Issue #24 FUSD Newsletter May / June 2015 Senior Profiles—The Class of 2015 Upcoming Events Every year FUSD is proud to Celine Trotter is looking forward high school in four years and May profile a small sample of the to spending this summer in Cro- she “likes the teachers at Co- amazing graduating seniors atia and attending Northern conino very much”. As a Girl Math and the 18 from our high schools. University in the fall. Scout Holly received her Gold Standards Parent She will continue the studies in Award through her work to Coconino High School Meeting at Pre-Health that she has started improve the gardens at Cromer (CHS) Ponderosa High through the CAVIAT program. Elementary School which are School for Collin Anderson will be grad- She will graduate from CHS two used for education projects for Grades 6—8 uating this year after com- credits shy of her AA degree all Cromer students. Holly pleting the MITe program at from Coconino Community Col- “loved high school but is super Memorial Day 25 Sinagua Middle School and lege. She has received the LOU- excited to be moving on to IE Scholarship from NAU and will continuing through the CIT college.” Last Day of School 28 program at CHS. He has been complete her degree in nursing Leah Weinzinger is hoping to on the Team for with the goal of becoming a La- attend the University of Texas Summit High School 28 CHS since freshman year and bor and Delivery Nurse. Celine is or BYU in the fall and will major has placed 2nd in the state as a a member of HOSA, a national Graduation th in Animation. Her dream is to freshman, 5 as a Sopho- student organization to promote Coconino and Flag- 29 st make movies for Pixar or more, 1 place in state com- career opportunities in the staff High School’s rd DreamWorks. Leah is a finalist petition Junior year, 3 place health care industry, works at a Graduations th for the National Merit Scholar- in state Senior year and 8 in preschool and volunteers with ship Award, involved in the CHS the nation. Due to his success Special Olympics. “Although I Drama Club, her church youth July he was able to travel to Cali- have been influenced by so group, and the Flagstaff Youth fornia, Virginia, and many remarkable people here at Please join us for 4 Theater. She completed the New Mexico and is very grate- Coconino High School, I must say the parade—details CIT program at CHS and really ful for the experiences. Next that one teacher in particular will be posted on enjoys the Digital Media classes year Collin will be attending stands out. Mr. Pavlich has gone Facebook and learning from the teacher Embry-Riddle Aeronautical above and beyond in assisting Dean Shaddy. Leah believes “It University to pursue a Me- me. From Spanish class, letters August is important to know that you chanical Engineering Degree. of recommendation, and even as don’t have to have it all figured First Day of School 6 Collin stated that “Wrestling far as helping me organize a out. I haven’t, and I doubt that helped in every aspect of high summer abroad, he has been I ever will but I like figuring out school, what is taught in wres- amazing.” more every day.” tling translates into success in Holly Jamerson had a tough The Summer Food Program everyday life, CIT gave me a decision between Johns Hopkins information can be found ‘hands on’ experience that University and Duke. As a recipi- on the FUSD website under was challenging. The CIT pro- ent of the Gates Millennium announcements. gram makes you think and scholarship she has decided to understand the material. My attend Johns Hopkins in the fall. academic experiences at Sina- She will major in Neuroscience . Please remember to look gua Middle School and Co- She has been involved in the for school specific flyers conino High School have al- National Honor Society, the Na- through the Peachjar lowed me to thrive and suc- tive American Club and the Co- button on your schools ceed.” conino Anti-Tobacco Students homepage. Organization. CHS was her third Page 1 FUSD Newsletter Senior Profiles—Continued

Flagstaff High School (FHS) the University of Nevada at Las Vegas Summit High School (SHS) Celeste Cruz is looking forward to in the fall with a major in Hospitality/ Tristen David will graduate this year attending Arizona State University Event Planning. She is hoping to study with many goals in mind and a variety (ASU) in the fall with a major in Mass abroad while in college and continue of paths he would like to try. Tristen is Communication/Journalism through her culinary training. Delainey has interested in exploring welding, forest- the Cronkite School of Journalism. accomplished a lot while at FHS. She is ry and health care fields. He will attend She has received both the Dean Schol- a member of the award winning Culi- Coconino Community College this fall arship and the Alumni Medallion nary Team which won their way to the and then would like to join the Navy Scholarship from ASU. Celeste has National Competition this year and she after completing his Bachelor’s Degree been active at FHS as a member of the was awarded $15,000 in scholarships at NAU. Tristen has really enjoyed SHS student council, National Honor Socie- through her participation in the FHS and especially the science classes and ty, the Humanitarian Club and is a Culinary Program. Delainey has also the Bike Mechanic Club. He really likes LINKS Leader. Her favorite class was played Varsity , is a member of the small classes and the 1 on 1 support AP Spanish with Mrs. Bradley. Ac- All-Stars, the President of the National he receives from the teachers, includ- cording to Celeste “My plans for the Honor Society and works at Little ing support in trying to find a job. “A future are majoring in mass communi- America. She takes 3 culinary classes a lot of the kids are able to shine with cation and journalism with a minor in day and has really enjoyed her Eco- longer class times and support from the business marketing and through com- nomics/U.S. Government Class with teachers.” munication enlighten people on not Mr. Hopson. Delainey said “Coming to only the problems in the world but FHS was an adventure from the begin- Mollie Lund attends SHS and the Teen- also all of the positive things.” “High ning, and has continued to be a wild age Parent Program (TAPP) and is very School has been an amazing experi- ride. I’ve learned more about myself, happy with the education and support ence, allowing me to grow in unimagi- others and the community than I could that she has received by all of the staff nable ways, but I am ready to move have imagined. The experiences, les- and especially Mrs. Craig. Mollie will on to a new adventure. I am extreme- sons, trials, and tribulations I have attend the CCC to NAU program and ly grateful for all that the Flagstaff been a part of in the last four years plans to be a Dental Hygienist. Her community have given me, and am have caused me to grow in ways I nev- favorite aspects of SHS have been the now ready to give back. I strive to er thought I could. I am forever grate- Strength Training classes (through Fit grow and come back to this communi- ful to FHS, my teachers, the adminis- Kids), the guest speakers and special ty which has given me so much.” trators, the students, and the commu- programs brought into SHS. She appre- nity. Once an Eagle, always an Eagle.” ciates the 1 on 1 relationship she has Justin McElfresh was interviewed in been able to have with her teachers his Class A uniform and very proud to Monica Algya is very excited to attend and likes the fact that the staff treats represent the JROTC Program. Justin San Diego State and will major in Com- students with care as if they are family. is a 1st Sargent and will attend Virginia munications and Spanish and would “Being able to bring my son with me to Military Institute in the fall majoring like to study abroad. She is currently th school has allowed me to earn my di- in Biology. He will continue with the taking 4 year Spanish at Coconino ploma.” Navy ROTC program and hopes to Community College. Monica is a mem- enter the Navy as an officer in the ber of the National Honor Society, All- Special Warfare (SEALS) program and Stars, is an active member of the Stu- would eventually like to pursue a dent Council as Community Service medical degree. While at Flagstaff Chair and Student Body President and High School Justin was involved in the volunteers with Young Life. Monica’s Veterans Heritage Project through a goal for her senior year on Student club formed by Ms. Stearns, and has Council was to “pass on the lessons enjoyed his classes, especially Pre AP I’ve learned to my younger peers.” In Geometry with Ms. Hester. When he addition she states, “FHS has taught is not working on school related pro- me the value of hard work and how jects Justin volunteers for the U.S. important it is to live for something Forest Service as a volunteer manning bigger than yourself – to love who’s in a lookout tower and works at the Dog front of you.” Haus. Justin’s favorite quote is “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.” Delainey Rowland will be attending

Page 3 FUSD Newsletter Mackenzie Jansen – A Profile in Determination

Mackenzie Jansen spent the month of an injury to her leg and could not com- March talking to Coconino High School pete in her favorite event, hurdles, she

students and the community about her continues to enjoy running and sprinting. experience recovering from a horrific Mackenzie enjoys school, has made new “Mackenzie is a strong, independent accident in order to highlight Traumatic friends, and has accepted the changes in young lady trying to find her place in this Brain Injury Awareness Month. her appearance. During this interview world. She will too. She is determined with Mackenzie we were joined by her and has embraced a life-event that would November 9, 2012 Mackenzie and her friend Samantha Godesiabois who cause many people to crumble. She in twin brother Matthew got into his truck offered her friend support as she told turn has taken this opportunity to be the to head to Coconino High School as they her story. Mackenzie created a Power- best Mackenzie she can be. I am a better always had. Mackenzie distinctly re- Point presentation of her journey and person for knowing her and happy to be members her brother reminding her to presented it to her schoolmates during sharing this journey.” put her seatbelt on and she did. As they an assembly so that her experience could Gina Kugler – Coconino High School continued their ride and passed Cromer enlighten others and educate them on “I have had the privilege of watching Elementary School everything was nor- what a traumatic brain injury is and how MacKenzie (or Kingman as I call her) mal until they approached the hill to- determination and a positive attitude can help you move forward. flourish from a spunky little freshmen to a wards HWY 89. As they went uphill the strong, independent, goal-oriented young steering went out and Mackenzie took Mackenzie is a shining example of a posi- lady. I will never forget the day I heard the shoulder belt off to help Matthew tive attitude and never ending determi- the news of her accident. There was a try to keep the truck in their lane. Un- nation. “I am not happy it happened but period of time where the uncertainty of fortunately, they hit a semi-truck head I am ok with it, I have a better outlook her future seemed to be a horrible on. A good samaritan helped until EMS and have learned more than I could have nightmare. MacKenzie and I have arrived and extricated Matthew and ever imagined”. “My message to you all shared many, many thoughtful and in- Mackenzie from the wreckage and they is to never give up on your hopes and depth discussions of her past, present and were both transported to the hospital. dreams. No matter how difficult times future goals. I don’t think people Matthew was treated for a short time can get, you will always have people who realize the difficult road this amazing and was released. Mackenzie spent two support your decisions all throughout young woman has had to travel to get weeks at Flagstaff Medical Center and life. You can feel bad for yourself all you where she is now. Although she realizes her journey is still full of then was transported to Phoenix Chil- want, but having pity and staying in bed speed bumps, potholes, and detours, she dren’s Hospital where she was in an all day will not fix, nor help you. Because remains steadfast in her will to prove to induced coma for 3+ weeks due to brain YOU are the only person who is in con- herself and everyone else that very soon swelling, pneumonia, meningitis and trol.” she will be going full speed on the inter- nerve damage. She endured 10 surger- state of life. It is a great honor to call her Mackenzie is now a graduating senior ies including 3 on her eye and stayed at a dear friend and know that she will en- with good grades and is looking forward the hospital for a total of 6 weeks. Mac- dure. kenzie will still need more surgeries in to attending CCC then NAU in the fall Abel Garlant – Coconino High School the future. planning to major in Criminal Justice or Forensics. “When I first met Mackenzie, I was im- While her twin continued his junior year pressed with her drive to improve herself, at Coconino, Mackenzie recovered for Mackenzie is very aware of the effect not just her language skills, but in all as- the rest of the school year and returned that this accident had on her parents, pects of her life. She was determined to as a junior the following school year. brother and sister and talks about them have a positive outlook and to make the She made this choice instead of finishing with a gratitude that is obvious. She also most out of this horrific accident. She that year taking classes on line due to has many supporters at Coconino High told me that she felt this accident hap- her love of being a member of the track School and the following are quotes pened for a reason: so that she would team. Mackenzie was scared to go back about Mackenzie from people who work have an opportunity to reflect on all the to school worried about her memory with her every day. choices that she had previously loss, short hair and wondering what “Mackenzie’s experience, along with her made, and that in the end, she people would think; she did not want to outlook, have put her so far ahead in could become a better person than she be looked at as different or challenged. life. It is incredible to think that having a was before.” She made sure to study very hard and terrible accident can turn your life in Beth Vaughan Wilson, MNS, CCC-SLP went to tutoring so that her memory such a positive direction. Mackenzie has loss would not be the prevailing issue shown more fortitude and positivity than Licensed & Certified Speech-Language and would not get in the way of her most of us will ever get the opportunity Pathologist education. She rejoined the track team to demonstrate.” and though disappointed that she had Sean Kugler– FUSD

Page 3 FUSD Newsletter News Briefs

FHS Welding Winning Awards Congratulations to the Quiz Bowl Teams! Congratulations to FHS student Jacob Morrison who attend- ed the Arizona State Skills USA Competition for welding FHS varsity team finished 9th in the state in the varsity divi- with his teacher Mike Rust and received the highest award, sion and the FHS novice team finished 4th in the novice a Gold Medal. Jacob and Mr. Rust will be attending the Na- division. tional Skills USA Skills Competition in Louisville next month. 80 Welding students from schools across Arizona competed “This was the hardest and most in the SkillsUSA Arizona Championships on April 7th and 8th attended tournament yet.” Jeff at the Phoenix Convention Center. The contest has been designed to test the welder's abilities in each of these areas Taylor, FHS Quiz Bowl Team to select the best "all around" student welder to represent Coach the state of Arizona at the National SkillsUSA Champion- ships in Louisville Kentucky June 21st -27th. Each state sends 1 student to compete at the National contest in June and FUSD is very proud to have Jacob Morrison represent FHS, Flagstaff and Arizona. The “World Famous” CocoNuts Attend the World Championships Again! The CocoNuts attended the World Championships in April for the Odyssey of the Mind 8th year in a row (the team has been competing for 8 years). Congratulations to the team and their amazing coaches! The DeMiguel Odyssey of the Mind team is going to the Odyssey of the Mind World Finals at Michigan State University May 20— 23rd. Seven fifth graders will represent Flagstaff with their coach- es Joy Bergeron and Stephanie Mansfield.

Important Contact Information for SMS Students Advance in the National Flagstaff Unified School History Day Competition Five Sinagua Middle School students attended the State National District History Day Competition after advancing from the regional com- petiion and three will continue to the national competition in Maryland in June. Congratulations to Aiden Fhodes, Connor Administrative Center Main Number – 527-6000 Garrod, and Mikhaila Rosanova. Curriculum and Instruction Office – 527-6021 Human Resources – 527-6070 Food Service – 527-6090 Bilingual Education – 527-6107 Student Support Services – 527-6160 Transportation – 527-2300 Family Resource Center – 774-1103

Page 4 FUSD Newsletter FLAGSTAFF UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT Statement of Vision, Mission, Core Beliefs, Motto and Goals

Vision Statement: 3285 E. Sparrow Excellence for All by All Flagstaff, AZ 86004

Mission Statement: Phone: 928-527-6004 The mission of FUSD is to provide the best comprehensive

educational opportunities for all in a safe, collaborative E-mail: [email protected] environment of high standards and expectations.

Core Beliefs: We believe in the power of expectation; in the impact of high standards; in the value of diversity; and in the six pillars of character.

Motto: Education at the Top of Arizona

Excellence For All By All Goals: Maintain and Improve Comprehensive Student Opportunities and Services Recruit and Retain Highly Qualified, Motivated, and Excelling Staff Please visit our Facebook Improve Student Preparedness and Mastery page (Flagstaff Unified Research and Create Desirable and Relevant Educational Opportunities and Services School District/Facebook) Increase Public Engagement and Support for FUSD for all of the latest Develop Diversified Partnerships and Revenue Opportunities events and good news.

FUSD Teachers Are Great! 2015 Coconino County Teacher Arizona Education Association dedication to students and to Career and Awards Technical Education in the State of of the Year Arizona.” Coconino County Teacher of the Year nomi- Two FUSD teachers have been honored by Viola Awards nations were announced last month and all the Arizona Education Association: FUSD would like to congratulate the follow- three finalists are FUSD teachers. Jeffrey Taylor (FHS) received the 2015 Am- ing teachers for their 2015 Viola Award Congratulations to this year’s finalists: bassadors for Excellence Award and Patricia Nominations: Excellence in Art Education Whitney Tapia (Knoles Elementary School) Roach (Cromer) was awarded the 2015 Faun Nichols (Sechrist Music Teacher) AEA Human and Civil Rights Award. Mike Rust (Flagstaff High School) Excellence in Science Education Sean Ryan (DeMiguel Elementary School) Congratulations to these outstanding JeffreyTaylor (FHS) The semi finalists from FUSD were; Noah teachers! David Thompson (CocoNuts Coach) Craig Howdeshell (CHS) Hayes-McKeirnan (DeMiguel) and Craig Sean Ryan (DeMiguel) who was also Howdeshell (Coconino High School). The Congratulations to Doug Allen, FUSD Career and Technical Edu- named teacher of the year by the Flagstaff 2015 Third Annual Coconino County Teach- cation (CTE)! VFW. er of the Year Award Ceremony was held Another nomination for the Viola Awards was a project that was done with Flagstaff May 6th. Congratulations to the Coconino The Association for Career and Technical Education of Arizona (ACTEAZ) announced High School Photography Students, some County Teacher of the Year—Whitney that Doug Allen has received the ACTEAZ Summit High School Students and the Flag- Tapia. Lifetime Achievement Award. staff Symphony Orchestra called Fantasique FSO ACTEAZ stated in the announcement that “The application and nomination statement clearly spoke of your accomplishments and Page 5 FUSD Newsletter