Dear ASU Prep Friends and Families,

Last month we featured many of the ways our students are demonstrating kindness.  We know our students do not exhibit these kindnesses because it helps their grades or because they believe they will be recognized for their acts.  Our students exhibit kindness because they understand what it means to them when they are the beneficiaries of kindness and they know what a great feeling it is to return kindness and make someone experience that warm feeling.

We recently received a heartfelt note from the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 91 sharing their appreciation for the holiday cards our students created for our Arizona State Veterans.  We know the students did not expect to receive this note of thanks, but we also know how special it is to see the impact their kindness made for others.  

Many of you reading this newsletter deserve to know the impact of your kindness. also.  Whether it is a tax credit donation, your volunteer service to our schools, your attendance at school events, your service on school committees, or our donations to help families in need, your kindness is the fountain from which our students' kindness springs. We know you do not always see the impact of your kindness and we know you do not do it for the recognition (or the grades), but your leadership team gets to see the impact every day and we want to thank you for making a difference for our students and our community!

Sincerely,

Your ASU Preparatory Academy Polytechnic Leadership Team

Barrett, The Honors College at ASU Accepts ASU Prep Seniors

Congratulations to seniors Karina Casey, Ciara Earl, Jenna Heywood, Cassie Luna and Edward Meza on their admission to ASU's Barrett, The Honors College! This is an exceptional feat, and we are so proud of them.

Each year, Barrett, The Honors College awards admission to a very select group of students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential and community service. Competition is fierce, but the results are well worth it. Barrett students are supported by dedicated faculty, have access to special classes, social events and study abroad programs and live in special honors residential halls. Students who graduate from Barrett, The Honors College attend the best graduate colleges, have extraordinary success in national fellowship competitions and accept positions with prominent non-profit organizations and Fortune 500 companies. 

We are proud to be a school with 15% of our graduating seniors accepted to such a prestigious program.  The future keeps looking brighter and brighter for these talented students!   

Thank You for Your Tax Credit Donations

Thank you for your support on our Tax Credit campaign.  Collectively we raised $92,195.  This represents a 20% increase from the prior year and a 270% increase since 2010. We also increased the number of donors from the prior year from 269 to 339 (21% increase).

Thanks to all of you.  Your continued support is greatly appreciated and will go a long way to provide more student extended day activities!

Secondary Students Earn Recognition for Scholarship and Effort

Congratulations to our December Students of the Month.  These students not only exhibit outstanding scholarship, they demonstrate the ASU Prep Way in the kindness to others, their hard work, and their intellect.  Join us in congratulating these outstanding representatives of ASU Prep.

Jarrett Naegle- Jarrett joined ASU Prep this year and has made a seamless transition, He is a bright and inquisitive student. He is very hardworking and very humble. He always has a smile and is a joy to be around. 

Curtis Byers- In addition to being an outstanding student, Curtis does a great job modeling the ASU Prep way. He is always kind to others and doesn't hesitate to help those around him. He is always eager to learn and contribute the learning experience.

9th Grade - Sean Haynie has a strong work ethic and a willing to further his own learning as well as the learning of his peers.  Sean also exhibits the ASU Prep way outside the classroom as a member of our basketball team.

10th Grade - Eve Sheppard has a positive attitude and never fails to greet people with a smile.  She works hard in the classroom and is a valued member of ASU Prep's cross country and basketball teams.

11th Grade - Nico Woods Gonzalez is a kind and respectful young man who has a strong work ethic and focus on his studies.  He is a positive influence on his classmates both inside and outside of the classroom.

12th Grade - Kavita Liyanage is kind and respectful presence in the classroom.  She is a positive influence on her fellow students in her pursuit of her studies.  Kavita also participates in numerous extracurricular activities including basketball.

Capstone Presentations Coming Soon

Each year at ASU Preparatory Academy, our high school students present their Capstone course endeavors to a panel of community members, peers and families for further guidance and feedback. This feedback guides the future of the student ventures and supports our mission to give back to the community.   

Capstone topics this year range from "Financial Burdens and Debt Troubling Today's College Students" to "Peer Tutoring for Struggling Students." Please join us on Monday, January 23 from 1:00-3:00pm in the Cooley Ballroom (Grades 9-11) and the Cedar Hall Multi-Purpose Room (12th Grade) to hear about how our students are making changes in the world around them!

Spring Sports Tryouts

ASU Prep is proud to announce the start of our Spring athletic season. This year students will have the opportunity to join a Sun Devil soccer, golf, or baseball team. We are encourage all students to learn a new sport or gain experience in a sport they already play. Let's go Devils!

SPRING SPORTS TRYOUTS: 

FEBRUARY 9,10,11 & 12  

3:30 - 5:00 pm

COED SOCCER, GOLF, AND BASEBALL

For details, visit ASU Prep Athletics 

If you are interested in volunteer coaching, please contact Coach Brown or Coach Berg as soon as possible.

Meet ASU Prep Teacher Mrs. Biggs

5th/6th Grade Science

Mrs. Ruth Biggs has been married for 31 years, and she is the proud mother of 7 children: five daughters and two sons.  She also has two granddaughters and one grandson.   Her oldest son graduated from ASU College of Sustainability last year.  She also has two daughters currently attending ASU, and one daughter beginning nursing school this Spring.  

During the school day she LOVES teaching science, taking 6th graders to the garden, and encouraging faculty and students to RECYCLE here at school and at home.  

Her free time is spent with her own children and grand babies, reading and cooking, visiting the movie theatre, and attending Lacrosse games.  

Mrs. Biggs says, "I love working here at ASU Prep!" 

We love having Mrs. Biggs at ASU Prep!

Graduation Fair Provides Information for Families

Senior year is one of the greatest times of a high school student's life. Lifelong friendships are developed and academic success occurs. With graduation and college quickly approaching, our students have begun making preparations for these important events. These past few weeks, they met with the Herff Jones representative to learn more about class rings, announcements, and caps and gowns.

Families are a very important part of the upcoming celebrations so they, too, are part of the graduation process. Parents and students gathered for a graduation fair this week to learn more about the ring selection and announcement ordering process. We anticipate that orders will be taken for these items beginning the last week in January. We are proud of our first senior class and excited to share this wonderful year with both the students and families. 

Sixth Graders Sow Seeds of Success

Our 6th graders have been going to the ASU garden at the Polytechnic campus weekly to clear weeds and debris, turn the soil, add compost, plant, weed some more on the plot they were given by ASU.  Now they are harvesting the fruits of their labor.  

The students have a variety of winter vegetables growing:  lettuces, radishes, carrots, and beans.  "It has been awesome to see the other winter vegetables growing as well: broccoli, cauliflower, onions, cabbages, and winter flowers," said Mrs. Biggs.  

In addition to maintaining their own plot they have also helped Susan Norton, the ASU Program Coordinator for the garden, paint the buildings and benches, sweep, add compost to other plots, weed other plots, plant bushes, plant trees, clean out dead plants from other plots, and LEARN how to compost.   They also helped with a garden project for a blind student by helping to build three special raised beds, add compost, and prepare the beds for planting.

The 6th graders ask every day if we are going to the garden.  They are experiencing first hand the opportunity to contribute to their communities and learning important science skills of biology, ecology, and chemistry.

January Family STEM Challenge of the Month

Each month, we would like to give families a STEM challenge to promote the practices of enquiry & design, connecting, problem solving, creativity, and reflection.  These are designed to be fun family activities that are suitable for all family members using resources commonly found at home.  Projects completed at home can be brought to school where they will be photographed and featured in our monthly digital display in the newsletter.

January STEM Challenge

What can you do with....... a paper plate?

To participate in this home challenge, you will need to create something (anything) using one paper plate (any size or brand) !  You can use any additional materials in your creation!  The only rule is to BE CREATIVE! 

* Please bring your creation to school before the end of the month!

Be sure to rate your project using our Home Challenge Rubric by clicking here.  

An excellent example from the December STEM Challenge of the Month is shown below.  This was submitted by 4th grader Emily Pederson in Mrs. Frasier's class.

Literacy Tip 

Last week, I suggested a few websites to help you find books for your child.  Today, I suggest a few websites that are particularly good for kids in developing literacy skills.  

The American Librarian Association developed a webpage that has links to many of these great websites for children. Check it out!  The websites provide good reading material on a variety of topics related to the world, history, animals, math, science, and literature.  Others offer help for students who have to write a report or learn a math concept.  

Increasingly there is much appropriate reading material found on the Internet, your child's reading does not have to be limited to books. 

Here are some more fun sites for kids to enhance literacy:

 Fact Monster(Information written for kids on hundreds of topics)

Time for Kids (Current news for kids-some stories written by kids)

Homework Helper (a Homework helper-fun for kids and parents)

Send questions or suggestions for future Literacy Tips to Dr. Marsh.

ASU Prep STEM Academy Boys Basketball Updates

The STEM Academy Boy's Basketball team went 1-1 this week to move their record to 3-5 for the season. 

On Monday the boys lost to a very good Imagine East Mesa 36-35. The team was led by Derek E. with 12 points. 

On Tuesday the team rebounded with a convincing victory over Cambridge Academy 27-7. Connor M., Tyler N., Cole S., Antonio Q, Ian S., and Patrick O. all made huge contributions to the team's victory coming off the bench. 

The boy's next game is Wednesday, January 21st against Imagine West Gilbert at 5:30 in Williams Gym. 

Super Kids Super Sharing 

ASU Preparatory Academy Elementary Polytechnic has teamed up with the National Football League, the Arizona Cardinals, the Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee, the Salvation Army South Mountain Kroc Community Center, and Verizon for a Super Bowl community initiative that benefits local children in need. We are taking part in a Super Bowl donation project called Super Kids-Super Sharing.

Our school is collecting lightly used (or new) books, sports equipment and school supplies. Donated items will be distributed to local schools and youth programs that serve children in need.

Cell phones that are no longer being used are also being collected. Once again Super Kids is working with Verizon to collect phones from any wireless carrier in any condition. This is part of Verizon's HopeLine program that benefits domestic violence prevention organizations and local shelters.

Please check your closets, toy boxes and garage for balls, gloves, cleats and other sports equipment you are no longer using, and take a moment to clear unwanted books off your shelves.

Beginning January 12, 2015 bring those items to school and place them in collection boxes located near the entrance of the school. All types of sports equipment and school supplies, and books of all reading levels are needed. All types of cell phones and accessories are also welcome.

Join us as the Super Kids here at ASU Preparatory Academy Elementary Polytechnic share with others and make a difference in the lives of local children this Super Bowl season.

If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Biggs at rabiggs@asu.edu

Thanks! 

Coffee & Conversations Begin Again

We greatly value our home-school partnerships and see families as keys to achieving our mission.  As part of this partnership, we want to facilitate conversations about many of the elements of our program and curriculum. Please join us on one of the following dates to learn more about what is happening in our district, provide us with valuable feedback, and to connect with other ASU Prep families.

Tuesday, February 3         

3:30-4:30 p.m.

Poly High School

Topics:

Homework Helper- A sampling of online resources for academic support for your student

Active Volunteerism- Opportunities to volunteer at ASU Prep

Guest speaker: Faith Sheppard, PTSO President

Tuesday, February 17

8:30-9:30 a.m.

Poly High School

Topics: Assessing Learning in Multiple Ways- 

The state has a new test this year, and we continue to assess learning through Cambridge International Examinations. Learn more about Galileo, AZMERIT, IGCSE exams, and AS/A Level exams.

Guest speaker: Jessica Rose, Cambridge Coordinator

Elementary Conversations

Thursday, February 5 

8:15-9:15 a.m.

Poly Elementary

Topic: 

Assessment and LearningAzMERIT (Arizona's Measurement of Educational Readiness to Inform Teaching) Arizona's new statewide achievement test that will be implemented this spring and Galileo.  We will explore websites and show you samples test questions.

Thursday, March 5 

8:15-9:15 a.m.

Topic: Third Phase of Construction

Update on our Third Phase of Construction. Preparing things for welcoming 7th & 8th graders onto our campus 

Calling all current 7th Graders:  I'd like to hear from you, tell me how you're feeling about coming back to our building.  How can we help make this transition as seamless as possible for you?  
 

Everyone is welcome to attend any or all of the sessions. No need to RSVP, but please let us know if you have any questions or suggestions for topics for our March meetings.

Contact Mrs. Schneider for secondary meetings or Mrs. Mendoza for elementary meetings. 

SPARK App League Comes to ASU Poly

ASU Fulton School of Engineering is hosting the annual SPARK App League in conjunction with the Town of Gilbert, Google, and Intel with the kickoff happening on January 30 at the Cooley Ballrooms on the Polytechnic Campus. To learn more click here: SPARK App League

If you would like to attend please sign up below:

SPARK App League Sign Up

Color Guard Hosts Yard Sale to Raise Funds for Competition

The ASU color guard will be having a yard sale to raise funds for the additional equipment and uniforms purchased this year. We will hold the yard sale January 24 Watch this space to see more details about the location.  

If you are cleaning out items , we would love to take them off your hands. You may drop them off through Thursday, January 22. There will be boxes in the Elementary front office where you can place your items. 

Thank you in advance for your donations and your patronage.  We expect to have many great items available!

ASU Prep Athletics Campus Guidelines 

We appreciate your ongoing support of our ASU Prep Athletic Programs.  Safety and supervision during events is very important to all of us.  To comply with ASU Poly Campus guidelines we would like to remind all students who attend events on the ASU Poly Campus to please wear your student ID. Parents and other supporters should check in at the main desk when attending events at the Sun Devil Fitness Center (SDFC).  Thank you for your cooperation in helping us provide appropriate supervision during events.

Park Mobile App Makes Parking at ASU Easier

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.

SDFC Fields: Lot 16A Code 60216

SDFC : Lot 10  Code 60210

Williams Gym: Lot 36  Code 60236

The cost is $1.50 per hour.

Important Information for Poly Elementary Families 

Announcements from the Front Office:

ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT

Feb. 25 3:30-5:00 p.m. 

Kindergarten thru 6th grade

Join us for a STEM themed event. Parents are welcome and encouraged to attend so we can show you how your tax credit dollars are being used.

Students have a great time enjoying all types of activities, games, musical instruments and much more while learning.  We look forward to you joining us for this event!

Join the Preschool Team for an opportunity to visit ASU Preparatory Academy's Preschool. This event is intended to be a parent only event; we will offer an opportunity to bring your little ones at a later date.  

Any questions-please call 480 727-5700

100TH DAY OF SCHOOL- Friday, JAN. 23rd

SHOW YOUR SCHOOL SPIRIT

Join student council in celebrating the 100th day of school by wearing a shirt decorated with 100 items. If you'd like to participate in a Student Council Fundraiser: for a $1 donation you may also wear non-uniform bottoms.  If you choose not to participate, you must wear your school uniform. 

Martial Arts of Arizona

Classes on Wednesdays from 3:15-4:15pm

Beginning and Intermediate Strings

Classes on Mondays & Wednesdays from 3:15-4:15pm

Advanced Strings

Classes begin Tuesday, February 3

ASU PREP SCHOOL STORE has Maroon Youth Large and Youth XL polos in stock.  The school store is located at the elementary school and is open Tuesdays/Thursdays before and after school. 

Parents please remember students may NOT be dropped off before 7:45am and MUST be picked up by 3:45pm.  Club Poly is available before and after school for students that need to be dropped off early and/or need to stay after school.  We appreciate your cooperation. 

Lost/Found

Please check for lost items in the front office.  We have a growing pile of lost items. 

Lunch Volunteers Needed

We are in need of additional lunch volunteers Monday-Friday.  This is a great way to earn volunteer hours and your help is needed and appreciated!!

 Sign Up Genius Lunch Duty  

Restricted Activities 

Please remember to contact the health office if your child suffers a significant injury that requires PE and/or recess restrictions. Having that information on the first day your child returns to school, enables staff to help keep your child as safe as possible. A doctor's note is required if a student can not participate in PE or recess for 2 weeks or longer. Once your doctor gives the okay for your child to resume physical activity, the doctor's note clearing your child is required for us to resume regular activity. 

Clothing Donations Requested

The elementary health office is in need of a few pairs of boys and girls khaki shorts and pants in sizes 6, 7, 8 and 10. 

Important Parent Information from PTSO

Volunteer Opportunities

Are you interested in different ways you can volunteer for our school? Or maybe you would like to find ways to complete your volunteer hours. PTSO is always looking for volunteers who are interested in helping with our activities and events. 

We are about to wrap up our Run Devil Run Fun Run and are starting the planning for our annual Spring Picnic! We will need help on the day of the Spring Picnic but also in organizing and planning the event. If you are interested in being involved in creating ideas and making decisions for our schools PTSO you may want to also consider joining the PTSO board. 

There are many ways to be involved! Contact Faith if you have any questions. 

Funsavers

SAN TAN MALL

Follow us on Facebook ASU Preparatory Academy Polytechnic PTSO!

Upcoming Calendar

• January 23 - Capstone Presentations Grades 9-12
• January 23 - 100th Day
• January 26-29 Galileo Benchmark # 2
• May 28 - High School Graduation Ceremonies