolemodels, resisting peer pressure, makinggood choices and balancing academics andsports.

Congratulations to Diana Bauer,Marana Middle School student, whotook home the first place trophy inMarana Unified School District’sSpelling Bee. Congratulations toJeremy Parry, Coyote Trail Elementary,who placed 2nd; Tyler Rowe, MaranaMiddle School, who placed 3rd; AlisonSandoval Leon, Rattlesnake RidgeElementary, who placed 4th; and AlexisFleming, Tortolita Middle School, whoplaced 5th.

10

Tortolita Middle School student, ZaneFranz, played his drum in the 7 Pipersgroup at the memorial at UMC in January.

Roadrunner Elementary School studentsexperience a magical holiday consisting of aShopping Spree and luncheon sponsoredby the Catalina Mountain Elks Lodge#2815.

Marana High School students performduring a Governing Board meeting.

Sargent Controls & Aerospace, IBM, andThe Hershey Company partner with QuailRun Elementary School for the annualUnited Way Days of Caring event.

Jessica Delf, a contestant on the televisionshow, The Biggest Loser, season 10 speaksto Marana Middle School students abouthealthy choices, nutrition and happylifestyles during a school assembly.

Twin Peaks Elementary School studentsparticipate in a Leaders for the Future 2-day service-learning and student leadershipdevelopment conducted by John JayBonstingl, of Bonstingl LeadershipDevelopment based in Maryland.

Thornydale Elementary students learnabout various careers during Career Day.

Preschool students enjoy a lesson on danceand movement.

Historical figures are brought to life byPicture Rocks Intermediate 5th grade studentsduring their Biography Wax Museum.

Coyote Trail Elementary students createbanners and cards to honor and thankSouthern Arizona first responders as part ofthe Heroes Day event hosted by M&I Bankand the University Medical CenterFoundation.

Students enjoy creative activities duringSummer LEAP.

U.S. Army National Guard Kiowahelicopter lands at Ironwood ElementarySchool. Students enjoyed learning aboutthe helicopter’s mission in combat and inHomeland Security Operations.

11

Marana Unified School District No. 6

11279 W. Grier Road

Marana, AZ 85653

Nonprofit Org

US Postage

PAID

Tucson, AZ

Permit #489

ECR-WSS

poSTal CUSToMER

l Mission lThe Marana Unified School District,

in collaboration with parents and community, will challenge all students to achieve academic and

personal excellence in a rigorous, relevant and supportive learning environment.

#

ARIzONA SCHOOL TAx CREDIT PAYMENT FORMYour donation benefits MUSD students

I would like to donate to a Marana School and receive an Arizona State Tax Credit of up to $200 for a single individual or a

head of household and $400 for a married couple filing a joint return.

Name_______________________________________________________________________________________

Address________________________________________ City_____________ State___________ Zip__________

Phone No.______________________________________

Donation Amount $____________________

Please choose one of the following:

q Please direct my payment to the following school:__________________________________

q Please direct my payment to the schools with the greatest need.

(Optional) I’d like my payment to benefit all children participating in:

q After School Tutoring q Area of Greatest Need q Other: _____________________________

q Field Trips: _________________________________________________________________________

q High/Middle School Athletics - Specific Athletic Fee: :______________________________

Payment Options:

q You may make your donation online at www.maranausd.org or

q You may make your donation in person or mail your check or money order to any district school or

Marana Unified School District, Financial Services, Suite 115A, 11279 W. Grier Road, Marana, AZ 85653

For more information visit www.maranausd.org or call 682-4791. Please check with your tax advisor for answers to specific tax-related questions.

THANK YOU

FOR YOUR

SUPPORT!