News and observations compiled by the Tribune's Chandler reporters and editors
February 18th, 2009, 2:13 pm by Michelle Reese
 Riggs Elementary students were honored for their essays this month. This news came into the Tribune this week: Shea Homes Arizona announced the winners of the “What Makes a House a Home” essay contest conducted at Riggs Elementary School, a Chandler Unified School District campus located in Gilbert. The contest challenged fourth, fifth and sixth-graders graders to write a 200-word essay explaining what they felt was the difference between a house and a home. The teachers selected the top 10 finalists from each class and a judging panel at Shea Homes decided on the top three winning essays from each grade.
A presentation was made on February 3 at Riggs Elementary, to award winners with a gift card, Shea Homes backpack and a certificate of achievement. This contest was developed to elevate awareness for one of Shea Homes’ key initiatives of reducing illiteracy through reading and writing as well as encouraging parents to read with their children at least 15 minutes a day. Winners were: fourth grade, Jacob Vitucci, Rhea Johnston and Kaylee Pedersen; fifth grade, Ashley Tenaglia, Paige Botten and Keanna Suh; sixth grade, Callie VanRyn, Ally Captain and Dallin Simonton.
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February 18th, 2009, 2:08 pm by Michelle Reese
 Glenna McCollum-Cloud, CEO of the Chandler Education Foundation and Marlane Porter, past president of the foundation, present the keys to a new 2009 BMW to Lori Hinojosa, her daughter and husband, along with Bob Arvizu from Chapman BMW. Lori Hinojosa of Gilbert had the winning ticket in the Chandler Education Foundation’s drawing for a 2009 BMW. Hinojosa learned of winning the car through a phone call then made the drive to receive the keys to her new car on Saturday.
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February 11th, 2009, 1:12 pm by Michelle Reese
The principal and staff at San Marcos Elementary want to send a special “Thank You” to our very generous tax credit donors this year. We are very fortunate to have such support, and in today’s economy the generosity shown to our school and children is truly remarkable. You really came through for us and gave us the largest donation total yet! We are overwhelmed at your kindness and because of your generosity, our students will be able to have many new experiences that we would not otherwise be able to provide. Thank you all so much!
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February 10th, 2009, 10:03 am by Michelle Reese
This news came into the Tribune today:
 Weinberg’s multipurpose room Weinberg kindergarten teacher Lisa Newberry stands next to some of her students’ self-portraits. On the evening of January 29, 2009, Chandler’s Weinberg Elementary School was the place to be. The multipurpose room was ablaze with color; each student had a work of art on display and available for framing. Math centers, purchased through a grant, were out for students to teach their families. Students showed off their amazing science projects ranging from erupting volcanoes to tooth decay. Each grade level had their own science project and the fifth and sixth graders worked in groups to design their own experiment. Science fair winners at the fifth grade level include Hunter Baker, Cody Davis, and Joseph St. Germain for their project, Soda & Mentos; Esmeralda Araujo, Isabel Camou, Mariah Garcia, and Erandy Gastelum for Speed of a Skateboard; Mackenzie Ness, Valentina Ortega, and Nick Prickett for Protecting Eggs; Chris Le, Kendra Owens, and Hunter Roland for Heart Rate Change; and Julie Pavlovic, Karla Ramirez, and Mazzy Smith for Heart Rate. 6th grade winners include Brock Hoffman, Austin Strandling, and Austin Williams for their Water Rocket Car; Kaylee Lewis for her Electric Motor; Samantha Hom, Sierra Frishman, and Erin Pellegrino for Geysers; Cassie Diones, Patricia Madsen, Arionne Ward for The Buzzer; Quincy Caston, Ryan Shaffer, Kirk Sovereign, and Cole Warner for their exciting Bottle Rocket; and Kasey Jex, Raena Schulze, and Sydney Smith for Cold Drinks.
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February 10th, 2009, 9:51 am by Michelle Reese
This news came into the Tribune today:
 Honored at the lunch were: Becky Jackson, executive director of the Desert Southwest Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation; Camille Casteel, superintendent of the Chandler Unified School District; Maria Hesse, president of Chandler Gilbert Community College; and resident and community activist Mary Lou Fulton, whose award was accepted by her granddaughter, Wendy Nichols Umbrianna. The Chandler Education Foundation on Friday honored four community leaders at a Celebrate Our Great Women high tea at the Castle at Ashley Manor Friday afternoon. Honored were Becky Jackson, executive director of the Desert Southwest Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation; Camille Casteel, superintendent of the Chandler Unified School District; Maria Hesse, president of Chandler Gilbert Community College; and resident and community activist Mary Lou Fulton, whose award was accepted by her granddaughter, Wendy Nichols Umbrianna.
The purpose of Celebrating Our Great Women was to provide a unique opportunity for women in our community to come together in support of education and women*s heart health. In addition, the event supported high school seniors receiving scholarships and other CEF programs. The honor was held on National Wear Red Day, when Americans nationwide take women’s health to heart by wearing red to show their support for women’s heart disease awareness.
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January 26th, 2009, 9:53 am by Michelle Reese
Registration for preschool will be held April 13-24.
Since every child is unique, our preschools are organized to allow children to initiate activities that grow from personal interests and intentions. Through exploration our preschool students interact with material, people, ideas and events. Our preschool teachers encourage active learning by providing resources, planning experiences and creating an inviting environment in which all children can learn. Navigate to http://ww2.chandler.k12.az.us/community-education/preschool.asp to learn more about the different preschool programs available.
Parents will be asked to complete the district registration forms and provide the following information:
Certified Birth Certificate
Call the State of Arizona Vital Records at (602) 364-1300 to obtain a copy.
Up-to-Date Immunization Records
Must include the following:
DTP: 5 doses unless the last dose was given after 4th birthday. If so, then 4 doses.
POLIO: 4 doses unless the last dose was given after 4th birthday. If so, then 3 doses.
MMR: 2 doses, the first dose given on or after 1st birthday and the second dose at entry to kindergarten.
HIB: 4 doses given. If no dose has been received, at least one is required.
HEP B: 3 doses required. Dose 2 should be received at least 1 month after dose 1 and dose 3 should be received at least 4 months after dose 1 and at least 2 months after dose 2.
VARICELLA: The state requires that children either have the vaccine or provide documentation that the child has had the disease (form is available upon request).
Proof of Residence
Utility bill or home purchase/lease agreement with current address.
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January 26th, 2009, 9:53 am by Michelle Reese
The Chandler Unified School District will conduct Kindergarten and Kindersteps registration from February 17-27, 2009. Children who turn age five prior to September 1, 2009 are eligible for kindergarten. You will need to register your child at the elementary school that pertains to your residential boundaries. Navigate to http://ww2.chandler.k12.az.us/2008-2009_Approved_Elementary_Boundaries.pdf to determine the appropriate registration location.
What is Kindersteps?
Parents of children who turn age five after September 1 and before December 31, 2009 may request placement for their child in Kindersteps if they believe it is in their child’s best interest. The program is designed to prepare children for entry to first grade upon successfully completing the district Kindergarten curriculum. This program is open to all residents in the CUSD. There are ten sites that host Kindersteps. Learn more about the Kindersteps program at http://ww2.chandler.k12.az.us/community-education/kindersteps_moreinfo.asp
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January 26th, 2009, 9:12 am by Michelle Reese
Karen Labutta, the principal of South Fayette Middle School in Pittsburgh, Pa., has challenged Payne Junior High School students to a “Souper Bowl.” Students will bring cans of soup to their 5th hour classes. Payne’s goal is to collect more canned soup their counterparts do. Soup will be donated to a local food bank. Whoever wins will have to wear the other team’s colors the day after the real Superbowl. Karen Martin, the Payne principal ,has approved a a mini Superbowl flag football game on Friday during 5th hour for the two classes that bring in the most soup. Teachers who wear “Cardinal” or “Steeler” wear are allowed to wear jeans to promote the event.
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January 22nd, 2009, 4:14 pm by Michelle Reese
This news came into the Tribune this week:
The Chandler Unified School District Art Masterpiece Program is seeking enthusiastic volunteers to present art enrichment lessons at elementary schools with a volunteer shortage. Art Masterpiece is a national program that has been successfully operating in the Chandler Unified School District since 1991.
Throughout the school year, volunteer “Art Guides” visit a classroom on a monthly basis to present art appreciation lessons using a reproduction of a famous work of art. Students are introduced to new artists, their styles and elements of art. A hands-on art project reinforces the lesson in a fun, creative way.
Volunteer Art Guides DO NOT need to have a background in art. All training, pre-planned lessons and supplies are provided by the District. The only qualifications needed are enthusiasm and a desire to share a learning experience with the students through art appreciation!
Art Masterpiece is totally dependant upon community volunteers due to the absence of art teachers in our elementary schools. If you are interested and would like more information, please call the District Art Masterpiece Dept. at (480) 224-3955.
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January 22nd, 2009, 4:06 pm by Michelle Reese
This came into the Tribune today:
Chandler Unified School District’s Community Education department will host a FREE Internet Safety Seminar for students ages 9-13 and their parents 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, February 10th at the Chandler Center for the Arts. Our guest speakers are from the Attorney General’s Office and a detective from the Chandler Police Department. Please R.S.V.P. as seating is limited by sending an email to community-education@chandler.k12.az.us by Friday, January 30th with the following information: your name, how many adults and children attending. Beverages and a light snack will be served. Prizes will be also given away. For more information please visit our Web site www.cusdcommunity.com and look for Internet Safety under the “What’s New at Community Education?”.
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