Bioscience High School earned an Excelling label for the second year, and four schools were Performing Plus in the state’s Arizona LEARNS Achievement Profile rankings for 2009.
Metro Tech registered Performing Plus for the second year in a row, joined by Cesar Chavez, Betty Fairfax and Franklin Police and Fire. It was the first year, Fairfax and Franklin qualified for labels. Both schools had sophomores and AIMS testing for the first time last year.
Another 10 schools were Performing, while one small school, Cyber High, received an Underperforming label, the first time in seven years that every Phoenix Union school did not receive Performing or better.
In the No Child Left Behind federal accountability measure, four schools showed Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP)— Bostrom and Metro Tech met for the third consecutive year, Bioscience for the second year, and Franklin Police and Fire met AYP in the first year of eligibility.
Bioscience, earned the top state ranking of Excelling by having a greater percentage of students scoring “exceeds” on the AIMS exams. A school’s percentage of students scoring the top score in AIMS is compared with the average percentage of “exceeds” scores per school in the state. For example, Bioscience had 88 percent of its students pass AIMS math, and 33% of those students “exceeded” the standards.
The small science and math school also had 96% pass reading, including 15% “exceeds.” In writing, 86% of the Bioscience students passed, with 12% of the students “exceeding.”
Performing Plus recognizes schools that have enough students demonstrating proficiency to earn a Highly Performing or Excelling profile, but do not have a sufficient number of students who “exceed” the AIMS standards.
The 10 Performing schools were Alhambra, Bostrom, Camelback, Carl Hayden, Central, Maryvale, North, South Mountain, Suns/Diamondbacks and Trevor Browne. Performing means that a school meets the state’s expectations with regard to student proficiency in reaching the state’s academic standards.
“The improved scores and resulting labels are a great tribute to our staff and students who are taking our district-wide college and career-prepared initiative so seriously. This is a reflection of our belief that given a rigorous curriculum and the necessary support, more students will exceed AIMS and more schools will become Performing Plus or Excelling,” Assistant Superintendent for Instruction and Accountability Dr. Deborah Gonzalez said.
The achievement profiles are part of the state’s accountability system that evaluates school performance based on AIMS results for 10th, 11th and 12th graders, five-year graduation and dropout rates. Credit is also given to schools that meet the federal government’s “Adequate Yearly Progress” requirement.
The Achievement Profiles are Underperforming, Performing, Performing Plus, Highly Performing and Excelling.
Meeting the federal AYP standards means that schools have met achievement targets on the 10th grade AIMS tests in math and reading, four-year graduation rates and have 95% or more test takers in each subgroup. Besides the overall 10th grade population, there are eight “sub groups” (Hispanic, Black, White, Asian, Native American, English Language Learners, Special Ed, and low income). For a school to meet AYP, it must meet AYP in each of 63 categories. If a school misses in one of those categories, the school does not meet AYP.
The schools that did not make AYP were Alhambra, Betty Fairfax, Camelback, Carl Hayden, Central, Cesar Chavez, Maryvale, North, South Mountain, and Trevor Browne.
Schools are designated according to the number of consecutive years a school fails to meet AYP. There is a Warning Year (Year 1), In School Improvement (Years 2-3) and Corrective Action (Year 4).
The goal of No Child Left Behind is to have 100 percent of the nation’s public education students proficient by 2014 through incremental gains each year.
2009 Arizona LEARNS Achievement Profiles
Central High - Performing
2008 No Child Left Behind Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP)
Central High - DNM AYP
Source: Phoenix Union High School District
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Phoenix Union Honors Employees of the Year
Maryvale teacher Selina Alonzo; Trevor Browne assistant principal Tony Camp; personnel specialist Marilyn Cheatham and math curriculum specialist Mona Toncheff were presented with Phoenix Union High School District 2009 Employee of the Year awards by Superintendent Kent P. Scribner and Governing Board President Amy Kobeta at the District’s Opening of Schools Convocation, Tuesday.
Alonzo, an English teacher, is also the department chair, despite the fact that she has only been teaching for five years. A graduate of Carl Hayden High School who benefitted from the Hispanic Mother-Daughter program, Alonzo earned her teaching degree and returned to the community where she grew up. Her background has proved invaluable in motivating and inspiring Phoenix Union students and parents. Alonzo volunteers on the Maryvale YMCA board representing her students. She mentors students and is active with many student groups and clubs. Her colleagues recognize marked improvement and interest in learning among her students. A builder of relationships and a person who has earned the respect of students, teachers and parents, one colleague says “Selina is an excellent representative of what our district is all about.”
Camp has been in the District for 10 years, and as an administrator, he has already made an impact at four different schools. The former science teacher at Metro Tech performed Dean of Student duties there before going to Camelback. He was assistant principal for instruction at Alhambra for the past two years, and has moved over to Trevor Browne this year. Camp is described by colleagues as “a hands-on administrator, who wants what is best for our school. He pushes himself to put instruction first and to focus on what is going on in the classrooms and offers creative suggestions for improving learning.”
Cheatham has been with the District for 31 years, helping employees in human resources for the past 21, and in the payroll department for 10 years. She is an invaluable resource not only for her department, but for hundreds of employees and thousands of applicants. One co-worker called her “a walking District encyclopedia, who is always willing to share information, insight, and the answers.” This year, she accepted the challenge of learning a new Human Resources/Payroll system, transferring massive amounts of data and troubleshooting at every turn.
Toncheff has impacted students and teachers across the District in the area of math. Under her leadership, the District implemented an E-Squared Math program that introduced the concepts of Professional Learning Communities to the District, and improved the delivery of math instruction. Math AIMS scores have improved dramatically as a result. Toncheff works closely with partner elementary districts’ 8th grade teachers to better prepare students for high school math, and together they have increased the placement of 9th graders into Geometry and Algebra 3-4. She co-chaired the Honors Review Committee last year to ensure rigor in those classes. Toncheff began as a math teacher at Camelback 17 years ago, but as a curriculum specialist for five years, no one has made a greater impact district-wide in math than her.
Phoenix Union Certified and Support Staff Employees of the Year were selected by a committee of peers, based on nominations made up of school and site Employees of the Year. Phoenix Union employs over 2800 people, including approximately 1700 teachers. The following is a list of Certified and Support Staff Employees of the Year, by school.
Alhambra: Eileen Snook, Reading Teacher;Tommy Vasquez, Campus Facility Supervisor; Tony Camp, Assistant Principal for Instruction. Betty Fairfax: Phillip Wooley, Instructional Specialist; Dianne Coronado, Bookstore Manager. Camelback: Kirsten Nielsen, SPED Teacher Florentina Maez, Senior Office Assistant; Carl Hayden: James Haugen, SPED Teacher Kelly Newcom, Campus Lab Technician. Cesar Chavez: Dr. MingPing Ji, ESL Teacher Marta Trejo, Instructional Assistant. Central: Patrick Looper, Business Teacher; Heather Earle, Senior Office Assistant; Maryvale: Selina Alonzo, English Teacher; JoAnn Carrillo, Registration Clerk. Metro Tech: Monique Mogro, Social Studies Teacher; Zellita Hernandez, Instructional Assistant. North: Gretchen Clifton, SPED Teacher; Larry Ayala, Senior Security Assistant. South Mountain: Charlene Roll, Law Teacher; Joan Arrington, Service Assistant. Trevor Browne: Nicholas Halonen, Choir Teacher; Shanton Harris, Student Study Facilitator Small Schools: Steve Clendenen, Spanish Teacher, Franklin; Evelyn Gonzales, Senior Office Assistant, Bioscience. Plant Operations: Doug Smith, Chief Plumber. District Office: Mona Toncheff, Math Specialist; Marilyn Cheatham, Personnel Specialist
Source: Phoenix Union High School District
Alonzo, an English teacher, is also the department chair, despite the fact that she has only been teaching for five years. A graduate of Carl Hayden High School who benefitted from the Hispanic Mother-Daughter program, Alonzo earned her teaching degree and returned to the community where she grew up. Her background has proved invaluable in motivating and inspiring Phoenix Union students and parents. Alonzo volunteers on the Maryvale YMCA board representing her students. She mentors students and is active with many student groups and clubs. Her colleagues recognize marked improvement and interest in learning among her students. A builder of relationships and a person who has earned the respect of students, teachers and parents, one colleague says “Selina is an excellent representative of what our district is all about.”
Camp has been in the District for 10 years, and as an administrator, he has already made an impact at four different schools. The former science teacher at Metro Tech performed Dean of Student duties there before going to Camelback. He was assistant principal for instruction at Alhambra for the past two years, and has moved over to Trevor Browne this year. Camp is described by colleagues as “a hands-on administrator, who wants what is best for our school. He pushes himself to put instruction first and to focus on what is going on in the classrooms and offers creative suggestions for improving learning.”
Cheatham has been with the District for 31 years, helping employees in human resources for the past 21, and in the payroll department for 10 years. She is an invaluable resource not only for her department, but for hundreds of employees and thousands of applicants. One co-worker called her “a walking District encyclopedia, who is always willing to share information, insight, and the answers.” This year, she accepted the challenge of learning a new Human Resources/Payroll system, transferring massive amounts of data and troubleshooting at every turn.
Toncheff has impacted students and teachers across the District in the area of math. Under her leadership, the District implemented an E-Squared Math program that introduced the concepts of Professional Learning Communities to the District, and improved the delivery of math instruction. Math AIMS scores have improved dramatically as a result. Toncheff works closely with partner elementary districts’ 8th grade teachers to better prepare students for high school math, and together they have increased the placement of 9th graders into Geometry and Algebra 3-4. She co-chaired the Honors Review Committee last year to ensure rigor in those classes. Toncheff began as a math teacher at Camelback 17 years ago, but as a curriculum specialist for five years, no one has made a greater impact district-wide in math than her.
Phoenix Union Certified and Support Staff Employees of the Year were selected by a committee of peers, based on nominations made up of school and site Employees of the Year. Phoenix Union employs over 2800 people, including approximately 1700 teachers. The following is a list of Certified and Support Staff Employees of the Year, by school.
Alhambra: Eileen Snook, Reading Teacher;Tommy Vasquez, Campus Facility Supervisor; Tony Camp, Assistant Principal for Instruction. Betty Fairfax: Phillip Wooley, Instructional Specialist; Dianne Coronado, Bookstore Manager. Camelback: Kirsten Nielsen, SPED Teacher Florentina Maez, Senior Office Assistant; Carl Hayden: James Haugen, SPED Teacher Kelly Newcom, Campus Lab Technician. Cesar Chavez: Dr. MingPing Ji, ESL Teacher Marta Trejo, Instructional Assistant. Central: Patrick Looper, Business Teacher; Heather Earle, Senior Office Assistant; Maryvale: Selina Alonzo, English Teacher; JoAnn Carrillo, Registration Clerk. Metro Tech: Monique Mogro, Social Studies Teacher; Zellita Hernandez, Instructional Assistant. North: Gretchen Clifton, SPED Teacher; Larry Ayala, Senior Security Assistant. South Mountain: Charlene Roll, Law Teacher; Joan Arrington, Service Assistant. Trevor Browne: Nicholas Halonen, Choir Teacher; Shanton Harris, Student Study Facilitator Small Schools: Steve Clendenen, Spanish Teacher, Franklin; Evelyn Gonzales, Senior Office Assistant, Bioscience. Plant Operations: Doug Smith, Chief Plumber. District Office: Mona Toncheff, Math Specialist; Marilyn Cheatham, Personnel Specialist
Source: Phoenix Union High School District
Monday, July 27, 2009
Phoenix Union High School District Classes Start August 3
Over 25,000 students will begin the 2009-2010 school year at 17 campuses as Phoenix Union High School District begins classes, Monday, August 3.
Bioscience High School will welcome 97 freshmen, its largest class yet, and the small science and math-focused school will have its first graduating senior class this year. Betty Fairfax will add another class of about 500 freshmen, and will have an enrollment of 9th, 10th and 11th graders. The first junior class will allow the school to field its first varsity sports teams, marching band and more.
The AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) program will expand from seven to 10 campuses, targeting students in the academic middle, and preparing them for college through electives, increased rigor, tutoring and other activities. All juniors will again take the ACT college-entrance exam for free.
Three schools will have new principals- North, Camelback and Trevor Browne. Youthful leadership may be a trend, as Camelback’s Dr. Chad Gestson is 31, and Trevor Browne’s Gabriel Trujillo is 33. The District also hired 95 new teachers this year, however, most come with previous experience, reflecting the tight job market.
All Phoenix Union schools follow a traditional school calendar. There are 180 instructional days, with 90 days in each semester. Students have fall break, October 5-9, a two-week holiday break beginning Friday, December 18, and spring break, March 8-12. Graduation ceremonies will take place May 19 and 20.
Students not yet pre-registered can enroll at the schools in their attendance zone. Students need a birth certificate, two proofs of address and immunization records. Incoming 9th graders who have not pre-registered will need 8th grade AIMS test scores and diploma. Those from other high schools outside the district will need unofficial transcripts from their last school. Students interested in enrolling in magnet programs offered at five campuses or the magnet high school, Metro Tech, can contact the magnet office at (602) 764-1309. Magnet programs afford open enrollment to anyone residing in the district. Bioscience, Franklin Police and Fire and Cyber are also open enrollment schools.
2009-2010 School Calendar can be viewed here.
Registration Phone Number:
Central High School
4525 N. Central Avenue
(602) 764-7518
Source: Phoenix Union High School District
Bioscience High School will welcome 97 freshmen, its largest class yet, and the small science and math-focused school will have its first graduating senior class this year. Betty Fairfax will add another class of about 500 freshmen, and will have an enrollment of 9th, 10th and 11th graders. The first junior class will allow the school to field its first varsity sports teams, marching band and more.
The AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) program will expand from seven to 10 campuses, targeting students in the academic middle, and preparing them for college through electives, increased rigor, tutoring and other activities. All juniors will again take the ACT college-entrance exam for free.
Three schools will have new principals- North, Camelback and Trevor Browne. Youthful leadership may be a trend, as Camelback’s Dr. Chad Gestson is 31, and Trevor Browne’s Gabriel Trujillo is 33. The District also hired 95 new teachers this year, however, most come with previous experience, reflecting the tight job market.
All Phoenix Union schools follow a traditional school calendar. There are 180 instructional days, with 90 days in each semester. Students have fall break, October 5-9, a two-week holiday break beginning Friday, December 18, and spring break, March 8-12. Graduation ceremonies will take place May 19 and 20.
Students not yet pre-registered can enroll at the schools in their attendance zone. Students need a birth certificate, two proofs of address and immunization records. Incoming 9th graders who have not pre-registered will need 8th grade AIMS test scores and diploma. Those from other high schools outside the district will need unofficial transcripts from their last school. Students interested in enrolling in magnet programs offered at five campuses or the magnet high school, Metro Tech, can contact the magnet office at (602) 764-1309. Magnet programs afford open enrollment to anyone residing in the district. Bioscience, Franklin Police and Fire and Cyber are also open enrollment schools.
2009-2010 School Calendar can be viewed here.
Registration Phone Number:
Central High School
4525 N. Central Avenue
(602) 764-7518
Source: Phoenix Union High School District
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