CUSD News
The Premier District of Choice
March 2022
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Welcome!
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In the News
Free Suit Up Event for High Schoolers
Chandler Innovation Fair an incredible success
The Chandler Innovation Fair (CIF) on February 19 was an incredible success. CIF featured student innovation as the cornerstone of the event, including the Hamilton Invitational Science and Engineering Fair research and projects, student inventions, project-based learning presentations, computer science projects, and robotics showcases.
Congratulations to the winners of this year's Chandler Innovation Fair (CIF) competition. Thanks to the CIF sponsors, Northrop Grumman, Intel, Waste Management and First Things First, the City of Chandler and the Chandler Unified School District will award six teams with a $500 scholarship award, going toward the winning school/organization science club or nonprofit organization.
These teams will be recognized at an upcoming Chandler City Council Study Session:
- ACP High School - Creative
- Andersen Junior High - Educational
- Basha High Science is Fun - Passionate
- Degrees of Freedom - Passionate
- Hamilton High Art Club - Creative
- Knox Gifted Academy - Educational
Choral Festival Delights Elementary Students
Nineteen elementary schools took part in the CUSD Elementary Choral Festival. The elementary choirs spent the day at the Chandler Center for the Arts (CCA) working with choir members from other schools to rehearse and perform choral repertoire. Each school also got a chance to sing on stage at the CCA and receive feedback from other schools. The Chandler High School choirs, under the direction of Wendy Umbrianna, also performed for all the elementary schools, and gave the students a look at what awaits them when they continue singing at the secondary level. Thank you to all of the elementary choral directors for making this a fantastic day for their students!
Black History Month Celebrations in CUSD
Chandler Unified School District celebrated Black History Month in February. School leaders presented a proclamation and shared examples of Black Excellence in CUSD schools and community.
Pictured left: Students at CTA Goodman learned about George Washington Carver - Inventor. Some of George Washington Carver's best-known inventions include crop rotation (planting different crops to restore soil instead of single crop farming) and creating 300 different uses for peanuts (which weren't classified as a crop until Carver's work).
Pictured below: ACP Middle School students submitted posters to create a bulletin board in celebration of Black History Month.
PHOTO ALBUM: Black History Month in CUSD
CUSD Schools Celebrate Lunar New Year
Schools around the district held celebrations for Lunar New Year starting on January 31 to February 15.
"Lunar New Year is one of the most important celebrations of the year among East and Southeast Asian cultures, including Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean communities, among others. The New Year celebration is usually celebrated for multiple days -- not just one day as in the Gregorian calendar's New Year."
-- History.com
CUSD Students Opt into Virtual Field Trip
Intel, Dell and CUSD Partner to Roll Out Educational Technology Solutions
Intel, Dell Technologies and Chandler Unified School District hosted a Celebration Reception and Distribution Event on January 26 at Chandler High School. Intel and Dell Technologies are leading the development of a transformative model for providing "Educational Technology as a Service" (ETaaS) solutions to school districts.
The primary goal of this innovative partnership is to change the way K-12 school districts embrace education technology to effectively bridge the digital divide, streamline deployment, enhance delivery and efficiently uplift support for anywhere, anytime learning. The pilot at Chandler High School will create a blueprint that can scale ETaaS to schools around the world.
CEF Car/Cash Raffle Winner Announced!
On March 11, Chandler Education Foundation (CEF) announced the winner of this year’s Car/Cash Raffle. Congratulations to SHANNON FRITZ!
Shannon is a 2nd grade teacher at Galveston Elementary School. She purchased one ticket.
Click below to:
Thank you to everyone who purchased for supporting
Chandler Unified School District students!
CUSD Presents "State of the District" Annual Report
The CUSD administration and Governing Board presented the annual “state of the district” message to community leaders on January 31 in the Governing Board Room. The annual report provides an overview of the district, school choice and opportunities, what's new for 2022, academic performance, athletic achievement, recognition of students and staff, and budget information.
- Click here to download a copy of the annual report.
OR - Call 480-812-7650 or email Community Relations to request a printed copy.
Check out CUSD Cares Podcasts, Counseling & Social Services News
In CUSD Cares Podcasts, Brenda Vargas, Director of Counseling and Social Services, engages knowledgeable guests in a lively discussion of topics that impact parents and students related to Counseling and Social Services within the Chandler Unified School District. Click to listen and follow CUSD Cares Podcasts -- now available on Spotify and Google Podcasts!
CONNECT WITH US - CUSD ON SOCIAL MEDIA
We invite all families and the community to keep up to date about Chandler Unified by liking, following and subscribing below!
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Hartford Recognized As A+ School of Excellence
Arizona Educational Foundation website: A+ School of Excellence Award
Athletic State Championships
Perry Boys Named 6A State Basketball Champions
Casteel Wrestlers Take State Championships
Casteel Boys Soccer Back-to-Back State Champions
Casteel Girls Win State 5A Soccer Championship
Hamilton Boys, Girls Wrestlers Take State
Academic State Championships
Perry DECA Takes State, National Awards
ICDC Qualifiers (35 kids went to state):
- Hailey Derbas
- Sahdie Hernandez
- Allison Derbas
- Ram Karuppiah - State Officer (Finish his Term)
- Braden Bassett
- Jacob Brown
- Maddox Turner
- Emma Aelits
- Xavier Ortiz
- Taylor Relvas
- Ainsley Reese
- Samantha Armstrong
- Stella Jones
- Cooper Lieurance
- Noah Kang
- Katelin Mascari
- Emily Larson
ACP High Speech & Debate Three-Peat State Champs
Hamilton Theatre to Represent Arizona at Nationals
- GROUP MUSICAL - Zahra Alsooz, Ellie Barker, Megan Burke, Meera Domadia, Alyssa Fabio, Taylor James, Abby Pilgrim, Alyssa Fabio, Taylor James, Alyse Negroni, Colby Raskin, Viet Zaengle
- LIGHTING - Chloe Applegate
- DUO MUSICAL - Ellie Barker and Alyse Negroni, Megan Burke and Alina Pierzga, Taylor James and Viet Zaengle
- MONOLOGUES - Regan Blawn, Megan Burke, Abby Pilgrim
- GROUP ACTING - Ava Apell, Lindsay Dussault, Alyssa Fabio, Taylor James, Alyse Negroni, Alina Pierzga; Regan Blawn, Lindsay Dussault, Sara Gwin, Abby Pilgrim, Colby Raskin
- COSTUME CONSTRUCTION - Quincy Cowans
- COSTUMES - Kris Crane
- DUO ACTING - Lindsay Dussault and Alyssa Fabio; Maddy Gillipsie and Colby Raskin
- MAKEUP-Ellora Nanda
- SOLO MUSICAL - Taylor James, Alyse Negroni, Alina Pierzga, Viet Zaengle
- STAGE MANAGEMENT-Dylan Strickland
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Hamilton Cadet Wins Prestigious World-Wide Scholarship Competition
Hamilton JROTC Seniors Earn Nominations to Service Academies
ACP, Hamilton Cadets Selected for Air Force Private Pilot Scholarship
Chandler Senior Named QuestBridge Scholar
Chandler Junior Named Pulitzer International Writing Contest Winner
Three CUSD Students Finalists for Prestigious Flinn Scholar Award
Flinn Foundation website: Flinn Finalists one step away from Flinn Scholarship
Chandler Early College Junior Wins National Writing Contest
Chandler Sophomore wins National FFA Grant
Chandler High Junior Nationally Recognized in Public Speaking Contest
CUSD Boasts 40 National Merit Finalists
National Merit Scholarship Program Finalists:
Andrew Kang, Blake Enwiller, Carrie Chen, Frederick Changho, Jacy Fuller, Kerry Zhou, Ryan Newsom, Sohani Sandhu, and Waldo King
National Merit Scholarship Program Finalists:
Calvin Covington, Keegan Grau, Riley Mayes, Meghana Tripuranei, and Alyssa Yee
National Merit Scholarship Program Finalists:
Thilina N. Balasooriya, Dhanya Charan, Richard W. Cheng, Hannah Jeanne Cluroe, Ashton M. Gilbert, Sasha Sai Guntu, Matthew W. Layne, Jaehyung Lee, Michelle M. Lee, Pranav Y. Mantri, Anish Puri, Shruti Ramkumar, Savar D. Sinha, Courtney J. St. Onge, Benjamin Tung, and Andrew Y. Xie
National Merit Scholarship Program Finalists:
Bridget J. Hale, Clare M. Hale, Nathan S. Lam, Hanson Hao Nguyen, Raegan J. Pallas, Ryan D. Swart (not pictured), Patrick Varamate Viboolmate (not pictured), and Dane R. Williams.
Top School Spellers Competed at District Bee, Moved to Regionals
Congratulations to all school spelling bee champions who placed in the top eleven at the district contest. They all moved on to compete in the regional spelling bee on February 8 in Queen Creek:
- Josh Ronsayro - Basha Elementary (6th grade)
- Owen Leo - Bogle Junior High (7th grade)
- Maria Parada Ortega - Carlson Elementary (6th grade)
- Shree Thallikar - CTA Independence (5th grade)
- Raania Khan - CTA Liberty (6th grade)
- Chloe Passno - Haley Elementary (5th grade)
- Zoya Siddiqui - Hancock Elementary (6th grade)
- Manha Hossain - Knox Gifted Academy (5th grade)
- Everett Casper - Weinberg Gifted Academy (6th grade)
CUSD Students Win in City's Creative Expression Competition
Beautiful art pieces and eloquently crafted essays were submitted by students from across the city for the City of Chandler's Creative Expression Competition. Judges mentioned how the essays and artwork -- like our students -- make them hopeful for the future and proud of the next generation. Winning visual art submissions from this year's contest were displayed in Downtown Chandler during the Regional Unity ArtWalk.
Congratulations to all winners from CUSD schools:
VISUAL ARTS:
- Hamilton High: Jordan Bivins - 1st place and Jessica Burke - 2nd place (high school)
- Tarwater Elementary: Kate Menghini - 2nd place; Gabrielle Berard - 3rd place (K-3); Alexandra Gabriel - 3rd place (4-8, pictured above)
- Willis Junior High: Kailah Johnson - 1st place (4-8)
WRITING:
- Basha High: Shreya Ganesh - 2nd place (high school)
- Hamilton High: Sally Shin - 1st place and Solenn Vincent - 3rd place (high school)
- Knox Gifted Academy: Caroline Wu - 3rd place (K-3)
- Willis Junior High: Claire Ulep - 2nd place and Clara Olpin - 3rd place (4-8)
CUSD Students Awarded in City "Through Your Eyes" Art Contest
Four Hamilton High art students won the inaugural 2022 Chandler State of the City Art Contest. The theme was "Chandler Through Your Eyes." There were more than 60 entries in the age 14-18 category. Winners: Payton Harvey, 1st place; Noura Ibrahim, 2nd Place; Alyssa Gamby, 3rd Place; Mayor's choice was Kimberlie Martinez-Wolf (pictured right).
Santan Junior High seventh grader, Emma Robertson, also placed second in her age division in the Chandler inaugural Through Your Eyes art contest with her submission, pictured below.
Chandler High Artists Works Showcased at State Education Conference
Twenty-One Andersen Elementary Students Soon to be Published Poets
Bologna Student Featured on Mystery Science Mini-Lesson Show
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Santan Junior High Math Teachers Selected As State Exemplars
Eight Teachers Earn National Certification, Re-Certification
Four CUSD teachers also earned their National Board Re-Certification in December: Jolene Gallup (San Marcos Elementary), Katie Nall (Basha High), Lily Chen (Hamilton High), and Dr. Amy Spilde (Instructional Resource Center).
This brings the total number of CUSD Nationally Board-Certified teachers and staff to 62. Achieving National Board Certification is a rigorous process, and was designed to develop, retain, and recognize accomplished teachers and to generate ongoing improvement in schools nationwide. It is the most respected professional certification available in K-12 education.
National Board for Professional Teaching Standards website: Mission and History
Knox principal Named Semifinalist for County Exemplary Principal Award
Casteel Teacher Selected Among Top in Nation
Navarrete Teacher Chosen as Educator of the Year
"Ms. Wronski goes above and beyond educating our kids with disabilities. She is so patient, kind and loving and works so incredibly hard to get these kids to reach their potential."
CUSD Staff Members Publish Books!
Three CUSD Staff Honored with City of Chandler MLK Award
Basha Cyber Security Academy, ACP Robotics Awarded STEAM Equity Grants
Photo Album: Cyber Security Academy Awarded STEAM in Equity Grant
Chandler Sports Hall of Fame inducts six from Chandler Unified
- Dr. Camille Casteel, Chandler Unified School District Retired Superintendent
- Phil Gonzales, Tennis Coach, Hamilton High School (pictured right)
- N'Keal Harry, Football, Chandler High School
- Markus Howard, Basketball, Perry High School
- Cole Luke, Football, Hamilton High School
- Sierra Rodriguez, Softball, Basha High School
Frye Teacher Wins in Disney 50th Anniversary Contest
Fulton Applies for, Wins "Fiesta Bowl Wishes for Teachers" Grants
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School Program Highlights
CUSD shines as Premier District of Choice
- 98 Dual Course offerings
- 43 Language offerings
- 27 Athletic offerings
- 81 Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate offerings
Hamilton Science Bowl Team Places 2nd in State
Chandler WOLF News Nationally Recognized for Broadcast Excellence
ACP High Students Part of DOD, ASU Biotech Panel
The panel topic was "Innovation and Entrepreneurship in High Schools and its Opportunities." Panelists included Dr. Susan Holchek and Dr. Hong Lei from ASU, Dr. Micah Mangione, President of Connect-IO, and Gale Beauchamp from the Office of the Maricopa County School Superintendent Steve Watson.
Chandler Choir Receives Highest Honors
Willis, Andersen Junior High Jazz Bands Excel at NAU Festival
The following students were also awarded Outstanding Soloist Awards:
- Aliyah Mayfield on trombone (Andersen)
- Mycah Ransom on trumpet (Andersen)
- Dante Maxim on vibes (Willis)
- Lincoln Rounds on tenor sax (Willis)
- Owen Anderson on bass trombone (Willis)
- Maya Lampol on piano (Willis)
Perry Cheer Makes Arizona Proud at Nationals
VarsityTV website: Perry High School Makes Arizona Proud At NHSCC
Perry Girls Soccer Takes 6A State Runners-Up Title
Chandler Boys Named 6A State Runners-Up
Hamilton Academic Decathlon Team Tops in Region, Preps for State
Hamilton named DECA Membership Achievement Award winner
Rice Math League Places 1st in Division, 2nd in State Competition
A huge shout out to Jennifer Kraemer and Robyn Bills who prepare the students for these competitions. The following students qualified for the state competition:
- 3rd grade - Chase Leavy
- 4th grade - William Clouse, Kolton Kraemer, Kipton Weinberg
- 5th grade - Ayushi Gautam
- 6th grade - Sawyer Alvarado, Carmen Pafford
Sock Hop Time at Basha Elementary
Conley Celebrates Read Across America
CTA Freedom Celebrates, Honors Courageous Historical Figures
First grade teachers reported that they wanted students to come away from this month's discussions and activities knowing that they are capable of making change in the world just like the legends who are being honored this month.
CTA Humphrey / Elite Performance Academy Multicultural Week
PHOTO ALBUM: CTA Humphrey/Elite Performance Academy Multicultural Celebrations
Perry Sculpture Wins Best of Show
This group chose copper as their theme and wanted to pay respect to all the mining towns in Arizona, as well as the Indigenous tribes that have copper mines on their land. The Scottsdale Cactus Collective exhibit is on display through the end of March. Congratulations to Perry Sculpture teacher Sharon Biemond and her students.
Elite Performance Academy Grow, Enjoy Tower Garden Vegetables
Patterson Holds On-Site "Wild Thing" Field Trip
All Patterson Elementary students will get to experience the on-site field trip from “The Wild Thing” bus. Students were able to learn about, interact with, and hold a variety of animals. 2nd and 3rd graders had a memorable experience dissecting worms and squid to learn about their anatomy.
Auxier Elementary celebrates "Leadership Day"
Auxier Elementary celebrated Leadership Day on February 24 with the goal to "Inspire the Leader Within!"
Leader in Me is Franklin Covey’s whole-school improvement process based on the idea that everyone can be a leader. This evidence-based approach empowers students with the leadership and life-skills they need to thrive in the 21st century. Click here to learn more about Leader In Me at Auxier Elementary.
Outdoor Math at Payne Junior High
Chef Treats Galveston Elementary in Celebration of Black History Month
Shumway Unveils Unique "Rigamajig"
Hill Learning Academy Hosts Career Fair
Hull Elementary Student Scientists Study Shelters, Natural Resources
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CUSD Schools Participate in Valley-Wide "Valentines for Veterans" Project
Basha Senior Makes National News with Teacher Scholarships
Chandler Online Academy Helps Out at Animal Rescue
Rice Students, Families Make A Difference
Navarrete 3rd Graders Donate Personal Care Items to Chandler CARE Center
Hamilton, CTA Independence Communities Assist Homeless, Underprivileged
Chandler High Student Athletes Visit, Read to Frye Second Graders
Jacobson Class Selects, Donates Books
Andersen Elementary Celebrates Kindness Week
Santan 3rd Graders Show They CARE!
Hancock Appreciates Our Bus Drivers!
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Upcoming Events
March 14-25
Spring Intersession - No School
Spring Intersession Camps for Lil' Explorers (Infants - Pre-K) and Kids Express (K-6). See details below.
March 28
Teacher Inservice/Workday - No School
March 29
Students return
March 31
E-Cigarette Awareness parent presentation (grades 5-12) by Office of AZ Attorney General, 6 p.m.. Join via Zoom here.
Meeting ID: 814 6218 2296
Passcode: StopVaping
April 5
Elementary and Junior High district honor orchestra concert at the Chandler Center for the Arts, 7 p.m.
April 12
Child Development presentation by Child Crisis AZ, 6 p.m. RSVP here to join.
April 20
District Night of Recognition at the Chandler Center for the Arts, 6:30 p.m.
April 20 - May 12
CUSD High School Art Show at the Chandler Center for the Arts Gallery.
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Lil' Explorers Spring Intersession Camp
Lil Explorers is for children not yet attending kindergarten ages (0-5). Lil Explorers utilizes a whole child approach to learning in which physical, social, emotional and cognitive development is emphasized through individual and group activities. Throughout there are many opportunities to explore the areas of early literacy, math, science, social studies and dramatic play. Lunch and snacks are included.
Camp Dates: March 14 - 25
Location: Basha High (480-224-2139)
Times: 6:30 a.m. – 5: 30 p.m.
All Lil' Explorers locations open on March 28:
Click below to register at:
- Basha High (480-224-2139)
- Chandler High (480-812-7846)
- Perry High (480-224-2937)
Before registering, call the site directly at the phone number(s) provided above to check space availability.
Daily Rates:
- Infants: $52
- 1-2 yrs: $46
- 3-4 yrs: $42
Enrollment Fee: $75 (for first time attenders)
5% discount for families
Register today for Lil' Explorers spring break camp at Basha High!
For information on all Community Education programming, and a schedule of field trips and activities, go to www.CUSDcommunity.com.
Spaces are limited, early registration is strongly encouraged. For more information and assistance, contact Community Education at 224-3900.
Kids Express Spring Intersession Camp
"Here Comes the Bloom" Spring Break Camp
March 14 - 28
6:30 am - 6:00 pm
Grades K-6
$38.00 daily
Locations:
Fulton Elementary, Patterson Elementary, & Sanborn Elementary
Students are encouraged to join the fun this spring with the Kids Express fall intersession camp. Campers will enjoy fun-filled days with art, cooking, STEAM, active play, sports, games, computers, and more!
Click below to register today:
Click here for: Spring Break Camp Schedule | PDF flyer version
www.cusdcommunity.com
480-224-3900
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Email: webmaster@cusd80.com
Website: https://www.cusd80.com
Location: 1525 West Frye Road, Chandler, AZ 85224, USA
Phone: (480) 812-7000
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Twitter: @chandlerunified