Summer 2009,Vol. XV, Issue 3
SANTA CRUZVALLEY UNIFIED SCHOOL
35
District No. ‘FEARLESS LEARNERS, EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS’
Newsletter “Our mission is to provide a quality education which empowers students to become lifelong learners and active, responsible citizens in a culturally diverse global environment.”
PEÑA BLANCA
RioRicoClassof 2009graduates
Intervention hasstudents readingbetter By Andrea Danielson In January Peña Blanca Elementary began an after-school reading tutorial program to help improve the reading skills of the most struggling second- and third-grade students. Data analyzed Before heading out for Winter Break, Peña Blanca’s faculty spent some time analyzing data to identify which students needed more help with reading. About 50 students were selected to participate in the program and seven tutors signed up to aid in it. They were Sandra Figueroa, the school principal; Jessica Sanchez, the school counselor; Hilda Robles, instructor of special education; Rosina Dolores, a first-grade teacher; Sally Weber and Andrea Danielson, second-grade teachers; and Renee Lekey, a fourth-grade teacher. The main goal of the program was to provide students with the necessary decoding and comprehension strategies needed to become good readers at an accelerated pace. Students and tutors would begin each session with a read-aloud. This was intended to help students to settle in and to take time to just use their listening skills.
Photo / Roger Conroy
Fireworks highlight the pronouncement of graduation for the Rio Rico High School class of 2009 at Hawk Stadium May 15. See a story about scholarships on Page 11.
Santa Cruz Valley Unified School District # 35 1374 W. Frontage Road Rio Rico, AZ 85648
OCCUPANT
Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Tumacacori, AZ Permit No. 7
ECRWSS
(The Santa Cruz Valley Unified School District No. 35 newsletter is published three times per year to inform the community of programs, philosophies, and plans of the district. Questions or comments should be addressed to the superintendent.)
Guided reading The rest of the time was done in the fashion of a traditional guided reading lesson. Students in each group read the same book as their tutor, who guides their reading by establishing background knowledge, introducing new words, providing students with strategies to guide their reading, and moni-
See READING / Page 7
INSIDE
BOND-FUNDED PROJECTS ARE MOVING ALONG FINE
Students Drop Everything and Read
6
Page 2
Students see tortoise, macaw
7
MOUNTAIN VIEW TEACHERS RECOGNIZED
Holocaust survivor speaks at CMS
9
Former governor inspires students
10
Page 4
Seniors reap awards, scholarships
11
Page 2, Santa Cruz Valley District #35 Summer 2009 Newsletter
ATHLETIC FIELDS IMPROVED
Bond-funded projects are moving along fine By Daniel Fontes
Thanks to the long term vision and generosity of our taxpayers, we are proceeding with the construction of our capital bond projects. As you recall, three years ago the school district called for and received voter approval for a $10 million capital bond for the construction of some very badly needed district wide projects and the purchase of school transportation vehicles. Some of the projects included the addition of classrooms such as those added to Pe単a Blanca Elementary School
and Coatimundi Middle School. They also included installing improved security fencing at different school sites, as well as improving our athletic facilities and fields, constructing a new transportation facility, replacing some very outdated air conditioning units and constructing a new district office building. To view some of the projects please visit our website at www.santacruz.k12.az.us and click on bond projects. I am happy to report that we are on schedule to finish all of the bond projects that were approved by the Governing Board. One of the most visible and impressive projects is the security fencing currently being installed along the front of the Mountain View and Rio Rico High School campuses. When finished, the additional security fencing will make it
much more difficult for anyone to enter those campuses without first reporting to the school office. The fencing is designed to allow members of the public to use the playing fields but at the same time protects the school buildings from vandalism. The fencing was recommended to the governing board as part of a districtwide effort to improve the security of our school sites. Athletic fields
Another impressive series of projects are the improvements to the high school athletic fields. New and more comfortable bleachers have been installed. Additional practice and play fields are being completed for baseball, softball and soccer. The parking lot has been completed and proper access facilities
for the disabled have been installed. When you visit the new high school stadium you will be impressed with the improvements. Office space
One of the remaining projects is the construction of the new district office facilities. For a long time, the district administration has been housed in a modular building. The modular facility is approximately 15 years old and has become badly outdated. The Governing Board has approved plans for a new district office directly behind the Welcome Center. The plans have not yet gone to bid and I encourage local contractors to come and bid on the project. Some members of the public are concerned that we are proceeding with the con-
struction of our bond projects while at the same time we are experiencing cuts in funding from the State of Arizona. It is important to remember that the two funds are totally unrelated. Voter approved capital funds can only be used for what the voters intended and it would be illegal and unethical for us to use these funds for other purposes. Once again I take this opportunity to thank the Santa Cruz Valley Unified District No. 35 community for their support of our capital bond projects. As a long term resident of this area, I am confident that our beautiful Santa Cruz Valley will continue to evolve into a vibrant, economically stable, family-oriented community with excellent educational facilities for our children.
SANTA CRUZ VALLEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT No. 35 Mission Statement Our mission is to provide a quality education which empowers students to become lifelong learners and active, responsible citizens in a culturally diverse global environment. Board members can be contacted through the district office:
281-8282
or by writing to: Santa Cruz Valley Unified School District
#35 1374 W. Frontage Road Rio Rico, Arizona 85648
DANIEL FONTES Superintendent Santa Cruz Valley Unified School District No. 35
NOGALES INTERNATIONAL
WICK COMMUNICATIONS
268 W. View Point Drive, Nogales, Arizona 85621, 520.375.5760 Fax 520.761.3115 On the web: www.nogalesinternational.com
To advertise in your school newsletter please contact:
Manuel C. Coppola Publisher & Editor
Maria or Carmen at the Nogales International: 520.375.5760
BRIAN VANDERVOET President
HARRY CLAPECK
ROBERT VALDEZ Member
Clerk
ROSIE SIMPSON Member
SUSAN FAUBION Member
School Board SCVUSD#35 TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT For information or questions call: (520)761-2164 (direct line) Transportation@santacruz.k12.az.us
Santa Cruz Valley District #35 Summer 2009 Newsletter, Page 3
Page 4, Santa Cruz Valley District #35 Summer 2009 Newsletter
MountainView teachers...
Recognize two of their own Haydee Fernandez Front Office Clerk Haydee Fernandez, Mountain View’s Classified Staff Member of the Year, has earned a reputation among staff for her pleasant and helpful attitude. Here she shares some of her thoughts on helping run the Mountain View office. What led you to become part of the Mountain View staff? Five years ago both of my children were attending Mountain View. When the position opened up, I couldn’t think of a better place to work. What do you think makes the children in this community unique? The cultural diversity makes Rio Rico a special place. Growing up here, a child learns to see life from many perspectives. As the first person parents and students see upon entering the office, what do you consider your greatest responsibility? Making visitors feel welcome is very important. I try to listen conscientiously when parents express their concerns and then guide them to someone who can help solve their problems as quickly as possible. When the visitor is a child, I try to be especially observant. Sometimes the little ones think you can read their minds! How have you developed your exceptional people skills? I learned a lot from watching my father interact with customers. He was a respectful and polite man who made everyone who entered his shop feel welcome. I find it easy
to identify with the parents who come into the office. As a mother, I have had many of the same concerns for my children. You recently earned your citizenship. What does being an American mean to you? Being an American means I belong to this country, that I’m a part of it. As an American citizen, I now have all the same benefits and responsibilities as everyone else. Why are you pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education? Mostly, so I can better understand children and be the best parent I can be. The classes I take are given at a convenient location and at manageable times. It’s a wonderful opportunity. Mark Dittmar Two years ago, veteran teacher Mark Dittmar moved out of his fourth-grade classroom and took over the Mountain View art program. This past April, he won recognition as Mountain View’s Teacher of the Year. Here he shares some of his thoughts on education. How long have you been in education and what grades have you taught? I got my start in 1979, and except for a few years when I freelancing, have been teaching grades K-8 ever since. Why did you become a teacher? Initially, I was inspired by a college professor, but later realized that being motivated to teach is simplythe wayI’m wired. Teaching art has been a lifelong dream. Art is
a passion for me. There have been artists in our family for over 200 years. Tell us a little bit about how you have infused technology into your classroom and how it has impacted student learning. This year I began using an ELMO projector. Basically, it’s a closed-circuit camera that projects (through a laptop and projector) whatever I’m doing onto a white board. I find it extremely useful for modeling, projecting images, and reading with the class. A representative from A+ Schools remarked at how engaged the students were in the lesson she observed. I credit the ELMO for that, and the almost immediate improvement in the quality of student work. Another piece of equipment we have on board is a MIMIO and Capture unit. In effect, the MIMIO turns my white board into a Smart Board and is matchless for student engagement and interaction. Has your philosophy of education evolved over the years? If so, how? During my early years in the inner-city, my expectations of student achievement were low. There, a highly successful teacher was one who could simply keep the students in their seats. Over the years, however, I’ve been able to accumulate a lot of proven strategies, resources, and management techniques. I’ve matured too. I now expect all students to learn and successfully reach appropriate goals set for them. Did you have any apprehensions about switching from a self-con-
tained position to teaching K-5 Art ? You bet. I was concerned that the kinders would run all over me! My management style had been forged during the years I taught tough inner-city teens, but the little ones threw me. They cry; they may wet themselves; they want their mothers. I felt like the “Kindergarten Cop.” But I’ve since learned that 5year-olds can rise to your level of expectation just like any other age group. What do you think have been the most significant changes in education during your tenure? Nationally, I would say there have been fundamental changes in the American family and the way the population sees authority in general. This impacts student achievement and teacher effectiveness. Fortunately we also see exceptions to this trend. Mountain View, for example, is an oasis, and Santa Cruz Valley Unified School District No. 35 has by far the most dedicated teachers and administrators, the nicest students, and most supportive parents I’ve come across during my tenure. What advice would you give someone just entering the profession? Rule #1. Classroom management is the most important thing. Rule #2. See Rule #1. Also, don’t give up. Don’t waste time or emotional energy on things (or people) that can’t be changed. Follow the program. Don’t take responsibility that isn’t yours. Take care of yourself first.
Photo / Tracy Hall Photo / Tracy Hall
Mt. View Teacher of the Year Mr. Mark Dittmar teaches art to grades K-5.
Mt. View’s Classified Person of the Year Mrs. Haydee Fernandez is the pleasant face parents first see upon entering the school office.
Senday is off to university By Kathie Bailey Calabasas Middle School seventh grader Rafael Senday has been awarded a full scholarship to the University of California at Santa Cruz through the Center for Talented Youth Program at Johns Hopkins University. His exemplary ACT math test scores qualified him for the program. The $3,360 scholarship will cover the cost of the two-week summer program. He will attend the Mathematical Modeling course, which teaches problem-solving across disciplines, such as political science, economics, biology and physics.
Adopt-a-Book for your child’s school library Give a book to your school library to honor someone you love for $15. It’s a great gift that will honor your child for a lifetime. Your name and your child’s name will appear on an attractive “book plate” inside the cover of the new book that you buy for the library. Please make all checks payable to your school library: Mountain View, San Cayetano, Peña Blanca, Calabasas Middle School, Coatimundi Middle School or Rio Rico High School and send to Ms. Isela Brown, business manager, Santa Cruz Valley Unified School District No. 35, 1374 W. Frontage Rd., Rio Rico, AZ, 85648.
Santa Cruz Valley District #35 Summer 2009 Newsletter, Page 5
Robles is accepted at Congressional Academy By Victoria Tulk The Congressional Academy for American History and Civics is a program that is annually offered to two high school juniors per state. “I’ve had students apply but they haven’t been accepted,” said Jim Wierski, a RRHS social studies teacher. No one from RRHS has been accepted into the academy – until now. The Congressional Academy accepted junior Selianna Robles this year. “I actually cried!” she said. “I wanted to go on the East Coast trip, but it was cancelled. Now I get to go to some of the places that we would have gone to, and it’s free.” The U.S. Department of Education is paying for the students’ hotel, meals and tour expenses. Along with that, Robles will receive three hours of college credit for her participation. “I immediately thought that (Selianna) was the perfect person for the academy,” said Mr. Wierski, who nominated Robles. “It will truly be an academic adventure; she is going to have the experience of a lifetime.” During her time at the Congressional Academy in Washington, D.C., Robles will be attending three daily lectures, participating in discussions twice a day with groups of fellow students, and going on trips to Philadelphia and Gettysburg, Pa., site of a major Civil War battle in 1863. “I’m most excited about going to Gettysburg,” said Robles. “It’s so historical, and (President Abraham) Lincoln gave his speech there.” The academy will take place from June 28 to July 10 at the Sheraton Crystal City Hotel in Arlington, Va. (The writer was an RRHS student and reporter for The Talon school newspaper until she graduated on May 15.)
Junior Selianna Robles reads from her AP U.S. History textbook.
Jim Anders shares a relaxed moment with student Isidro Nido.
Newsheriffintown
Anders voted the school’s new principal at meeting By Joanna Sanchez Jim Anders’ friends tried to warn him. Now, sadly, it may be too late. “When I first became assistant principal, my friends said, ‘No, no! Don’t go to the dark side!’ and now being the principal will complete the move,” Mr. Anders said. Mr. Anders, an RRHS assistant principal since 2007, was voted the school’s new principal at an April 6 school board meeting. His hiring came when first-year Principal Javier Fuentes announced his resignation earlier this spring. Mr. Anders was born in Rapid City, S.D. and has livedin almostall50 states. He grew up in Tucson and graduated from Northern Arizona University in 1981, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in both education and science. In addition to earning high marks in col-
lege, he also competed in athletics. In college, Mr. Anders participated in wrestling and track as well as four years of football. He played with United States Football League Philadelphia Stars and National Football League teams the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Mr. Anders played for three years until a knee injury caused him to stop. Mr. Anders has taught for more than 26 years. He worked at Dysart High School in Phoenix, Canyon del Oro High School, Ironwood Ridge High School, Santa Rita High School, and Sahuaro High School in Tucson. He has also coached football, wrestling, and track. Mr. Anders, who describes himself as a hard worker, said he has good relationships with the students and staff at RRHS, and that he listens to others’ ideas. However, Mr. Anders admits he can be “impatient” at times.
Knowing that being principal will be hard work, especially during the current budget crisis, Mr. Anders feels that he is prepared for the big change. He says he has the help of the staff, other principals in the district, and the school board. “We’re going to continue to grow with academics and push students to do their best,” Mr. Anders said. “We want teachers to grow, so students can grow, too.” Math teacher Chris Peters, a long time RRHS faculty member, thinks Mr. Anders will be successful. “I think Mr. Anders will do a good job because he understands teachers and students both,” he said. The new principal plans to finish his career here in RRHS. “I like the kids, staff, and teachers,” said Mr. Anders. “I’m looking forward to next year.” (The writer is an RRHS student and reporter for The Talon school newspaper.)
Page 6, Santa Cruz Valley District #35 Summer 2009 Newsletter
D.E.A.R.
Kids Drop Everything And Read
Corn-grinding part of students’ history study By Bertha Rodriguez San Cayetano fourth graders were greeted by Juan Bautista de Anza, portrayed by Don Garate and dressed as a circa-1775 Spanish soldier, as they arrived at Tumacácori National Historical Park (TNHP). Students were there as part of a program offered by TNHP that aligns to Arizona’s state standards. The program begins with park volunteers coming to classrooms and role-playing with children about the time period when Father Kino arrived to built the mission. The Kino-O'odham Classroom Presentation, or "Encounters," allows students to
re-enact the first meeting between Father Kino and the O’odham Indians in 1691. It gives the students an opportunity to relive the past. Students take a field trip to the national park to gain a better insight into how the mission emerged. Students go through a series of stations participating in handson activities. Stations include walking to the river, drawing the church, photo hunts, corn grinding, and tasting home-made corn tortillas filled with beans. When asked what she enjoyed the most during the field trip, Fernanda Leyva said that she loved the corn tortilla after being hungry due to all the walking.
Children hear about many career options on May 15 Officer Bruhn came to read to Mrs. Rodriguez’s 4th grade class during Love of Reading Week.
By Bertha Rodriguez Love of Reading Week proved to be a success. Events kicked off with an assembly on a Monday and ended with students building a linking chain that Friday. Students spent their week reading
during Drop Everything and Read (D.E.A.R) time, and recording minutes, books, or pages read for the linking chain. On “Reading Night,” parents enjoyed a night under the stars reading to their children. On Thursday, classrooms enjoyed a read-aloud from one
San Cayetano’s parents at Reading Night when families sat out under the stars.
of the many volunteers from our community. Overall, students enjoyed reading for pleasure and the turnout was great. San Cayetano would like to thank all the volunteers who donated time to read to our students. They really appreciate their time and effort.
By Bertha Rodriguez San Cayetano Elementary School students had the opportunity to take a day and learn about the many different career paths available to them. A U.S. BorderPatrolagent, a U.S. Food and Drug Administration official, baseball scouts, insurance agents, therapists, astronomers, photographers, sheriff’s deputies, a U.S. Customs official, and many more were among our vol-
unteers at the March 13 event. One of our volunteers mentioned that this was the best organized Career Day he had ever attended. School counselor Dollie Bauer spent many sleepless nights arranging the successful day. Students were at their best and listened attentively to the presenters. San Cayetano faculty and students would like to recognize her hard work and achievement. Thank you, Mrs. Bauer.
Santa Cruz Valley District #35 Summer 2009 Newsletter, Page 7
READING Continued from Page 1
toring comprehension. The highlight of this process was that the tutors received training in the decoding strategies students were going to be using when reading. These strategies simply were to have students stop “sounding” words out and to start grouping together word blends and sound clusters. When students arrived at a word they did not know they were told that they could not skip the word or make words up. Instead students were asked to look at the word and were asked the following three questions: 1. Does it look right? 2. Does it sound right? 3. Does it make sense? This is based on the research created by Marie Clay author of "Reading Recovery Strategies." Doing more By doing this students were being asked to do more than just read; they were asked to understand. Giving students these strategies provided them with an opportunity to use higher-level thinking skills, which did away with looking at reading as simply the skill of memorizing words. Knowing words helped these students improve their fluency and also their ability to comprehend text. “The purpose of this program was to accelerate students rather than remediate," explained Sandra Figueroa, principal of Peña Blanca Elementary School. "Remediation looks at struggling readers as if they are broken. We instead build on students’ strengths by doing a massive amount of meaningful reading for the ultimate goal of gaining independence." The first week of the program was the most difficult because
students came in with the idea that they were failing readers. After the first week tutors and students began to see changes in their reading and in the students’ attitudes toward reading. Improvement in both fluency and comprehension was obvious. Classroom teachers also began to notice changes in how the students were reading in class. Effective intervention “In all my years of teaching this was the most effective intervention I have ever seen. The students that participated moved from low reading levels to approaching or at grade levels,” said Elaine Kloetzly, a thirdgrade teacher at Peña Blanca. The most amazing thing that was produced by this program was that these students for the first time felt success in reading. Their confidence soared and they wanted more; they wanted to be good readers. Attendance for this program was what made this such a success as well. Students didn’t want to miss a day and parents were very supportive of their children attending a program like this. “The growth I have seen in my child’s reading ability has been absolutely remarkable; nothing has worked so effectively for my child before,” stated a parent whose child attended the program. The after-school reading tutorial program will resume next school year. The program is set to launch much earlier in the year and again it will target the most struggling readers in second and third grades. Next year will include the addition of struggling first-grade readers as well. Thank you to all the tutors that participated in this program!
ENDANGERED SPECIES
Students see tortoise, macaw Brenda King of the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum holds the shell of a desert tortoise crushed in its burrow, by a four wheeler who was off trail. Students – front row; from left are Marjorie DeLaPaz-Romero, Ashley Barcomb. Ashley Meder, Joseph Robles. Second row, Marcela Gerardo, Ramses Paredes, Fernando Pena. Teachers watching are Ms. Walker, Ms. Speasl and Ms. South.
By Suzanne Keller Hoeflich Brenda King of the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum in Tucson recently visited the science classes at Coatimundi Middle School, bringing with her live animals which are either threatened or endangered according to the Endangered Species Act. These animals are all residents of the Sonoran Desert. Three times on Wednesday, May 6, Ms. King presented a talk on why these animals are threatened or endangered. Students were able to touch some of these animals and asked questions about them. A Sonoran Desert tortoise was a favorite and students were surprised to find out it is illegal to take one as a pet from the desert. The
students were also thrilled to know that because so many were taken as pets in the past and cannot be returned to the desert, that the museum provides tortoises for adoption to those interested, with the provision of proper care and that they do not leave Arizona. There was plenty of information about the pitfalls of the pet trade when a Military Macaw named Luca was brought out. Military Macaws are native to forested areas of the Sonoran Desert but are no longer common because of the desire to make these beautiful birds pets. Luca was born at the museum nine years ago from parents who were rescued. “He has the attention span and disposition of a two-year-old,” said Ms. King. “He can be demanding and is able to break a finger with a
single bite. Not only that, he can live to be 75 years old. Imagine the terrible twos for 75 years!” Still, the students were charmed by his tricks and speaking, and many look forward to visiting Luca at the museum. A rare look (and feel) at a chuckwalla only found on an island in the Sea of Cortez was a special treat. Students thought at first that they were looking at a Gila monster but Ms. King assured them that she would not be handling such a venomous reptile. There are opportunities for students to volunteer at the museum and programs for entire families. Coatimundi science students gained an enormous amount of information and the experience sparked an interest in our native endangered animals.
Carmen De La Ossa is promoted to Rio Rico High By Lucy Pesqueira When Rio Rico High School assistant principal Jim Anders moved up to take the position of principal, his position was filled by someone who herself is not unfamiliar to District #35, Calabasas Middle School Assistant Principal Carmen De La Ossa. The future
Carmen De La Ossa
“I’m looking forward to being a part of Rio Rico High School,’’ De La
Ossa explained. Mrs. De La Ossa has an administrative degree and five years of experience as an assistant principal at Calabasas. Now she recognizes that she will miss the students there. Missing old school
“Definitely. I will miss CMS. I will still have a big part of CMS with me,” said Mrs. De La Ossa. Mr. Anders explained that it will be difficult to let go of his position as assistant principal, but he has confidence that Mrs. De La Ossa will do
well. “I think she’s going to do a really good job. I think she’ll be able to handle it,” he said, “since she has experience.” Mrs. De La Ossa, as well, feels good about becoming the RRHS dean of students. “I feel very confident and I’m sure that with all my experience I can do a great job at RRHS,” she said. She has no plan to change anything that is already established here, but she definitely wants to improve and help RRHS. “I want to be able to look at what is in place
and improve what needs to be improved. I want to help the staff,” she said. One of her objectives for next year is to “make the school a better place for everyone.” Ch-ch-ch-changes
She is aware of the changes coming her way, working with an older age group and different problems, yet she expressed willingness to deal with them and try her best as assistant principal of RRHS.
Page 8, Santa Cruz Valley District #35 Summer 2009 Newsletter
COUNCIL MEMBERS EXCEL
De La Ossa named officer of the year at CMS
Photos / Jeff Lawrence
The CMS Student Council-2009 Honor Council Award Winners.
By Jeffrey Lawrence The Calabasas Middle School Student Council was presented with two state awards at the annual convention held in Mesa on May 7. About 50 schools participated in this, the 43rd annual Arizona Association of Junior High Student Councils Convention. One of the most prestigious awards was given to Krystal De La Ossa, an eighth grader and Student Council president this past year. She was presented with the 2009 Officer of the Year Award. This is given to the student that the association feels shows great dedication
to their school work as well as the community. De La Ossa has been on the gold honor roll since sixth grade, and in addition to her StuCo duties, she played basketball for the CMS Cougars. Second award
The second award was given to the student council for their work in fundraising, community service, and becoming leaders both in and out of school. The association felt that CMS met the established goals and awarded StuCo the Honor Council Award. The students worked hard this year and were awarded for their dedication and
commitment to making CMS a better place. Projects entered
In the nine events the student council entered projects (including a scrapbook, collage, reports, and banner) the CMS students earned eight superior ribbons, the highest award, and one excellent. The 2009 convention will be remembered as something special. With hard work, a never-quit attitude, and a desire to be the best, the CMS Cougars were rewarded with honors, and each member was proud of their accomplishments this past school year.
Krystal De La Ossa, 2009 Officer of the Year.
Santa Cruz Valley District #35 Summer 2009 Newsletter, Page 9
Production of biodiesel for fire trucks described at Coatimundi MS By Suzanne Hoeflich Visitors came to Coatimundi Middle School on April 22 -Earth Day. Chief Mike Foster and Patricia Hilton from the Rio Rico Fire District spoke to the science classes about some exciting things that are happening. Grant awarded
The fire department and its partners in Sonora, Mexico, received a grant to produce biodiesel fuel. Chief Foster explained how the process is done right here in Rio Rico. It is a win-win situation. The fire department receives used vegetable oil from local businesses such as Garrett’s IGA supermarket and Esplendor Resort. These businesses would otherwise have to pay to have this oil picked up and disposed of, he said.
HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR ...
First-hand account is given
By doing this, these businesses not only help our community but also the environment. Chief Foster explained that one of the factors that spurred the project is that used cooking oil in the sewer systems in Mexico was becoming a problem. It was beginning to clog pipes. Since the fire trucks are diesel, only minor modifications need to be made to use biodiesel. The best part is that the exhaust smells like french fries! Usable by-product
The primary byproduct of this process is glycerin. Chief Foster explained that, at the station, the glycerin is used to make a liquid soap that in turn is used to wash the fire trucks. The students were excited about the process and some plan to volunteer at the station this summer. Wanda Wolosky, Holocaust survivor, speaks to Coatimundi Middle School students. From left are Chantel Hennessy, Mrs. Wanda Wolosky, Nastacha Alvardo, Claudia Felton and Marley Hensen. At rear is Tommy Wunderlich.
By Suzanne Keller Hoeflich
Photos / Jeff Lawrence
Chief Mike Foster of the Rio Rico Fire Department speaks about the Fire Department’s grant to make its own biodiesel to Coatimundi Middle school students. The student in the forefront holds a sample of the fire department’s first biodiesel, which is visibly separated into fuel and glycerin. Students sitting near the fire chief are Edgar Villa and Francisco Rodriguez.
Students in Mary Kotnour’s enrichment class recently studied the concepts of tolerance and intolerance, and the final activity carried with it one of the most powerful messages possible. Toward this end, students viewed DVD’s and participated in lessons based on the Holocaust. They wrote blended poems, faithin-humanity essays, and conducted research on such topics as U.S. hate groups, present genocides, people who have made a difference in the world, people of the Holocaust, and people who made a difference during the Holocaust. The culminating activity was a visit by Wanda Wolosky, a Holocaust survivor. Mrs. Wolosky and her mother were sent to the Warsaw ghetto in Poland, where they experienced and witnessed many tragedies. She and her mother escaped the ghetto and went into hiding (with the help of some kindhearted people) until the end of the war. Only she, her mother, three cousins and
her uncle survived the Holocaust. Mrs. Wolosky didn’t want to speak about her life in the ghetto, but because some people deny that the Holocaust ever happened, she feels it is her duty to tell the next generation emphatically that it did. Students wrote reflections on Mrs. Wolosky’s visit. The following are some excerpts from their reflections: “When the Holocaust survivor, Mrs. Wolosky, came to our school to talk to us, she really put things in perspective," wrote Sage Argyros. "I really learned to value things. While Mrs. Wolosky had no toys when she was a kid, I have gadgets and electronics. I also learned to live life to the fullest because your life could be over in a short second. You should never go to bed angry at someone because the next day they could be gone. Mrs. Wolosky was very wise and knows things we never would have thought of.” “When listening to Mrs. Wolosky speak about her life during the Holocaust I felt many emotions," reflected Andrea Solis. "Sad in the beginning, horrified in the middle, and happy at the end when the suf-
fering finally ended. From her speech I learned many things. For example, to feel grateful for all the things I have and to not take them for granted. To take more into consideration the feelings of others.” “Mrs. Wolosky’s presentation was very moving," stated Marley Henson. "I was excited for Mrs. Wolosky to come and wasn’t quite sure what to think, but it blew all of my expectations away.” “After I heard Mrs. Wolosky speak I didn’t learn anything new, but it gave me a better perspective of how harsh times were at that time," wrote Angel Fimbres. "I didn’t know people could be so heartless and rape little kids, or beat them up.” “I wonder how she could have went through so much trouble and still live through it," offered Marco Alegria. "I would love to hear more about her life.” Marley Breitenbucher wrote: “I thought that she had a lot of courage and a really inspiring story to tell. I thought that it was an awesome opportunity to hear a story firsthand from someone who actually experienced it.”
Page 10, Santa Cruz Valley District #35 Summer 2009 Newsletter
COATIMUNDI MIDDLE SCHOOL
Former governor inspires students
Friends at Madera Canyon have never disappointed students Each spring, excited fourth graders from Mountain View Elementary board a bus anticipating another spectacular outing in Madera Canyon. They are never disappointed! This year upon arriving, the students were greeted by Friends of Madera Canyon docents. The nature enthusiasts, who make up the organization formed in 1987, guided the students on an interactive hike around Proctor Loop. There the children were exposed to magnificent scenery as they walked along a streamside trail learning the complete history of the canyon and its riparian area. “One thing that stands out in my mind,” said 10-yearold Justin Fischer, “was the White House and how the miners used it as a landmark.” Docents also helped students with identification
of plants, animals, and rocks of the area, as well as teaching them some outdoor survival skills. The students who visit the pine-oak woodlands of Madera Canyon are encouraged to preserve and protect the land, and always come home with a greater respect and appreciation for the natural environment. It’s worth mentioning that Mountain View students are regularly praised by the Friends of Madera Canyon, some of whom are retired teachers. They commend the boys and girls for their respectful behavior and enthusiasm. The fourth-grade teachers would like to thank the Friends of Madera Canyon for their continued and gracious support in helping educate the children of Mountain View Elementary School.
Raul H. Castro, first Hispanic Governor of Arizona, speaks with Coatimundi Middle school students. Front left to right: Rudy Anaya, Mark Ramirez, Cecelia DeLa Cruz, Michael Mc Grath, John Brewington. Second row: Jose Alvarez, Ruben Martinez, Mr. Raul H. Castro, Erick Quijada, Kevin Ballestros, Marjorie De La Cruz-Romero, Alexis Rios. Back: Katrina Valencia, Erika Comancho.
By Jeffrey Lawrence Students in Mary Kotnour’s seventhgrade enrichment class had the privilege of hearing former Arizona Gov. Raul Castro speak about his life. Mr. Castro was the state’s first Hispanic governor. His life was full of challenges, but in spite of them, he was very successful. Encouragement
He encouraged the students to get an education, to become involved in the community, and to never give up no matter what challenges they may face. When asked by a student what has been his favorite job, he said it was what he was doing right now -- speaking to young people. What follows are excerpts of student reflections following Gov. Castro's visit. “My reflection on this is mainly on
one topic; never give up. He inspired me personally to never quit if something’s hard. Life’s not easy, but Mr. Castro said, 'You can be whatever you want to be!'" – Rudy Anaya Leaders and followers
“But what really inspired me was when he said that there are leaders and followers. The followers don’t do anything but follow. The leaders make sure everything is organized and nice and neat. They might get picked on. They might get criticized, but they will always keep going. It is clear Mr. Castro became a great leader. What really surprised me was he never became bitter. He just accepted things the world gave him. He could have hated Americans right away, but he didn’t. Now that is what I call a magnificent leader.” – Cecilia De la Rosa “Mr. Castro has influenced me to achieve my dreams. He has influenced
me to stay in school and go to college.” – Alexis Reyes “Mr. Castro’s life was tough, but he made the best of it and kept trying. More importantly, he had confidence in himself, that’s what I thought was important. Mr. Castro’s words really made me think about what people can do, and that if we all worked hard enough we can all make a difference.” – Monica Kirkpatrick “My reflection on Mr. Castro’s visit is he is a strong man with a big soul…He is and always will be a great man that changed many lives.” – Gerardo Reynaga Love of country
“But one thing that stood out the most was that he loves this country. I thought that he would hate it because of all he has gone through. Also that he worked really hard to learn English.” – Maria Gamas
Thanks to the Friends of Madera Canyon, 4th grader David Alvarez learns about the area’s pine-oak forests.
Santa Cruz Valley District #35 Summer 2009 Newsletter, Page 11
RioRicoHighSchool
Seniors reap awards, scholarships The night before graduating, RRHS's Class of 2009 collected acknowledgements, awards, and scholarships at the school's annual Senior Awards evening. The night began with recognition of the school's top students academically.
SCHOLARSHIP
Mario Valdez and Martin Lopez were presented as RRHS's valedictorian and salutatorian respectively. Acknowledged as Students Graduating with High Distinction (4.0-4.4 grade point average) were Estevan Astorga, Jessica Batriz, Miguel Martinez, and
AMOUNT
STUDENT
Jennifer Sawada. Students Graduating with Distinction (3.5 - 3.9 GPA) included Ivonne Angulo, Diego Armenta, Danya Balderrama, Samantha Bustillo, Enrique Gonzales, Patricia Gonzalez, Omar Hernandez, David Kingsford, Carlos Lopez, Ivan Marin, Lu-
SCHOLARSHIP
cia Medina, Katrina Orozco, Robert Parisi, Monique Quiroz, Vanessa Rodrigue, Luis Sanchez, Fabian Senday, Hannah Simpson, Sarah Simpson, Yelitza Tamayo, and Jake Yubeta. Also honored were the students of the year for each of the school’s aca-
AMOUNT
STUDENT
Zonta Young Women in PA
$1, 000
Ivonne Angulo
Bob Brubaker Memorial
$2, 000
Mario Valdez
Sgt. Alex Bermudez Memorial
$ 500 $ 500 $ 500 $ 500 $ 500
Dulce Atondo Stevie Fuentes Hannah Simpson Rey Franco Sarah Simpson
Nogales Women's Club
$2, 000
DanyaBalderrama
Sam Walton Community Scholarship
$3, 000
Nidia Orduño
$1, 000
Victoria Tulk
Vanessa Huerta Foundation
$2, 000 $2, 000 $1, 000 $1, 000 $1, 000 $1, 000 $1, 000 $1, 000
Miguel Delgado Alejandra Yepiz Gerogina Serrano Melissa Ayala Eric Frost Isaac Morales Adrian Lira Lizbeth Lopez
UniSource
$2, 000 $2, 000
Carlos Lopez Amber Gearhart
Keith Hughes Memorial
$1, 000 $1, 000
Rey Franco Miguel Martinez
Maria Nereida Diaz Nursing Award
$ 500
Alejandra Yepiz
Dani Sanchez-Ley
$1, 000
Elizabeth Valle
Unity in the Valley
$1, 000
Estevan Astorga
AZDEQ HS Recycling Scholarship
Rio Rico Property Owner's $1, 000 Assoc. Henry and Agusta Feinstein $1, 000 Scholarship
Roberto Lopez Bianca Solis
Boys and Girls Club
$1, 500 $1, 500
Nidia Orduño Danya Balderrama
Car Nuts of Green Valley
$ 500 $ 500 $ 500
Ivonne Angulo Sonia Leon Mario Valdez
$1, 200 $1, 200
Jorge Villa Ivan Marin
$ 750 $ 750 $ 750
Omar Hernandez Mario Valdez Jennifer Sawada
$ 500 $ 500 $ 500 $ 500 $ 500 $ 500 $ 500
Enrique Gonzales Jacob Yubeta Kati Orozco Gaby Gonzales Hannah Simpson Sarah Simpson Monique Quiroz
$1, 000 $1, 000 $1, 000
Martin M. Lopez Estevan Astorga Andrea Castro
Rio Rico/Tubac Rotary
$500/$500
Dulce Atonto
Tubac Rotary
$1, 000 $1, 000 $1, 000
Mario Valdez Jessica Batriz Victoria Tulk
$1, 000
Ivonne Angulo
Cowbelle Scholarship Asociación de Maquiladoras de Sonora Danika Tanori Memorial Scholarship
Rio Rico Rotary
Joe Adamson Memorial Scholarship
Tubac Fire
Ivan Marin Elizabeth Valle
Rio Rico Women's Assoc.
$1, 000
Kati Orozco
Herff Jones
$ 500
Omar Hernandez
$15, 000 $3, 000 $3, 000 $6, 500 $8, 500 $6, 500 $8, 500 $2, 000 $8, 500
Jacob J. Yubeta Diego Armenta Estevan Astorga Jessica Batriz Martin M. Lopez Monique C. Quiroz Jennifer Sawada Fabian Senday Mario A. Valdez DanyaBalderrama Andrea Castro Lizette Cota Jaime De La Ossa Briana Felix
University of Arizona NationalHispanicScholarship Wildcat Excellence Award Wildcat Excellence Award Wildcat Excellence Award Wildcat Excellence Award Wildcat Excellence Award Wildcat Excellence Award Arizona Excellence Award Wildcat Excellence Award MacBook Award MacBook Award MacBook Award MacBook Award MacBook Award
demic departments. English honored Tamayo and Asul Echeverria; science, Martin Lopez and Valdez; foreign language, Gustavo Priego; math, Mario Gonzales; fine arts, Lisette Velderrain (visual), Jenica Flores (music), and Estevan Astorga (theater); ca-
SCHOLARSHIP
reers and technical education, Jorge Villa (agriculture), Estevan Fuentes (law enforcement), Francisco Cota (business), Andrea Castro (accounting), Ivan Marin (certified nursing assistant); and social studies, Jessica Batriz.
AMOUNT
MacBook Award MacBook Award MacBook Award MacBook Award MacBook Award MacBook Award MacBook Award MacBook Award MacBook Award
STUDENT Enrique Gonzales Sonia Leon Carlos A. Lopez Ivan Marin Miguel Martinez Pedro M. Robles Sarah E. Simpson Hannah Simpson Matthew J. Wittenberg
The University of Arizona College of Engineering Music Scholarship
$1, 000 $2, 000
Jacob Yubeta Chris Ozorio
Arizona State University NationalHispanicScholarship President's Scholarship President's Scholarship President's Scholarship Provost's Scholarship Provost's Scholarship University Scholarship University Scholarship University Scholarship University Scholarship University Scholarship University Scholarship University Scholarship University Scholarship
$15, 000 $9, 000 $9, 000 $9, 000 $7, 500 $7, 500 $2, 750 $2, 750 $2, 750 $2, 750 $2, 750 $2, 750 $2, 750 $2, 750
Jacob J. Yubeta Estevan Astorga Jessica L. Batriz Mario A. Valdez Ivonne Angulo Diego A. Armenta Samantha Bustillo Briana L. Felix Enrique Gonzales Ivan Marin Katarina E. Orozco Fabian A. Senday Hannah Simpson Sarah E. Simpson
NorthernArizonaUniversity Merit Scholarship Merit Scholarship Merit Scholarship Merit Scholarship President's Scholarship Grand View University, Des Moines, Iowa President's Award Central Arizona College
Diego Armenta DanyaBaledrrama Omar Hernandez Fabian Senday Jacob Yubeta
$8, 000
Hannah Simpson
Full tuition + Omar Hernandez (will run X country $2000 and track)
Full tuition/ Jorge Villa (has a John Deere Room Board Sponsorship)
Chandler-Gilbert College
Half-tuition
Hannah Simpson (will play basketball)
Page 12, Santa Cruz Valley District #35 Summer 2009 Newsletter
MIDDLE SCHOOLS
Awards given to bands and director
CTMS Students, from left, Gabriel Paco, Andrea Van Duinen, L.J. Redman, Tyler Bauer, and Richard Rubin play their saxes in Nogales at the Big Band Jazzy Dinner Dance. The two middle schools in the Santa Cruz Valley Unified School District No. 35 are continuing the tradition of excellence in the band program this year. Jazz festival
Both Coatimundi Middle School and Calabasas Middle School jazz bands performed at the Arizona Band and Orchestra Directors’ Association Jazz Festival at Canyon del Oro High School in March. Both bands received a rating of “Excellent,” the second highest possible rating. Our students had to work extra hard this year, as this was the first year the middle school students performed as two separate bands. Many students were eager to seize the opportunity to learn a secondary instrument. For example,
none of the trombone players in the Calabasas Jazz Band plays trombone in the Calabasas Concert Band. However, they have all risen to the challenge of learning a new instrument and are performing very well. The middle school Concert Bands also had a great year. They performed at the Arizona Band and Orchestra Directors’ Association Concert Band Festival at Catalina Foothills High School the day after the Jazz Festival. ‘Excellent’ rating
Both the Calabasas and Coatimundi sixth grade bands earned a rating of “Excellent.” The Coatimundi seventh and eighth grade band earned a rating of “Good,” and the Calabasas seventh and eighth grade band earned a rating
of “Superior with Distinction,” the highest possible rating. The District 35 band directors attended the Arizona Music Educators Association annual conference in Mesa on Jan. 9-10. Calabasas Middle School Band Director Cory Walavich was awarded the O.M. Hartsell “Excellence in Teaching Music Award” at the Awards Banquet. Mr. Walavich was nominated for this award by fellow music teachers. The O.M. Hartsell Award is given to Arizona music educators who have demonstrated exceptional ability as a teacher of music. Teacher of the Year
Mr. Walavich is the 2009 “Teacher of the Year” for Calabasas Middle School.
Cris Maytorena, CMS student, sings the Mambo Swing, while Ricky Villarreal supports him on tenor saxophone.
Santa Cruz Valley District #35 Summer 2009 Newsletter, Page 13
RIO RICO HIGH SCHOOL BAND
The tradition of excellence continues
The months of March and April were busy ones for the Rio Rico High School Band members. On March 6 the RRHS Symphonic Band performed at the ABODA Area Concert Band Festival at Ironwood Ridge High School. The band earned a rating of “Superior,” which qualified them for the State Concert Band Festival for the sixth year in a row. On March 11 the RRHS Jazz Ensemble performed at the ABODA Area Jazz Band Festival at Canyon del Oro High School. The Jazz Ensemble also qualified for State, earning a rating of “Superior.” During Spring Break, band members traveled to San Antonio, Texas, where they competed in the Heritage Festival with ensembles from Mississippi, Missouri, Texas, New Mexico, Alabama, and Louisiana. Both the RRHS SymphonicBandandColorGuardwere extremely successful in their performances.
The RRHS Symphonic Band earned the highest possible rating of “Gold.” They also won first place in the Band division, earning the “Outstanding Band Group” trophy. The Symphonic Band also won the “Adjudicator’s Award.” Three RRHS Band students received the “Maestro Award,” an individual award the judges may choose to give to students who demonstrate extraordinary musical ability and sensitivity. The RRHS students who received the award are Fernanda Garcia (clarinet), Christopher Ozorio (percussion), and Leanna Vasquez (clarinet). The RRHS Color Guard also earned a “Gold” rating and the “Adjudicator’s Award.” The last award was earned by both the Band and the Guard – the “Instrumental Sweepstakes Trophy.” As a result of their gold awards, the RRHS Band has been invited to participate in the National Invitational Band & Orchestra Festival. This festival
takes place in some of the finest concert halls in America, including Carnegie Hall in New York City. Once the students returned home from San Antonio, they had about a month to finish preparing their music for their State Band Festivals. The RRHS Symphonic Band performed at the State Festival on April 29 at North Canyon High School in Phoenix. The brand new RRHS Choir joined the band for one song. The Symphonic Band received a rating of “Excellent,” and celebrated by going out for pizza. The RRHS Jazz Ensemble students stayed overnight in Phoenix that night. The next morning, still tired from an evening of go-carts and minigolf, the jazz ensemble performed at their state festival at Paradise Valley High School in Phoenix. The jazz ensemble earned a rating of “Superior with Distinction,” the highest possible rating.
(Above) The RRHS Band performing at state festival under the direction of Alli Coyle. (Below) Musicians, (clockwise from upper left) Alex Brown, Daniela Gonzelaz, Melissa Diaz and Blanca Navarro warm up for the state festival.
Page 14, Santa Cruz Valley District #35 Summer 2009 Newsletter
Hawks take state 4x800 track title By William Wilczewski Last year’s Rio Rico High 4x800meter relay team was second to one. This year, it was second to none. Coming from a sixth-seed slot — mainly because a different team ran an 8 minute, 29.22-second performance at regionals — the quartet of Omar Hernandez, Alejandro Valencia, Matt Diaz and Jose Luis Muñoz blew away the field May 16 and won the 2009 state title with a personal-, season- and school-best 7:58.26 at Mesa Community College. Higley, the next best team, came in more than 16 seconds later. “It feels good,” said Muñoz, a junior. “We just have a really strong bond because we ran cross-country together.” For Hernandez, a senior, it capped off a perfect weekend that began with his graduation Friday night. “He graduated yesterday, so it was a little present for him,” said Valencia, a sophomore. “We wanted to end his high school career with something memorable.” “We’re just all happy,” added Hernandez. “It was a nice present.
Rio Rico High’s 4x800 relay team enjoys the victory May 16 at Mesa Community College.
I love these guys.” The rest of the field sure didn’t, because the Hawks won the race nearly from wire to wire — thanks, in large part, to their teamwork. “We work on handoffs a lot, and it paid off,” Hernandez said. “You could see in the first leg, we were pretty much neck and neck, but after that first handoff, we just had a good lead.” And the Hawks kept it, giving them reason to walk away from MCC with a stronger bond then when they got there. “We’re more than friends,” Valencia said. “We’re like brothers.” Muñoz also took second in the 3,200-meter (9:17.73), followed by Valencia (9:39.82) in seventh and Hernandez in twelfth (10:01.49). For the Lady Hawks, Jessica Batriz, Erika Parra, Aeoleone Bristow and Gladymar Echeverria took ninth in the 4x400-meter relay in a time of 4:16.19. Bristow also took ninth in the 1600-meter run (5:18.48), and teammate Danielle Jones took eleventh in the 800 (2:31.69). As a team, the Hawks took eighth place overall in the state (4A-II) with 33 points. The Lady Hawks took the 24th slot with six points.
Rio Rico High’s Matt Diaz runs his leg of the 4x800 relay at Mesa Community College May 16. Photos / William Wilczewski
Santa Cruz Valley District #35 Summer 2009 Newsletter, Page 15
RRHS swim program sinks
Soggy Hawks won’t see third AIA season
Photo / Eileen Duke
Alex Duke competes in the butterfly at Gila regionals last year at Canyon del Oro High.
By William Wilczewski In a move resulting from low participation numbers and a downturn in the economy, Rio Rico High School administrators have decided to cut the school’s swim program for the 2009 fall season. With the move, the school anticipates saving more than $27,000, according to the Santa Cruz Valley Unified School District No. 35 Web site. “It’s just one of the casualties of this economy,” said RRHS Athletic Director David Verdugo. “It’s a shame, but we just didn’t have the numbers.” Last year’s Soggy Hawks started
with about 12 swimmers and was down to about nine when the season ended, said Verdugo. “This year, we didn’t have the anticipated number” to justify all the travel, meal and entry fee expenses, he said. “If the economy gets back up there, we may bring it back, though.” When asked what the local reaction was, Verdugo said most people understand the move because every school throughout the state and nation is making similar adjustments due to the sour economy. “So, to be able to maintain other programs, we have to make cuts where we can,” he said, adding that some schedules may also be
tapered down next year. For example, a given program may go from a 20-game season to 18. Plus, a program that may have gone to two invitationals in previous years may only go to one next year — unless a booster club can support the other event. Not exactly a staple sport at the school, 2009 would have been only the third season for the Soggy Hawks in school history. That’s not to say, however, that the program didn’t have its share of success. In the 2007 and 2008 seasons combined, the Soggy Hawks sent 14 individuals to the state meet. In 2007, the top finisher was Aerial Potter, who took a fourth-place medal in the 100-meter breast-
stroke. Last season, Alex Gerber took fifth place in the 100-yard freestyle. “It’s disappointing, of course,” said Gerber, who will be a junior next year, “but I’m understanding of it.” All hope for success in the water is not lost, though. Gerber, who has been swimming for eight years now, said he and many other former RRHS swimmers plan to compete for the Rio Rico River Rats, a community-funded swim club that was formed by local parents in 1976. He may also find a club team in Tucson. For his final stanza in high school, though, “I would really love to be able to go back to state
my senior year, since I was one place away from a medal this last year,” he said. “I want to go back and achieve more; as much as I can. “State is an amazing opportunity to see all the great athletes, and to be a part of that is just awesome,” he added. Unfortunately for soon-to-be freshman Isaac Mendoza, he won’t get the chance for high school competition. “He’s pretty disappointed,” Gerber said. “We told him good things about the program and the good competition at state, so he’s kinda’ bummed, because he’s coming up and then it’s canceled.”
Page 16, Santa Cruz Valley District #35 Summer 2009 Newsletter
RRHS football: Benjamin steps down after one year By William Wilczewski For the fourth time in the last seven seasons, the revolving door known as the Rio Rico High School Hawks football team’s head coaching position will continue to twirl. On June 1, the Santa Cruz Valley Unified School District No. 35 board accepted the resignation of Rick Benjamin after just one year at the helm. Prior to that, Doug Brewington held the slot for three years. Before him was Steve Saban, who took over for Ben Rodriguez, in the 2003-2004 seasons. As for the 2008 season, though, it seems Benjamin may have bit off more than he could chew last year. With his wife and children residing in Queen Creek, being separated proved to be too much, so the New York native has decided to reunite with them, also leaving his weight training position at the school open. “I just could not go another year without my family,” he said. “I’m not sure what I’m going to do from here, but I am looking for a position closer to home.” In 12 years of coaching and teaching, Benjamin has moved around between New York, Utah and Arizona. So, enough is enough, he says. “Being away on my own is a little tiring,” he said, “but I wish them well. I saw a lot of improvement last year. The team should be a lot stronger and faster this year. I expect big things from these kids. We have a little talent and some experience so they should have some luck next season.” Luck, though, has been a problem for the Hawks football pro-
gram. Since the middle of its 2000 season when it beat Copper State Academy 40-0, the Hawks have gone 2-72, with those two victories coming at the tail end of the 2006 season when they beat Cholla and Santa Rita highs. Brewington gets credit for those victories, but he could not roll them over into the next season, and he stepped down and left the slot open for Benjamin, who didn’t fare much better. Like Benjamin, Saban and Brewington said they knew what they were getting themselves into on the field, but all said it was a challenge they looked forward to. But, with a 2-72 slate in the last eight and a half seasons, hiring a qualified coach for 2009 has its challenges. “That makes it tough,” said Hawks Athletic Director David Verdugo, “but we are also looking for someone who can teach PE, math, history or language arts.” On Tuesday, Verdugo said there are about 20 mostly in-state nondistrict people who have shown interest in the job, and he plans to hire someone “as soon as possible” after today’s application deadline, “because the kids need time in the weight room, and there are passing leagues and other things going on in the summer. We don’t have a lot of time, so it puts us in a real awkward situation.” Having four coaches in the last seven seasons also leaves a lack of consistency that the program could use to break from its doldrums. “Continuity and stability are very important,” Verdugo said. “Every coach has a different philosophy, so transitions are tough. I’ve coached myself, and you want
Photo / Roger Conroy
Rio Rico High quarterback Steve Morales (10) hands the ball off to Andres Cota (22), while Mario Valdez provides blocking on the play. three or four years to establish a program — and that’s what we want.” None of last season’s assistant coaches appear to be in the running for the job because two of the four were not district employees. One is not anticipated to return to the program in any capacity, said Benjamin. The other, Rod Sbragia who calls himself a “paid volunteer,” can not become head coach but says he will remain a paid volunteer and plans to take some of his players to a passing league at Empire High School in Tucson this month with the help of certified teacher Eddie Rodriguez. “I will be sad to see him go,” Sbragia said of Benjamin. “He’s a
strong individual with a good work ethic and values.” And Sbragia isn’t the only one that thinks that way. Returning senior quarterback Steve Morales said he was shocked by the news, but “In a way, I understand,” he said. “(Benjamin told us that) he was promised things that he didn’t get.” One of those things was more equipment for the program, explained Morales on Wednesday afternoon in a phone interview. “Plus his family is out of town, so he must miss his family,” he said. “It’s gonna be tough (without him). We have to start all over with a new coach.” So, what kind of hopes does
Morales have for the 2009 Hawks campaign? “That depends on what the new coach decides to do,” he said. “If he steps up and does things with the team, we’ll be good.” Problem is, the Hawks already had that kind of guy in Benjamin, said Morales. “He was building up the team. In one or two more years we would have had success. It just takes time, but it would have worked,” Morales said. “We didn’t know him that well, and we didn’t get the chance. Hopefully the new guy will come in and take charge and go with it. Hopeully, he’ll be a good coach like Benjamin ... and they’ll keep that coach.”
Santa Cruz Valley District #35 Summer 2009 Newsletter, Page 17
Page 18, Santa Cruz Valley District #35 Summer 2009 Newsletter
CHEERS ALL AROUND
Mountain View boasts 3 science fair winners Out of more than 750 kindergarten through fifth-grade science projects submitted from southern Arizona, three Mountain View Elementary School students won awards at the 54th annual Southern Arizona Regional Science and Engineering Fair (SARSEF) on March 19. Third grader Jocelyn Giron won $50 from the Arizona Hydrological Society for her project asking “Do different types of soil hold different amounts of water?” Second grader Samantha Schadler won a second-place ribbon for her project studying “Which works better: listening or reading.” Alex Beas, also a second grader, earned a third-place ribbon for researching “Does the color of hair affect the amount of static electricity it can carry?” The event was open to the public and was held at the Tucson Convention Center. Mountain View fourth-grade teacher and school science fair coordinator Deanna Bazzanella explained the selection process: “We run our school fair in February, and students at all
grade levels participate either as an individual or with a class project. Teachers guide the students through an official scoring sheet to select three winners from their classroom. Of these approximately 60 classroom winners, our judging panel selects the final 10 which we send to SARSEF to represent our school.” After lying dormant for a few years, Mountain View revitalized its science fair three years ago using SARSEF guidelines, and the results have improved steadily. “Without question the projects the students complete have gotten better every year,” Bazzanella said. “Whereas we used to receive a lot of ‘science reports’ we now receive mostly research projects with a question the student is studying and data to support what they discovered. “The amount of parent participation is impressive. We know from the feedback we have received from students and parents that it’s a lot of work, but that the parents enjoy seeing their child participating and learning.”
Proud Mountain View student winners show off their science fair projects. Pictured from left to right are Samantha Schadler, second grade; Jocelyn Giron, third, and Alex Beas, second. Jocelyn Giron agreed, stating that she had help from her older brother with creating the graphs and tables. He also offered her some direction with her writing. “But,” she added, “the most fun part was taking all the pictures!”
Santa Cruz Valley District #35 Summer 2009 Newsletter, Page 19
Timetochuckle
French farce keeps audience laughing during ‘Chateau La Roach’ at RRHS By Kathy Kim The audience laughed from the opening of the curtains until the final bow of “Chateau La Roach,” presented April 16-18 by the Rio Rico High School Thespians. As in past RRHS productions, the play was successful and kept the audience entertained. The play revolves around a hotel proprietor, Francois LaRoche, played by senior Diego Armenta, who is trying to keep the hotel clean from roaches before a health inspector arrives. Armenta does a terrific job of playing a Frenchman anxious to protect his beloved ho-
tel. Senior Natalie Garcia played the wife of Armenta and also delivered a great performance. Her French accent worked as the character tries to support her husband and the hotel. RRHS seniors Hunter Gudenkauf, Estevan Astorga, and David Kingsford added more humor to the play. Gudenkauf does a great job of playing a not-all-there bellhop. Astorga was sufficiently over the top in his rendition of a Chef Boyardee-type character. Using a prosthetic belly, Astorga’s histrionics – yells and such – kept the audience in stitches. Kingsford, playing a rather excitable elevator operator, exaggerated his
acting beautifully, killing roaches on the elevator and demonstrating an almost rabid phobia against them. Everyone in the play did a fantastic job keeping the crowd laughing; however, juniors Elizabeth Horton and Melannie Hurtado pushed the comedy of the play to another level by playing airheads. The props on the stage were simple, yet detailed enough to pass for an actual hotel. The elevator looked realistic enough, and the bell sound was right on cue with the “movement” of the elevator. Although the RRHS stage is small, everything needed for the play was there and detailed, including the
front door with the Chateau La Roach symbol, and the swinging kitchen door, which took a pounding over the course of the play’s performances. The aspect of the production that I thought made the play great were the costumes, particularly the roach costume worn by sophomore MacIntyre Rath. The costume was well designed to portray the actual roach, with its six legs and two antennas. The psychic advisor Madame Zillinda, played by senior Janelle Robles, not only acted the character of the stereotypical gypsy, but also wore credible gypsy-type dress. Alex Gerber, playing a British cyclist and hotel
guest, also had a well-chosen hat and suspenders. All of the costumes were significant and made the play even more worth watching. As the play came to an end, the comedy flowed as the big roach sang the “Sound of Music” theme song and danced right to the kitchen. The facial expressions, the exaggerated acting, and the plot made the play humorous and unexpectedly funny. Not only have the RRHS Thespians proved themselves capable of pulling off serious drama, such as last fall’s “Death of a Salesman,” but they clearly are at ease in producing comic farces.
Page 20, Santa Cruz Valley District #35 Summer 2009 Newsletter