"ROCKET MAN" HELPS LAUNCH A LOVE OF LEARNING

It’s a bird … it’s a plane … no, it’s a Hopi Rocket!

Mark Phillips, community member, engineer, and former Hopi Elementary School parent, has been sharing an elementary version of rocket science with Hopi 5th graders for more than 20 years.

“When my eldest daughter, Emily, became a 5th grader at Hopi, they were looking for a Friday afternoon "Bring Your Parents' Hobby" discussion/presentation,” said Phillips. “She really wanted me to participate, and so I brought up the idea of a rocket-building afternoon. It took off beyond my wildest expectations and became much more than an afternoon activity.”

The father of three former Hopi students, Phillips’s rockets are now a 5th grade staple. His daughters, all grown, and his sons-in-law have also helped along the way.

"I loved seeing my rocket fly up into the sky!” exclaimed 5th grader Sofia Ghelfi. “It really made me feel like I could do anything."

It is that exact sentiment and realization that drive Phillips’s continued commitment to Hopi.

“I do enjoy the enthusiasm of the 5th graders learning to explore and create something that they might not have dreamed possible,” said Phillips. “At this age, they can dream of becoming anything their passions and heart desires, and if this program helps them see and experience the possibilities, then I feel I have helped make a difference in their lives, to some degree.”

Phillips volunteers countless hours, preparing lessons, visiting with each 5th grade class to build model rockets, then, helping students launch their rockets on the Arcadia High School JV softball field, followed up with a "rocket recap.” These lessons weave in science and math (even trigonometry!).

“His devotion to the kids at Hopi, his kind spirit, and his engineering knowledge are such a gift,” said newly National Board-certified 5th grade teacher Laura Mitchell.

The students know this to be true and are grateful for the experience.

"Mr. Phillips is an amazing, funny person! So far, it was my favorite part of the year!" 5th grader Elliana Cipullo added enthusiastically.

"Mr. Phillips (a.k.a. ‘Rocket Man’) was a great instructor. He taught me so many fun facts about launching rockets, engines, and how high rockets can go!" expanded 5th grader Violet Doody.

“Overall, the rocket program was amazing! I loved how there was math, building, teamwork and the experience of trial and error,” 5th grader Owen Briegel stated.

The Hopi Rocket program is an experience that these students will carry with them always. It may even influence their future studies and career choices, as it has others’.

“There are fifth graders from years past who are now working for NASA and other aerospace companies, and I am hopeful this program helped them along the way,” said Phillips.

You can learn more about the Hopi Hawks’ Rockets at hopirockets.com.