SanTan Sun: 5-2-15; Youth

Chandler team brings family expo to Gilbert

BY MEGHAN MCCOY

Organizers of an inaugural Gilbert event are hoping to create a one-stop shop for the needs of all families.

Chandler-based PB&J Events and Promotion will bring the “Babies Bonanza Showcase and Expo” to SanTan Village from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 16.

“It covers a gamut of ages,” said PB&J founder Gary Klayman of the event. “Our goal is to be a great resource for those who are in the market for having kids. It is something near and dear to our hearts and as a company producing kid-friendly events and events for young families.”

Klayman said he decided to organize

the expo when he was unable to find a similar event in the Valley. The event was scheduled at the Phoenix Convention Center, but it was moved to SanTan Village to accommodate parking. Attendees can also shop and dine at the shopping center before and after the expo.

“It’s a great location,” Klayman said.

The expo will feature about 60 exhibitors showcasing and demonstrating local and regional products. Experts will offer health and fitness education, and summertime activity and parenting tips, while representatives offer free samples and giveaways.

Basha Basketball Bear Camp for boys

and girls

Basha High Basketball Bear Camp is scheduled for four weeks in June at the Basha High School gymnasium, 5990 S. Val Vista Dr., Chandler. The camp is for boys and girls entering grades kindergarten through eighth and will feature offensive skills, defensive and team fundamentals, and some friendly competitions.

The schedule includes Monday, June 1, through Thursday, June 4; Monday, June 8, through Thursday, June 11; Monday, June 15, through Thursday, June 18; and Monday, June 22, through Thursday, June 25. The kindergarten through fourthgrade campers will meet daily from 11:30

a.m. to 1 p.m.; while grades fifth through eighth get together from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. daily. The camp is $75 for one week; $140 for two weeks and $250 for all four weeks. All proceeds from the camp will benefit the Basha boys and girls basketball programs.

Register online at www. cusdcommunity.com. If paying by check or money order, visit the Community Education Office, 1525 W. Frye Rd., Chandler. No cash payments are accepted. For more information, contact Rich Meseroll at meseroll.rich@cusd80.com or call (480) 883-4868.

STUDENT CHRONICLES

Jayden Chavez was one of 1,666 students who were named to the dean’s list for fall 2014 at Biola University.

Chandler students were recently initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most

selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines. They include Muhammad Rashid, Garrison Leach, Shahzadi Rashid, Jordan Harstad and Yanxiang You, all of whom were initiated at ASU.

An hour-long baby shower begins at 12 p.m., with all pregnant women receiving a raffle ticket. Additional raffle tickets will be sold for the baby shower with all proceeds benefiting a charity that was undetermined as of press time. Klayman said pregnant women will be chosen to participate in activities on stage for prizes.

Kids can keep busy in the Super Tots Party-sponsored baby play area. The company provides moveable indoor play areas.

PB&J is also hosting “Destination PB&J” from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 6, at SanTan Village. It will highlight summer activities and staycation spots in the Valley.

“It’s all about promoting those businesses that cater to kids and kid activities whether indoors or outdoors across the valley,” Klayman said.

A third event, PB&J’s “Small Bites...A Family Food Festival,” is set for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 20, will be held at Rawhide Western Town and Steakhouse in Chandler.

While other food festival are for adults and serve alcohol, “Small Bites” is geared toward families. Local food trucks and restaurants will offer bite-sized portions of kid-friendly food.

Klayman said he is always on the lookout for participants for his unique expos. For more information, visit http:// pbjevents.com.

“We are always looking for those unique activities and unique businesses that we can showcase that maybe the general public doesn’t know about,” he said. “We reach out for those businesses that you (do not) see at every event, but those that might be hidden gems.”

City honors Environmental Arts Contest winners

The City recognized 19 fourth-grade students for their winning entries in its eighth annual Environmental Art Contest.

The April 22 program was held at City Council Chambers, 88 E. Chicago St. Chandler students attending public, private and charter schools submitted nearly 700 entries illustrating the importance of reducing waste, conserving water, and preventing stormwater pollution. Students and their teachers received Certificates of Excellence from Mayor Jay Tibshraeny and special gift bags.

A panel of judges selected the winning entries based on the three C’s—creativity, content and colorfulness.

The City’s Street Operations, Solid Waste Services and Water divisions will use the drawings to promote water conservation, stormwater pollution

prevention and recycling programs. Selected drawings are used in a 12-month calendar, poster, billboards for the City’s recycling and trash collection trucks and other promotions. For more information about the contest, drawings, or awards program, call (480) 782-3510.

Red Means Stop announces scholarship program

The Red Means Stop Traffic Safety Alliance has set May 15 as the deadline for its Novice Teen Driver Scholarship Program for 2015. These scholarships are specifically earmarked for, and will be awarded to, families who demonstrate an economic hardship and cannot afford driver training for their children.

To be considered for a Red Means Stop driver training scholarship, students must be eligible for their learners permit within a threemonth window (student must reach the age of 15 years and six months within three months of receiving the request for application). To learn more and request an application, visit www. redmeansstop.org/scholarship.

executive director of Red Means Stop.

Free ‘Musikgarten’ class available for children, caretakers

Children’s lives are enriched by music and movement, so Susan Yuen is offering Musikgarten, during which kids and their caretakers learn and enjoy age-appropriate activities designed to enhance the pupils’ overall development.

The class is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., and 10:45 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Wednesday, May 13, at Chandler School of Fine Arts, 2211 W. Germann Rd., Chandler.

Children through age 3 attend the first session, while kids ages 3 through 5

attend the second class. Reservations are required.

Parents are invited to explore the impact of music and movement on their young child’s development. Tuition-based Musikgarten classes will be offered in the fall, including a special class for babies through age 18 months.

For more information or to reserve your spot, contact Yuen at (602) 8880804 or visit www.YuenMusicStudio.com or www.ChandlerFineArts.org.

Red Means Stop is a grassroots 501(c) (3) organization founded in Arizona that continues to advocate for better training and education, especially for new teen drivers.

The program was developed by Red Means Stop and the nationally acclaimed DrivingMBA of Scottsdale. DrivingMBA utilizes a unique combination of classroom instruction, simulation labs and on-road instruction. The school also provides a class for parents to be better prepared for the practice that is necessary to become a safe and responsible driver.

“If we expect our children to grow into safe drivers when they reach adulthood, neglecting the basics as teens is a huge mistake,” Barbara Hoffman,

“Many of today’s adults never faced the challenges our teens currently face on the road. Traffic conditions are far worse and the distractions are greater than ever before. We owe it to the next generation to be prepared and the best way to do that is by arming these young drivers with the best skills possible to help save their lives.”

Program graduate Cameron Jordan said the simulators teach students to pay attention to their surroundings, to look ahead and be prepared.

Tammy Messmer, the mother of another scholarship recipient, said as a single mom, she felt better about her daughter driving knowing this opportunity was available.

This year’s 35-hour driver training program is being funded in part by grants and donations from the State Farm Insurance Co. and the Thunderbird Charities.

MEET SUCCESS.

Explore

Yoga Camp for Preteens to be held at Inner Vision Yoga

Beginning Monday, June 1, Inner Vision Yoga will hold a new Yoga Camp for Preteens, ages 8 to 12, during four weeks, at its Chandler studio, 1949 W. Ray Rd., on the southeast corner of Dobson Road.

Preteens will enjoy expressive movement, yoga techniques and creative arts in a purposely designed atmosphere of loving kindness. The emphasis will be on building self-confidence and selfesteem in a noncompetitive environment. The camp will be facilitated by yoga teacher Freda Goldberg, who earned a master’s degree in education. Goldberg has taught for more than 20 years for the Chandler Unified School District. She is

also CPR- and first-aid certified.

The camp will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. It is $150 per week or $500 for all four weeks. The cost includes daily snacks, craft materials and a Friday fieldtrip lunch to Pita Jungle.

For more information, visit www. innervisionyoga.com or call (480) 6327899.

Inner Vision Yoga, which has studios in Chandler and Tempe, offers more than 100 classes per week to all levels of yoga practitioners. A variety of yoga classes are offered in the morning, afternoon and evening seven days a week.

UltraStar Multi-tainment Center offers Kids’ Summer Movie Series

The annual Summer Kids’ Movie Series will kick off this month at the UltraStar Multi-tainment Center at Ak-Chin Circle.

“We are thrilled to bring affordable family fun to the kids in our communities,” said Julie Bravo, vice president of marketing for UltraStar Cinemas. “Our Kids’ Summer Series offers families a weekly outing in a cool, comfortable and safe environment. It’s also a great opportunity to introduce little ones to the movie-going experience.”

A family-friendly film will be featured every Monday through Friday from May 25 through July 31. Each week the doors will open at 9 a.m. with the feature screening beginning at 9:30 a.m. A different film will be featured each week and all films are rated G or PG.

To purchase a movie series pass, guests select the day of the week they would like to attend for the one-time ticket price of $5. Each week, they return on the same day to see all 10 weeks of films. Tickets for individual days, not preselected in advance, can be purchased at the door for $1. Children 2 and younger are admitted for free.

The schedule includes:

• “Dolphin Tale,” from Monday, May 25, through Friday, May 29;

• “Dolphin Tale 2,” from Monday, June 1, through Friday, June 5;

• “The LEGO Movie” from Monday, June 8, through Friday, June 12;

• “How to Train Your Dragon 2,” from Monday, June 15, through Friday, June 19;

• “Rio 2,” from Monday, June 22, through Friday, June 26;

• “Mr. Peabody & Sherman,” from Monday, June 29, through Friday, July 3;

• “Penguins of Madagascar,” from Monday,

July 6, through Friday, July 10;

• “The Boxtrolls,” from Monday, July 13, through Friday, July 17;

• “The Lorax,” from Monday, July 10, through Friday, July 24;

•“Hotel Transylvania,” from Monday, July 27, through Friday, July 31.

For more information, visit www. ultrastarakchin.com.

Family Night

Family Night at the 347 Grill will take place every Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

A child 12 and younger will eat for free with every adult entree purchased. Kids can also enjoy $1 ice cream cones at Cones Cafe from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesdays. Family Night is a great opportunity to take the family out for dinner and enjoy great food at a great price.

Tuesday and Thursday $6 movie days

UltraStar will also offer discount movie days on Tuesdays and Thursdays with movie tickets starting at $6 all day long. The offer does not include special engagements. Enjoy s’mores and ‘Movies Under the Stars’

“Movies Under the Stars” will play a variety of family films on a large screen in front of UltraStar at 6 p.m. Grab a blanket and lawn chair and pick a favorite spot on the amphitheater lawn. Stop by at 5:30 p.m. for s’mores before the film. Concessions are available for purchase.

Monday Funday

Individuals can enjoy a bowling and laser tag game and a game card, a steak plate at 347 Grill, or a movie ticket, promo popcorn and soda for less than $10.

The center is located at 16000 Maricopa Rd., in Maricopa.

A. Dougla

High school juniors and seniors are invited to take a free SAT or ACT practice test on Saturday, May 16, at Tutor House Tutoring Services.

Testing is from 9:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. with a welcome and registration from 9 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. Students should bring a calculator to the session.

Taking the practice test is a way for students to find strengths and weaknesses in a low-pressure environment. Participants will become familiar with the test format, question types, timing and content tested on these college entrance exams. Test results and analysis are given by email. Separately scheduled conferences are available.

This free practice test is offered in addition to Tutor House’s regular SAT and ACT prep programs. Tutor House is a familyowned and -operated learning center

helping students reach their full potential by providing an individualized approach to education. The tutoring process begins with a skills assessment that will identify students’ academic strengths and weaknesses; test results are then reviewed with parents, and a program is designed to address the student’s individual needs.

A wide range of one-on-one and small group tutoring for students in grades kindergarten through 12th grade is available, including tutoring in reading, math, writing, study skills, algebra, geometry, calculus, chemistry, physics, biology, SAT/ACT prep and more.

Sign up at www.tutorhouseaz.com on the homepage to reserve a seat. For more information, call (480) 857-1222 or email tutoring@tutorhouseaz.com. It is located at 1256 W. Chandler Blvd., Suite F, Chandler.

Basha High School grand champion of science, engineering event

First-place winners from school, home school, district, county and regional science fairs across Arizona came together during the Arizona Science and Engineering Fair on Thursday, April 9, to compete for thousands of dollars in prizes and scholarships.

The fair was held indowntown Phoenix with 896 qualified projects that were judged with 1,124 students competing.

Basha High School submitted six research projects and each earned high-profile recognition, including two grand prize awards.

The most decorated award winner was junior Hal Carrigan, who received a Grand Award for his work on whether bacteria

can effectively reduce the toxicity of mine drainage. He also received first place for Earth and Environmental; first place for Arizona Hydrological Society Senior Division, a $200 prize; RICOH Sustainable Development Award; ASU Innovation in Entrepreneurship Award for a $1,500 prize; Northern Arizona University Most Outstanding Exhibit in Science, Math, Engineering & Technology for $3,500 a year and the University of Arizona Top High School Project for a $2,000 scholarship.

Basha senior Samantha Bouchal also received a Grand Award and first place Biomedical and Health Sciences for her research on options to improve the

quality and longevity of corneas being stored for transplant.

Additional Basha top placements go to Jose Fuentes, a senior who received second place for behavioral and social sciences and the American Psychological Association Achievement for Research in psychological science as he looked into culture forcing the use of the right over left hand.

Seniors Roanne Atrero and Henry Chong placed second in Cellular and Molecular biology as they look for alternative treatments that may reduce antibiotic resistance.

In addition, senior Meghna Jayaraman, and juniors Reeti Bannerjee and

Cavanaugh accepts appointment to U.S. Naval Academy

Valley Christian senior Skylar Cavanaugh accepted an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy as a member of the class of 2019.

Skylar will report for Induction Day in Annapolis, Maryland, on Wednesday, July 1.

“We are incredibly proud of Skylar and her appointment to the Naval Academy,” Principal Dan Kuiper said. “Skylar’s perseverance, hard work, character and humility don’t just make her an ideal candidate and midshipman, but are why she will be a successful officer and leader in our nation’s Navy.”

In addition to earning her degree and commission as an officer at the Naval Academy, Skylar will also be competing on the midshipmen’s track and field team.

“I am completely humbled by the

visibility of God’s hand throughout the trials I faced during the application process and I am incredibly grateful to God for giving me the opportunity of a lifetime,” Skylar said. “I will be the fourth generation in my family to serve in the United States Navy.

The honor of serving my country, as well as participating in collegiate-level track and field, while also receiving an excellent education, contributed to my decision in attending the United States Naval Academy. Although this experience will bring many challenges, I am comforted and encouraged by 2 Timothy 1:7. ‘For the Spirit of God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.’”

Naval Academy students are midshipmen on active duty in the U.S.

Navy. They attend the academy for four years, graduating with Bachelor of Science degrees before commissioning as ensigns in the Navy or second lieutenants in the Marine Corps.

The U.S. Naval Academy has more than 81,500 men and women alumni, including several Valley Christian alumni, one president of the United States, 24 members of Congress, 53 astronauts, 73 Medal of Honor recipients and two Nobel Prize winners. The academy was founded in 1845 and is the second-oldest military academy. There are approximately 1,200 new students in each class and the academy’s acceptance rate is only about 6 percent.

Ruchi Bannerjee received third place microbiology while researching oral health.

Rounding out the winner’s circle was senior Ethan Wuthrich, who received the Yale Science & Engineering Association Most Outstanding Exhibit in computer science, engineering, physics or chemistry for his investigation of double star orbits using speckle interferometry.

The Grand Award winners in the Senior Division from the state level will compete at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair taking place Sunday, May 10, through Friday, May 15, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with all expenses paid.

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CHANDLER UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS

May 25: Memorial Day, no school

CTA-Independence Hawks

Teacher Appreciation Week: Monday, May 4, through Friday, May 8, is Teacher Appreciation Week at CTA Independence. Take a moment to thank a teacher for all of their hard work throughout the year.

CTA Independence Field Day: CTA Independence Field Days are coming Wednesday, May 6, through Friday, May 8. Wednesday is for second and third grade, Thursday is for kindergarten and first grade and Friday is for fifth and sixth grade. The event will take place from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. each day. On the assigned Field Day, students should wear clothing that they can easily move in and tennis shoes that can get wet. Put sunscreen on the children before they come to school and send them with a water bottle.

Annual Volunteer Celebration: The annual Volunteer Celebration was held on Tuesday, April 21, to honor those who help at the school. Each grade level decorated special thank you signs to hang in the hallways. All of the students and staff appreciate the volunteers and everything they do to keep the school running.

PTO seeks board members: PTO is looking for board members for the upcoming school year. New officers will be elected at the PTO meeting on Tuesday, May 19. Being actively involved with the PTO is a very rewarding way to

be engaged in your children’s school and their education. Visit the school’s website or the front office for nomination forms.

Upcoming events:

Tuesday, May 5: Dad’s Club meeting, 7 p.m., location TBD

Tuesday, May 19: PTO general meeting/ board nominations, 3:30 p.m. Room 24.

—Wendi Olson

Haley White Tigers

Tiny Tigers: Kindergarten students are growing and changing, just like the plants and animals they have been studying. They have been learning all about the farm, animals and their parents, lifecycles and plants. They even went on a fieldtrip to Vertuccio Farms to see animals and learn how crops grow.

Celebration of Learning: Haley’s annual Celebration of Learning was April 30. This is a culminating event where every classroom and grade level showcases the amazing learning that takes place within the school’s walls. Some highlights were first grade’s measurement flower garden (using both standard and nonstandard units of measurement); second grade’s presentation of their maps and explorers unit; third grade’s math game extravaganza; fourth grade’s living wax museum; and fifth and sixth grade science board displays. There was also an artwalk that displayed student masterpieces, and a fitness dance party. It was a wonderful night for Haley families to come and celebrate their little one’s achievements.

—Stephanie Palomarez

Hancock Heat

Community: Hancock was chosen by Big O Tires store manager Jason Riggans to participate in the Big O Tires Big Shot at Chase Field. The highlight was parading around the field during the pregame festivities. Hancock students and their families were happy to cheer on the Diamondbacks to a 6-0 win. Thank you Big O Tires for supporting Hancock students and the Diamondbacks. (See photo below)

Bringing JOY to the community: Students in Kelly Krauter’s secondgrade classroom are paying it forward with money they earned earlier this year with the APEX Fun Run. Their class raised almost $100, which went back to the classroom. The class brainstormed

different ways they could use their money. They decided to pay it forward by giving back and making others happy. They are calling this their JOY Project. Each child will receive $5 and decide how they will bring JOY to a stranger. Way to go Hancock Heat. The school will let the community know how their second graders brought JOY to a stranger.

Upcoming events: Monday, May 4, through Friday, May 8: Student Council Food Drive Wednesday, May 6: Orchestra concert Wednesday, May 27: Last day of school Wednesday, May 27: Kindergarten promotion: 8:50 a.m. to 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 27: Sixth-grade promotion: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

From Dr. Chamberlain’s Desktop

Recently, I had the opportunity to attend the Chandler National Little League Mid-season Jamboree event at Snedigar Park. As I was walking up to the fields I noticed a long line of people with large gift baskets in their hands. They were setting up for their annual auction to help support the league and their teams. I was impressed with the creativity and the abundance of the gift baskets. There

Dr. Thomas Chamberlain

was everything from an assortment of family games, sports tickets, autographed items, grilling equipment etc. The teams were out on the fields and warming up for their games that morning and with the morning fresh crisp air and the baseball all around, I couldn’t help but think that this is the iconic American feel. It’s a feeling of comfort and community. It was a sense that you belong and get along with all your neighbors and

their families. I mentioned this to my friend, Vivek and he felt the same way. It was a wonderful moment to share and to feel such a part of the community. The day went along as usual. We set up our Chamberlain Orthodontics sponsor booth and gave a lot of baseball bats and balls away to excited and grateful kids. I bid on some auction baskets and I’m not sure if I won. But I am grateful for those moments when I was able to feel the American spirit. The spirit of giving, sharing, family and sport. To the community of Chandler I say, we are doing a lot of things right and it’s gratifying to be part of such a remarkable community.