5 17 2014 stsn p27 34 youth

Students heading to Odyssey of the Mind world competition

BY ALISON STANTON

Later this month, a group of seven 10-year-old Ryan Elementary School students will travel to Ames, Iowa, to compete in the Odyssey of the Mind 2014 World Finals at Iowa State University.

Dr. Andrea Stickland, the mother of Aiden Stickland, one of the fourth graders who is making the trip, says students from other states as well as around 30 other countries will be at the competition, which teaches students to learn creative problem-solving methods in a fun way. It also encourages them to think outside of the box.

Stickland says the students—Stazia Ascoli, Julia Bziukiewicz, Haley Dickson, Isaac Hoverson, Nate Huffman, Tristen Ma and Aiden—competed in March in a regional tournament held in Scottsdale.

After taking first place for their “Driver’s Test” problem, the students, who are all part of CUSD’s Chandler Academically Talented Students program, competed in the state finals in Tucson last month, where they also earned first place.

Stickland says the Driver’s Test problem asked the fourth graders to design, build and drive a vehicle that traveled a course that involved a student driver completing tasks in order to pass a driver’s test. The students had a budget of $145, and had to make sure their vehicle included several different features including different propulsion

systems to allow the car to move forward and backward.

Adults cannot help the students to solve the problem, she notes, they can only guide them.

“My son rounded up the kids and begged them to do the Odyssey of the Mind competition with him,” Stickland says.

“These fourth graders have all worked so hard, getting together for four hours at a time a couple of days a week.”

To raise enough money for the students and chaperones to make the trip, Stickland says the group is working on organizing a variety of fundraisers like lemonade stands and car washes. They are also accepting donations from the public.

“It will cost $1,100 per student to go, so we have a minimum goal of $7,000 that we are hoping to raise. We are working on contacting local businesses who might like to donate, and we are also doing an online fundraiser,” she says.

Jess Morales Ruán, a special education teacher at Ryan and Carlson elementary schools, is a sponsor of the program. He introduced the program to Ryan Elementary School last year and says he is proud to be part of something that provides students the chance to develop skills like teamwork, critical and creative thinking and respect that are essential for academic and professional success.

“They are very creative and have

learned to work well together,” he says, adding that he happily gives up part of his lunch time to have the fourth graders come to his room every day to practice solving a spontaneous problem.

“They are quite dedicated and it shows by their commitment to so much practice.”

For more information about Odyssey of the Mind, visit www.

odysseyofthemind.com. To make a donation to the Ryan Royal Elementary School team, visit www.youcaring.com/ nonprofits/royal-smartanz-fourthgrade-future-leaders/164282

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

Library set to kick off summer reading program

BY MEGHAN MCCOY

Youngsters will have the opportunity to earn points this summer by reading books, attending library programs and participating in community experiences during this year’s summer reading program.

Chandler Public Library Marketing

Assistant Rosanna Johnson says although the library has offered summer reading programs for years, this is the second year it is working with the Maricopa County Library District.

“The first year went well,” she says of the participants who read 111,000 books.

The “Fizz, Boom, Read!” summer reading program will kickoff at the Downtown Library, 22 S. Delaware St., from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, May 29, featuring crafts, snacks, entertainment and computer assistance for those who wish to sign up for the program.

Readers will keep track of their progress on the summer reading program website. This is a new component this year.

“It enables the user to participate even if they can’t step foot in the library,” Johnson says.

It provides access to all the information needed, as well as eBooks for all ages.

“They would log their reading, program attendance and if they do any of the community experiences.”

Participants earn one point per minute they spend reading. Points are also earned by receiving a code when they attend a summer reading program and participate in community experiences.

The summer reading program includes STEAM—science, technology, engineering, arts and math—a curriculum that many of the schools have adopted. Some of the STEAM programs feature magician Richard Steele, Arizona Rick, the Balloon Cowboy and Wildman Phil and his desert wildlife presentation.

Kids can have the opportunity to experience community venues such as the Environmental Education Center, the Chandler Aquatics Centers and the Vision Gallery to earn points.

The goal is to collect 1,000 points by the end of the program, Saturday, July 26. That enables the youngsters to submit a request for an electronic voucher which can be redeemed for one of three books.

The summer reading program, Johnson says is very beneficial for kids.

“We have found that it is very important because kids need to maintain their literacy skills,” she says.

In the last year there has been legislation passed in the state, Johnson explains, that third graders who do not read at their proper level will be held back.

“We want to help those kids that are at risk to imp rove their literacy, so they can be reading at their reading level and continue through their academic studies,” Johnson says.

For more information, visit http:// chandlerlibrary.org/go2/summer-

reading-program.cfm or call (480) 7822800.

Meghan McCoy is the Neighbors and Business section editor for the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at meghan@santansun.com.

CGCC students code for a cause—create apps, games

BY MEGHAN MCCOY

Chandler-Gilbert Community College students spent 24 hours last month during a “Code For Good” event creating educational apps for preschool-aged children and younger.

Intel’s Brad Hill says he organized the 24-hour college event to focus on early literacy for smartphones and Web-based devices.

“We have been running this program for a little over two years,” Hill says. “We have been doing this to primarily teach them (students) how to learn. This is learning through application and how to get stuff done, which is invaluable to the real world.”

The event is beneficial because it provides students with experience in coding apps. In essence, Intel is raising a new generation of engineers, Hill says.

The event attracted 54 students, mostly studying computer science, programming or engineering. After 24 hours, 48 students, including Gilbert resident Habib Matar, 16, remained.

“It was a very long event and it was a great experience,” says Matar, who attended the event for high school extra credit. “Any group setting with programming teaches you a lot because you have a lot of sources to pull from.”

CGCC computer science faculty

Patricia Baker says the event began with content experts discussing for 45 minutes what they wanted to see in the apps.

Afterward, engineers and developers helped the students with coding.

“We were always there going around the room and seeing if they had any snags or obstacles that they needed help with,” Hill says. “We helped them refine their ideas to the core concepts.”

Southwest Institute for Families and Children Director of Educational Services Catherine Otto says the students questioned her about coding from the perspective of literacy.

“We want them to develop their curiosity and their ability to problem solve and their ability with independent

thinking skills,” Otto says.

She says many times computers, smartphones and iPads are given to kids as an “on the go pacifier.” Interaction, Otto says, through some questions and responses, is key for the youngsters.

“There are certain things that we want children to do with early literacy. We want them to be an actor part, not a reactor part,” Otto says.

Matar and his teammate created a game where the youngsters viewed various animals while learning how to spell through different levels. For example, he says there would be a picture

APPS: Forty-eight Chandler-Gilbert Community College students stayed throughout the 24-hour “Code for Good” event which focused on literacy for smartphones and Web-based devices. Submitted photo

of a cow and the letters “c” and “ow,” which were sounded out, and the child would have to put the letters in the right box to spell the word.

Baker says it was a good learning experience for the students and they created some interesting app prototypes. The event, she says had a lot of energy, excitement and exchange of ideas.

“They had to figure it out,” she says. “They loved it. They really liked knowing they were coding for something they thought would make a difference.”

Meghan McCoy is the Neighbors and Business section editor for the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at meghan@ santansun.com.

Pencils, parents, precepts and practicalities

The beginning of an eight-part series on helping your child

BY CAROL ELIAS NEW VISTAS CENTER FOR EDUCATION

If you have more than one child, you know how different they can be from each other. One child will breeze through school with a love and passion for learning, while another child does not seem to have the same intrinsic motivation to learn. One child naturally embraces responsibility with enthusiasm while the other needs constant nudging to organize and follow through with school commitments. Each child’s needs are unique.

In the face of these differences parents sometimes make the mistake of compartmentalizing behaviors at home as unrelated to successful academics at school. In fact, the two are strongly linked. Behavior and academics do have a very strong positive correlation. Therefore, it is essential to bridge this gap with practical strategies that will motivate your child to succeed in school. That old adage that “knowledge is power” applies here, too. Over the

following months, we will provide you with some out-of-the-ordinary ideas...ideas that have staying power to produce lasting results for your child. Some will be unique while others you may already be familiar with, yet have underestimated their value. Equipping you to empower your child to do well in school is our goal. Look for each of the following strategies to be discussed at length in future articles. These articles will provide information to help your child to develop “executive function skills.”

1. Teach your child “executive function skills.” “Executive functions” are skills that direct certain high-functioning abilities which include: starting or stopping actions, monitoring and changing behavior as needed, planning, organizing, memorizing, focusing, flexibility and emotional control. As the name implies, executive functions are the “managing directors” that govern a host of other abilities. They are learned and require discipline to acquire. We will show you how to help your child perfect these skills.

2. Enable your child to learn successful test-taking strategies. You will learn the tools to help your child become a more

effective test-taker. We’ll cover various components such as proper time management, sorting information learned in class and applying that information to test questions. Students can learn strategies which will allow them to approach exams in a prepared, calm and confident manner.

3. Assist your child to become more productive and focused during homework time. Homework assists in the development of selfdirected learning skills. Parental assistance with homework and parental modeling can foster behaviors involved in homework management which lead to higher student achievement. Parents who implement these suggestions will achieve two important desired outcomes: Your child’s academics will improve and your relationship with your child will grow stronger.

SUMMER BREAK CAMPS

Camps will cover hitting, throwing, fielding, pitching and

Our instructors have the knowledge and experience to develop players of all ages and skill levels from beginner, to intermediate and advanced. Includes Shirt and daily drink and snack from 8 a.m. to noon.

Camp 1: June 2-6, Mon.-Fri., $160

Camp 2: June 9-13, Mon.-Fri., $160

Camp 3: June 16-20, Mon.-Fri., $160

Camp 4: June 23-27, Mon.-Fri., $160

Camp 5: June 30-July 3, Mon.-Thurs., $140

Camp 6: July 7-11, Mon.-Fri., $160

Camp 7: July 14-18, Mon.-Fri., $160

Camp 8: July 21-25, Mon.-Fri., $160

5. Support your child’s IQ development. For decades researchers have pondered whether IQ (intelligence quotient) can be manipulated or is it simply a static product of our DNA and therefore unalterable. We will talk about recent research and explore the adult behaviors that make a difference in your child’s IQ. If IQ is not static, what are effective ways to enhance your child’s IQ?

6. Teach your child strategies to learn math concepts. Math is one of the most important subjects taught beginning in preschool. We will discuss the best ways to go over work to correct answers; how to use problem solving to understand math content not yet introduced and other tips.

4. Learn effective teacher/parent communication that will enhance your child’s progress. There are a number of ways parents and teachers can communicate with each other effectively, rather than just relying on the scheduled parent-teacher conferences. “Intentional” communication will accomplish amazing results...and your child will benefit. What is important to your child’s teacher? What is most important to you in these essential encounters? We will explore it all.

7. Help your child have healthy “mindsets.” Children with a “fixed mindset” believe that learning rests on their ability to “prove how smart they are,” while children who develop a flexible or “growth mindset” believe that their ability

Youth

is flexible and developed through learning. The healthier mindset is one is open to learn.

8. Model and teach practical winning behaviors that yield life-long results. These are the seemingly simple lessons which are often underestimated by parents. It is here that we will drive home the importance of behavioral expectations that begin with you. We will help you to establish a plumb line or reference point to measure daily improvement of your child’s behavior resulting in a favorable academic outcome.

Just as parents have many responsibilities at home, at work and in the community, learning is a child’s most important job. These tools will empower you to more effectively support your child’s educational pursuits and replace your own out-dated precepts with parent empowerment. We invite you to not only clip these articles but to establish a file for future reference. Please let us hear from you, as well, through our blog at www. newvistasblog.com.

Carol Elias is co-director of New Vista Center for Education, a private preschool and elementary school located in Chandler that has served the East Valley for 35 years. New Vistas has been designated a Top 10 School by Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth.

Chandler AYF registering

Onsite registration for Chandler AYF (American Youth Football) Youth Football and Cheer will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 14, at Elite Sport and Fitness, 4320 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler. All registrants will receive a free football and cheer workout.

Several programs are available, including tackle football and sideline cheerleading, both for ages 5 to 14, and competitive cheerleading for ages 8 to 15. Fall practice begins Monday, July 28.

Chandler AYF is a nonprofit, community-based program and a member of American Youth Football and Cheer, the largest youth football and cheer organization in the nation, as well as a community partner of the ASU Sun Devils football team.

Online registration and more information are also available at www.chandlerayf.com, or call (480) 370-0621.

YOUTH CHRONICLES

Andrew Earle, Nicole Grounds, Audrey Nissly, David Poulin and Lindsey Rather , all of Chandler, are May 2014 graduates of Azusa Pacific University in Azusa, California.

Eric Escamilla of Hamilton High School and Carlo Tovar of Chandler High School are among only 27 students to be awarded the prestigious, need-based 2014-15 Dorrance Scholarship. The students, the first in their family to attend college, will receive the scholarship and program package worth more than $80,000 over four years to attend one of Arizona’s three state universities. Eric will attend ASU, and Carlo plans to attend NAU.

Casey Filler, Iara Cardoso and Dylan Cowan of Chandler are accepted for admission to Cornell College, a private liberal arts college in Mount Vernon, Iowa, and are recipients of the Presidential, Founders and Dean’s scholarships, respectively.

Leila O’Hara of Chandler, a 2010 graduate of Hamilton High School, is a summa cum laude Spring 2014 graduate of ASU. Leila earned a Master of Mass Communications with a journalism major and

specialization in public relations. Corinne Ray of Chandler is on the Fall 2013 Dean’s List at Columbia College Chicago. To qualify, students must earn a 3.75 grade point average or above in at least 12 graded credit hours for that semester.

Ryan Short, Danielle Ferguson, Haley Dean, Allison Desrosiers, Alyssa Prano, Edward Gonzalez, Ingrid Donaldson, Alberto Rios and Michelle Davis of Chandler were recently initiated into the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi at ASU. Jeffrey Tsang and Arthur Garcia of Chandler were initiated into Phi Kappa Phi at Northern Arizona University. Phi Kappa Phi is the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines, Membership is by invitation and requires nomination and approval by a chapter; only the top 10 percent of seniors and 7.5 percent of juniors are eligible for membership.

Driver ed for Chandler teens

A comprehensive, MVD-approved Driver Education Academy is offered this summer for Chandler students 15 and older eligible for a learner’s permit or driver’s license at Basha High School, 5990 S. Val Vista Dr., Chandler.

The program, taught by certified instructors and offered by Tempe Community Education Program through Chandler Community Education, runs from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday, June 9, through Friday, June 13. Students will be given a 30-minute lunch period and are expected to bring their own lunch and drink.

The academy is a 30-hour course, focusing on general rules for driver safety and responsibility, Arizona driving laws and regulations, experience using a driving simulator and three hours of “behind the wheel” training once the student is qualified. Students need not have a learner’s permit to enroll, but must meet MVD guidelines before participating in “behind the wheel” instruction.

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be issued a certificate of completion which can be taken to MVD for a learner’s permit; upon successful completion of “behind the wheel” hours, students will be issued a certificate of completion which can be taken to MVD for a driver’s license.

For more information or to register, call (480) 345-3763 or visit https://dcw. cusdcommunity.com/chandler/start_ registration.jsp

VYT sets stage for upcoming summer camps

SanTan Sun-area kids can dance, sing and act their way through summer at one of Valley Youth Theatre’s upcoming summer camps.

All-Star Summer Playhouse, for ages 5 and 6, is held from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. or 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, June 2, through Thursday, June 26, or Monday, July 7, through Thursday, July 31. Half-day tuition is $325 and fullday tuition is $600. Campers learn theater basics through games and activities, and participate in classes in acting, music and dance, working together to produce a musical theater

showcase to be performed for friends and families.

Musical Theatre Workshop sessions, for ages 7 to 16, are held 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, June 2, through Friday, June 27, or Monday, July 7, through Friday, Aug. 1. Tuition is $660. Campers participate in daily classes in acting, dance and music, and participate in a production to be showcased at the end of the session. This camp is focused on giving students a well-rounded performing arts education in addition to experience with the audition process,

rehearsal techniques, ensemble building and performance. Before and after care are available at an additional charge for this workshop only.

Tickets are on sale for VYT’s production of “Peter Pan,” running Friday, June 13, through Sunday, June 29, at Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix. Tickets are available at www.HerbergerTheater. org or by calling (602) 252-8497. For more information or to sign up, visit www.vyt.com/education/camps or call (602) 253-8188, ext. 302.

‘Future’ bright for preschool program

Future Kiddie is a unique afterschool enrichment program for SanTan Sun-area kids ages 3 to 7, offering hands-on experience in music, art and technology with certified instructors and age-appropriate materials.

An upcoming Summer Combo Camp for kids will also offer Spanish and technology.

Both the after-school and summer programs feature a trip to Chandler Fashion Center’s Apple Store for all participants in the program and their parents, where they complete a project. Each participant receives an

Apple Store T-shirt.

“‘I can do anything if I put my mind to it’ is something we teach our students in the class,” says Future Kiddie founder Ken Chan. “Our goal is to help students develop the selfconfidence for learning technology as meaningful tools.”

Chan is also the local provider of Discovery Kids Puterbugs software, which is in alignment with Common Core state standards and focuses on STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) learning.

Future Kiddie is at 1020 E. Ray Rd., Suite A5-198 in Chandler. To learn

more about Future Kiddie, including its upcoming Summer Combo Camp, visit www.futurekiddie.com or call (480) 331-3068.

…The common denominator between young children and the love of reading.

Aquatics centers set preseason hours

Chandler’s many aquatic centers are offering swimming fun in May. Sign up for a summer swim class, take advantage of the facilities for a party or join a rec swim team.

Assistance in registering for summer swim lesson courses

Aquatic staff will help individuals register for the right summer swim lessons. At each of the aquatic facilities, staff members can help place a child in an appropriate level by doing a free evaluation. Stop by any of the aquatic centers during public swim hours and one of the staff members will provide assistance.

After arriving at a pool, ask the cashier or pool manager for a swim lesson evaluation. One of the qualified water safety instructors will take the child into the pool and ask them to perform several skills. Expect to be in the water no longer than 10 minutes. Based on the child’s performance, the staff member will give a recommended class level.

Parents can also estimate a class level themselves by using the published class description guide online at www. chandleraz.gov. Parents who choose this option are asked to place their child in a course based on their child’s skills and ability levels and not their age.

Preseason summer swim hours

Mesquite Groves Aquatic Center, 5901 S. Hillcrest Dr., preseason summer swim hours are from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 17,

and Sunday, May 18; 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, May 19, through Friday, May 23, and from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 24, through Monday, May 26. Daily operational hours begin Tuesday, May 27.

Hamilton Aquatic Center, 3838 S. Arizona Ave., preseason hours are from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 17, and Sunday, May 18, and from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 24, through Monday, May 26. Daily operational hours begin on Thursday, May 29.

Nozomi Aquatic Center, 250 S. Kyrene Rd., preseason hours are from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 17, and Sunday, May 18, and from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, May 23, through Monday, May 26. Daily operational hours begin on Tuesday, May 27.

Arrowhead Pool, 1475 W. Erie St., preseason hours are from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 24 through Monday, May 26. Daily operational hours begin Thursday, May 29.

Desert Oasis Aquatic Center, 1400 W. Summit Pl., preseason hours are from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, May 23, through Monday, May 26. Daily operational hours begin Tuesday, May 27.

Folley Pool, 600 E. Fairview, daily operational hours begin Thursday, May 29. There are no preseason public swim hours at this location.

Private pool rentals

Looking forward to an upcoming birthday party, office party, family gathering, church outing or family reunion?

One of the Chandler’s award-winning aquatic centers would be a great location. Spots are going quickly, reserve a time, date and location today. Facilities are rented outside of public swim hours on Saturdays and Sundays through Aug. 24. Book a rental today by calling Sheri Passey at (480) 7822753.

Summer Rec Swim Team registration

A six-week summer rec swim team program will be offered for children and teens interested in swim team experience. Swimmers between the ages of 5 1/2 to 18 years old comprise the teams.

Sunday, June 1, is the cutoff date for registration.

The Arrowhead Dolphins Swim Team will practice the mornings of Tuesday through Friday at Arrowhead Pool, 1475 W. Erie St. The Arrowhead Sea Lions Swim Team will meet in the evening from Monday through Thursday at Arrowhead Pool. The Mesquite Groves Stingrays Swim Team will practice evenings Monday through Thursday at Mesquite Groves Aquatic Center, 5901 S. Hillcrest Dr. The West

Stop the Summer Brain Drain!

Year round lap swimming

From 5:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday Hamilton Aquatic Center, 3838 S. Arizona Ave., offers lap swimming and Mesquite Groves Aquatic Center, 5901 S. Hillcrest Dr., offers lap swimming from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Admission is $2 per visit, regardless of age. Be sure to purchase a punch pass, a 5 percent to 30 percent savings on admission fees, or an annual pass, only $200. Punch passes and annual passes are valid at both locations.

Adult Swim Courses

Adult Swim Courses will be held on Fridays at Hamilton from 5:30 a.m. to 6:25 a.m. May 22 through June 27 for endurance. Refinement classes will also be held on Fridays from 6:30 a.m. to 7:25 a.m. May 23 through June 27. The classes are offered for those learning how to swim or looking to improve their stroke technique and endurance.

will bring his cool creatures. The children will celebrate the USA’s birthday with some good old fashioned summer fun, watermelon eating, flag making, sidewalk child, water games, s’mores and much more! It's going to be a wonderful week in the wilderness! The children will enjoy

May activities planned at San Tan Mountain Regional Park

Get in on the fun at San Tan Mountain Regional Park with one of the various programs offered through the month of May.

Movie Madness in the Park

The Movie Madness in the Park will begin at 7 p.m. Friday, May 23. Enjoy a movie inside the air-conditioned Nature Center. The film tells the story of Milo, the cat, and Otis, the dog, two animals who grew up together on the same farm. One day, the two are separated and begin a journey to find each other. The adventurous and often perilous quest finds the two animals traveling across mountains, plains and snow-covered lands searching for one another. Bring a brown-bag dinner or snacks. Curl up in a chair or on the floor with a blanket and pillow.

San Tan Shredders Mountain Bike Group

The San Tan Shredders Mountain Bike Group will meet at 7 a.m. Monday, May 26. Take a Memorial Day ride through the park. Most riders come from all various skill levels, ages and fitness levels, but everyone shares the common interest of riding mountain bikes. “No Rider Left Behind” is the policy, because everyone rides together in groups based on their riding levels. This is the opportunity to be around others who

are passionate about mountain biking as a sport to have fun. The group offers help when needed, so individuals can gain new skills and confidence while on the trails. Come out and enjoy the great views of the San Tan Mountain Regional Park and the quiet get away from the everyday noise. A helmet is required for safety reasons; bring plenty of water, an extra inner tube and two sources of light.

Scorpion Scavenger Hunt

The first Scorpion Scavenger Hunt of the season will take place at 8 p.m. Friday, May 30. Set out on a desert exploration at night as everyone searches for these fascinating creatures and find out just how cool these amazing arachnids really are. There will be a 1-mile roundtrip hike on the Goldmine Trail. Those who participate are asked to bring plenty of water, proper hiking attire and a black light. Black lights

are available inside the Visitors Center for purchase. Meet Ranger Tish at the flagpole for the program.

Other programs

Other programs include Searching for Saguaro Blossoms! Walk at 8 a.m. Saturday, May 17, and the Desert Cafe at 12 p.m. Saturday, May 17.

The San Tan Mountain Regional Park is located at 6533 W. Phillips Rd., Queen Creek. The park fee is $6 a vehicle for day use. There are no additional fees for programs, unless otherwise noted. For more information, visit www. maricopa.gov/parks/santan/.