DTMMS News A weekly newsletter brought to you by Dodge Traditional Magnet Middle School
VOL.1, ISSUE 10 8.21.2020
Top stories in this newsletter
A Message from Our Principal
Meet our Teachers & Staff
Parent Complements
From Our Principal, Ms. McGlory
Greetings Dodge Families,
Welcome Back! It has been a busy summer preparing for online teaching and learning. I continued to ride my bike to work this summer, and I made 1,000 miles.
The heat has me traveling by car now, but I hope to get back on my bike when the temperature cools down. I hope you are getting some exercise. Parents are welcome to join our Zoom P.E. classes if you want to get a few minutes of exercise with your child.
This is my 16th year with TUSD and seven years as an administrator. I previously retired as V.P. with Chase/Bank One (30 yrs.) I am joining Zoom classes to meet and get to know students new to Dodge and say hello to existing students.
Remember to take care of your mental and physical health. We miss you, “We believe in you,” and please stay safe and well. Respectfully,
Dinah McGlory, MBA, MAEd, MSEd Principal-Dodge Traditional Middle Magnet School [email protected] 520-731-4104-Office 520-731-4101-Fax Mrs. Arvayo Hello Bulldogs,
A little about me—this is my 17th year in education and my 5th year as Dean of Students at Dodge.. I taught English/Language Arts for a decade in a neighboring district and worked at Tucson High for a bit. I went to Miles Elementary, Booth-Fickett, and Tucson High. I’m also a proud Wild- cat and Lumberjack!
In my free time I like to read books, hang out with my two kids, and catch up on Netflix. I sure did miss my family’s annual summer beach trip but we were able to get away to Pinetop at least. Other than that, we watch and sing a lot of Hamilton songs at home.
Mrs. Arvayo Email: [email protected] Call/Text: (520) 314-8164
Mrs. Arvizu This is my second year at Dodge and 14th year as a school psychologist. Wow, time flies!
Fact about me,: I love music and I’ll dance and sing to just about anything. My kids love it when I do it in public (not!)
Dr. Asbill Close your eyes, take three slow deep breaths. Feel your heartbeat, slow your breathing down. Listen, listen to the world around you. What do you hear? Parents talking, siblings learning or playing, the wind blowing, sounds from the outside world. So many sounds. In music class, we ask you to deeply listen and analyze what you hear. When you deeply listen, so much more comes to light. You can use this in all of your learning through- out the day. Practice each day, at the end of the week, you'll be surprised just how much you've learned.
Committed to Rigorous Academic Performance – 5R Education Ms. Ash This is my sixth year as the Library Assistant at Dodge; before this, I was the library assistant at Sewell Elementary for five years. I love all things book – feel free to email me for book rec- ommendations! I look forward to helping everyone find new favorite reads once we can all be back at school!
Mrs. Barr Happy 2020-2021 school year! This is my 17th year at Dodge and I continue to love teaching middle school. It has been challenging teaching online, but I have enjoyed the many siblings of my cur- rent students that have popped onto Zoom screens to say hello. My oldest son is now engaged and not living at home anymore, so I have taken over his room as my teaching space. My dogs sit with me for much of the day, but I’m not sure how much they are learn- ing! I can’t wait to safely get back to in-person education!
Sra. Camacho ¡Hola! Familia Dodge,
Este verano, yo compartí tiempo con mi familia y amigos. Cuide mis plantas, leí libros y tambie n pinte mi casa. Adema s, recibí un nuevo miembro a mi familia una hermosa sobrinita. Ahora, que regrese a clases he estado muy contenta y emocionada de ver a todos mis es- tudiantes de nuevo y a los nuevos es un honor conocerlos y ser su maestra este an o escolar. Espero verlos pronto en persona.
Hello Dodge family,
This summer I shared time with my family and friends. I took care of my plants, read books, and I painted my house. Also, I received a new baby niece to the family. Now that I'm back in school, I've been very happy and excited to see all my students again. To the new ones, it's an honor to meet you and be your teacher this school year. I hope to see you soon in person.
Sra. Camacho/Maestra de espan ol
Mr. Crull A very famous line from a song years ago says, "We shall overcome." I feel that way about online teaching. It will get better.
Here is a picture of me with a beard, my wife and my youngest grand- child last year.
Mr. Davis I have learned that success is to be measured not so much by the po- sition that one has reached in life, as by the obstacles which he has had to overcome while trying to succeed.
When you know “how to think,” it empowers you more than “what to think.”
Mrs. Ellis Hi, I'm Mrs. Ellis, your school safety monitor. I have been working in the library to help Ms. Ash get it ready for when you all come back. I've also been watching some owls that decided they like my tree in my back yard.
Check them out!
Committed to Rigorous Academic Performance – 5R Education Mrs. Gimblett My 21st year of teaching....Ugh...during a Pandemic? So much of what we know about teaching is going to look different this first quar- ter. Patience is my request. Please reach out and tell me as a teacher what you need from me - I am here to serve your children. It won’t be the same as it has been in years past. It is time for me to ask you what you need from me. Truly, your students emotional well-being is at my highest priority. Flexibility is my personal philosophy. As we have moved through our first days together I long for the classroom where our relationships develop with ease. Bear with me as I try to honor your students and your families in unchartered times.
STAY SAFE
Mrs. Gimblett - Although the kids are calling me Mrs. Kimberlyn? (It is what they see on ZOOM) Cute - I don’t correct them.
Ms. Goldberg Welcome to another school year! My name is Paula Goldberg and I have been teaching since 1980. This is my 18th year at Dodge, and it seems it will be the most unusual year I've had so far. I teach reading and writing which are two favorite things for me to do in my free time. Other things I love to do in my spare time are swim and read in my pool (not at the same time). My pool is even older than my teaching career! It is surrounded by a high wall, and it is where you can find me as soon as I shut down my computer for the day.
I have loved getting to work with my students these past two weeks!
Ms. Gray Hello, Dodge Families!
My name is Shanna Gray. This is my 2nd year teaching 8th grade math at Dodge and my 14th year teaching in TUSD. I enjoy cooking and traveling with my family, especially road trips and camping. I am looking forward to getting to know you and your family as the year goes on!
Ms. Haley Hello Dodge Bulldogs and family, I am Ms. Tonya Haley, your counselor.
This is my 31st year with TUSD, including 14 years as a teacher and the remainder as a counselor. I have 5 children and 8 wonderful grandchil- dren. Spending time with my grandchildren is my favorite thing in the whole world. Other than being a counselor, I also love to read, camp, walk, go to concerts, play Poke mon Go, and try thrill-seeking activities. So far, I have been skydiving, parasailing, bungee jumping, ridden rollercoasters, a hot air balloon, and I was a passenger in a NASCAR racecar doing laps at 150 MPH. Most of these activities were all since I turned 50.
I planned on going camping this summer, weekend driving trips where it was cooler, but unfortunately, both my husband and I got COVID-19. Luckily, we recovered with only a few side effects. I am blessed because my 80-year-old mom, who lives with us, did not get it.
Weekly Wisdom Nugget: “You only have to tell the truth once.”
Please stay safe and healthy and I look forward to working with you.
Mrs. Hubbard Hi. I am Sherry Hubbard, the office manager at Dodge. I want to wel- come all our new families and tell our returning families how happy I am that we are back together even if it is virtually. I have happily worked as the office manager at Dodge for about 13 years now.
Part of my job is to answer phones and answer questions. If I do not know the answers, I will either find out or direct you to someone who is better able to answer your queries.
Much like all of you, I find myself frustrated at times and need to re- member to breath. One of the things that helps me is to revisit places that may be peaceful or just remind me of good times. One example of this is the photo I use for my background on some zoom meetings. It was taken on a trip to Ireland and shows some of the variety of greens as well as the ocean. Can’t you just imagine how peaceful it was?
Please stay positive and don’t hesitate to call me at 731-4100 if you have any questions or concerns.
Committed to Rigorous Academic Performance – 5R Education Ms. Hutton Creative Social Family Distance.
With all of our free time, my daughter and I have been doing puz- zles. We even had a family puzzle night with some extended family members. First, we all ordered the same puzzle from Amazon. Second, we decided on the rules of our “Family Puzzle Competition” and picked out a night to get together on Zoom. Then we invited other family members to sit in and cheer us all on.
Finally, the day was here, and the competition started. It was so much fun to try to see who could put the 300-piece puzzle together the fast- est. Grandparents, aunts, sisters, and cousins all joined in. It was such a success that we all now have orders our 2nd puzzle for the next compe- tition coming up in the next few weeks. It was a nice way to spend time with family and still be safe and social distance.
Ms. Michelle Mr. Jensen Hello Dodge Families!
I am proud to say I am starting my 22nd year of teaching in TUSD. While this is only my second year at Dodge, I believe these unusual times we are all living through have brought me closer to the families of Dodge, as well as my co-workers, quicker than nor- mal. I love being at Dodge and plan to be here until I retire.
I am a second-generation native Tucsonan and attended TUSD schools from 1st grade until graduation. As a matter of fact, my mother graduated from Tucson High in 1951. I am married and have 3 children and my two younger children currently attend TUSD schools. My oldest daughter is a nurse and this past November gave birth to my first granddaughter. My new favorite thing is being a grandfather. My second favorite thing is to make fun of ASU!
Be safe and stay healthy!
Mrs. Judd My name is Avis Judd, and I am so pleased to be your 6th grade math teacher! This is my first year working at Dodge. Before becoming a teacher, I worked in the Tucson theater community as an actor, di- rector, technician, and designer. I recently celebrated 21 years of marriage and have two daughters: one starting her senior year of high school, and the other starting 7th grade. We also have a giant dog named Hebites – long story!
Mrs. Karn Hello, 7th Grade Bulldogs! I have had such a great time getting our year started these last 2 weeks. The connections you are making in class with Economic decisions in the present and past are superb.
I want to applaud you on your efforts in making it to class despite tech- nological issues. Your persistence amazes me.
Keep up the good work! -Mrs. Karn
Ms. Keith Hello 8th graders! It has been wonderful getting to know all of you these first two weeks. I know things are odd right now, and we aren’t able to learn and be together like we would wish. But I think that so far, we’ve made the best of the situation, and we’ll get through this together!
I guess I needed more novelty and uncertainty in my life then we al- ready have, because I got a puppy a few weeks ago! His name is Ozzy, and the PACC shelter thinks he is about 5-6 months old. It has been a whirlwind, but he has settled in quite nicely and is such a sweet, dorky pup. Our main reason for getting him was to give our 2.5-year-old dog, Akira, a friend. They love playing and cuddling with each other, so that has been adorable. Akira is the brown, Husky/Chow mix on the right, and Ozzy is the black and white pup on the left. We don’t know what breeds he is yet. Any guesses? I bought a doggy DNA test to find out, so stay tuned!
Mrs. Kent This is about 55 years ago! Can you tell by looking at the clothes and the old camera? We were on a family outing and were invited to ride horses at a friend’s farm in Minnesota. It was a good time to be together. I’m the one on the right side. Haha! I look a lot differ- ent now! See you in class Dodge superstars!
Mrs. Kent Committed to Rigorous Academic Performance – 5R Education Mrs. Kidd Hello Dodge Families!
It has been my GREAT pleasure to get to know our 7th graders this year! We have a stellar group of scholars who have been testing their metal doing things with technology for the very first time, myself included! I am SO proud of the perseverance I have seen!
One of the places I love to hang out is Grand Teton National Park, WY. Mr. Kidd and I have lived and worked there for several summer sea- sons. The first time Mr. Kidd took me to visit he PROMISED I would see a moose…my favorite awkward animal. As luck would have it, the moose were nowhere in sight. So, he drove me to this spot where I saw “MOOSE 8” on a GREEN sign (all my favorites: moose, the number 8, and the color green). I would like to encourage you all to take pleasure in the little things that life brings your way, even in this imperfect world. Thank you for inspiring me every single day.
Mrs. Kidd
Mr. Kruszewski Hello! I am Mr. Kruszewski (Mr. K.) and this is my 26th year teach- ing. I’ve lived in Tucson most of my life attending TUSD schools in ele- mentary (Bloom) and junior high (Magee) and then graduating from Salpointe Catholic HS. I received a bachelor’s degree from the UofA, master's degree from NAU and I am an adjunct professor for Grand Canyon University. I am the technology teacher at Dodge, but I have also taught 1st and 3rd grade along with 6th math/science in addi- tion to previously coaching high school soccer for many years at Sahua- ro with my brother.
I am married with three boys, 21, 18 and an 11-year-old. We’ve also had 26 foster children come through our home and we currently have two baby foster children ages 8 months and 3-years. In addition, I am very lucky to have my entire immediate family live in Tucson, AZ (about 22 people total).
When I do have free time, I enjoy traveling with my family. Last summer we drove 10,000 miles on a road trip! I love to learn, hike, play sports, watch movies and listen to non-fiction audio books. The rest of my free time is spent with my family doing all the things families do.
I am excited for another great year at Dodge!
Ms. McCracken I love to travel, which has been severely curtailed this summer. I've been in every state and have slept in every state (this was a race to accomplish with my sister). I've been to Canada, Sweden, Mexico, Ja- maica, India, Japan, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, England, Spain, Taiwan, S. Korea, Hong Kong. I've been across Canada on the trans-Canada high- way, just need to go to Yukon, Northwest, and Nunavut territories. Next desire is Ireland and Scotland. My travel partners in the US and CA are my two pups - they have more miles under their short legs than many people I know. Thank you.
Patricia "Patty" McCracken, MSN, RN School Nurse
Ms. McKechnie Welcome Dodge Families,
My name is Ms. Maura McKechnie and I am starting my eleventh year teaching here at Dodge. Over the years I have taught everything from 6th grade math up through 8th grade Geometry as well as Study Skills and Math Intervention. I am originally from New Jersey and all my family still lives back east but they enjoy coming out to spend some time in Tucson! I look forward to getting to know our fabulous 7th grade families this year and am excited to help you grow as you prepare to continue your education! . Love and Math, Ms. McKechnie
Mrs. Miller Hello My Wonderful Parents and Science Students:
I wanted to write and tell you that I have cats, a dog, a garden, and love teaching science!! I have been teaching for over 30 years and would love to see you in my science classroom when we go back! I am new to Dodge but most of my teaching has been at the Middle school level. I spend some of my free time biking and playing rock band on PlayStation. I like the guitar and the drums best!
Sincerely, Pamela Miller
Committed to Rigorous Academic Performance – 5R Education Mr. Mills
I love to travel! This is a waterfall in Kona, Hawaii last year!
Mrs. Misenhimer I can’t believe that I am starting my 28th year teaching and my 20th year at Dodge. I have been in middle school forever. Just a couple of quick facts about my family and me. My husband is also a middle school teacher. We have two children Brooklyn and Blake. We have a deaf cat named Dunkin (yes, after Dunkin Donuts) and we’ve recently acquired a tortoise named Tillie. I love Disney, coffee, and cross- stitching and my cat. I miss being in the classroom but I know that we can continue to learn during this remote teaching/learning. Here’s to a new adventure!!! And “patience Iago, patience.”
Ms. Patterson
Hello Dodge Families! I have had an incredible time working with our 6th grade class online. I feel absolutely honored to have such hard working and enthusiastic students in my class. As we are all still getting to know each other, I thought I'd include two truths and a lie about my summer break: 1. I baked a five-layer chocolate cake. 2. I tried indoor skydiving for the first time. 3. I read over 1 million words in books. In the next newsletter I'll disclose which was the lie! I also hope every- one else had a wonderful summer and is as excited about this school year as I am!
Sincerely, Ms. Patterson 6th Grade Social Studies
Mrs. Regole I must say this view was beautiful. I took my 86-year-old mother to Ocean Beach in San Diego, we rented from RVBO and this was our view for five days. Not only was the view and the sound of the waves hitting the cliffs wonderful, it was definitely not 110 degrees.
Mrs. Rogers Hello everyone – I am a new member to Dodge Traditional Magnet, but not new to education. I began my career as a math and science teacher. Over the years I have accepted opportunities to add to my diverse edu- cational profession and now serve students, teachers, and the communi- ty as the Curriculum Service Provider (CSP). One area of focus is to assist teachers in collecting data so they can focus on the important daily routine of keeping our students engaged in their educational jour- ney. We will then use the data to drive our goals as a learning commu- nity.
I’d like to share one of my favorite memories, especially during these hot summer months. It’s of a hike that my dad and I took in early March – before the pandemic shut everything down. He helps me keep things in perspective.
Mr. Ryan Ahoy parents and students! Captain Ryan here. I have a love for all things involving Legos, Pirates, and Writing! This is my 14 year in TUSD, and my 3rd at Dodge.
I am very much looking forward to the day when we can all return to school.
Mrs. Snow Piper the Dachshund is our class pet. He is "in class" with us every day. You can't see him, but he is on his soft bed that is by my feet. He is 14 years old and he sleeps a lot. You might hear him bark when someone comes to the door and startles him awake.
Piper has a dog joke for you…
Q: What is a dog's favorite kind of pizza?
A: Pupperoni pizza!
Committed to Rigorous Academic Performance – 5R Education Mr. Sonier Hello Bulldogs!! My Name is Tim Sonier. This is my 2nd year at Dodge and I teach Study Skills and Science Olympiad. I am also the Boy’s Basketball coach when we are allowed to play sports. In my limited spare time, I coach for a local club basketball team and train individuals in basketball skills. As you can see, basketball is life.
I am a father of 2 wonderfully unique and extraordinarily special boys. The oldest is a senior at UHS and my youngest is a sophomore at Rincon. I look forward to getting to know everyone. Mrs. Staab Hello Families!
I’m Mrs. Staab, 6/7 PE teacher. I love spending time with my family, walk- ing my dog, and lifting weights! I’m really happy to hear how much your children enjoy exercise and being active.
Mrs. Swanson Hello Everyone,
My name is Apryl Swanson. I was born and raised in Detroit, MI. I re- ceived my bachelor’s and master’s degree from Wayne State University in Detroit, MI. I am certified for pre-K – 8th grade and I have 18 years of teaching experience. I taught in Detroit, MI, St. Louis, MO and Atlanta, GA prior to moving to Tucson, AZ in 2016 where I plan to retire. Initially here in Tucson, I was a kindergarten teacher at Sam Hughes Elementary School until I was hied as a Magnet Coordinator at Booth Fickett. Last year I was hired to be the Magnet Coordinator here at Dodge.
I have two grown children, a boy and a girl. Up until April of this year I was married to a wonderful man for 38 years before he passed away. I am not a cat person but rather a dog person. Growing up my parents bought a St. Bernard that broke through our back door and ate a rump roast my mom was planning on serving for dinner. So, my dad traded the dog in for an Irish Wolfhound, then an Afghan, and finally a Carin Terrier. See the pattern? The dogs got smaller. Lol. When my kids were growing up, we had a Maltese Terrier and a Silky Terrier.
One of my hobbies is playing the flute. I played the flute in grade school starting in the 5th grade all the way through high school. I was in the marching band, symphonic orchestra, and the jazz band while in high school. I also love acting. I was in drama in which one of my favorite plays was Cactus Flower. I love going shopping but since COVID19, I find enjoy- ment watching Netflix. Some of the shows I like are Umbrella Academy, On Our Block, Stranger Things, Quantico, Charmed, Roswell, and Flash.
Mr. Teixeira Welcome back to school. This year has started off in a way that many have not expected. However, we have planned out a way to make sure you stay active and enjoy Physical Education. I look forward to having you this semester.
What Parents are Saying About Dodge
“The online schooling so far this year is been going great!”
“Everything seems organized and consistent. I can tell that everyone worked hard to make this online schooling go so smoothly.”
“Using Microsoft Teams for posting assignments and allowing students to submit their work has been successful.”
“I really appreciate you and your teachers for being open minded and flexible. Please let them know that their hard work is noticed and we are aware of all the challenges they are facing. We can't wait to be back at Dodge in person. GO BULLDOGS!” Ms. Carrillo-Gaxiola I'd like to express my appreciation for you (Ms. McGlory) and all the teachers and staff at Dodge. The online schooling so far this year has been going great. All my son's classes have been on Zoom with no trouble connecting. Also, it seems that using Microsoft Teams for posting assignments and allowing students to submit their work has been very success- ful. 8th Grade Parent
TUSD Administration Dr. Gabriel Trujillo—Superintendent Tucson Unified School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, TUSD Governing Board disability, gender, or sexual orientation in admission to Kristel Ann Foster, President or access to, or treatment or employment, in its Leila Counts, Clerk educational programs or activities. Bruce A Burke Adelita S. Grijalva Rachael Sedgewick
Committed to Rigorous Academic Performance – 5R Education