CUSD News
The Premier District of Choice
September 2019
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Welcome!
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REMINDER: Remember to Exercise Your Right to Vote
October 7 is the DEADLINE to register to vote in the November 5 election. For your convenience, here are some helpful links:
Register To Vote Or Update Your Current Voter Information (Arizona Citizens Clean Elections Commission website)
Service Arizona EZ Voter Online Registration (If you have an Arizona Driver License and/or an Arizona non-operating I.D. card issued by the Motor Vehicle Division)
Following the 2012 elections, Arizona ranked 45th in the nation for voter turnout. To combat this startling statistic, O’Connor House, the legacy project of Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, has launched a new voter engagement initiative, The Great Voter Challenge.
“Roughly half of Arizona voters actually vote and that’s frightening. I hope that we can encourage every citizen to register and vote. It’s so important, and Arizona can do better on that score.”
- Justice Sandra Day O’Connor
2019 Chandler Unified Bond Fact Sheet
CUSD School Emergency Protocols (for Parents and Guardians)
In order to maintain a safe and secure learning environment for all our students, Chandler Unified administrators have worked in conjunction with emergency responders to establish policies and procedures that will be implemented during emergency situations. How efficient and successful district safety methods are depend greatly on you.
As parents of CUSD students, you are our partners in student safety, so it's very important for you to be familiar with safety protocols and the ways our district leaders communicate during emergency situations. The better prepared we all are ahead of time will result in better outcomes when the unexpected happens. The CUSD School Emergency Protocols (for Parents and Guardians) video below explains these protocols.
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CUSD ranked top district in Phoenix area
Chandler Unified School District - Niche.com announced on August 8 that CUSD is the top-ranked school district in the metropolitan Phoenix area. The 2020 Best School Districts ranking is based on rigorous analysis of key statistics and millions of reviews from students and parents using data from the U.S. Department of Education. Ranking factors include state test scores, college readiness, graduation rates, SAT/ACT scores, teacher quality, public school district ratings, and more. All 43 CUSD schools graded by Niche.com earned either an "A" or "B" grade, and 79% of those earned an A+, A or A-. Wow! The Chandler Unified School District was also graded an "A."
Chandler Unified Voted Best Public School District, Best Place to Work
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CTA Goodman student placed 18th in Country
ACP Oakland 7th Grade Harpist Places Nationally
Casteel Shines at Health Occupations International Leadership Conference
CUSD Career and Technical Education Students Excel at Nationals
- Sara Alexander - GOLD medal in Environmental Ambassador
- Lewis Alexander and Tanner Parvin - GOLD medal in National Programs in Action
- Sebastian Dees - SILVER medal in Chapter Service Project
- Kristina DeSantiago - SILVER medal in Promote and Publicize
- Christina Jepsen and Lily Jensen - SILVER medal in Chapter in Review
- Ella Kattelman - SILVER medal in Focus on Children
- Rachel Colombo - SILVER medal in Environmental Ambassador
- Jared Alexander - SILVER medal in Interpersonal Communications
- Stevie Garcia and Valerie Valdez - SILVER medal in Chapter in Review
- Paloma Ramirez and Marissa Palmerin - SILVER medal for Chapter Service Project: Yuda Bands
Hamilton senior attends Research Science Institute
Payne, Basha High Student Honored by Kiwanis Club
Chandler Online Academy, Chandler High senior headed for Broadway
Hamilton Student Named Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest Winner
CHS Students receive Exceptional Achievement Awards for artwork
Chandler High Grad's Robotics Team places First in U.S., Third in World
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Casteel High teacher wins Global Learning Teaching Fellowship
Rachna Nath Honored as Environmental Educator
Sanborn Teacher's Writing Work on Display
Phoenix Chorale Welcomes Santan Music Teacher
Chandler High Spanish Teacher Recognized
Ryan Teacher 12 News A+ Teacher of the Week
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School Program Highlights
Weinberg Elementary Therapy Dog Program
Academic Recognition from American Volleyball Coaches Association
CUSD Theatre Programs Honored with National Youth Awards
- Outstanding Production: Les Miserables
- Artist of the Year: Casey Likes as Jean Valjean in Les Miserables and Director of Alice
- Outstanding Supporting Performance in a Musical: Kayla King as Eponine and Hailey Palmer as Fantine in Les Miserables
- Outstanding Supporting Performance in a Play: Nainoa Aguano as Len/Hatter/Hedgehog in Alice
- Outstanding Costume Design: Diana Likes for Alice
- Outstanding Musical Direction: Lori Lyford for Les Miserables
- Outstanding Direction: Stephanie Likes and Katie Kolacki for Les Miserables
- Artist of the Year: Priscilla Del Mar in Loco-Motion, Commotion, Dr. Gorilla & Me
- Outstanding Lead Performance in a Musical: Sophia Donnell as Jo in Little Women
- Outstanding Lead Performance in a Play: Sophia Donnell as Patsy in Loco-Motion, Commotion, Dr. Gorilla & Me
- Outstanding Supporting Performance in a Musical: Kristiana Corona as Aunt March in Little Women
- Outstanding Supporting Performance in a Play: Benny Cowans as Brenda and Dashaun Dunn as Roy in Loco-Motion, Commotion, Dr. Gorilla & Me
- Outstanding Ensemble: Little Women
- Outstanding Lead Performance in a Musical: Jacob Selvidge as Donkey in Shrek, the Musical
- Outstanding Supporting Performance in a Musical: Manny Edrozo as Lord Farquaad in Shrek, the Musical
Chandler High Kicks off International Baccalaureate Service Projects
Back to School with STEM at Hancock
Chandler High Participates in Goethe Institut's Sustainability Summit
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"Operation Back to School" huge success!
CHS Celebrates "Make Someone Smile Day"
ACP Oakland Students work to help children with Cerebral Palsy
Basha Elementary Fifth Graders Show their Pride
Carlson Kindness Club Feeds Starving Children
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Partnerships Spotlight
Community Partnerships - The City of Chandler
The Chandler Unified School District values our partnership with the City of Chandler, working together to make our community a great place to live. Our partnership includes shared facilities, personnel and projects such as:
- Chandler Center for the Arts shared facility on the Chandler High School campus
- City of Chandler Hamilton Public Library on the Hamilton High School campus
- City of Chandler Basha Public Library on the Basha High School campus
- City of Chandler Hamilton Aquatic Center on the Hamilton High School campus
- City of Chandler Mesquite Groves Aquatic Center on the Basha High School campus
- Chandler Police Department sharing the cost of School Resource Officers on the campuses of Andersen Junior High, Bogle Junior High, Basha High, Chandler High and Hamilton High
- For Our City collaboration for "Operation Back to School" to benefit Chandler students
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Upcoming Events
September 10
Presentation: “Effects of Social Media on Teen Depression and Suicide” (Part 2)
Speaker: Garron Griffitts, LCSW - psychotherapist
Facilitator: Rajani Rastogi, LMSW (HHS Social Worker)
Place: Hamilton High School Choir Room
Time: 6:30 - 8 pm
September 11
Presentation: “Magic of Mindfulness”
Speaker: Jamie Valderrama, ASU
Facilitator: Sarah Hunter (CHS Prevention Coach)
Place: Chandler High School Recital Hall
Time: 6 - 7:30 pm
September 11
"Week Without Violence" Poetry and Poster Contest deadline. (See details below.)
September 16
Presentation: "What to expect in the next four years? (And how to make those four years count!)"
For Perry High parents and 9th graders.
Note: Counselors and career counselors will be available.
Place: Perry High School Auditorium
Time: 6 pm
September 16
Equity Lecture and Film Series: Preparing Students Beyond K-12
It’s All about Educational Equity: Challenges, Opportunities and Solutions Beyond K-12
Speaker: Dr. Alfredo Artiles, Dean of the ASU Graduate College
Place: CUSD District Office Board Room
Click here for more info and to register.
Time: 6 - 7:30 pm
September 24
Presentation: "APP training 101 for Parents/Cyberbullying” (Part 3)
Speaker: Leslie Russell, Community Outreach and Education Coordinator with Arizona Attorney General Office
Facilitator: Rajani Rastogi, LMSW (HHS Social Worker)
Place: Hamilton High School Choir Room
Time: 6:30 - 8 pm
October 21
Sun Lakes Lions International Peace Poster contest deadline. (See details below.)
October 21
Equity Lecture and Film Series: Preparing CUSD Students for the Global Workforce: Beyond College and Career Ready
Speaker: Theresa Niemeyer, Public Affairs, Intel Corporation
Place: CUSD District Office Board Room
Click here for more info and to register.
Time: 6 - 7:30 pm
October 22
Presentation: “Beware of Exploitation on the Worldwide Web” (Part 4)
Speaker: Frank Griffitts, Owner/Producer of Aether Multimedia
Facilitator: Rajani Rastogi, LMSW (HHS Social Worker)
Place: Hamilton High School Choir Room
Time: 6:30 - 8 pm
October 29
Presentation: "Vaping and Substance Abuse"
For parents and their students to attend. (Use parental discretion for bringing younger kids.)
Speaker: William Walker, Chandler PD
Place: Basha High School Auditorium
Time: 6 - 7:30 pm
October 31
Voice of Democracy: Audio Essay Competition for Grades 9-12 entry deadline. (See details below.)
Patriot's Pen: Written Essay Competition for Grades 6-8 entry deadline (See details below.)
November 6
Book Study: The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor
Place: Casteel High School Media Center
Time: 6:30 pm
November 18
Equity Lecture and Film Series: The Academic Power of Humanizing Education/Ethnic Studies for Hispanic Youth
Speaker: Dr. Curtis Acosta, Educational Consultant
Place: CUSD District Office Board Room
Click here for more info and to register.
Time: 6 - 7:30 pm
November 19
Presentation: “Suicide Prevention” (Part 1)
Speaker: Stephanie Roe, LMSW, Teen Lifeline, Prevention Specialist
Facilitator: Rajani Rastogi, LMSW (HHS Social Worker)
Place: Hamilton High School Choir Room
Time: 6:30 - 8 pm
November 27
Creative Expression Contest Entries due to the City of Chandler Neighborhood Resources office. (See details below.)
December 3
Presentation: “Mindfulness and Stress Reduction” (Part 2)
Speaker: Tess Challis, Wellness Coach
Facilitator: Rajani Rastogi, LMSW (HHS Social Worker)
Place: Hamilton High School Choir Room
Time: 6:30 - 8 pm
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Click here for more information about CEF's Cash for Classrooms Campaign, including:
- Text to Give
- Nominate a teacher!
- Where does the money go?
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Student Contests
2019 Arizona "Week Without Violence" Poetry and Poster Student Contest
Promote a violence-free community by participating in a poetry and poster contest to support a Week Without Violence in October 5-12.
DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES: Wednesday, September 11
Submit Entries to:
Children’s Benefit Foundation Inc.,
2058 South Dobson Road, Suite 6
Mesa, AZ 85202
480-820-4507
Winners will be announced on September 25, and invited to attend:
“Champions of Champions Recognition Event”
Saturday October 5, 1:30-4 p.m.
Mesa Community College Performing Arts Center
1520 S. Longmore, Mesa AZ 85202
2019 International Peace Poster Contest
All students who will be 11-13 years of age on November 15 are invited to participate in this year’s Lions International Peace Poster Contest.
Contestants are asked to create a poster that visually communicates the contest theme, “Journey of Peace.”
Contest Rules:
Artwork must be no smaller than 13 inches by 20 inches and no larger than 20 inches by 24 inches. Nothing may be glued, taped, stapled or attached to the poster. Entries cannot be laminated. The use of lettering or numbering on the front of the poster, in any language is not allowed. All artist signatures should be written on the back of the poster.
Awards:
Winners of each school will be honored at an awards event in December with certificates and cash prizes by the Sun Lakes Lions Club and Intel Corporation.
Deadline:
Posters must be submitted to the child's teacher by October 21, 2019.
Creative Expression Competition Details
COMPETITION THEME
Theme will be announced soon! Please check online at chandleraz.gov/unity
COMPETITION DEADLINE
Deadline for entries: Wednesday, Nov. 27
Please send or drop-off entries to:
City of Chandler - Neighborhood Resources
235 S Arizona Ave.
Chandler, AZ 85225
COMPETITION INFORMATION
- Winning entries will be displayed at the Multicultural Festival on Saturday, January 18, 2020 and online at chandleraz.gov/unity after the Multicultural Festival.
- First place winners and schools will be recognized at a February 2020 City Council meeting. All other winners will have their awards sent directly to their schools.
2019-2020 Voice of Democracy: Audio Essay Competition for Grades 9-12
The William B. Pate Post 701 and Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. are conducting essay contests to award scholarships.
Theme: "What Makes America Great"
Deadline: October 31
Voice of Democracy: Audio Essay Competition for Grades 9-12 Application Form
The Voice of Democracy (VOD) was started in 1947 by the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) and is a nationwide audio essay competition endorsed by the National Association of Secondary School Principals' contest criteria. Designed to foster patriotism, the competition provides high school students (grades 9-12) the opportunity to voice their opinion in a three to five minute broadcast script based on the annual patriotic theme. Essays entries are submitted with the required entry form to our local VFW Post 7401.
For more information or questions, contact VFW National Headquarters or VFW State Headquarters if you can't find a local VFW Post.
2019-2020 Patriot's Pen: Written Essay Competition for Grades 6-8
The William B. Pate Post 701 and Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. are conducting essay contests to award scholarships.
Theme: "What Makes America Great”
Deadline: October 31
Patriot's Pen: Written Essay Competition for Grades 6-8
Patriot's Pen is a youth-essay writing contest endorsed by the National Association of Secondary School Principals. The contest provides an opportunity for sixth, seventh, and eight grade students to write essays expressing their views on democracy. Students are asked to write a 300 to 400 word essay based on the annual patriotic theme. Essays entries are submitted with the required entry form to our local VFW Post 7401.
For more information contact VFW National Headquarters or your local VFW Post
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Your Many Choices in Chandler Unified
Contact us...
Email: webmaster@cusd80.com
Website: https://www.cusd80.com
Location: 1525 West Frye Road, Chandler, AZ 85224, USA
Phone: (480) 812-7000
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChandlerUnified/
Twitter: @chandlerunified