Carefree Truth
Issue #809, January 20, 2020
Issue #809, January 20, 2020
Mayor Les Peterson said the Carefree Cares/CCUSD Excellence Awards were the primary reason the Council and audience were there. The Mayor expressed appreciation for all the work the teachers do for the children in our area.
Councilwoman Cheryl Kroyer noted that the Town of Carefree, in conjunction with the Cave Creek Unified School District (CCUSD), honors one outstanding staff member from each school or department each quarter of the school year. Each Council member read an award winner's name and a short narrative about the honoree, and each winner received a Carefree Cares pin. CCUSD Superintendent Dr. Debbi Burdick stood at the podium to congratulate each winner, and Carefree Town Clerk Kandace Conteras handed out the pins. The photos were taken by Herbert Hitchon for Carefree Truth. This was the second time these quarterly awards were being presented. CCUSD will also recognize the winners at its upcoming quarterly Governing Board meeting.
The criteria for selection are that the winners volunteer substantial time and expertise to the school and/or the community; are a positive role model for the students, staff and community; serve as an inspiration to others; and always represent CCUSD in a positive and professional manner. The selections were submitted by Principals and Directors at each site.
Councilman Gene Orrico announced the first winner.
Councilwoman Cheryl Kroyer noted that the Town of Carefree, in conjunction with the Cave Creek Unified School District (CCUSD), honors one outstanding staff member from each school or department each quarter of the school year. Each Council member read an award winner's name and a short narrative about the honoree, and each winner received a Carefree Cares pin. CCUSD Superintendent Dr. Debbi Burdick stood at the podium to congratulate each winner, and Carefree Town Clerk Kandace Conteras handed out the pins. The photos were taken by Herbert Hitchon for Carefree Truth. This was the second time these quarterly awards were being presented. CCUSD will also recognize the winners at its upcoming quarterly Governing Board meeting.
The criteria for selection are that the winners volunteer substantial time and expertise to the school and/or the community; are a positive role model for the students, staff and community; serve as an inspiration to others; and always represent CCUSD in a positive and professional manner. The selections were submitted by Principals and Directors at each site.
Councilman Gene Orrico announced the first winner.
Ms. Ronda Walton, 1st Grade Teacher, Desert Sun Academy (DSA)
Rhonda Walton
DSA is fortunate to have many staff members deserving of recognition but when asked to select one individual, Ronda Walton stands out. Principal Bagwell approached Ronda two years ago to be a teammate to DSA’s French Immersion teacher for Kindergarten and 1st grade. In a very short time, both of her teammates left, which posed a great challenge but Ronda has stepped up as a leader and has taken on the extra work of helping our substitutes and interns to ensure that our students do not fall behind. She has implemented the innovative strategy she uses in her own classroom to others to help all students dream, succeed and achieve! She is an inspiration and a great example of perseverance and strength. Our community and our district is grateful to Ronda for her commitment and her dedication to her students and our district. She is the definition of excellence!
Aaron Bagwell, Principal, DSA
Councilman Vince D'Aliesio announced the second winner.
DSA is fortunate to have many staff members deserving of recognition but when asked to select one individual, Ronda Walton stands out. Principal Bagwell approached Ronda two years ago to be a teammate to DSA’s French Immersion teacher for Kindergarten and 1st grade. In a very short time, both of her teammates left, which posed a great challenge but Ronda has stepped up as a leader and has taken on the extra work of helping our substitutes and interns to ensure that our students do not fall behind. She has implemented the innovative strategy she uses in her own classroom to others to help all students dream, succeed and achieve! She is an inspiration and a great example of perseverance and strength. Our community and our district is grateful to Ronda for her commitment and her dedication to her students and our district. She is the definition of excellence!
Aaron Bagwell, Principal, DSA
Councilman Vince D'Aliesio announced the second winner.
Mrs. Lori School Resource Teacher, Black Mountain Elementary School (BMES)
Lori Drube
We are thrilled to recommend Lori Drube, Black Mountain Elementary School Resource teacher, as the recipient of the 2nd Quarter Carefree Cares Excellence Award. New to BMES this year, Lori has already made an enormous impact on everyone around her. She comes to Black Mountain with a tremendous skill set formed from many years of education teaching, and a continuous drive to be the best for the kids. Mrs. Drube made immediate gains for students that desperately needed the care and expertise of a master teacher. It truly is exciting to watch her work! Lori’s knowledge and demeanor informs, calms anxieties, and helps everyone take the positive steps forward. I am so happy for our school community that we found such an amazing addition to the Bobcat family. Mrs. Drube is a very deserving of this award!
Matt Owsley, Principal, BMES
Vice Mayor John Crane announced the third winner.
We are thrilled to recommend Lori Drube, Black Mountain Elementary School Resource teacher, as the recipient of the 2nd Quarter Carefree Cares Excellence Award. New to BMES this year, Lori has already made an enormous impact on everyone around her. She comes to Black Mountain with a tremendous skill set formed from many years of education teaching, and a continuous drive to be the best for the kids. Mrs. Drube made immediate gains for students that desperately needed the care and expertise of a master teacher. It truly is exciting to watch her work! Lori’s knowledge and demeanor informs, calms anxieties, and helps everyone take the positive steps forward. I am so happy for our school community that we found such an amazing addition to the Bobcat family. Mrs. Drube is a very deserving of this award!
Matt Owsley, Principal, BMES
Vice Mayor John Crane announced the third winner.
Ms. Cindy Minor, 5th Grade Teacher, Desert Willow Elementary School (DWES)
Cindy Minor
Cindy Miner is hands-down the kindest, most helpful teacher to her students and colleagues. She inspires her students to be active participants and creative thinkers. She also instills a love of reading by showcasing great authors and books to her students. She’s a very helpful team lead and mentor. Beyond the classroom, Cindy inspires students to be healthy by helping with cross country and inspires them to be leaders with her work on the student council.
Staci Weise, Principal, DWES
Mayor Peterson announced the forth winner.
Cindy Miner is hands-down the kindest, most helpful teacher to her students and colleagues. She inspires her students to be active participants and creative thinkers. She also instills a love of reading by showcasing great authors and books to her students. She’s a very helpful team lead and mentor. Beyond the classroom, Cindy inspires students to be healthy by helping with cross country and inspires them to be leaders with her work on the student council.
Staci Weise, Principal, DWES
Mayor Peterson announced the forth winner.
Ms. Lijia Luo, Chinese Immersion Teacher, Horseshoe Trails Elementary School (HTES)
Lijia Lu
Lijia Lu is a ROCKSTAR 1st grade Chinese immersion teacher at Horseshoe Trails. She’s only in her second year of teaching after graduating from Arizona State University and you would never know it. Her work ethic and dedication to our students in her teaching is second to none. She works tirelessly before and after school to ensure she is meeting the needs of her kiddos and her ability to reflect, think, and make instructional adjustments this early in her career is simply impressive!
Protecting the fidelity of the Chinese Immersion classroom is of the upmost importance to Lijia. She is always instructing in the target language and rarely allows her students to communicate in English. Due to this commitment on her part, student growth and language proficiency has been tremendous. Most importantly, she cares deeply for her students and is so genuine, kind, and patient. For 1st grade students or students of any age, learning in an immersion classroom can be intimidating and Lijia is very mindful of this and takes great measures to provide a safe and nurturing classroom for her students. She uses proximity, physical touch, hand gestures, visuals, and body language to communicate and build positive rapport. At the end of the day, Lijia is giving her students the two most important things a teacher can provide: RIGOR AND RELATIONSHIPS. Our students, staff, and families simply adore Lijia and she’s a huge reason why our Chinese immersion program continues to grow and improve. Lijia went right back to school after graduating with her degree in teaching and is now pursuing a Master’s degree in Science from ASU. It is amazing how much time she puts in at work considering the responsibilities she has outside of the classroom. We appreciate you Lijia and your hard work is not going unnoticed.
Aaron Pettinato, Principal, HTES
Councilman Mike Krahe announced the fifth winner.
Lijia Lu is a ROCKSTAR 1st grade Chinese immersion teacher at Horseshoe Trails. She’s only in her second year of teaching after graduating from Arizona State University and you would never know it. Her work ethic and dedication to our students in her teaching is second to none. She works tirelessly before and after school to ensure she is meeting the needs of her kiddos and her ability to reflect, think, and make instructional adjustments this early in her career is simply impressive!
Protecting the fidelity of the Chinese Immersion classroom is of the upmost importance to Lijia. She is always instructing in the target language and rarely allows her students to communicate in English. Due to this commitment on her part, student growth and language proficiency has been tremendous. Most importantly, she cares deeply for her students and is so genuine, kind, and patient. For 1st grade students or students of any age, learning in an immersion classroom can be intimidating and Lijia is very mindful of this and takes great measures to provide a safe and nurturing classroom for her students. She uses proximity, physical touch, hand gestures, visuals, and body language to communicate and build positive rapport. At the end of the day, Lijia is giving her students the two most important things a teacher can provide: RIGOR AND RELATIONSHIPS. Our students, staff, and families simply adore Lijia and she’s a huge reason why our Chinese immersion program continues to grow and improve. Lijia went right back to school after graduating with her degree in teaching and is now pursuing a Master’s degree in Science from ASU. It is amazing how much time she puts in at work considering the responsibilities she has outside of the classroom. We appreciate you Lijia and your hard work is not going unnoticed.
Aaron Pettinato, Principal, HTES
Councilman Mike Krahe announced the fifth winner.
Liz Kramer, 3rd Grade Teacher, Lone Mountain Elementary School (LMES)
Liz Kramer
Liz Kramer is a legend at Lone Mountain. She inspires her students, colleagues, and families to learn more and be their best selves. Mrs. Kramer quite possibly has the most inviting and cozy classroom around, but the decorations are just symbolic of the deep care she brings to her classroom. She creates a classroom environment where students are treated with the utmost respect at all times--respected as humans and as learners. Liz is a natural teacher and leader who clearly loves what she does and is constantly working to be better. Her colleagues recognize her as a master teacher and a friend who has a contagious style of teaching. One of my educational heroes, Parker Palmer says: "Good teaching cannot be reduced to technique; good teaching comes from the identity and integrity of the teacher." Mrs. Kramer is leaving a legacy with her students because of the identity and integrity that she brings to the profession of teaching.
Dr. Patty Jensen, Principal, LMES
Councilwoman Cheryl Kroyer announced the sixth winner,
Liz Kramer is a legend at Lone Mountain. She inspires her students, colleagues, and families to learn more and be their best selves. Mrs. Kramer quite possibly has the most inviting and cozy classroom around, but the decorations are just symbolic of the deep care she brings to her classroom. She creates a classroom environment where students are treated with the utmost respect at all times--respected as humans and as learners. Liz is a natural teacher and leader who clearly loves what she does and is constantly working to be better. Her colleagues recognize her as a master teacher and a friend who has a contagious style of teaching. One of my educational heroes, Parker Palmer says: "Good teaching cannot be reduced to technique; good teaching comes from the identity and integrity of the teacher." Mrs. Kramer is leaving a legacy with her students because of the identity and integrity that she brings to the profession of teaching.
Dr. Patty Jensen, Principal, LMES
Councilwoman Cheryl Kroyer announced the sixth winner,
Ms. Ashley Fauss, 8th Grade Science Teacher, Sonoran Trails Middle School (STMS)
Ashley Fauss
Ashley exemplifies what it means to be dedicated to your school and your students. As a teacher, Ashley spends her days opening doors for students to the wonders of science while getting them to think critically. After school, Ashley transforms into various characters to provide STMS students with opportunities to shine: you might find her running our competitive robotics team; or, you could find her guiding the STMS SEED club; or, you might find her directing the STMS drama club for their performance. Ashley takes an active role in the school overall – you can spot her at sporting events supporting her students – and she has become most famous for her scientific song stylings at school and for the entire district. Ashley is a shining star and we are lucky to have her at CCUSD.
Bill Dolezal, Principal, STMS
Councilman Stephen Hatcher announced the seventh winner.
Ashley exemplifies what it means to be dedicated to your school and your students. As a teacher, Ashley spends her days opening doors for students to the wonders of science while getting them to think critically. After school, Ashley transforms into various characters to provide STMS students with opportunities to shine: you might find her running our competitive robotics team; or, you could find her guiding the STMS SEED club; or, you might find her directing the STMS drama club for their performance. Ashley takes an active role in the school overall – you can spot her at sporting events supporting her students – and she has become most famous for her scientific song stylings at school and for the entire district. Ashley is a shining star and we are lucky to have her at CCUSD.
Bill Dolezal, Principal, STMS
Councilman Stephen Hatcher announced the seventh winner.
Mr. John Trenton, World Languages Teacher, Cactus Shadows High School
John Trenton
This is John’s second year at Cactus Shadows High School but he has already made a big impact! John teaches French 5/6 and 7/8; talk about creating an engaging classroom. John embodies the district focus of teaching proficiency in world language. John’s students are always talking, writing, and listening in French. John is also able to build strong relationships with the students and it clearly shows. In addition to his outstanding work in the classroom, John goes the extra mile to ensure the students in our French program have real-world experience. John has been integral in developing the French sister school partnership with Lycee Monge High School. He co-planned the inaugural trip to France for Cactus Shadows student, then facilitated the French students with a reciprocal visit to Cactus Shadows just six months later. In addition, he has spent countless hours planning field trips and out of school events so that his students can see a bigger picture and have authentic French experiences.
Jim Swetter, Principal, CSHS
Dr. Burdick, thanked the Mayor and the Council members. "This program has meant so much already in just the two quarters we've had it. We hear from people all the time how honored they are and how special this is. I don't know about you, but knowing these folks, and standing here listening to the words their principals have written about them, I have goose bumps all the way down to my toes. I'm just so proud of the staff that we have." Dr. Burdick asked all of those who were honored, and all of those there to support them, to please stand.
Councilman D'Aliesio said, as a CCUSD parent, he recognized several of those in the audience, and called out to them individually, noting their relationships to his children. He joked that his wife runs into Dr. Burdick at the grocery store. She responded that everyone runs into her at the grocery store. Mr. D'Aliesio commented, "I'm in awe because our experience has been so positive. The kids get recognized, but I think this is definitely a great thing because the teachers and the staff, the faculty, deserve all the recognition for taking care of our kids. So thank you again. Thank you."
https://vimeo.com/383668031
Lyn Hitchon
Copyrighted
Visit our website at www.carefreetruth2.com If you know anyone who would like to be added to the Carefree Truth email list, please have them contact me. Feel free to share Carefree Truth with others on your list.
Visit www.carefreeazbusinesses.com to see more info about businesses in Carefree. Please support our merchants.
This is John’s second year at Cactus Shadows High School but he has already made a big impact! John teaches French 5/6 and 7/8; talk about creating an engaging classroom. John embodies the district focus of teaching proficiency in world language. John’s students are always talking, writing, and listening in French. John is also able to build strong relationships with the students and it clearly shows. In addition to his outstanding work in the classroom, John goes the extra mile to ensure the students in our French program have real-world experience. John has been integral in developing the French sister school partnership with Lycee Monge High School. He co-planned the inaugural trip to France for Cactus Shadows student, then facilitated the French students with a reciprocal visit to Cactus Shadows just six months later. In addition, he has spent countless hours planning field trips and out of school events so that his students can see a bigger picture and have authentic French experiences.
Jim Swetter, Principal, CSHS
Dr. Burdick, thanked the Mayor and the Council members. "This program has meant so much already in just the two quarters we've had it. We hear from people all the time how honored they are and how special this is. I don't know about you, but knowing these folks, and standing here listening to the words their principals have written about them, I have goose bumps all the way down to my toes. I'm just so proud of the staff that we have." Dr. Burdick asked all of those who were honored, and all of those there to support them, to please stand.
Councilman D'Aliesio said, as a CCUSD parent, he recognized several of those in the audience, and called out to them individually, noting their relationships to his children. He joked that his wife runs into Dr. Burdick at the grocery store. She responded that everyone runs into her at the grocery store. Mr. D'Aliesio commented, "I'm in awe because our experience has been so positive. The kids get recognized, but I think this is definitely a great thing because the teachers and the staff, the faculty, deserve all the recognition for taking care of our kids. So thank you again. Thank you."
https://vimeo.com/383668031
Lyn Hitchon
Copyrighted
Visit our website at www.carefreetruth2.com If you know anyone who would like to be added to the Carefree Truth email list, please have them contact me. Feel free to share Carefree Truth with others on your list.
Visit www.carefreeazbusinesses.com to see more info about businesses in Carefree. Please support our merchants.