WWW.GLENDALESTAR.COM
JULY 18, 2019
BY ANDREA ESTRADA
“The Spirit award is given out to a nominee whose school and greater community rallies around their nomination. It’s probably my favorite award because we see some really incredible things happen with it,” Manosh said. “Amy has a profile on the LifeChanger of the Year website. What we do is we encourage colleagues, parents, members of the community and students to go onto that profile and leave positive comments. We see these really amazing things happen with schools, communities and districts where they really rally to celebrate their nominees.” For Kliewer, being considered for a LifeChanger award has been a humbling experience, she said. “To find out I was nominated for a national award — I was shocked. If you spend some time scrolling through the website, to be among such amazing educators, people who are going above and beyond every day, just to be in that group is really an honor.” Programs like LifeChanger of the Year that not only celebrate excellence in education, but fund it are important for educators, Kliewer said. “I think any award like this that brings attention to the amazing work that educators are doing — because it is a fact that I feel we’re underappreciated in society — is amazing. They’re not only recognizing the contributions that teachers are giving, but also giving the opportunity to provide for those students by giving money to both the district and the teachers,” Kliewer said. “Investing in teachers is really just investing in our kids. I want us to be a country that shows we value our children. I think the best way to do that is through education.”
Glendale teacher up for LifeChanger award Glendale Star Staff Writer
LifeChanger of the Year celebrates outstanding K-12 educators and school district employees who go above and beyond to make positive impacts in the lives of their students. Since its inception in 2011, the national program has named a number of LifeChanger, Spirit and Spotlight award winners, providing them with cash awards to be shared with their schools. This year, Amy Kliewer, who teaches at Coyote Ridge Elementary School and was recently chosen as the Glendale Elementary School District (GESD) 2018-19 Teacher of the Year, is among the 2019-20 LifeChanger of the Year award nominees. Her nominator, Katie Salch, the GESD English Language Arts (ELA) and mathematics coordinator, calls Kliewer an inspiration. “I was on the committee to interview all of the teachers that were coming forward for our district teacher of the year. Amy rose to the top with how excellent she is,” Salch said. “This is my 16th year in education, and listening to her inspired me to continue what I’m doing and dig deeper into what I do with kids. I wanted the world to know about her.” Education comes to life in Kliewer’s fifth-grade classroom, Salch said. “(Kliewer) is able to plan lessons that are right on the mark; that teach her students the skills they need to know without them realizing that they are learning a lesson. Her personality and the way that she presents herself and the content makes it come alive for the kids,” she said. It’s that kind of personality that LifeChanger of the Year looks for in nominees, said Mallorie Manosh, di-
(Above) Amy Kliewer, who teaches fifth grade at Coyote Ridge Elementary School, says investing in educators is investing in students; (Left) LifeChanger of the Year nominee Amy Kliewer was recently named GESD 2018-19 Teacher of the Year. (Photos courtesy Amy Kliewer)
rector. “With nominations, we want to see how they are improving their school
culture and atmosphere. Are they leaders within their school and even at the district level? Ways they can show they’re committed to building a nurturing environment; support learning within their school,” Manosh said. According to Manosh, 17 individual LifeChanger of the Year awards will be given during the 2019-20 school year, including one grand prize winner award ($10,000); four grand prize finalist awards ($5,000); 10 LifeChanger awards ($3,000); one Spirit award ($5,000); and one Spotlight award ($5,000).
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July 18, 2019
HopSkipDrive makes transportation easier for parents BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Glendale Star Executive Editor
Joanna McFarland and her neighbors were busy parents in Los Angeles who needed help shuffling their eight children to their six different schools and extracurricular activities. Four and a half years ago, they founded HopSkipDrive, which expands to the Valley on July 30. HopSkipDrive is similar to other rideshare companies, except it only services kids ages 6 and older. The drivers (called “CareDrivers”) have extensive background checks and are required to have at least five years of caregiving experience. “Phoenix metro has a lot of congestion,” McFarland said. “Phoenix metro also has school of choice and open enrollment, which makes transportation to and from the school really hard. This is a problem we can help solve.” Rides may be reserved as little as eight hours in advance or by 7 p.m. the night before for morning rides. Families book rides through the app or online at hopskipdrive.com, then HopSkipDrive
HopSkipDrive takes its services to Phoenix on July 30. (Photo courtesy Zion & Zion)
matches ride requests to a CareDriver and sends parents a picture and CareDriver profile to share with their children before the ride. Parents receive progress alerts at pickup and drop-off for added peace of mind. “You can customize the ride notes,
too,” McFarland said. “You can put in instructions like go in and sign my child out of school. You’ll get a picture and profile of the driver, and you can show that to the school to authorize school sign outs. Parents can track everything in their app. We also have a safe ride
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support team, live and in real time.” She said the price is “roughly the same cost of a babysitter who drives.” The service is available already in California, Colorado, Virginia and Washington, D.C. “Nearly 1 in 2 parents say they feel they put their jobs at risk to meet their children’s transportation needs,” McFarland said. “Parents shouldn’t have to choose between their careers and their children’s education and activities, but that tough choice is very real for countless families. HopSkipDrive wants parents to take comfort in knowing they have someone to rely on to get their kids where they need to go, safely and without worry.” Every CareDriver must pass a 15-point certification that includes fingerprinting, FBI and Department of Justice background checks, driving record checks through the DMV and an in-person meeting with the HopSkipDrive team. “I think we’re really on a mission to redefine safety,” McFarland said. “It’s the most comprehensive vetting standard in the industry. They are fingerprinted, background checked. We meet every driver in person. We do more than most families do to vet a nanny or babysitter.” “We’re really excited to be bringing this to Phoenix,” she said. “There’s a huge opportunity there, not only to help busy parents get everybody where they need to go, but to help a lot of the school districts.” She added they have partnerships with local school districts, but would not reveal them.
July 18, 2019
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CARTWRIGHT SCHOOL DISTRICT 5220 W. INDIAN SCHOOL RD, PHOENIX, AZ 85031 PHONE 623-691-4000 | FAX 623-691-4079
T
he Cartwright School District serves 17,000 students and we provide a first-class, global education with 20 schools and two preschool campuses.
We have a total of 12 K-6 schools, 4 K-8 schools,
4 middle schools, and 2 preschools. We believe we can achieve high levels of academic success if we work together. We are “One Team, Una Familia!” and we produce the best students! Enroll now by clicking on www.csd83.org or calling 623-691-4000. Here is what we offer:
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July 18, 2019
Cartwright celebrates first female superintendent BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI
“Our kids have an advantage,” she added. “The majority started speaking a second language, predominately Spanish. By the time they leave our district, they’ll know two languages — something other kids have to pay to learn in college. “I want them to leave our school district and feel empowered to achieve the greatest levels they can. They can go to college or a career-technical education program, or work for police or fire or a journalist. I want them to know they have options.”
Glendale Star Executive Editor
This school year, Cartwright School District is introducing its first female and Latina superintendent, Dr. LeeAnn Aguilar-Lawlor. “I don’t think anyone realized it when it happened,” she said. “The milestone was pointed out when I was named the interim superintendent. I was honored, but it made me kind of sad, too, that it’s 2019 and a female hasn’t been in charge.” Raised in Tucson, Aguilar-Lawlor earned her undergraduate from the UA and her doctorate at ASU. To help pay for school, she joined the Air Force Reserves and was sent overseas during Operation Desert Storm to help reopen a hospital in Lincolnshire, England, that had been closed since World War II. “That changed what I wanted to do,” said Aguilar-Lawlor, who entered college to start a degree in law. “I decided I wanted to become a teacher. I love teaching.” Before her time in the Cartwright School District, Aguilar-Lawlor
Other Cartwright news Dr. LeeAnn Aguilar-Lawlor and Cartwright School District believe in the motto “One Team, Una Familia!” (Photo courtesy Cartwright School District)
worked for the Glendale Elementary School District and the Pendergast School District. She’s proud to work for Cartwright, where kids will be exposed to tremendous options like college and career programs, a rigorous STEM education and social emotional learning.
This year, Atkinson Middle School offers International Baccalaureate and dual-language programs that will be introduced at Starlight Park Elementa-
ry School for English and Spanish. Also, this year, free before school care will be offered at Cartwright schools and 4-year-olds who turn 5 before December 31, 2019, can register for kindergarten. Cartwright School District is proud to have the only “A”-rated school in Maryvale. Aguilar-Lawlor believes the changes Cartwright is implementing for the 2019-20 school year will give students a first-class, global education, one that will provide them with immense opportunities. “We are ‘One Team, Una Familia!’ which means we take great pride in serving our community and our students all year long,” she said. To register your student, visit csd83. org or call 623-691-4000.
Medstar Academy guides students with high-quality teachers
A state-licensed medical training school, Medstar Academy has been in Peoria for more than 10 years. (Photo courtesy Medstar Academy)
BY GLENDALE STAR STAFF A state-licensed medical training school, Medstar Academy in Peoria offers five programs — certified nursing assistant; licensed nursing assistant; pharmacy technician; phlebotomy technician; and basic life support and first aid. The fast-paced learning environment gives students the skills they need to pass their state exams. The students’ career path is guided by high-quality teachers.
Medstar Academy’s mission is to provide students with the knowledge and technical skills they need to become a valued member of a health care team, providing the kind of quality care everyone deserves. In Peoria for more than 10 years, Medstar Academy is located at 13760 N. 93rd Avenue, Suite 202, on the southwest corner of 93rd Avenue and Thunderbird Boulevard. It can be reached at 623-773-9000 or at medstaracademy.com.
The Glendale Star
July 18, 2019
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Pendergast: The district Paramount Academy that ‘bee’-lieves in you improvements continue BY DR. LILY MATOS DEBLIEUX Pendergast Elementary School District Superintendent
The Pendergast District is focused on educating the “whole child” through research-based academics, fine arts, physical education, technology, extra-curricular programs and a full-time counselor on each campus. Leadership opportunities are encouraged for students at each grade level that include clubs, organizations, student government and community service. The district has signature STEAM academies, including Dual Language, Ethnic Studies, GCON Design and Build, Computer Science, Agriculture Ecosystems, Energy, Conservation and Efficiency, Orcutt | Winslow Architecture, Plan-
ning, and Construction, Leadership and Accelerated Math, Banner Health, Medical & Forensic Sciences, Entrepreneurship and Next Level Leadership. Character education is promoted on each campus through the Be Kind Program. The Speak Up, Stand Up, Save a Life Movement is working to eradicate bullying, and focus on issues plaguing youth today, by sharing positive solutions on each of the 12 campuses. The district is also known for its eight-grade superintendent’s student council, which mentors and trains youth to be the leaders of tomorrow and focuses on career and college readiness and community service. Pendergast is the district that believes in you. Come join us today.
Biswas strives to make clients feel comfortable in their skin
BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Glendale Star Executive Editor
Paramount Academy is nearing completion of its redesigned playground area that added blue rubber mulch to create an equipment safety zone. This marks the fifth year of new construction and improvements for one of Arizona’s longest-running charter schools. Paramount Academy has also added an indoor auditorium and offices, along with a soccer field, solar, a fresh coat of paint and resurfaced parking lot. Paramount Academy parents and families aided in the school’s new elec-
tric scoreboard, marquee entry sign and now sand removal and the playground’s redesign. Paramount Academy was established in 1996 by retired teachers who wanted more freedom as well as change in the public school system. The school’s improvements were made as its teachers continued to provide a quality education. The community has provided support over the years and has made the improvements possible. Paramount continues to be a top-rated charter school with a private school feel. Paramount Academy is located at 11039 W. Olive Avenue, Peoria. For more information, call 623-977-0614 or visit paramountacademy. com. Parents of Paramount Academy students recently helped make improvements to the building and the surrounding area. (Photo courtesy Paramount Academy)
BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Glendale Star Executive Editor
For Dr. Atanu Biswas, being involved in the community is just as important as the success of his practice, Biswas Plastic Surgery. Specializing in a full range of aesthetic and reconstructive procedures, Biswas understands aesthetic priorities evolve as people progress through life. At his office at 9401 W. Thunderbird Road, Suite 140, Peoria, Biswas offers reconstructive and aesthetic surgical procedures such as breast reconstruction, abdominoplasty, blepharoplasty and face lifts. On-site med spa treatments like laser resurfacing, Botox, fillers, CoolSculpting, microneedling with platelet rich plasma, facials, microblading and chemical peels are on the docket as well. The spa features the Jan Marini MD Skincare line. Biswas is board certified in plastic surgery and a diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery. He is a graduate of Mayo Clinic Arizona’s Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Residency program.
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July 18, 2019
PARAMOUNT ACADEMY K-8 Public Charter School 11039 W. Olive Ave. • Peoria, AZ 85345
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