Tax Credit Donations - It is Not Too Early

As we think about supporting our students' extracurricular activities, it is also time to start thinking about tax credit donations. Your tax credit donations help support our extracurricular programs.  We look forward to providing more extracurricular programs to further develop our children's interests beyond the classroom, whether they are athletic, artistic, or academic. Your tax credit donations will help us accomplish that goal. To learn more about the tax credit program and to make a contribution, please go to our website or the link embedded in the first page of this newsletter, upper left corner.

Technology Integration in the 21^st Century Classroom

In this ever changing and fast paced world filled with technology, students need the opportunity to learn through collaborative and interactive curriculum that provides an efficient setting for creative thinking and problem solving.

We all use technology because it helps us connect, build and create. Technology integration provides these same experiences for children.   In addition to learning how to become responsible digital citizens, the purpose of integrating technology in meaningful ways is to provide children with a real world perspective on the uses of technology that allows them to do things they could not do as quickly or as easily without the technology.

Specifically, technology allows mathematical concepts to be modeled in several different ways using digital images and interactive media. Technology allows learning to be customized to meet the child's individual learning needs by addressing precise areas of information needed to be successful in mastering a concept. At ASU Prep, we are pleased that students have the chance to use a variety of technology to apply and communicate information and ideas in an effective ways. - Submitted by Caroline Savio-Ramos (Technology Integration Specialist - ASU Prep Academy

Above: Students in Mrs. Raidy's class incorporating technology in the STEM Academy Math class. 

Book Fair Sign Up

Hello ASU Families,

We are excited to have our first Book Fair for the 2014-15 school year.  Book Fairs are organized, set up and run by parent/guardian volunteers.  We are looking for at least 2 extra volunteers for each shift, and this is a great way to meet other families, support your school, and earn your family engagement credit hours.

Volunteers help students and teachers find specific books, help keep the tables somewhat organized and run the registers.  All this is relatively easy to learn and do. Every volunteer is given an orientation to teach them how to manage these tasks.  

We are always happy to see new faces at the Book Fair, so please use the sign up genius link below to sign up. 

To sign up, go to:

www.SignUpGenius.com/go/20F044DABAC2EA20-book/2414468

Update: ASU Prep Color Guard is back - K- 12 Grades!

Save the Dates: 

ASU Prep. Colorguard will have free sessions open to anyone no experience necessary for students in grades Kinder - 12th. See dates and times below.

Kinder - 2nd grade

           Dance session: Tuesday September 16^th 3:15 - 4:00 @ Elementary

           Flag session: Tuesday September 23^rd  3:15 - 4:00 @ Elementary

3rd - 6th grade

           Flag session: Tuesday September 16^th    3:15 - 4:00 @ Elementary

           Weapon session: Tuesday September 23^rd    3:15 - 4:00 @ Elementary

7th - 12th grade

           Weapon session: Thursday September 18^th     3:30 - 4:15 @ middle School

           Dance & Equipment   Wednesday Sept. 24th   3:30- 4:15@ middle school

           Flag session: Thursday September 25th          3:30 - 4:15 @ middle school

If you have any questions please email amy.kochis@asu.edu

On the Beat with ASU Police Officer Gill 

If you missed the opportunity to participate in the Open House Event scheduled for last Monday, we have great news for you.  Due to the record-breaking amount of rain this past Monday it was necessary for us to reschedule the event.  Please mark your calendars for Monday, September 29^th from 5:30-7:30 pm.  This is the new night we have planned for our Open House.  We would love to see each and every one of you there that evening, and we are crossing our fingers that if more rain is on the way, it will come the day after the Open House. 

If you are interested in attending and would like more information on the event, please contact Officer Gill at: laura.gil@asu.edu  

Thank you and be safe out there!

Notes From the Poly Elementary School:

Announcements from the Front Office:

Please remember to call the Absentee Line at (480) 727-5709 if your student will be tardy due to an appointment or absent for the day. 

Power School Information

Letters were sent home with students with password information.  If you did not receive one, please contact the front office.

Scholastic Book Fair @Elementary School Sept. 15-19

Book fair will be open before school 7:45am-8:15am and after school 2:30pm-3:45pm

SPOTLIGHT CANCELLED We are sorry to announce that Spotlight (Drama Program) will be cancelled.  Registration fees will be returned with your student.

FYI: A Letter to Poly Elem. Parents Regarding the Move On When Reading Law

Dear Parents,

This letter is to provide you with information on Arizona's Move On When Reading law, the importance it places on your child's ability to read at grade level, and the impact this law has on third grade promotion and retention.

Arizona Revised Statute§ 15 - 701 states that if data on the third grade statewide reading assessment is available and demonstrates that a student scored "falls far below" the student shall not be promoted from the third grade.

There are two exemptions from ARS §15-701.

In accordance with the new law, a school district governing board or the governing body of a charter school is allowed to promote a student who earns a score of "falls far below" on the third grade statewide reading assessment only for the following reasons:

• The student is an English Language Learner or Limited English Proficient who has received less than two years of English instruction; or
• A student with disabilities has an individualized education plan(IEP), and the IEP-team, which includes the student's parent/guardian, agrees that promotion is appropriate

The law can be found at the following website: http://www.azleg.gov/ars/15/00701.htm If you have questions or need additional information please contact:

Ms.. Fawn Eaton - Federal Programs Coordinator, ASU Preparatory Academy District Office

P: (602)523-5923 or Fawn.Eaton@asu.edu

Meet Mrs. Erica Brown - New Elementary School Special Education Case Manager

Hi! I am Erica Brown, the new Special Education case manager at ASU Preparatory Academy!

I was born in a suburb on the outskirts of Chicago, Illinois. Although I have now lived in Arizona longer then Chicago, I consider myself a Chicago girl at heart. While I was attending Chandler Gilbert community college, pursuing a degree in business, I worked with multiple private agencies helping families with habilitation for their children with special needs. I would leave work every day feeling like I made a difference in a child's life and wanted to continue that as I started my career path, which is what led me to special education. I changed my degree and headed off to ASU!

I am now going on my 4^th year as a special education teacher! My first year of teaching, I taught resource social studies and science at the middle school level. I loved learning new things with my students and building relationships with them. The school I was at had a need for a self-contained Autism classroom and I was given the opportunity to help start and run it. It was an amazing learning experience and helped mold the teacher I have become!

When I am not teaching, I am at home spending time with my husband Greg, our baby boy, Asher, and 3-year-old dog, Frank! We keep pretty busy at the Brown house, the 4 of us (yes, Frank sometimes joins too) like to be outside when the weather is cool enough, go out to eat and try new foods, watch movies, play in our backyard, spend time with family, and read books.

I couldn't be more excited for this new journey at ASU preparatory Academy and making new memories with my students!

  

Notes From the STEM Academy and Poly High School

ASU Preparatory Academy Polytechnic High School Student Named a Semi-Finalist in the 204 National Merit Scholarship Program

 

Officials of the National Merit Scholarship Corporation announced that Karina Casey (Class of 2015) has been recognized as a semi-finalist in the 59^th Annual National Merit Scholarship Program. Only 16,000 students in the United States receive this designation. These academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 8,000 National Merit Scholarships worth $35 million that will be offered next spring.

 

Ms. Casey has attended ASU Prep her entire high school career. She has participated in the Creative Writing program with the ASU Virginia C. Piper School of Creative Writing. She is also sharing her love of writing to other students through her leadership in our Peer Writing Tutor program. Additionally, Karina is a member of our school robotics team. Her skills, accomplishments, and potential for university success are results of her hard work and dedication to the ASU Prep Way. About 1.5 million juniors in more than 22,000 high schools enter the 2014 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2012 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). The nationwide pool of Semifinalists, representing less that one percent of U.S. high school seniors, includes the highest scoring entrants in each state. Our 11^th grade students at ASU Prep will sit for this examination on October 15. Congratulations, Karina! We are all very proud of you and support you as you apply for the Finalist level.

Above: Miss Casey posing out front of the Polytechnic High School, fitting that she is by the "Academic" pillar of the school.  Congratulations Miss Casey! We are all proud of you.

My Apprenticeship Experience - Destiny Woods - Class of 2016

 I have been given the wonderful opportunity to have an apprenticeship this year and I am overjoyed with what I have been doing and what I will be doing in the future months. My apprenticeship is with Dr. Sugar, an engineering professor on campus, designing and creating military-grade robots to have the average person run a four minute mile. This has been very enlightening as I am learning college level coding and fabrication. I have been able to work hands-on with both Dr. Sugar and his assistant Jason in their personal lab as well as in the labs inside the simulator building here on campus. In the past two weeks, I have met lab managers, helped to problem-solve machinery fixes, and I have had one-to-one instruction from Dr. Sugar. This experience is definitely one I cherish and I am utilizing this time to guide my plans for the future. While the work I have been doing is advanced, I feel very grateful for this opportunity to have a class where I can learn as well as have fun and be involved in the work. The following link takes you to Dr. Sugar's webpage that details our work. http://robotics.fulton.asu.edu

Above: Miss Woods posing out front of Cedar Hall. She is making us proud representing Poly Prep on the ASU Polytechnic campus.
 

Introduction - Mr. Joseph Richardson - Poly HS - New Social Studies Teacher

I am from a small town in Virginia called Pulaski. I graduated from Pulaski County High School in 1999. After taking on different opportunities, I attended a community college and then enrolled at Virginia Tech. After getting married in 2007, I transferred to ASU in the Spring of 2008. I graduated with my Bachelor's degree in History in 2009 and then moved into the teaching program at the ASU Polytechnic Campus. I received my Master's of Education in 2010. This is my fourth year teaching. My first two years I taught at Maricopa High School and last year at Leading Edge Academy-San Tan.

I currently reside in San Tan Valley with my wife and son. I have been married 7 years, and my 6-year old son is a student at ASU Prep Elementary this year. Due to his love of animals... we have 2 dogs, 3 cats, 2 turtles, a mouse, and a fish.   My son currently says he wants to become a veterinarian, My wife is also a teacher. She teaches 8^th Grade Science in Casa Grande.

Some fun facts about me:

• I am a Cowboys fan. (Yes, Cowboys fan.)
• I love to read.
• I love anything to do with
  Star Wars and History.
• My dream vacation is the Band of Brothers tour.
• I enjoy classic rock.

Thank you for making our family feel like part of the family here at the ASU Prep Polytechnic schools.

Above: Mr. Richardson in his classroom getting ready for another history lesson with his new students.

Reminder: ACT College Admission Test Free to Seniors at ASU Prep. High School

ASU Prep High School is pleased to announce all senior students will be taking the ACT College Admissions Test free of charge on Tuesday, September 30^th during their regularly scheduled school day. The ACT is an essential tool for post-secondary planning and will assist students in applying to colleges and universities, as well as applying for scholarships.

Because ASU Prep is committed to student success on the ACT, we will be hosting an ACT Prep Session on Saturday, September 20. Students will receive tips and information about each of the four subsections of the ACT test from ASU Prep staff and teachers. Students will also take a practice exam that they will have the ability to review and score in order to determine their areas of strength and those that need improvement.

The ACT Prep Session will be held from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Cedar Hall Multipurpose Room. Students are encouraged to bring a snack and/or bagged lunch to the session.

This is a wonderful opportunity for students and we hope that they will take advantage of it. Please address any questions to Ms. Seifert, Academic Advisor, at brooke.seifert@asu.edu or Mrs. Schneider, Director, at lori.schneider@asu.edu.

 

ASU Preparatory European Carousel Trip - Summer 2015

We are going to Europe! We are excited to offer a trip, which includes seven different countries in two weeks: The Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, France and England. 

 

The following are some of the adventures we will experience: Anne Frank Home, Heidelberg Castle, Olympic Stadium, St. Marks' Square, Champs-Elysees, Arc de Triomphe, the Lourve, Notre Dame Cathedral, London Bridge, St. Paul's Cathedral, Piccadilly Circus, and Big Ben. Parents are welcome to join our tour as well! 

 

To learn more about our tour and pricing:

 

 http://www.eftours.com/1514536CE    

 

For more information, please contact Mrs. Nelson (Jennifer.L.Nelson.2@asu.edu) or Ms. Fischer (Madeleine.Fischer@asu.edu)

 

 

ATHLETICS:  Grades 5 - 12

ATHLETICS: www.asuprepathletics.com  

HS Volleyball

Our ASU Prep Volleyball Team is off to a great start this season, with a 3-1 overall record and an undefeated record in conference play.  So far the Devils have been led by Ashley Cornwall-Elysee in serves, followed by Elizabeth McFarland.  The Devils have been able to defeat teams with amazing team effort.  With passing as an essential part of the game, Grace Kaylor and Defensive Specialist Paige Brotschi have really stepped up for their team.  Hitters Ashley Cornwall Elysee and Amber Ore-Giron lead the team in hits and kills.  Middle Cheyenne Samp, leads the team in total blocks.  This weekend the Devils will play in the annual Spike It Tournament where they will face many skilled teams.  This will be a great opportunity for the Devils to be challenged and raise their game. We encourage everyone to come out and support you ASU Prep Volleyball team. GO DEVILS!! 

 

JH "A" Volleyball 

The JH A volleyball team had three games this week, all at home.  They came out against their first opponent ALA, ready to go.  They fought hard and forced game three, unfortunately coming up short.  Natalia G led the team in serving.  Heritage was the first win of the season!  Kayla B and Natalia G did a great job serving with Sophia A hustling and leading the team in passing.  The third game of the week was against Cambridge.  They were able to walk away with another win.  Sophia A and Tiah H did a fantastic job serving, scoring the team some significant points.  Karli W played a great defensive game. 

Above: JH A Volleyball Team in the middle of a game, Below: The team posing for a quick team picture.

JH "C" Volleyball   

When the season began on August 27th for the ASU Preparatory 5th and 6th grade team, their opponents appeared to be much taller and older, losing their first set 20-25 to Queen Creek's Legacy Traditional team.  However, the team stood tall and won the second set, 25-22.  Although the young ASU team lost the 3rd and deciding set 20-25, all the players showed maturity early by bouncing back and winning in their next 2 matches.

On September 2nd, the Devils won for their first home game against Queen Creek's Legacy Traditional, 25-12 and 25-20, with Haylee K. leading the way with 16 total aces of the match. Haylee added another 17 aces during the Devils second win of the season, defeating Athlos Academy 17-25, 25-13, 25-21 on September 11th. "These girls are showing excitement on every play and that is our #1 goal," says new coach, Allen Alexander.

Pound the bleachers and chant "let's go Devils" for your 5th and 6th volleyball team on September 16th and 19th when they host their next two opponents at ASU's Williams Gym or follow their results at www.azcaa.com

Above: Coach is working with the students, teaching them fundamentals needed as they progress as a team and  through the game.

HS Soccer

This last week saw the ASU Soccer team split their matches giving them a record of 3 wins and 3 losses.  Due to upcoming over seeding by ASU, our remaining games (3) will all be on the road.  As always we appreciate your ongoing support of ASU Prep Athletics.

 

Swim Team

The swim team will have their inaugural swim meet this Saturday (13th) at 1:00 pm at The EVO Swim Club.  Good luck to all of our athletes!
http://www.evoswimschool.com/arizona/queen-creek   

  

Cross Country
The ASU Prep Cross Country team had a strong start at their first meet at Sequoia Pathway.  Ciara Earl took 5th place overall for High School Girls and the High School Girls won third place.  Other top finishers for ASU Prep were Tyrese Jensen and Santiago Almarez for the high school boys and Mia M. for the Middle School Girls.  The next meet takes place on September 27th at Papago Park.

PARKING: Park Mobile App

Parking for sporting events is now easier than ever.  Use the Park Mobile App from your smart phone to park in the lots closest to your event.

Soccer and Flag Football: Lot 16A  Code 60216

VB at SDFC: Lot 10  Code 60210

VB at Williams Gym: Lot 36  Code 60236

The cost is $1.50 per hour.

Athletic Booster Committee

If you are interested in helping out with the Athletic Booster Committee (ABC), please contact Phyllis Smolens.  The "ABC" will assist the athletics program through helping with water and gatorades at games, fundraising and score keeping. Mrs. Smolens can be reached at phyllis@smolens.net.

Next week: Games at a glance.... 

DATE	TIME	TEAM	HOME	AWAY
Mon, Sep 15, 2014	4:30 PM	HS Volleyball	ASU Prep	Leading Edge QC
Mon, Sep 15, 2014	4:30 PM	JH Flag Football	Basis Mesa	ASU Prep
Tue, Sep 16, 2014	4:00 PM	HS Soccer	Sonoran Science Phx	ASU Prep
Tue, Sep 16, 2014	4:30 PM	JH Flag Football	ASU Prep	Legacy Traditional QC 2
Tue, Sep 16, 2014	5:30 PM	JH "C" Volleyball	ASU Prep 2	Athlos 2
Wed, Sep 17, 2014	3:30 PM	Team Pictures at SDFC
Thu, Sep 18, 2014	4:30 PM	JH Flag Football	ASU Prep	Vista Grove Prep (OOC)
Fri, Sep 19, 2014	4:00 PM	HS Soccer	Pan American HS	ASU Prep
Fri, Sep 19, 2014	7:00 PM	JH "C" Volleyball	San Tan Charter 2	ASU Prep 2
Fri, Sep 19, 2014	7:00 PM	JH Flag Football	San Tan Charter	ASU Prep