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JULY 15, 2018
(Tim Hacker Photos/ Mesa Public Schools) Emerson Elementary students celebrated the last day of the 2017-18 school Red Mountain High School Principal Jared Ryan checks Steve Durivage gets the floors at Hughes Elementary in tip-top shape. year in May. maintenance details with a custodian.
Mesa Public Schools works all summer on safety and security BY MACIE WILLIAMS Tribune Guest Writer
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s Mesa Public Schools’ 64,000 students enjoy their last few days of summer reading and lounging in the pool, the district’s staff is hard at work ensuring a successful start to the school year.
The Mesa Public Schools operations department maintains 82 school campuses inside and out. Staff members specialize in maintenance, custodial and grounds, as well as new construction and renovations. The department has made several improvements over the years to work more efficiently, including hiring staff that conducts daily on-campus improvements
from 6 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. at individual schools. Projects range from painting and landscape maintenance to structural repair. “Every principal across the district feels like the single most important person during that week’s visit,” says Todd Poer, director of operations. “And having our
team available during extended hours eliminates disruptions during classroom instruction.” For the more than 29,000 daily student riders on the district’s school buses, safety is the transportation department’s top priority. After all, Mesa Public Schools See
MESA SCHOOLS on page 4
Volunteers sought to help Mesa teachers cope with class size Tribune News Staff
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ith many Mesa schools facing teacher shortages and growing class sizes, the value of trained volunteers assisting in classrooms has become increasingly important to student success, according to principals and teachers who partner with Your Experience Counts. A program of HandsOn Greater Phoenix, Your Experience Counts has been providing volunteers to schools for 12 years. The program provided 92 volunteers in 25 schools during the 2017-18 school year.
More volunteers are needed for 201819 to meet the requests of principals and teachers in Mesa Public Schools. The program addresses needs in other areas of the Valley as well, including Balsz, Osborn, Washington and Dysart school districts. Robby Meldau, principal of Eisenhower Center for Innovation in the Mesa school district, said that YEC volunteers “are fabulous teacher allies, powerful supporters of students and positive impactors of classroom dynamics.” “My teachers are especially grateful for how committed our volunteers have been to reaching every student and encourag-
ing them to learn,” Meldau said. Teacher Allison Zingale and volunteer Anthony Mandarino teamed to support a combination fifth-sixth-grade classroom at Eisenhower. Zingale has had a volunteer in her classroom for her four years as a teacher. “My students greatly benefit from having caring, skilled adults interact with them,” Zingale said. “Anthony helped my students by motivating them and giving feedback on math and reading and offering alternative strategies for students to be successful.” Mandarino has a degree in biological science and an interest in becoming a
teacher. “I work with students one-on-one or small groups to teach a lesson,” Mandarino said. “I try to connect with the students and keep them on track. It is really satisfying when they look at you and say thanks for the help.” YEC volunteers typically spend two to five hours a week in classrooms in grades 3 through 6. Volunteers bring a variety of life and work experiences to their schools. Many are retired from business, military or education. Some are stay-at-home moms or work part time. See
VISTA on page 4
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THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | JULY 15, 2018
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MESA SCHOOLS
from page 1
bus drivers travel approximately 38,000 miles each day. “We have a diverse group of people in our department who support educators and school leaders,” said Jeanne Vandemark, transportation director. “From retired career firefighters to business owners and college students, we have one common goal, and that is student success.” The school safety and security department implements the emergency management protocols at district schools,
including lockdowns or evacuations. In recent years, campus safety improvements have included security fencing and safety glass. All district junior high and high schools have full-time school resource officers, who are Mesa police officers assigned to campuses. Director Allen Moore regularly meets with his security officers, and the Mesa police and fire and medical departments to ensure that the district is up to date with security practices. “Providing a safe and secure environment for students gives them the ability to learn,” said Moore. The purchasing department is
Valley Christian VISTA accolades BY TROY THELEN Tribune Guest Writer
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or 36 years, Valley Christian High School has been educating students in 9-12 grades. Starting this fall, they open their doors to junior high students, as well. “Expanding from four grades to seven allows us to extend the Valley Christian brand not only to more families and students, but for a longer period of time, as well,” said Dan Kuiper, the school’s administrator. “Our junior high Principal Chris Fryar and his team have already done a tremendous job in setting up Valley Christian Junior High for success.” Along with an expected 440 students at the high school, more than 80 students are registered for the school before it opens. The school’s junior high campus in Tempe is located at the newly renovated Gethsemane Church campus and features an academic building, multi-use facility, gymnasium and worship center. The high school campus is located in Chandler at Ray Road and 56th Street and includes a gymnasium, baseball field, newly lit softball field, brand new beach volleyball courts, and a football field and track on a beautiful 17-acre campus. The two campuses are located six miles from each other. Now in its 37th year, Valley Christian embarks on a brand-new chapter. And if you ask their employees, they’ll almost assuredly be around to see it through. -Troy Thelan, a 2003 graduate of Valley Christian High School, is legacy director for the school.
THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | JULY 15, 2018
responsible for ordering everything from textbooks and erasers to air filters and cleaning supplies. Over the summer, the purchasing team orders supplies for the upcoming school year. Director Michelle Hamilton says her team’s job is to make sure schools have everything they need for successful teaching and learning. “We’re here so that teachers can focus on students,” she said. The district’s food and nutrition department continuously improves recipes to meet the needs of their young customers’ discerning palates. This includes summer professional development opportunities
to keep menus fresh and exciting. The district’s central kitchens will be hopping bright and early on the first day of school. The department serves more than 37,000 lunches and 18,000 breakfasts per day. So as students say goodbye to summer and hello to their classmates on Aug. 8, last-minute preparations are occurring to ensure another successful year of teaching and learning at Mesa Public Schools. Information about our diverse educational choices: mpsaz.org/enroll. -Macie Williams is a public relations/marketing specialist for Mesa Public Schools.
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Your Experience Counts provides extensive training for volunteers in subject areas – including STEM – and classroom management. At Balsz Elementary School, volunteer James Mallard utilizes his experience as a life and business coach to work with eighth-grade students on reading comprehension and writing. He also created a career day for students. His teacher, Rikki Garcia, said: “James is awesome. He brings positive uplifting energy, listening skills and real-life experiences to our classroom.” And at Griffith Elementary in the Balsz District, volunteer Robyn Burgoon, a former teacher, works with students in math, science, spelling and writing. “Some students just need a confidence boost,” she said. “I think it is most helpful to support the teacher by working one-on-one with struggling students.” Similar classroom success stories are reported in other districts. In a YEC year-end survey, a Dysart principal stated: “You were an amazing support to our teachers, students and school. You are making a positive difference in the life of our students.” And in the Washington Elementary School District, a principal said: “Volunteers have become an integral part of the classroom and are much valued by the teachers and students. Our volunteers have been able to really build strong relationships with students.” At Solano Elementary in the Osborn District, teacher Mae Nevarez says that her third- and fourth-grade students “love having (volunteer) Maria Salvucci in the room. She has been an enormous help, particularly supporting students with math concepts.” Salvucci, herself a former teacher, has been a YEC volunteer for 3½ years. “Seeing the need in Arizona for assistance in overcrowded classrooms, I thought serving as a volunteer would be a good fit. I absolutely love helping children build their confidence,” Salvucci said. For more information, or to volunteer for the 201819 school year, contact Mike Beardslee, Educational Programs Manager at mike@handsonphoenix.org, 623223-9248, or handsonphoenix.org/YEC.
(Special to the Tribune)
Top: Allison Zingale works with students in her fifth-sixth-grade classroom at Eisenhower Center for Innovation in the Mesa Public Schools. Bottom: Your Experience Counts volunteer Anthony Mandarino helps students in a fifth-sixth-grade combination class during a reading assignment at Eisenhower Center for Innovation in the Mesa Public Schools district.
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THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | JULY 15, 2018
Help your child prepare for the first day of kindergarten BY DONNA SHOTT Tribune Guest Writer
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he first day of school is within reach for East Valley families. If you have a kindergartener in your home, this is a very big deal! There are activities you can do during the final countdown to help your child prepare for the kickoff to their school career. “Preparing your child in the summer prior to kindergarten for what lies ahead is an important step in ensuring that your child has smooth transition,” said Danielle Petroniero-Klein, who teaches kindergarten at Summit of Ahwatukee. First Things First, a voter-created statewide organization that funds early education and health programs to help kids be successful once they enter kindergarten, recommends the following: Wake up at the time necessary in order to give your child plenty of time to get ready. “In the weeks leading up to kindergarten, it is helpful for your child if you establish a set bedtime and wakeup routine,” Petroniero-Klein said. Plan and fix a healthy breakfast. Teach your kindergartener how to help with this. Lay out clothes the night before and make sure zippers, buttons and ties are able to be easily fastened. If your child takes the school bus, walk to the bus stop and talk about boarding and where to sit. If you plan to drive to school, talk about the landmarks along the way. Pack a lunch for both of you. Sit down with your child and practice opening things together. If you will be sending a lunch, make sure it is nutritious food that they like and can open. Juice boxes, fruit cups, and ziplock bags can frustrate your child if there hasn’t been practice. Remind your child to ask for help if needed. Prior to the first day of school, meet with the teacher and introduce your child. Be sure to express your appreciation for their hard work. Kindergarteners sometimes have accidents. It’s a reality that should be anticipated. Pack an extra pair of clothes for your child to bring to school. Give your child a family picture to keep
in their backpack or pocket. Reassure them of the pickup time. Spend extra time on the first day of school, but do not drag out saying goodbye. Send them off with a reassuring hug and kiss! “If your child has questions or worries, explore his or her feelings through drawing about kindergarten,” Petroniero-Klein said. “As your child expresses excitement and anticipation, join in by pointing out some kindergarten positives such as making new friends or playing on the ‘big kids’ playground.” Children who have positive early childhood experiences tend to score higher on school readiness assessments and are more likely to do well in school and graduate. By turning everyday moments into learning moments, you can send your child to school with the skills – and the love of learning – that will help them succeed in kindergarten and beyond. Here are some helpful tools for all parents: FTF digital Parent Kit Covering a wide range of topics from pregnancy, child development, safety, physical and emotional health to finding quality child care, the digital parent Kit provides useful tips. FirstThingsFirst.org/ Parent-Kit. Birth to 5 Helpline Arizona’s only toll-free helpline for parents, caregivers and professionals with questions or concerns about children from birth to age 5. Call the Birth to 5 Helpline at 1-877-705-KIDS. FTF Family Resource Network The 30 family resource centers across Maricopa County offer referrals to community resources and offer free or low cost programs for families of young children. To find a family resource center near you, visit FamilyResourceAZ.org. FTF Quality First Choosing a child care setting for your infant, toddler or preschooler is a big decision. To find a Quality First center or for more information on what quality early education looks like, visit the Quality First website at qualityfirstaz.com. -Donna Shott is a spokeswoman for First Things First, a voter-created, statewide organization that funds early education and health programs to help kids be successful once they enter kindergarten. Information: FirstThingsFirst.org.
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THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | JULY 15, 2018
Kyrene adopts new way to help kids, families in need Tribune News Staff
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he Kyrene School District has become the first in Arizona to partner with a Georgia-based nonprofit that gives people a new way to help the district raise money for children’s needs. The district last month approved entering into a non-binding, cost-free memorandum of understanding with Purposity, an organization that works with school systems to connect donors to specific needs, whether they be shoes or classroom supplies. “Purposity signs up donors within the ZIP codes of a school district, seeking people who are looking to find purpose through generosity,” an administration
states. “Once Purposity has identified donors, staff identified by Kyrene would have access to the Purposity platform to enter specific student needs.” People who sign up provide their cell number and then are texted by Purposity when a particular need in their ZIP code emerges. The memo states the likely staffers would be social workers or counselors with access to Purposity’s system.The children’s identities would not be publicized. “Once a week, users who have signed up to participate with Purposity will receive a text with a need in their area. By clicking on the link, they can read the story about the need and decide whether or not to help out. The price is clearly displayed, meaning they simply click ‘Complete
Purchase’ and head to Amazon to finish the checkout process,” the administration memo states, adding: “The item is set up to ship directly to the Kyrene School District. Our staff would then distribute the needed item to the student.” Purposity also can be used “if a family were to experience a large loss due to a life event like a fire. Purposity will even purchase small furniture items.” None of the items can cost more than $250. “This will allow us to get items for students that we do not have easy access to through the Family Resource Center or other donations,” the administration said, adding that Kyrene is the first school district in Arizona to join the nonprofit.
Purposity was started last year by two social media experts in Georgia, but also took root in Denver when one of them moved there. It boasts dozens of school districts, corporations and nonprofits as partners on its website, purposity.com, Co-founder Blake Canterbury said, “Purposity isn’t just a tool. It’s a vision. It’s a vision of seeing the world as it should be. It’s the quest to connect neighbors and communities around purpose. It’s you helping those around you. As a group of social entrepreneurs, from the very beginning we wanted to make something that mattered.” The district hopes to sign up 500 people in the first year and add 250 donors every year after that.
District debuts drone activity in Boeing partnership BY HEIDI HURST Tribune Guest Writer
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fter a successful 20-year partnership with Boeing, Mesa Public Schools’ Aeronautical Center of Exploration (ACE) has debuted an exciting activity. Fifth-grade students visiting ACE at Salk Elementary learn how to fly a drone, thanks to Boeing engineers who designed the activity and curriculum. “This will help students plan their careers in aviation and science, technology, engineering and math,” said Mary Baldwin, Boeing’s Arizona community investor. “That’s part of what we try to do with our investment – contribute to that pipeline and make sure we have a future workforce.” Engineers designed a sectional map, where students fly a small drone from a spot marked with their school name to a spot marked “ACE.” Three regional airports are included on the map, so students learn about the importance of safe drone flying around airspace in the local area. “It teaches you how to fly a drone and about your sense of direction,” said Katie Wong, a fifth-grader at Mesa Academy for Advanced Studies. “It teaches you to stay out of airports because it’s dangerous, and to not go too high or too low.” The new activity is one of several stations at ACE where students extend their learning about the science of flight. After learning about flight in the classroom, fifth-grade students visit ACE at Salk or
Lowell elementary schools for hands-on activities, including flight simulation. Boeing and Mesa Public Schools collaborated to open the first ACE, then known as Flight Center, in 1998. “Our objective was to teach students about the science of flight and help them in critical thinking and problem solving,” Baldwin said. “As time has gone by, we help the district update curriculum. The new drone curriculum helps students learn a (Heidi Hurst/Mesa Public Schools) different aspect of Mesa Academy for Advanced Studies fifth-graders participate in the new drone activity at Salk Elementary’s Aeronautical Center of Exploration as flight.” instructor Diana Andresen looks on. ACE is one of The drone activity, available at the Salk in aviation and aerospace,” Andresen said. several district programs offered to students, thanks to grants from Boeing. In location, is already a hit with students, ac- “It’s a great activity, and they’re having November 2017, Boeing awarded Mesa cording to ACE specialist Diana Andre- fun.” Wong agrees. Public Schools $301,000 for STEM ini- sen. “Because of what I’ve learned in school, “We wanted to add some new STEM tiatives, including Engineering Is Elementary, Claiming the Evidence and a Kin- activities that engage kids in a higher level I’ve learned it would be cool to be a pilot, of thinking and create awareness of careers and I actually can be one day,” she said. derU math program.
THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | JULY 15, 2018
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Red Mountain grad cultivates a lesson in environmental stewardship “It took two days to distribute the dirt,“ McConaghie said. “Once the truck dumped the soil, we took it by estled on a corner of the Red wheelbarrow to the playground and Mountain High School cam- used shovels to level the field.” pus is the KinderU playThe Mesa Public Schools operations ground. Preschoolers enjoy playing on ground crew assessed drainage issues the grass turf, thanks to forward-think- and installed the sod, which was doing 2018 graduate Lexy McConaghie. nated by West Coast Turf. The At the beginning of the school grounds team modified and year, students in Shane Bycott’s replaced sprinkler heads to Advanced Placement envicreate better drainage and ronmental science class were give the grass an optimal challenged to “Change the environment to thrive. World” through a service McConaghie admitproject. McConaghie chose ted there were a few to put her talents toward imsnags along the way, proving the young learners’ such as when the sod playground. installation had to “Lexy took this project be rescheduled to heart,” Bycott shared. twice due to “It wasn’t just green sod the school vs. brown grass. She closures modified the overall from the structure of the area, #RedforEd making a big impact walkout. on our campus.” “ T h e Sharon Pratt, who heat expodirects Red Mountain sure and High’s KinderU prosod’s short gram, was thrilled to shelf life have McConaghie’s required help in improving immediate her students’ experiinstallation,” ences. she shared. “The revival of the “But it all grass adds a natural came toplay surface that gether in makes our outthe end.” door experiT h i s ences much Mc(Tim Hacker/Mesa Public Schools) fall, better,” she Lexy McConaghie, a 2018 Red Mountain High School graduate, will C o n a g h i e attend Brigham Young University this fall. said. will attend To get startBrigham ed on the project, McConaghie con- Young University in Provo, Utah, to structed a plan that put her organiza- major in entrepreneurial management. tional skills into high gear. However, her presence will be felt for “I thought this project would take years to come at Red Mountain High me a month,” she said with a laugh. “I School, especially among the excited learned a big project is a lot more work KinderU students. One preschooler than you think. It takes many people summed it up when she said, “I just and good management skills.” love the smell of grass!” McConaghie reached out to Silverado KinderU is available at multiple disEnterprises Inc. to ask for a soil dona- trict locations. Learn more at mpsaz. tion for the project. Then she called on org/kinderu. friends and members of the National Honor Society to prepare the area. BY LAURIE STRUNA Tribune Contributor
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