Carefree Truth
Issue #817, March 9, 2020
Issue #817, March 9, 2020
Mayor Les Peterson said, "This is one of the favorite areas of what we do. We've had an overwhelming positive response on the Board and among the our people for all the work these people who work for CCUSD, and are working for all of us. do for our youth. So thank you again."
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. CCUSD will also recognize the winners at its upcoming quarterly Governing Board meeting. The photos were taken by Herbert Hitchon for Carefree Truth.
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. CCUSD will also recognize the winners at its upcoming quarterly Governing Board meeting. The photos were taken by Herbert Hitchon for Carefree Truth.
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.
DSA has many qualified teachers who fulfill the requirements for the Carefree Cares Excellence Award, however, one teacher in particular checks every box. Kristine Paul has been a pillar of consistency at Desert Sun. For many years she has served our community as our kindergarten teacher. Her class is full of positive, engaged learners who strive to show Mrs. Paul what they can do and how well they can do it! You will also find Tweety Bird firing you up for a day of learning! As a staff member, Kristine is always there to lend a helpful hand, say a kind work or even surprise a staff member with a thoughtful gift. She is organized, dependable and extremely respected by her peers. She really is the best of what public education has to offer and we are extremely blessed to have her at DSA.
Mr. Aaron Bagwell
Principal, DSA
Councilman Vince D'Aliesio announced the second winner.
Mrs. Jennifer Parks
Special Education Teacher
Black Mountain Elementary School (BMES)
Mr. Aaron Bagwell
Principal, DSA
Councilman Vince D'Aliesio announced the second winner.
Mrs. Jennifer Parks
Special Education Teacher
Black Mountain Elementary School (BMES)
I am thrilled to recommend Jennifer Parks, Black Mountain Elementary School Special Education Teacher, as the recipient of the Carefree Cares Excellence Award. Mrs. Parks works with students in the Positive Learning Center at BMES and has definitely proved that it is the quality of person that makes the difference. She has held many roles at BMES, from parent to paraprofessional to teacher. During her years at BMES, she has watched other staff members come and go, witnessed changes to support, and has supported staff and students through programmatic changes both large and small. Mrs. Parks has been the rock and consistent support that our kids and other staff members have counted on. She is a strong person with a huge heart, always putting the kids first. She has been truly foundational to the success we are seeing across the entire PLC program and is more than deserving of this award!
Mr. Matt Owsley
Principal, BMES
Vice Mayor John Crane announced the third winner.
Mrs. Trish Doran
6th Grade Language Arts Teacher
Desert Willow Elementary School (DWES)
Mr. Matt Owsley
Principal, BMES
Vice Mayor John Crane announced the third winner.
Mrs. Trish Doran
6th Grade Language Arts Teacher
Desert Willow Elementary School (DWES)
Trish Doran is simply amazing! Mrs. Doran is constantly
coming up with new and creative methods to teach and
engage even the most reluctant students. She is referred to
as the “Idea Machine”. Trish genuinely cares about the
subject she teaches…her passion is evident the moment you
step into her classroom.
Mrs. Doran is quick to volunteer to help anyone who asks.
She is open to new ideas, feedback, opportunities . . . you
name it! She sets a very high standard for her students and
helps each of them attain those standards. Mrs. Doran is
always focused on how to help a student grow as a learner,
a student, and a citizen. Her focus on solutions and what
students CAN do contributes to a classroom environment
where every student is motivated to be better. She brings
authors to our campus to share their experiences and stories,
she is an advisor for our student council, and volunteers to
support any school activity that she can. Mrs. Doran
exemplifies what it means to inspire excellence. We are so
fortunate to have Trish on team Desert Willow.
Mrs. Staci Wiese
Principal, DWES
Mayor Les Peterson announced both the forth and fifth
winners, as Councilman Mike Krahe was absent due to a
family emergency.
Mrs. Suzanne Allen
6th Grade Science & Social Studies Teacher
Horseshoe Trails Elementary School (HTES)
coming up with new and creative methods to teach and
engage even the most reluctant students. She is referred to
as the “Idea Machine”. Trish genuinely cares about the
subject she teaches…her passion is evident the moment you
step into her classroom.
Mrs. Doran is quick to volunteer to help anyone who asks.
She is open to new ideas, feedback, opportunities . . . you
name it! She sets a very high standard for her students and
helps each of them attain those standards. Mrs. Doran is
always focused on how to help a student grow as a learner,
a student, and a citizen. Her focus on solutions and what
students CAN do contributes to a classroom environment
where every student is motivated to be better. She brings
authors to our campus to share their experiences and stories,
she is an advisor for our student council, and volunteers to
support any school activity that she can. Mrs. Doran
exemplifies what it means to inspire excellence. We are so
fortunate to have Trish on team Desert Willow.
Mrs. Staci Wiese
Principal, DWES
Mayor Les Peterson announced both the forth and fifth
winners, as Councilman Mike Krahe was absent due to a
family emergency.
Mrs. Suzanne Allen
6th Grade Science & Social Studies Teacher
Horseshoe Trails Elementary School (HTES)
Suzanne Allen is in her fourth year of teaching science and social studies to 6th grade students at Horseshoe Trails. Suzanne takes a great deal of pride in fostering and promoting a student-centered learning environment. Through project-based learning and hands-on, tactile learning experiences in her Innovation Lab that includes a 3D printer, STEM bins, microscopes, and many other tools, Mrs. Allen provides empowering and engaging learning opportunities for kids.
This year, in particular, she’s taken more of a leadership role on campus. She is what we like to refer to in the biz as a ‘Queen Bee’ having organized our inaugural Science and History Bees at HTES as well as our longstanding Geography Bee. She served as co-chair for our very first STEMPosium event. She attended science conferences to better implement the ‘TEM’ part of STEM AND she partnered with Mathnasium, Remax Hot Air Balloons, Kiwanis of Carefree, HTES Coding Club and STMS Robotics Club to bring in more activities for our family night. Most importantly, she created and shared STEM project choices for K - 6 teachers that included a customized outline of each project with a rubric so that it was teacher-friendly, effective and meaningful.
Suzanne is passionate, hard-working, always kid-centered and we are very lucky that she is a Stallion! Thank you Suzanne."
Mr. Aaron Pettinato
Principal, HTES
Dr. Burdick explained that the Stallion is the school team mascot.
Mr. Brian Rinderknecht
5th Grade Science & Social Studies Teacher
Lone Mountain Elementary School (LMES)
This year, in particular, she’s taken more of a leadership role on campus. She is what we like to refer to in the biz as a ‘Queen Bee’ having organized our inaugural Science and History Bees at HTES as well as our longstanding Geography Bee. She served as co-chair for our very first STEMPosium event. She attended science conferences to better implement the ‘TEM’ part of STEM AND she partnered with Mathnasium, Remax Hot Air Balloons, Kiwanis of Carefree, HTES Coding Club and STMS Robotics Club to bring in more activities for our family night. Most importantly, she created and shared STEM project choices for K - 6 teachers that included a customized outline of each project with a rubric so that it was teacher-friendly, effective and meaningful.
Suzanne is passionate, hard-working, always kid-centered and we are very lucky that she is a Stallion! Thank you Suzanne."
Mr. Aaron Pettinato
Principal, HTES
Dr. Burdick explained that the Stallion is the school team mascot.
Mr. Brian Rinderknecht
5th Grade Science & Social Studies Teacher
Lone Mountain Elementary School (LMES)
Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, "Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm." Brian Rinderknecht was born achieving great things because of his enthusiasm for life, which has carried over into the classroom. He enthusiastically volunteers for committees, clubs, and extra responsibilities because of his talents, but also because he knows our students deserve his energy and support. His class is typically alive with the enthusiasm of 5th graders asking difficult questions, designing possible solutions, and revising their ideas until they come up with their best possible ideas--these may be solar ovens, rockets, or just better ways to enact policy in our governments. Brian's zest for life makes him not only a really fun and engaging teacher, but a reliable colleague who keeps work fun. Mr. Rinderknecht, thank you for bringing your energy into our schools and modeling for our students what it means to serve our community.
Dr. Patty Jensen
Principal, LMES
Councilwoman Cheryl Kroyer announced the sixth winner.
Ms. Haley Arnold
English Language Arts Teacher
Sonoran Trails Elementary School (STMS)
Dr. Patty Jensen
Principal, LMES
Councilwoman Cheryl Kroyer announced the sixth winner.
Ms. Haley Arnold
English Language Arts Teacher
Sonoran Trails Elementary School (STMS)
Haley Arnold exemplifies the characteristics of excellence everyone would want their child to have as a teacher. As a Language Arts teacher, Haley goes well beyond the generic grammar, reading and writing skills and actually pushes her students to think critically about what they read and write - she helps them be able to both question and support ideas. Beyond the classroom, Haley launched the first ever “success coach” program where peers mentor students to help them stay on track. Haley is also the advisor for two of the largest clubs on campus. She advises the drama club through the selection and ultimate performance of their play. She also advises the school's student council. The way she guides students to organize and execute events such as dances, carnivals, fundraisers and pep rallies is second to none - the students feel real ownership and pride in their accomplishments. Sonoran Trails would not be the same without the energy, intelligence, persistence and passion that Haley brings each and every day.
Mr. Bill Dolezal
Principal, STMS
Councilman Stephen Hatcher announced the seventh winner.
Mr. Jim Marando
Math Teacher
Cactus Shadows High School
Mr. Bill Dolezal
Principal, STMS
Councilman Stephen Hatcher announced the seventh winner.
Mr. Jim Marando
Math Teacher
Cactus Shadows High School
When selecting a teacher who exemplifies leadership, serves as a positive role model for students, staff and community, inspires others, and always represents the District and community in a positive and professional manner; Cactus Shadows High School needs to look no further than Jim Marando. Jim has been at Cactus Shadows High School for twenty years. When looking for volunteers to pilot our new Pre AP curriculum, Jim Marando volunteered. Jim lends his services to the College Board to grade Advanced Placement (AP) tests during the summer months. He volunteers his time to the school working basketball and wrestling matches, while also serving as a coach to our Boys Golf and Track and Field teams. Jim is an inspiration for others by serving as Teacher Lead for our Mathematics Department. Cactus Shadows and Cave Creek Unified School District is a much better place because of the many contributions of Jim Marando!
Mr. Jim Swetter
Principal, CSHS
Dr. Burdick thanked Carefree once again. "This is such an
honor for us and our employees and we appreciate this
Council more than you will know to honor our staff." Mayor
Peterson replied, "This is inspirational for us."
https://vimeo.com/395634130
(This link contains all the photos of the teachers and their
supporters, including several spontaneous ones. Enjoy!)
http://aneyeonyouproduction.com/3320-ccusd-excellence-awards.html
Lyn Hitchon
Prepared by Carefree Truth
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.