Bus safety is top priority with CUSD
By Alison Stanton
What’s Inside:
Every school day about 11,000 students ride 205 buses in the Chandler Unified School District, according to the organization’s transportation supervisor, Sterling Skouson.
From kindergartners who are riding the bus for the very first time, to junior high students on their way to a field trip, Skouson says safety is the district’s primary concern.
“Traveling in a school bus is absolutely the safest way to travel in this country,” he says.
To help keep students of all ages as safe as possible while they are riding the bus, Alan Cleveland, CUSD training coordinator, says the district conducts bus evacuation drills two times a year at every school.
“We bring in enough buses to all of the elementary schools to evacuate all of the students,” he says.
The teachers typically bring out one grade level at a time to board the buses and take part in the safety drill.
“The driver goes through the safety features of the bus, and what the students need to know in order to evacuate. This includes the safety procedures and equipment, as well as features like windows and exits.”
IS
During the bus evacuation drill, Cleveland says the driver will also instruct the students how to sit properly while riding the bus.
“They should have their bottoms on the seat and their backs up against the seat back, and they should keep their legs out of the aisles, as this can be a tripping hazard,” he says.
Kids are also reminded to keep their backpacks and musical instruments in the seats with them at all times, and to never put their hands or heads out the windows.
At the junior high and high schools, Cleveland says the bus evacuation drills are conducted once the students who are already on the buses reach the schools.
In addition to keeping the fleet of buses well-maintained, Cleveland says new bus drivers in CUSD complete at least 20-plus hours of training, which is above the state minimum.
“They are all certified and go through a testing process before they can get on the road.”
As for drivers who are sharing the road with school buses, Skouson offers these words of advice: “Pay attention to that big, yellow bus.”
“I am always surprised how many drivers seem to be oblivious to that big, yellow thing on the road,” he says.
“Anytime you see a school bus, you have to be on alert, pay attention and know that it will stop to pick up and drop off kids.”
PAY ATTENTION: Sterling Skouson is often surprised at how many drivers fail to see “that
Cleveland says he is also troubled by the number of drivers who run through the “stop arms,” which is the stop sign that extends from the side of the bus.
“Some drivers just don’t stop and pass the bus anyway. From what I have observed, most of these drivers are just not paying attention or are texting on their phones.”
For parents of young students who are just starting to ride the bus to and from school, Cleveland says all kindergarteners and first graders have tags attached to their backpacks that indicate their grade.
“We put the younger students up in the front of the bus so they can be near the driver, and all students who are in kindergarten and first grade must be met by somebody when they get off the bus,” he says.
Alison Stanton is a freelance writer who lives in the East Valley. She can be reached at Alison@SanTanSun.com
“We put the younger students up in the front of the bus so they can be near the driver, and all students who are in kindergarten and first grade must be met by somebody when they get off the bus.”
Resources
Websites:
• http://ww2.chandler.k12.az.us/Page/902
• www.nhtsa.gov/School-Buses
Books for younger kids:
• “School Bus,” by Donald Crews
• “Pete the Cat: The Wheels on the Bus,” by James Dean
• “Caillou: The School Bus,” by Marion Johnson
To help parents who have questions about their children’s bus service to school, the Chandler Unified School District’s website features a “Frequently Asked Questions” section that answers some of the most common inquires, including:
What time should my student arrive at the a.m. bus stop? Students are asked to be at their designated bus stop location at least 10 minutes prior to scheduled pick-up time.
Can parents ride the bus with their child?
No,parents may not ride on our buses except on field trips.
How are bus stops determined? Stops are assigned by general location of students and must meet state regulations for safety.Typical stop locations are within subdivisions near parks, common walls and retention areas. Stops must be at least 50 feet from a signed intersection.
How do I find my child’s bus stop information?
1) Back to SchoolTransportation letters are sent to all eligible students approximately two weeks prior to the start of school.
2) All bus stop information is available at each school site after June 30.
Can my child ride home on another bus?
Students are permitted to ride only their assigned bus.Any exceptions must be requested in writing by the student’s parent or legal guardian and approved by a school official.
Can my child invite friends to ride the bus with them?
Onlyeligiblestudentsarepermitted.Any exceptionsmustberequestedinwriting bythestudent’sparentorlegalguardian andapprovedbyaschoolofficial.
Source: http://ww2.chandler.k12. az.us/ Page/902
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Red, White and Rawhide, 5 p.m.-11 p.m. This July 5 celebration is sure to be a fun-filled event of great music, tasty food, fantastic fireworks, beerfest, food trucks, vendors, attractions and a party so big it could only be done at Rawhide! Gates open at 5 p.m. and the fun goes to 11 p.m. This special event will include live music performances throughout the evening and into the night. $20 in advance; $25 at the door; $20 family four pack; free for children ages 5 and younger. Rawhide, 5700 W. North Loop Road Chandler. www.rawhide.com
TechShop Chandler Open House
11 a.m.-2 p.m. TechShop is a vibrant, creative community that provides access to tools, software and space. You can make virtually anything at TechShop. Come and see what our members are working on, watch some of our machines in action, and take a tour of the shop. The grill will be hot and the drinks will be cold. Free food and admission. Everyone welcome. RSVP at www.facebook.com/ techshopchandler. TechShop Chandler, 249 E. Chicago St., Chandler.
7 Monday Matinee: “Mr. Popper’s Penguins,” 2 p.m.-4 p.m. Fun movies for the whole family. All movies rated either G or PG. Free popcorn included. Bring your own drink with a lid on it.
Hamilton Library Programming Room, 3700 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.
Museum of Natural History Presents: Dinosaurs!,
12 p.m.-1 p.m. Interested in dinosaurs?
The Museum of Natural History is coming to the Hamilton Branch to talk about all things dinosaur. There will be pictures, fossils and other fun activities. Ages 6-11. Registration required. Hamilton Library, 3700 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.
7-30
Build a Totally Awesome Ninja Turtle! Build your favorite Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle and then show off your creation by putting it on display at the LEGO store. See a Brick Specialist for details. The LEGO Store, Chandler Fashion Center, 3111 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler. (480) 899-0228, http://stores.lego.com/ en-us/stores/us/chandler-fashioncenter.
7, 14, 21, 28
Family Story Time, 6:30 p.m.-7 p.m.
Enjoy stories, songs and finger plays for the whole family with books, flannel board stories and puppets.
Toddlers 18-36 months, Preschoolers 3-5 years old. School Age 6-8 years old
Basha Library Programming room, 5990 S. Val Vista Dr., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.
Minecraft Monday, 5 p.m.-6 p.m.
Join in every Monday to play Minecraft. Ages 9-18. Downtown Library, Cactus Room (Adult Ed Classroom Room 219), 22 S. Delaware St., Chandler. Free. No registration necessary. Space is limited. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org
7, 9, 11, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25, 28, 30
Tumbleweed Tots, 12:30 p.m.2:30 p.m. This indoor play area is designed for children ages 5 and younger to play under parental/ guardian supervision. This fun, safe and clean area will have plenty of toys, equipment and activities that are sure to keep the kids entertained. There is a maximum of four children per adult.
Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Rd., Chandler. $2 residents; $3 nonresidents. (480) 782-2900, www.chandleraz.gov/tumbleweed.
8, 15
Tuesday
Crafternoons, 2 p.m.-3:30 p.m. Sciencethemed crafts for kids and adults. All Ages. Downtown Library Copper Room (former City Council Chambers), 22 S. Delaware St., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.
8, 15, 22, 29
Family Story Time, 10 a.m.-10:30 a.m. The whole family is welcome for this story time featuring favorite stories and songs! Preschoolers 3-5 years old, toddlers 18-36 months. Downtown Library Copper Room (former City Council Chambers), 22 S. Delaware St., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.
8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24, 29, 31
Tumbleweed Tumble Tots, 9 a.m.11 a.m. This indoor play area is designed for children ages 5 and younger to play under parental/guardian supervision. This fun, safe and clean area will have plenty of toys, equipment and activities that are sure to keep the kids entertained. There is a maximum of four children per adult. Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Rd., Chandler. $2 residents; $3 nonresidents. (480) 782-2900, www.chandleraz.gov/tumbleweed.
9 Community Nights in the Courtyard, 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m. Family fun the second and fourth Wednesday of the month. Community Center, 125 E. Commonwealth Ave., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2730, www.chandleraz.gov/breaktime.
Family Movie-“Percy Jackson and The Olympians: The Lightning Thief,” 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Come and enjoy a family movie each Wednesday at the library. Downtown Library Copper Room (former City Council Chambers), 22 S. Delaware St., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.
9, 16, 23, 30 Kids Club, powered by National Geographic Kids, 10 a.m.-11 a.m. The Chandler Fashion Center Kids Club is a great opportunity for children to learn in a fun, interactive setting. Chandler Fashion Center teamed up with National Geographic Kids to create activities and games that focus on discovery through play. Chandler Fashion Center, in the Gap wing near the Food Court, 3111 W Chandler Blvd., Chandler. Open to the public, no fee. (480) 812-8488, www.ShopChandlerFashionCenter.com/ KidsClub/.
10
Chandler Historic Museum-PLAY TIME, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. What toys and games did kids play with in the past? Do we still play with toys and games kids played with 50 years ago? Dive into the Chandler Museum’s historic game and toy trunk to explore new ways to have fun and see what games you recognize! Try your hand at Etch-asketch, Tinker Toys, Wolly Willy, Pick up sticks, the Beetle game and more. Make a corn husk doll to take home and join the Chandler Museum at the Hamilton Library for this drop-by program. Fun for the whole family. Hamilton Library, 3700 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.
10, 17, 24, 31
Preschool Story Time, 11 a.m.11:30 p.m. Get your child ready for kindergarten with stories, songs, games and finger plays that will develop a love of learning, print awareness, vocabulary, concepts, social skills and motor skills. For preschool children 3-5, siblings welcomed! Downtown Library Copper Room (former City Council Chambers), 22 S. Delaware St., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.
11
Bug Zoo, 10 a.m.-10:45 a.m.
Explore a real, live collection of bugs with a certified entomologist! Learn about beneficial bugs, such as butterflies, ladybugs and bees. Discover interesting insects and other creepy-crawlies! Each child will receive a free activity book. Environmental Education Center, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler. $3 resident; $5 nonresident. Parents admitted free. (480) 782-2890, www.chandleraz.gov/eec.
12
4930 W. Ray Rd., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.
12, 26
Meet the Creature!
11 a.m.-11:45 a.m. In this interactive program, children will get up close and personal with live animals while receiving a fun lesson in wildlife rescue and conservation. Each program features different fascinating animals from around the world. Registration required. Children ages 2-12 must be accompanied by a paid adult. Instructor: Lisa Limbert of Lisa’s Creatures and East Valley, Environmental Education Center, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler. $6 residents; $9 nonresidents. (480) 782-2890, www.chandleraz.gov/eec.
14
LEGOKit Club, 4 p.m.-5 p.m. There is a variety of skill level kits for kids to put together during this hour of fun. Ages 5-12. Basha Library Programming Room, 5990 S. Val Vista Dr., Chandler. Free. No registration needed. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.
Monday Matinee-“Night at the Museum,” 2 p.m.-4 p.m. Fun movies for the whole family. All movies rated either G or PG. Free popcorn included. Bring your own drink with a lid on it. Hamilton Library Programming Room, 3700 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.
14-20
Teen Book Lovers Club, 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Ages 12-18. Join fellow book lovers as they talk about what they are reading, what they’re going to read next, and what others should read. There will also be chances to read and review books before they are published. Sunset Library Monsoon Room,
LEGO Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Search and Find. The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Shredder are hiding around the LEGO store. Find them and you’ll win a special prize. See a Brick Specialist for details. The LEGO Store, Chandler Fashion Center, 3111 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler. (480) 899-0228, http://stores.lego.com/ en-us/stores/us/chandler-fashioncenter.
See Calendar, Page 4
15
Magic Hour Movie-“Napoleon Dynamite”, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Join in for this screening of the Magic Hour Movie series. Teens 12-18, adults. Downtown Library Copper Room (former City Council Chambers), 22 S. Delaware St., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.
16
Family Movie-“City of Ember,” 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Come and enjoy a family movie each Wednesday at the library. Downtown Library Copper Room (former City Council Chambers), 22 S. Delaware St., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.
16, 30
Rhythm and Rhyme, 11:30 a.m.12 p.m. Join the group for an exciting time with singing, dancing and instrument playing. Ages 0-5. Sunset Library Monsoon Room, 4930 W. Ray Rd., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.
Family Night at the TRC, 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m. The first and third Wednesdays of the month enjoy a variety of different recreational activities and entertainment. Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Rd., Chandler. $2 youth resident; $3 nonresidents; $3 teen resident; $5 nonresident. (480) 782-2908. www.chandleraz.gov/breaktime.
18
Bedtime Stories with Nocturnal Animals, 4 p.m.4:45 p.m. Come enjoy bedtime stories that teach you about animals at night and have the opportunity to meet a nocturnal animal in person. Children ages 2-12 must be accompanied by a paid adult. Ages 2 and up. Environmental Education Center, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler. $6 residents; $9 nonresidents. (480) 782-2890, www.chandleraz.gov/eec.
Chandler Art Walk, 6 p.m.-10 p.m.
The Art Walk provides a fun family atmosphere where you can browse the many different types of art available from talented artists. It’s a monthly event featuring local artists and musi-
cians, and is a great opportunity to visit all of the unique establishments in downtown Chandler. Every third Friday from 6 to 10 p.m., Downtown Chandler welcomes more than 50 local artists to the historic square. All artists must go through a jury process to be accepted in the Art Walk. Only fine art and fine craft submissions will be considered. Crown Plaza San Marcos Hotel, One San Marcos Pl., Chandler. Free. www.chandlerartwalk.com.
19
Fishing Lessons, 8:15 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Learn the basics of fly fishing. Students will get an introduction to the necessary equipment, flies and how to read the water. This class will wrap up by practicing the fly fishing method of casting. Ages 7 and up. Environmental Education Center, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler. $15 residents; $21 nonresidents. (480) 782-2890, www.chandleraz.gov/eec.
23
E. Commonwealth Ave., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2730, www.chandleraz.gov/breaktime.
Family Funcrafting, 11:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Join in for a story, song and craft. No registration required. Sunset Library Monsoon Room, 4930 W. Ray Rd., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.
27
Community Nights in the Courtyard, 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m. Family fun the second and fourth Wednesday of the month. Community Center, 125
Arizona Classic Jazz SocietyJazz Jamboree, 1 p.m.-4 p.m. This festive gathering of musicians and fans is a great opportunity for people unfamiliar with traditional jazz to find out what ACJS is all about. The program will be presented in a “jam” style, with different musicians rotating in and out of the performing group. All jammers are welcome; the musicians have as much fun as the audience. Free. Crowne Plaza San Marcos Resort, One San Marcos Pl., Chandler. (480) 620-3941, www.azclassicjazz.org
30
LEGO Club, 4 p.m.-5 p.m. The library supplies the LEGO! You supply the imagination! Ages 5-12. Basha Library Programming Room, 5990 S. Val Vista Dr., Chandler. Free event. No registration needed. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.
Caring Faculty Challenging Curriculum Distinctively Christian Enriching Fine Arts Competitive Sports
Parents have school choice for children with autism: Pieceful Solutions
By Tracy House
Kami Cothrun, owner/director of Pieceful Solutions, saw a need for a safe and caring place for children with autism. Cothrun has a background in speech and language, working with autistic children on habilitation, earned a master’s in special education then opened a respite agency.
She started Pieceful Solutions in Mesa in 2008 after seeing the frustration in the parents and children with the school system, “having a passion and a love for these kids, and really wanting to offer something that was different and that no one else did. Just give them an opportunity to be themselves.”
Cothrun says parents are relieved to have an option for their autistic child other than the traditional public schools. “For so long parents just went with their only option, being the public school, and so for them to have options is crucial...They’re relieved to know there is a place that their child can be themselves, where they are understood, not only by the teachers, but their peers, is huge. So many of our kids come with anxiety because they haven’t been able to be themselves, they’ve had to hold it together while they’re at school and then they get home and they totally crash and melt down. So many families have told me how much better their family life is...they’re not fighting the battle to get their kids to school every morning.”
Robin Rollando can relate to the parents at Pieceful Solutions. The new chief operating officer is a parent of a 20-year-old autistic son who went through the public school system. “I don’t know how many times things would get bad with the bullying and he didn’t have any friends and he’s quirky, a little bit different.” Rollando looked for other schools for her son, but wasn’t able to find a good fit because he was high functioning. “As a parent finding and having this opportunity is huge I think…they can be here and be themselves. They have to work so hard to try to fit in to that regular classroom.”
From humble beginnings with six students in a church portable, there are now three Pieceful Solutions schools serving the autism community: the Chandler campus is a kindergarten
through fifth grade charter school with 80 students; the Mesa campus is a kindergarten through 12th grade private school; and the Gilbert campus is a sixth through 12th grade private school with about 75 students. Classrooms have a maximum of 14 students. Each school has a dedicated director.
The Chandler campus follows the Mesa Public Schools calendar with classes starting Aug. 6. The two private campuses, Gilbert and Mesa, follow the Chandler Unified School District Calendar with classes beginning July 21. There is a tuition for the private schools, but Cothrun explains there is a scholarship program available. “We don’t have anybody who private pays. There are definitely scholarships options. We help them with all of that.” Staff is available to help with the paperwork.
small settings, allowing for more individualized instruction.
Junior and senior high students have lockers to store their personal belongings. “The kids love it,” Cothrun says. “They like that experience and going and keeping their stuff in there.”
Each campus provides the core subjects and the curriculum includes yoga, karate, music therapy, different specials and electives. Students have the opportunity to learn life skills such as cooking and laundry as well as social skills; each campus does community outings weekly. Occupational therapy is also available at Pieceful Solutions.
Students are grouped by grade, age and then also ability grouped. “We service the entire spectrum,” Cothrun says. “So we’ve got some students who are nonverbal who have high sensory needs and then we have students who are choice, exceptional, gifted more on the Aspergers side, so we service the whole range. The majority of our students are the higher end, but we do service both.”
Learning takes place through direct instruction and small group instruction enhanced with computer-based learning. “The biggest piece is that small group where they can get some individualized help. It really helps our kids be able to focus better. Our class sizes are small and when we break up into those smaller groups, they really get a lot more attention,” Cothrun says. In addition to the special education certified teachers, para-professionals work with the students in
“We service both the sensory needs of the students as well as the fine motor needs,” Cothrun explains. “We’ve got a fulltime speech/language therapist, and each campus has a fulltime speech/language assistant. So the kids get lots of speech and language. It’s crucial.”
An advocate for the autism community, Cothrun is the chairwoman of the Resource Fair for Autism Speaks. “Any time there are autism related events, we promote it, we attend as a school community, so that we can band together and get to know each other.” She mentions, “The ultimate goal is to be here for the kids and to provide resources for the families.”
Parents interested in more information about Pieceful Solutions are invited to call and schedule a tour of the facilities to speak with Cothrun or a director. There is information available on the website at www.piecefulsolutions.com or call (480) 309-4792.
Tracy House is the news editor for the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at tracy@santansun.com.
OFFERING CHOICES: Pieceful Solutions offers a choice in schooling for parents with autistic students. Three campuses serve the autistic population in a safe and caring environment. Submitted photo
Summer camp, staycation all in one
Openings are still available for Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort and Spa’s Legoland Summer Camp, during the weekends of July 11 through July 13 and July 25 through July 27.
Kids can enjoy a three-in-one toy-building session with races, games and loose brick play, as well as interactive stations and a touch-tank experience from Sea Life Arizona. Junior guests will also enjoy a “Love Your Family” poolside reception, Native American song and s’mores, gaming stations and a specially designed buffet for each child enrolled in the workshop.
Parents receive a complimentary VIP coupon book and shuttle service to the nearby Phoenix Premium Outlets, 20 percent off greens fees at Whirlwind Golf Club, 20 percent off a la carte services at Aji Spa and two complimentary Hanyo Poolside Bar and Grill drink vouchers to cool down by the pool.
Rates begin at $149 per night with a two-night minimum; guests can enjoy a second or adjoining room for $79 per night based on availability. The package includes access for two children ages 5 to 12 into the camp, two welcome “Build Master” amenity bags which include Sea Life Arizona discount passes, two complimentary drink
vouchers for parents, child wristbands for 50 percent off food and beverage valid only at Hanyo, several specialty partner gifts and more. Each participating family is welcome to enter additional children into the LEGO build workshop, if paid in advance and up to class capacity, for $50 per child.
Reservations are required.
Sheraton Wild Horse Pass is at 5594 W. Wild Horse Pass Blvd., Chandler. To make reservations or learn more, call (602) 2250100 or (866) 837-4156 and mention rate plan LEGO 14, or visit www.wildhorsepassresort.com/kids/pr.
Summer reading fun for all
Kids of all ages can register online for “Fizz, Boom, Read!” Chandler Public Library’s 2014 Summer Reading Program, or at any one of the four Chandler Public Library locations.
Points are earned by reading, attending events, or participating in “community experiences,” listed on the program’s website. Each Chandler Public Library location is hosting related events for kids throughout the summer, including a Richard Steele magic show, Wildman Phil and his desert wildlife presentations and more. The program ends Saturday, July 26.
Those who complete the program can choose a book to keep for themselves from
a wide variety of titles. For more information, visit www.chandlerlibrary.org/go2/ summer-reading-program.cfm or call (480) 782-2800.
Youth ages 12 to 18 and adults can also enjoy Magic Hour Movies on select Tuesday nights this summer at the Downtown Chandler Public Library, 22 S. Delaware St., downtown Chandler. All movies are free and shown from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., including “Napoleon Dynamite,” PG, July 15; “Shadows in the Sun,” PG, Aug. 5; and “The Jane Austen Book Club,” PG-13, Aug. 19. For more information, visit www.chandlerlibrary.org or call (480) 782-2800.
