SanTan Sun; 08-15-15: Youth

Premier Learning Academy offers a structured learning environment

BY ALISON STANTON

When sisters Elana Hillel and Leora Solomon opened Premier Learning Academy in Chandler five years ago, they had only two students.

Today, more than 80 children attend the day care and preschool, which is housed in a 10,000-sqaure-foot facility that includes classrooms, a 3,000-square-foot indoor play area and a large indoor gym.

The sisters, who have 25 years of teaching experience combined, had taught at primary and secondary schools in Canada.

“After teaching for so many years in Canada at private and public schools we said, ‘Let’s move to paradise and open a school there,’” Hillel said.

One reason Premier Learning Academy has grown so quickly, Hillel said, is its strong academic curriculum.

“Fifty-five percent of our graduating classes of 5 year olds enter Chandler

Traditional Academy programs, Legacy or BASIS, and 100 percent pass their entrance exams to kindergarten with flying colors,” Hillel said.

By the time the children graduate from Premier Learning Academy, most are reading at a first grade level as per Chandler Unified School District’s standards.

The preschool also offers a structured environment filled with plenty of activities and learning opportunities, which Hillel said include Spanish immersion for one hour a day, sign language, French lessons, painting and dramatic play and physical activities like yoga, Zumba and dance.

In addition to the preschool classes, Hillel said Premier Learning Academy also offers day care for children as young as a year old.

“We are half day care and half preschool and our rooms are separated by age, so we have a room for 1-year-olds, 2-year-olds and

so on,” she said.

Hillel said the preschool rooms for 3and 4-year-olds are “booming” right now, which she attributes in large part to the Spanish immersion.

“Kids are sponges, and I wanted to find a Spanish immersion teacher who is native and someone whose mother tongue is Spanish, and so it’s really been a hit,” she said.

Premier Learning Academy’s massive size helps it stand out, Hillel said.

“We have a unique modern facility with 20-foot ceilings and a building that is just for play, and we have a huge indoor gym with a rock climbing wall and our own library,” she said.

Premier Learning Academy also offers a before and after school program, and they bus kids to and from 10 local elementary schools.

“We have a very small ratio of teachers to

students in our after school care,” Hillel said.

The teacher-led tutoring style atmosphere allows kids to get their homework done.

Hillel said she and her sister also make it a point to get to know each and every student, as well as their parents.

“We are here every day from open to close and we know everybody’s name. We run Premier Learning Academy not only as teachers but as moms, and we understand parents and try to help them however we can,” she said.

“We just love all of our families.”

Premier Learning Academy is located at 940 E. Riggs Rd., Suite 4 in Chandler. For more information, call (480) 237-9790 or visit www.plapreschool.com.

Alison Stanton is a freelance writer who lives in the East Valley. She can be reached at alison@santansun.com.

Rain moves Splash Down at Hamilton indoors

BY TRACY HOUSE

Gray skies, intermittent rain and the threats of thunderstorms forced the Hamilton freshman Splash Down pool party indoors, but that didn’t dampen the fun.

Link Crew coordinator and biology teacher Chantel Dooley said the group waited until the last moment to move, hoping the rain would pass, but ultimately the party was moved from the Hamilton Aquatic Center to the school cafeteria. Link Crew is a school club for junior and senior students who help freshman adapt to high school and provide support and mentoring to succeed.

“We were still good to go and planning on doing it at 5 o’clock,” Dooley said. “The lifeguards said every time thunder rolls

or lightning strikes you have to wait 30 minutes with no lightning and no thunder before they’ll let you in.”

Dooley kept track of the thunder and lightning rolling in about every two minutes and 37 seconds, so just before the students started to arrive at 6 p.m. the decision was made to move the party indoors.

The change of venue and inclement weather may have kept some of the freshman from participating, but for those in attendance the party was in full force and there didn’t seem to be too much disappointment among the students.

More than 200 freshman showed up for the party. Bahama Bucks was on hand providing its brand of shaved ice,

Arizona schools invited to register for National Poetry Recitation Program

The Arizona Commission on the Arts invites Arizona high schools to participate in the 2015-2016 Poetry Out Loud: National Recitation Contest, a free national program sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation. Poetry Out Loud encourages youth to learn about great poetry through memorization and performance while mastering public speaking skills, building self-confidence and learning about literary heritage. Participating teachers receive free multimedia curriculum materials—a poetry anthology, audio guide, teacher’s guide, posters and comprehensive website, www. poetryoutloud.org, all which are aligned to national standards—augmenting their regular poetry curriculum with poetry recitation and a classroom level competition. School-level recitation champions compete to advance to the regional, state and then national levels. Awards and school stipends totalling $50,000 are awarded annually at the national finals.

More than 11,000 Arizona students and 47 schools in communities throughout the state participated in Poetry Out Loud in 2014.

The Arizona Commission on the Arts partners with the National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation, as well as regional and local organizations, to administer the Poetry Out Loud program in Arizona.

Arizona schools wishing to participate in the 2015-2016 Poetry Out Loud program are invited to visit www.azarts.gov/pol and complete a short online registration form. Online registration will be open until Oct. 30. Once registered, schools should contact their region’s partner to learn more about the many resources and opportunities available to them. Contact information for the regional partners can be found under the “Resources for Teachers” section of www. azarts.gov/pol. For more information, email the Arizona Commission on the arts at info@azarts.gov.

Triplex Training offers deals for teachers

It’s back-to-school time and there’s no better time to refocus on fitness. Triplex Training, 2701 W. Queen Creek Rd, has expanded its hours and class times due to increased demand. As a thank you to area educators, it is offering special deals for teachers.

Triplex offers 33 group class times per week, as well as group runs and

cycling. Private personal training and the gym is open throughout the day for elite members for their training needs. Owned and operated by certified trainer Kyle Herrig, who earned bachelor and master degrees in exercise science, Triplex focuses on strength, endurance

and the kids ate their way through 80 pizzas. Music blared through the cafeteria as students broke out in dance and held contests in a circle on the stage. A spontaneous beach volleyball game broke out, and for the kids who weren’t into dancing, Link Crew students played Hangman with them.

Partygoers included Emily Staley, who came to Hamilton from Chinle on the Navajo Reservation. She said the first three weeks have gone well and she’s made three new friends, Yovon Thompson, Viviana Lopez and Nat Deangart.

Aneesh Goud came from BASIS Ahwatukee and said the school year has been going well for him. The first few weeks were a little scary, but he likes

the school. “There are a lot of nice clubs here,” Aneesh said. He’s interested in getting involved in community service. Having established a social connection with the freshman, the next thing for Link Crew is to start an academic relationship to help with testing and finals as the end of the first quarter approaches. “Our next big event is going to be Cocoa and Cram,” Dooley said. “The kids will come to the cafeteria and the link leaders will be there to help them with their study guides for final exams.”

Tracy House is a freelancer for SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at news@ santansun.com.

Young football star receives nomination

BY TIM J. RANDALL

Football season is once again upon us, and with it comes the excitement of high school, college and professional games across the country. For one high school freshman, Nicolas Saro, a Southeast Chandler resident, this football season will be yet another step in his quest for gridiron greatness. “I just love playing football and trying to always get better,” said Nicolas.

His summer focused on football, as he along with his father, John Saro, traveled to San Francisco to compete in an Offense-Defense Sports summer football camp. Over four days in July, the 14 yearold quarterback would raise his game to a higher level, as coaches at the Bay Area camp pushed Nicolas to compete in the 15 year old and up division.

“Nicolas had his work cut out for him competing against kids that were bigger, faster and stronger than he had previously faced. I was proud of the way he toughed it out against talented players,” said John Saro.

Nicolas’ passion and dedication paid off as he duplicated his 2014 camp success, again achieving MVP and OffenseDefense All-American status at the quarterback position. “I just told myself that all of the hard work and effort I put in during the offseason would pay off,” said Nicolas.

Nick’s quality performance also helped him attain one of his biggest goals. “I really wanted to earn the invite back to the Offense-Defense Football Youth AllAmerican Bowl in January,” said Nicolas.

In earning the honor of playing in January against elite national competition, the young play caller ranked four stars on a two-five star scale. The Offense-Defense Bowl Committee recognize a fourstar player as: “An exceptional athlete among their peer group, who makes an immediate, game-changing impact in any football game. This player has a unique understanding of the game and displays ideal size and aptitude for their position.”

John Saro lauded his son’s accomplishment. “Nicolas was one of only five national quarterbacks to earn a fourstar rating, and no athlete at any position earned five stars,” said John Saro.

Before attending the bowl game in January in Daytona Beach, Florida, Nicolas will first have to navigate the way through his first high school season playing for Valley Christian. “I had a great time at Offense-Defense, but now I am ready to play high school ball,” Nicolas said.

In his freshmen year, expectations are already high as coaches have moved Nicolas up to compete for the JV quarterback position against two other prospects. “My goal for this year was to win the starting JV job and that is what I have been working so hard to do,” said Nicolas.

John Saro is quick to point out that this will be no easy task, but has confidence that his son will have success. “I know he will do very well, over the last year Nicolas has made great improvements in his mechanics, delivery and release. He is more sound now, and the difference is night and day,” said John.

Nicolas’ football IQ and ability have come with hard work and long hours. “During my training in the offseason I spent time on accuracy and arm strength, which have helped me,” said Nicolas. To that point, John Saro said, “Nicolas trains year-round with two quarterback coaches and an agility coach, he just loves to play the game and get better.”

With August high school practices heating up, and Valley Christian’s first game Aug. 26, Nicolas will be putting his all into being ready for the first snap. “I am looking forward to getting out on the field and playing,” said Nicolas.

Away from the gridiron, Nicolas understands his other commitments. “It is always faith, family, school and football,” said Nicolas. John Saro praises his son for his ability to stay grounded. “He really does a great job of balancing his love of football with the other pieces of his life that he knows are essential, he studies and works hard.”

With the kickoff of the pigskin close at hand, Nicolas will be around the television watching his favorite quarterbacks, Tony Romo and Aaron Rodgers. “I am a pocket passer like both of those players, but I can scramble too,” said Nicolas. And of course during Nicolas’ first high school season his family will be huddled in the stands watching him

lead Valley Christian to victories. “We are excited to watch him perform well,” said John.

Tim J. Randall is a freelancer for the SanTan Sun News. He can be reached at news@santansun.com.

Field trip program targets homeschooled children

Chandler’s Recreation Division is reaching out to homeschooled children by offering a “Homeschool Day” at the city’s popular Environmental Education Center, located at Veterans Oasis Park, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd.

Homeschool Day will be held from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 27, and is part of the EEC’s Environmental Education Explorations program, which provides field trip experiences to students and other groups.

“Once we started promoting the field trips, I started receiving requests from homeschool parents to offer an opportunity for them,” said Ariane Francis, a recreation coordinator at the EEC. “Their main concern was making it affordable, since they typically are not part of a group and would not receive a group rate.”

Instead of charging the customary group rate of $60, the Recreation Division is charging a fee of just $6 for homeschooled children living in Chandler. Nonresidents pay $9. Only the students pay the fee, while accompanying parents, chaperones and spectators pay nothing.

The programs are designed for children in grades kindergarten through eighth grade and offer grade specific, hands-on activities that allow students to experience the adventure of learning science, social studies, and other subjects through inquiry-based activities, investigations and technology. Activities are designed to complement the lesson plans teachers use to teach key requirements to students and conform

to academic standards established by the Arizona Board of Education.

Homeschool Day programs will be held four times a year. The Thursday, Aug. 27, program will focus on the Sonoran Desert and include activities such as identifying characteristics of the Sonoran Desert, along with native plants and wildlife.

The activities encourage students to apply scientific thinking, which will enable them to strengthen skills they will use every day, such as problem solving, team work, exploration, identification and more. To request a reservation for your school, group, or homeschooled child, contact Ariane Francis at ariane.francis@ chandleraz.gov or by phone at (480) 7822886.

Back-to-school event focuses on teachers

Desert Car Care’s fourth annual Back to School Teachers Event will be held from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15 on a first-come, first-served basis in Chandler.

Vouchers will be given for rescheduling if necessary. Teachers will also have the opportunity to win prizes and car service certificates while enjoying food, refreshments, music and more.

Teachers work to get their classrooms ready for the new school year and on average they spend up to $500 of their own money each year on supplies. In appreciation of their efforts, Desert Care Center of Chandler wants to provide them with auto service TLC. Their vehicle reliability is important and an oil change and checkup can help.

All teachers with a school ID will receive two complimentary services, an oil change—including 5w20 semisynthetic oil and filter—and a 15-point safety evaluation test.

Areas checked include lights; belts – drive; fluids – oil, coolant, power steering, brake and transmission; hoses – coolant; tire condition and pressure; windshield wipers and cracks; fluid levels; air filters; mirrors; emergency brake inspection; battery and child seat belt check.

Services are estimated at a $90 value.

BMX Bike Event tickets on sale

Desert Car Care Center of Chandler is located at 95 N. Dobson Rd., Chandler. For more information, call (480) 726-6400 or visit www. desertcarcare.com.

Tickets for Chandler’s second annual BMX Bike Event, an event for bike riders and enthusiasts 12 to 18 years old, are on sale. The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, at Chandler’s Bike Park located at Espee Park, 450 E. Knox Rd.

The BMX Bike Event will feature demonstrations and clinics, entertainment, bike vendors and raffles for prizes. Admission is $3 for Chandler residents and $5 for nonresidents. Tickets will be available for purchase at the Chandler Community Center, or online by visiting www.chandleraz.gov/ registration. Tickets will also be sold at the event.

BMX jargon like jump box, double roller, mole hill, hubba ledge and sub rail.

One of the most popular features for thrill seekers is a 6-foot tall wall that combines with a 5-foot wall extension to create a vertical surface that is a foot taller than a basketball hoop. Named by Ride BMX Magazine in 2008 as one of the top five concrete BMX parks in the country, the 25,000-square-foot facility is a pedal pusher’s paradise boasting dozens of concrete ramps, jumps, hips, quarter pipes and boxes where riders can catch plenty of air.

Chandler’s 25,000-square-foot bike park opened in 2007 and was the first public bike-only park built by an Arizona municipality. A community focus group of local riders of all ages and ability levels was formed to provide input into the facility’s design, which includes features with names in the

Keep up-to-date on the latest Chandler Recreation news and information when “like” the Chandler Recreation Facebook page, subscribe to Chandler Recreation on YouTube and follow @ChandlerRec on Twitter and Instagram.

For more information, send an email to shawn.peoples@chandleraz.gov or call (480) 782-2746.

Diamondbacks accepting submissions for school challenge

The Arizona Diamondbacks are accepting applications for the $100,000 School Challenge, which is presented by University of Phoenix, to benefit schools across the state of Arizona. The program is open to all Arizona public, private and nonprofit charter schools, grades K-12. Teachers and administrators are encouraged to “make their best pitch” on why they deserve to receive this funding by submitting an application at www.dbacks.com/ schoolchallenge by Wednesday, Sept. 30.

“We are excited to once again offer the School Challenge program for the third year in a row,” said Diamondbacks President and CEO Derrick Hall. “Along with our partners at University of Phoenix, the D-backs are impressed with the innovative programs that schools around the state of Arizona have created. We are committed to helping launch new and inspired programs, as well as assisting those that are in the greatest need of funding for even the most basic items. We are dedicated to ensuring that the schools in Arizona receive the resources that will make the biggest impact on our students and the community at large.”

The D-backs kicked off the program in the spring of 2012 with the $100,000 School Challenge and received an overwhelming response that inspired the team to continue the program annually. With more than

2,500 applications over the past three seasons, the D-backs have been able to help 111 schools for a grand total of $550,000 since the program began. The Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation and the University of Phoenix provide a combined $100,000 for the program.

The $5,000 grants have helped schools across the state with innovative programs, such as vocational activities for special education students, digital sculpting for animation art classes, community gardens and after school fitness classes.

“University of Phoenix recognizes the financial challenges facing K-12 schools across America, and is proud to partner once again with the Arizona Diamondbacks to invest in deserving students and educators,” said Timothy P. Slottow, president of University of Phoenix. “The School Challenge recognizes innovative programs and projects at schools across Arizona. We are thrilled to join with the Diamondbacks to celebrate these educators and the noble work they do each day to brighten the hearts and minds of our youth.”

The School Challenge is part of the D-backs’ overall charitable efforts and in 2014, the team and its charitable arm, the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation, surpassed $41 million in combined donations since its inception in 1998, including more than $3.8 million in 2014.

Summit for Success scheduled for September

Michael Gurian, a nationally renowned author and researcher, will offer a day of learning and fun for tweens, teens and parents from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, at Seville Sports Club. Gurian speaks on the differences between girls and boys and how they learn differently.

Students and parents will enjoy a day of fun and learning while keeping up on the latest trends and subjects that affect grades 4 to 12.

Concurrent sessions will be sprinkled with local celebrities, athletes and Miss Arizona. Students will rotate through sessions that will prepare them as they transition through the middle and

high school years. Topics will include current trends in substance abuse, selfempowerment and strategies to connect with friends and parents, combating bullying and Internet safety and social media dangers.

Students will enjoy a rock concert poolside featuring Tyler Carroll after the event where families can connect and share their learning while swimming and playing.

This is not just a parenting event. It is for families, but students will not be with their parents until lunch and after the event.

For more information, visit www.whyteensfail.com or email kateymcpherson@yahoo.com.

James Harden set to host Phoenix-area youth basketball camp

Houston All-Star Guard and former ASU All-American James Harden is set to host his inaugural Phoenix-area youth basketball ProCamp later this month.

The two-day James Harden Basketball ProCamp will be held from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22, and Sunday, Aug. 23, at Inspire Courts in Gilbert. Participants will learn fundamental basketball skills and have the opportunity to meet and interact with the guard. Each camper will receive an autograph from Harden and a team photo with him.

Harden will be onsite to direct the event and will be joined by a selection of

prep and college coaches from the area. The camp is open to boys and girls of all skill levels in grades 1 through 12. Cost of the camp is $149. For more information, visit www. hardencamp.com.

Girl Scouts calling on girls and adults to join

With back-to-school in full swing, Girl Scouts-Arizona Cactus-Pine Council is inviting girls to register for Girl Scouts. Providing countless opportunities for making friends, trying new things, and exercising leadership skills through activities like building robots, participating in the Girl Scout Cookie Program, playing sports and more, Girl Scouts is an exciting way to engage girls all year round. National studies from the Gilbert Scout Research Institute show it’s not just what girls do, but how they do it that makes Girl Scouts so beneficial. Girl Scouts is unique because girls get to learn by doing, and they do so in a girl-led environment. In addition, they are encouraged to choose their activities, decide which topics they want to explore and determine how they want to go about exploring them. Girl Scouts is the largest girl-led organization in the world and is a significant contributor to its members’

success in and enjoyment of life.

GSRI reports that at least 75 percent of girls who experience the fun of “learning by doing” and are part of a girl-led program become better at conflict resolution, problem solving, team building and cooperation, and developing self-confidence. In addition, nearly three in four girls who experience learning by doing and who are part of a girl-led program say that, because of Girl Scouts, they’ve become a leader in more activities with their friends and classmates, as well as in their community.

“When girls lead, the world succeeds. Girl Scouts is the largest organization in the world where girls call the shots and take charge of their own future,” said Anna Maria Chavez, CEO of Girl Scouts of the USA.

“A troop who loves roller coasters might invite an engineer to join them at their local amusement park to learn about what makes their stomach drop in real time, while

Nonprofit seeking local host families for high school exchange students

ASSE International Student Exchange Program, in cooperation with community high schools, is looking for local families to host exchange students between the ages of 15 to 18 from a variety of countries.

ASSE students are enthusiastic and excited to experience American culture while they practice their English. They also love to share their own culture and language with their host families. Host families welcome these students into their family, not as a guest, but as a family member, giving everyone involved a rich cultural experience.

The exchange students have pocket money for personal expenses and full health, accident and liability insurance. ASSE students are selected based on academics and personality and host families can choose their students from a wide variety of backgrounds, countries and personal interests.

To become an ASSE Host Family or to find out how to become involved with ASSE in the community, call (800) 733-2773 or visit www.host.asse.com to begin the host family application.

another troop might be interested in what happens when you recycle a bottle, and plan a visit to their town’s recycling plant. By doing what they’re interested in and deciding how to learn more, they are developing leadership skills that aren’t offered by any other extracurricular activity.”

Hands-on learning opportunities and girl-led experiences within Girl Scouts supplement the academic learning girls receive in school. These fun and empowering experiences have been shown to boost girls’ social and emotional skills, which are not generally part of a school curriculum, as well as improve academic performance. Additionally, since learning by doing is best facilitated in small environments, Girl Scouts’ three to one adult volunteer to girl ratio gives girls the optimal experience to tap into their interests and talents and the opportunity to explore fun new things like STEM, entrepreneurship and the outdoors.

and core, as well as injury prevention, and offers not only personal training, but fun, motivational group workouts throughout the week.

The classes are designed for anyone who is looking to condition their body to achieve a broader range of motion and build strength, whether training for a race, recovering from an illness or injury, or just wanting to slow the effects of aging. All ages and abilities are welcome.

Teachers receive a 15 percent discount and if they bring in fellow teachers, all receive an additional discount. An extra 5 percent discount for groups from five to 11 will be given and an additional 10

GSRI reports girls who experience learning by doing and are part of a girl-led program are more likely to develop confidence, healthy relationships, critical thinking, problem solving and positive life skills. Girls who experience learning by doing and who are a part of a girl-led program learn not to avoid things that are hard for them, but rather to take these challenges head on, practice creative problem solving, learn from mistakes, and grow—all skills that will help girls succeed throughout school and life.

Girl Scouts-Arizona Cactus-Pine Council serves more than 24,000 girls in more than 90 communities across central and northern Arizona. Additionally, GSACPC boasts more than 11,000 adult volunteers who serve as leaders, trainers, consultants and board members.

To join, or learn more about volunteering, visit www.girlscouts.org/join.

percent for groups 12 or larger. For more information on the class schedule and offerings, visit www. triplextraining.com. The first group class is always free.

Apple Dumpling Café

3076 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Suite 101, Gilbert (480) 279-3879, www.

appledumplingcafe.com.

Mondays are family value night, when kids eat free with each adult meal purchase of $6.95 or more. Ice cream happy hour is 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, when kids buy one ice cream or dessert and get one free.

Chompie’s

3481 W. Frye Rd., Chandler (480) 398-3008

www.chompies.com

Children 10 and younger receive one free item from the kids’ meal menu with an adult meal purchase of $8 or more on Tuesdays. Dine-in only.

Copper Still Moonshine Grill

2531 S. Gilbert Rd., Suite 101, Gilbert (480) 656-1476

www.

CopperStillMoonshineGrill.com

Kids ages 10 and younger eat for free on Tuesdays with the purchase of an adult meal.

Dilly’s Deli

2895 S. Alma School Rd., Suite 5, Chandler

(480) 722-0645

www.dillysdeli.com

Youth WHERE KIDS EAT FREE

Get one free kids’ meal for each adult meal purchased at $6 or more on weekends.

Earnest

4991 S. Alma School Rd., Suite 1, Chandler (480) 883-3773

www.earnestrestaurant.com

Through the end of August kids eat free from the kids’ menu with the purchase of an adult entrée.

El Palacio Restaurant & Cantina

2950 E. Germann Rd., Chandler (480) 802-5770

www.epfamilyrestaurants.com

Kids 12 and younger eat free when adult meals are purchased on Wednesdays.

Fat Willy’s

4850 S. Gilbert Rd., Chandler (480) 883-1356

www.fatwillysaz.com/chandler

From 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesdays, dine-in and get a free kids’ meal with every adult entrée purchased. Kids can select from the Little Leaguers menu only and must be 12 or younger.

Floridino’s Pizza & Pasta

590 N. Alma School Rd., Suite 35, Chandler (480) 812-8433, www.floridinos.net

Kids eat free from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesdays. Receive one free kids’ meal per $8 adult purchase when customers dine-in only.

The Hungry Monk Andersen Fiesta Shopping Center, 1760 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler (480) 963-8000

www.hungrymonkaz.com

Kids eat free on Mondays with every purchase of an adult entrée.

NYPD Pizza

2580 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler (480) 722-0898

www.aznypdpizza.com

Kids eat free on Wednesday and Sunday after 4 p.m. with the purchase of a small or medium pizza. Dine-in only.

Pittsburgh Willy’s

48 S. San Marcos Pl., Chandler (480) 821-3197

Every day, except Sunday breakfast, one child aged 10 and younger eats free with each paying adult, while additional

kids eat for 50 percent off, when they order from the Wee Willy menu only.

Planet Sub

1920 W. Germann Rd., Chandler (480) 245-6503

www.planetsub.com

Kids eat free with a paying adult on Mondays.

Social Box

1371 N. Alma School Rd., Chandler (480) 899-6735

www.socialboxeateries.com

Kids 12 and younger eat free from the kids’ menu with the purchase of an adult entrée on Mondays.

Sidelines Grill

2980 S. Alma School Rd., Chandler (480) 792-6965

www.sidelinesaz.com

Kids eat free from the kids’ menu after 4 p.m. Thursdays with the purchase of an adult entrée. Dine-in only.

Whiskey Rose Bar and Grill

135 W. Ocotillo Rd., Chandler (480) 895-7673

Kids eat free on Tuesdays and Sundays with the purchase of an adult entrée.

WHERE KIDS EAT FREE

The SanTan Sun News now has a regular “Where kids eat free” section.

Restaurant owners, please email us details such as days of the week kids can eat free at your establishment, and what conditions apply, such as purchase of an adult meal, certain hours, etc. Include your restaurant name, address, phone and website and a contact name for verification.

Readers, if you know of a location that has a kidseat-free program, email us with the restaurant name, a phone and / or email for confirmation and details.

Email information to KidsEatFree@santansun.com.

Club READ offers free programs to students

This summer students, grades third through 12th who either reside or go to school in Chandler, convened on Wednesday evenings in May, June and July at the Chandler Public Library Hamilton Branch where they read “A Long Walk to Water” by Linda Sue Parks. The students also participated in a presentation by Jany Deng, a Lost Boy of Sudan who works with the Lost Boys Center for Leadership Development in Phoenix.

The program is free and materials are provided through funding from the City of Chandler Human Relations Commission Diversity Education Mini-Grant. The East Valley NAACP has supported the program as well. Students receive attendance and participation incentives from community sponsors Chick-Fil-A Chandler Crossroads, Jason’s Deli and First Cup, LLC. Students also had the opportunity to win Barnes & Noble gift cards.

Books have been donated to a local homeless shelter on behalf of Club READ and a service project is being planned for the fall. Students also had the opportunity to tour the newest

fire station in Chandler.

Club READ (Reading Experiences

Appreciating Diversity) was founded in May 2013 with the goal of facilitating opportunities for youth to identify, read and describe multicultural literature to increases cultural awareness and sensitivity through various activities. Some of those activities include literature circles, spoken word, dramatizations and attendance at cultural events. The program also aims to decrease the “summer slide” that often times occur with students by keeping them academically engaged during the summer months.

STUDENT CHRONICLES

Marina Gibbs was named to the University of Iowa’s president’s list and the dean’s list for the spring 2015 semester. The University of Iowa is located in Iowa City.

Karen Rubel received a MBA full-time program degree from the University of Iowa in Iowa City.

CELEBRATING SCHOOL

Blake Carstensen was excited about the first day of school at Wee Blessings Preschool & Academy at 1751 E. Queen Creek Rd., just West of Cooper Road. Now in its eighth year, Wee Blessings Preschool & Academy follows the Chandler Unified School District calendar and offers a rich, Bible-based program and chapel time; high qualified teachers; CUSD standards free Spanish to some students; clubhouse after care, indoor and outdoor play yards and more. For more information, call (480) 634-4788. Submitted photo

Rock the Block! returns to Chandler in November

The sixth annual Rock the Block! returns to downtown Chandler Saturday, Nov. 14, with a new look. The rock-themed event will run from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Rock the Block! is an annual free, familyfriendly block party that celebrates the fun, dynamic lifestyle that Chandler offers while promoting Chandler-based businesses. The event has garnered more than 18,000 attendees in the past and is expected to attract even more in 2015.

The block party, which is organized by the Downtown Chandler Community Partnership and Steve LeVine Entertainment & Public Relations, will feature:

• Live entertainment on multiple stages;

• A Kids Zone including interactive games and rides, face painting, inflatables and a zip-line;

• More than 100 retail, arts and crafts vendors;

• Top food trucks in Arizona and

• Family-friendly beer garden.

Teams can register for girls fast-pitch softball tournament

The Chandler Recreation Division will hold a girls fast-pitch softball tournament on Saturday, Sept. 26, and Sunday, Sept. 27, at the Snedigar Sports Complex, 4500 S. Basha Rd.

Teams in age groups 10 and younger, 12 and younger, 14 and younger, 16 and younger and 18 and younger will compete in a guaranteed three-game format during pool play, followed by a single-seeded elimination tournament on Sunday, Sept. 27. First and second place tournament winners will receive prizes.

The entry deadline is Friday, Sept. 18, and entry fees are $350 for Chandler resident teams and $475 for nonresident teams. Residency is based on the address of the team manager.

Teams can register online at www. chandleraz.gov/registration using

registration code 1SN272, or in person at the following locations:

• Chandler Community Center, 125 E. Commonwealth Ave.

• Snedigar Recreation Center, 4500 S. Basha Rd.

• Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Rd.

• Environmental Education Center, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd.

Registration forms and fees also can be dropped off at or mailed to the Snedigar Recreation Center, ATTN: Chandler Classic Softball Tournament, 502 P.O. Box 4008, Chandler, AZ 852444008. Checks should be made payable to the City of Chandler.

For more information, call (480) 7822704.

Rock the Block! will showcase the brand new downtown Chandler stage and will feature “Chandler’s Got Talent,” an annual variety act talent show. Online submissions will be accepted via YouTube or Vimeo and the top acts will be chosen to compete on the day of the event. For more information email gottalent@

slentertainment.com.

Individuals interested in being volunteers, as well as inquiries about military or promotional trailer space, can contact rtbvendor@ slentertainment.com. For more information regarding the event, vendor applications, or sponsorship opportunities, visit www.downtownchandler.org.

CHANDLER UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS

Sept. 7: No school due to Labor Day

CTA INDEPENDENCE ELEMENTARY

Our first PTO meeting will be at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 18. Come meet our new PTO board members and learn about all the wonderful things they have planned for our school this year.

If you are a parent who is new to CTA Independence and the Spalding Method, we are holding a Spalding Parent Night so you can learn all about it. Sign up to attend one session of the Spalding Parent Class from 5:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. and 6:05 p.m. to 6:35 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 18. Please look for the sign-up genius link coming home in your email.

The book fair is coming soon. The week of Aug. 24, you and your child can come and shop at our book fair in the Media Center. Please come shop and support our library. Parent teacher conferences are coming up quickly. We will have early release at 11:40 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 26 and Thursday, Aug. 27. Look for more information coming home from your teacher.

—Wendi Olson

HALEY TIGERS

The Haley Tigers are off to a running start for the 2015-2016 school year. The first annual PTO meeting was held at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 11, in the Media Center. This is a wonderful way to get involved with our school community, so consider coming out to our next PTO meeting on Sept. 8. The first parent/teacher conferences are set for Tuesday, Aug. 25, and Wednesday, Aug. 26. These are both early release days.

In addition to parent/teacher conferences, Haley will be holding its annual Scholastic Book Fair in the Media Center Monday, Aug. 24, through Friday, Aug. 28, hours vary.

—Stephanie Palomarez

TARWATER TOROS

Mark Your Calendar:

• Aug. 26, Aug. 27: Early release, parent teacher conferences

• Sept. 1: Picture day

• Sept. 15: Restaurant fundraiser at Peter Piper Pizza from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. (Alma School/Queen Creek)

—JoAnne Cawley

WEINBERG ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

We would like to welcome all of our new and returning families. It’s shaping up to be another wonderful year of learning. You will want to mark your calendars for some important upcoming dates:

• Thursday, Aug. 20, through Friday, Aug. 28: Scholastic Book Fair in the Media Center

• Wednesday, Aug. 26, Thursday, Aug. 27: Elementary conferences; early dismissal 11:35 a.m.

• Friday, Aug. 28: Family Bingo Night Weinberg Site Council members are needed. The site council is a group of parents, community members and school staff that serve in an advisory capacity. The site council works to promote student achievement. Meetings are quarterly. Please send a note of interest to the principal, Shirley Mathew at Mathew.shirley@cusd80.com.

—Laura Thornburg