DVUSD News - Around Our Schools January 5, 2010

From: "DVUSD News" <no-reply@dvusd.org>
Subject: DVUSD News - Around Our Schools January 5, 2010
Date: January 6th 2010

Around Our Schools - January 5, 2010

Deer Valley Elementary Schools
Esperanza
Esperanza School wrapped up the holiday season with two musical performances. The Esperanza Handbells, Chorus, and Band performed their annual winter concert to a standing room only audience. The Handbells performed at the Shops at Norterra as well as the Anthem Outlets with the Chorus this past holiday season.

Highland Lakes
The Highland Lakes PTA organized the "Fill the Fire Truck Toy Drive" last month. Students and staff donated 394 toys which were taken to Phoenix Children's Hospital for the holiday season. These toys were placed in the hospital Toyland Store for patients and parents of patients to select gifts for their families.

New River
The K-Kids Club at New River Elementary honored their local men and women firefighters by baking cookies for the New River - Daisy Mountain Fire Department this past holiday season.

The New River PTSA sponsored the Winter Wonderland which was well attended by students, staff, and parents. There were arts and crafts, food, and much more.

The New Rivers kindergarten students entertained their families and friends with a holiday concert last month. The program was planned and directed by teachers Sheila Rutan and Michelle Warburton.

New River student Caroline Walker is the winner of the school�s 2009 Spelling Bee. Caroline will represent New River in the District Spelling Bee this month.

Paseo Hills
Paseo Hills National Junior Honors Society students hosted a school-wide canned food drive that collected food to feed 45 families from their own school community. Schools around the district also helped to contribute food, clothes, and gifts for low-income families at Paseo Hills. All together, DVUSD schools helped to make the holidays brighter for 90 families in the community.

Sierra Verde
Sierra Verde kindergarten teacher Janet Cerjak was honored with the Teacher of the Year Award from the Teachers� Insurance Plan. Janet was presented with a $1,000 check and plaque by company representative Nancy Pavlica. Each year the company selects one teacher from each state.

Deer Valley Middle Schools
Hillcrest
Hillcrest Middle School students competed in a Spelling Bee last month. First place winner was eighth grader Brittany Ater spelling the winning word �embarrass,� runner-up was eighth grader Karina Bolton. Brittany will compete in the District Spelling Bee this month. A total of 14 contestants participated which were: Alex Astiarzaran, Brittany Ater, Adia Bell, McKenna Blean, Karina Bolton, Amber Campman, Jordan Cole, Josh Correa, Madison Jay, Chance McBroom, Jeremy Ramos, Atresha Singh, Jaclyn Somborovich, and Hannah Wheeler.

Hillcrest students collected over 200 toys and stuffed animals last month which will be donated over the next few weeks to the Glendale Fire Department Crisis Response Team and Mendy's Place in the John C. Lincoln Hospital. The top five classrooms were with the most donations were: Mrs. Parrino's class - 47 donations
Mrs. Petry�s class - 36 donations
Ms. Fasciano�s class - 18 donations
Mrs. Thude�s class - 17 donations
Mrs. Baird�s class - 16 donations

Hillcrest National Junior Honor Society raised more than $300 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society during the annual Light the Night Walk in Glendale last month. Over a dozen members and parents attended the walk.

Hillcrest 8th grade students in Team 8-3, the "Caring Team,� has already sent ten care packages to three soldiers in Iraq this year. Operation American Compassion has continued uninterrupted on this team since 2004 with more than 400 care package in total sent by many 8th grade students. Presently, these children are collecting toiletries, food, and other items for holiday shipments to troops overseas.

Deer Valley High Schools
Boulder Creek High School
Boulder Creek High School will be presenting Rachel�s Challenge, an inspirational story of the life of Rachel Joy Scott, the first young lady killed in the Columbine High School tragedy. Boulder Creek students will experience the Rachel�s Challenge program on Monday, January 11 during their regular school day. The program focuses on thoughtfulness, tolerance, and compassion. Boulder Creek is also hosting an evening event on Monday, January 11 at 6 p.m. in the auditorium. Space is limited so please call 623-445-8727 and reserve your seats. Admission to this program is free.

The Boulder Creek StuGo student team has continued to work diligently towards numerous goals in the upcoming year. Their main focus is the Hoopcoming festivities to take place this month. Hoopcoming, a new tradition for Boulder Creek, involves the same festivities that take place for Homecoming. Hoopcoming is for Basketball instead of football and takes place in the spring instead of winter. There will be a week full of dress up days and lunchtime activities that lead up to the Hoopcoming game and the Winter Formal Dance. Theme, ticket prices, and dress up days will be released at a later date.

StuGo students have been busy planning the Mr. BC Pageant and School Prom. Tax credit donations are being accepted to make Boulder Creek Prom 2010 the best it can be. StuGo students have also taken part in numerous community service activities including a collection of cans for the needy during Thanksgiving and a holiday clothing drive. Mountain Ridge
Mountain Ridge senior Caitlyn Handy was selected to receive a $10,000 scholarship from the Arizona Milk Producers Association. She was one of 15 finalists competing for three scholarships and invited to the Fiesta Bowl game for the final selection last month. Caitlyn was selected for the largest scholarship of the three and was introduced on the field with a check presentation.