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TOLLESON TIDBITS District News – First Semester
2013‐2014 School Year
SCHOOL DISTRICT RECEIVES CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENCE AWARD Tolleson Union High School District No. 214 received the Government Finance Officers Association’s Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the comprehensive annual financial report for the fiscal year that ended June 30 2012. EMPLOYEES OF THE MONTH PROGRAM Employee of the Month recognition is bestowed upon employees who have exemplified the mission, vision, and purpose of the Tolleson Union High School District. These employees serve as an inspiration to others by showing a commitment to providing excellent customer service and who have made a positive impact on student achievement. Honorees are presented with a commemorative gift during a Governing Board meeting and enjoy breakfast with the District leadership team. SEPTEMBER 2013 Diana Andrus, Library Clerk, Sierra Linda High School Lissa Fresquez, Media Specialist, Sierra Linda High School Stephanie Finch, Guidance Advisor/Department Chair, Tolleson Union High School Roy Macias, Lead Security Guard, Tolleson Union High School Tony Aguirre, Network and Project Manager, IT Department, District Office Justin Herrera, Technician III, IT Department, District Office Jesse Sanchez, Network Administrator, IT Department, District Office OCTOBER 2013 Holly Weiner, World History Teacher, Copper Canyon High School Aaron Dille, English Teacher, La Joya Community High School Patty Munoz, Administrative Assistant to the Principal, La Joya High School Mark Rincon, Security Guard, Sierra Linda High School Soncierria (Soni) Louis, English Teacher, Tolleson Union High School Ben Clark, Anatomy and Physiology Teacher, Westview High School Ann Hojnacki, Instructional Aide, Title I Reading, Westview High School MSgt. Peter Washington, MCJROTC Instructor, Westview High School NOVEMBER 2013 Fernando Hurtado, ELL Teacher/Department Chair, La Joya Community High School Kevin Alaniz, Life Skills Teacher, La Joya Community High School Brandon Snyder, Math Teacher, La Joya Community High School Grace Wallace, Science Teacher, La Joya Community High School Christina Arviso, Math Teacher/Department Chair, Sierra Linda High School Sara Meana, Math Teacher, Tolleson Union High School Daniel Goman, AP World History/AP US History, Teacher, University High School Melissa Chancey, Benefits Coordinator/Budget Analyst, Human Relations/Financial Services Department, District Office Carolyn Jelinek, Accounting Technician, Grants and Federal Programs Department, District Office
STUDENT ATHLETES OF THE MONTH PROGRAM The Athlete of the Month Program recognizes student athletes who exhibit exemplary sportsmanship, performance, leadership, and work ethic, both in the classroom and in a competitive environment. SEPTEMBER 2013 Kayla Adams (Volleyball) and Hunter Clem (Cross Country) – Copper Canyon High School Khadijah Peterson (Golf) and Marc Laborin (Football) – La Joya Community High School Zyanne Baxter (Cross Country) and Samuel Perez (Football) – Sierra Linda High School Billy Wilson (Football) and Rachel Newcomb (Swimming) – Tolleson Union High School Alysha Danache (Golf) and Cody Carrel (Football) – Westview High School OCTOBER 2013 Jazmine Richardson (Volleyball) and Michael Hatcher (Football) – Copper Canyon High School Stephanie Vasquez (Volleyball) and Hector Rodriguez (Football) – La Joya Community High School Roan Pilar (Volleyball) and Nathan Ontiveros (Football) – Sierra Linda High School Nicole Robinson (Volleyball) and Tramari Ealey (Football) – Tolleson Union High School Madison Peters (Volleyball) and Jalen Johnson (Football) – Westview High School NOVEMBER 2013 Jesse Reyes (Golf) and Walter Womack‐Odell (Football) – Copper Canyon High School Andrea Villalobos (Soccer) and Arturo Ramirez (Basketball) – La Joya Community High School Lizeth Valdovinos (Soccer) and Guillermo Guereca (Wrestling) – Sierra Linda High School Laura Sitton (Basketball) and Jesus Oropeza (Soccer) – Tolleson Union High School Renee Contreras (Cross Country) and Desmond Washington (Football) – Westview High School COLLEGE AND CAREER FAIR 2013 The Career and Technical Education Department hosted a College and Career Fair on November 13. Representatives from the following schools/businesses were present to provide information to students as they think about their future aspirations: United States Navy University of Arizona Triple A DeVry University United States Army Arizona State University Maricopa Skill Center The Art Institute of Phoenix Le Cordon Bleu Estrella Mountain Community College Macy’s Glendale Community College Universal Technical Institute Avalon School of Cosmetology Phoenix College Empire Beauty Schools Costco
Northern Arizona University United States Marine Corps South Mountain Community College
Copper Canyon High School – Alan Potts, Principal
Involvement in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Club, under the leadership of students Jesse Reyes and Megan Werner, is averaging 40 to 50 students per meeting. Freshman Jacob Rivas leads the music and the Club features speakers at each meeting. The FCA Club is sponsored by teachers Lynn Trembly and Jason Mitchell.
Congratulations to the All‐Girl Varsity Stunt Team for placing 1st and the Co‐Ed Varsity Stunt Team for placing 2nd at the USA National Qualifier on November 2 at the USA National Qualifier. Both teams not only performed very well for their first competition, both teams qualified for USA Nationals, the largest high school national competition in the country. The teams had to score a 75 or higher; the All‐Girl Team scored an average of 76.67 and the Coed Stunt Team scored an average of 84. We are not only pleased with the team’s strong finishes, but also their positive representation of Copper Canyon High School and the Tolleson Union High School District.
The Family, Career, and Community Leaders Club volunteered at the Dun of Dye event held on October 26. The 5K run is organized by Run or Dye, a for‐profit company whose core values are service leadership and giving back to the community. They work closely with local charities in each city where they hold events such as this and provide their non‐profit partners with financial donations. The focus of this run was breast cancer awareness. FCCLA also participated in the annual Dig
Pink in support of this same cause. Lastly, they participated in the 2013 FCCLA Fall Leadership Conference on October 30, held at the Phoenix Convention Center where over 1,300 students and advisors participated in the annual event of leadership excellence.
In September, the Table Top Stimulations Club, under the direction of Matthew Unsworth, refought the Battle of Bunker Hill. The British did take the Hill, but paid a heavy price, as they did historically.
The class of 2015 hosted an Eating History event where students researched, prepared, bought, and ate recipes from Colonial America. Dishes included baked and fried chicken, mince meat pies, lemon drop cakes
(a.k.a. lemon cookies), sweet potato pies, fudge, and apple pie.
Copper Canyon High School has been named the 2013 recipient of the Matt O. Hanhila Sportsmanship award. This prestigious award is earned by varsity football team coaches and players as a result of their conduct on the field of play and the sportsmanship they display. Given by the AIA/AzFOA, officials who work a Friday night varsity game are asked to use a variety of criteria to evaluate each team they see.
Counseling Corner was created as a way for guidance advisors to be visible on campus while serving
students with quick questions they might have related to their academic or future career pathway. Each day at lunch, an advisor is available in the cafeteria for students. On average, advisors see 50 students a week via Counseling Corner. In addition, Guidance has teamed up with ASU to introduce Speed Counseling. Twice a month, an ASU representative meets with sophomores to educate them on the ins and outs of what it takes to go to a university and how they can pay for it.
La Joya Community High School – Brandi Haskins, Principal The DECA Club had their most successful blood drive in La Joya’s history. Students and staff donated
73 pints of blood which will positively impact the lives of 249 patients. DECA is sponsored by Mr. Mike Vialpando who also teaches Marketing.
Volleyball hosted the Annual Dig Pink Game on October 17. The game included a DJ and fundraising for breast cancer charities.
Girls’ golf received 1st place at the last regular meet of the season. Many players had their lowest scoring rounds and have shown great improvement since the beginning of the season. Congratulations to Coach Kovach, LJCHS Physics and Science teacher, for a successful end of the season.
Sophomore and junior students participated in PSAT testing on October 16. Students had excellent attendance and the sophomore students reported that they felt that the test was not as difficult as
they had expected, but that working on a timed test format was challenging. The Guidance staff and many teachers were excellent motivators during the process, emphasizing the importance to students.
Seniors visited Grand Canyon University to learn about life in college, requirements, and available support.
Golfers Alex Alvarez, Erika Diaz, Meranly Juarez, and their coaches Zac Kovach and Erik Rodgers participated in the Avondale Mayor’s Golf Challenge Fundraiser on November 1. The LJCHS “Wild Lobos” were recognized by the Phoenix Suns as part of their Green Team Challenge. Students from the Life Skills program work all year in a recycling program on
campus. Students and their parents attended the Suns game on November 7 and were midcourt for their efforts. They were nominated by Behavior Coach, Vanessa Romo.
Sports Medicine and Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) members attended Grand Canyon University's 28th Health Sciences and Nursing Day on November 1. Students were able to attend a variety of lectures and hear from GCU faculty, students, and other health care professionals. All 25 students attended the human anatomy presentation (cadaver lab). Students were able to visit various booths and learn more about what GCU has to offer about their College of Arts and Sciences and College of Nursing and Health Care Professions programs. Students also had the ability to network with peers on Health Care programs and events.
The choir and a capella groups held a joint concert on November 21, which included a tribute to our
veterans and an audience sing‐a‐long to “Lean on Me.” Special thanks to Mr. Steven Raymond for organizing the evening.
Football, spirit line, band, and athletic trainers were honored in a joint banquet celebrating the fall
season. Dinner was catered by the LJCHS Football Boosters and awards were given in front of a packed house of students and parents.
Student Government is excited to learn that they will host the TUHSD Feeder School Leadership Conference in February. Plans are underway to make this a valuable experience for our upcoming leaders from all schools that feed into the District.
Culinary students used their skills to provide refreshments for the TUHSD CTE Advisory Group Meetings held at Westview High School and are preparing for their skills competition by holding taste and presentation evaluations by staff.
National Honor Society has begun a weekly knitting session to make blankets and other items for those in need. The first two sessions had standing room only as over 40 students and staff were led by NHS Sponsor Lynette Turnbaugh.
The Dream Academy will graduate more than 75 parents on December 17, which will be celebrated with a potluck in the cafeteria.
Students in Zac Kovach’s Integrated Science classes recently completed reports and presentations on climate change in a lesson using research and common core aligned reading and writing skills.
Students representing boys’ basketball, Student Government, and cheer volunteered at the annual Charles Landis Community Thanksgiving Dinner. Coach Lefebvre organized the students for the second year in a row.
Guidance staff is visiting Littleton Elementary School District schools to register students for high
school. Coaches and sponsors also participate in sharing the opportunities and programs available at La Joya.
Students and staff are participating in a food drive and the Christmas Angel Program to support
families in the community. Student Government collected food to feed 10 families at Thanksgiving. Coordinating the efforts are Social Worker Angelica White, Teacher Nikole Brasch, and Student Government Sponsor Aaron Dille.
Life Skills students participated in a recent soccer tournament with both our boys and girls team
placing 4th.
Sierra Linda High School – Tim Madrid, Principal Dawg Pound Media produced an 8‐minute video highlighting homecoming and what it means to
have school spirit. The video can be viewed at: http://youtu.be/SDWUvraiWY8. The Speech and Debate Team completed their first competition against Red
Mountain High School in September. Ravon McCroy took 6th place in Special Occasion Speaking and Xylaan Livingstone was a semifinalist in Upper Impromptu Speaking. Also competing were Camille Costantino (Prose Interpretation), Anthony Sandoval (Dramatic Interpretation), Geo Bautista (Upper Impromptu), Jeremiah Arcilla (Lower Impromptu), and Melanie Diaz (Poetry Interpretation).
The Bulldog Marching Band has had a busy semester. On October 12, the Marching Band participated in the Barry Goldwater Marching Band Invitational, which for some, was their very first competitive marching band competition. While the Band performed well, they did not receive a score of 60.0 or higher, which they needed to receive a qualifying score to advance to the state finals. However, the Band received a 3rd place seat with a rating of a good and another award in the area of outstanding visual performance, meaning the color guard and the marching was on point. At the beginning of
November, the Band competed in the Prescott High School Marching Band Invitational. The Marching Band received a 2nd place seat, a rating of Excellent, and a score of 63.85, qualifying the Band for state. In addition to the Excellent rating, the Band received awards in Outstanding Auxiliary (Color Guard), Outstanding Visual Performance (Marching and Color Guard), and Outstanding Percussion.
The Media Center hosted a national traveling exhibition ‐ Abraham Lincoln: A Man of His Time, A Man for All Times. Organized by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, the traveling exhibition was made possible in part through a major grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities.
The Body Song Dance Company performed at the District Dance Concert on October 30, for a dinner dance concert at La Perla Banquet Hall on November 14, and performed in the Winter Dance Concert in early December. Many of their dances this year are focused around literature (books and poetry) that they have read and researched. The Dance Company also attended their
first competition of the season on December 14 at Washington High School.
On November 1, Sports Medicine students and HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) members attended Grand Canyon University's Health Science and Nursing Day. The students had the opportunity to sit in on a variety of lectures and labs, including a very educational cadaver lab.
Math teacher Diana Given made her directorial debut with the comedy production, No Signs of Intelligent Life. The Theatre Club worked very hard to bring this comedy to stage. There was a cast of twelve talented student actors and numerous students made up the stage crew.
The following students were nominated by their coaches as the Character Matters Player of the Fall
Season. These athletes were selected by their coaches because they consistently exhibited, throughout the season, the leadership qualities of Truthful, Hard work, Enthusiasm, Selflessness, Tenacious, Attitude, Next Step, Discipline, Attentive, Respect, and Dependable (THE STANDARD). They exemplify sportsmanship and demonstrate through their actions that Character Matters on and off the field. The athletes were given a certificate recognizing their accomplishment and their names placed on the Player of the Season plague located in the Athletic Office.
Varsity Football – Guillermo Guereca JV Football – Adam Gutierrez Frosh Football – Christian Briceno Varsity Volleyball – Roan Pilar JV Volleyball – Kayla Arcilla Frosh Volleyball – Kassandra Rodriguez Girls’ Golf – Dominique Hernandez Cross Country – Miguel Garcia Boys’ Golf – Javier Hernandez
The Moot Court Club competed in a preliminary competition on November 16 at the Phoenix School of Law. Students Mireille Mukiza, Daisy Simental, Julissa Hernandez, Perla Estudillo, Roy Bayless, and Anthony Tapia participated. Three of the highest scores of the event were awarded to SLHS Mooters. Fundraising efforts are underway in hopes of sending all SLHS Mooters to compete at the
National Moot Court Competition in Washington, D.C. in April.
As part of his civil liberties/civil rights unit, Fred Amaro's US/AZ and AP Government and Politics classes had the opportunity to listen to guest speaker, Detective Roger Brumbaugh's (Phoenix Police Department) presentation of hate groups in Arizona. Detective Brumbaugh is a renowned expert in his field and has worked with numerous local, state, and national hate crime units, in addition to appearing on national telecasts/broadcasts related to hate crimes and gang violence. Detective Brumbaugh shared articles related to hate crimes and students were given the opportunity to ask questions and extend the unit objectives to include firsthand (primary source) articles/documents as well as professional practices related to hate crimes in contemporary American society.
As part of an ongoing Student Council Committee for Teacher Appreciation, Victoria Castro‐Corral, Vanessa Dominguez, Gricelda Terrazas, and other students designed a tree of thanks. These students felt that creating the tree, making leaves with teacher’s names, and then asking students to write words of thanks to teachers on more leaves would be a great way to let teachers see how much their daily efforts are appreciated. The students who came up with this idea are just a few of the
talented, dedicated, and experienced members of the SLHS Student Council.
The Lady Bulldogs basketball team, under the guidance of Coach Desirae Carranza, participated in a tournament, went 5 and 0, and brought back a 1st place trophy. After finishing a quiz, sophomore Roberto Aguilera made a paper crane from his scratch paper, which inspired an activity. Ms. Singh's 3rd
period geometry class made and decorated giant paper cranes and learned about classifying the various types of triangles in their creations.
PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support) sponsored an art contest in which contestants were asked to create a small drawing featuring positive aspects relating to SLHS. Entries were posted online by the Dawg Pound Media where voting took place. The winners were interviewed by Dawg Pound Media and awarded PAWS T‐shirts. The winners include Larry Martinez, Jennifer Vasquez, Steven Morales, Stephanie Fierro, and D'Angelo Rivero.
SLHS Culinary students prepared and served breakfast at a recent West‐MEC meeting. Events like
these provide rich experiences for students.
When the annual Thanksgiving lunch is served to students, guest helpers are always appreciated.
Superintendent Lexi Cunningham offered to assist Cafeteria Manager Teodora Coon and was in charge of pumpkin pie and whipped cream this year.
Tolleson Union High School – Ernie Molina, Principal The Tolleson Heat dance team performed at the Phoenix Suns halftime show on October 15.
Because of Heat's stellar performance, the Phoenix Suns invited the Heat and the Wolverine Spirit line to perform a full 4‐minute pregame show at the February 8 game vs. the Golden State Warriors.
In its first year, the advanced dance team and dance program is enjoying being heavily involved in
TUHS and the community. The entire dance department participated in a "Dance‐A‐Thon" for four hours on October 19 to raise money for costumes. Volunteer choreographers came in to teach different dance courses – jazz, hip‐hop, modern, “Broadway” jazz, and Zumba – for all 180 dance students.
In October, the boys’ and girls’ cross country team headed to the District championship and came away with both team championships for the first time in years. In the girls’ race, TUHS dominated
with only 23 points. The sophomore trio of Aimee Hernandez, Stephanie Hernandez, and Rochelle Bryant won ribbons as they finished 3rd, 4th, and 5th, respectively. Kami Finlayson came in 7th and Dani Ruiz rounded out the scoring giving TUHS 5 students placing in the top 10. On the boys’ side, the Wolverines used their pack to ward off challenges from Sierra Linda and Westview high schools. Matt Medrano and Anthony Flores won ribbons for 5th and 6th place. Cesar Aguilar finished 8th, while Joaquin Quezada and freshman Andy Gutierrez finished 10th and 11th. Zach Garibay continued his incredible improvement as the fastest 6th man in the District, as the Wolverines won by 9.
The cross country teams traveled to North Phoenix on November 2 to compete at the sectional championships. Despite a tough hilly course, the guys finished 15th, led by seniors Anthony Flores and Aeneas Ramirez, along with sophomore Cesar Aguilar. The girls’ race was the highlight of the day, as the girls finished 10th, qualifying for the state finals as a team for the first time since 2006. Aimee Hernandez led the Wolverines, finishing 34th overall with Rochelle Bryant close behind at 46th. Senior Alexis Griffin ran her fastest time of the year on the hilly course. Joining these three at the state meet are junior Kami Finlayson and sophomores Stephanie Hernandez, Danielle Ruiz, and Sam Rocha. The girls competed at the state finals on November 9.
The TUHS Special Olympics Bowling Team competed in a November event where several of the students received ribbons and medals. In December, the students competed in a soccer event, taking home two gold medals, three silver medals, and one bronze medal.
MSgt James Carver and Chief Warrant Officer Freddie Jordan selected three cadets ‐ Jessica Bruck,
Penelope Vicuna, and James McCloud ‐ to be meritoriously promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal. Normally, MCJROTC promotions are done at the end of each quarter; however, these three cadets displayed exceptional qualities and traits that set them apart from their peers, both academically and physically. They lead by example and are always willing to provide encouragement to their fellow cadets.
University High School – Courtney Stevens, Academic Dean Senior Elen Mendoza is a commended National Merit Scholar. The National Merit Scholarship
Program is an academic competition for recognition and scholarships that began in 1955. High school students enter the National Merit Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, a test which serves as an initial screen of approximately 1.5 million entrants each year, and by meeting published program entry/participation requirements. In additional, Ms. Mendoza was matched by QuestBridge for Stanford University. QuestBridge provides a single, internet‐based meeting point which links exceptional students with colleges, scholarship providers, enrichment programs, employers, and organizations seeking students who have excelled despite obstacles. By facilitating these exchanges, QuestBridge aims to increase the percentage of talented low‐income students attending the nation's best universities and the ranks of national leadership itself.
Northern Arizona University, the University of Arizona, and Grand Canyon University have been very helpful in meeting the college selection needs of UHS students. The positive impact of visiting each of the campuses will help students visualize the nuances of university life and will influence the students in their decision‐making in the near future.
Students in Sharon Lawson’s Advanced Physics classes are using photo gates, motion detectors, and force sensors to study Newton’s Laws of Motion. Ms. Lawson is thankful for the technology available for students to obtain real physical data that backs up the theories learned in class.
Junior Alex Baker recently scored a perfect 36 on his ACT. Students scoring a 34, 35, or 36 are
among the top 1% of test takers in the country. In 2012, the average score in Arizona was 19.7.
Westview High School – Dr. Michele Wilson, Principal William Marshall has begun an internship in the Sportsmanship Program. Mr. Marshall is working
with Jovahny Perez, who is teaching him the elements of sportsmanship and being in compliance with AIA expectations.
The Performance Dance Company competed in early November at the Starbound Talent competition where the Company received Elite Gold for choreography and 2nd place in the large division.
In a recent competition, cross country athlete Renee Contreras recently took 15 seconds off her
personal best time and finished 25th out of over 200 runners.
The boys’ basketball program has been invited to compete in the inaugural Hoophall West tournament, a West Coast version of the Hoophall Classic, which has showcased the top prep school basketball programs in the Midwest and East Coast for the past 10 years. The top prep schools in the country will play in a national bracket, while the top high school teams in the state will play in the Arizona bracket.
Varsity Football Coach Jeff Bowen was named 5A, Division 1, Section 2 Coach of the Year, football
player Jalen Johnson was named 5A, Division 1, Section 2 Co‐Offensive Player of the Year, 10 football players are on the First Team roster for 5A, Division 1, Section 2, and 15 student athletes on the varsity football team were named to the All‐Academic Team for 5A Division 1, Section 2.
Students Renee Contreras and Saylair Grandon were selected for the All‐Tournament Team for the
Highland Thanksgiving Girls’ Basketball Tournament.
That’s it for now. More Tolleson Tidbits coming in the spring.