Kyrene Middle School student Rebecca Smouse of Tempe stands in front of her science project at the Society for Science & the Public’s Middle School Science Fair, held last month in Washington, D.C. (submitted photo).

Rebecca Smouse from Tempe was selected as a finalist with her project, “The Ants Are Marching One by One.” She tested both commercial and homemade repellants against wild ants in her back yard. While it was a relative simple project, Smouse rigorously applied scientific method, conducted many trials, and kept meticulous notes.

Smouse participated in the Arizona Science and Engineering Fair in spring 2008, hosted by Arizona State University’s American Indian Programs, qualifying her for this competition. Smouse currently is an eighth grader at Kyrene Middle School in Tempe; her project was first completed in the seventh grade.

The 2008 finalists were selected from more than 75,000 students who entered local science fairs nationwide in 2007-08. From this pool, more than 1,900 students submitted written entries and were narrowed down in early September to 300 semifinalists, representing 42 states and Puerto Rico.

Smouse, along with other finalists, competed for $40,000 in scholarships and awards, with the top winner receiving a $20,000 award from the Society for Science & the Public. Each finalist received at least $500 in awards.

Finalists also received an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C., for the four-day event held Oct. 18-22. The top winners were selected based on presentation of their original science fair project and participation in team-based, interactive scientific challenges to be held at the Koshland Science Museum.

Smouse did not make the top winners list; however, she and her family were excited to take the trip to the nation’s capitol and proud of her achievement. In addition to the $500 finalist prize, Smouse and her seventh grade science teacher, Erin Lambert, had asteroids named after them, as did all the finalists and their teachers, courtesy of the MIT Lincoln Lab.

Pens, markers and cameras, oh my! Aguilar Elementary teacher Sonja Long and her first-grade students eagerly discover the $1,000 worth of teaching supplies awarded to her from Office Max. Because of Long’s passion, commitment and dedication to teaching, her principal JoLyn Gibbons nominated her for this award (photo by Tempe Elementary Schools).

Tempe Elementary School District

Wald recognized as ‘Aspiring’

The Rodel Foundation of Arizona has recognized Brady Wald, assistant principal of Gililland Middle School as one of the 2008 Rodel Aspiring Principals. This award was given to just 12 highly qualified educators in Arizona who will be mentored by one of the four Rodel Exemplary Principals during a two-year process.

Only teachers with a history of high student success and commitment to working with students were chosen for this award. “Seeing the students achieve in the classroom and develop into lifelong learners is extremely important to me,” Wald said, as his reasons for entering education.

This is the inaugural year for this program from the Rodel Foundation, which has a history of helping to produce highly talented teachers through their Rodel Exemplary Teacher Initiative.  For the Aspiring Principals Award, they’ve partnered with Social Venture Partners Arizona and selected educators, ranging from classroom teachers to assistant principals with four to 21 years of experience in education.

“I am honored and excited to have been chosen by the Rodel Foundation as an Aspiring Principal.  This is a fantastic opportunity to be mentored and receive professional development,” said Wald.

Getting healthy, 1 mile at a time From left: First-graders Guadalupe Rosales Popoca, Roberto Aguilar and kindergartener Isabella Laguna-Mori stretch before they start running in the new exercise program created by coach Mark Aralica at Wood Elementary School. The students and staff count the miles they run, as they strive for their vision of being one of the healthiest schools in Tempe (photo by Tempe Elementary Schools).

Teacher explores Canadian arctic

Carminati third-grade teacher Cari Carlson recently returned from an 11-day trip in Churchill, Manitoba (Canada) where she worked with field scientists to study the effects of global warming.

Cari received this opportunity through an educator fellowship award in partnership with Earthwatch, which sponsored this research expedition. While on her expedition, she communicated with her students via the Internet.

“I want my kids and myself to learn from this experience.  I want them to realize that we all make an impact on Earth. It’s up to them whether it will be a positive or a negative one,” Carlson said.

Carlson is one of only 50 educators nation-wide to be chosen this year for the fellowship award. Now that Carlson is back in Arizona, she will begin implementing a conservation project for her school community. She would like each teacher at Carminati to receive a recycling bin, and have the city of Tempe talk to the school about the benefits of recycling.

Carlson described her experience as amazing, saying, “I felt so privileged to have worked along side such an amazing group of professionals and be part of research that may teach us important clues on what is happening in our environment.”

Community rallies around ailing teacher

Although Frank Elementary School teacher Maria Gomez was unable to attend the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure last month, 58 of her friends made sure that she was represented.

Gomez was diagnosed with breast cancer for the second time this past summer and is currently undergoing chemotherapy treatments. She was unable to participate in the walk herself, but still continues to keep a positive outlook on life.

The Frank Elementary community has rallied to support Gomez. She is seen as a role model, and is loved and respected throughout the school.

This year Gomez will retire in order to focus on her recovery, but she already misses time spent at the school with students and co-workers.

Tempe Union High School District

Lopez wins Calif. vacation package

The Tempe Union High Schools Education Foundation (TUHSEF) has a winner of the California vacation package donated by Get Away Today! The package includes 3 days/2 nights stay in either Anaheim with two adult tickets to Disneyland or San Diego with two tickets to Sea World, winner’s choice.

Leandra Lopez of Tempe is the lucky winner who made a donation to the Foundation before the deadline of Sept. 25.

TUHSEF raises funds, and solicits and receives gifts and donations, to enhance student learning that would otherwise not be possible within the district’s budget. The grants provided through this funding give the teachers the opportunity to reward and encourage their students. The innovative projects keep the students engaged in the subject, whether it is math, science or history.

In 2007, the Education Foundation distributed funds to teachers for innovative projects such as “Life Skills” at Marcos de Niza, which teaches students to establish a positive attitude which in turn causes positive thoughts, actions and outcomes in their lives. McClintock High School requested funds for a “Literature Circles: Developing Lifelong Readers” project.

Overall during 2007, $9,170 was granted to teachers and staff for their innovative projects. But the Tempe Union High School Education Foundation resources are limited, so individuals and business partners who care about students are always needed and welcomed!

To donate to the Education Foundation and help fund teacher grants, call 480-839-0292 ext. 3837 or visit www.tuhsdEdFoundation.org.

Private/Charter Schools

Montessori School celebrates 30th year

Tempe Montessori School (TMS) on the Tempe-Mesa border is celebrating its 30th anniversary with International Children's Day, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 7, with costumes and performances. TMS will also celebrate its diverse tastes with an international buffet.

The Tempe Montessori family and student community represent many nations, which are annually celebrated with costumes, performances and international foods on a 1-and-a-half-acre campus.

TMS is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a photo presentation of history and alumni gathering, some of which now have their children enrolled as well. Founding Director Irma Letson says, "This is always the highlight of the year with the children and their costumes along with the extended families. This year is especially fun to have our 30th anniversary party as well!"

The student body will promenade across the stage festooned in the fashions of many different countries while singing. They give both group and individual performances of music, poetry, songs and dances. This is followed with a buffet sampling of food from around the world.

The school is located on the southwest corner of El Dorado and Broadway, one light east of the 101 and Broadway. For additional information on the 30th anniversary and International Children's Day contact the Tempe Montessori School office at 480-966-7606 or visit http://www.tempemontessori.org.