Back to School: Mesa - 2017 by Times Media Group

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Heather Maxwell sorts through books in a guided reading program. Maxwell ended up purchasing baskets to display books in her Litchfield Park classroom.

Teachers find low-cost and free treasures at Tempe shop BY RALPH ZUBIATE Tribune Managing Editor

ast year, the average teacher spent about $500 out of his or her own pocket for classroom supplies, according to the Education Market Association. One in 10 spent $1,000 or more. All told, that’s about $1.6 billion in

supplies that parents and school districts nationwide expect teachers to pay for. Treasures 4 Teachers in Tempe is trying to help reduce that cost. With a warehouse full of donated materials, Treasures 4 Teachers offers educators low-cost and free books, art supplies, office supplies and pretty much everything you can think of. Barbara Blalock, the founder and

executive director, came up with the idea when she visited a second-grade classroom in 2004. According to the Treasures’ website, the teacher asked her students to get out a piece of paper and pencil. A young girl went up to the teacher and gave up her shoe, for which the teacher gave her a See

TREASURES on page 11

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School districts across the East Valley are preparing to begin the new school year. Here are the main area districts and their start dates: Chandler Unified – July 24 Gilbert Unified – Aug. 2 Higley Unified – July 24 Kyrene Elementary – Aug. 3 Mesa Unified – Aug. 8 Queen Creek Unified – July 25 Tempe Elementary – Aug. 7 Tempe Union – Aug. 7

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THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | JULY 16, 2017

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BACK TO SCHOOL 4

THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | JULY 16, 2017

Mesa’s wide school selection tailors education to each student seen this program before, they say, ‘Is it always that quiet in the room?’ The kids have fun in the classroom, and yes, they can talk. But when it’s learning time, it’s learning time.”

BY HEIDI HURST Tribune Guest Writer

rom award-winning neighborhood schools to unique specialized programs, you’ll find options for every child at Mesa Public Schools At Mesa Public Schools, diverse educational options are available for all students.

Montessori spurs independent learners

Franklin schools are traditional

Franklin Elementary schools take a traditional approach to education. Students sit at individual desks in a teacher-centered classroom and follow an accelerated curriculum, and behavior expectations are high. Franklin schools use the researchbased Spalding program for phonics and reading. “Spalding is structured and provides repetition, which younger children need in reading,” said Emily Kelly, Franklin (Tim Hacker/Mesa Public Schools] Montessori kindergarten students puzzle out things at Pomeroy Elementary School. principal. Franklin students are graded on an “Parents, especially in kindergarten, are accelerated scale. For example, an A if a child receives a D or below, the is 94-100 percent. Students receive teacher personally calls parents with an impressed with how much their children accomplish,” Kelly says. “If they haven’t progress reports every three weeks, and explanation.

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In district Montessori classrooms, students are in a different type of environment. Based on the work of Dr. Maria Montessori, an early 20th century Italian physician and educator, Montessori classrooms are filled with materials that provide experiences for self-motivated independent learners. Montessori students are placed in multiaged classrooms, based on developmental periods. It is common for students to spend several years with the same teacher. With a balance between freedom and responsibility, students are encouraged to progress at their own pace. Hands-on learning is crucial to ensuring learners are engaged. “Montessori reflects kids’ natural curiosity,” explained Dawn Foley, director See

Test Prep

MESA on page 6

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Things to know about CAC’s Early College Program:  It’s Convenient - The Early College program is held during the Fall and Spring semesters.  It’s Inclusive - Students who have completed their sophomore or junior year are eligible.  It’s Affordable - *CAC pays up to 5 credits of in-state tuition per Summer.  It’s Beneficial - Transfer credits are available to get you closer to a Bachelor’s degree! *Conditions apply. Books and transportation not included.

For requirements, visit: www.centralaz.edu/earlycollege For all CAC High School Outreach programs, visit:

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THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | JULY 16, 2017

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BACK TO SCHOOL 6

MESA

from page 4

of curriculum. “Students are given learning outcomes but decide when and how they will achieve those outcomes.” District Montessori educators are accredited by the state and the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education. Free K-6 Montessori is available at Bush, Johnson and Pomeroy elementary schools, and a fee-based preschool program is available at Jordan Center for Early Education.

Learning in two languages

At Hermosa Vista and Keller elementary schools, students in the dual-language program are taught half the day in English and half in Spanish. Subjects taught in Spanish are math, science and social studies. Math concepts are reinforced in English. Students do not need to be Spanishspeakers to succeed in the program. “When a child is young, what they’re acquiring is so new to them that they’re quickly going to be at the same level for both languages,” explained Veronica Betance-Sandoval, district world languages specialist.

“It’s complicated to believe that it’s possible to get those kids to understand what you’re saying, but then you see it. It helps that we have the most enthusiastic teachers as part of the program.” The dual-language program is available to students in kindergarten through sixth grade at Keller Elementary, and to students in kindergarten through second grade at Hermosa Vista Elementary, with a subsequent grade added each year.

A global education in Mesa

At Summit Academy, students learn via the highly respected International Baccalaureate program, which focuses on inquiry learning and multicultural awareness. At the elementary level, or primary years program, lessons come alive for IB students because they use creativity to study issues through questioning. There is an emphasis on critical thinking, problem solving and lifelong learning. At Summit Academy, students can choose to continue with IB at the school in seventh and eighth grade. However, at the elementary level, it’s all-inclusive. An important aspect of the IB program is world language. At Summit Academy, students take Spanish beginning in kindergarten. At Mesa Academy for

THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | JULY 16, 2017

Advanced Studies, which offers the IB Middle Years Program to sixth- through eighth-graders, students may also take Mandarin Chinese. Mesa Academy and Summit Academy students have the option of entering the IB diploma program at Westwood High School.

Award-winning neighborhood schools

Mesa Public Schools continues to break records for awards that honor excellence. Currently, the district has an unprecedented 27 A+ Schools of Excellence. The list includes elementary schools such as Brinton, Falcon Hill, Red Mountain Ranch, Whitman (Tim Hacker/ Mesa Public Schools) and Zaharis. To attain Summit Academy International Baccalaureate Spanish teacher A+ status, these schools Martha Garchow high-fives a student during a game meant to teach meet student needs, both counting in Spanish. academic and non-academic, for, an excellent choice is just around the and demonstrate high achievement. Opportunities at Mesa Public Schools corner. Learn more at mpsaz.org/success. are endless. – Heidi Hurst is a spokeswoman for Mesa No matter what parents are looking Public Schools.

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THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | JULY 16, 2017

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BACK TO SCHOOL 8

THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | JULY 16, 2017

New principal in charge at Seton Catholic Prep A Tribune Staff

new principal has taken the helm of Seton Catholic Preparatory in Chandler. Victor M. Serna was appointed to the East Valley’s only Catholic college preparatory high school by Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted. Serna replaces Pat Collins, who retired in the spring after serving the school in various capacities since 1992, including the past 12 years as principal. Prior to arriving at Seton, Serna was a Master Principal, chosen by the director of Catholic Education in the Los Angeles archdiocese to form, advise and train Catholic leaders. “My wife Evelyn and I are excited to become part of the Sentinel community,” said Serna. “I consider myself blessed to serve my faith through the ministry of Catholic education. I believe in educating the whole person through a rigorous curriculum, access to co-curricular and extra-curricular activities including leadership opportunities and service to others, personal support, and daily encounters with Christ.”

Prior to joining Seton Catholic, Serna held the position of principal at St. Turibius Catholic School in Los Angeles since 2013. Prior to that, he served as assistant principal and dean of students at his alma mater, Bishop Mora Salesian High School in Los Angles. He also served as athletic director of St. Mary Catholic School and associate athletic director at the Salesian Family Youth Center, both in LA. Serna earned a B.S. in criminal justice from California State University and master’s degrees in secondary education and educational administration from Mount St. Mary’s University. He is in the process of completing his third master’s degree in instructional leadership. He has received Catholic leadership training through the Notre Dame University Alliance for Catholic Education and through the Salesian Leadership Institute for Ministry with the Salesians of Don Bosco, Western Providence. Serna and his wife live in Gilbert. Seton is a private, coeducational high school in Chandle open to students of all faiths. Information: setoncatholic.org.

Building a brighter future

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(Special to the Tribune)

Victor Serna, the new principal at Seton Catholic Preparatory in Chandler, helped train principals through a program run by the Los Anegeles Catholic Archdiocese.

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@mpsaz | 480-472-0000 | 63 E. Main St. · Mesa, AZ 85201

THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | JULY 16, 2017

Chandler schools’ chief:

Judge us by our grads BY CAMILLE CASTEEL Tribune Guest Writer

s we make final preparations for the start of the 2017-2018 school year, I want to take this opportunity to thank the families of 45,000 students for choosing Chandler Unified School District as their educational provider. In CUSD, parents may choose from a menu of personalized learning experiences that best meet the needs of their children. We know you have choices and we work hard to ensure a safe, learning environment for students with many backgrounds and learning styles. We are known as a premier district of choice. Academic achievement is a high priority in the district as evidenced by test scores that exceed state and national averages. We pride ourselves on providing outstanding educational programs at all grade levels, including:

• Free full-day kindergarten, • K-8 self-contained gifted programs (Chandler Academically Talented Students), • Knox Gifted Academy, • Traditional academies, • Mandarin Chinese and Spanish immersion programs, • Elite Performance Academy for our serious young student-athletes, • Accelerated Middle School, • STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) diploma, • Nationally recognized academic, fine arts and athletic programs, • College preparatory advanced placement instruction, • Accelerated International Baccalaureate study, • Science and biotech classes that promote critical thinking, • Chandler On-line program, • Access to a variety of preschool and afterschool programming. Our governing board is visionary and is determined to make Chandler

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(Special to the Tribune)

Chandler Schools Superintendent Camille Casteel says students graduate from her district schools as engaged leaders, problem solvers and serviceoriented citizens.

dedicated staff. I am so confident that we can find the right school environment for your child that I invite you to contact my office at 480-812-7600, so that my staff and I can assist with placement for this year. – Camille Casteel is the superintendent of Chandler Unified School District.

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THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | JULY 16, 2017

This Tempe Union official is delighted to welcome a new school year BY JENNIFER LIEWER Tribune Guest Writer

rowing up, the thought of going back to school didn’t exactly make me happy. Sure, I enjoyed school as much as the next kid, but the end of summer vacation made me sad. It meant the end of sleeping in, spending hours in a swimming pool, working at the local movie theater, playing video games at the arcade, traveling to visit family in other states and doing a whole lot of nothing. Now, for the first time in my life, I can’t wait for school to start. Hired as the new executive director of community relations for the Tempe Union High School District, I joined the team with just three weeks left of the school year, and it was a whirlwind. I attended sports banquets, baseball playoffs, watched students race in boats made from cardboard and duct tape, touted the remarkable accomplishments of the class of 2017 and was honored to participate in graduation ceremonies at Compadre Academy and Tempe High School. It was the best beginning to a new job

that I had ever experienced. Before I knew it, the school year was over, but I wanted more. I wanted to meet more teachers, talk with more students and engage with more of the amazing East Valley community that I was just getting to know. And, I wanted to share more stories about all that was going on in our seven high schools and shout about them from the mountains. I quickly realized I would need to wait. Even though things didn’t stop once the students left and the work of the Tempe Union High School District continued, there was a very different feel when I came to work each day. It was a quieter. A little less hectic. There was more of a focus on evaluating, planning and preparing. Our governing board held public meetings to ensure budgets were approved, policies were updated and staff would have the resources they needed on Aug. 7. There was planning and training and, for me, learning the roles and responsibilities of my new job. There was a lot of hard work going on to ensure that TUHSD was prepared to continue to provide the educational excellence that our community needs,

(Special to the Tribune)

Jennifer Liewer, foreground, Tempe Union High School District’s new community relatives director, attended Compadre Academy’s graduation with associate superintendents Anna Battle, rear, and Kim Hilgers.

deserves and has come to expect. However, recently I have found myself saying, “Enough already. Let’s get this school year started! I am ready.”

In fact, we are all ready. We are ready to welcome the class of 2021. Ready to meet new teachers and learn from those who have been teaching for years. We are ready to cheer for our teams until we are hoarse and prepared to stay silent when two schools from our district compete against each other because we know we don’t have a favorite. I also know I am ready to say goodbye to summer and for the first time, enthusiastically head back to school. If this upcoming year is anything like my first three weeks on the job, it is sure to be amazing. And, if the students of Tempe High, McClintock, Marcos de Niza, Corona del Sol, Mountain Pointe, Desert Vista and Compadre Academy are anything like I was in high school and sad that their summer is over, they should know that they have a mass of teachers, administrators, support staff, coaches, bus drivers, custodial staff, guidance counselors, and one VERY excited community relations director who can’t wait for them to come back! -Jennifer Liewer is executive director of community relations for Tempe Union High School District.

11 BACK TO SCHOOL “I’d say that I spend at least $300-400 a But here, they have year out of pocket,” she said. “This helps.” help. from page 1 Maxwell and other teacher friends “Our volunteers pencil. found out about Treasures 4 Teachers and create kits from Blalock found out the teacher didn’t decided they needed to check it out. the stuff they get,” have enough pencils, so she made students “The first time I was here, there were Blalock said. “That give up a shoe to borrow one, knowing about six or seven of us on a field trip,” way, it’s ready to that they wouldn’t leave with she said. use.” the pencil and without their One recent morning, she Treasures 4 shoe. was going through boxes Teachers has 115 Blalock realized she wanted and looking at the books in a volunteers and 13 to help make sure all teachers reading program kit. She was staff members. had enough resources – and in Tempe this time because Memberships, that kids kept their shoes. her daughter is in a drama which last a So, Treasures 4 Teachers was club nearby. school year, are (Kimberly Carrillo/Tribune Staff Photographer) born. “I got a box of file folders $35. Treasures 4 Bins chock-full of plastic pieces, pens, pipe cleaners and more can be used to Treasures relies mostly on last time. And a set of shelves, Teachers also offers fill a bag for $1. corporate donations for its but they didn’t fit in the car, “scholarships” to stock. Treasures has a mobile program, too. so I had to come back,” she cover the cost for first-year or needy Carrillo/Tribune) “We got a lot of donations Barbara (Kimberly “Thunderbird Charities gave us $25,000 said. teachers. Blalock says from manufacturers,” Blalock Treasures 4 Teachers tries “I buy a lot of books for “The Tempe Diablos help with that,” to go to schools that need school supplies,” said. “We get things from to do something special for my classroom. I get extra Blalock said. “They’ve been great about Blalock said. “We give them out for free. OfficeMax, Target, Jo-Ann, teachers every day during supplies, free three-ring giving us funding for memberships.” “It’s a win-win for the businesses, Staples. We have an ongoing the summer. binders. I’m pretty sure they Treasures is trying to spread the idea teachers, students and the environment. donation from Staples every month.” don’t have anything like this anywhere.” around. There’s another Treasures 4 Seventy-five percent of the donated items Last month, Treasures gave out an Once, she grabbed a bunch of old Teachers in Tucson. Members can shop would have ended up in a landfill.” electronic stapler from Staples with a $10 VHS cassette cases for free. She had sets both locations. Treasures 4 Teachers is at 3025 South purchase. of fraction strips for each student, and When the Tucson location opened, 48th St., Suite 101, Tempe. Shopping Treasures also gets unusual donations, she used each case to hold a full set. Each Treasures wondered how they’d get some hours are Tuesday-Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., “things you wouldn’t expect,” Blalock said. student then had their own set perfectly of their donated items down there. Saturday 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Check-in ends “Ping gives us beanbags” – actually contained. “But as soon as they opened, donations 15 minutes prior to close. Information: moisture-absorbing bags that can be used Like Maxwell, teachers are pretty good started pouring in,” Blalock said. “They’re 480-751-1122, treasures4teachers.org, as beanbags. “Ikea gives a lot of different at coming up with uses for the treasures. self-sustaining.” facebook.com/Treasures4Teachers.org. things,” she says, pointing to a bin full of purple candles. Boeing gives them plastic caps from airplane panels. A medical supplier gives A Better Future Starts Right In them plastic tubing that can be used for Your Own Neighborhood crafts or decorating. They’ve accepted carpet squares, wallpaper and fabric samples. Lately, a bin full of picture frame corners – just the corners – has been available. Last spring, big boxes of leftover Christmas ornaments Wednesday, August 2nd were there for the taking. Treasures also takes donations of used J.O. Combs Unified School District is items or money from the public. Teachers currently enrolling students and accepting can find old board games, notebooks, shoeboxes and cardboard tubes. open enrollment at all of our schools. The items they get are offered to teachers at a tiny price, from free to $1 • Free All Day Kindergarten www.jocombs.org for a bag full of things and $5 for a bigger bag. They also have furniture, office chairs • Competitive Sports Programs at A Community of Empowered Learners and bookcases. for the 21st Century Combs High School and Combs The $5 Fill-A-Bag gives the most bang Middle School for the buck, Blalock says. Teachers usually fill those bags with brand-new • State Qualifying High School donated books. Athletic Teams “A man gets them from his book sources,” she said. “What he doesn’t want, • Award Winning Music Program he donates. He brings them by the pallet.” • Combs High School - More Than “Fill-A-Bag is really cool,” said Heather Maxwell, a fifth-grade teacher at Litchfield $2.8 Million in Scholarships Awarded Elementary in Litchfield Park. • Free Transportation She makes the long drive because she feels it’s worth it. THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | JULY 16, 2017

TREASURES

School Starts

THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | JULY 16, 2017

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