November 2018

4 VOTE

Empowering Our Schools

CONNECTING SOUTHERN ARIZONA

Tuesday, November 6th

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“Santa Cruz Training Program Celebrates “ 5o Years of Service

Happy Thanksgiving from Border Eco

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Santa Cruz Parent Love 2nd Annual Walk

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Superintendent’s Office Awarded 4.5 Million

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Breaking the Silence

Border Eco Updates Part-Time Office Clerk Job Help Wanted

Allstate Insurance currently has a part-time job opening for a an office clerk. They are looking for a motivated individual who has good customer service skills, bilingual and can data entry skills.

For more information on this part-time office clerk job opening please contact Jorge Guayante at (520)287-0837 or email resume to: a007868@allstate.com Visit the office at: 545 N. Grand Ave. Ste. #4 Nogales, Arizona 85621

CONTENT 4

Empowering Our Schools

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STCP Celebrates 50 years

11 Parent Love Connection 2nd Annual Down Syndrome Walk 12

Superintendent’s Office

Border Eco Mission

Awared $4.5 Million

Our goal is to continue reporting on the great people, organizations, and services in our community. We want to change public’s perception of our border town.

Border Eco is focused on the positive people, organizations, and services within our community that makes our bordertown unique.

Santa Cruz County is a beautiful community with lots of history and cultural background.

“It is never too late to bring in change, that you want to see around you. Let it be the forefront for introducing new ideas and new concepts to make our community a better and safer place for all of us.”

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SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

Breaking the Silence

Editor: Adriana Romero Student Intern Reporter: Chris Alcaraz Student Intern Reporter: Nadia Sandoval Magazine Graphic Designer Consultant: Adriana Romero Sales Representative: Tony Montanez Information is correct at press time.

Check www.bordereco.com for updates.

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Our office is located on : 1071 N. Grand Ave. Ste. #122, Nogales, Arizona 85621 (520) 461-4880 Email: contact@bordereco.com

Border Eco, LLC © 2018 copyright all rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without the permission of Border Eco Magazine is prohibited. Any material produced is the property of Border Eco. Any material published is not necessarily the opinion of Border Eco and will not be held responsible.

Border Eco Magazine accepts material from advertisers, clients, readers and various sources which are not necessarily the opinion of Border Eco Magazine in print or on Border Eco websites and will not be held responsible.

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Santa Cruz County

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The Santa Cruz County School Superintendent’s Office is the fiscal agent for five of the six school districts in our county.

They are responsible for School District Governing Board elections and homeschool students. Along with those statuary responsibilities, the superintendent’s office operates five different federal and state grants, champion early childhood education, and operate a school safety program. They serve the entire educational community in Santa Cruz County.

The Santa Cruz County School Superintendent’s Office has 10 staff members.

The organization is unique as they are able to work with all districts and all community members in the county. They are able to connect partners from early childhood to post-secondary. They are one of the few organizations who have the ability to bring everyone in the county to come together.

Alfredo I. Velásquez School Superintendent is a well-respected teacher who has been serving as the Santa Cruz County School Superintendent since 2015. He had been teaching for more than 20 years at Francisco Vasquez de Coronado Elementary School where he taught first and second grades.

“We measure success by the impact that we have on education in Santa Cruz County. We work to maximize learning opportunities for all children and adults in our county.

Our performance measures range from individual test scores, kindergarten to postsecondary enrollment, and the number of teachers enrolled in our professional development courses all the way to how many students submit artwork in the Santa Cruz County Fair,” said Alfredo I. Velásquez School Superintendent.

Patricia Barraza-Preciado Accounting Specialist & Special Events Coordinator

Alfredo I. Velásquez School Superintendent

Chris Young Chief Deputy “It has been a wonderful experience working at the SCCSSO. I am fortunate to work with great people that have enabled our office to improve our service to our districts and provide more activities for our community. I feel like we have been able to have an impact in our community,” said Chris Young Chief Deputy.

“I completely enjoy the fact that I’m not sitting in front of a desk all day, I love that I’m able to get out and about in the community and interact with students. I look forward to being with the students and community leaders, when I start planning for the Read Across America Week in which I have 120 community volunteers going out and reading to each and every elementary classroom in the county,” said Patricia Barraza. #4 Pg.

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Maya Donnelly CREO Program Director

Marisol Chiquete-Bolaina Bookkeeper

Sergio Delgado Office Clerk

“I enjoy working with my team at the SCCSSO the most because together we make a difference whether it is planning an event, or designing a program to be implemented in schools. When you see the happiness on the faces of students and their families because they are proud, we know we have done our job,” said Maya Donnelly.

“This organization has changed my life in a way that I am more involved with the community and the schools. I enjoy my job because we all share the same vision. We are dedicated to our schools and community, said Marisol Chiquete.

“I believe my life has changed ever since I started working here. I have met a lot of people and made a lifetime of friends. The thing that I enjoy most about my job is that I get to help out and be apart of various events and programs our office hosts in our community.

I also enjoy being able to work alongside my coworkers who I am very grateful to have,” said Sergio.

Danna Gallardo Education Director/Teacher Ray of Light Academy “Seeing students begin to realize that they are truly worthy of good things, understanding that treating others with respect makes them a better person, watching them learn and achieve whether it be in math, science, art, reading, writing or in caring for others. Looking into their eyes when they receive a certificate of appreciation or accomplishment is life-changing,” said Dana Gallardo.

Clair Danielson Program Director Home Visitation Grant “I love the fact that I was able to work and serve the younger population in our community.

The part of my job that I enjoy the most is I have the opporunity to connect with organizations and people. I have gained new skills that will help me professionally, said Clair Danielson.

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Teresa Sprigg- Program Director Healthy Student Grant “I am able to be out in the community and in the schools in a very different and exciting capacity.

I mostly enjoy the challenge of planning and implementing new programs and events. It is exciting to bring the community together in support of our schools. I particularly love the teamwork in our office. We all work as a team, and we have fun doing it,” said Teresa Sprigg.

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SCTP Celebrates 50 Years of Service The Santa Cruz Training Program celebrated their 50th Anniversary on Saturday, October 21st. The fundraiser event was well attended by community leaders, board members, staff, and program participants with approximately 300 people in attendance. The event was held outside the SCTP parking lot, the area had a stage and multicolor led dance floor for attendees to enjoy live music and dancing. String lights, white tents, along with elegantly decorated white tables and chairs filled the entire parking lot. The fundraiser had food, live music, and dancing.

The Santa Cruz Training Program has been dedicated for years to serving children and adults with disabilities in Santa Cruz County. The training program was founded in 1968 by Ana Maria Coppola, Emilia Alcantar, Carmelita Lineiro, and Frances Sainz. It started as a dream in hopes of finding for their children, along with many other parents and community members.

Ana Maria Coppola was an advocate for children with disabilities. She encouraged other parents to get involved in starting a program to meet the needs of children with disabilities. It first started as a pilot program during the summer. It was being offered to children with disabilities who were not attending elementary schools within Santa Cruz County. Later the pilot program developed into a year-round schooling program for children with disabilities.

The program gets direct funding from the state. The amount of funds the SCTP receives throughout the year is primarily from members.

Donations and grants also help to support the program.

Personal donations, as well as big business donations, are accepted, to help keep the program in the community.

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“Staff members are dedicated to their work they go the extra mile to provide quality care to our members.Our training program is centered on providing quality care. We go out of our way to help our members receive the quality care they need and deserve,� said Marina Gallahouse Executive Director.

The Santa Cruz Training program has grown into a successful vocational training program for individuals with disabilities by providing them with an opportunity to live healthy productive lives. For anyone interested in making a donation or having a loved one with disabilities enroll in the program please contact them at: (520) 287-2043 or email reshcbs@mediacombb. net.

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Parent Love Connection Hosts 2nd Annual Walk October is international Down syndrome awareness month. On Sunday, October 14, 2018, the Down syndrome community in Santa Cruz County gathered to celebrate people with Down syndrome’s to promote awareness and inclusion. The Santa Cruz Parents Love Connection held its Second Annual Walk for Down syndrome at Teyechea Park in Nogales Arizona from 12:00 p.m.3:00 p.m. The Santa Cruz Parent Love Connection celebrates during the month of October with a walk to spread awareness on Down syndrome awareness. During the month of October the Parent Love Connection celebrates people with Down syndrome by making people aware of their capabilities and their accomplishments. “Our celebration is about recognizing our Down syndrome population in Santa Cruz County, it’s about celebrating abilities,” said Maria Scholnick, Program Director.

One in every 691 babies in the United States are born with Down syndrome. Down syndrome affects people of all races and economic levels. Today, individuals with Down syndrome are active participants in the educational, vocational, social and recreational aspects of our communities.

Each year more teens and adults with Down syndrome are graduating from high school, going to college, finding meaningful employment and living independently.

Parents of children with Down syndrome showed up with their child’s team wearing beautiful costumes they made t-shirts with theme saying “ Down right awesome” Parents decorated the park in a beautiful bright yellow and blue color using ribbons, flowers and dozens of balloons. Hot dogs, chips, soda were provided to attendees for a small fee donation, kids ate free.

Free water bottles were provided to all in attendance. The public enjoyed the DJ Music Mariachi Plata played for half an hour.

Joan Molera was the Grand Marshal, the Parent Love Connection gave out 15 awards to community members who have made a difference for children with special needs.

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Among the people who were recognized and presented with an award were the Desert Shadow Middle School Principal Dr. Joan Molera, Desert Shadows Special Education Teacher Roberto Cruz, Former Mayor of Nogales AZ. Arturo Garino, Bibi Bolivar from City Parks & Recreation, Martin Garlant from Liberty Utilities, Assistant Superintendent for SCVUSD#35 Dr. Melisa , Special Education Teacher from Calabasas M.S Shweta Dubey, Ms. Cecilia Valenzuela and Silvia Mesina for their outstanding volunteer work.

The crowd walked around city hall. During the ceremony parents of children with down syndrome shared their personal experience raising a child with Down syndrome.

The SCPLC is a support and advocacy organization it was founded in 2010 for families raising children with special needs living in Santa Cruz County. For more information or to become a volunteer please call 520-470-5833 or email Maria Scholnick at mariascholnick@yahoo.com.

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School Superintendent’s Office Awarded $4.5 Million Education Grant County School Superintendent Alfredo I. Velasquez announced today that the United States Department of Education awarded Santa Cruz County a seven-year GEAR UP grant. GEAR UP, which stands for Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs, is a federal program funded by the U.S. Department of Education whose mission is to significantly increase the number of middle and high school students who are prepared to enter and succeed in college and technical schools. The Santa Cruz County program was funded to provide seven years of support to this year’s class of the county’s 7th grade students. Year one funding will total $638,169. The remaining funds are allocated to the County in years 2 through 7 of the grant.

Mr. Velasquez stated the “CollegeCareer Readiness and Educational Opportunities (C-CREO) Project will focus on providing seven years of support to the nearly 800 students who are in 7th grade this school year. C-CREO will work with students to identify professional and technical careers that are of interest to them and uses their skills and talents, while academically preparing them for their chosen career, building resilience so they overcome the challenges they will face, and providing college and career planning.”

Ms. Maya Donnelly, the Project Director, emphasized “the goal of C-CREO is to ensure students master the Arizona Academic Standards and they are prepared for, enroll, and succeed in postsecondary educational programs.

We want students to apply their learning both in their studies and to everyday life so they are personally and academically ready for the 21st century.”

Special thanks is given to the partners for their dedication to our youth. Planning C-CREO was a significant undertaking that involved the commitment and leadership of the schools and leaders from the public and private sectors. C-CREO incorporates best practices so all students are provided a high-quality education that meets their unique needs. This will be accomplished by: •Developing Career Identity.

Students can participate in mentoring, career awareness presentations, job shadowing, internships, college and industry tours, and college bridge programs.

•Improving Student Achievement.

Programs will include after school and summer classes, tutoring, enrichment courses and programs, academic assistance and planning.

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Major attention will focus on monitoring student progress, and providing youth with extended learning and college/career activities. C-CREO also supports educational reforms that include professional development, dual credit, and expanding the innovative MetroMatematicas and Six Sigma curriculums.

•Improving and increasing college and career planning opportunities. Each student will have a personalized educational college and career academic plan that empowers families and students to plan and choose a high-quality education that meets their student’s unique needs.

A key feature of C-CREO is to support and expand on the work of the Santa Cruz Community College District. Working together, the project will establish a C-CREO Center to focus on creating college opportunities, access, and success for our community and assisting students enroll in college and earn a college and/or technical degree.

For more information regarding C-CREO, its programs, its success, how you can support our youth, and/or how to take advantage of the C-CREO programs, Contact: Maya Donnelly, Program Director, Santa Cruz County School Superintendent’s Office Telephone: 520-375-7940 or E-Mail: mdonnelly@ santacruzcountyaz.gov

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On Monday, October 1st at 5:30 p.m. at the Santa Cruz County Complex the office of the Santa Cruz County Attorney’s Office hosted their Annual Domestic Violence Official Proclamation March of Peace & Candlelight Vigil in memory of victims of domestic violence who lost their lives and to honor survivors. The goal of this event was to bring community awareness.

The event was well attended by several community leaders and community members approximately 250 people were in attendance. The event opened with a warm welcome by Joe Rueda.

The welcome remarks were done by Chips Dolores, Victim Advocate thanking the audience for their continued support and participation. Then followed an opening statement on Breaking the Silence by Vanessa Cartwright, Deputy Santa Cruz County Attorney with a reminder to attendees of the of the importance of reporting domestic violence. Pastor David Canada followed with a brief prayer and asked the audience for a minute of silence in memory of the victims. #14 Pg.

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“It is important to help break the silence. We need to be a voice for victims and survivors of domestic violence,” said Ms. Cartwright. Each of the guest speakers had an opportunity to address the public on the issue of domestic violence reminding the audience it is not only a family problem but a community problem.

The Official Proclamation was done by Rudy Molera, Santa Cruz County Chairman Board of Supervisors and Nidia Solorzano, Victim Advocate did

the proclamation in Spanish. It followed with the ribbon cutting inauguration of domestic violence awareness month with a memorial balloon release initiating the Candlelight Vigil and March for Peace walk through Mariposa road. |

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According to the National Network to End Domestic Violence(2017), “On a typical day, there are more than 20,000 phone calls placed to domestic violence hotlines nationwide.” There are long-term effects for children associated with repeated exposure to domestic violence.

The long-term effects include physical and emotional problems.

“Several studies reveal that children who witness domestic violence are more likely to be affected by violence as adults – either as victims or perpetrators,” (WHO, 2012).

“Special thanks to the Santa Cruz County Attorney George Silva, non-profi organizations, law enforcement, media outlets, survivors and their families for their continued support since 2013,” said Nidia Solorzano.

For more information on this event or to report abuse please contact the Santa Cruz County Attorney’s Office at: (520) 375-7780.

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