News and Views October, 2015 - Tanque Verde Unified School District

Ta n que Verd e U n if ied S c h o o l D i st ri c t
News and Views
Fall
October 2015
Collective Focus for
Student Success
Open Letter from TVUSD
Superintendent, Kim Sharp
Dear Community,
There was a time when the
year 2016 seemed like a futuristic
number, at least to me. And the
year 2029? Almost impossible to
imagine.
TVHS Receives Top Award
for Civic Engagement
Thirty Schools Recognized by
Arizona Department of Education
for Dedication to High Quality Civic Learning
Tanque Verde High School received the Arizona Department of Education’s
highest recognition as a “School of Excellence” in the 2014-15 Excellence in Civic
Engagement Program (ECEP). Currently in its third year, ECEP recognizes and supports
the important role schools play in ensuring that students are informed and engaged
citizens.
Both traditional and charter public schools from around the state were awarded
recognition as an Arizona Civic Engagement school with one of the following
designations: School of Merit, School of Distinction, or School of Excellence. Of the
thirty schools awarded, only four, including Tanque Verde High School, received the
highest level of recognition for their achievements as a School of Excellence.
The ECEP identifies schools through an application process. The 2014-15
application was researched and documented by recently retired TVUSD teacher, Dr.
Sharon Akridge. Dr. Akridge completed 82 written pages to document Tanque Verde
High School’s efforts to “demonstrate knowledge and effective implementation of
the following six proven practices in civic learning: classroom instruction in civics and
government, history, economics, geography, law and democracy; service learning
linked to classroom learning; experiential learning; learning through participation in
models and simulations of democratic processes and procedures; guided classroom
(See Civic Engagement, page 2)
October 2015 - Tanque Verde Unified School District • News And Views
As you know, we are there,
right now.
The Tanque Verde
Unified School District School Year
2015 / 2016 is underway, and our
Kindergarten students will receive
their high school diplomas in 2029.
Right now, technology has
impacted almost every aspect of our
lives. I am humbled by our students,
who have access to information
immediately, often resulting in a
passion for learning unlike previous
generations. I am humbled by our
teachers. They continually strive
to meet each TVUSD student at his
or her unique point of need. This
commitment would not be possible
if we relied on only one educational
delivery method, which is one of the
hallmarks of public education.
We all know: the delivery of
education is changing. There is more
choice available when considering
the delivery of scholastic endeavors,
and boundaries between school
districts have become dotted lines.
Funding of public education is
continually under review, and it is
often difficult to predict mid-year
funding shifts that may be imposed.
These are educational realities at the
current point in time, and at TVUSD,
the collective focus on student
(See Superintendent Letter page 5)
1
“Excellence is our goal, understanding our foundation.”
District Vision
TVUSD will be the premier choice for K-12 education. Our students will achieve academic and personal success in an ever changing world.
District Mission
TVUSD will ensure effective communication, collaboration, school partnerships and state of the art facilities that support our vision for
students as well as benefit all constituents. Our balanced budget ensures continuity of programs and empowers growth.
TVUSD Governing Board /
District Goals
School Year 2015 / 2016
1. Ensure the fiscal sustainability
of the District.
1.1 Review salary issues and
competitive benefits for the
recruitment and retention of all
employees.
1.2 Pursue new significant revenue
sources, including grants and gifts.
1.3 Increase school level
administrative autonomy in budgetary
oversight and decision making.
1.4 Improve operational efficiency
district wide.
2. Maintain and enhance a
rigorous and relevant curriculum.
2.1 Support the implementation
of the Arizona College and Career
Readiness Standards and Assessment
requirements.
2.2 Report assessment data to
inform and support student academic
achievement.
2.3 Evaluate and develop districtwide curriculum options that prepare
students for 21st Century learning and
employment aligned with the current
Arizona Standards.
2.4 Support continuous academic
growth, and emphasize the writing
skills curriculum.
2.5 Fully implement district
technology programs, and transition
to a 1:1 technology program that
integrates web-based resources and
a sound infrastructure for student
learning.
2.6 Emphasize character
development, performance-based
learning, relationships and individual
responsibility.
3. Promote professional
development and instructional
improvement.
3.1 Continue to evaluate and refine
the state-mandated performance
based evaluation system, considering
the effective evaluation of and the
requirements for evaluating all teachers
in the district.
3.2 Move to school level
management of faculty and staff
development that will enhance student
achievement.
3.3 Encourage employee wellness
and personal health awareness.
3.4 Investigate the development of
a district pre-school program.
4. Involve and engage community
in District pursuits.
4.1 Encourage and support
partnerships and collaborations with
business and community groups.
4.2 Enhance communications
by improving the district website
and improve social media presence
by utilizing other forms of digital
communications.
4.3 Promote the strengths of the
district by recognizing contributions
and achievements students,
community members, and employees.
4.4 Offer programs and facilities
which invite community participation.
5. Sustain modern, safe and
Civic Engagement (Continued from page 1)
discussion of current issues and events;
and meaningful participation in school
governance.”
In the three years of the ECEP
program, TVHS has been recognized
as a School of Merit (2012-13), School
of Distinction (2013-14), and School of
Excellence (2014-15).
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The
schools
were
formally
recognized at an award ceremony on
September 17, 2015—Constitution
Day. Samiyah Strickland was selected to
represent TVHS as a Student Speaker at
the awards ceremony.
efficient facilities for students, staff
and community
5.1 Continue to investigate and
implement strategic safety and security
improvements at each school site.
5.2 Continue to provide ongoing
emergency preparedness training and
practice at all district facilities to ensure
the safety and security of students and
staff.
DISTRICT INFORMATION
TANQUE VERDE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION OFFICE
2300 N. Tanque Verde Loop Rd,
Tucson, Arizona 85749
(520)749-5751
FAX (520)749-5400
WEBSITE: www.tanqueverdeschools.org
GOVERNING BOARD
Board President
- Peter Livingston
plivingston@tanq.org
Board Clerk - Carlos Ruiz
cruiz@tanq.org
Member - Steven Auslander
sauslander@tanq.org
Member - Susan Fry
sfry@tanq.org
Member
- Jeff Neff
jneff@tanq.org
ADMINISTRATION
Superintendent - Kimberly C. Sharp
ksharp@tanq.org
749-5751 ext. 4101
AGUA CALIENTE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Principal
- Sherri Rosalik
srosalik@tanq.org
749-2235
TANQUE VERDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Principal - Susan Centers
scenters@tanq.org
749-4244
EMILY GRAY JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Principal
- Greg Miller
gmiller@tanq.org
749-3838
TANQUE VERDE HIGH SCHOOL
Principal - AJ Malis
amalis@tanq.org
760-0801
Assistant Principal - Terry Lantz
/ Athletic Director tlantz@tanq.org
760-0801
October 2015 - Tanque Verde Unified School District • News And Views
Tanque Verde High School Goes Green
with LED Field Lights
The Tanque Verde High School Hawks
are proud to be green in more ways
than one. Their stadium field will be
lighted for the 2015-16 athletics season
by the latest in energy efficient, darksky compatible, LED lighting systems.
The LED system, installed by MUSCO
Lighting, is the “first to be installed
in a public school district in Tucson,”
according to John Abney, Project
Manager for MUSCO.
Tanque Verde High School was
established in 2005, rounding out the
district’s former kindergarten through
9th grades, to provide a comprehensive
K-12 program. The TVHS athletic
department had been renting portable
lights for previous athletic seasons and
community events. Now, athletes, fans,
neighbors and the night sky will benefit
from the cleaner, quieter, more efficient
and refined lighting on the main
athletic field of this northeast Tucson
high school campus. The project is
also accomplishing significant progress
toward district goals.
“It marks another step forward for our
high school,” Athletic Director Terry Lantz
said. “This is a solid show of commitment
by the District and Governing Board to
our high school program on and off the
field. It brings obvious improvements
for our football and soccer programs
that use the field on a competitive level.
It also moves us forward in our goal to
provide programs and facilities which
invite student and community pride and
participation.”
The Governing Board was concerned
about the potential effect of field lights
on the surrounding neighborhoods, and
wanted to provide improved lighting
with the least impact to the neighbors.
They also wanted to reflect the values of
the dark-sky initiative in Tucson. TVUSD
Governing Board President, Dr. Peter
Livingston, said, “We are proud that
the district is continuing in our effort
to be good stewards of energy through
the use of LED lights. The LED lighting
system is also the lowest contributor
to light pollution, which supports the
district’s goal to sustain modern, safe
and efficient facilities. This project also
reflects our effort to be good neighbors
in our community.”
Neighbors immediately surrounding
the high school site were invited to
participate in a community linkage
committee which shared concerns and
provided feedback about the lighting
and stadium projects. Following the
debut of the lights, one committee
member called to congratulate the
school and stated, “The lights were
exactly what were promised.” There is
virtually no “spill-over” and no “up-light”
created by the LED technology when
properly shielded, as is the case with the
MUSCO LED lighting system. All of the
light is directed to the field, unlike some
older stadium-lighting systems where
as little as 25% of the light produced
reaches the field.
The stadium field improvements
were approved by the TVUSD Governing
Board at their July 29th meeting. Also
recently completed were a district-wide
solar power project and an energyefficiency audit and improvements.
These projects were completed in order
to bring utilities cost savings to the
district. The annual savings from these
projects will help bolster the district’s
M&O budget, and will be directed
toward district programs and facilities
October 2015 - Tanque Verde Unified School District • News And Views
The LED system are the first installed at a
Tucson public school district
improvements such as the vastly
improved TVHS field lighting.
Items slated for upgrades in the
stadium improvement project include
the LED field lighting installed by
MUSCO, and an 800-1000 seat capacity
bleacher system and press box to be
installed by NORCON Industries, Inc.
after the football season has concluded.
Fans look forward to the additional
seating, which is also badly needed
to accommodate the growth of the
70+ student marching band, as well as
the home-game overflow crowd, who
now bring lawn chairs and stand along
the sidelines of the field. The facility
will provide needed seating capacity
for graduation ceremonies and other
school related community events.
The season home opener vs. San
Carlos was held on Friday, August 21st
under the new lights, with a traditional
Back to School BBQ to kick off the season.
It was a record crowd, bringing in the
highest gate receipts to date, when the
Tanque Verde community turned out to
celebrate the new season, and the new
lighting! The Hawks donned their school
colors, green, black and silver – and they
were proud to be green in more ways
than one.
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TVUSD Governing Board Welcomes
New Board Member Susan Fry
TUCSON - The TVUSD Governing
Board is pleased to welcome Ms. Susan
Fry as the newly appointed District
Governing Board Member. Ms. Fry was
sworn in before the August 27, 2015
Meeting of the Governing Board.
Susan Fry, a district resident and
parent of students at Agua Caliente
Elementary School, is a graduate of
Stanford University and holds two
advanced degrees.
She brings a
wealth of experience in early childhood
education. A long time resident of
Tucson, Susan and her husband chose
to move into the district because of the
high level of student achievement, and
reputation for educational excellence
in our district schools. Susan “looks
forward to sharing (her) background in
early childhood education and adding
to the diversity of talents and expertise
on the current board.”
Ms. Fry is the current Director
of the Arizona Parent Kit Project, a
statewide initiative of First Things First.
She is also the past Project Manager
of the Kindergarten Developmental
Inventory Stakeholder Taskforce, a
study conducted through a partnership
of the Arizona Department of Education
(ADE), the Arizona State Board of
Education, First Things First (FTF), and
Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust.
The candidates who applied for
the vacant governing board position
participated in an interview process with
an Advisory Committee. This committee
made a recommendation to the Pima
County School Superintendent’s Office,
which resulted in the selection and
appointment of Ms. Fry to the TVUSD
Governing Board.
Susan Fry taking the oath of office
The district was fortunate to have
several highly qualified individuals as
applicants for the open position. The
Governing Board and Superintendent
appreciate Ms. Fry’s willingness to serve
our community and our school district
in this capacity.
TVUSD 2015-16 Student Governing Board Members
Congratulations Grace Gerbing and Tino Watson!
Grace Gerbing and Tino Watson
have been selected to serve as the
Student Members of the TVUSD
Governing Board for the 2015-16
school year. The Tanque Verde Unified
School District is unique in Arizona in
that it selects student governing board
members each school year to serve
on the Governing Board. The Student
Board Member’s role is to inform the
District Governing Board about student
activities throughout the district, and to
provide an avenue of communication
between the high school and other
district schools.
Tino Watson, a Senior at TVHS, will
serve on the board as the primary
representative for the Fall Semester
of the 2015-16 school year. Tino
enjoys classes that involve math and
technology, and he plans to attend
college to earn a degree in either
engineering or architecture. He is
currently involved in several clubs
and activities, including Yearbook,
SkillsUSA, and ChemClub. Tino was
elected as the 2015-16 Secretary for
the National Honor Society (NHS), and
he plays on the TVHS Varsity Golf Team.
Tino has attended TVUSD schools from
Kindergarten through 12th Grade. He
is interested in serving as a Student
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Governing Board Member in order to
gain a better understanding of how
the School Board works, what the
Board members do, and how the Board
impacts the school district.
Grace Gerbing, also a senior at TVHS,
will serve on the board as the primary
representative for the Spring Semester
of the 2015-16 school year. Grace has
also been a student in the Tanque Verde
School District since kindergarten,
and she says she has “loved her school
experiences!” Grace plays tennis for the
TVHS Tennis Team, and she is the Varsity
Cheer Captain. Grace was elected as the
2015-16 NHS Vice President. She has
experience in developing school spirit
and leadership from her participation in
Student Council. Grace is interested in
majoring in elementary education. She
hopes that this experience will provide
an opportunity to learn more about
how a school district works, and will
add to her knowledge of the education
profession.
The Student Governing Board
Member holds a highly regarded
position of student leadership, and he
or she represents all students served
by the school district. It is a position
of significant responsibility, and a
student board member needs to be
able to communicate and participate
in a professional manner at several
levels (with the board, school principals,
student body, and community). The
Student Board Member sits at the dais
with the Board Members, but he or she
does not have a vote on Governing
Board actions, and is excused from
Executive Sessions. In addition to
reporting on school activities, they
are asked for their viewpoint on some
board discussion items.
In
addition,
through
the
communication
and
interaction
between the selected high school
students and the junior high and
elementary students (usually via the
student councils), there is an avenue
created for maintaining a relationship
among the district’s student bodies.
One of the objectives for the student
governing board member(s) is to
develop and/or support activities
which promote K-12 communication
and partnerships among our district
schools. They also have the opportunity
to attend the Pima County School
District Collaborative Meetings, where
issues of importance to public school
districts are addressed.
October 2015 - Tanque Verde Unified School District • News And Views
District Update: Meet Kimberly C. Sharp
Superintendent Kimberly Sharp
Superintendent Letter
(Continued from page 1)
success keeps us grounded and united
in our mission.
Almost one year ago, we asked
you, our community, to join us in this
commitment to public education.
When the override was passed by our
constituents, we felt not only support
from you, our community, but a strong
sense of partnership. We are in this
together. We ALL have a collective
As Superintendent of Tanque Verde
Unified School District, Kimberly C.
Sharp is both committed and passionate
about the work she does. She brings a
thoughtful, creative, smart, articulate,
and results-driven aspect to her job
each and every day. Kim has expertise
working in diverse environments
demanding strong consulting, coaching,
facilitation, training (assessment, design
and delivery) and evaluation skills.
She has a proven track record in the
areas of employee relations, leadership
development, change management,
talent
acquisition,
compensation,
succession planning and relationship
building.
Kim became Superintendent in
July 2015. She joined TVUSD as the
Human Resources Director in 2007.
Prior to TVUSD, Kim was the Human
Resources Manager at Canyon Ranch
Health and Wellness Resort. She helped
guide this award winning resort with
the interpretation of HR policies and
procedures;
ensuring
compliance
with employment laws; leadership
coaching; and the research, design
and implementation of leadership
development.
From 1991 to 2004, Kim served in
Human Resources at the University of
Arizona as Organizational Consultant
working in the areas of management
supervision,
strategic
planning,
organizational structure, training and
development.
Kim has a Bachelor of Arts in
Behavioral Sciences magna cum laude
from the University of Arizona, and a
Masters of Education with Honors from
Northern Arizona University.
focus, together, on student success.
Thank you, TVUSD community.
please consider signing up to have our
Constant Contact Newsletter delivered
directly to your e-mail box. We are in
this educational conversation together,
and these students ‘of the future’ belong
to the entire community.
As our partners, we look forward to
welcoming you in our schools, at the
events, and in the various activities that
set public education apart from what is
available in other educational delivery
venues. Within minutes from your home,
we invite you to join us, and attend
sporting events, art show exhibits,
drama and musical productions, and
festivals full of laughter and good will.
Visit our TVUSD website for details, and
Thank you, and Happy New School
Year!
Sincerely, Kimberly C. Sharp
The Role of the TVUSD Community Liaison
There is a new member of the
district administrative team – Claire
Place, former teacher, volunteer, and
governing board member, has been
hired as the District Community Liaison.
The work of the community liaison will
be a key part of the effort to develop
and sustain relationships within our
community in support of our students,
staff and schools.
Student Board Members
Grace Gerbing and Tino Watson
As the District Community Liaison,
Ms. Place will work on community
engagement projects and outreach
initiatives, and develop business
and community partnerships and
collaborations. Public relations and
media relations are also a priority
as education issues remain in the
headlines. Advocacy on issues of
October 2015 - Tanque Verde Unified School District • News And Views
importance to our schools is a key
aspect of this position.
A new initiative to update our district
brand identity is being led by Ms. Place.
The objective is to better communicate
the level of educational excellence and
professional integrity of our district. Our
district brand communicates “who we
are” to others within our Tanque Verde
community, and among educational,
business and political entities in the
county and state.
As the Community Liaison, Claire
Place will support the superintendent
and the district administrative team,
and will help meet the Governing
Board’s District Goals and Objectives.
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TVUSD Welcomes New Staff Members
Welcome New Staff Members!
We are VERY fortunate to have a wealth of highly qualified, motivated and enthusiastic teachers, counselors, and
administrators joining our exceptional staff in the Tanque Verde Unified School District. We would like to introduce
them here, tell you a little about their background, and ask you to extend them a warm Tanque Verde WELCOME when
you see them on campus and in our community!
Many thanks to the awesome New Teacher Induction Committee members, Frances Verbois, Debbie Harris, Della
Thompson, Judy Bower, and Sally Glennon who made our new teachers feel very welcome! The team would like to
extend a big thank you to Le Buzz for providing coffee each day, and Grand Canyon University for providing sub
sandwiches for one of our lunches at the New Teacher Induction, July 22 - 24. We appreciate your generosity!
In alphabetical order, we would like to introduce:
Rhonda Burnett is a new Counselor at TVHS. Ms. Burnett comes into this position with
extensive experience in student programs and support services at the University of Arizona
SALT Center. Ms. Burnett holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, Master of Educational
Leadership and Master of School Counseling and Mental Health. She has many additional
accomplishments, and was most recently honored as a 2015 member of the Worldwide Who’s
Who.
Stacey Carter is a new Fourth Grade Teacher at ACES. Ms. Carter comes to us from Los
Ninos Elementary School in the Sunnyside School District, where she most recently worked
as a Reading Interventionist. Ms. Carter previously taught fourth grade and worked as
an Academic Behavior Interventionist. She holds a B.A. in Spanish Literature and a post
baccalaureate degree in Bilingual Elementary Education.
Nicole Curry is the new Dance Instructor at TVHS. She hails from Minnesota, where she
graduated Magna Cum Laude from Minnesota State University, earning her B.S. Degree in
Dance. Ms. Curry comes to Tucson via Veneta, Oregon, where she was working as a lead
dance facilitator at Art and Youth Empowerment summer camps. Ms. Curry was also a Dance
Instructor and the Director of Dance Program at the Arts High School in Springfield, Oregon.
Most recently, she taught dance locally at the Breakout Dance Studio.
Christina Donithan is a new Third Grade Teacher at TVES. Ms. Donithan was recently a
student teacher in a second grade classroom at Agua Caliente Elementary School! We were
pleased to be able to hire her into a position in our district. Ms. Donithan earned her B.S.
Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Arizona South, after also completing
her Associate of Arts from Pima Community College with a concentration in Elementary
Education. Ms. Donithan was previously employed in the medical field with a Neurology
practice in NW Tucson.
Michael Edwards is the new Leadership Teacher at TVHS. Mr. Edwards began his career in
the U.S. Army, where he was a Chief Warrant Officer 2 (P) Chinook Helicopter Instructor Pilot
in Oahu, Hawaii. He relocated to Tucson and founded a graphics business while pursuing
his B.A. in Political Science, and his Masters of Education in Teaching and Teacher Education,
from the University of Arizona. Mr. Edwards was previously employed at Flowing Wells Middle
School, where he taught 7th grade Social Studies. He most recently earned both his Masters of
Business Administration and his Juris Doctor from Texas Tech in Lubbock, Texas. Mr. Edwards
has been coaching middle school, high school and club Girls Basketball teams since 2010.
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October 2015 - Tanque Verde Unified School District • News And Views
Lisa Foster is returning to the Tanque Verde district as a Fifth Grade Teacher at TVES. Ms.
Foster was previously a Fourth Grade Teacher at TVES. We are very happy to have her return to
our staff. Ms. Foster earned her B.S. in Elementary Education, graduating Summa Cum Laude
from the University of Arizona. She also has extensive experience as a private tutor in the
Tucson area.
Lori Gahr is a new History Teacher at TVHS. Ms. Gahr may be familiar to you, as she has
been working as a substitute teacher on a regular basis at TVHS and EGJH. She was most
recently a Social Studies Substitute Teacher in Fairfax, Virginia after working in Pennsylvania
as an American History Teacher. Ms. Gahr has also held positions as an Honors and Standard
World History, and History and Civics teacher, and was a County Instructional Trainer and Head
Cheerleading Coach. Ms. Gahr holds her B.A. in Government and Russian Studies from the
College of William and Mary, and her Masters of Secondary Education in Social Studies from
George Mason University.
Molly Garcia is a new Kindergarten Teacher at ACES. Ms. Garcia comes to us from Nash
Elementary School, in the Amphitheater School District, where she most recently taught
Kindergarten. Ms. Garcia also has taught a Second-Third Grade combination, as well as Fourth
Grade, and she was a substitute teacher in K-3 classrooms in the Tucson area. She earned her
B.A. at the University of Arizona, and completed a post baccalaureate teaching degree from the
University of Phoenix. She also holds an Early Childhood Endorsement.
Julie Groce is a new Fourth Grade Teacher at TVES. Ms. Groce hails from Michigan, where
she worked as a Substitute Teacher. Most recently she was employed as a Math and English
Language Arts Teacher at Copper Point Schools, in Tucson. Prior to that she was a Math and
Science Teacher in the Vail School District. Ms. Groce earned a B.A. in Music from Michigan State
University, and a Masters of Arts in Teaching Elementary Education from Oakland University, in
Rochester, Michigan.
Mindi Hust is a new Second Grade Teacher at TVES. Ms. Hust most recently taught
Kindergarten through Fourth Grades in the Vail School District. She was an Instructional
Facilitator, Teacher Mentor and Instructional Team Leader while teaching there. Ms. Hust holds
her B.A. in Elementary Education from the University of Arizona, and her Master of Education
in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University.
Sara Kroll-Franks is the new Elementary Counselor working at both ACES and TVES. Ms.
Kroll-Franks was most recently working for the Tanque Verde district as a Paraprofessional in
the Special Education Department. Prior to that, she worked as a Clinical Social Worker for
Banner-University Medical Center, in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology. Ms. Kroll-Franks earned
her B.A. in Sociology from the University of Arizona, and her Master of Social Work from Arizona
State University. She holds her Masters of Social Work License through the Arizona State Board
of Behavioral Health Examiners.
October 2015 - Tanque Verde Unified School District • News And Views
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Lisa Ledvina is a new P.E. Teacher at TVHS. Ms. Ledvina has an international teaching
background, as well as her experience teaching in the Amphitheater and Tucson Unified
School Districts, and substitute teaching in the Flowing Wells and Marana School Districts.
She earned her B.A. in Elementary Education from the University of Arizona, and her Masters
of Education in Elementary Education from Northern Arizona University. Ms. Ledvina’s
international teaching experiences took her to Pattaya, Thailand, and Cairo, Egypt, where she
was employed as a Physical Education and Health Educator.
Brandy Lee is a new Science and Health Teacher at EGJH. Ms. Lee may be familiar to you
as she has been working as a substitute teacher in the district. Prior to working in the district,
Ms. Lee was a dedicated volunteer at TVES, and preschools in the Tucson area. In her prior
career, Ms. Lee was a Civil Engineer, working for McGovern, MacVittie, Lodge & Associates, in
Tucson, Arizona. Ms. Lee holds her B.S. in Civil Engineering.
Kari Lovering is the new Girls P.E. Teacher at TVHS. Ms. Lovering is a recent graduate,
having earned her Bachelor of Science and Health from the University of Wisconsin, in La
Crosse. She also has a minor in Adapted P.E. Ms. Lovering’s experiences include working as a
gymnastics instructor, a school age teacher with the YMCA, and a student teacher in K-5 P.E.
and Adapted P.E. in Evergreen Elementary, and K-12 P.E. and Adapted P.E. in La Farge School
District, in La Farge, Wisconsin.
A.J. Malis joins us as the new Tanque Verde High School Principal. Mr. Malis has extensive
teaching and administrative experience which he brings to support his leadership role at
TVHS. He worked for sixteen years as a classroom Chemistry teacher, teaching regular, Honors
and AP Chemistry, at Catalina Foothills HS, Salpointe Catholic HS, and Palo Verde Magnet
HS. Mr. Malis then moved into an Instructional Support Assistant position and was Science
Department Chair at Amphitheater Middle School. He was most recently employed as an
Assistant Principal and Instructional Support Assistant at Ironwood Ridge High School.
In addition, Mr. Malis is the Founder, Coach and CEO of Zona Volleyball Club, Inc. He was
also an Assistant Volleyball Coach for the University of Arizona! Mr. Malis studied Business
Administration at Arizona State University, before earning his B.A. in Education, with a major
in Chemistry and a minor in math and physics from the University of Arizona. He completed
his Master of Education in Education Leadership with a Principal K-12 emphasis, earning a
degree with distinction from Northern Arizona University.
Erin Moore is a new Science Teacher at TVHS. Ms. Moore has extensive experience in
the field of science, working as a Geology Field Research Assistant, a Field Technician in
seismic services, an intern for the Mineral Policy Center in Washington, D.C., and a Teaching
Assistant in the Physical Geology Lab and Solar Systems Lab at the University of California,
Davis, California. Ms. Moore earned her B.S. in Geology with a combined minor in Physics,
Mathematics and Chemistry from the University of Arizona. She completed her Master of
Science in Geology from U.C. Davis.
Garrett Novinski is a new Adaptive P.E. Teacher in the district. Mr. Novinski is a recent
graduate, earning his B.S. in Physical Education with a minor in Adaptive Physical Education
from the University of Wisconsin in La Crosse. In addition, he holds certifications in Water
Safety Instruction, Basic Archery and Belay. Mr. Novinski’s experience includes working as an
Exercise Specialist with the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse with adults with disabilities, and
as a Skills Assistant in the UWL Adventure Program. Mr. Novinski has been involved with youth
sports as a baseball and basketball coach for Pre-K - 2nd Grade and students with disabilities.
He also played Baseball for the University of Wisconsin- La Crosse, and was selected to the
2013 All-Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Team!
8
October 2015 - Tanque Verde Unified School District • News And Views
Michelle O’Donnell is a new Kindergarten Teacher at TVES. Ms. O’Donnell comes to us from
Allen, Texas, where she was employed as a First Grade Teacher at Private Elementary School.
Ms. O’Donnell earned her B.S. degree in University Studies with emphases in Art, History and
Psychology. She has also completed her TEFL International Certificate course, and the AngloHellenic Teacher Training in Corinth, Greece.
Claire Place is the new Community Liaison for the Tanque Verde School District. Ms. Place
was formerly a Social Studies Teacher at Emily Gray Jr. High School. She has been involved in
the district in different capacities for 24 years, and has experience in volunteer management,
community engagement, district policy governance, and education advocacy. Ms. Place
served on the District Governing Board from 2009 to 2015, before being hired to fill this new
position in the district. She holds her B.A. degree in Political Science from the University of
Arizona.
Sarah Ramos is a new English Teacher at TVHS. Ms. Ramos was a Language Arts Teacher at
Emily Gray Junior High and a High School regular and Honors English Teacher at Pusch Ridge
Christian Academy. We are pleased to welcome her back on staff in TVUSD! Ms. Ramos earned
her B.S. in English Education from Northern Arizona University.
Molly Romano-Homoki is a new Fourth Grade Teacher at ACES. Ms. Romano-Homoki
has an extensive academic background, and is a published author in the field of elementary
classroom management, and teaching theory and practice, as well as an Arizona parent
resource guide for children who are deaf or hard of hearing. She most recently worked as a
grant project manager for the University of Arizona, Department of Teaching, and has been
employed as a substitute teacher in our district. Prior to that, Ms. Romano-Homoki was an
Adjunct Instructor and Assistant Professor at the University of Arizona. She earned her B.A. in
Elementary Education, and her M.A. and Ph.D. in Teaching and Teacher Education, from the
University of Arizona.
Joseph Rudin is a new Mathematics Teacher at TVHS. Mr. Rudin had been on a guest
teaching assignment in the Sahuarita Unified School District. Prior to teaching, Mr. Rudin
worked as a Product Metallurgist and Improvement facilitator for Gerdau Special Steel North American Division. Mr. Rudin earned his B.S. Degree in Metallurgical Engineering from
Missouri University of Science and Technology.
Jeremy Samoy is a new History Teacher at TVHS. Prior to joining our district staff, Mr.
Samoy was a 7th and 8th Grade Social Studies Teacher at Copper Point Schools in Tucson. He
has also worked as a Social Studies Teacher for the Girls Leadership Academy of Phoenix, and
as a long-term sub in 11th Grade American History and AP U.S. History. Mr. Samoy graduated
Summa Cum Laude with his B.A. Degree in Secondary Education. He was also a University of
Arizona Football Walk-on Player from 2005-2009! Go Cats!
Sunny Thompson is the new Music Teacher at TVES. She hails from North Carolina and last
taught at Highland Elementary School, in Sanford, N.C. Ms. Thompson’s experience combines
music therapy, special education and regular education, as well as international teaching
experience, in Pyeongtaek, South Korea! Ms. Thompson earned her Master of Arts in Music
Education, from East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina. She also works as a
piano teacher!
October 2015 - Tanque Verde Unified School District • News And Views
9
Geneasa Varner is a new Fourth Grade Teacher at TVES. She comes to us by way of North
Carolina, where she was last teaching third grade in Dunn, NC. She also taught second and
fourth grades and was a Colorguard and Dance Coach for grades 6-12. Ms. Varner earned her
B.A. degree in Elementary Education from the University of North Carolina, and her Master of
Education in Elementary Education, from the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, NC.
Welcome New Classified Staff Members!
We have a GREAT team of Classified Staff Members and Support Personnel who work throughout the district. We would
like to extend a hearty welcome to our new Classified Staff who are joining the TVUSD Team ACES: Sarah Barker, Paraprofessional I; Meara Lesho, Paraprofessional I
TVES: Ashley Cruz, Paraprofessional II/III; Tracie Felix, Paraprofessional I; Gregory Gaines, Science Lab Coordinator;
Deana Rosales, Motor Lab Aide; Melisa Ryan, Paraprofessional II/III; Jeanne Stewart, Paraprofessional I; and Christy Winters,
Paraprofessional III
EGJH: Rebecca Shockley, Food Service Assistant
TVHS: Currently no new classified staff
Congratulations TVUSD Governing Board
Member Carlos Ruiz! Eller Hispanic Honorary
2015 Outstanding Community Leader
Tanque Verde Unified School District Governing Board and Administrative Staff
Bus 17 arrives at Ague Caliente Elementary
School on the first day of school
10
October 2015 - Tanque Verde Unified School District • News And Views
TVHS Drama Department Presents
“Beanie and the Bamboozling Book Machine”
The TVHS Drama Department
continues its tradition of presenting
theater for children with
“Beanie and the Bamboozling Book
Machine.”
“Beanie Boren, a science wiz who
is not keen on reading, has designed a
book reading machine for the science
fair. Unfortunately, the machine is
neither user friendly nor bug free. When
Beanie turns it on, lights flash, thunder
booms and out pop the witches from
Snow White, Hansel and Gretel and
the The Wizard of Oz, each set to wreak
havoc! Beanie must get them back into
the books with help from the good
guys in the same stories. Afterward, he
is eager to read about his new friends-the old fashioned way.”
The evening performance, which is
open to the public, is Thursday, Dec. 3
at 6pm. Tickets are $4 for adults, and
$3 for students and children. Tickets
may be purchased in advance online
at
tanqueverdehs.seatyourself.biz.
(Tickets will be sold at the door but
may be limited depending on online
sales.) There will be a short Q & A with
the actors after the show so children in
the audience can learn more about the
production.
There are two in-school shows on
December 1st which are sold out, with
over 400 students from ACES attending.
School Resource Officer Program Provides Resources to TVUSD Schools
The
Pima
County
Sheriff’s
Department has restored the School
Resources Unit after a hiatus of several
years. The Tanque Verde School District
is fortunate to have the services of
Deputy Elisha Caywood and Deputy
Keith Barnes available to our school
and community. Deputy Caywood is
assigned to Tanque Verde High School.
Deputy Barnes is assigned to Emily Gray
Jr. High School as well as Agua Caliente
and Tanque Verde Elementary Schools.
The School Resource Officer (SRO)
Unit is new to the Sheriff’s Department.
The unit has four main components:
Mentoring, Law Enforcement Asset to
the School District, Enforcement and
Safety, and Instruction.
As mentors, the School Resource
Officers are integrated within their
assigned schools and will regularly be
on campus. The focus is on building
relationships with students, parents and
staff members alike.
related problems. If a violation of the law
happens, the SRO will conduct a full and
thorough investigation of the incident,
as well as take mandatory reports as
described by state statute.
Welcome Deputy Elisha Caywood
and Deputy Keith Barnes!
The SRO’s are assigned to a particular
school and that school will become
part of their assigned patrol area. They
assist in providing a safe campus for
all students. As an asset to the school,
the SRO will also assist the school in
a collaborative effort to solve school
October 2015 - Tanque Verde Unified School District • News And Views
11
Adult education students enjoying class
Adult Community Programs Where art and friendships are created
Adult
Community
Programs
classes at the Sorensen Tanque Verde
Community Center are in full swing and
reaching the mid-point of our first Fall
Session. Our next eight week session will
begin in October and extend through
early December. The Fall classes are
always fun for so many reasons, one
of which is the excitement shown by
our students as they create holiday
gifts in many different media. The
families and friends who receive these
lovely handmade items are fortunate
indeed. Please visit the website (go to
the district website, then to community
programs, adult leisure classes) to view
Community Partners
What Parents Need to Know About
Estate Planning – Part One
In this regular feature, we will invite
partners in our community to contribute
articles of interest to parents, staff and
community members from their area of
expertise. Elizabeth Spilotro, President of
the Tanque Verde Foundation, and ACES
PTG Board Member, provides valuable
information on estate planning for
parents, in Part One of this two part series.
It’s estimated that fewer than 40% of
parents with minor children have even
a basic will in place, and for obvious
reasons. Planning for one’s demise is
unsettling, sometimes frustrating, and
easily procrastinated given the general
unlikelihood of premature death
combined with the pressing needs of
daily life. However, there are several
reasons why parents of minor children
need to be especially concerned about
setting up an estate plan and should
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our offerings and register.
We also invite you to visit our
courtyard area directly west of the
district administration building to see
the new garden art created by our
pottery students and teachers.
We
have installed three “totems” featuring
work by beginning to advanced
students using a variety of techniques.
From masks to teapots – it’s a fanciful
and delightful experience. While you’re
there look closely at the milkweed plants
where you may be lucky enough to find
a caterpillar, a pupa, or an emerging
queen or monarch butterfly!
not rely on the routine machinations
of the law in the event of disaster. Part
One: Custody of your children.
Custody of your children. If you
have children under the age of 18, at
a minimum you need to have a will
that indicates who you would want
to serve as guardian of those children
in the event of your untimely demise.
Absent such an instruction as to your
preference, your children face a period
of deep uncertainty as to who will
take care of them—potentially even
including some period of interim foster
care--during what would already be a
period of great trauma and grief. The
adults who make up your surviving
family members would have to decide
amongst themselves who would be
best suited to take on this responsibility,
possibly leading to squabbles at best,
and a court fight at worst. You might
very likely also have the person you’d
least want to take responsibility for your
children as the only person willing to do
so, while another person you might well
prefer stays out of the matter. (Many of
We are excited to announce that our
facility will host the community wide
Country Fair and Art Show in December.
You may find further details about the
event in this issue and more information
will be forthcoming.
Please mark
your calendars for December 6. This
promises to be a fun family day and is an
important opportunity to raise funds for
the Tanque Verde Schools art program.
We hope you will join the fun in
some of our activities and classes.
my clients express the opposite concern:
that no one will step forward to take
their kids! I think they are kidding.)
Single parents need to take special
care as to this choice; widowed parents
are clearly running a far greater risk
that something could happen leaving
their children with no living biological
parent. In the event of divorced
parents, a surviving biological parent
would automatically assume custody
absent some compelling reason such
arrangement would not be appropriate;
however, the deceased parent’s wishes
as to alternate guardian arrangements
could affect visitation rights and other
arrangements for surviving family
members who wish to remain involved
in the life of the child.
Next time: Providing for your
children financially.
October 2015 - Tanque Verde Unified School District • News And Views
TVHS Hawks in the
Community
On Wednesday, September 9th, a
group of TVHS Cheerleaders, parent
volunteers and Cheerleading Coach
Andrea Heck used the early release
school time to volunteer at the Ronald
McDonald House. The group enjoyed
their volunteer time preparing lunch
for the families in residence there. Food
for the lunches was donated by the
cheerleader team’s families. The ladies
had a great time preparing the lunches
and talking with some of the residents.
THVS Cheerleaders volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House
Happy Trails to You: Year #10
By Mr. Jeff Crane, ACES Sixth Grade
Teacher & Community Programs Instructor
As the 22 students wiggled into their
ponchos or made rain hoods from garbage bags found on the school bus, Mr.
Crane talked about a word he had never
used all his years of hiking in June: ‘hypothermia.’ The courageous hikers started climbing up the Aspen Draw, and
soon the June 5th downpour began to
lighten up. Jackets were gradually shed,
and smiles came out with the sun as the
students reached the 9,000 foot summit
of Ski Valley on Mt. Lemmon.
For the last 10 summers, Tanque
Verde Community Schools has offered
a two to three week hiking class: “Happy Trails to You.” Jeff Crane (6th grade,
ACES), and his trusty trail beagle Dexter, have been leading the hikes on Mt.
Lemmon departing from TVHS at 8:00
am and returning by 2:00 pm. The hikes
vary in difficulty and are usually three to
five miles in length. Students range in
age from 7 to 17 and come from all four
schools in TVUSD, as well as Catalina
Foothills High School and Basis North.
Parent volunteers often hike with the
class as well.
The class explores all the trails on
upper Mt. Lemmon as well as the Palisades and Mt. Bigelow areas. Hikers are
exposed to breath taking views—many
for the first time—of greater Tucson, Mt.
Wrightson, the Rincons, and Mt. Graham. The students are responsible for
bringing their own food and water, but
the end-of the-hike stop at the Mt. Lemmon General Store for some delicious
home-made fudge is always a highlight.
Mr. Crane and Dexter are already
making plans for the summer of 2016.
See you on the trails!
Part Time Opportunities
Sam Blackwell getting air
Parent chaperones couldn’t believe the fog
Are you a person who would enjoy working very part-time in our school
district? TVUSD will sometimes seek very part-time employees, and at
times, these positions can be very difficult to fill. It is not attractive to
employees to drive out here if the position posted is only ten (10) hours
per week. This is not typically an issue for district residents. If you or
someone you know is interested in working at TVUSD, even on a very
part-time basis, please call Human Resources (749-5751, ext. 4107) or
visit our website (tanqueverdeschools.org) to see what is available.
As an incentive – all TVUSD employees are eligible to take one Community
Programs class per semester with no registration fee!
October 2015 - Tanque Verde Unified School District • News And Views
13
Students Create Stunning Artwork in
Inaugural TVUSD Chalk Art Marathon
In an inaugural district art event
conceived by TVES art teacher Alicia
Marrano, 75 TVES students (including
3 from EGJH) and 30 ACES students
participated in creating drawings
which depicted the Art of Science or
the Science of Art. This was a juried
competition, with winning pieces from
each elementary school to be featured
in two unique calendars, which will be
available for purchase this fall.
Inspired by her collaborative work
with the district STEAM Team , which
is focused on integrated curriculum in
Science-Technology-Engineering-ArtsMathematics, Ms. Marrano developed
this event as an opportunity for
students to express their knowledge of
art illustration and science. Ms. Marrano
reflected on the Chalk Art event, stating,
“I think a new tradition has begun. It is a
joy to work in this community!”
Ms.
Marrano
is
working
collaboratively with ACES/EGJH art
teacher Jenine Grisez, former TVES art
educator Charlene Atkinson, and TVUSD
Adult Community Programs coordinator
Karen Reifschneider, to create unique
Art events for this school year. Their
goals are to bring more awareness and
interest to the arts programs in our
district, to provide unique fundraising
opportunities, and to continue to build
the art culture in our community.
These beautiful chalk-art creations
will be featured in calendars which
Kiley Baldauf - grade 8 Science Around the World
14
are planned as a fall fundraiser at each
elementary school. Ms. Marrano was
assisted in preserving the drawings by
volunteers who quickly photographed
these fleeting works of art as soon as
they were completed.
Athalia Davis- Sunsets on Saturn
The students’ drawings were scored
by a panel of judges in six different
categories.
Based on these scores the top 6
winners at TVES were: #51 Francesca
Flocco - grade 4 - Untitled; #29 Lili
Heath grade 6 - Rainforest Cheetah;
#3 Kiley Baldauf - grade 8 - Science
Around the World; #8 Samantha Allen
- grade 3 - Magnified Butterfly; #57 Lia
Larsen - grade 5 - Untitled; #52 Sophia
Flocco - grade 6 - From Deep Inside the
Lab. Another category was added for
grades K-2 and the top drawing in that
category is: #38 Ellie DeSmith - grade 2
- Molecules, the Building Blocks of Life.
Grace Stobie- Iguana
The top 6 winners at ACES are (in no
particular order): Allie Hayes- Life Cycle
of a Butterfly; Jack Tuer and Declan
Gwilliam- The Insect Flower; Grace
Stobie- Iguana; Ella Pearlman and Emma
Mullins-Mad Scientist; Athalia DavisSunsets on Saturn; Anna Wall- The
Enchanted Garden
Some of the winning drawings from
this event are featured in this issue of
the News and Views. Please lend your
support to this fundraising effort for the
elementary art program by purchasing
a calendar when they become available!
Samantha Allen - grade 3 Magnified Butterfly
Ella Pearlman and Emma MullinsMad Scientist
Sophia Flocco - grade 6 From Deep Inside the Lab
October 2015 - Tanque Verde Unified School District • News And Views
EGJH Cross Country Undefeated in 2015 Season
"I like a sport where you're constantly moving," says 7th grader Charlie Maxwell.
This year's Emily Gray Junior High
girls and boys cross country team was
constantly on the move. After a four
meet season in the Southern Valley
League, both the girls and boys teams
came in first place at every meet. The
team also participated in the Desert Solstice Cross Country Invitational on Sept.
11 in Marana. The girls team came in 5th
place out of 16 teams with 8th grader
Anna Summer placing 3rd overall in the
individual competition.
Under the leadership of head coach
Lindsay Ventola and assistant coach
Anna Smith, the team practiced four
days each week in August and September, often in 100 degree temperatures.
Besides their distance training, the
coaches had them participate in cross
fit activities, such as strength and conditioning exercises, to prepare them for
the meets. Parent volunteers Nicole Behmer and Tim Benenati were very helpful in assisting at the practices.
Coach Ventola reflected on the Emily
Gray team, "I feel so proud of all the runners on this team; their hard work and
dedication to do well is so inspiring. I
love helping kids learn that running can
be fun, that improving your personal
times and feeling a sense of accomplishment is more important than winning.
The one aspect I so admire of our runners is their sportsmanship and capacity to support each other. After a long
practice or a grueling race, the runners
on this team don't throw in the towel
- most of my top runners return to the
course to jog beside a teammate who
may be struggling to finish. Watching
kids motivate and support each other is
a rare, beautiful sight to witness; I have
been fortunate to witness kids grow as
runners and teammates in my two seasons with Emily Gray."
Coach Smith added her thoughts, "I
am very fortunate to have been a part
of this cross country team. They are an
amazing group of kids. They support
each other at every practice and meet,
and we have all become one big 'running family'. Running involves responsibility, commitment, and persistence.
Each runner works very hard on this
team and exemplifies all of these qualities, but most of all, they have fun and
enjoy being together. I absolutely enjoy
every minute of coaching this team, and
I love seeing their determination and
smiles!"
Cross country is a sport in which
teams and individuals run in an open
air race often across fields, trails, grass,
and sometimes through woodlands. It
is both an individual and a team sport
where runners are judged on individual
times and teams by a points-scoring
method. Cross country meets first started in England in the 1820's and have
continued to gain popularity ever since.
Emily Gray runners were recently
asked what they like best about cross
country running:
"I really like how cross country running makes you strong. I push myself,"
said 7th grader AJ McMickle.
"I like the reward of winning. I want
to do the best I can," noted 7th grader
Jack Murphy.
"I like being with friends while you
practice. I like to push myself - I push
myself as far as I can. I shoot for bigger
goals," said 8th grader Keith Sanderson.
“I like racing. On Fridays we play
running games as a reward for our hard
work,” commented 8th grader Cristal
Resendiz-Zarazua.
“I like knowing that there are people
to support me along the way. I like the
feeling of finishing the race and hearing
your time,” said 8th grader Isabelle Stobie.
“I like running with friends as exer-
October 2015 - Tanque Verde Unified School District • News And Views
Kai Ward
Anna Summer
cise. My motivation is to beat others,”
noted 7th grader Delila Medlin.
The cross country team was certainly
motivated this year. As an end of season reward, the coaches hosted a movie
party and the team watched the cross
country movie McFarland USA. The
story is based on an actual cross country
team from a small farming town in San
Joaquin Valley, California who won the
state championship several years in row.
Emily Gray Junior High hosted the
league championship meet on Sept. 24
at Tanque Verde High School. All the
teams in the league competed. EGJH
girls and boys both received 1st place
team trophies.
Look for those junior high runners
out there in the Tanque Verde Valley,
even after cross country season is over
and the fall weather finally arrives!
by Paula Nasiatka
15
Health and Wellness
In this regular column we will feature articles and updates on
student and staff health and wellness related topics
TVUSD Wellness Committee Sets School Year Goals
District Offices – Sleep Well!
As we start the new school year, it’s time to develop plans, set goals, monitor progress; make adjustments if necessary, and
continue working toward the goal(s). This applies to most EVERYTHING we do in life whether it is personal, professional, financial, or health, fitness and wellness.
Included in the Governing Board and District goals this year is: Goal 3. Promote professional development and instructional
improvement; Subset goal 3.3 Encourage employee wellness and personal health awareness
The district participates in two staff Wellness Challenges a year; one in the Fall and the second in the Spring. These challenges
are intended to be fun and serve as gentle reminders to be healthy and take good care of ourselves. The challenges typically
last about 3 weeks, and require participants to track whatever behavior is the target of the challenge.
The Fall Wellness Challenge this year is Sleep–Well. This one, as you might guess, asks participants to track their sleep for 3
weeks.
“Why a Sleep Challenge? People seem to wear their lack of sleep like a badge of honor. However, a good night’s sleep is critical. It is the foundation that powers overall well-being affecting activity, nutrition, drive, productivity and more. Logging solid
shut-eye boosts energy levels, impacts immune system, focus at work and drive to get things done.”
Each week staff will learn tidbits of knowledge relating to the importance of sleep. Week 1: The Impact of Lost Sleep on your
Brain; Week 2: The Domino Effect Sleep has on your body; Week 3: Lack of Sleep and its effect on Behavior
We have some exciting WELLNESS activities happening on some of our campuses; some focused on students, others on staff
and some on both!
Emily Gray Junior High School – Let the PLANKING begin!
The staff is participating in a Planking Challenge. 20 seconds to start, and adding 10 seconds each day, there will be a Staff
“Plank Off” on Wednesday, October 7. The students are getting into the action too, they are planking each day in PE and will
also have a “Plank Off” on Oct. 7.
Tanque Verde Elementary School – Wellness for Life!
This year the TVES campus is focusing on creating a healthier campus community and encouraging WELLNESS FOR LIFE.
Student Council will be creating posters expressing healthier eating and the importance of daily exercise to display on campus; classrooms are creating a work of art on their front door depicting a healthy lifestyle – focusing on the importance of
drinking lots of water and eliminating sugary drinks.
Agua Caliente Elementary School – Be Well!
The ACES campus has a well- established Wellness Committee focusing on their students. This is a partnership between the
staff and parents promoting wellness and actions that generate healthy choices affecting the community. Some BIG ideas are
happening at ACES this year:
The Garden
Students work in a beautiful garden and learn about science, nature and food. The goal is to utilize the produce to provide
healthy additions to the cafeteria.
SMOOTHIES at school!
The first Friday of each month, the food fairy will mix up delicious, nutritious smoothies for
students to try.
Wellness Weeks / Family Health and Wellness Newsletter
Promoting and informing students and families about the importance of daily exercise,
learning about nutrition, hydration, using Sunscreen and the consequences of tobacco use.
PRODUCE ON WHEELS WITHOUT WASTE!
The fourth Saturday of each month starting in November ACES will host Produce on Wheels
without Waste (POWWOW). This wonderful program offers 60 pounds of produce for $10!
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October 2015 - Tanque Verde Unified School District • News And Views
More Winning Artwork From The
TVUSD Chalk Art Marathon
Allie Hayes- Life Cycle of a Butterfly
Jack Tuer and Declan GwilliamThe Insect Flower
Lia Larsen - grade 5 - Untitled
Anna Wall- The Enchanted Garden
Lili Heath grade 6 - Rainforest Cheetah
Francesca Flocco - grade 4 - Untitled
Arts/Crafts, Music, Food,
Demonstrations, Animals = Family Fun!
Save the Date for:
The Tanque Verde Arts and Crafts Market
Sunday, December 6, 2015, from 9am to 3pm
At 2300 N. Tanque Verde Loop Rd. Tucson, Arizona 85749
All of the Art programs in the Tanque Verde District are collaborating
to create an exciting community event. This event includes a variety of
activities: shopping, music, refreshments, and demonstrations in the style
of a country fair.
The Arts and Crafts Market will host vendors and alpacas (yes, the baby
alpacas will be there) as part of a southern Arizona fiber festival as well
as community artisans selling hand made arts and crafts. Tanque Verde
District Art students will also be selling hand crafted items, and hot food in
student crafted mugs, as well as hosting “make and take” crafting booths
for children.
Bring your family for a day of Arts and Crafts fun and fabulous holiday
shopping.
This event is possible due to the extreme generosity and collaborative
efforts of the adult community class program.
Follow us at https://twitter.com/TVUSDschools
District Calendar
TVES Fall Festival - October 23rd 6-9 p.m. –
• Tanque Verde Elementary School
Thanksgiving Holiday - November 26th & 27th
TVHS Theater - “Beanie and the Bamboozling
Book Machine.”
• Dec. 3, 6pm, TVHS Auditorium
The Tanque Verde Arts and Crafts Market
• Dec. 6, from 9am to 3pm, Lew Sorensen
Community Programs Bldng
Choir/Musical Theatre Winter Concert
• Wed, Dec 9. EGJH MPR - 7:00 p.m.
TVHS Band Winter Concert
• Thur, Dec 10, 6pm – 9pm, TVHS Auditorium
Last Day of First Semester – Dec. 17
All proceeds will support arts in Tanque Verde District.
October 2015 - Tanque Verde Unified School District • News And Views
17