Peoria Unified Sch�l District Peoria Uni�ied, one of Arizona’s largest uni�ied school districts, prides itself on a 94 percent high school graduation rate, excelling schools, award-winning teachers, high AIMS test scores, specialized signature programs and championship sports programs.
Every Studen SStudent , Every Day, Prepared to Shape Tomorrow Honorary Crossing Guards Keeps Desert Palms Elementary Students Safe Glendale Mayor Jerry Weiers and Vice Mayor Yvonne Knaack were honorary crossing guards at Desert Palms Elementary during the International
Walk/Bike to School Day. The Phoenix Coyotes’ mascot Howler made an appearance, greeting students on their way to school.
Each year, more than 3,550 schools from all 50 states participate in Walk to School Day. Millions of children, parents and community leaders from 42 countries join together in commemoration of International Walk to School Week which is observed annually t h ro u g h o u t the second week of October.
Menus ‘N More November 2013 www.peoriaud.k12.az.us
2014-15 School Year Calendar Approved The 2014-15 calendar was approved by the Governing Board at the Oct. 8 meeting. The �irst day of school will be Wed., Aug. 6, 2014, the last day is Thurs., May 21, 2015. To view the 201415 calendar, visit us at www. peoriaud.k12.az.us and click the Schools tab on the blue toolbar. The early dismissal schedule and testing dates for 2014-15 will be determined at a later date.
It’s Official, #33 Has a Name! The Governing Board approved Sunset Heights Elementary School as the name for the district’s 33rd elementary school at a recent meeting. The name was suggested by Peoria Uni�ied bus driver Andria Isler and was one of the top picks by students at Parkridge, Coyote Hills and Zuni Hills elementary schools who will be attending the new school when it opens next August.
Congratulations to our 2013 National Merit Semifinalists
Glendale Mayor Jerry Weiers was an honorary crossing guard at Desert Palms Elementary on International Walk/Bike to School Day.
District’s Strategic Plan Revisions Approved The district’s new Strategic Plan for Excellence, which serves as a blueprint for operations, was approved by Peoria Unified’s governing board during the Sept. 24 meeting.
to re-evaluate each section of the plan. With feedback from parents and staff, the Strategic Plan Committee presented recommendations to the Governing Board in Sept. for review. The approved Strategic Plan includes a new Mission, Vision, Values and Strategic Areas: Mission: Empower Students to Fulfill Their Potential Vision: Every Student, Every Day, Prepared to Shape Tomorrow Values: People, Excellence, Opportunity, Respect, Innovation, Achievement Strategic Areas: Student Learning, Parent & Community Partnerships, Recruit, Develop, Retain Staff and Organizational Strength and Agility. The new plan replaces a 10-year Strategic Plan set for revision in 2016. However, as part of the district’s plan for continuous improvement, a committee was formed earlier in 2013
Three Na�onal Merit Semifinalists were recognized at a recent Governing Board mee�ng; Centennial High senior Milan Canak, Liberty High senior Giacomo Koszegi (not pictured), Ironwood High senior Caitlin Cash; and are eligible for Finalist considera�on in the Na�onal Merit Compe��on. Oluremi Oso (center), a senior at Ironwood High, was recognized as a Na�onal Achievement Scholarship finalist.
The Business of Education These Days...Let’s Create Memories!
The business of education is complicated, or is it? Teachers lead us into the future. It is not money, cur-
Tracy Livingston, M.Ed. Governing Board Member
riculum or any outlying nonsense. It is your teacher(s) who take charge everyday and are developing students for the future. So much time is spent in what is the future? What programs are needed? Monies? Curriculum? Testing? Time being bantered with that could be used to give teachers a piece of yesteryear...yes, let’s bring the past to the present. Field trips, �ield days, celebrations...what happened
to the fun of teaching? Of course, not replacing time on task...but allow the humanity of school back into the system. We are raising humans who will go forward and remember their days... I look back fondly but my schools were strong, principals greeting students and carnivals galore...and yes, I learned! While schools in our great district do this daily, we can improve...why they
are bogged with the realities of school. Not due to their fabulousness! Which of course PUSD is fabulous! We need to step away from just a bit to create humans not just test scores. Why this reality this month, we all need to relax and learn from each other, listen, laugh and yes do our jobs for our students our future leaders who need a few kicks and giggles...why? They are human and we want PUSD to be more about
people and less about scores as people=scores! And both will equal success stories in the future! So this little teacher’s prescription is a little laugh, and look out at your classroom and campus and think back to your entrance to education and your memories and ask...can I re-create a few moments like my past for my students? If the answer is yes, it will go a long way! Go create our future and enjoy yourself as you do!
Get Away for Fall Break
A Sweet but Healthy Thanksgiving Treat Sweet potatoes are a popular vegetable around the holidays, but you can enjoy them November through January, during their peak growing season. A sweet potato is bursting with more vitamins and minerals than a white potato and more Vitamin A than carrots. Instead of having a sweet potato casserole, which is loaded with butter and sugar, give your sweet potatoes a make-over on Thanksgiving. Here are �ive easy, low calorie ways to enjoy them: 1. Peel and cut into chunks, boil in water until tender – about 25–30 minutes. 2. Cut unpeeled sweet potatoes into wedges, toss with olive oil and herbs and roast at 375 degrees
N O V 2013
Breakfast: Elementary $1.50 High School $1.75 Includes fruit, juice choice of entree, white or chocolate milk Lunch: Elementary $2.50 High school $2.75 Includes choice of entree, fruit & vegetable bar, white, chocolate or strawberry milk Carton of milk, 35-cents *Uncrustables are not served at peanut-free schools. Subs�tu�ons will be made. Numbers to the right of calendar date indicate the 6-day rota�on schedule.
for 25-30 minutes until tender. 3. Pierce the skin in several places with a fork and place on baking tray. Bake for 15 minutes at 400 degrees, then 45-60 minutes more at 375 degrees. 4. Pierce the skin in several places and bake on HIGH in microwave for 5-9 minutes. 5. Peel, slice lengthwise into one-half inch thick slices and grill until brown, about 4 minutes on each side. What’s the difference between a Sweet Potato and a Yam? A true yam differs greatly from a sweet potato in taste, texture, appearance and family. Even though the
Monday
USDA requires that orangecolored sweet potatoes are labeled “sweet potato,” most people refer to them as yams regardless of their true identity. Both sweet potatoes and yams are loaded with potassium, magnesium and phosphorous.
Fall Break Camp Includes Field Trips
The City of Peoria will hold Fall Break Camp, 6 a.m.- 6 p.m., Nov. 25-27, at Coyote Hills and Oakwood elementary schools. Fall Break Camp costs $24/day for residents of Peoria and includes �ield trips. For more information, go to peoriaaz.gov, or call 623773-7137.
Tuesday
Wednesday
Governing Board & Meetings Peoria Uni�ied Governing Board Meetings are typically held at 6 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month with a few exceptions. Meetings are held at the District Administration Center, 6330 W. Thunderbird Road, unless otherwise posted. The public is welcome to attend. To verify the start time of a meeting, access an agenda, or view a meeting streaming live, visit peoriaud.k12.az.us. The public is welcome to contact board members by email: Hal Borhauer hborhauer@peoriaud.k12.az.us Matt Bullock mbullock@peoriaud.k12.az.us Kathy Knecht kknecht@peoriaud.k12.az.us Tracy Livingston tlivingston@peoriaud.k12.az.us Joe McCord joemccord@cox.net
How will you keep your kids busy during Fall Break, Nov. 25-29? How about making great memories on a family vacation? You can �ind quality, affordable vacation packages, with layaway plans, in the Fall/Winter 2013 Getaway Today vacation package brochures that were recently distributed to students at school. GetAway Today proudly partners with the Peoria Education Foundation and a portion of every package is donated to the Foundation. For more information, visit GetawayToday.com, or call 1-800-523-6116. Have family fun and support students at the same time!
Thursday
Friday
Sausage Biscuit Cereal, Graham Crackers
French Toast Sticks Cereal, String Cheese
Oatmeal Bar Cereal, Muf�in
English Muf�in Cereal, Yogurt
Mini Maple Pancakes Cereal, Bug Bite Grahams
Bean Burrito Enchilada Style Hamburger Chicken Salad Sandwich Ranch Style Beans Chilled Pears
Chicken Nuggets Macaroni & Cheese An�pasto Salad w/Breads�ck Cauliflower Banana
Popcorn Chicken Bowl w/Roll Beef Fingers w/Roll Veggie Sandwich Mashed Potatoes & Corn Mandarin Oranges
Bean & Beef Chili w/Corn Muffin Chicken Nuggets w/Corn Muffin Yogurt Lunch Box w/Muffin Broccoli Cantaloupe
Stuffed Crust Cheese Pizza Mini Corn Dogs Turkey Combo Sub Carrots Fruit Ice
4/2
No School. All schools and offices are closed for Veterans Day.
11
5/3
6/4
8/6
7/5
Sausage, Egg & Cheese Flatbread Cereal, String Cheese
Mini Chocolate Chip French Toast Cereal, Muf�in
Cinnamon Swirl Roll Cereal, Yogurt
Blueberry Pancakes Cereal, Bug Bite Grahams
Chicken Nuggets Oriental Chicken Bowl Garden Salad w/Roll Edamame Frozen Berries
Pepperoni Pizza Wedge Bean & Cheese Burrito California Turkey Sandwich Carrots Tropical Mixed Fruit
Thanksgiving Lunch
Chicken Nuggets Grilled Cheese Spicy Popcorn Chicken Mixed Green Salad Chilled Pineapple
Board Meeting 6 p.m.
12/1
13/2
Oven Roasted Turkey w/Gravy Stuffing & Fresh Baked Roll Mashed Potates & Green Beans Cinnamon Applesauce Pumpkin Pie
14/3
15/4
Bagel w/Cheese Cereal, Graham Crackers
Sausage, Egg & Cheese Quesadilla Cereal, String Cheese
Glazed Breakfast Bar Cereal, Muf�in
Breakfast Pizza Cereal, Yogurt
Cinnamon Rolls Cereal, Bug Bite Grahams
Cheese Crisp Chicken Pa�y Oriental Chicken Salad Ranch Style Beans Chilled Pears
Chicken Nuggets Beef & Gravy w/Roll Breakfast Lunch Box Mashed Potatoes Banana
Build-A-Pizza Italian Turkey Sub Cobb Salad w/Oatmeal Bar Sliced Cucumbers Apples
Spaghe� w/Meatballs Chicken Nuggets w/Sweet & Sour Garden Salad w/Roll Mixed Green Salad Honeydew Melon
French Bread Cheese Pizza Gordita Taco Tuna Sub Sandwich Carrots Fruit Ice
19/6
18/5 All schools and offices are closed.
Fall Break.
All schools and offices are closed.
20/1
MyLife Day. Early dismissal schedule is listed below.
Fall Break.
Thanksgiving Day
27
26
25 Breakfast Burrito Cereal, Graham Crackers
Apple Frudel Cereal, String Cheese
Sausage, Egg & Cheese Tac-Go Cereal, Muf�in
Sweet Southern Brunch Stuffed Bread S�ck w /Marinara Ham & Cheese Bagel Hash Browns Dried Fruit
Baked Scoops w/Beans & Cheese Chicken Nuggets Chef Salad w/Roll Broccoli Mixed Berries
Mini Cheeseburgers Fun Fish w/Roll Veggie Wrap Pork & Beans Watermelon
December
2/4
Board Meeting 6 p.m.
3/5
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination of all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, and marital or family status. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s target center at 202-720-2600 (voice and TDD). The National Automated Clearing House Association requires the following non-suf�icient funds disclaimer: if a child brings a check to school, the parent is giving authorization to electronically debit his/her account for the returned check plus fees if the check should be returned. For more information, contact CCM/Restaurant Fund, 1-888-423-8974.
Nondiscrimination Statement: The Peoria Uni�ied School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. Declaración de Non Discriminación: El Peoria Uni�ied School District no discrimina a raza, color, nacionalidad, género, edad, o habilidad diferenciada.
4/6
22/3
21/2
All schools and offices are closed.
29
28 Harvest Muf�in Cereal, Yogurt
Mini Blueberry Waf�les Cereal, Bug Bite Grahams
Chicken Nuggets w/Honey Mustard Yogurt Lunch Box w/Muffin Fiesta Mac Sweet Bell Peppers Grapes
Sicilian Pepperoni Pizza Hot Dog Egg Salad Sandwich Sliced Cucumbers Chilled Pineappte
MyLife Day. Early dismissal schedule is listed below.
5/1
6/2
Early Dismissal Schedule, Dec. 5: Apache, Canyon, Coyote Hills, Desert Harbor, Foothills, Fron�er, Ira A. Murphy, Ironwood High, Kachina, Lake Pleasant, Oakwood, Oasis, Parkridge, Paseo Verde, Peoria Tradi�onal School, Peoria Transi�on Center, Peoria High, Pioneer, Raymond S. Kellis High, Sundance, Vistancia and Zuni Hills only. Elementary schools that start at 8 a.m. will dismiss at 11 a.m.; elementary schools that start at 8:40 a.m. will dismiss at 11:40 a.m.; High schools will dismiss at 10:20 a.m.
Early Dismissal Schedule, Nov. 21: Alta Loma, Cactus High, Centennial High, Cheyenne, Copperwood, Co�on Boll, Country Meadows, Desert Palms, Desert Valley, Heritage, Liberty High, Marshall Ranch, Peoria Elementary, Sahuaro Ranch, Santa Fe, Sky View, Sunrise Mountain High and Sun Valley only.
Foundation Funds Teacher Grants Providing Innovative Opportunities for Students Greenhouses, experimenting with green technologies, iPads and musical instruments are just a few of the grant proposals that will soon become a reality thanks to the Peoria Education Foundation. The Peoria Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-pro�it organization with a mission to support and enrich education in the Peoria Uni�ied School District. Recently, the foundation awarded more than $28,000 to district educa-
tors to fund 14 grants. This funding gives teachers a �inancial boost for new programs, much needed supplies and innovative technology which enhances the educational experience for students. Congratulations to the following educators for their innovations and dedication to Peoria Uni�ied students. You can read more about each grant in the News & Updates section at www.peoriaud.k12.az.us.
Oasis Elementary Student Council in the Race for the Cure
Members of Oasis Elementary Student Council: eighth-grader Abigail Thiele, seventh-grader Korie Ebersole and eighth-graders Gage Bennett, Riley Ebersole and Mia Calicchio, raised funds and raced in the Phoenix Race for the Cure with student council advisors Lizz Hounihan and Marcy Cooper (not pictured).
MATH/SCIENCE GRANTS Sustainability Greenhouse, Theresa Burch, Ironwood High Scienti�ic Microscope, Elizabeth Gonzales, Cotton Boll Human Physiology’s Top Model, M.J. Hall, Raymond S. Kellis High TECHNOLOGY GRANTS Inquiry in Science, Jeff Jacob, Centennial High Meeting Industry Standards for Green Technology, Cindy English, Ironwood High iPad, myPad, myFuture, Ashlee Minton, Lake Pleasant
LITERACY GRANTS Leveled Non-Fiction Books, Lynn Foremny, Lake Pleasant
SPECIAL NEEDS GRANTS Empowering Students with Autism the Skills for Communication Success, Susan Babendure, Kachina
ARTS GRANTS Music Stands, Alisa Mastin, Apache “FOCUSING” on Documenting Diversity, Hannah Wiesenhofer, Raymond S. Kellis High “Piles of Tiles” A Community Art Engagement Project, Lenay Hughes and Angela Waltner, Foothills Music Classroom Instruments, Jenny Erickson, Oakwood Differentiation in Intelligent Music Making, Rachel Piske, Sun Valley Orff Opportunity for Achievement, Kimberly Friend, Zuni Hills
Eighth-graders! Get Ready, Get Set, Go Explore College & Career Pathways on High School Field Trip
Peoria Uni�ied’s Guidance and Career Specialists are providing opportunities for eighth-graders to explore college readiness and exciting career �ields during upcoming MyLife Days on Nov. 21 and Dec. 5. During MyLife Days, eighth graders from multiple feeder elementary schools will take a �ield trip to tour the high school they may be attending in the Fall of 2014. While on a MyLife Day �ield trip an eighth-grader might discover how to apply academic and technical
Spirited Howling Yields $2,500 for Centennial Coyotes
Centennial High was the big winner of the CBS 5 AZ Facebook challenge and received $2,500. CBS 5 morning news host Paul Horton presented the check to principal Chris Lopezlira and the Coyotes spirit squad. The winnings will be divided between academics, athletics and activities.
skills in relevant realworld settings while in high school. They’ll investigate elective programs which include career, clubs, postsecondary, leadership and classes that offer college credits. They’ll �ind out about requirements for classroom instruction and hands-on lab experiences of a speci�ic career choice that interests them. Depending on the high school toured, an eighthgrader may learn about agriscience, automotive, building trades, computer
programming, culinary arts, design and merchandising, early childhood education, engineering, �ire science, law enforcement, media production, nursing, sports medicine and welding. By participating in a MyLife Day �ield trip, the anxiety some eighth graders may have can be alleviated and the transition to high school can be a little bit easier. See schedule of schools and early dismissal times for Nov. 21 and Dec. 5 on facing page.
Review College and Career Ready Standards with Connie to rename the stanRecently Goverdards. nor Brewer issued Changes to the an Executive OrADE website to reder renaming the �lect the new name Arizona Common are already underCore Standards to way. It is important Arizona’s College to note that the Connie Witte and Career Ready standards have not Peoria Unified Standards. The changed. The stanAdministrator change was made dards adopted by the to ensure that the Arizona State Board of Edutitle of our state standards cation in 2010 for Mathemore clearly re�lects the inmatics and English Language tent to prepare our students Arts will remain in place. for postsecondary educaFor more information on the tion and training. John Hupstandards visit us at www. penthal, Superintendent of peoriaud.k12.az.us. Public Education for Arizona, supported this decision
Good News In, About and Around Peoria Unified!
Chance Peterson, in third grade at Fron�er Elementary, was selected for the Phoenix Children’s Hospital Child Advisory board and will add input during board mee�ngs to help make the hospital a be�er place for young pa�ents.
Michael Nalker, Jennifer Heady, Craig Admendt and Mo Meher from the Wal-Mart at 79th and Peoria avenues, presented financial support of $3,000 to Sundance Elementary principal Jennifer Silva that will provide technology devices for primary grade classrooms. Addi�onally, during the school-wide assembly, 20 lucky teachers had their names drawn were given a $50 Wal-Mart gi� card.
The Sunrise Mountain High football team packed 74 boxes of food and toiletries to mail to the armed forces. Led by team captains and Coach Jim Carter, the athletes felt compelled and honored to take part in this project following a discussion with assistant principal Mark Faust about his recent military service.
Alta Loma Elementary junior high teacher Claudia Lujano was surprised by a visit from Office Max announcing her as a recipient of “A Day Made Be�er” award, which included several items for her classroom including a very comfortable teacher chair. Congratula�ons!
Ironwood High’s marching band received a $2,000 dona�on from Jim Owen, program director of classic rock radio sta�on KSLX 100.7 FM. The funds will go toward an instrument upgrade project.
Jennifer Murillo, a junior at Raymond S. Kellis High, interviewed Na�onal Special Olympics Chairman and CEO Tim Shriver, Ph.D. during a visit to the school to learn more about Special Educa�on ini�a�ves available on campus. Students shared with Shriver, brother of Maria Shriver and nephew of the late John F. and Robert Kennedy, Jr., how the Unified Sports, Best Buddies, Spread the Word to End the “R” Word and other Special Educa�on ini�a�ves available on campus, posi�vely impact their lives. Addi�onally, Michael Wakeford, special educa�on teacher, was recently named Outstanding Teacher of the Year by Sharing Down Syndrome of Arizona.
Jacob Jelinek, le�, a senior at Sunrise Mountain High, was sworn in as Youth Council Liaison for the City of Peoria. Peoria is the first city in the state to appoint a youth to an ex-officio non-vo�ng seat with city council and will be joining the mayor and city councilmembers at the dais. Also pictured, Arizona Speaker of the House Andy Tobin and Liberty High senior Thomas Prior who was sworn in as the alternate liaison.
Pesticide Application Notification
Peoria Uni�ied is required to provide written noti�ication at least 48 hours prior to the application of pesticides at any school or site. Pesticides are applied in the late afternoon, after students are dismissed. Nov. 1 Nov. 4 Nov. 5 Nov. 6 Nov. 7
Nov. 8 Nov. 11 Nov. 12 Nov. 13 Nov. 14 Nov. 15 Nov. 22 Nov. 26 Nov. 27 Dec. 2 Dec. 3 Dec. 4 Dec. 5 Dec. 6
Canyon, Copperwood, Marshall Ranch Pioneer, Sahuaro Ranch Oakwood, Peoria Elementary, Santa Fe Sundance, Sun Valley Cotton Boll, Frontier, Parkridge, Sunrise Mountain, Zuni Hills Desert Palms, Heritage, Kachina, Paseo Verde Cactus, Desert Valley, Foothills, Ironwood Centennial, Oasis Ira A. Murphy, Peoria High Alta Loma, Apache, Cheyenne Country Meadows, Desert Harbor, Raymond S. Kellis Vistancia Coyote Hills, Lake Pleasant, Liberty Sky View Pioneer, Sahuaro Ranch Oakwood, Peoria Elementary, Santa Fe Sundance, Sun Valley Cotton Boll, Frontier, Parkridge, Sunrise Mountain, Zuni Hills Canyon, Copperwood, Marshall Ranch