2010 THUNDERGRAM

Parent Newsletter

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Community based students serve and prepare lunch

The cafe incorporates many of the skills the students learn throughout the year. The students are involved in everything, from cooking, to decorating and cleaning up. The students walk away with their heads held high and vital skills needed to be independent in the future. This cafe is successful because of the supportive staff who attend the lunches and provide this learning experience for the students. Article Submitted by Jenny Alexander

Facts regarding the 1% Sales Tax Vote-Proposition 100 Soon after taking office in 2009, Governor Brewer proposed a tempo-rary sales tax increase to help address the state’s budget deficit. The Arizona Legislature recently agreed with the Governor’s recommendation and re-ferred consideration of the temporary tax to voters in a special election on May 18. Facts regarding the 1% Sales Tax Vote - Proposition 100Q. How much money will the One Cent Sales Tax proposal cost me?A. The temporary sales tax would be one percent or one cent per dollar.

• It would be in effect for three years, from June 1, 2010, to May 31, 2013.• The sales tax is expected to gener-ate $2.9 billion in revenues over three years.• Two-thirds of that sales tax revenue - or $1.9 billion - would go to K-12 pub-lic education.

Q. Will this sales tax initiative solve the States’ deficit?A. The sales tax does not solve the

state’s deficit, but is a critically im-portant part of the solution.

Q. How much of the Sales Tax Initia-tive will go for education?A. The May 18th election requires that two-thirds of the revenue gener-ated by the sales tax increase to go to support public elementary and secondary education. Based on the expenditures proposed in the Gov-ernor’s 2011 budget, the projected $898 million in revenue would be al-located as follows:Primary education $695 millionSecondary education $203 million

Q. Why is the One Cent Sales Tax im-portant to Arizonans?A. The Governor’s budget assumes the passage of the one cent sales tax. The total proposed expenditures in the Governor’s budget are $8.6 bil-lion, of which $898 million is sup-ported from the revenues generated by the sales tax increase.

Q. What happens if the sales tax initia-

tive fails?A. K-12 education would be looking at a 20% reduction in state support for school district operating budgets. This will mean devastating cuts to public education including fewer re-sources, loss of jobs and programs, higher class sizes and students who will not be prepared to compete in the global economy of the future.

To register to VOTE and/or apply to receive a permanent early ballot, click here or type in the following link in your web browser, http://www.ar izonaeducat ionnetwork .c o m / 2 0 1 0 / 0 2 / a e n - v o t e r - g u i d e -important-dates-information-and-resources/ for links to your county board of elections.

• The last day to register to vote is April 19, 2010. • Early voting begins on April 22, 2010.• The last day to request an early ballot is May 7, 2010.Article Submitted by Matt Belden

Thunderbird High School

Parent Satisfaction SURVEYPAGE 2

Are you satisfied with the…

1. Academic standards set by teachers? Yes NoIf you answered no, please explain why:

2. Quality of instruction? Yes NoIf you answered no, please explain why:

3. Leadership the administration provides for the school? Yes NoIf you answered no, please explain why:

4. Communication between the school and parents? Yes NoIf you answered no, please explain why:

5. Safety and security of the school environment? Yes NoIf you answered no, please explain why:

6. Extracurricular activities that the school provides? Yes NoIf you answered no, please explain why:

7. School overall? Yes NoIf you answered no, please explain why:

Please return completed surveys to:Parent Survey care ofThunderbird High School1750 W Thunderbird RdPhoenix, AZ 85023

Thank you for taking the time to give us your valuable feed-back.

Applied TechBusinessELLFACSForeign LanguagesLanguage ArtsLife LearnersMathNaval SciencePerforming ArtsPhysical EducationScienceSocial StudiesVisual Arts

Congratulations to the following students of the month. They were nominated by members of the specific departments and selected for recognition by members of the honors and awards committee.

Outstanding Senior Award: (January) Maxon Wingert, Sarah Guidas. (February) Jayse Brunner, Jamie Krauss.Chief Pride Award: (January) Jessica Gail, Cameron Shaffer, Carmen Castellanos, Brian McCourt, Natalie Guzman, Oscar Placencia, Holly Tamboer, Ryan Cowles. (February) Felicia Fiedler, Lance Tubinaghtewa, Michelle Patton, Caesar Abril, Hayley Howard, Nikolas Martinez, Maria Alejandra Fonseca, Demir TenicRotary Award: (January)Alissa Sabatino (February) Sharyn Tom

STUDENTS OF THE MONTH

for January: Philip Hensley Renalyn BantaculoEdwin Omar Castrejon Haley CetwinskiCash HibbelerShanice Gayton Kesley McDowellRonaldo Felix Kamil KrupczynskiKira CablandJason BirchfieldKathleen VelazquezRita Hagopian Saraloni Troupe

Principal: Matt BeldenEditor: Demetria GrahamContributors:Department ChairsAdministrative Staff

The Thundergram is an official publication of Thunderbird H.S.1750 W. Thunderbird Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85023Call 623-915-8900 to place an article or to be added to the mailing list.

staffTHUNDERGRAM

for February: Jesus SierraKevin MitchellRolando MendezSandee CharlesAbigail Knox Alyssia LeeSammy Cruz GonzalezConnor Telford Aaron SaavedraRobert McKernanHillarie NavakukuSharyn TomDeborah MateiMichael Bautista

Glendale Union High School District

As I write this last Thundergram, I am amazed at how fast the school year has gone. I enjoy reflecting on the year and all the things that have happened. I am always ready for a break, but I know after the first couple of weeks I start missing everyone and begin thinking of August. I would like to conclude my last “gram,” with a few important dates:

May 3 – 13: AP TestingMay 7: Possible Seniors failures due to the counseling office May 12: ROTC AwardsMay 17: Honors and Awards 7 p.m., AuditoriumMay 20: Senior Finals; Regular ScheduleMay 21: Senior Finals: Early release for seniors only; Last day of school for seniorsMay 24: Senior BreakfastMay 25: Senior Graduation, 4 p.m., Phoenix First Assembly

May 25 & 26: Junior, sophomore, freshmen finals, early release each dayMay 26: Last day of school

I hope our students and staff have a great end to the school year and an enjoyable, safe summer.

The final quarter of this school year is a busy one in the Career Center with representative visits and trips to colleges. Also, we had a successful Career and Job Fair in our quad area during the lunch periods where students had the opportunity to speak with representatives from various post-secondary schools and organizations. Speakers from the International /Multicultural Departments of Glendale Community College and Phoenix College spoke to our multicultural students about the benefits of continuing their education and the assistance their departments can provide. We tried something new: a Junior Parent Night to assist parents

PAGE 3FROM ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL CHRIS FRANCIS

STUDENT SERVICES

Applied TechBusinessELLFACSForeign LanguagesLanguage ArtsLife LearnersMathNaval SciencePerforming ArtsPhysical EducationScienceSocial StudiesVisual Arts

Congratulations to the following students of the month. They were nominated by members of the specific departments and selected for recognition by members of the honors and awards committee.

Outstanding Senior Award: (March) Ensar Pasic, Shadae Bowen.Chief Pride Award: (March) Cayla Bettis, Dia Dawood, Leslie Cruz, Zachary Ashton, Jessica Monday, Michael Davis, Doreena Jones, Duy Luu.

STUDENTS OF THE MONTH

for March: Kevin Hill, Christian Johnson Abby BairdJeena Khanania Alex MatulaDaniel ChristiansenConnor ChristiansenBilly UngorGrayce MarshallJulie RuminiskiBethany SmithLisa LaraAndrew HensleyValerie Hoke

and students as they consider the senior year and pursuing education after high school. Summer can be a wonderful time for students to explore new areas of interest; we encourage all students to try something new, such as taking a class or workshop, or volunteering in the community. Many opportunities are listed on the Thunderbird website - thunderbird.guhsdaz.org under “quick links” – and we encourage students to have fun and take advantage of them.Article Submitted by Barb Blosser

7th Annual Rummage Sale on Saturday, May

1st, from 6-12am

DONATIONS ARE STILL NEEDED!!!

Please consider donating your gently used items for the annual garage sale at Thunderbird High

School.

We will take ANYTHING in good, working condition (except

clothes).

ALL proceeds go to the Student Welfare Fund.

Call Laura Ilardo at 623-915-8924 to arrange a drop off time.

Career center update

Nick Bode, Claudia Perez-Ramirez, Mrs. Blosser, Logan Schutz, and Megan Dekker attended the Grand Canyon University Health Sciences and Nursing Day.

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The NJROTC Color Guard and Drill Teams did an Excellent job representing their unit and school at the State Drill Finals held at Alhambra High School last Saturday. After a full day of intense competition against 30 ROTC unit from throughout the state, our teams earned a superior rating and won awards in the following: John Duong -Armed Exhibition Solo (1st Place). Tishae Rice – Un-Armed Drill Down competition (1st Place). Tishae Rice and Marybeth Schnur in the Un-Armed Duo Exhibition Competiton (2nd Place). The 4 Person Without Arms Team – Commnaded by Tishae Rice and team members Arica Newcomb, Julie Freeman, and Anissa Fuentes (2nd Place). Color Guard commanded by Julie Ruminski and team members John Duong, Chris Demarco, and Chris Harpel (3rd Place). While the standings are still not official, it looks like another super year for our teams with a State ranking in the top 10% of all JROTC Units. Also it appears certain that Thunderbird will again achieve the position of the number 1 Navy Drill Unit in the state and our District. Congratulations to all team members for their dedication and superior team work displayed throughout the five drill competitions this school year! Article Submitted by Chris Houston

Color guard and drill teams score high at state competition

Students in the Family & Consumer Sciences department have worked diligently to prepare for competitions this spring. Many students earned recognition. Mike Jones competed in the C-CAP competition in March and was awarded $1000 to study in a culinary arts program of his choice. Haley Cetwinski and Davi Booth were awarded FCCLA scholarships for post secondary education. Students also competed in the FCCLA culinary arts competition. Samantha Buya, Jamie Jaruvangsanti, and John Duong received bronze medals for their efforts. Other students in the FACS Internship class also competed in events at the FCCLA Spring Conference. Silver medals were awarded to Dale Riechert and Brandon West in the Entrepreneur event. Silver medals were also awarded to Davi Booth and Amy Hoon in the Chapter Showcase Manual event. In the Chapter Showcase Display event, Cassie Anfinson and Haley Cetwinski received bronze medals. In addition, students in the FACS Internship class/FCCLA chapter earned a Gold Chapter Achievement Award for completing the goals set in the fall. Congratulations to all these students on a job well done!! Article Submitted by Joanne Michael

Applied tech teacher retiresThis is my last article as an instructor at Thunder-bird. After 24 years in the Army and 15 years here it is time to retire. This is a busy time in Applied Technology with state testing, PBAs and end of the year projects. The students have worked hard all year and are showing off the skills they have learned. It is fulfilling to see them reflect on where they were at the start of the year and where they are now. Many young adults will be experiencing a great deal of stress in the next few weeks with testing. Please help them to release this stress in a good environment when they get home. It has been a real pleasure to have seen the development of these young adults over the years. Thank you for sharing your students’ lives with me. Article Submitted by Larry Cary

FCCLA students earn scholarships

ENDEAVORSacademic

Foreign language clubs The Thunderbird Foreign Language Department consists of three languages: French, Japanese, and Spanish. Students may study each of these lan-guages for a total of four high school years to earn four credits. The third year (5-6) Honors classes and the fourth year (7-8) AP classes allow the stu-dents an opportunity to apply for dual enrollment and possibly earn college credit, too. Students, also, have the opportunity to become members of the French Society, Japanese Club, and/or the Spanish Club. The French Society meets a few times a month in room 603. The Spanish Club meets every Thursday in room 610. The Japanese Club meets every Thursday in room 300. Article Submitted by Monica Kingston-Roohi

All NJROTC Drill Team members with awards and tro-phies. Top Row: Chris Harpel, Taylor Miller, Matt Opizzo, Do-minique Lindstrom-Peoples, Aaron Saavedra, Chris De Marco, Austin Vest.

Bottom Row: John Duong, Tishae Rice, Anissa Fuentes, Erika Mavashev, Keely Kouts, Colby Hoffman, Marybeth Schnur, Juli Freeman, Arica Newcomb, Julie Ruminiski, Kamil Krupczynski, Brian Ballou, Matt Mihajlovich.

PAGE 5THS transitions to bridges.com, the future of career-based academic planning within the district According to the state’s counseling guidelines, all high school students must receive career-based academic planning as part of the services offered through the Counseling Center. As such, Glendale Union has adopted Bridges.com.com, an online, interactive system that allows students to explore their own interests, match them up with possible careers, and then link current academic plans to them. Truly, Bridges.com.com offers students the ability to see how their classes in high school connect to their post-secondary goals. The following is a breakdown of how Thunderbird currently incorporates Bridges.com into students’ planning as well as plans for its use in the future.

This year, all freshmen and sophomores dove into the Bridges.com program. Freshmen start with taking a Career Interest Inventory in which they are suggested careers based on their likes and dislikes. Then, they can build their 4-year plan, or ECAP, knowing what sort of classes to incorporate. Also, freshmen received an introduction to how to fill out a resume, which Bridges.com saves for them to use at anytime within their tenure at Thunderbird. Then, sophomores explore career clusters that relate to the previous year’s suggested careers. Additionally, they start exploring post-secondary options such as college or vocational schools to see what fits their likes and dislikes. Again, they update their resumes with any new information. The counselors and Career Center Specialist spend time with every freshmen and sophomore to ensure

these activities are completed.

Next year, counselors plan to incorporate Bridges.com with the juniors and seniors. Juniors will specifically hone in on post-secondary institutions, including exploring various schools, scholarships, and degrees offered that fit their career interests. In conjunction with ASVAB and student aptitude as well as Senior English teachers, seniors spend the most time exploring three specific careers since they are the ones facing the real world shortly. Again, Bridges.com offers helpful tools that counselors will help guide students to use to make these connections between high school and post-secondary planning smooth.

Possibly the best benefit of Bridges.com lies in its accessibility; you or your student can access it anytime. Follow these simple instructions:-Access www.Bridges.com-Sign in, using Portfolio name: guhsd_Student’s ID#-and Password: Student’s birthdate with dashes (ex: mm-dd-yyyy; ex: 01-01-1994).ALL STUDENTS:Summer School

• Students in need of credit recovery in order to stay on track to graduate are highly encouraged to take summer school. In fact, counselors are working now to contact applicable students in order to ensure they are successful.• Summer School has THREE forms this year, so your student may sign up for the one that fits his or her needs. They are as follows:

o Algebra 1, Semester 2 and Geometry, Semester 2 Recovery Program, taught on Thunderbird’s Campus: June 2 to June 30, 8am-12 or 1pm. No charge.NOTE- Spots are limited for this session, so an application process will begin in May. o Traditional Summer School offering freshmen and sophomore-level courses, taught at Moon Valley High School: June 7 to July 15, AM and PM sessions. $150/session.o Online Summer School offering junior and senior-level courses, available online: Register as early as May 3; end date= July 15. Hours vary due to student pace; open computer lab available on Moon Valley High School’s campus. $150/semester.• TO SIGN UP, STUDENTS MUST SEE THEIR COUNSELORS. Please speak with your student to see if he or she has been contacted by his or her counselor regarding this matter; if you want him or her to enroll in summer school, please contact your student’s counselor immediately to ensure enrollment and/or get more information.SENIORS:TranscriptsIf your senior needs to request a final transcript be sent to the post-secondary institution of his or her choice, please contact Ms. Auclair in the Records Office. She will send the transcript upon graduation.SOPHOMORES AND JUNIORS:PSAT• If your next year’s sophomore or junior is college-bound, he or she should take the PSAT. The PSAT is offered over Fall Break on either October 13 or 16, 2010.• Cost is $14, payable in THS’ Bookstore

DISCIPLINEAND

ATTENDANCEFROM ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL JON VREEKEN

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Twitter...MySpace...Facebook... Many adults use these forms of social networking from time to time, but a large part of the sub-20-year-old set lives and breathes by these services. It’s all part of progress, but it also presents new safety and security issues for parents and for young people that tweet, post, and text. Schools are not immune, either, as social networking sites can often exacerbate and prolong tensions that exist between stu-dents, sometimes leading to conflict on campus. It’s no secret that most teens are light years ahead of the adults around them when it comes to technology. This reverse knowledge gap puts parents and guardians at a disadvantage when it comes to monitoring their children, and it begs the question “Do you know where your children are--and who they are texting, posting, and chatting with online?” In response to concerns about the downside of social networking sites, the Federal Trade Commission has published some tips to using these sites safely. Here are some highlights: 1. Know how your kids are getting online. More and more, teens are accessing the internet through their cell phones.

2. Teens need to know what is private. Personal and family information, street address, phone number—these should all remain private. Use privacy settings to restrict who has access to the site. 3. Once information is posted online, it can’t be taken back. Even if the information is deleted, older versions may exist on other people’s computers and be circulated online. Remember that college recruiters and potential employers may view your teen’s postings. 4. Talk to your teen about bullying. Online bul-lying can take many forms, from simple insults to threat-ening messages. Tell your kids that what they write and the images they post can make the target of the bullying feel bad, make the sender look bad, and could bring on punishment from law enforcement. A simple rule of thumb is this: encourage your teen-agers to tell you if they feel threatened by someone or uncomfortable because of something online. Report it to the social networking site and, if necessary, law enforcement. For more detailed information about teens and social networking sites, visit the Federal Trade Commission’s website at www.onguardonline.com.

FROM ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL KRIS WILLIS

STAYING CONNECTED It’s hard to believe that April is almost over, which means it’s the last month of the school year! Although it seems like school is winding down, the Thunderbird campus is still extremely busy. Coming up in May we have our Spring Sports State Tournaments. We will see athletes competing in Tennis, Softball, Baseball and Track. We will also have our annual Dodgeball Tour-nament, Cheer tryouts, as well as our Jazz, Orchestra, and Choir concerts, just to name a few. On campus we are planning our Yearbook Signing Party, Title I Awards

Ceremony, Honors and Awards night, and of course the Prom and most organizations are planning their end of the year banquets. This has been an outstanding year for Thunderbird students. We have seen more students excelling in athletics, CTE, music, and Speech than ever before. We are proud of our Thunderbird Chiefs and look forward to even more success next year. I encourage you to watch the Marquee out by the Thunderbird entrance and the website for all of the activi-ties going on. We would love to see you here supporting our awesome students!

PARENTCHIEFASSOCIATION

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ATTENTION Thunderbird High School parents, friends, and local businesses!Join the 2010 Grad Night Committee in providing a drug/alcohol free party and safe place for

Seniors to celebrate with their friends. Place: Cracker Jax Family Fun & Sports Park - Scottsdale

Date: Tuesday, May 25th

Time: 9:00pm to 3:00amTransportation: Via BUS ONLY

Our goal is to have ALL graduates attend. Ticket scholarships will be available.

WE NEED YOUR HELP!

Ticket sales will cover facility costs. Corporate and individual donations of merchandise, cash, and time will guarantee that we have entertainment and prizes for ALL graduates.Don’t forget about the Arizona State Public School Tax Credit program. This allows you to donate a maximum of $400 per year to any school activity and for you to get a direct tax credit on your Arizona State Income taxes. Fill out the tax credit form http://www.guhsdaz.org/about_guhsd/tax_credit/ send it with a check payable to THS - 2010 Grad Night to help fund the party. Contact Brandy Tucker nursebrandy@cox.net 602 /570 8026 or Jacque Rice ricelounge@cox.net 602/694 4856 with any Grad Night questions.

MAIL YOUR DONATION TODAY!Cash Donation: $________________________Check no. _____________________________Amount: $_____________________________Please make checks payable to: THS-2010 Grad NightMail checks to: Thunderbird High School

% 2010 Grad Night 1750 W Thunderbird Rd Phoenix, AZ 85023

Please consider donating merchandise to use as a game or raffle prize.Merchandise description: _________________________________________________________________Donated by (Company Name)______________________________________________________________Name: _________________________________________________________________________________Address: _______________________________________________________________________________City:_____________________________ State: _____________________ Zip Code:______________________

Contact Debbie Sloan debbiesloan@cox.net 602 /793-1176 with merchandise donations.

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THUNDERBIRD HIGH SCHOOL1750 W. Thunderbird Rd.Phoenix, AZ 85023

GOVERNING BOARDKevin Clayborn, PresidentDonna Stout, Clerk Ian Hugh, MemberVicki Johnson, MemberPam Reicks, Member

SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLSDr. Jennifer Johnson

Published by Thunderbird High SchoolPhone: (623) 915-8900http://thunderbird.guhsdaz.org

UPCOMINGApril 19- College Night for Juniors 6:30 April 20- Talent Show AuditionsApril 21- Grad Announcement Pick upApril 22- Talent ShowApril 26- Masque and Dagger Banquet 7pmApril 27-29- Annual Art Show Media CenterApril 29- Period 6 Holocaust Speaker; Band Conert 7pmApril 30- Yearbook Signing Party 2:00-4:00

April MayMay 1- Free Physicals at Sunnyslope 9am; Rummage SaleMay 3-13- AP TestingMay 5- No EOPMay 6- Jazz Band Concert 7pmMay 11- Orchestra and Choir Concert 7pmMay 12- No EOPMay 15- Prom at Children’s Museum of PhoenixMay 17- Honors and Awards Ceremony 7pmMay 19- No EOP; Title I Awards Ceremony 6:30pmMay 20- Senior Finals Periods 4-7May 21- Senior Finals Periods 1-3May 24- Senior Breakfast 7:30; Senior Meeting 8amMay 25- Finals Periods 1-3; Graduation 4pmMay 26- Finals Periods 4-7 Early Release

GUHSD is strongly committed to Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, nation of origin, age, veteran status, disability, marital status, or sexual orientation in any of its programs or activities.