Community Connect: Vol. 5 Issue 1

Vol. 4 Issue 2

CUT FROM THE SAME CLOTH

Fashion Club at Dysart Middle School Brings Back Lost Art of Sewing

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Congressional Art Award Winner

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Parent Perspective: Getting Involved

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Full Calendar of Events for the Winter

Spin Doctors

November 18, 2023 @ 7:00pm

Hotel California

February 10, 2024 @ 7:00pm

Christmas in Killarney November 25, 2023 @ 7:00pm

Brad Upton

March 2, 2024 @ 8:00pm

The Commodores

January 13, 2024 @ 7:00pm

iLuminate

March 16, 2024 @ 7:00pm

TOAST Saturday, November 11, 2023 @ 7:00pm

BYU - Living Legends Saturday, January 27, 2024 @ 4:00pm

West Valley Symphony 6-Concert Series Beginning November 12, 2023

The Lettermen Saturday, February 17, 2024 @ 5:00pm

DRUMLine Live! Holiday Spectacular Wednesday, December 20, 2023 @ 7:00pm

Michael Palascak Friday, March 15, 2024 @ 8:00pm

Ben Bailey Saturday, January 20, 2024 @ 8:00pm

Forever Young Sunday, March 24, 2024 @ 7:00pm

Learn more and get your tickets today at TheVistaAZ.com Box OFfice Open Tuesday-Friday 10am to 2pm • 623-523-8888 15660 N Parkview Place, Surprise, AZ 85374

IN THIS ISSUE 4

Calendar of Events for the Local Community

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Spotlight: Hats Off To You

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News: New EMS Program for Seniors

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Student Voice: Why We Chose Dual Enrollment Feature: Playing

10 On Home Turf

Tips: Why 18 Teacher Attendance Matters Feature Story: Designing

20 to Make An Impact

Cover Story: Cut From

24 the Same Cloth 28

Feature Story: Sketched Memories Parent Perspective:

34 Helping Hands

Community Capture

36 Artwork

communi communitty CONNECT MAGAZINE

OCTOBER 2023 • Vol. 5 Issue 1 15802 N Parkview Place Surprise, AZ 85374 Editorial Staff Renee Ryon Ryan McGinley Carly McVay Ambria Brown Contributing Writers Angela David Angelia Kelsay Micah De Hebrew Samantha Jonat Jessica Whynott Amy Hues Contributing Artists and Photographers Parker Fisher Brock USA Arizona Department of Housing 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 at 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, through the support of community business advertisements.

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ON THE COVER

Elianna Castellanos poses with her sewing machine during Fashion Club at Dysart Middle School.

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On the Calendar:

Veterans Day Parade

COMMUNITY CONNECT MAGAZINE 3

CALENDAR

NOV

Veterans Day Parade

Band Jam

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Valley Vista Presents: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe

Students put on a play based on the fantasy novel for children by C. S. Lewis NOV 2-4 Vista Center for the Arts Tickets: https://www. onthestage.tickets/valleyvista-high-school-drama TICKETED

FAMILY

STUDENT PRODUCTION

All four high school bands, Dysart High, Shadow Ridge, Valley Vista, and Willow Canyon, come together for a night of marching band performances.

NOVEMBER 7 from 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Willow Canyon High School, 17901 W Lundberg St FREE

FAMILY

PARENTS

Join the City of Surprise in honoring our service men and women at the 9th annual parade. Arrive early for a pancake breakfast served by Surprise Police Department; available for purchase from 7:30 - 9:30 a.m. If you are interested in participating in the parade, register your band, team or float by November 7.

NOV 11 @ 10:00 a.m.

Bullard Ave. FREE

STUDENT PRODUCTION

Open Enrollment Begins Dysart will begin accepting open enrollment applications for the 20242025 school year on Wednesday, November 15, 2023. Parents or guardians who would like their child to attend a school outside of their residential attendance boundary for the 20232024 school year, must apply for open enrollment online NOV 15 - DEC 18 Online at dysart.org/OE

Willow Canyon High School Theatre Presents: Big Fish

Based on the celebrated novel by Daniel Wallace NOVEMBER 1-4 Tickets: www.onthestage. tickets/willow-canyon-theatre TICKETED

FAMILY

STUDENT PRODUCTION

Events Notice:

All calendar events are subject to date, time, and location changes and/or cancellation. Please check with the hosting venue and/or organization for the most up-to-date information on the event.

SciTech Festival

This educational event features interactive science, technology, engineering, art and math exhibits and demonstrations. Science enthusiasts of all ages can engage with robotics presentations and fun experiments!

NOV 18 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Mark Coronado Park 15850 N Bullard Ave surpriseaz.gov/SciTech FREE

4 OCTOBER 2023

FAMILY

FAMILY

DEC +

Surprise Party

Visits with Santa, foam snow party, drone light shows, performances, kid’s zone, live entertainment, food, a shopping village and more! The traditional tree lighting with Mayor and Council is December 1 at 6:30 p.m. There will be even more sparkle than last year! 120,000 lights will be illuminated from dusk to dawn, nightly. Photo ops, a NEW 40-foot-tall interactive Christmas tree, giant candy canes, Santa’s sleigh, light features on the lake and more!

West Valley Symphony: The Spirit of the Season

DEC 1 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Surprise Recreation Campus

DEC 17 @ 3:00 p.m.

Vista Center for the Arts

FREE

Performance is Part of 6-Concert Series

FAMILY

CALENDAR

Bowls of Hope Bowls of Hope is the Annual charity event at the WHAM Art Center. This will be their 10th year for this worthwhile endeavor. Potters are busy hand making beautiful bowls all year.

These bowls will be for sale to the public with proceeds going to six local charities.

DEC 2 WHAM Art Center 16560 N Dysart Rd FAMILY

DONATION

TICKETED

Surprise Day of Service Event

City of El Mirage Winterfest & Parade 2023

Event fun includes: Parade - light parade begins at 6:00 PM and will run by the Winterfest event festivities at Gentry Park, Live music by Rockin’ Wonderland, Photos with Santa, Ornament Bowling, Bounce Houses, Food Trucks and more.

DEC 8 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Gentry Park, 14010 N. El Mirage Rd FREE

FAMILY

Volunteer at St. Mary’s Food Bank to help provide food for families in need. Registration is required by emailing Larry Garcia (lord.garcillano@ surpriseaz.gov) or calling him at 623-222-1522. Three shifts available: 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., 9:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., or 12:00 to 2:30 p.m.

DEC 13 St. Mary’s Food Bank FREE

FAMILY

DONATION

COMMUNITY CONNECT MAGAZINE 5

SPOTLIGHT

TO YOU T

he Sierra family lives near Rancho Gabriela Elementary School and walks their son, Gerardo, across the crosswalk to reach the campus. Rancho Gabriela staff are outside every day in rain or extreme sunshine to make sure students get across the road safely and get to their classrooms on time. The start of the school year was unseasonably warm this year with temperatures remaining above 110 when school started in August of 2023.

Juan Sierra and his wife, Amanda, decided to do something nice for the staff who are like family to them. They donated 12 large hats to the staff who have outside duty to keep them cool during the hot days at arrival and dismissal. Juan owns his own business and works outside and wears long sleeves and a large-brim hat to keep cool and thought it would be nice to help them cover up as they are working in the heat.

They are not just any hats. It was a group effort to customize the stylish headwear outfitted with the school name in Rancho Gabriela black and orange colors on the scarf. Juan’s mother, Irma Sierra, sewed the scarves on the hats, and Amanda added the Rancho Gabriela text on the bandana with her cricut. Mr. Sierra surprised the staff one morning and dropped off the hats at the school.

“We are grateful for their kind donation of 12 hats with Rancho Gabriela scarves for our crossing guards and staff to wear in the heat during parent drop off and pick-up,” said Charleen Mattingly, principal at Rancho Gabriela Elementary School.

Each morning and afternoon the family is greeted by the Rancho Gabriela staff sporting their school-branded hats, including crossing guard Sam Gurkis, as they walk their son to and from Kindergarten at the intersection at Gabriela Drive in front of the school.

“It’s just so nice that someone cares so much about us and needs nothing in return,” said Gurkis.

They’ve made the short trek to the school many times as six of their children attended Rancho Gabriela Elementary School and they currently have an eighth grader at Sonoran Heights Middle School and three students at Dysart High School.

“We were so happy to see them wearing them. We care about the staff. We’ve known them for many years,” said Amanda.

“The Sierra’s are long time supporters of Rancho Gabriela Elementary School. Their generous act reflects their kindness and support for our staff, which is a vital part of our school community,” said Principal Mattingly.

6 OCTOBER 2023

Hat donators Juan Sierra, Amanda Mendivil, Gerardo Sierra, Irma Sierra, and Jacqueline Sierra pose for a picture at the school.

Marcia Ideran, Rancho Gabriela Elementary School Crossing Guard, smiles while on duty with her hat.

NEWS

School District and City Partner to Grow First Responders in Community

D

ysart Schools has partnered with the City of Surprise to offer a high school level Emergency Medical Services (EMS) program beginning in August, 2024. The program will launch at Valley Vista High School, and will give high school seniors the chance to earn an Emergency Medical Certified Technician (EMCT) certification upon graduation. The program will be open to all seniors attending any Dysart school.

The course will be a senior-level course offered through the district’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) Program, with possible college credit through Maricopa Community Colleges. Certified graduates would have the opportunity for immediate employment as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) through a public or private ambulance service.

The program was developed in partnership with the City of Surprise in order to help address the future need for EMS staff in the rapidly growing city. It will be taught

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by a City of Surprise Fire-Medical staff member that will be CTE certified through the Arizona Department of Education. The City of Surprise is working to develop an expansion of the program that would provide pathways for local students to continue their education through collegiate programs for fire-medical, nursing or other medical professions.

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GOLF.SUNCITYWEST.COM COMMUNITY CONNECT MAGAZINE 7

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STUDENT VOICE

WE CHOSE DUAL ENROLLMENT Dual Enrollment opportunities are available to students in high school. They have the ability to take courses in which they may receive credit in high school as well as earning college credit. Dual enrollment courses are available through Rio Salado College and are available in a variety of content areas. Three students from Valley Vista High School sat down and shared their perspective on how dual enrollment has helped each of them in their academic career.

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Taking Dual Enrollment classes allowed me to hit two birds with one stone, by saving time and money completing college classes while in high school. It also held me to a higher standard compared to a traditional class and motivated me to work harder. My teachers provided individualized help and personal feedback on my assignments and assessments, assisting me in every way possible with challenges I faced.

Dual Enrollment also offers a wide selection of classes for all majors. Earning college credit while still in high school is extremely beneficial and rewarding; all your hard work pays off!

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8 OCTOBER 2023

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Angela David, Senior, Valley Vista Dual Enrollment Courses Taken: 5 Career Interest: Business & Marketing

It is important that schools offer Dual Enrollment classes because it allows students to maximize their academic potential by earning college credit early. I knew that in the long run, the college credits I earned in high school would alleviate some of the course load I would have in college. It also permits students to become accustomed to the demands of college level classes. Taking Dual Enrollment has allowed me to develop study habits that will serve me well in a university setting and has familiarized me with the expectations of college work. There is even the opportunity to graduate with an associate’s degree while in high school!

Angelia Kelsay, Senior, Valley Vista Dual Enrollment Courses Taken: 4 Career Interest: Psychology & Business Analytics

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The main reason I decided to enroll in dual enrollment classes was because of financial reasons. Dual enrollment courses are significantly cheaper than the equivalent college course while still providing the same subject material. It’s also much cheaper if you qualify for tuition assistance. Last school year, I took 14 credits with dual enrollment and the Maricopa Grant Program covered 11 of the credits. My family only had to pay for the three remaining credits. The main difference between a traditional class and a dual enrollment class is that dual enrollment courses typically hold the students to a higher standard and the work is more rigorous. One big difference that I’ve noticed is that the dual enrollment instructors are usually extremely educated on the subject, which is expected because they are qualified to teach at the college level. You will also see the dual enrollment instructor way more often than you would compared to a college professor because of the high school schedule. This allows for more opportunities to ask questions and to actually make sure that you understand the subject material.

Micah De Hebrew, Junior, Valley Vista Dual Enrollment Courses Taken: 6 Career Interest: Criminal Justice

COMMUNITY CONNECT MAGAZINE 9

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An aerial view of the Dysart High School turf field shows the school logo prominently in the center of the surface.

TURF Playing On Home

10 OCTOBER 2023

COMMUNITY CONNECT MAGAZINE 11

FEATURE

O

n September 8, 2023, high school senior Gavin Anderson’s dream came true. He ran out onto the football field as the starting linebacker for the Willow Canyon High School Wildcats. “It was amazing,” he said. “I suited up before, but I never really played. Just hearing the fans cheer for you.

It’s your year, it’s your team.”

While it was a special night for Gavin, it was made more memorable because of the playing surface he was running out onto. Willow Canyon High School was debuting a new synthetic turf field at their first home football game. Dysart Unified School District leadership, Governing Board members, community members, and the Mayor of Surprise, Skip Hall, all stood at the center of the field and cut a ribbon on a year-long project that brought new, state of the art playing surfaces to two of Dysart’s high schools, Willow Canyon and Dysart High School.

“With athletics as one of Dysart’s three primary focus areas, along with academics and arts, we are dedicated to improving our facilities and opportunities for student athletes and the community we serve,” said Dysart Superintendent, Dr. John Croteau. “We are proud to bring turf fields to our campuses, which will allow more school and community usage of the fields, with the bonus of added efficiencies. We took special care in evaluating and selecting the materials that could provide the best balance among safety, durability, and cooling ability.”

Synthetic turf fields aren’t new in Arizona. In fact, they’ve been around for more than 30 years. But they are new to Dysart schools, and have been slowly growing in popularity over the past few years in districts across the valley. While the benefits are substantial, there is still a stigma around the fields

and their inherent safety for the athletes. “It’s kind of like the automobile,” said Jeff Raiger, Regional Manager for Astroturf. “There were unsafe cars made over the years. That doesn’t mean that all cars are bad, and we shouldn’t have cars.” Mr. Raiger’s point conveys what many are coming to find out; turf fields have come a long way. Technology has improved and what you know of turf fields, even from the last 10 years, has changed dramatically.

“It’s not your father’s Astroturf anymore,” said Mike Wickham, Account Executive for General Acrylics, Inc., the company who installed the fields for the Dysart District. “I’m an ex-football player that’s played high school and college football. Back in the 1980s when I played a lot on synthetic turf, it did create a lot of lower extremity injuries, and it left a lot of rug burn. This technology [in Dysart’s fields] is modern and replicates natural grass more so than ever.”

Safety is the first thing that comes to mind when people think of turf fields lately, and rightly so. It’s been a media topic for a few years now as players of all levels debate whether turf or natural grass is a better surface. “That was one of our big concerns as athletes,” said Anderson, who’s never played on a turf field before this year. “A lot of people get injured on turf.”

To understand safety, it’s best to start with the construction of the fields in the Dysart District compared to existing turf fields in Arizona and throughout the country. The fields at Willow Canyon and Dysart High School were built using modern technology, some of which has been around for only three years, and represents a shift in the industry toward a safer environment for athletes.

A rendering illustrates the layers that make up the fields in Dysart schools. AstroTurf is filled with small wood chips, called infill. Below the turf are shock pads that help with impact and provide a safer surface for student athletes.

(Rendering Courtesy of Brock USA)

An aerial view of the Willow Canyon High School artifical field seen shortly after installation in August 2023.

In the beginning, the artificial turf industry laid a plastic carpet directly over rock. Old tires that were ground up were used as the infill. The downside of that was hot fields and a higher rate of injuries than on natural grass.

It’s evolved since then, but the past 10 years have been substantial with regards to technology, materials, and knowledge.

Dysart District’s synthetic turf fields are constructed with three main parts. There is the shock pad, the infill, and the turf itself. It’s important to note that many older fields, including those at the professional level, do not have a shock pad. Both the shock pad and the infill for Dysart’s fields are made by a company called Brock USA, which is the leading supplier of shock pads in North America.

They’ve been around since 1998, and have made their pads a leader in player safety.

Brock’s shock pads are engineered specifically for artificial turf and the impact during play. A material using polypropylene with a micro coating binder produces a pad with an open pore structure for fast drainage and a unique impact profile ideal for artificial turf. The BrockPad is one of the key components in reducing concussions. Studies show one in five concussions occur from head to surface impact. Only infilled turf over a quality shock pad has demonstrated it can reach player safety ranges found in

natural grass.

There are a series of tests conducted to ensure the playing surface and the shock pad meets the standards.

This gives a more comprehensive picture of how the field is performing from an impact safety standpoint. One of those tests done to ensure safety in comparison to natural grass is the G-Max test. This measures impact attenuation, or the ability of the playing surface to absorb the shock or kinetic energy from a collision, such as a player hitting the surface of the field.

“G-Max scores are kind of like your golf game, the lower the scores the better,” said Wickham. “And when you start seeing scores creep up toward 200, you can see student athletes get not only concussions but more serious injuries. So we always try to find that sweet spot around 100 when we finish a field.”

“Our G-Max guarantee says that the turf won’t go over 120 for the life of the turf,” said Julie Trull, Rocky Mountain Region Vice President for Brock USA. “A pristine natural grass field is usually between 70-100G’s.”

With an artificial turf there is also more consistency in the G-Max score. On a natural grass field you may go around and test and see numbers vary from one section to another. “The beauty of this system with the heavy face weight, the designed infill ratios, and the COMMUNITY CONNECT MAGAZINE 13

FEATURE BrockPad underneath it, is that it is going to be consistent absorb natural rainwater and condensation into their core, from location to location when athletes are falling,” said not just on the surface. Moisture is then released slowly Wickham. for extended cooling. Plus BrockFILL gains weight when The infill is the second component of the Brock wet, so it doesn’t float or migrate as much. materials. Infill is a granular material that goes on top of “BrockFILL is made from an organic material that artificial turf and seeps between the fibers. Infill serves provides superior traction and helps reduce field three purposes. It provides resiliency by holding up the temperatures,” said Trull. “When BrockFILL is dry it can taller fibers. It also provides shock attenuation to absorb be up to 30 degrees cooler than rubber. When wet it can the impact of falls, and it is used to weigh down the turf be up to 50 plus degrees cooler.” and prevent movement and wrinkling.

“This product does offer heat reduction benefits without Most older fields use a crumb the need for water,” said BrockFill, the infill used to fill in the gaps in the rubber infill. In combination Wickham. “But it is substantially artificial turf and make the field cooler, is displayed with the BrockPad, Dysart beneficial to put water on it, on Dysart High School’s field. uses BrockFILL, which is an even if it is just spritzed on it a engineered wood particle few times a week. It takes less infill specifically designed for than an hour to water a field, artificial turf. It’s made here and we usually tell the schools in the United States from to do it every other day [during a species of southern pine the hotter months]. It’s very that is grown, harvested, and minimal the amount of water replanted in continuous cycles, output that they need to put making it ideal for a sustainable, on the fields. To run the water renewable organic infill product. wheels for 45-60 minutes is The wood particle provides minimal compared to what they key differences over the crumb were using water consumption rubber found in older turf fields. wise for natural grass.”

People are used to running Some school districts in the on natural surfaces, not a valley use a combination of rubberized bouncy turf that crumb rubber and a natural changes consistency across zeolite material for their infill. the field. BrockFILL feels like While that combination does natural turf underfoot. Keeping provide the same level of infill in the turf is also key, so traction, it does require water the lower the splash the better. to get the cooling benefits.

BrockFILL achieves the lowest BrockFill is naturally 20-30 splash when dry compared to degrees cooler than those infill other infills and is even better products.

A piece of BrockPad, the absorbant shock pad that when damp.

The final component of the lays below the turf and infill, is seen as a sample on “It feels lighter running on it,” field is the actual artificial the turf of Dysart High School. said Anderson. “It kind of feels turf itself. The NFL Charities like running without shoes on.

Foundation had previously The traction and when you are trying to stop and change funded a year-long study at Michigan State University, directions feels a lot better. It took a little bit to get used where they evaluated the potential impact of football to, because with grass you have to dig deep into it. I’m playing surfaces on lower extremity injuries caused by not the fastest guy here, but I do feel faster on it.” excessive torque, or the rotational friction produced when But perhaps the most beneficial part of the BrockFILL cleated shoes dig into the field. are the cooling benefits. BrockFILL is a significantly cooler According to the results of that study, AstroTurf infill than crumb rubber and does not require watering.

GameDay Grass 3D most closely replicated natural grass Each BrockFILL particle is naturally hydrophilic, so they in a comparison of 16 types of synthetic and natural sports 14 OCTOBER 2023

Dysart District leadership, governing board members, local city leaders, and community members cut the ribbon on the new artificial turf field at Dysart High School on August 18 before the school’s first home football game.

turf, based on the torque, force, and friction generated by higher than most neighboring and professional facilities. cleated athletic shoes.

“Face weight is measured per square yard,” said In the study, the AstroTurf GameDay Grass 3D system Wickham. “You take a square yard of carpet or turf, and had the lowest average torque of all synthetic turf systems then weigh it, and the higher the number means you are tested, second only to natural grass. Researchers credited getting a lot more fiber.” the fiber structure of the AstroTurf “In other competitive turfs, the face system, the only fiber structure weight is anywhere between 33 and containing a RootZone, a simulated 42 ounces,” said Raiger. “So it’s very thatch layer at the base of the sparse. And it’s filled with eight or nine system, with the low level of frictional pounds of infill. In that scenario you resistance. Researchers also noted really aren’t playing on the grass, you’re that the RootZone reduces the playing on the infill. When a student amount of infill required for a stable athlete goes to plant, their cleats can system and may reduce compaction penetrate all the way through down of the infill layer. into the backing and get stuck there.

“With the RootZone in the turf, it The product Dysart is using with the keeps the infill in place, so it doesn’t RootZone, there is enough density that migrate as much and you don’t have the cleat can’t get through the grass.” all the flyout,” said Jonnie Deremo, The simplest way to explain it is that President, General Acrylics, Inc. it is better to replicate natural grass, “And then along with that you get and when you are playing on a high less cleat lock with that system quality natural grass surface, you are because your cleats aren’t going all playing on the grass, not the dirt. When - Mike Wickham the way to the bottom of the carpet or you have more fiber, or face weight, the turf itself. They’re staying up on and less infill, you are replicating that top, so it’s more like playing on real grass.” experience.

Based on those findings and other research, Dysart Safety and ensuring the field meets necessary selected AstroTurf GameDay Grass 3D to accompany the standards is paramount, but the turf field also has other BrockPad and BrockFill. In selecting the turf, the district ancillary benefits. The first thing one might think of is also opted for a higher face weight. At 60 ounces, it is water use. While it’s hard to track exact water savings

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This technology is modern and replicates natural grass more so than ever.”

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COMMUNITY CONNECT MAGAZINE 15

FEATURE from turf fields because of the complexity of the water them much more, and not have to worry about wearing out system tied to other parts of the school, one local Arizona the grass or the sod.” school district saw an estimated cost savings of nearly Weather also plays a huge role. While rain is infrequent $100,000 a year per turf field installed. here in Arizona, it does occur and would often shut the Maintenance is another cost-saving measure, as staff field down for days at a time, especially during Monsoon don’t have to spend as much time with the upkeep of the season. “We removed about seven inches of base off of field. Turf fields only require a bi-weekly maintenance those fields, dirt and grass off of there, and built a whole piece and a once of year cleaning to keep them pristine, drainage profile below the field so that when it rains there lasting 10-12 years on only minimal effort. isn’t standing water in the synthetic turf,” said Deremo.

“Turf fields allow schools to reallocate the grounds “This field allows student athletes in any type of facilities team to accomplish other tasks and duties, weather to still utilize the field,” said Wickham. “There is where they don’t have to be tied up with mowing the no downtime waiting for the field to get striped, waiting lawn, painting the lawn, for it to dry out, so this aerating it, overseeding is something student it, the normal day to day athletes can enjoy 365 and year round operations [days a year].” required to maintain a While Dysart schools sod field,” said Wickham. were the first in Arizona “They are able to utilize to utilize these new Brock those resources elsewhere technologies in their now, not only financially fields, an additional seven but personnel wise as fields will be installed in well.” the state by the end of Playability is the other the year. “We currently key attribute of a turf have over 177 million field, and the reason so square feet across the many school districts are country and have over installing them. With grass Willow Canyon High School senior, Gavin Anderson (right), assists 500 BrockFILL fields in a tackle during the team’s first home game of the season against fields, there was always a since it launched in 2019,” Horizon High School. concern of tearing up the said Trull. Additionally, field in practice or during daily use. Coaches and athletes Dysart’s other two high schools, Valley Vista and Shadow want the field in the best possible conditions for games, so Ridge, will receive turf installations to be ready for the the fields were used only for those purposes. However, 2024-2025 school year. “The Dysart District was very with Dysart’s turf field technology, it’s meant to be used, responsible in their approach, in the research they did, and used often. in the due diligence they performed,” said Raiger. “They “A lot of our competitors have a usage log where they were very careful and analyzed safety, durability, ease of restrict the amount of hours,” said Wickham. “We don’t do maintenance, and heat reduction. All of those things were that. We feel this is a big investment for the district. We important to them, and I applaud their leadership for the want you guys to utilize it as much as possible and enjoy approach they took.” it. You don’t have to worry about pulling your team off of it Despite all the outlined benefits as far as safety, and practicing on the practice field because you are afraid savings, and playability, maybe the most important aspect of wearing the field out prematurely.” is the feeling these fields give to their students, staff, and “The field condition throughout the year is much more community. stable and consistent,” said Deremo. “Typically after “We’ve seen after these fields get put in, the school gets football season is over and soccer starts, those grass more kids involved in sports,” said Deremo. “It brings fields are worn down to nothing. So when soccer comes more camaraderie between the kids and everyone at the along they are basically playing on dead grass and dirt. school. They get excited about having these fields.”

It’s a hard, hard surface and unsafe. The playability isn’t “I think our turf field is one of the best,” said Anderson. very consistent. By having these synthetic turf fields you “It looks nice and it’s so beautiful. It brings pride to our have a consistent surface all year long and you can use program and makes you want to work harder.”

16 OCTOBER 2023

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COMMUNITY CONNECT MAGAZINE 17

TEACHER TIPS

Why

ATTENDANCE MATTERS From the Eyes of a Teacher

By Samantha Jonat and Jessica Whynott

W

hy is attendance important from the eyes of a teacher? Attending school is an important part of your child’s education. Being at school has a major impact on a child’s academic and social development. Going to school regularly is more than a routine; it is setting your child up for success.

Each day is planned by the teacher with the attendance of your child in mind. Each lesson builds from the days prior learning. If your child is absent they are not getting the instruction needed to perform the day’s task. Since each day builds upon the next, any day missed is a skill missed.

Missing even a few days of school can result in gaps in a student’s understanding. These gaps can increase over time, leading to academic struggles that might be difficult to overcome. Consistent attendance ensures that your child is exposed to all lessons, discussions, and activities, allowing them the opportunity to learn.

When a child is in the classroom, it allows them to actively participate in various learning activities.

These activities include; student-to-student conversations and hands-on experiences that teach critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

This active participation improves their academic performance but also teaches children the social skills needed to be problem solvers for the present and future.

Taking your child to school everyday helps them develop a sense of routine and consistency.

Attending school on a daily basis builds community between school and home, and home and school.

When parents and teachers work together, it helps

18 OCTOBER 2023

instill these qualities that are essential for each child’s future success, both in education and in the real world. This has a direct effect on a child’s ability to maintain commitments and responsibilities from a young age. They will be better equipped to manage their time effectively and prioritize tasks as they grow older.

As a parent you play a major role when your child attends school daily as you are allowing your child to develop social skills. Interacting with classmates, teachers, and other school staff strengthens friendships, empathy, and creates a sense of belonging. Consistent attendance enables students to form meaningful relationships and build a support system within the school community.

Parents and guardians play a crucial role in ensuring that their children attend school regularly, complete assignments, and stay engaged in their studies. When parents prioritize attendance, they send a clear message that education is a priority.

This collaboration between parents, school, and teachers creates an environment for academic growth and success.

Attendance is an essential part of education that significantly influences academic achievement, active participation, routine development, social skills, and parental involvement. Having your child attend school regularly provides a solid foundation for lifelong learning and personal growth. By recognizing the significance of attendance early, you as a parent are promoting a positive and consistent school-going habit, ensuring that each child has the best possible start to their academic and personal development.

Marley Park Elementary School teachers, Jessica Whynott (left) and Samantha Jonat pose for a photograph at their school.

Attendance By the Numbers Chronic absenteeism is defined as missing more than 10 percent of school days in a year, or just 2 days a month.

Did you know that when a student misses 2 days of school a month, they will miss 20 days a year?

When a student misses 2 days of school a month, they will miss over 1 year of school by graduation?

When a student misses 2 days of school a month, they will miss 30 hours of math over the school year?

When a student misses 2 days of school a month, they will miss 60 hours of reading and writing over the school year?

Did you know that for every day of school missed, it takes 3 days to make up what was taught?

COMMUNITY CONNECT MAGAZINE 19

FEATURE

Designing to F

or Ernesto (Trey) Corral, graphic design wasn’t an the advanced 5-6 course. Throughout his progression initial interest of his. He was a very tech-savvy kid, in the program, he realized more and more how much as he always had an interest in computers and has even he enjoyed what he was learning and the skills he was built his own setups. However, it wasn’t until his freshman building. “I started to really develop a love for it. It wasn’t year at Shadow Ridge High School, as he was looking too hard, but still challenging. I was excited to get to learn for classes to sign up for, that his interest in graphic something new,” said Trey. design piqued. “I was just looking for interesting classes Aside from his newfound love for graphic design, Trey to sign up for, and graphic design sounded interesting,” also has a passion for helping others. Trey is actively he recalls. He never knew it was offered as a involved in his community and has been class, and once he realized it, knowing his involved in the local YMCA for many interest in computers and software years. Trey has spent countless already, he knew he had to sign hours working at different Valley of up for it. Now as a senior, the the Sun YMCA locations throughout program has opened a multitude of the state helping with several opportunities and experiences for programs including child care, youth Trey. sports, and after-school programs.

The Graphic Design Program is He even spends his summers a three-year Career and Technical helping at the YMCA summer camp in Education (CTE) program, focused on Prescott, Arizona. teaching students the basic elements He describes this experience as and principles of graphic design extremely rewarding, and a great way to through the use of photography and give back. “One of the biggest things the the Adobe Creative Suite which YMCA has taught me is the importance includes Illustrator, Photoshop, of community, and how little things go and InDesign. Throughout the a long way,” he reflects. “Just a tiny program, students are taught to thing like helping [a family] with financial Trey Corral’s logo design for PHX350. use sophisticated layouts, design, assistance, can make a family flourish and graphic creation processes to compared to what they were doing produce a wide variety of real-world print, web, and digital before.” media applications. Once students complete the program One thing Trey wasn’t expecting was his new love for they will have built a portfolio of work that can be used for graphic design to collide with his work with the YMCA. job interviews, college admissions, and internships.

Through his presence with the organization and the As a freshman, Trey started in the Graphic Design 1-2 experience and skills he was gaining in the graphic design course and progressed through the 3-4 course, and finally program, Trey was able to begin offering design support 20 OCTOBER 2023

Ernesto (Trey) Corral works on the logo design for PHX350, a new Youth Drop In Center providng homeless support services and 50 beds for young people ages 18-24 in downtown Phoenix.

and assisting in the creative process for many projects at the YMCA. He began assisting in the creation of materials such as flyers, brochures, T-shirts, posters, and other promotional materials.

In the spring of 2023, during Trey’s final semester in the graphic design program at Shadow Ridge, the students were tasked with seeking out clients, either within the school or the real-world, to offer their design services.

Trey needed to identify a potential client, assess their needs, and create a graphic project to meet those needs. Through his connection with the YMCA, Trey knew of a potential need.

The YMCA had recently received a grant from the Arizona Department of Housing to create a program to offer assistance to young adults aged 18 to 24. The program, called the PHX350 Housing Program and Drop-In Center, is located in downtown Phoenix, and assists individuals in need with emergency housing, as well as other resources and essential services. Once the program was established, they were just in

need of a logo, and asked Trey to assist. He immediately jumped at the opportunity to help.

Trey began brainstorming and creating drafts to present to them. His approach to initially creating the design was guided by techniques he learned from his graphic design teacher, Rodney Moore. “I learned in Mr. Moore’s class that you first create your draft, then you improvise the draft,” Trey recalls. “As time

Interior view of the new Youth Drop-In Center in downtown Phoenix. (Image courtesy of the Arizona Department of Housing.)

COMMUNITY CONNECT MAGAZINE 21

A local new station reports on the opening of the Valley of the Sun YMCA PHX350 Drop in Youth Center in Downtown Phoenix.

goes on, you progress, make changes, look back on the original, see what you like from that one, what you like from the new one, and combine them.” Following this process, Trey was able to create 5 or 6 logos, based on the criteria the organization presented to him. Once the designs were submitted, the organization officials decided which one they liked best.

The logo that was selected features a black silhouette of the state of Arizona in the background, with an illustration of an orange Phoenix bird extending from a flame in the foreground. The name of the program, “PHX350” sits above the illustration. “The state [sillhouette] obviously represents Arizona, and the Phoenix represents the city that the shelter is in,” Trey explains. The Phoenix bird is also the official symbol of the City of Phoenix, which really connects the logo to the community the program serves.

Trey’s logo can currently be - Trey Corral found at the Lincoln Family Downtown YMCA, where the housing program is located. The logo is featured on a banner at the location, as well as on various promotional materials.

Trey’s logo was also seen in news segments from local stations reporting on the new housing center. “The program was made possible by a grant so news stations picked it up and were there at the grand opening,” recalls Trey. The story was picked up by stations such as ABC 15

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and FOX 10, garnering a national audience of 14 million people. “It was pretty neat,” he added.

When it comes to Trey’s time in the graphic design program, he’s thankful for the skills he has been able to gain, and hopes to carry the things he’s learned into college and beyond. “Graphic design is everywhere,” Trey says. “There are so many opportunities as graphics are used everywhere we look, so I think it’s going to benefit me because you have the skills to make things people need. It’ll help me out in a career a lot,” he expressed.

CTE programs, such as graphic design, are tailored to not only teach students industry-related skills, but also real-world skills they can carry with them into any field. “CTE is really good handson learning,” says Shadow Ridge Graphic Design teacher Rodney Moore. “The skills you learn are not just attributed to one industry. We try to teach them content-specific skills, but also real-world skills that they can use in all different kinds of applications.”

For anyone who is unsure about taking CTE courses in high school, Trey hopes to encourage them to give it a try. “Just try a CTE course,” he exclaimed. “You may not think it’s going to make a difference in your life, but it can show you a way to a career, or it can show you something that you really enjoy.”

One of the biggest things the YMCA has taught me is the importance of community, and how little things go a long way.

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COMMUNITY CONNECT MAGAZINE 23

FEATURE

FROM THE SAME CLOTH

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isa Prewitt is a 7th and 8th grade social studies teacher at Dysart Middle School. What you may not know about her is that her first college degrees were in Fashion Merchandising and Fashion Design.

She used to design and create all sorts of clothing, ranging from wedding dresses to rock band attire in the early 1990s. But the practical side of her took over and she decided to go into teaching instead. But that love of fashion and sewing never left her. To this day, she continues to create, fix, and help out those in her community.

One day while talking to students about dress code and appropriate attire that is both professional and stylish, she had an idea. Why not create a club at the school where she could help students learn how to sew.

- Lisa Prewitt “Once upon a time everyone knew the basics because it was taught in school,” said Prewitt referring to the now sparse Home Economics classes. “Now unless you seek it out, you do not learn these skills. I think it is important for everyone to have these basic skills.”

So during the 2020-2021 school year, Prewitt started the Fashion Club at Dysart Middle School.

She had quite a few students sign up that first year and attend. However, a variety of factors led to most of those students dropping out of the club. For one,

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it was just after COVID, which impacted participation.

Additionally, she had sparse materials and equipment for the students to use. By the second semester of the club’s first year, she only had one student left. So she approached the student and asked her what she wanted to make.

“She wanted to learn how to sew a top,” Prewitt said with a smile, recalling the conversation vividly. “I said ok, let’s learn how. I had one sewing machine and the student and she created a shirt.”

The next year, she started up the club again, worked with what she had, and managed to get a few more students to stick around and learn some of the basics.

“We had three machines, and we started with 20 students,” she said. “It dropped to a core of eight students because I didn’t have a lot of supplies. Word of mouth grew around the school, and the club began to pick up steam. But students were oftentimes waiting for help and materials to do the work. After last year, Prewitt realized that if this club was going to succeed, it needed more equipment and supplies.

So this year she paid a visit to the Quilters on Grand, a Sun City club. She carefully explained a little about her Fashion Club, and asked for any

This is what I am supposed to do.

I learned sewing back then, I had fun with it, and now I am supposed to spread that onto others.

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A student in the Dysart Middle School Fashion Club works on a hand-sewn seam during one of the sessions.

COMMUNITY CONNECT MAGAZINE 25

FEATURE donations, whether they be material or financial. She also asked for volunteers of their time.

“My parents were both teachers,” said Sara Friesen, a member of the Quilters on Grand. “I believe in teaching, and I know sewing is kind of becoming a lost art.”

The club came through with donations of fabric, thread displays, sewing machines, irons, ironing boards, scissors, and much more.

“Thanks to Ms. Sara and the quilting ladies, I have an abundance of supplies,” said Prewitt. “Everyone has what they can work with, everyone has something to use. Nobody is waiting for anything. So I think I will be much more successful in keeping students in the club and engaged. No one is sitting and waiting for materials.”

The Fashion Club starts with students learning how to sew by hand. They work first with buttons, and then move on to hand seams and hand hems. After that, they move on to the sewing machines. They’ll start with a basic small square, just so they can learn how the machines work.

“I really like using the sewing machines,” said Kasumi Jacox, an 8th grader who has been in the club for two years now. “Number one, you have to figure out the

speed by which to use it. On some of them there is a pedal you have to push down on, and it’s really sensitive, so you have to make sure you get that down right. And instead of hand sewing which is really slow, the machines are really fast.”

Next students make a basic, square pillow. After that step, it’s on to clothing. Prewitt suggests they start with pajama bottoms, because they are easy to make and the students might actually wear them.

Then students graduate to a variety of projects, including bags, stuffed animals, tops, and skirts. They can basically choose whatever they want to make, and either bring in patterns that they purchased or use the ones available at the club.

“We’re also learning measuring,” said Prewitt, highlighting one of the academic skills students need to apply to the club. “We’re learning how to find measurement in a real life skill while it’s happening. We have to measure each other and then look at the chart and figure out what size you are, what size pattern you need, and how much fabric you need. There’s a lot of math that goes along with that.”

Sara Friesen, a member of the Quilters on Grand Sun City Club, works with a student on her seam. Quilters on Grand has donated supplies, equipment, and volunteer hours to the Fashion Club to ensure the students have a great experience.

26 OCTOBER 2023

Along with the skills of sewing, math, and a little bit of STEM, creativity and the arts come into play as well for these students.

“They get to bring their individuality into it,” said Prewitt. “They get to pick what they want to do. I’m hoping that they see that you don’t just have to buy the clothes in the store. You can create anything that you want to. I’ve got a few fashionistas in here that I know are going to want to change clothing that they find to meet their personality.”

“I grew up in the 1960s and most moms sewed clothes for their kids,” said Friesen. “My mother didn’t, and there were a few of us at school that all had the same clothes. So that encouraged me to sew and have my own unique clothes.”

Fashion is a unique field, and many of the students have their own aspirations. However, the Fashion Club is not just for those who want to find a career. Prewitt makes sure to let the students know that this type of skill can be used right now to give the students a trade they can use to help family members, those in their community, or even make small amounts of money similar to a babysitting or lawn mowing job.

“I hope that they gain a love of wanting to sew, because it is a lost art. And I hope that they take this with them throughout their lifetime and they are able to use this skill. Sewing is kind of like riding a bike, once you know how to do it, you don’t ever really forget.”

For Kasumi, her goal is to have a career in science someday. But Fashion Club is still a skill she cherishes. “I just really wanted to see if I could be able to make something I would like, or if I could fix things that were broken,” she said.

“We can help fix clothes that are broken that people don’t want to get rid of.”

As for Prewitt, as the club grows and more and more students become interested, she’s found a calling. And with a little help from those in the community through donations and volunteers, she knows this will only continue to blossom.

“This is what I am supposed to do,” said Prewitt with a smile. “I learned it back then, I had fun with it, and now I am supposed to spread that onto others.”

Lisa Prewitt’s first student in the Fashion Club poses for a picture after sewing her first shirt during the 2020-2021 school year.

Lisa Prewitt answers a question from a student as she learns how to do a hand-sewn hem in the Fashion Club at Dysart Middle School.

Students sew in Fashion Club at Dysart Middle School.

COMMUNITY CONNECT MAGAZINE 27

Sketched Memories

FEATURE

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ylieBlu Santiago stood shocked in front of a large group of people as she just learned that her piece titled, “A Father’s Love” was selected for the top prize in the Ninth Congressional District Art Competition.

Emotional cheers from her family rang through the room at the Western Caballeros Museum in Wickenburg as KylieBlu’s graphite sketch was unveiled as the first place winner during the ceremony. In addition to the top prize, she received the People’s Choice Award from Paul Gosar, United States Congressman from the 9th district. Still in shock, KylieBlu was asked to give a speech about the creation of the piece that was a portrait sketch of her and her father, Ivan, from her childhood.

28 OCTOBER 2023

“I was crying the whole time. I was very embarrassed as I did not know I had to give a speech,” said KylieBlu. It was true emotion and through tears she shared how happy she was to be chosen and how truly grateful she was to get to share her art with so many people.

The Congressional Art Competition celebrates the enormous talent and cultural contributions of high school students. KylieBlu’s artwork was chosen out of thousands of submissions. This annual contest, first started in 1982 and with over 650,000 participants since, recognizes the best art of the year from high school students. Students submit entries to their representative’s office, and panels of congressional district artists select the winning entries.

KylieBlu Santiago’s award winning graphite sketch titled “A Father’s Love” for her AP portfolio based off a photo of her and her father, Ivan, from her 4th birthday party.

Winners are recognized both locally in their district and are invited to attend the annual awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. Their artwork will be displayed for one year on the wall in the walkway from the Cannon House Office Building to the United States Capitol.

She was surprised by the feedback she received during the ceremony including the reception about her artwork from Congressman Gosar.

“He said the sketch reminded him of himself and his daughter, whom he is very close with, as he was raising her as a young father,” shared Santiago.

The award-winning piece was done for her Advanced Placement (AP) art portfolio in Erika Adelman’s AP Studio

Art class at Valley Vista High School during her senior year in 2022-2023. It was one of 12 original pieces of art needed to fulfill the assignment, which asks the sustained investigation question - how can memories become a moment?

The AP portfolio goes over inquiry, investigation, practice, experimentation, revision, communication, and reflection about the student’s artwork. It’s a very intense and rigorous course where students create a portfolio centered around a sustained investigation and central idea. While students are working with a specific theme they are also working with different materials, processes, and ideas. Students produce works of art and design by COMMUNITY CONNECT MAGAZINE 29

Paul Gosar, United States Congressman from the 9th district, Brother Omar Santiago-holding Sister- Zo Ortega, Dad-Ivan Santiago, Brother- Zavior Ortega, Stepmother-Jenny Segovia, KylieBlue Santiago, Boyfriend-Nathan Uekert pose at the Ninth Congressional District Art Competition ceremony hosted at the Desert Caballeros Western Museum in May of 2023.

practicing, experimenting, and revising throughout the year. KylieBlu went through a series of childhood photos as a possible subject for one of the pieces. A photo of her and her father at her 4th birthday party stood out.

“I chose the photo of me and my Dad to reflect back on my past and more my childhood memories and just see if I could bring some of those moments back to life,” said KylieBlu. “I’ve always been a Daddy’s girl but recently as I’ve gotten older, we’ve come across some challenges in our relationship. I wanted to pick a picture that shows the love I have for him and demonstrated how pure things were.”

KylieBlu has been interested in art since she was young and began drawing at the age of four. Her dad is also an artist and really fostered her love for art and inspired her creative side. He often would take her to his tattoo appointments.

“I went to all of his appointments since I was really little.

Tattooing is so intriguing to me, to be able to put art on skin is just crazy.”

KylieBlu became serious about her artistic passion in high school and took advanced art classes at Valley Vista High School. She also became an apprentice at Royalty Tattoo studio in Phoenix at the age of 16 when a family friend offered to mentor her.

“The whole shop took me in and once I hit the one year mark I was able to take in my own clients.”

She started line work on artificial skin to get experience 30 OCTOBER 2023

and gave her first tattoo to a fellow artist in the shop last summer.

“It’s really hard to control the tattoo gun at first but my colleague guided me along as I was tattooing him,” said Santiago.

She is continually learning at the studio and has taken walk-in clients for smaller tattoos as she continues to hone her craft. She recently completed her first large arm piece on her mom, which was a traditional Geisha tattoo.

“It’s so beautiful, it’s really one of my favorite pieces.”

Building upon her confidence with the help of talented artists around her and with the encouragement from her father and teacher, she plans to become a full time tattoo artist after the completion of the apprenticeship.

The artwork for her portrait piece from her childhood photo took about three weeks from start to finish and she worked on it daily in class with the help of Mrs. Adelman.

“I spent a lot of time working with KylieBlu on her portfolio that involved capturing moments of childhood.

The photo of her and her father was very special to her, because it reminded her of when things were just more simple. As she was facing graduation and the unknown future, she felt comfort in going back to some of those simple moments in her memories,” said Adelman.

After KylieBlu submitted her AP portfolio, Mrs. Adelman encouraged her to submit the sketch of her and her father at the school art competition and the Congressional Arts Competition.

“Her piece was gorgeous, she captured the detail and emotions beautifully and we celebrated it daily in class as she was creating it,” said Mrs. Adelman.

KylieBlu was skeptical about entering the portrait into both competitions.

“I didn’t even think it was that good when I finished it.

As an artist you are never really happy with your work but I changed my mind when I learned so many people were touched by it,” said KylieBlu. After winning the Principal’s Choice award at Valley Vista High School, many people reached out and complimented her artwork.

“Even thinking about it being a possibility of winning, I never thought I would be able to do anything like this or have the opportunity to do so. Along with the mentorship at the shop, the encouragement from my Dad and Mrs. Adelman pushed me to be the artist I am today. They all really believed in me and let me express my art in any way.”

“I definitely had tears in my eyes when her name and artwork were revealed. I always say that the way to an art teacher’s heart is to see their students feel pride in the work they’ve done. My art teacher’s heart was full that day KylieBlu won the Congressional award,” said Adelman.

As part of the Congressional recognition, KylieBlu received a $2,000 scholarship to Mohave College, two reserved seats at the Congressional Arts Awards ceremony and flights to Washington DC. KylieBlu’s artwork, along with student artists from across the nation, will hang in the Cannon Tunnel of the U.S. Capitol for one year. The tunnel is the most highly traveled KylieBlu stands near her artwork, A Father’s Love, in the Cannon Tunnel at the United States Capitol. This piece is part of the Congressional Art Exhibition in Washington DC featuring artwork from high school students across the country.

KylieBlu holds her name tag featuring her artwork given to all awardees at the Congressional Art Competition ceremony in Washington DC.

access point between the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Capitol. Every day, Members of Congress, visitors, and thousands of tourists walk through the tunnel and admire the artwork.

“To be able to share my art and know that the President of the United States will be able to walk in the hallway and see my piece, it is mind blowing,” said KylieBlu. KylieBlu took her mother and her boyfriend to Washington D.C. in June to attend the ceremony and see her work, “A Father’s Love,” displayed in the capitol along with rows of student artwork as part of the Congressional Art Competition exhibition.

They took a tour of the national monuments, watched a slide show about American history and participated in a luncheon with the honored student artists from around the country.

KylieBlu was particularly inspired by the fellow artists they were able to see the Congressional District Art exhibition at the capitol.

“There were so many different mediums in the artwork from students in different states. All of the pieces are so inspiring. There were portraits, photos, and acrylics. It really reiterated that no matter what your story is or what your purpose is for your art, as long as you are inspired and motivated you can really get far.”

Having the recognition for her piece that represented a COMMUNITY CONNECT MAGAZINE 31

KylieBlu’s sketch titled “4L” features herself and her brother, Omar based off a photo from her childhood.

The piece was included in her AP portfolio.

KylieBlu’s sketch titled “Babygirl” based off a photo of her when she was younger. The piece was included in her AP portfolio.

special moment between her and her father made them “We are kind of taking part in history by having our both reflect on their bond. artwork at the capitol. Just to think how many presidents, “The portrait showed my Dad that I appreciate him and congressmen, and important people who stood where I how we’ve grown in our relationship. It was good for both stood in [Washington, D.C.] and for my art to be placed of us to almost recreate the moment and see it again in a there, it is just great I was a part of it,” said KylieBlu. new light by working on the portrait.

KylieBlu’s future plans are to take He’s always nurtured my art and I a few prerequisite classes with the think that is another reason why I scholarship she earned from the chose that photo. It showed him I Congressional award and to study art appreciate the motivation he provides and business with the goal to open her This experience me, the skill that he’s taught to me, own tattoo shop one day. really pushed me and to look within myself to create She’s also looking to explore different to be the artist more,” said Santiago. mediums including painting acrylics I am today. To KylieBlu was also touched by and would like to participate in more be able to share the support of her art teacher who art competitions and attend tattoo my art with a created a positive environment for conventions to put her name out there. lot of people... her to learn and grow in her art “This experience really pushed me and to show throughout the creation of her AP to be the artist I am today. To be able the relationship portfolio. to share my art with a lot of people at between parents “I do treasure being a part of the the capitol and to show the relationship and their children. students’ journey. High school is between parents and their children. such a small blip in a lifetime and it’s Throughout the process of creating KylieBlu Santiago an honor to be on their paths even the portrait of my Dad and I, I hope it for just a year or two. It feels good to showed how realism can just touch know that we’re sending students off someone’s heart. You can see the into the world who have the confidence and skills to carry happiness pop out in the picture, and I really wanted to them forward and grow,” said Adelman. encapsulate that.”

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COMMUNITY CONNECT MAGAZINE 33

PARENT PERSPECTIVE

Helping Hands

By Amy Hues, Parent

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chools across the country help to empower our the teachers? I knew that many of the questions led to children with learning and knowledge so that they one unanimous answer; I needed to get involved with my can become successful individuals in life. By providing child’s education more than just dropping him off every life skills such as; communication, critical thinking, day. independence and social skills, our children are able to Getting involved became important to me, as it not grow up and go on to become whatever they choose only was it allowing me to make connections with the to be. The encouragement and teachers and staff but it provided involvement from us as parents help me a new appreciation to see how them feel that their dreams become teachers work together for our realities. children. Becoming more involved also Leading by example is just one shed light on how the events that go of the many things we can do for on throughout the school could not our children. There are many ways happen without the help of volunteers. that we can do this, specifically Between the events, and getting inside around their education. Children the classrooms there are always learn by example, therefore, when opportunities and things that we can you become a part of your child’s do for our schools, teachers and education, it can impact and improve children. It was also an opportunity qualities that we don’t always take to meet their friends, their friends’ into consideration, such as behavior, parents and learn who our children attendance, and social skills. By are growing up with as they move parents/guardians being informed on throughout their education while and excited about what is going creating new relationships. Watching on at the school, in turn displays the children get excited was another to children the desire to become benefit. When you come in to do excited and adapt in their school reading groups, or are walking through Amy Hues poses with her family. setting. the halls from making copies, the kids I remember dropping off our become very excited to see you. oldest for his first year of kindergarten in 2019. I vividly Becoming involved is so much more than just attending remember watching him walk away. I immediately felt the events throughout the year or participating in fundraisers. words “well, what is next” come over me. This question I have found “being involved” can mean being physically led me to have many more questions about what was present on campus or seeing what teachers need to better going on around the school, what kind of events are being serve our children, after all, our teachers are where it all put on this year, and how often do we get to hear from begins! Being involved can also include seeing if the front 34 OCTOBER 2023

Amy Hues works with a student during Meet the Teacher Night

A parent has lunch with her children at a school.

office could use any support, asking the PTA what events you can volunteer at, tearing math pages out of books, making copies, participating in reading groups or donating class supplies for projects. These gestures can help teachers in tremendous ways. Teachers spend countless hours preparing in their classrooms, prepping lessons, grading work, attending meetings and showcasing how brilliant our children are, it is only fair that we show them the same. Instead of worrying about what else needs to be done, the teachers are able to focus on what more they can do for their students in the classroom because their task was completed. I can personally say that teachers 2/10/23 2:35 PM become Dysart_ad_7.5x5_ol so appreciative,copy.pdf even if 1it doesn’t seem like a big

task, or a lot, what you are giving back to them is more than we know.

While not all parents/caregivers are able to volunteer their time, I have seen a difference when parents become involved, in a very positive way. When you get involved with your child it shows you are not only invested in your child but the school that supports their growth and development. There is such a difference when you become involved in your child’s education and get on campus or volunteer at events. I encourage all caregivers to be involved in your child’s education through volunteering, not only does this help your child but their teacher and school as well.

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COMMUNITY CONNECT MAGAZINE 35

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[community capture] Artwork by Parker Fisher, Valley Vista High School