Native American Studies Newsletter

Native American Studies
Newsletter
April 2011
Native American
Studies Department
Government
Programs and
Community
Outreach
PO BOX 40400
Tucson, AZ 85717
Phone: 520.908.3905
Inside this issue:
A Note from the Director
Greetings!
Note from the Director
(1)
Welcome to the last quarter of the school year. We have 71/2 weeks of school left.
NASD will be sending Perfect Attendance and Honor Roll certificates to our students
Native American Educawho have worked hard during the third quarter. We are very proud of you all!
tion Advisory CommitDuring the week of April 11-15, the AIMS assessment (3-8 )and the Stanford 10 (2)
tee (2)
will be given. It is especially important that your child get plenty of sleep and to arrive
at school on time each and every day. Try to avoid scheduling any appointments that
Honor Roll/Perfect Atweek and please don’t take your son/daughter out of school before dismissal. Please
tendance (3-4)
keep in mind that Wednesday, April 13, 2011 is a regular day of school. There will not
Student Spotlight (5-15) be early dismissal.
We will also be recognizing our seniors, eighth graders promotes and students who
Information/Resources
have done well academically all year at NASD’s Annual Student Recognition to be
(16)
held at Cholla High School in May.
Please don’t forget to vote in the Native American Education Advisory Committee
elections and join us at the NAEAC meeting. As always if you have any questions,
please feel free to email or give me a call.
Ahee’hee!
Roxanne Begay-James
STUDENT ADVOCACY
NASD is committed to providing timely advocacy/support for your child when needed or requested. If you
have a concern or believe your child is not receiving equitable and fair treatment, please give us a call. We
do not have a staff person in each school, however, if there is a need we will make adjustments to support
you in meetings with the school and advocate on your behalf.
1
NASD Newsletter
Native American Education Advisory Committee
Date
Time
Location
Room
April 26, 2011
6:00 p.m.
1010 E. 10th St.
Maroon, Grey &
Cafeteria
May 17, 2011
6:00 p.m.
1010 E. 10th St.
Maroon, Grey &
Cafeteria
June 7, 2011
6:00 p.m.
1010 E. 10th St.
Maroon, Grey &
Cafeteria
TUSD Annual Title 1 Family Literacy Conference
“Magnify Your Voice: Using Newspapers to Promote Literacy”
On Thurs., March 10, 2011TUSD’s Title 1 parents gathered at the U of
A to learn how to write a newspaper. The parents engaged in four different workshops and produced articles for La Voz. Guest Speakers
included Dr. Lupita Garcia (TUSD Asst. Superintendent for Gov’t.
Programs and Community Outreach), Melodie Lopez (Native Education Alliance), Tom Arviso Jr. (CEO & Publisher of Navajo Times),
Kay Edwards, Ed.D. (Retired School Teacher), Mary Ann Hutchinson
(Author), Kevin R. Kemper, Ph.D. (Asst. Professor UA School of
Journalism. Parents from our Native Education Advisory Committee
were able to attend and participate.
Tom Arviso Jr., CEO and publisher of the Navajo Times leads parents in a breakout session.
NAEAC Elections
To all parents of Native American and Alaska Native students in TUSD
We will be having elections for the
Native American Education Advisory Committee (NAEAC)
The seats are as follows:
 (3) parent representatives (the Parent membership term will begin on July 2011 and expire June 2014)
 (2) High School student representatives (1 male & 1 female)
The Student Representatives membership term will begin on July 2011 and expire May 2012
Official Election Ballots will be mailed on Thursday, April 7, 2011 with a blue self-addressed return stamped envelope to each Native American family in TUSD. The election ballot must be returned to the Native American Studies
Department by Friday, April 29, 2011 by 5:00 p.m. Election results will be announced by the Native American
Education Advisory Committee at the May 2011 meeting and all candidates will be notified by U.S. mail.
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NASD Newsletter
3rd Quarter Perfect Attendance
Aabinii Litzin
Aaron R. Barton
Adam A. Baltazar
Adrian A. Pineda
Adriana R. Barajas
Alena S. Godoy
Alexa M. Flores
Alexis A. Valles
Alina D. Jericho
Alyssa M. West
Alyvette Matus
Amare S. Manuel
Amilio C. Manuel
Anaya J. Garcia
Angelica M. Guerena
Angelo L. Sandoval
Anna Marie Mamake
Anthony W. Schneider
Antonia F. Matus
Arianna S. Sanchez
Ashanti K. Cypriano
Ashley J. Miller
Bernardino F. Urias
Bradley D. Moyle
Branden P. Manuel
Breanna Alexander
Brenda E. Cipriano
Brent L. Interpreter
Brian Francisco Gutierrez
Brianna P. Matus
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Catalina Flores
Cheyanne R. Lorenzo
Christina M. Matus
Cody Johnson
Danette R. Perez
Daniel Cordove-Fruge
Daniel Motley
David D. Madril lll
Denisia Salcido Bracamonte
Destiny A. Felix
Devin A. Godoy
Devon R. Wyman
Dylan E. Escalanti
Dylan G. Manuel
Eevie L. Jaimez
Elizabeth G. Whitewater
Ernestina Flores
Evander D. Betters
Faith H. Jose
Feliciana S. Sanchez
Gabrielle F. Encinas
Geena L. Ramon
Hayes Salt
Iolana S. Dancer
Isaiah A. Frank
Jacob C. Rogers
Jade L. Encinas
Jesse R. Taylor
Jesus C. Jaimez
Jose R. Campoy
Joseph R. Carl
Joshua K. Sandoval
Julian A. Urias
Julie F. Hansen
Julio Buenamea
Karina M. Barajas
Khai M. Elliott
Kilisitina N. Mokofisi
Larissa M. Baltazar
Laura M. Garcia
Lawrence Michael
Leilani D. Leyva
Lilliana MolinaNarcho
Luna E. Bustamante
Lupe Alaniz
Marcos A. Duarte
Marisabel S. Buenamea
Martin I. Cruz
Matthew Alvarez Salvador
Maxamillion S. Schultz
May L. Chico
Melina F. Moreno
Michelle Motley
Mya E. Brown
Nadira S. Mitchell
Nevaeh Y. Brooke
Orion Molina-Jose
Patricio E. Flores
Phillip J. Manuel
Rani L. Townsend
Raven D. Garcia
Raymond M. Rogers
Reina J. Velasco
Rene A. Flores
Reyna A. Villa
Richard Lopez
Ruby J. Chacon
Setah Smith
Shaun Smith
Sierra DeckertMartin
Sorrel B. Fivecoat
SunBear Milda
Tammy N. Tran
Tashena Smith
Taylor R. Elliott
Teresa L. Baker
Theofilo Flores
Thomas E. Whitelow
Thomas J. Goss
Uzaiah A. Listo
Velen A. Moreno
Venina D. Baltazar
Victorya F. Durand
Vincent E. Michael
Xavier A. Cipriano
Zarina N. Mendez
NASD Newsletter
3rd Quarter Honor Roll
Adriana Esquivias
Aiyana F. Pabon
Alaze R. Brown
Alex J. Lino
Alexander J. Galindo
Alexia M. Madrid
Aliha S. Romero
Alina D. Jericho
Alize Marie Henry
Amanda M. Interpreter
Amber M. Rix
Ana L. Trevino
Andreas J. Perez
Angel F. Rogers
Angelica M. Coronado
Anissa Valenzuela
Anthony J. Jaimez
Antonio Rosales
Areanna A. Castillo
Aryana R. Williams
Ashley T. Rix
Avriana R. Martinez
Benjamin Levy
Bianca N. Fuentes
Bobby Jo Duncan
Brandi L. Swick
Breanna G. Salt
Brooke A. Claw
Caitlyn N. Collins
Carlyn K. Dollar
Catalina Flores
Cathryn Bahe
Celena N. Ambrose
Celene F. Dorsey
Cheyanne R. Lorenzo
Christian J. Alegria
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Clarissa L. Orta
Daniel Vega
David GarciaHermosillo
Denali M. Beeshligaii
Destiny A. Felix
DiAngelo S. Sanchez
Elena I. Luevano
Elise M. Peate
Elyssa A. Begay
Eric C. Valenzuela
Estevan Pacheco
Eugene J. Harrison
Fernando Francisco
Gabriel Espinoza
Garret Barnella
Graciela A. Valencia
Helaina J. Hendricks
Idalis R. Montanez
Isaiah A. Juan
Jacinda A. Reyna
Jasmine G. Szilagyi
Jasmine R. Williams
Jeffery R. Tsinnie
Jonathan A. Leslie
Jonathan M. Shawano
Jordyn K. Williams
Joseph R. Carl
Josephine Bahe
Joshua A. Gatewood
Jovannah Martinez
Justin Little-Sagg
Kaitlin A. Burke
Kaleigh D. Bermudez
Kayley A. Manuel
Keayen H. Draper
Kevin S. Bhatt
Kristina A. Sanchez
Krystal F. Yellowhorse
Larissa MadrilRivera
Lauren L. Francisco
Lauren R. Valencia
Lilliana A. Navarro
Lucas E. Smith
Lucero C. Coronado
Marcos D. Lee
Maresa T. Stanton
Margaret J. Rodriguez
Maria A. Salazar
MariaLouisa Vega
Marina Graham
Marisa M. Moreno
Marisabel S. Buenamea
Marisela A. Escalante
Marissa C. Machado
Marlyst C. Antone
Mathew S. Baker
Maya L. Wilkins
Mercedez M. Parra
Michael F. Burke
Mireya L. Amaro
Nadiaeth Valenzuela
Nakai A. Arvizu
Nathan P. Ramon
Neysia D. Howard
Nick L. Manymules
Nicole L. Dutiel
Nicole L. Tsinajinnie
Nicolette R. Behne
Nyesha Yazzie
Olivia L. Bartholomaei
Oreana S. Guerrero
Praie I. Overbey
Raquel M. Skondin
Raymond Chacon
Rebecca M. Soto
Rhiannon A. Barbea
Richard Dollar
Rita M. Brown
Rozario L. Martinez
Ruben Ochoa ll
Sabrina Y. Garay
Samantha D. Gamez
Samantha R. Norton
Sara L. Leyva
Sara M. Cooper
Sarah J. Arvicio
Selena M. Sellers
Shandiin Little-Sagg
Shane E. Dansdill
Shane J. Parley
Shanequia L. Wofford
Shannon M. Charls
Sheatara A. Johnson
Soleil-Brillante Begay
Sorrel B. Fivecoat
Steevi C. Valenzuela
Sulaiman Cabanes
Taiyoni D. Beeshligaii
Tyler L. Martin
Vanessa Listo
Victor Castillo-Rivera
Victor H. Montanez
Victor R. Molina
Victorya F. Durand
Yitsiee Taylor
Zelin J. Pallanes
NASD Newsletter
Student Spotlight Elementary
Francisco Valenzuela is Tohono
O’odham. He is 10 years old and a
fourth grade student at Ochoa Elementary. His favorite subjects are
Math and Science. His favorite activities at school are Football and
Kickball. When he is at home he
enjoys playing video games with his
dad on his Xbox 360. He would
love to meet John Cena. When he grows up he wants to be a
cagefighter! His favorite place in Tucson is the Zoo. He is a
very good quarterback in football.
Neligh Luna is a 6 year old kindergarten student at Howell Elementary. He is Tohono O’Odham. He is in Mrs. Long’s class,
which he loves. He is a good dancer and singer. He can sing
and dance to Thriller by Michael Jackson. His favorite meal is
pizza. He is looking forward to when his little brother can also
attend Howell. He enjoys the nice playground and store they
have outside his classroom.
Tye Pancott is in the second grade
at Sewell Elementary and a member of the Navajo Nation. He likes
playing tag and his favorite subject
is math. In his free time you will
see Tye playing football, or you
can find him playing Halo on his
Xbox. If Tye could eat anywhere,
he would eat at Peter Piper Pizza
and he would be joined by his
buddy Martin. When Tye grows
up, he wants to attend the University of Arizona and he would like
to study Chemistry. Tye sees himself in the future as a
soldier in the U.S. Army. Checking out tanks and operating radios is what he wants to do. He enjoys listening to
Chris Brown and watching Transformers. Well, I guess
Tye is more than meets the eye. Good luck Tye!
5
Leilani Leyva is a 7 year old 1st
grader at Roskruge Bilingual
Magnet School. Her favorite
subject in school is math because
it is easy for her and she likes the
activities they get to do. She
likes a book called, Boo Whoo.
When she grows up she would
like to graduate high school, go
to college and become a Police
Officer. She likes to play Softball (her sisters teach her how to play) and she likes to
play tag with her friends. She likes spending time at the
mall because there are a lot of things to see and buy. If she
could have lunch with anyone past or present it would be
her Tio Rene Romero because he always bought her what
she wanted and would ask her what she wanted to eat. The
person she admires the most is her cousin Carina because
she is very helpful to everyone. Leilani does well in school
and always attends school and had Perfect Attendance for
the 3rd quarter.
Eevie Jaimez is a third
grade student at Lawrence
Intermediate School. She
is eight years old and in
Mrs. Chandler's classroom. Eevie is a member
of the Pascua Yaqui
Tribe. She is being recognized for having three
quarters of perfect attendance this school
year. Her favorite subject in school is science. When
she is at home she enjoys watching television. She
has just finished reading Trojan Horse in class. Her
favorite song is "I'll Be There" by Mariah
Carey. Eevie's favorite place to go eat is Pizza Hut
and her favorite pizza is pepperoni pizza.
NASD Newsletter
Student Spotlight Elementary
Sarah Williams is a 10 year-old, fourth grade student at Ochoa Elementary. She is Seneca of the Wolf
clan located in Buffalo, New York. Her favorite subjects in school are Science, Reading and Math.
She loves to play sports at school and at home she enjoys playing football with her dad. If she could
have lunch with anyone she would eat with Justin Bieber and The Jonas Brothers. She would cook
them frybread! She loves chapter books and is currently reading James and the Giant Peach, which
she finds much different from the movie. She admires her mom and dad. She loves the song “That
Should Be Me” by Justin Bieber. At this time she would like to be a lawyer when she grows up. Her
favorite place in Tucson is the Zoo and The Cheesecake Factory. She is a very good dancer!
Alyssa and Iysis attend Wright Elementary in Ms. Richardson’s first grade class.
Both are bubbly, vivacious, and cheerful. Alyssa and Iysis are radiant personalities
who show grace, charm and politeness every day. Both girls are quite stylish in their
attire from head to toe.
Alyssa is a member of the Hope Tribe. She lives with her parents and younger sister
Noah. She is proud of her heritage and mindful of the Hopi culture shared by her
grandmother and family. Alyssa’s top pick for fun is playing jump rope and hula
hoop. The all time best food to eat is pizza, pepperoni or cheese. If she could meet
anyone in the world, Alyssa would meet Miley Cyrus of Hannah Montana. She enjoys Miley’s music and acting. Alyssa wants to be veterinarian when she’s grown. She loves her grandmother’s dogs,
specifically a brown pup named “HuMa Na” which means ‘little bear’ in Hopi.
Iysis Santa Cruz is a member of the Tohono O’odham Nation. Iysis lives with her mother and she has a stepsister that
attends Booth Fickett. At the top of the list of great things to do is playing with her friends. Iysis loves to listen to her
Kid’s Pop CD and eat strawberry ice cream. If she could meet anyone in the world it would be Justin Bieber. She likes
Justin Bieber’s hair and of course his music. She too enjoys jump rope and specifically picked a book with many of the
favorite jump rope ditties to share with Alyssa and her friends.
This month Johnson Primary will be highlighting Trenden Garcia. Trenden is a first grader in Mrs.
Slover’s class and a member of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe. He is a hard worker and loves to come to
school. His favorite subjects are Science, Math and he said he is learning a lot in his new reading
group. Trenden says, “I love the computer and I have fun learning on the programs.” His favorite
book is I know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly. He has lots of favorite things, his favorite food
at school is the chicken tender salad, he says he always eats it all. His favorite place to eat is not at a
restaurant but he loves to cook out and eat chicken with his family at Mt. Lemmon or just outside.
He loves being outdoors playing soccer, football, and golf or just to relax. He also loves to play at
the blue park near the Gym. On special days he gets to go to Old Pascua with his dad. When
Trenden grows up he would like to be a cop and he wants to stay involved in the ceremonies like his
brother and his dad. He loves all his brothers and sisters as well as his mom and dad. He also said
that he especially loves when his mom and dad read books to him and when they listen to him read.
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NASD Newsletter
Student Spotlight Elementary
Sewa Valenzuela is a quiet force. She is a member of the Tohono
O’odham Nation and attends Wright Elementary in Mr. Culbertson’s
fifth grade class. She approaches her lessons with deep consideration
and consistently excels. Next year she’ll move into the selfcontained Gifted and Talented program at Doolen Middle School.
Sewa’s most-liked school subjects are art, then math. Creating cartoons, drawing, solving equations and reading are amusing and interesting to her. She especially appreciates the application of artistic
technique in decorating cakes and designing delicious dishes. When
it comes to food, a staple favorite is mom’s mashed potatoes and
gravy. Her choice pastimes include; listening to Katie Perry on her MP3, watching Seinfeld,
and talking to her mother. Sewa enjoys reading and likes everything scary like Goosebumps, to funny stories with lots of twists and turns in the plots. Sewa credits her mother for
giving her the guidance to do well in school. Her plan is to prepare for and attend college and
she’d love to attend the University of Arizona depending on her major.
David Campas is second grade student at Carrillo Elementary
School. He is eight years old and a member of the Pascua Yaqui
Tribe. David’s favorite subject in school is Science because
they do many different types of activities. David’s favorite sport
activity is playing kickball during recess. If he could have lunch
with anyone, it would be with his friends because he likes to sit
with them and talk. David loves to eat green apples. David’s
favorite books are Goosebump books. He loves watching
SpongeBob on T.V. His favorite place in Tucson is Breakers
because of the water slides, and getting wet. David admires his
dad the most because he’s funny. One of David’s talents is being able to help his mom make a fire in their fireplace. When
David grows up he wants to become a policeman because he’ll
be able to handcuff all the bad guys.
Isabella Moreno is nine
years old and in the fourth
grade at Van Buskirk. Her
favorite subject is Math
because she learns different
ways to solve a question or
problem every day. She
likes reading because she
LOVES to read new things
and figure out where things
go and what or how to
write it! Isabella is a member of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe. She would like to eat
lunch with her friend Saydee, her brother David, and
her mom. She would like to eat
Mya Mejia is a third grade student at Maldonado Elementary
lunch with them because her friend
School in Ms. Luera’s classroom. She is a member of the Toand brother are funny and her mom
hono O’odham Nation. Mya has consistently been a star student
is FUN! She admires her brother
all year long. She comes to school prepared, completes all work
Marcos because he gets straight
in a timely manner as well as homework and is a friendly stuA’s, and also gets letters from so
dent and peer to all. Mya’s favorite subjects are science and
many colleges, and wants to sucreading. She really enjoyed the study of light and sound. When
ceed in everything. She would like
Mya goes home she loves playing on the trampoline with her
to attend the U of A and become a
brothers and sisters and playing “Call of Duty: Black Ops” on
children’s doctor
her Xbox. She is currently reading Toad and Frog by Arnold
(Pediatrician). Most of all she likes
Lobel. If she could have lunch with anyone it would be with her
school because she learns many
best friend, Aracely because they have fun together. Her favorite place in Tucson is going
different things and wants to sucto Tilly’s at the Tucson Mall. Mya plans to attend the University of Arizona and receive
ceed in her work and get them
her Masters in Science and become a private detective one day.
done.
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NASD Newsletter
Student Spotlight Elementary
Steve Flores is a third grade student in Mrs.
Geiger’s classroom at Miller Elementary
School. Steve is a member of the Pascua
Yaqui Tribe. Steve is a motivated, hard working student who does his best in school every
day. His favorite subject is math. Some of his
favorite acitivites in school are art and writing
poetry. After school his favorite activities are
playing flag football, and games such as Monopoly and Memory. He likes listening to
“Christmas Jubulation” by Mike Wilson. If
Steve could have lunch with anyone in the
world it would be with President Barak
Obama. Steve would love to ask the president how difficult it would
be to run our country. Steve admires his mother the most because she
always makes sure he has a packed lunch every day and
breakfast in the morning, like pancakes. Steve’s dream job
Ryan Moreno is a member of the
is to become an astronaunt. After graduating from high
Tohono O'odham Nation. He is in
school he will attend the the University of Arizona. In the
the second grade at Robins Elemean time Steve enjoys going to his favorite place in Tucmentary School. His teacher Ms.
son”s the Reid Park Zoo to see the monkeys.
Tanbal nominated him for recognition. His favorite subject is Art
but he enjoys Math and Science.
Ryan enjoys playing with toy soldiers and watching TV. He would
like to have lunch with his friends
and his teacher.
His favorite books are I Spy, dinosaur and zombie books. Ryan
admires police officers and enjoys listening to soothing
music. His dream job is to become a police officer.
Over the summer he will attend summer classes and go
swimming. Ryan’s favorite place in Tucson is Sabino
Canyon and his hidden talents are running and playing
board games. Ryan’s favorite thing about school is
learning and seeing his teacher.
Dominique Alvarez is a 4th grade student at Warren Elementary School
in Ms. Koski’s classroom. She is also a member of the Pascua Yaqui
Tribe of Arizona. Her favorite subjects in class are math, science and
OMA. Some activities that she enjoys after school are playing basketball,
tag and hide and seek. On her free time Dominique likes reading
Geronimo Silton Sieres books by Geronimo Silton and listening to her
favorite artist, Bruno Mars. Dominique admires her cousin Justin the
most because he is kind and they have fun playing games together. If she
could have lunch with anyone in the world, it would be Micheal Jackson
because she is a big fan of his music. After high school, Dominique plans
to attend the University of Arizona and receive a Bachelors of Science.
Her dream job is to become a police officer. She feels that it would be
nice to help protect people. Dominique has made great efforts to do her
best in school and comes into class each day with a positive attitude. Keep up the good work!
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NASD Newsletter
Student Spotlight Middle School
The One Two
Punch
Safford Middle School
Doolen Middle School
Tyler Lynn Martin, a member of the Navajo tribe, is
in the eighth grade and an
honor roll student at Doolen
Middle School. Tyler is proud
of her parents and enjoys
spending time with her grandfather in Chinle, Arizona.
Tyler’s grandfather’s house is
her favorite place to go and
her favorite person is her dad.
Her favorite classes are Art
and Spanish. She would like
to have lunch with Ronald McDonald and she enjoys
recycling and gardening at Doolen because she gets
to go outside the building. Tyler loves reading Amelia Bedelia books by Peggy Parish and her favorite
songs are by the Cheetah Girls. Next year she plans
to attend Catalina High School. She loves to take
care of animals. Her dream car is a monster truck.
She is undecided about her dream job but becoming a
veterinarian is likely. Tyler’s favorite place in Tucson is to go Chantilly Tea Room on River/Oracle in
Tucson. Singing is her hidden talent.
9
For the past
few months I
have been
working with
Marina Sierra
and Lexi Valencia. These
girls are continuing to make gains and are striving to meet their goals.
Lexi Valencia is an 8th grader at Safford Middle School and a member
of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe. Her favorite class is Language Arts and
from what I hear…she has a gift for writing. Lexi plays on two softball teams, the ASA Roadrunners and the Baja Rooks. She is a shortstop and a relief pitcher and bats leadoff and cleanup. If Lexi could
have lunch with anyone, it would be her two brothers because she
loves them sooo much. She likes all types of music, except Opera,
and she loves watching her favorite movie Friday, with Ice Cube.
When Lexi graduates, she is going to the University of Texas to study
Sports Medicine. Good luck Lexi and keep “swinging for the
fences”!
Marina Sierra is an 8th grader at Safford Middle School and a member
of the Tohono O’ Odham Nation. Marina loves Science because of
the cool experiments and one day she wants to use her science passion
to study medicine at the University of Arizona. Believe it or not, Marina is a boxer and has a 2 and 0 record with 1 TKO! If she could
have lunch with anyone, she would share it with Alicia Keys and Lala
Ali. She also likes all types of music, except Opera; Wow, I guess
Opera is not that popular these days. Well, Marina, go for the
KNOCKOUT” and become a champion in and outside the ring!
Wakefield Middle School
Daniel Vega is a member of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe and in the
sixth grade at Wakefield Middle School. Daniel has done well
his first year of middle school. He has a lot going for him and
is very involved in his culture. Daniel has set goals for himself
and is looking forward to continuing his education with the
great support he is receiving from home. Daniel will accomplish everything he dreams to be, because he has the ability and
commitment to achieve these goals.
NASD Newsletter
Student Spotlight Middle School
Roskruge Bilingual Magnet School
Areanna Castillo is an 11 year old sixth
grader at Roskruge Bilingual Magnet
School. She is a member of both the Tohono O’odham Nation and the Pascua
Yaqui Tribe. Her favorite class is P.E. because she gets to play different sports. She
likes to play basketball and wants to play
basketball and Soccer for Roskruge next
year. After high school she wants to go to
college at either Pima or U of A to become a Veterinarian. A book
she is reading is Fudge-a-mania by Judy Bloom. If she could have
lunch with anyone it would be her grandma because she is always
there for her. Her favorite place to be is the mall because she
likes to shop. The person she admires the most is her dad because he is cool, teaches her how to play basketball and takes
her places she wants to go. Areanna has always been a good
student and has proved that by earning Honor Roll all three
quarters. She is an intelligent girl who will conquer anything
that comes her way.
Mansfeld Middle School
Marisol Martinez is a 14 year old eighth grade student
at Mansfeld Middle School. She is a member of the
Tohono O’odham Nation. Her favorite class is Science
because she thinks it’s interesting and likes doing experiments. After high school she wants to go the U of A
to become a Pediatric Nurse. She just finished reading
Number the Stars by Lois Lowry. Outside of school she
has played softball. She loves spending time at the mall
and getting her nails done. If she could have lunch with
anyone, it would be Drake because she thinks he’s hot!
The one person she admires is her Nana because she is
a hard worker, loving, caring and is not selfish. Marisol
has shown tons of improvement on her grades! I am
proud that she is proving to herself that she can accomplish anything and hopes she carries that spirit with her
to high school and beyond.
Pistor Middle School
Victor Castillo-Rivera, known by his teachers and friends as Randu is in the seventh grade at
Dodge Middle School. He is a member of the Pasqua Yaqui Tribe. Victor has a knack for academics and keeps himself on the honor roll. His favorite classes are Mr. Marshall’s Social Studies
class and Ms. Kent’s math class. Victor has a talent for language and does very well in Mr.
Prtizke’s Spanish class too. Actually, Victor can do well at most subjects. He excels in sports as
well and loves any game including, basketball, football and baseball. His competitive spirit shows
up in his math class. He’s been observed doing his best to get each and every problem absolutely
correct. Victor also has a sense of fair play. For that, he is well liked and has many friends. Victor is not one to brag either. His confidence is as apparent as is his modesty. He plans on attending college and is considering
Tucson High School and University High School as his next stop.
10
NASD Newsletter
Student Spotlight Middle School
Vail Middle School
Naylor Middle School
Irmani Felix-Moore attends Alice Vail Middle School as a seventh grader. She’s a member of
the Tohono O’odham Nation.
Irmani has perfect curls and a
beautiful smile. Irmani values
her friendships and has many
friends at school. Her favorite
activity is to meet at Park Mall and shop with them.
Irmani is also a good student. She says that her late
father emphasized doing well in school and her
mother does now. . She typically makes As and Bs
in her courses. She is exploring her interests at this
stage and plans on going to college when she graduates. Her favorite music artist is Wiz Khalifa. She
has many of the interests of girls her age. She loves
to keep her nails glamourous and stylish. Irmani
shows dedication and determination in her academics
and is looking forward to learning more about what
inspires her as she moves towards college.
Angelo is 14 years old and an eighth grader at Naylor. He is a member
of the Tohono O'odham tribe. Angelo is a very friendly student with a
bright academic future. Outside of school Angelo enjoys listening to
classic or soft rock and watching stand up or movies like 'Born in East
L.A.'. Angelo also enjoys playing football and video games. He is
currently taking all honors classes and his favorite subject in school is
Social Studies. He likes to read historical books and when he attends
high school next year he wants to learn more about Native American
heritage. For a career Angelo would like to become an elementary
teacher after graduating from the University of Arizona.
Wakefield Middle School
Cody Johnson is a member of Tohono O’odham Nation and
is in the sixth grade. Cody has a very nice and respectful
demeanor and works diligently in school. Cody takes care
in his school work and his life. Hopefully, next year I can
convince him to go out for sports, because I really do think
he can do wonders for any sport, because of his height.
Hohokam Middle School
Mansfeld Middle School
Marisa Moreno is a 12 year old 6th grader at Mansfeld Middle
School. She is a member of the Tohono O’odham Nation. Her
favorite subject is Science because she thinks it’s interesting
and likes doing experiments. Unfortunately she will be moving
to Flagstaff after the school year is over but wants to go to
NAU after high school. She would like to study Medicine and
become a Doctor. She also would like to be an Artist or work in
Forensics. If she could have lunch with anyone it would be her
family because she likes eating with them, loves them and loves
spending time with them. Right now she is reading The Lighting Thief. She is not really into sports but does play basketball
and football with her brother. Her favorite place in Tucson is
the movies. The people she admires the most are her family and
friends because she loves them and they help her through anything and everything. Marisa has been doing well in school but
pushed herself in the third quarter to be on Honor Roll.
11
Juan Vai Sevoi is 12 years old and
a seventh grader at Hohokam Middle School. He is a member of the
Pascua Yaqui Tribe. His favorite
class is Mr. Zellar’s P.E. class because they get to play a variety of
sports. Juan participates in the
Tribal Images Youth Council and
21st Century’s Reading and Basketball Programs. When Juan is
not in school he likes to play basketball and football with his
cousin Tater Tot. If Juan could have lunch with anyone he
would like to have lunch with Dennis Anderson the creator and
professional monster truck driver for “Grave Digger” because
he is famous. Juan is currently reading Goosebumps by R.L.
Stine. Juan admires his Tata Leandro Coronado the most because he takes care of him. His favorite song is Freak on a
Leash by Korn. Juan plans to go to the U of A to become a
lawyer and Wilbur the Mascot, and then he would like to join
the Marines to go into combat because his Tata was a Marine.
Juan’s favorite place in Tucson is Golf-n-Stuff and one of his
talents is playing basketball.
NASD Newsletter
Student Spotlight Middle School
Hohokam Middle School
Marisol Lopez is 13 years old and a seventh grader at Hohokam Middle School. She is a member of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe.
Her favorite class is Mr. Van Vliet’s Math class because she enjoys working on projects. Marisol participates in volleyball,
cross country, track and soccer. If Marisol could have lunch with anyone she would like to have lunch with her mom to spend
quality time with her. Marisol is reading The Castle in the Attic by Elizabeth Winthrop & The Tarantula in My Purse: and 172
Other Wild Pet by Jean Craighead George. Marisol admires her mom and dad the most because they always help her. Her
favorite song is “Solo” by Iyaz. Marisol plans to join the Air Force after graduating from high school to begin working towards becoming a doctor. Her dream job is to be a doctor to help people stay healthy. Marisol’s favorite place in Tucson is at
her aunt Olesya’s house.
Pistor Middle School
Corina Eva Silvas is an eighth
grade student at Pistor Middle
School. Although, she is shy,
she is a very nice girl. She has
a great attendance record. She
enjoys drawing, spending time
with her family and socializing
with her friends. Her favorite
food is pizza. Mr. Iram Alday
is her favorite teacher because he is interesting and
funny. She has a good family. Her sister Christina is
her role model. She admires her sister Soyla and
Monica and says her younger sister is a very good sister. Corina’s goal in life is to have a good job. She will
accomplish this by doing well at Cholla High School
and attending the University of Arizona. Corina is a
very good role model for all middle school students.
Pistor Middle School
Idalis Montanez is an eighth grade
student at Pistor Middle School. She is
a very responsible, involved student
who is the president of Student Council. She is a great role model for all
students. Her mother, Michelle Montanez, is her role model because she is
very supportive, hard working and
positive. She wants to be just like her
mother. Idalis enjoys eating Italian food. She likes to cheerlead and play soccer. Idalis will be attending Tucson Magnet
High School and will be taking honor classes. Upon high
school graduation, she would like to attend Juilliard or a university in San Diego. Ms. Kristi Wendt is her favorite teacher
because “she is willing to help every student and is very patient.” Idalis, a member of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe is the daughter
of Victor and Michelle Montanez, her three younger brothers are
Isaiah, Josiah and Victor.
Pistor Middle School
Marissa and Andrea Machado are eighth grade students at Pistor Middle School.
Marissa and Andrea are very sociable girls, who are respectful and friendly. Marissa likes to sing, dance, play football and paint. Andrea likes to draw, sing,
write stories and play football. Their role models are their parents, Andres and
Melissa Machado, because they are “great examples of very good people who
show positive ways in life.” Andrea’s favorite teachers are Ms. Kristin Bittel,
who is very understanding, and Mr. Iram Alday, who always encourages her to do her best. Marissa’s favorite
teachers are Mr. Jon Slingerlend and Ms. Sonia Berrellez-Slingerlend because they helped her adjust to middle
school. Marissa enjoys eating pizza and Andrea loves sushi. The twins have three younger brothers-Andres, Seth
and Samuel. They are affiliated with the Pascua Yaqui Tribe.
12
NASD Newsletter
Student Spotlight High School
Ashley Rix (Sabino High School)
Kyanna Yniguez (Santa Rita High School)
Kyanna is an amazing student at Santa Rita High School in her
freshman year. She is a member of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe.
She is currently on the softball team and plays third base. She is
looking forward to playing on the team for all four years of
high school. Kyanna is also a sports enthusiast; she enjoys
watching the volleyball tournament at school. She says this is
because of all the action that goes on during the games. There is
one person in her life that she looks up to and has inspired her,
that would be her step-mom Rebecca. Kyanna mentioned how
much her stepmom has done for her and believes her to be an
excellent role model for herself and brothers and sisters. When
she has down time you will often find her reading U.S. Weekly;
she enjoys reading about all the juicy celebrity gossip. Kyanna
is also a leader within the community; she works as a Junior
Leader over the summer with elementary age children. Kyanna
keep up the good work!
Ashley is a junior at Sabino High School and a member of
the Hopi Tribe. She is a wonderful and determined student, who achieves her goals. When she is not at school
you can find her participating with her youth group at
church. Through this group she has traveled all over the
United States and volunteered within the community. One
place that she enjoyed traveling to with her family was
Nova Scotia, Canada. She particularly enjoyed this providence because of all the history that was there. Her favorite subject in school is math, “I would rather solve for the
answer, than be given the answer.” One of her life goals
is to become the CEO of Walt Disney. In order to achieve
this goal she has set forth a rigorous college plan, being a
triple major! She would like to major in Optical Engineering, Video Production, Business Management, and minor
in Photography. Ashley is an amazing student and there is
no doubt that she will find herself working at Walt Disney
in the future.
Anna Mamake (Pueblo High School)
Anna Mamake is a member of Tohono O’odham Nation and a
sophomore. I’ve known Anna since middle school and
Jacob Smith (Catalina High School)
even as a middle school student she has always had a
wonderful outlook on life. She has always been very
Jacob is an18 year old senior at Catalina High Magnet School.
concerned about how she does in school academically.
He is Navajo. He is looking forward to attending Central AriNext year as a junior she plans on getting involved with
zona College in the field of heavy equipment operations. He is
sports and of course more involved in our Tribal Images
looking forward to seeing how college life is and being on his
Club. I know she will continually do well in school and
own and having time to himself. He has five siblings. He is
has goals that she will reach in the near future.
currently very busy taking extra credits to accumulate the credits required for him to graduate. He is very motivated. He just
finished reading Angela’s Ashes by Frank McCourt. His favorite class at Catalina is HVAC. When he is
Justin Ward (Palo Verde High School)
not in school, he enjoys walking his dog
and taking bike rides with friends. He
Justin is a sophomore at Palo Verde Magnet High School belonging to the
plays the harmonica. He admires his
Quechan Tribe. He is a remarkable student who has many talents. One field of
sister Janet because she has helped the
interest is music; this is shown in the numerous instruments he is capable of
family out and is a good role model.
playing. This includes guitar, bass and drums. His favorite genre of music is
Jacob is excited about graduation in May
rock and metal, a particular band he enjoys listening to is Slipknot. If there was
and seeing family.
one person he would want to meet it would be Joe Satriani, he is a famous guitar player. Justin has started up a garage band with other students and friends at
school, and you can often find him during lunch time playing the guitar with
peers. It is because of his love of music he would like to make a career out of it.
So if you are a student and you play the bass, Justin is looking for you to be
part of his rock band! Good luck Justin and keep up the momentum!
13
NASD Newsletter
Student Spotlight High School
Mathew Baker (Cholla High School)
Mathew is a 15 year old sophomore. His favorite class is
Automotive Class. His hidden talent is building engines and
will be going to Universal Technical Institute for a degree in
Auto Mechanics which is his dream job. He enjoys playing
basket ball in school and football after school. Reading is
not his favorite pastime. The person he admires most is
Tupac and would enjoy having lunch with Steve Nash of the
Phoenix Suns. His favorite place is Tucson Mall. Mathew is
a hard worker, has great attendance and always has a positive attitude.
Reece Harris (Sabino High School)
Sabrina Alvarez (Tucson
Magnet High School)
Sabrina Alvarez is sixteen
years old, a member of the
Pascua Yaqui Tribe and attends Tucson High. Her favorite class is Yearbook
(journalism). When not is
school Sabrina attends church
ceremonies. Right now she is reading WTF by Peter Lerangis.
Sabrina admires her mom the most. Her favorite song is
“Forever and Always” by Bullet for My Valentine. After
graduation Sabrina will be attending the U of A. Her dream job
is to become a singer and her dream car is either a Camaro, a
smart car or a Buggy. Sabrina’s favorite place in Tucson is A
Mountain because she likes to look at the view from there.
Singing and writing poems are her hidden talents.
Reece, a member of the Apache Tribe of
Oklahoma is a freshman at Sabino. He is
a student who excels in academics; this is
shown by having a GPA over 3.0. In addition, to being an excellent student, he also
enjoys participating in sports. This year
he has been active on the basketball and
football teams. One subject area Reece looks forward to learning about is agriculture sciences; he enjoys learning about animals and farming. This has been influenced by spending time on his family’s ranch. One of his favorite things to do
while with his family is to go hunting. He hopes to eventually study agricultural
sciences in college along with being recruited on a team sport. When it comes to
meeting someone he would like to meet Julius Jones, who was originally drafted
to the Dallas Cowboys. Reece has all the components to be successful through out
high school, and will achieve
Gloriana Bergen (Tucson
anything he puts his mind to.
Magnet High School)
You’re doing great Reece!
Gloriana Bergen is sixteen
years old and a member of the
Pima Tribe. Her favorite class
is Psychology. When not is
school you can find Gloriana
babysitting. If not
Gene Washington (Pueblo High School)
babysitting Gloriana
likes to hang out on
Gene Washington is member of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe and is a sen4th Ave and have
ior. Gene’s goal is to go to school to become a mechanic. Eventually,
lunch with her
he would like to continue his studies in automotives. Gene has always
friends. Currently she is reading the book Wicked.
been an uplifting student, very involved in athletics and has always
The person she admires most is Dr. Ofelia Zepeda.
had the care of doing well in school. This year he decided to take a
After high school she’ll be going to Northern Arirest from athletics and focus on academics. Gene has the attitude of
zona University. Her dream car is a 1968 Chevrolet
being a successful, educated adult and will accomplish what he has set
Impala and dream job is to be a pediatric nurse.
his mind to.
14
NASD Newsletter
Student Spotlight High School (cont.)
Elena Luevano (Tucson Magnet High School)
Elena Luevano is seventeen years
old, a member of the Pascua Yaqui
Tribe and attends Tucson High.
Her favorite class is Psychology
and Piano. When Elena has time
she likes to volunteer at the KPYT
Radio Station in Pascua. If she
could have lunch with anyone it
would be Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker because they’re in the
Rush Hour movies. Right now Elena is reading Sammy and
Juliana in Hollywood. The person Elena admires most is her
mom’s friend’s tio because he tells good stories and has great
morals and values that we all live by. Her favorite song is anything that has to do with actual life and not the fantasies that we
think about everyday. After graduation Elena wants to go to a
good college maybe the U of A and become either a doctor or
psychologist. She would also like to travel the world and visit
many different places. Elena’s dream job is to be a music producer and her dream car is a 1963 Chevy Impala. Her favorite
place in Tucson is A mountain and anywhere peaceful (there
are places like it). Elena’s hidden talent is dancing and beat
boxing for fun.
Navian Jose (Catalina High Magnet School)
Navian Jose is a 17 year old junior at Project MORE. His most
interesting class is English. He is involved in the Tribal Images
Youth Council there. They recently served frybread to the entire school as a learning service project. He is Tohono
O’Odham. When he is not in school he enjoys skateboarding
and playing basketball. If he could have lunch with anyone it
would be with his mom. The person that he admires is God!
His favorite song right now is the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, theme song.
San Xavier District
Education Fair
NASD was invited to San
Xavier Education Department’s Education Fair.
We shared program information, met community
members are were able to learn about the services that San Xavier has to offer our Tohono
O’odham community members.
Reading Seed Puts Books In to the Hearts of Our Students Reading Seed is a valuable resource for the Native American Studies Department and the com‐
munity. Reading Seed offers gently used books to Academic Coaches and educators to give to their students ranging from beginning readers to High School. Students may select up to two books per week. Students at Cavett, Wright, Fort Lowell/Townsend, Alice Vail and Dodge have been selecting books and are showing a growing interest in the many types of books that are offered from Non‐fiction to Fiction. We have given out more than 400 books so far this year. Reading Seed provides a wealth of resources to strive for the goal of every child in Pima County reading above level by grade three. Their outreach program includes a lending library for reading coaches and educators filled with books that match students’ interests with their reading abilities. Reading Seed gave away over 18,000 books last year. They strive to put books in the hands of children and adults who would not other‐
wise have books in their homes. It has been so much fun watching the students evolving sense of what they really enjoy reading and becoming increasingly passionate about books. 15
Native American Studies Department
Government Programs and Community Outreach
PO BOX 40400
Tucson, AZ 85717
(520) 908-3905
GOVERNING BOARD: Mark Stegeman; President, Judy Burns; Clerk, Adelita S. Grijalva, Miguel Cuevas, Michael Hicks
Notice of Nondiscrimination
Tucson Unified School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, religion, or disability in admission
or access to, or treatment or employment in, its educational programs or activities. Inquiries concerning Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, Section 504, and Americans
With Disabilities Act may be referred to EEO Compliance Officer, 1010 East 10th Street, Tucson, Arizona 85719, (520) 225-6442, or to the Office for Civil
Rights, U.S. Department of Education, 1244 Speer Boulevard, Denver, Colorado 80204.
Information and Resources
Upcoming Dates to Remember
April 11-15
April 21-25
April 26
April 12-29
May 7
AIMS Testing (3-8) & Stanford 10 Testing (2)
Spring Recess-No School
NAEAC Meeting
NAEAC Elections
NASD Student Recognition
Homeless?
TUSD Can Help!
TUSD Family Support Center
3645 E. Pima St. (520) 232-8438
 Free/Reduced Meals
 Student Transportation
 Immunization
Tucson Urban League
Utility Assistance Program
Assisting w/electric, gas, and water bills.
Please call (520) 791-9522
16
Tohono O’odham Nation
San Xavier District
2018 W. San Xavier Road
Tucson, AZ 85746
Education Department
1960 W. Wa:k Lane
Tucson, AZ 85746
520.807.8624
O’odham AP’EDAG
KI:People Wellness House of
the San Xavier District
7925 South Mission Road
Tucson, AZ 85746
Tucson Indian Center
97 E. Congress St Suite 101
Tucson, AZ 85701
520.884.7131
Are you a grandparent
raising your grandchildren?
Call the KARE
(Kinship, Adoption Resource
and Education)
Family Center for more
information
(520) 323-4476
Address:
4710 E. 29th St. Bldg 7
Tucson, AZ 85711
Email:
kares@arizonaschildren.org
Pascua Yaqui Tribe
7474 S. Camino De Oeste
Tucson, AZ 85746
520.883.5000
Website: http://
www.pascuayaqui-nsn.gov/
index.shtml
Pascua Yaqui Education Dept
520.883.5050