Community Connect: Volume 1 Issue 1

Vol. 1 Issue 1

Designing Without Limits Keyon Day’s extraordinary quest to learn Architecture through innovative technology.

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Best Apps for Middle School Students

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QuestBridge Scholar Heads to Columbia U

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Blanket Donations Drive Holiday Spirit

Vista The

Center for the Arts

Spring 2020 Performance Schedule

85th Anniversary Tour: The Drifters: Count Basie Orchestra Rock & Roll Hall of Famers April 7th and 8th @ 7pm April 11th @ 8pm

Jim Breuer: Live and Let Laugh April 24th @ 7pm

The Vista Center for the Arts is a premiere venue in the Northwest Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, featuring events, show, concerts and much more for the entire family!

Use promo code VISTA for $5 off per ticket!

Tickets available online or in person. Box Office open Tuesday-Friday, 10am-2pm 15660 N Parkview Place, Surprise, AZ 85374 • Phone: 623-523-8888 • info@TheVistaAZ.com

www.TheVistaAZ.com

IN THIS ISSUE

communi communitty CONNECT

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Calendar of events for the local community

6

QuestBridge scholar gets matched

15802 N Parkview Place Surprise, AZ 85374

Student Voice: If I only knew then...

Editorial Staff Renee Ryon Ryan McGinley Carly McVay Ambria Brown

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MAGAZINE

April 2020 • Vol. 1 Issue 1

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Designing without limits: Keyon Day

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Spotlight: Student equestrian

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Teacher Tips: Good apps for kids

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Donating blankets to the community

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Local coffee shop gives real-world skills

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My Take: Full-day kindergarten

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Volunteering for the community

30

Student filmmaker tells community stories

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SkillsUSA president becomes voice

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Parent Perspective: Transition to high school

Contributing Writers Paige Garcia Ginia McFarland Shelsea Greenleaf M. Jeanne Wilcox Rachel Mayercek Beth Simek Contributing Artists and Photographers Christie Zhang Advertising Interested in advertising with us?

The Community Connect Magazine offers full page, half page, and quarter page options for each issue.

Contact us at publicrelations@ dysart.org for more information on pricing and deadlines or visit dysart.org/CommunityConnect.

Story Ideas?

The Community Connect is always looking for story ideas and contributing content. If you know of an idea or person that should be featured, please feel free to reach out to us at publicrelations@dysart.org.

About Us The Community Connect Magazine is a publication aimed at telling the stories of students, staff, and community members who make extraordinary contributions to our community. The magazine has one of the largest circulations in the Northwest Valley. The mission is to provide a publication for the community, about the community, featuring advertisements to support our local community businesses.

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ON THE COVER

Keyon Day, a Shadow Ridge High School Architecture student, smiles for the camera while wearing a metallic dot on his glasses to help him control the computer mouse.

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On the Calendar: The Drifters come to The Vista!

COMMUNITY CONNECT MAGAZINE 3

Parenting in the 21st Century: Navigating Technology and Using It As A Family Resource

APR.

CALENDAR

Surprise Pops Band Concert: Pops on Broadway More than 65 musicians perform for music lovers of all ages. There is no charge for the concert, but the band asks the audience to bring a non-perishable food donation for the local food banks.

April 5, 2020 3:00pm - 5:00pm The Vista Center for the Arts www.surprisepopsband.com DONATION

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The Legendary Count Basie Orchestra

Count Basie was able to get many of the greatest instrumentalists and vocalists in jazz to be a part of his orchestra, including Billie Holiday, Lester Young, Sweets Edison, Joe Jones, Joe Williams, Snooky Young, Frank Foster, Thad Jones, Frank Wess, and Clark Terry amongst others.

The orchestra has played many times for Kings, Queens, and other members of Royalty around the world. Appeared in movies, television shows, tv and radio commercials, won every respected jazz poll in the world at least once, and has 18 Grammy Awards, the most for any orchestra. Today, under the leadership of its director, Scotty Barnhart, The Count Basie Orchestra is traveling the world and continuing the excellent standards in swinging and shouting the blues with precision, and continuing to be “The Most Explosive Force In Jazz.”

April 7th and 8th, 2020 at 7:00pm The Vista Center for the Arts • www.TheVistaAZ.com TICKETED

FAMILY

The Drifters: Rock and Roll Hall of Famers

Spring Eggstravaganza

The Bill Pinkney legacy group still reflects the entire Legendary Drifters presence in the music industry and weaves a blend of nostalgic magic and onstage excitement with a 21st Century twist.

Eager hunters, from toddlers to 10-year-olds, are invited to join the search for more than 50,000 candy and toy-filled eggs! This free family event will feature face painters, balloon artists, and of course Mr. & Mrs. Bunny!!

April 11, 2020 at 8:00pm The Vista Center for the Arts www.TheVistaAZ.com

April 11, 2020 7:30am to 11:30am Surprise Recreation Campus Kansas City Royals Practice Fields

TICKETED

FAMILY

FREE

4 APRIL 2020

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Presented by the Dysart Community Education Department and Common Sense Media, this workshop provides parents with tools and resources to help them understand social media and technology as it relates to their children.

April 15, 2020 6:00-8:00pm Dysart Governing Board Room FREE

PARENTS

Mamma Mia! Spring Musical Valley Vista High School Drama presents this sunny and funny tale as it unfolds on a Greek island paradise!

Non-stop laughs and explosive dance numbers combine to make Mamma Mia! a guaranteed fun time.

April 16th 2020, 7:00pm April 17th 2020, 7:00pm April 18th 2020, 2:00pm April 18th 2020, 7:00pm The Vista Center for the Arts TICKETED

FAMILY

STUDENT PRODUCTION

Poetry Slam at WHAM

CALENDAR

This event features open mic night for poetry, free verse, and storytelling! All are welcome to participate as performers and/or listeners.

Any established or original pieces may be read. This is a free event and open to the public! No registration required. For details call 623-334-5271.

FREE

FAMILY

Sunday in the Park Food Truck Festival Come enjoy this fun family event with live music by Notes from Neptune (Blues and R&B) and a variety of delicious food trucks, as well as an assortment of refreshments. This familyfriendly event will also have various yard games, inflatables and face painting.

Event admission is free; food and drink will be available for purchase. Don’t forget a blanket or lawn chair! Dogs must be on leashes.

April 19, 2020 from 4-8pm Mark Coronado Park www.surpriseaz.gov FREE

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Pippin Musical Willow Canyon students will perform Pippin the Musical. Tickets available at willowcanyontheatre.com April 23-25, 2020 Willow Canyon High School TICKETED

FAMILY

STUDENT PRODUCTION

Math Challenge

STEM Challenge

The second annual Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Challenge will be held at Shadow Ridge High School on April 27, 2020. Participating schools form teams consisting of four to six students in grades 5-8. The teams prepare for the challenge by meeting once per week to learn about robotics, practice STEM challenges, and document their learning journey with the creation of a digital notebook diary.

April 27, 2020 from 4:30-7:30pm Shadow Ridge High School FREE

Students in 1st through 8th grade from across the Dysart Unified School District participate in the annual Math Challenge. Featuring three timed rounds, students collaborate with peers to solve problems.

May 9, 2020 from 7am-5pm Valley Vista High School FREE

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Cocoa With Kellis

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The Crucible

Shadow Ridge High School students will perform the play, the Crucible.

May 1-2, 2020, 7:00pm TICKETED FAMILY STUDENT PRODUCTION www.SRHSTheatre.com

Join Dysart Superintendent Dr. Quinn Kellis for cocoa and discuss education in the community.

May 13, 2020 9:00am The Vista Center for the Arts FREE

PARENTS

High School Graduation Ceremonies

MAY

April 17, 2020 6:00-8:00pm www.wham-art.org

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Graduation ceremonies for the Dysart School District will be held on Friday, May 15, at State Farm Stadium. Graduation ceremonies are open to the district community; tickets are not required to attend. Ceremonies will begin at the following times: • 1:30 p.m. – Shadow Ridge High School • 3:30 p.m. – Dysart High School • 5:30 p.m. – Valley Vista High School • 7:30 p.m. – Willow Canyon High School FREE

FAMILY

COMMUNITY CONNECT MAGAZINE 5

SPOTLIGHT

I

ON A

QUEST

magine spending six hours filling out just one application for a scholarship. The tedious and oftentimes rigorous process for college-bound students can give anyone pause and ask whether it’s really worth it. But ask Kristy Salazar, a senior at Shadow Ridge High School, and she’ll tell you it is. After her marathon application process for the QuestBridge scholarship, she recently found out she was matched with Columbia University in New York City, where she’ll get a full ride to pursue her dreams. “I heard about Questbridge during my

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6 APRIL 2020

junior year,” she said. “I thought I fit the qualifications that they had talked about for students they accept. So, I decided to go for it.”

One of the requirements, a commonplace in scholarships and college applications, was an essay.

Kristy decided to write about her experiences with volleyball at Shadow Ridge. She was cut by the team early in her high school career. But she fought through adversity and worked her way back to earn a spot on the varsity team her Junior and Senior year. “Once you do the initial application, they tell you that you are a QuestBridge finalist. And then from there you rank up to 12 colleges, and you have to do all the applications for those separately.”

Kristy applied to Columbia University, Stanford, and Yale without ever visiting the schools. In fact, she’s never been to New York, where she will be heading this fall. “It’s scary. It’s going to be the farthest I have been from home,” she exclaimed. “I’ve done a lot of research online, and the things I’ve read and what I heard from other people, I think I will be a good fit there though. I knew I wanted to go to a big city.”

Kristy has decided on an area of interest and will study Environmental Science at Columbia University.

“I’m really interested in researching climate and things like that,” she says with a beaming smile on her face.

Kristy was one of 1,127 students nationwide who were selected as a match scholarship recipient. In addition to QuestBridge, Kristy was named as a semifinalist for the National Merit Scholarship Program, which represents less than one percent of high school seniors. “It still doesn’t even feel that real, to be honest,” she said. “It is really exciting though because now I am done with applications and have an idea of where I am going in life.”

Kristy Salazar poses with a certificate for her QuestBridge Scholarship outside Shadow Ridge High School. She will attend Columbia University in the Fall.

COMMUNITY CONNECT MAGAZINE 7

STUDENT VOICE

IF ONLY I KNEW THEN WHAT I KNOW

NOW

By Paige Garcia, 10th Grader at Willow Canyon High School

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here is a lot of advice I’d give to my younger self, and a lot of times that I wished I had someone to be giving me that advice. The things I wish I could go back and tell myself usually fall into categories of do this, don’t do that, say this, don’t say that, go to this, don’t go to that, and so on. The basic idea of this advice would be to prevent my mistakes and wrong-doings, for these mistakes caused pain, regret, and disappointment, which are naturally, things I would seek to avoid. What I had failed to see was what these mistakes really were. When I allowed myself to accept the idea that, yes, I had made a mistake, I was able to rationalize the situation. Everything that I had worked for academically was not thrown away after I received a bad grade on a test. Nobody had disowned me because I made a bad judgement call. My entire character was not shattered after I made the wrong decision. Most importantly I learned that I did not lose myself after I made a mistake. In truth, personal struggle, though it is painful to go through, is the strongest way to grow. If I had not been faced with tough decisions, I would never know how to guide myself through tough situations. Just as if I had never seen the consequences of my actions, I would have never understood how farreaching they were. High school is a place of growth. It is about finding yourself and who you are. It is a time of 8 APRIL 2020

action and a time of change. As long as you have your personal goals, and work steadily to achieve them, do not let the idea of one small bump in the road throw you completely off course. So, in all, though I wish I could go back and prevent myself from ever struggling, or putting myself in an unwanted situation, what is more important is that I did go through them, and I did make it out as a better student, a better friend, a better citizen, and a better person. So my advice to my younger self would be to stick it out, to not be afraid of making mistakes here and there, and to use every situation as an opportunity for growth.

Fortunately, I am young, my peers are young, and our successors are young, giving us plenty of time to learn and grow. During high school we are in our most formative years in terms of our character. It is a place for us to dream of the people we want to be when we grow up, but most interestingly, it is the first time we are taking actual steps in becoming those people. Learning and growth, trustworthiness and respect, responsibility and fairness, and caring and citizenship are all an uphill battle.

One in which we are all bound to make a few mistakes, fall down a couple times, and take a hit or two. Let these be things that build you up, not break you down, and with them, you can become the most strong and honest version of your successful self.

Difference T

SPOTLIGHT

Makers

he Difference Makers Dads’ Club was launched at Riverview School to provide opportunities to engage children in positive, productive activities with male role models in the hope of having an impact on the culture of the community. As a part of the program, they are creating leadership opportunities to enhance student understanding of self leadership, community leadership, and global leadership. Students are given opportunities where they can pursue their passions.

Activities so far included a kick off meeting/pizza party and a fishing day at Cabela’s Glendale, where students joined their dads, grandpas, and uncles for an afternoon of fishing and bonding, ahead of Fathers Day. The event started with a tour of the facility, and ended with catch and release fishing at the Cabela’s pond behind

the store. After the event, each family was gifted with a fishing pole donated by Cabela’s. “Cabela’s mission is to inspire future generations to enjoy, love and conserve the great outdoors - the partnership with the Difference Makers Dads’ Club and Man Up was only natural,” said Brittney SantaMaria, Cabela’s Special Events Outfitter.

“It was great to be in the moment with these families enjoying quality time with their kids and strengthening their bond through fishing.” Activities are planned and scheduled once a month by a volunteer organization called Man-Up Surprise!

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COMMUNITY CONNECT MAGAZINE 9

designing

WITHOUT limits

Keyon Day poses with his paraprofessional, Deborah Lazar Kline, and instructor Scott Thomas in the Architecture classroom at Shadow Ridge High School.

10 APRIL 2020

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ast year, Keyon Day enrolled in the Architecture Program at Shadow Ridge High School.

He’s one of 149 students who choose to learn drafting and design technologies as a possible career pathway. What makes Keyon unique though is that he is a student with multiple physical disabilities. He’s unable to walk and has difficulty controlling his limbs. “But he’s a smart kid. Very, very smart,” says Deborah Lazar Kline, his paraprofessional who’s worked with him for three years. It was a learning experience for everyone when he first came into the program. “We had to figure out what technology, what tools, what curriculum we were going to need to develop to meet his needs so he could draw,” said Scott Thomas, Architecture teacher at the school.

COMMUNITY CONNECT MAGAZINE 11

FEATURE

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exterior elevations, and related Keyon excelled in the initial drawings with movements of course, Design Drafting. The their head. The special tracking course allows students to cameras utilize a small metallic be introduced to the field of dot attached to glasses, a hat, Architecture, styles, floor and or a person’s forehead to move plot plans, and drawing to the cursor on the computer code. He used eye-tracking monitor to access drawings software to navigate a commands. The hardware is computer and participate in the used along with a program course. called Dwell Clicker. This This year, Keyon moved allows Keyon to actually click up to Architectural Design on something on the screen - SCOTT THOMAS Drafting 3-4, where students once he moves the cursor with use computer-aided drafting his head. software and hardware to “It’s a lot of work,” exclaimed develop residential and Thomas. “I’ve used this device commercial design. It became clear that the and there is a lot of self-discipline that you have eye-tracking software was a bit too difficult to go through to figure it out. You have to draw and hard on the eyes. So Scott Thomas, the literally with the movements of your head. The Architecture teacher, submitted for a $2,500 eye strain that you go through, it’s tough. I’ve grant through the Arizona Diamondbacks got to hand it to Keyon. He’s a role model for Foundation School Challenge program, this class. He’s a role model for me.” funded by Chase Bank. The grant was used “Like any other kid, if I do something for to purchase Tracker Pro hardware, which him he will sit back and let it happen,” said included head movement tracking cameras and Deborah. “But when I walk away and let him do headsets that allow all students, including those his own thing, it’s amazing to see how he can with special needs, the ability to design and operate a computer, how he can manipulate all draw architectural floor plans, foundation plans, the keys. Some days are harder than others, because it takes a lot of strength to hold his neck up and operate the little dot that is on his glasses.”

Since receiving the hardware and software, Keyon is excelling in the program. The technology is easier because of the precision necessary for drafting. “I have been working in this field for quite a long time, and just to see the development of these technologies is phenomenal,” said Deborah. “They do it on their own versus someone always doing it for them.”

Keyon also works in groups on projects in the Architecture class. He serves as the drafter, and the other

I got to hand it to Keyon.

He’s a role model for this class. He’s a role model for me.

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Keyon Day laughs as he designs a floor plan using Tracker Pro with his paraprofessional at Shadow Ridge High School

12 APRIL 2020

Keyon Day draws a floor plan for his Architecture class at Shadow Ridge High School as his teacher and paraprofessional observe.

students on the team come up with the ideas for the design. They then relay them to Keyon to draw. “They look at Keyon as a role model,” said Thomas.

“Because it’s like, if Keyon can do this, I certainly can do this, because I don’t have the challenges that he does. It’s allowing all students to be successful in Architecture here at Shadow Ridge.

Just the smile on Keyon’s face when he’s able to draw a wall, or put in a door or window, is priceless.”

More than just the benefit of learning Architecture in a regular educational setting, Keyon is developing social skills important to his development as well. “When he’s going across campus kids will come up to him and say hello and give him a high five,” said Deborah. “Anyone loves to have that, but when you are a teenager growing up, that’s just phenomenal to be a part of a community.

They would never see him unless he had the opportunity to get out into some of these general education classes.”

Keyon was born with these disabilities, and

they will never go away. He does physical therapy to keep his body as strong as possible.

And with the use of the technology available at Shadow Ridge, he has the opportunity to learn everything his peers do. “Keyon is fully [participating] in my program,” said Thomas.

“He’s a CTE student, not just a special education student enrolled in the Architecture program.” Thanks to technology and a dedicated community, Keyon is learning the skills necessary for success in career and a full life.

The Tracker Pro Hardware on top of the computer reads the small metallic dot attached to a set of glasses and tracks movement as Keyon moves his head.

COMMUNITY CONNECT MAGAZINE 13

SPOTLIGHT

Grabbing the Reins

Story and Photos by Ginia McFarland, Shadow Ridge High School

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Bianca Juravlea rides her horse at sunset during a practice session.

14 APRIL 2020

Bianca Juravlea poses with her horse while practicing.

ne more bobby pin in her bun. The chaps are zipped up, her shirt tucked in. Time to mount the horse she drew. Her coach centers her number, whispering reminders about equitation.

Elbows, shoulders back, smile. The critiques every rider hears. Smile.

Smile even if her horse bucks. She smiles to impress the judge. Smile for the scholarship. Smile to win. Smile for the team. The team needs her best performance. She needs to qualify for her team.

Shadow Ridge High School Sophomore, Bianca Juravlea, started working with Arizona State University (ASU) coach and Arizona Quarter Horse Association judge, Holly Hover, to work towards her goal of getting scholarships and improving in ranch riding. “Holly taught me how to show a horse, what the judges are looking for, and how to make patterns look easy,” Juravlea said.

Juravlea started riding in fifth grade at a horse camp her parents found in an ad. In seventh grade she started working with her social studies teacher, a world champion in western pleasure. “She taught me the basics of riding, she also got me to try new horses,” Juravlea said.

After riding with her teacher for a while, she started to work with Hover. Showing with Hover means more than ribbons to Juravlea.

“Showing with Holly means a lot to me. She has made a lot of my dreams come true and showed me how to correctly ride a horse,” Juravlea said.

Since working with Hover, Juravlea’s perspective of the horse industry has changed. “There are so many versatile disciplines to try. She also showed me you don’t need a fancy horse to compete,” said Juravlea.

With more knowledge, Juravlea wishes to continue riding throughout all levels of school. “I do plan to ride in college. I have my mind set on Baylor University, because I love the program there,” she said. Hover has already started preparing Juravlea for college horsemanship.

“Honestly, competing prepares me the most for college,” said Juravlea.

The coach is a valuable part of the rider’s performance. “The coach affect’s the rider’s performance by making the rider feel confident in doing the right thing,” said Juravlea.

Hover has changed Juravlea’s equine career forever. “Holly has taught me that horses are gentle and not here to hurt you,” said Juravlea.

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150+ Online Programs * 100% Online Tay Brunstorff | 480-267-6796 | tay.brunstorff@gcu.edu gcu.edu/ec/Tay.Brunstorff *Does not include programs with residences” Please note, not all GCU programs are available in all states and in all learning modalities. Program availability is contingent on student enrollment. Grand Canyon University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (800-621-7440; http://hlcommission.org/). Important policy information is available in the University Policy Handbook at https://www.gcu.edu/academics/academic-policies.php GCU, while reserving its lawful rights in light of its Christian mission, is committed to maintaining an academic environment that is free from unlawful discrimination. Further detail on GCU’s Non-Discrimination policies can be found at gcu.edu/titleIX The information printed in this material is accurate as of FEBRUARY 2020. For the most up-to-date information about admission requirements, tuition, scholarships and more, visit gcu.edu ©2020 Grand Canyon University 20COEE0126

OFF

How do I get My Middle Schooler Fortnite & Snapchat?

By Shelsea Greenleaf, Western Peaks Elementary School Innovation Academy Teacher

E

very time I tell someone I teach middle school the response is always the same, “Oh, that’s a hard age…” or something along the lines of, “Oh, bless your heart!” While “big, bad middle schoolers” can be daunting to many, the key to success when dealing with middle school students is understanding their passions and triggers. One aspect of this in the digital age is being able to provide them with constant entertainment, which often times is found by utilizing a digital device, whether it be their cell phones, a tablet, or a gaming console.

Most middle schoolers can run circles around many of us when it comes to technology. Rather than fighting students every step of the way, as the saying goes, ‘if you can’t beat them, join them.’ As infants and toddlers we encourage them to learn while playing. As middle schoolers we can use the same concept by introducing them to the correct apps and games for their devices.

Below is a list of some useful apps that can be used to help students focus and organize their lives, as well as, learning while playing.

English Language Arts:

Some apps that can help students improve their vocabulary include Mad Libs, Goodreads, Words with

Friends, and Wordscape. All three of these apps are available on iOS and Android. Goodreads is an online catalog of books, it provides suggestions for books based on interests and authors you have read before.

Mad Libs helps students practice the basic parts of speech by completing stories with friends to create humorous scenarios. Words with Friends and Wordscape are both online interactive games that students can play with friends or even family members.

Math:

Middle school is the age level when many students experience algebra concepts for the first time; many parents look at their homework and wonder if they ever really learned anything in middle school? If you or your teen is needing some support in the higher level math concepts, a couple of helpful apps include, Photomath Camera Calculator and Free Graphing Calculator 2, both of these are also available on iOS and Android. DESMOS is another useful math tool that can be used to graph and solve algebraic equations as well as review and practice certain math concepts.

Science:

The NASA app is always a good go-to for any science lover. Students are given access to videos and images and can keep updated with the latest scientific news and mission information. Zooniverse.org provides people of all ages real world experiences in science by becoming part of an online community of researchers who work on projects that include classifying distant galaxies and discovering the secret life of chimpanzees.

Design Squad Global is a site sponsored by PBS which 16 APRIL 2020

Social Studies:

Is your middle schooler slightly argumentative, and “always right”? Then Argument Wars may be a great app for them! Argument Wars is an app created by iCivics and is available on both Android and iOS. This app allows students to use their best persuasive strategies and argument techniques to argue real Supreme Court cases. Is your middle schooler more interested in foreign affairs, or learning a new language? DuoLingo has lessons to teach and practice 23 different languages.

Time Management and Organization:

Moving into middle school and preparing for high school often require students to become more responsible for managing and organizing their time. Forest is a timer app that helps students stay on task for a designated amount of time. As the timer runs, a plant grows, but as soon as the student closes the timer app to say, read a text or open a Snapchat, the plant withers and dies. In the paid version the student can grow an entire forest and earn virtual coins, which can be used to plant an actual tree somewhere in the world. Trello is a useful app that can be used to help students organize their week. At the beginning of the week they are able to list their various tasks for the week and as they complete each one they move the task to the completed column on the app.

General Brain Apps:

Maybe your child needs help managing their overactive brain. Stop, Breathe and Think is an app that helps students de-stress with meditation.

Elevate is a brain-training app that helps improve attention, problem solving skills and memory.

Differences, or Find the Differences helps students pay attention to detail by identifying differences

between two separate images.

TEACHER TIPS QuizUp is a multi-player trivia game which allows students to challenge their friends while learning facts in a variety of topics. Brain Out is an app full of brain teasers and riddles that will challenge your mind while building logical reasoning, reflexes, accuracy, memory and creativity skills.

Video Alternatives to YouTube and TikTok:

Can your child sit for hours on end watching other people make up dances on TikTok or play video games on YouTube? The TED app allows students to browse through videos that are both educational, and motivational but still equally entertaining. These videos will encourage students to get up off the couch and make a positive change in the world, rather than just leveling up and earning new skins in Fortnite or looking ridiculous by imitating the latest dance trend.

Obviously, this list is just a small sample of learning apps and games that can be added to your middle schoolers lists of things to do. If you are ever curious about the apps your student is using, Common Sense Media is a website that provides reviews for various mediums by kids and parents. Good luck out there with those “big bad middle schoolers.”

“

As infants and toddlers we encourage them to learn while playing. As middle schoolers we can use the same concept by introducing them to the correct apps and games for their devices.

“

provides hands-on activities for students to explore various STEAM concepts with easy to understand explanations.

COMMUNITY CONNECT MAGAZINE 17

FEATURE

Canyon Ridge Principal Jill Hoppe and Ollie McNeil pose with blankets at the school.

A group photo of the blanket donation to the City of Surprise Police Department. More than 870 were donated in total.

security

W

BLANKETS

hen he was 10 years old, Ollie McNeil was struck by an idea when his mom was tucking him into bed one night. He was a bit chilly and uncomfortable and complained to his mom who responded to the teachable moment. “I explained to Ollie that there are people who are not as fortunate as us in our community that don’t have a home, a warm bed, or even a blanket to keep them comfortable and safe at night,” said Brooke McNeil.

What his mother shared stuck in Ollie’s brain, and he had a lightbulb moment and reached out to his mom to do something about it. “I was originally inspired to start Buddy Blankets after talking to my mom and learning that some people don’t have a home to sleep in at night, or even one blanket to keep them warm,” said Ollie.

Ollie first reached out to his dad, Ryan McNeil, with the City of Surprise Police Department, who contacted the Victim’s Advocate with the police department who works directly with organizations who would benefit from the Buddy Blanket drive. “There are countless times I have sought out the support for a family or victim in need,” said Sandra Espinoza, City of Surprise Police Department Victim’s Advocate. “We love the blanket drive, what it stands for, the collaboration it requires, and the outcome of providing blankets to children and families in need.”

18 APRIL 2020

Additionally, Ollie, an avid hockey player and goalie for Mission Arizona approached his coach, Jeremy Goltz to help with the blanket drive effort. “I found it very cool and ambitious for a ten year old to even be thinking about something like this let alone taking the steps to make it happen. It is quite impressive for a kid this young to have such a drive,” said Goltz. Ollie spoke to his teammates and encouraged them to contribute and collection bins were placed at the hockey rink and the City of Surprise Police Department in order for the community to donate to the effort. “Ollie has always been a stand out goalie and just the ultimate team player. His character speaks for itself both on and off the ice,” said Coach Goltz.

The inaugural drive provided 150 blankets to organizations throughout the Valley and the effort has increased each and every year. “To see how it’s grown with the support and encouragement of the adults Ollie has reached out to is just amazing,” said Ollie’s mom, Brooke. This past year, to drum up support, a friendly competition was proposed between his school, Canyon Ridge and Kingswood Elementary School. The school that collected the most blankets provided school spirit gear to the losing principal to wear on spirit Friday.

Kingswood collected 358 blankets and Canyon Ridge came in at 297 total. Jill Hoppe, Canyon Ridge principal,

and Ollie had to represent the Kingswood Knights donned in purple at morning drop off.

With assistance from the City of Surprise Police Department, Mission Arizona Hockey Club, the Canyon Ridge and Kingswood Elementary School communities, Ollie collected more than 870 blankets and exceeded the initial goal of 500. The blankets are distributed to several organizations including: StreetLightUSA, Homeward Bound, Eve’s Place Inc., New Life Center, and United Methodist Outreach Ministries (UMOM) New Day Centers.

One of the benefitting organizations is New Life Center, a domestic violence shelter in Arizona, serving men, women and children fleeing abuse. New Life provides basic needs for residents during their stay, such as food, clothing, shampoo, and blankets. Many survivors come to the New Life Center with nothing but the clothes on their backs. Before a family enters the shelter, the team makes up their room with new bedding, placing towels

in the bathroom, and stocking hygiene items. Blankets donated by Ollie ensure that new adults and children coming into New Life Center feel comfortable and safe when they sleep at night. A blanket can be security for the children and adults they serve. When residents exit the center, they are able to take all the bedding with them, so they can have it in their new home. Ollie’s efforts are greatly appreciated by New Life Center.

“If everyone had a heart like Ollie, the world would be a better place,” said Devin DeFendis, Community Development Director.

What started as a simple gesture has grown into a community-wide effort spearheaded by Ollie. “Each year, I am inspired to start another blanket drive knowing that each blanket we collect keeps one more person warm at night,” said Ollie. He has aspirations to own a large corporation as a future goal on the same scale as Walmart or Target in order to have additional resources to grow his blanket drive. “Ollie will continue to be a leader in our community,” said Jordan Moreno, Director of Marketing and Events for Homeward Bound. “We can’t wait to see what he does next!”

Get to know a GCC Gaucho Glendale Community College, home of the Gauchos, helps thousands of students achieve their academic dreams, here is one of their stories.

Meet Dawn

Five years ago Dawn was working as a barista in a coffee shop.

In her late forties, she was on her own, her children were grown and she knew that she was destined for more. One of her customers (mocha latte with a double shot of espresso) was a GCC faculty member who encouraged Dawn to consider GCC.

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She enrolled at GCC North and was nervous about being an “older student” but after her first day of classes she knew she was in the right place. “There are people of all ages and all walks of life, everyone wanting to improve themselves” she quips, “I fit right in.”

Fast forward to today and Dawn earned her AA degree in organizational leadership, graduating from GCC last spring, and is working towards her bachelors degree at NAU. She refuses to say good-bye to GCC; she works in the Enrollment Center at GCC North. Dawn sums it up, “I don’t want to leave, GCC has been a huge part of my self-discovery and growth.”

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The Maricopa Community College District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit: www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.

COMMUNITY CONNECT MAGAZINE 19

Karin York and Alexandra Martinez pose for a photo inside Spencer’s Place, a new coffee shop in Surprise that helps special needs students transition to work.

a place W

FEATURE

to learn and grow

alking into the door of your workplace, setting your things down, clocking in, and getting ready for your shift. For most, this ordinary routine may feel rather common and mundane.

However, for Alexandra Martinez, this simple act was cause for a deep and overwhelming feeling of joy and gratitude. This was a feeling that she had been yearning for for a very long time.

Alexandra was like any typical child growing up. She was the eldest of five children and spent the first portion of her life just outside of sunny Los Angeles, before her and her family moved to Arizona when she was eleven years old. She enjoyed hanging out with her siblings, watching cartoons, and playing outside in the warm California sun. Growing up, Alex was primarily focused on being a kid and enjoying her childhood, as most are.

Alexandra is a 2013 graduate of Valley Vista High School. While attending Valley Vista, Alexandra was introduced to someone who has since had a tremendous impact on her life. Karin York was one of Alexandra’s special education teachers, and has been credited as an incredible mentor and inspiration in Alexandra’s life.

Karin had been a teacher at Valley Vista since it first opened for the 2006-2007 school year, when she was invited to come on board and help start the self contained special education program.

She and her team had the privilege of building the program from the ground up, which she describes as being an incredible experience, and where she was also honored to be one of Alexandra’s teachers.

For years, Karin York has had a passion to

help those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It all started nearly thirty years ago when her son Spencer was born with Down syndrome.

When Spencer was young, and before moving to the Surprise area, there were some difficulties presented at Spencer’s former school. Karin challenged his teachers in ways she thought would benefit him and the educational goals she had envisioned for him. Eventually, while sitting in a meeting with the school principal, the principal stated in regards to Spencer’s education, “If you think you can do a better job, why don’t you do it yourself?” These words ignited a fire within Karin, and were the launching point of an entirely new journey for her.

Karin was determined to find a better education for her son, so she decided to change her college major from physical education to special education, and from there on, dedicated her time to supporting those with cognitive and developmental disabilities.

While at Valley Vista, part of Karin’s vision was to create a transitional program that would provide real world experiences and develop skills to prepare her students to get jobs after high school. “What we envisioned was kind of a day program where the kids would go after their four years of high school, and they would have real job experiences, real world experiences, where they are learning very specific skills that they might be able to get a job.” Over the years teaching, she was able to create real world experiences for her students, and really see them thrive, gaining experience that would benefit them down the road.

One of her students that was able to benefit COMMUNITY CONNECT MAGAZINE 21

Alexandra Martinez makes coffee for a customer at Spencer’s Place in Surprise.

The job is allowing her to gain skills to be a contributing member of the community.

greatly from this transitional program was Alexandra.

Because of her involvement in the program, Alexandra said that she was really able to open up and come out of her shell more. She enjoyed many of the activities she was able to participate in, her favorite being the internship she got to do at a local elementary school down the road. As a part of the internship, Alexandra was able to help in kindergarten classrooms with students, and assist the teachers with everyday tasks. “It was my favorite because I got to work with little kids and talk to them as if they were my own brother or sister. It was really fun,” she said. Alexandra felt that the internship really allowed her to open up and be confident in herself, which led her to believe in herself and believe that she was capable of doing whatever she set her mind to.

Though this program was highly beneficial for many students, there were still many who struggled to find jobs after graduating, and Karin was seeing this first hand.

She kept in touch with many of her former students and saw them regularly through the organization, Young Life Capernaum, in which she volunteers her time being a leader and mentor. Young Life is a faithbased organization that seeks to reach teenagers, and Capernaum is a ministry of Young Life focused specifically on reaching adolescents and young adults with disabilities. After keeping in touch with many of her former graduates and their families, Karin started to see a trend. The students she had spent years with teaching, guiding, preparing, and investing in, were struggling to 22 APRIL 2020

find meaning and purpose after high school. She thought, “all this hard work I poured into them during high school, it’s now over?” Karin explained that some individuals are able to find assistance through state programs that help guide those with intellectual disabilities to gain experience and skills post high school. However, due to the recession in 2008, the Arizona Department of Economic Security Division of Developmental Disabilities was forced to raise their criteria, and many no longer qualify for these programs. This, in addition to the fact that it is increasingly difficult for these individuals to find employment as it is, ends up leaving many individuals struggling to find ambition and purpose - especially for those like Alexandra. No matter how many jobs she applied for, or how many interviews she had, it became increasingly hard for her to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Karin became heartbroken at the current situations she was finding these individuals in. “There were huge gaps, and I watched them lose skill, and lose skill, and lose skill… and I couldn’t rest,” she said. Karin saw a need, she was determined, and knew in her heart that she had to do something.

This motivated Karin to take it one step further and use the transitional program she helped start at Valley Vista High School as a catalyst to push her to her next endeavor. If these kids were not finding opportunities after high school to utilize the skills they had been learning, then it was time to create opportunities for them

to do so. After speaking with some of her students who ways she can’t explain. “The community support has were struggling, Karin was set on this idea. “I am going been off the charts…overwhelming,” she said. “There to create a place where you can go and you can earn a have been so many amazing people that have just paycheck and you can come to work, and you can learn jumped in and have done things that we didn’t ask for, or skills,” she told them. And that is just what she did. didn’t even know we needed…it’s been awesome.” Karin After much time and reflection, and many is excited for the future of Spencer’s Place and is hopeful conversations with those she’s close to, Karin decided to that the community’s support will only progress. “My step away from her teaching career, and learn the ropes hope for the community is to understand and realize that of owning her own business; a coffee shop she would their participation in this inclusive environment is key. call Spencer’s Place.

Without the community we’re nothing,” she stated. “The Spencer’s Place, named after Karin’s kids get this new life and empowerment, son, would be an avenue for these and the community gets to participate in young adults to be able to learn and that.” implement skills into their everyday life, Spencer’s Place is paving the way My hope for the and help prepare them for opportunities for individuals with intellectual and community is down the road. “My vision for this is to developmental disabilities, giving them to understand be a launching pad, where they have a a space to further develop and sharpen and realize resume now, and some work experience, their skills. A place where they can gain that their and they’re gaining social skills and the experience and training necessary appropriateness, and they can take participation in to propel them to something greater. this into their jobs and get hired and be When all is said and done, Karin hopes this inclusive successful,” said Karin. She considers that her employees gain a new sense environment is Spencer’s Place to be an expansion, and of empowerment and a certainty in key. a new take on the transition program she themselves, that they will carry with them started at Valley Vista. for the rest of their lives. “I want them to - Karin York When Alexandra first heard of be empowered. I want them to have a Spencer’s Place, she was overcome with purpose everyday,” she stated. emotion. It was a Thursday night at a regular Capernaum For those such as Alexandra, a new door has been group, where Alexandra is a regular attendee. Karin and opened. She now has a space where she can go and Spencer stood up in front of the group and explained work, develop skills, and be inspired. “There’s never a their new endeavor to open up a coffee shop aimed day where I don’t have a smile, because when you walk at employing those who were in situations similar to in those doors to Spencer’s Place and see Ms. Karin Alexandra. Upon hearing this, Alexandra was overcome and Spencer, they just make you so happy.” This is the with joy and hope. “It felt like a prayer that’s been feeling that Spencer’s Place seeks to provide, not only answered,” she said. for employees, but customers as well. When you walk Karin is excited to have Alexandra on board as a into the doors, you are met with smiling faces and an part of her staff, and is thrilled to watch her continue to essence that is sure to leave you overwhelmed with joy. grow. “She is fun, she is a hard worker, she wants to be successful, and she wants to learn,” said Karin. “Alex just A view of shines, you can tell she’s in her element and where she’s Spencer’s supposed to be.”

Place Coffee Though the doors to Spencer’s Place are officially Shop located in Surprise, Arizona open, it has been no easy feat. It has been a long on the corner journey with several roadblocks along the way. Karin is of Waddell and calling it, “The shop that love built,” because of the way Reems Roads near Marley Park. the community has rallied together, and contributed in

“

“

COMMUNITY CONNECT MAGAZINE 23

MY TAKE

Why we recommend a full day of

KINDERGARTEN

By M. Jeanne Wilcox, Nadine Basha Professor of Early Childhood Education, Rachel Mayercek, Director Infant Child Research Laboratory Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College, Arizona State University

“

“

I clearly remember my son’s first day

When my twin boys were ready to start

of kindergarten. It was August 2013

kindergarten, I selected a school that

and he was excited but a little bit

offered a full-day program. I worried that

scared. I was excited but also nervous

the day might be too long. I wondered if

for him. I wondered if he would make

they would have fun and enjoy learning?

- Rachel Mayercek

“

teacher? Was he ready for school?

These are all questions that every parent asks themselves as they prepare their child for kindergarten.

Maybe you are also asking yourself, is kindergarten that important? Is my child ready? Should I send my child to the full-day or half-day kindergarten?

Kindergarten helps prepare our children for the challenges they will face in elementary school and beyond as they work on early academic skills including literacy, mathematics, and science. Within the context of play-based and fun learning opportunities, kindergarten offers a busy day full of learning. Students also develop communication skills, higher level language, and social skills, and will learn the rules and expectations of being in a school environment.

For most parents, contemporary kindergarten is very different from when they were children. As researchers 24 APRIL 2020

“

friends? Would he have a good

Would kindergarten give them the start they need for school success?

- Jeanne Wilcox

studied early childhood education, emergent literacy and language development, it is clear that we may have underestimated the intellectual and learning capacity of young children. Exposure to new, interesting, and sequenced learning experiences in kindergarten prepares children for the rigors of today’s elementary school. Current kindergarten programs are stronger and more challenging than those of earlier generations.

Research shows that when a child attends full-day kindergarten they are better prepared for first grade.

Kindergarten builds a bridge between preschool programs and the more structured learning that takes place in first grade. Longitudinal data tells us that children in full-day kindergarten classes show greater reading and math gains than those who attend half-day classes.

When children are given a strong foundation in early literacy skills in preschool and kindergarten, they will become stronger readers and more successful students overall. In full-day kindergarten classrooms teachers spend more time focused on emergent literacy skills and teach the science of reading.

The “Move on When Reading” law in Arizona requires students to demonstrate reading proficiency in third grade for promotion to the fourth grade. In order for children to be successful in this state standard, students require more reading instruction with skilled professionals; which occurs when children spend more time in kindergarten.

In full day environments, teachers have more time to develop relationships with children and identify and address children’s unique learning needs, saving

time, resources and funding over the long term while increasing the odds that children will experience success as they move through the school.

Many teachers prefer full-day kindergarten classes due to the numerous benefits that result when they have additional time to work with young students. Finally and most importantly, research shows that five-year-olds are more than ready for a longer school day and they do better in a setting that allows them time to learn and explore activities in depth.

A full-day of kindergarten results in happier children because it gives them more time to focus and reflect on activities, and transition between them.

If you are curious as to the instruction that takes place in today’s kindergarten classrooms, I encourage you to arrange a visit at your neighborhood school.

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COMMUNITY CONNECT MAGAZINE 25

FEATURE

Meet Juliet Gustavson, a volunteer who is making a difference in the community through reading.

26 APRIL 2020

SPIRIT a volunteer

J

ust the other day, Juliet Gustavson, a volunteer at Surprise Elementary School, was reading with one of the children who was talking about a school break and going to see his grandparents in another state. The student was traveling alone with his dad. And then he paused for a moment and he said to her, “My mom died.” Juliet asked him if it was recently, and he said no. Then he responded to her, “It’s really sad though isn’t it.” She agreed. For her, this encapsulates the purpose of giving back. “When we start to understand the stories of the children, then I think for me, I’m just reminded of how phenomenal they really are when I see what they are dealing with,” Juliet said. “To be in a place where a child will share that, then you know that there is a level of trust. You are one more adult they can trust, and it puts a whole new level of value on not only the reading piece of it but the relationship piece. It’s surprising what can develop in about 10-12 minutes a week of consistent time.”

Juliet Gustavson moved to Surprise, Arizona seven years ago from Seattle.

Upon retiring, she began to volunteer at Surprise Elementary School through her

church. It started out with volunteers helping out in a variety of capacities at the school.

She began to wonder though, how she could make a more valuable contribution to the children and gain more volunteers.

“I think people volunteer when it’s made as easy for them as possible,” she said. “That’s critical. The job is identified, and they know they can do it.” She had an idea, one that involved something she values more than anything in her own life and education reading. “The reason this appeals to me so much is because of all the things I’ve learned. If I hadn’t learned to read well, none of those other things would have been possible. I just feel as if that is the greatest gift that we can give to our children.”

Three years ago she started the Cub Book Club. It began small with second graders. Volunteers were reading one-onone for 10-12 minutes each week with the students. Then in the second year they added first graders. It’s meant to be fun for the children. They collect stickers and treasures for reading a certain amount of books. Pretty soon, her idea began to draw interest from others in the community.

A handful of volunteers grew rapidly to 21.

COMMUNITY CONNECT MAGAZINE 27

FEATURE

Juliet Gustavson reads to a child at Surprise Elementary School as part of the Cub Book Club

A student reads to a volunteer as part of the Cub Book Program at Surprise Elementary School.

28 APRIL 2020

“Our volunteers love what they do so much that they go to other places and talk about what they do, and then people say, ‘well I would like to do that!’” she exclaimed. “I think people volunteer because they’re welcomed, and they feel that what they are doing is needed, and they are fulfilled. It helps fill their cup in some way.”

Her fellow volunteers tell her every time they walk out of the school they just feel so good.

“There’s nothing quite like walking down the hallway and hearing them say, ‘Ms. Juliet!’,” she said. “The children come over and just give me a hug. ‘Are you calling me today, am I going to read today?’ they wonder? There’s this enthusiasm that is so contagious.”

Juliet believes this simple model for volunteering at Surprise Elementary School can be duplicated at other schools. She puts in about eight hours a week reading and organizing the book club. It’s her little job, she says. She hopes there are others out there like her who have the drive to carry on the success she has had. Someone who has always had a passion to give back like her. “I’ve always worked in the non-profit field, so there is a

sense of serving,” she said. “I’ve certainly had that instilled in me, a sense of service.” She spoke at great length about having the privilege of giving back. She believes you don’t need to have been a teacher, you just need to love children. You have to want to be a balcony person, an “encourager” to the children.

“I want to be part of the solution, not just complain about the problem,” she said passionately. “This is my community. This is where I live. I want it to be a good place. I want it to be the very best, most positive, nurturing place that it can possibly be. I think in a way, it would be very selfish of me to just live here in a place that needs what I and many people have to give, and hold back, and not do it. “If we can be a little piece, then I think we are helping to give children the most precious gift they will ever get.”

Isaac Barrio, a senior at Willow Canyon High School, became interested in film to be able to tell the stories of his community and share creativity with others.

Story

every picture tells a

30 APRIL 2020

COMMUNITY CONNECT MAGAZINE 31

FEATURE

W

hen Isaac Barrio, a senior at Willow Canyon High School, was a small child, he often went camping with his family. One time when he was 9 or 10 years old, he remembers vividly straying from the camp with some other children to build a little fort out of wood. It was at that moment he had a tremendous sense of freedom, but he also had a vehicle by which to let his creativity really flourish. “That’s just one of those random memories that just sticks with you,” said Barrio. “That one specifically because it was so much fun to do my own thing.” Not long after that in elementary school, Isaac found another way to let his imagination grow. The school had a morning news network.

“I’ve always had an interest in film,” he recalls. “I would go to like baseball or hockey games with my parents, and I would just look at the cameras and broadcast equipment.”

After getting a taste of film and broadcasting at the - Isaac Barrio elementary level, Isaac jumped at the opportunity to join the Film and Television Career and Technical Education program at Willow Canyon High School. That small boy who had learned to develop his creative freedom building wooden forts at camp was now using those imagination skills to create and tell stories through film.

During his sophomore year Isaac had the opportunity to travel with his school to the Spring Training facilities in Surprise with his classmates to participate with High School Nation, interviewing baseball stars. High School Nation partners with organizations that host events

“

throughout the country to provide special access to high school journalists. Students get up close with professional sports figures, while getting the opportunity to interview them. “I think I did alright. It was the first time I was interviewing big people,” he shared. “I was able to interview Joe Torre of the Yankees. High School Nation thought I was totally cool so they requested I come back next year.”

That opportunity in his sophomore year would lead to an extraordinary project in his junior year.

Through his High School Nation connections, Isaac learned of a national contest with Powerade. They were looking for students to tell unique sports stories. Isaac’s creativity kicked into full gear. “Of course I had to take advantage of that opportunity.” He knew of a girl at his school who had a very interesting story. She had gotten a concussion during a soccer game, and lost all of her memories for the past six years. She couldn’t even remember herself or family. “I like making documentaries and telling stories on film, so when I heard about the accident, I wanted to know more about it. It was sad, and I wanted to get it out to more people.” The short documentary story won him the Powerade contest, but more importantly it solidified a direction for his creativity. It wasn’t just a love of film and television, but the stories that come along with it. “There are so many stories out there waiting to be told,” he says passionately.

“I like searching for stories and truth because it can move people in so many ways. It’s a great way to make change and make people feel something.”

This past summer Isaac traveled with his peers

I really like to create memories through film.

“

32 APRIL 2020

Isaac Barrio uses a steadicam, which is meant to reduce camera shake, while wrestlers perform moves at Willow Canyon High School.

A SkillsUSA Models of Excellence Banner earned by Isaac Barrio and his fellow students hangs from the rafters at the entrance to Willow Canyon High School.

to the national SkillsUSA competition in Louisville, Kentucky. He had submitted a paper on their work with High School Nation and Powerade and won the state competition. They gave a presentation at nationals and earned the prestigious Models of Excellence Award.

Isaac was recently accepted into the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University where he can continue his love of storytelling and film.

“When it comes to what I want to do with my life, and my career, I really like to create memories through film. The thing that is itching me to make films is the idea that you can create.” It appears as if that love of freedom and creation through creativity from his early years will live on. “Two of my biggest role models are my parents,” he says with a smile. “They’re very hard working, and they always tell me to find what I love to do, and just do it.” That would be his advice to others.

He says each of us defines our own destiny. “You decide which way you go in life,” he said. “Love what you have, and love what you do.”

COMMUNITY CONNECT MAGAZINE 33

VOICE

FEATURE

I

Becoming a

n her junior year, Andrea Soliz, a student at Dysart High School, decided to run for SkillsUSA Region 5 President. “It was one of the hardest experiences I’ve ever had to do,” she exclaimed. No student had ever run for Region 5 President at her school, let alone won. “I didn’t have anyone to say, ‘hey you’ve done this before, can you help me?’” She had to go it alone. The process is rigorous, and includes interviews with the Board of Directors, essays, and a very intense speech. In fact, there are numerous rounds before even getting to the big speech part of it, where each student must address more than 1,000 of their fellow peers in Washington, D.C. When she finally did make it to the speech part, it was non-stop practicing. “Literally, when I would go on public transit, I would ask someone, ‘hey can I tell you my speech?’ And then I would do my speech for them.” When she finally got to the big moment, she attributes two sentences with solidifying her success and earning the title of Region 5 President.

“As soon as I said those two sentences, light bulbs really clicked on around the room,” she said. Those two sentences are not just a part of a speech though. They define the past and future for Andrea, encapsulating her drive, determination, and success.

“I don’t want to be a voice at all,” she wrote. “What I want to do is listen to your voice and amplify the voice that you already have, because your voice is not less important than mine is.”

Andrea was originally born in Los Angeles near the 34 APRIL 2020

for others

Compton area. She was raised there until she was about six years old. “Living there, it wasn’t the greatest environment,” she shared. Once in Arizona, she attended Dysart Elementary School and Parkview Elementary School for her early education. Then she started to develop that sense of drive in 4th grade. She applied to the Cambridge Academy at Marley Park without even telling her mother. “My mother is my biggest support in the entire universe,” Andrea said. “She’s always been really supportive of everything. But she was never the person to push me, and say ‘hey you should join this thing.’”

When Andrea was at Marley Park, she was going through a lot of things at home because her parents were separating. She involved herself in extra-curricular activities, and did every sport on campus. She was also the student council president and a member of the band.

She currently plays five instruments: piccolo, saxophone, piano, flute, and ukulele.

That involvement and creative outlet spilled over into her Freshman year at Dysart High School, where she created a documentary film. She went to Nogales to interview all perspectives, including border patrol, two humanitarian organizations, and a University of Arizona professor. “I tried to get perspective on the migrant crisis down there to make sure it wasn’t one-sided. We just need to educate ourselves about these issues that are happening around us.”

The next year she needed a new challenge, despite

Andrea Soliz poses on her high school campus with her SkillsUSA jacket.

“

I don’t want to be a voice at all.

What I want to do is listen to your voice and amplify the voice that you already have, because your voice is not less important than mine is.

“

- ANDREA SOLIZ

being in the top one-percent of her class. During sophomore year, Andrea created a workshop within the community that taught people about the history that you don’t learn in school. She called it, ‘Reclaiming History.’

“I wanted to create a different dynamic than what was in school,” she said. “So I teach them through ceramics, poetry, art, painting, music.” It became one of the biggest workshops that teens came into at the Surprise Youth Council.

She also started a workshop for the Surprise Youth Council called ‘Vent,’ which provides students a way to educate themselves on mental health. “I looked around and a lot of the teenagers in my classes are also just as stressed with school work and family life. I decided maybe it is time for us to figure out a way to find another safe space for students to talk about the things that they’re going through in a healthy manner.”

After achieving Region 5 President in her junior year, it’s on to the next thing and a look ahead to that next big step. For Andrea, that next one will be a first for her family. She would be the first one to go to college. But she doesn’t just want to go to college, she wants to go to an Ivy League college. As with everything in her life, why not set the bar as high as it will go? She wants to major in a field related to political science, with a career in policy-making.

It would surprise no one if Andrea found a way into government service. “I want to be able to lead people, and show them that leaders can have good intentions.

Their lives are very important to me, and I’m going to 36 APRIL 2020

figure out what is a way for me to do as much good as I can.”

A big influence in her life was her grandfather. He was a landscaper, and he was really big on volunteer work and serving people before himself. They were extremely close - he was like her dad. And that connection to someone who was so emphatic about servitude helped shape her political desires today. “Politics is so taboo and people don’t like talking about it, but if you just learn to listen to someone, when you learn how another person thinks, you get a little bit of understanding about their upbringing and perspectives or experiences. It’s important that we talk about some of those things. You think this way, and I think this way, and I just kind of want us to listen to different perspectives.”

Many times during her quest for state officer Andrea questioned what she was doing. But what brought her back was a simple thought, as fellow students asked her often how she even got involved in SkillsUSA. She thought, if she can do this, then other people in her community will think they can as well. “In failure there are so many things that you can learn,” said Andrea.

“I’ve had a lot of failures. I’ve never been scared to fail.

It’s just learning from every experience you have and never letting it get you down. Always keep on going. I know that sounds cheesy. There are so many things that I was so scared to do, and I didn’t feel like I was worthy of accomplishing [them]. But, you’re worthy if you have a good heart and you really care about doing right by others.”

COMMUNITY CONNECT MAGAZINE 3

PARENT PERSPECTIVE

Preparing

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By Beth Simek

igh school is the time for growth and maturity; but get ready because it’s also the time for awkwardness, mistakes, and growing pains. For many parents, the beginning of high school is a reminder that, all too soon, your little one will be grown up and leaving the nest. Fear not though as you still have four more years to build upon your relationship with your teen and set a positive example for when they become an adult.

You have the opportunity to be quite a helpful resource for your teenager during this tumultuous time (although this isn’t to say it’s easy dealing with a teenager — trust me, I know, it isn’t). Though it may feel frustrating and overwhelming at times, especially if this is your first time having a child in high school, high school parenting is all about trial and error for both of you. With these tips, I am sure you

38 APRIL 2020

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Respect Privacy and Establish Boundaries

It is a good idea to establish clear rules before high school begins. Putting these rules into practice before school begins helps work out any kinks or misunderstandings that can sometimes occur as teens test their boundaries. While these rules will be different for every family, you should certainly establish some cut-and-dry rules for your teen’s safety (like never driving while intoxicated or getting in the car with someone who is intoxicated).

High school means new frontiers socially, and you might encounter sensitive issues with your teen that you haven’t before. Issues of peer pressure as well as sex, drugs, vaping, and drinking may come up, and you should be prepared to talk to your teen as well as establish clear expectations. These issues might be especially pertinent around certain high school events like sporting events, homecoming, or prom. Try to have an open dialogue and allow your teen to ask any questions they may have. If you feel comfortable, you might also talk about your own experiences and mistakes in order to let them know that you, too, are fallible. The information you share can ensure they aren’t listening to misinformation from unreliable sources—like other teens.

Be sure to respect your teen’s privacy the best you can though obviously, there are exceptions if you are directly worried for their safety or another person’s safety.

Communicate

It’s important to establish yourself as someone that your high schooler can confide in during their high school years. This goes deeper than just asking them about their day.

There is a difference between prying into their personal life and nagging about grades rather than creating a personal relationship and asking questions about their life.

Asking questions as simple as how they feel about the presidential election or what music they are currently listening to shows that you want to learn about their personal life and not just their academics.

This type of trust and communication might be awkward to build at first, but by remaining persistent, non-judgmental, and calm, your teen will (hopefully) come to trust you and a deeper and more fulfilling relationship will be the result.

Encourage Independence

Everyone’s parenting strategy is different and I am certainly not encouraging you to throw caution to the wind by encouraging your teen’s independence. Rather, it’s important to think about ways that you can begin to encourage your teen to take their own future into their hands. They will surely thank you for it in adulthood!

While you might have helped your kid with academics in elementary or middle school, now is the time for them to take the reins and to prepare for the demanding workload of college and “the real world.” Let them manage their academics with their teacher and encourage them to be their own advocate. Of course, be there to support if your student needs it, but allow them the opportunity to manage their workload.

The same goes for extracurricular activities; encourage your teen to join clubs and activities in or out of school, but don’t sign them up yourself or pack their schedule without permission. It’s important that they take initiative in the early high school years. Allow your student athlete to discuss any concerns they might have with the coach directly and manage conflicts on their own. Be there to support him or her and answer any need for advice but allow them the chance to handle things first.

Be Flexible, B-E Flexible

Your teen is growing into a young adult, and they may come to surprise you in both good and sometimes not so good ways. While I can’t tell you exactly what to do, I can tell you that there are very few things a loving and caring parent can’t tackle without a little patience, flexibility, and adaptability.

The transition from middle school to high school can be a roller coaster of emotions and adventures but if you do your best to follow the tips shared, the bumps can be a lot less nerve-wracking. When you’re raising a high schooler, emphasize responsibility and communication with them. Be compassionate, non-judgmental and willing to listen, but also be sure to establish clear boundaries and rules within your household. Be willing to communicate and adapt to your teen’s needs, and keep in mind that there may be plenty of surprises along the way. You’ve got a wild ride ahead of you, and it’s sure to be filled with laughter, joy, tears, anger, confusion, and hope. After all, that’s what high school is all about!

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Though it may feel frustrating and overwhelming at times, high school parenting is all about trial and error for both of you.

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As a rule of thumb, you should try to get information directly from your teen by asking questions and having a safe, open, and non-judgmental dialogue. It may be difficult to “let go of your child” in a way, but trust me, this is one of the best things for your child’s high school career.

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[community capture] Artwork by Christie Zhang, Valley Vista High School