Students have stopped wearing their ID badges Page 3
The Varsity girls basketball team plans to win big Page 6
Foreign exchange students at Desert Vista Page 7
The View 16440 S. 32nd St. Phoenix AZ 85048
February 2014
XIX
Battle promoted to district office position Staff Reports View News
Faculty and staff are all a buzz when an emergency meeting is called on campus. As members filtered into the auditorium Monday afternoon for the 3:15 p.m. sharp appointment, conversations about students, classrooms and activities filled the air. But as Superintendent Kenneth Baca took the microphone and began to praise the virtues the nearly 20-year history of DVHS, one thing was undeniable in the silence of the room. Something big was about to happen. “There are many great things that come out of Desert Vista. One of those is the next associate superintendent for Tempe Union High School District, Dr. Anna Battle,” Baca said. An uproar of applause filled the room. Battle will be recommended to the Tempe Union High School Governing Board as the Assistant Superintendent for District Operations. In his letter to Desert Vista parents, Dr. Baca stated, “Because of her vast expertise, years of experience, and numerous local, state and national awards, Dr. Battle has earned my trust and respect. She will play a very critical role in Tempe Union as we continue to fulfill our mission of ‘Excellence in Teaching and Learning.’” Dr. Battle has been the principal of Desert Vista for the past eight years. She will continue in this capacity until the close of the school year
and assist with the transition process for the next principal. “I’m hopeful with my impact and assistance in working with principals that this will continue to benefit students across the district,” said Battle. Pending Governing Board approval of Dr. Battle’s appointment, a process for selection of a new principal for Desert Vista is forthcoming. Under her leadership, Desert Vista High School has exceeded expectations for student achievement and the school has always earned the highest grade of an “A” from the Arizona Department of Education and received the A+ School of Excellence Award from the Arizona Education Foundation in 2011. “(She has accomplished) numerous things. I don’t know where to begin. I spent 12 years working with her, over two schools. Before DV, she turned around a failing school, and made it very successful,” said friend and assistant principal Christine Barela. Previously, Dr. Battle was the principal at Tempe High School from 2002-2006 and the Assistant Principal for Athletics for Desert Vista High School from 1997-2002. “[I have] years of experience in education. All three of my degrees are in education,” said Battle. She has served the students and community of TUHSD for twenty-seven years as a teacher, assistant principal and principal. DV Faculty cheered as Battle blew a kiss to her audience. “I thought it was first and foremost
very important that the Desert Vista community find out first,” Baca said. “I know that applause was very sincere but I also know that comes with mixed emotions because for the past eight years you have worked side-by-side and along with Dr. Battle,” Baca said. Baca assured the staff that the continuation of success first established by founding principal, Dr. Joe McDonald would go on. Battle remains at DV through the end of the school year. “In the meantime we will have a process by which to select our next leader,” Baca said. It will be advertised and posted on the district website. “I like to follow the process that I will bring groups of students, I will bring groups of parents and I will bring faculty together so that you can help in terms of identifying the qualities that you look for, not which person, but the qualities of a person to be your next great leader,” he said. Finding a new leader will be an unnerving process, and a tough job to fill what shoes Battle has stood in for so long. “Dr. Battle is an amazing woman leader. She has great stamina. She is at almost every sporting event, outside activities, on a daily basis, even weekends. She understands how DV works as a whole. She understands our community,” said Barela. Dr. Anna Battle has made an incredible impact on not only Desert Vista High School, but also the community at large. Her unfailing support of
“I will probably set up a work schedule so I would have other days to do my schoolwork,” said Papacek. Having another job can definitely add more to the burden of high school, but with proper balance it can be achieved. And, in the long run, it is highly beneficial. Having a job is the best way to earn money for the future, and there is no reason to wait to get one.
Elena Kalina
her students and co-workers has manifested itself before the eyes of Ahwatukee in more ways than one. Though Battle is moving on to bigger and better things, she leaves us with an A-rated school and a promise; she has instilled in this student body the everlasting importance of hard work, discipline, and leadership.
Balancing it all can be Students lack of difficult for some fundraising goals
Leo Crowder View News
Many students work part-time jobs, for lots of reasons. And for those who are contemplating applying for a job, now is definitely the time. The start of a new year is a great time to apply for jobs. Though all working students do it for the money, they need it (or want it) for several purposes. Some simply use it for having the cash on hand, some put it in their bank account for future use, while others are saving it for college. When asked if having a part-time job is important, senior Matt Papacek said, “Yes, it can help to pay off college.” Papacek recently applied to several places, from Safeway to Yoasis to Petsmart. Working at common franchises such as Target, Dominos, or Starbucks can earn someone eight to twelve dollars per hour. It does not seem like much, but the money adds up. What is probably the best reason for students of Desert Vista to apply for a job right now is that they can also receive a credit for it. someone can work during part of the school day and it can be counted as taking a class. From this, anyone can earn a salary and knock out a class that they would have to do otherwise. This saves time for students who need towork for long hours and have a full schedule at school. However, hours of school, working and homework can eat up a lot of time. So be sure that work does not interfere with homework. While work will displace almost all free time, good planning and time management can at least solve conflicts between school and a job.
Leo Crowder/ View News A sign advertising help is wanted for part-time job at a local franchise.
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Students and faculty have organized a few events to raise money for charitable purposes. So far, we have had one big and successful fundraiser. The Feed My Starving Children quarter collection raised a few thousand dollars that went completely to the organization, but it is really nothing compared to the abundant amount of money raised for our own clubs and teams. “The quarter collection was a really good fundraiser, but without any reminder or encouragement, we wouldn’t have raised as much money as we had,” said French teacher Mrs. Boyle. “Students should take more advantage to help others in need.” “Kids at school don’t give back because they’ve never had to give back,” said sophomore Olivia Fairchild. “No one has responsibility. Only certain people actually make an effort to help others, and that’s the sad truth.” Sports teams and clubs also hold fundraisers, but much different kinds than the charitable ones. The teams hold events from Sally Foster dances to food drives. Before break we had a very big food truck gathering held by our cheerleaders, raising a lot of money with little encouragement. The event had such a great turn out just of how excited everyone was for the spirit gathering. “The school could really benefit from fundraisers like the ones we [the volleyball team] held,” said Fairchild. The main volleyball fundraiser was Dig Pink, a large breast cancer awareness campaign that paints the team pink, but also raises lots of awareness and money. “Dig Pink is absolutely the best event that we held this year,” said freshman Hailey Dirrgl. “We had so much fun during it!” Not just our charitable fundraisers are lacking
Photo by Storm Yeabook The volleyball team plays a game in the gym to raise money for the Dig Pink fundraiser.
money and excitement, but fundraisers for our campus are nonexistent. With bigger fundraisers for our school, clubs and groups such as theater could be getting better benefits instead of budget cuts. We could throw big fundraisers with food trucks or dances and make real revenue for our campus and also be able to give back. We should all help others, whether they are here or in the Philippines. Jump to 2