Globe Unified School District Update

SPONSORED BY GLOBE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

In recent years, competitive e-sports – essentially, competitive video gaming – has become mainstream, even being broadcast on ESPN. High school e-sports tie into STEM curricula and help build character and teamwork skills.

E-sports is sanctioned through the Arizona Interscholastic Association, which means students participating in Globe High School’s new e-sports team will have to follow the same guidelines as players in traditional sports – including maintaining good grades and avoiding disciplinary issues.

Some 20 students will compete against gamers from other public schools in Arizona, and they’ll be able to apply for $600,000 in scholarships. The district hopes to have the program up and running by spring, and is asking for donations to help make that happen. They’ve received about $7,000 so far.

GUSD has received nearly $500,000 through the federal Enrollment Stabilization grant program to offset lost revenue and increased expenses stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. The district calculates they’ve incurred more than $700,000 in additional costs – which could reach $1 million by the end of the school year.

The grant is helping the district cover the costs of homebound programs – things needed for “medically fragile” students – as well as technology costs, PPE, and physical improvements at schools to make them safer.

The district also purchased supplies used by food services. The district has worked hard at ensuring that any student can continue to get breakfast or lunch, regardless of their family’s income level and whether they’re learning at school or remotely. It offers three meals a day to many homes, including over the weekends.

Congratulations to coach Suzy Morales and her 8th-grade girls’ volleyball team for winning the junior high championship this past fall, and to coach Linda Noriega and the high school co-ed cheerleading team for being crowned Arizona 3A state champions in December! The district is deeply proud of you all.

Principal Gentry began his education career in 2011 after military service, participating in the Troops to Teachers program. He started out teaching algebra and 8th-grade math, while earning his master’s degree in Educational Leadership. He served as assistant principal and principal at schools in his native Texas before joining the GUSD last July.

Gentry believes every kid deserves a chance. He says, “Every student can shine – it may not be in all areas, or in the same areas as another student, but they still have talent and something to hang their hat on academically. That’s what I want to expose for all students.” His favorite quote is, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not a single act, but a habit.”

Originally from Michigan, Mike Mrozinski first spent time in the district last winter, when he was brought in as a consultant to help the district with an administrative shortage. He was subsequently hired for a permanent position and returned in July.

This marks Mrozinski’s 33rd year in education. He taught for eight years and was an administrator for 24 years before coming to Globe. Mrozinkski says he got into education because he enjoys working with kids. “I also enjoy working with parents,” he says. “And I really like it when I can help kids in some way.” The most satisfying, he says, is watching students grow and helping them realize that they’re better than they think they are.

A Globe native, Hernandez joined the military one day before 9/11 occurred. He served three long tours in a war zone and 12 years as an Infantry Sergeant, and graduated from three leadership academies. Upon retiring from the military, he returned to Globe and joined the local Veterans of Foreign Wars, where he has risen to the role of District Commander.

Hernandez served as head coach for the track & field and football teams at High Desert Middle School for four years. He believes that now more than ever, it’s imperative to do everything possible to teach today’s youth the importance of maintaining a communal bond to those around us and offering a helping hand for those in need.

A mother of six – three of whom are enrolled in the GUSD – BrownQuintero believes in the value of public education and wants to help ensure GUSD students receive the highest quality of education possible. She works as a certified supply chain management director and volunteers as a committee chair with the Boy Scouts of America Troop 5883. She holds a master’s degree in business administration and an Adult Education teacher certificate.

Brown-Quintero believes fiscal responsibility is paramount to ensure that each dollar is spent wisely and benefits students. She’s committed to creating a safe learning environment that offers a rich curriculum, where every child has the opportunity to succeed.