South Mountain Villager

A Positive News Publication About the South Mountain Village

Archive for August, 2009

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Ask Grandpa Sept 09

Posted by somovillager on August 30, 2009

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Our parents complain about our loud music-they try to scare us with “you’ll go deaf”.  Can music hurt us?  Robert and Terri H.

I started to say something about scary parents, but realized that your question is really very serious.  Actually Robert and Terri, if your folks haven’t scared you yet, they should try harder.

Loud noise, including music, can cause something called “Tinnitus”.  People with Tinnitus hear constant noise such as agpcrickets chirping, bells, water running and so forth.  Our company mechanic hears birds singing and has a hard time falling asleep if he doesn’t drown out the racket with his TV.  I hear a buzzing noise that is pretty annoying which may have been the result blaring Willie Nelson, Fats Domino, Johnny Cash, Hank Williams and a bunch of other folks you probably never heard of.  We played loud music then too and although we didn’t know it could cause Tinnitus, our parents scolded us for being rude.  I remember Pop saying” are you trying to announce your grand arrival?  I could hear you coming block away.” And “What makes you think you’re so important that you assume everyone else in the neighborhood wants to hear what you like.”  My Doctor says loud noise can also cause deafness and the police can issue citations for loud noise-just in case you need another reason to tone it down.

I reckon our folks are a lot smarter than they are scary.

Grandpa

Have a question for Grandpa please send it to me at (gayoung@cox.net) by the 5th. of the month.

Posted in Ask Grandpa, Laveen, SoMo Village, kids, positive news | Tagged: , , | Leave a Comment »

Good Folks SEPT 09

Posted by somovillager on August 30, 2009

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The Good Folks of South Mountain/Laveen Villages

This is a series of articles profiling some of the residents who live and work in the South Mountain Village.  In keeping with the original format of the Villager to only print the positive, we will attempt to acknowledge some of the great folks that have contributed so much to our lives and are hopefully role models for all of us.

New Superintendent Inspires Roosevelt Schools to Succeed

Mary Beyda PhotoMary Beyda hit the ground running as the Roosevelt School District’s new Interim Superintendent in July.  After only two months in her new position, amazing things are happening.  She formerly served as Roosevelt’s Associate Superintendent of Teaching and Learning.  In that position she was responsible for building a great team, strategically planning how Roosevelt would move forward academically, and practically implementing most of the programs that are now showing great results across the District.

One example of her impact is the $1 million competitive grant for 21rst Century Community Learning Centers, which was recently awarded to Roosevelt.  The grant provides extensive tutoring and academic clubs in reading, writing, math, and science for grades 1 through 3.  It also includes special interest clubs in physical activities, art, music, and dance.  In addition, there is a very strong child – parent – family component.

In another instance, Superintendent Beyda rallied over 1,200 employees at Roosevelt’s Annual Welcome Back Ceremony held in the South Mountain School Auditorium on July 28.  She announced the new AZ Learns labels which are based on the AIMS tests:  Over 95% of the District’s schools earned the label of “performing” and more than 60% were rated in the “performing plus” category.  On average, across all grade levels tested (compared to 2008), for 2009 Roosevelt students scored 9% better in math and 10% better in reading on the AIMS tests.

However, these successful trends are not new for Superintendent Beyda.  She has a solid track record of excellent performance guiding the Alhambra School District as an Assistant Superintendent for 10 years.  Before that she served 10 years as a principal and administrator in the Washington School District.  Beyda’s schools were singled out for national recognition by the First President Bush, and went from the worst in the District to the best after only 2 years.  As a teacher for 10 years, she regularly turned struggling students into lifelong readers.  Superintendent Beyda has also taught graduate level courses to teachers in education content and curriculum development at Northern Arizona University and Arizona State University West.

Mary Beyda has a passion for education.  You might even say it is in her blood.  When she was a child growing up in Arizona, she would play school with her friends and 3 brothers, using the family carport near Grand Avenue to conduct classes.  Her father was a high school and college math instructor, and her mother eventually went back to school and became a teacher, too.  In 8th grade Beyda’s English teacher exposed her to great literature.  ”Reading those books was life changing, and it opened up a whole other world for me,” Superintendent Beyda recalls.  ”I want every one of our students in Roosevelt to have that kind of opportunity,” she notes.

With 3 children and 6 grandchildren, Superintendent Beyda understands that parents expect educators to care as much about the students as they do.  That is why the Roosevelt School District has adopted a new mantra:  Everyone is committed to every student, in every classroom, on every day!  “We should never settle for anything less than giving our very best because education is personal, and every child is important,” says Beyda.

Over the next school year Roosevelt’s Governing Board will be searching for a permanent successor to Superintendent Beyda.  The community will be involved in every step of this process.  Until then, we welcome Beyda’s energy, hard working ethic, enthusiasm for learning, spirit of teamwork, and persistent dedication to student achievement.

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Holistic Education Initiative Hosts Fall Conference

Posted by somovillager on August 30, 2009

Holistic Education Initiative Hosts Fall Conference

Phoenix, Arizona, August 4, 2009 – There is an old African proverb: “It takes a village toRich and Barb Doerrer-Peacock, 24-7 Holistic Education for Arizona co-founders
raise a child.” Members of a new education alliance forming in South Mountain Village
believe that it also takes a village to educate a child.

Barb and Rich Doerrer-Peacock, co-pastors of The South Mountain Community Church
are also two of the co-founders of 24-7 Holistic Education for Arizona – an alliance of
educators who emphasize the idea that a childʼs education doesnʼt only take place in a
school setting. The 24-7 founders emphasize that a childʼs education is happening all
the time, everyday – at home, school, or in the faith community, among other places.
The kick-off event for the 24-7 alliance is a holistic education conference that will take
place in October at the South Mountain Community Church. The organizers of the event
are educators from all walks of life – school teachers, parents, art educators, caregivers,
homeschoolers, and religious educators, among others.

The theme for the 24-7 inaugural event is “Working Wonders: Wonder as a Foundation
for Living Education.” The keynote speaker is Shea Darian, a local author and educator,
whose newest book, Living Passages for the Whole Family, recently received a Nautilus
Book Award and was a gold medal winner in the Next Generation Indie Book Awards.
The “Working Wonders” conference will be held on October 3, from 8:00 A.M. to 1:00
P.M., at the South Mountain Community Church, 717 E. Southern Avenue. The keynote
talk and several workshop choices will explore how wonder can enliven teaching and
learning for all ages. Optional afternoon activities from 1:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. include a
picnic at The Artistʼs Studio at the Farm at South Mountain and more workshops. Tours
of The Farm at South Mountain and Desert Marigold School are also available.
The cost for attending the morning session is $25 for those who register by September
11 ($30-35 after that) with a discount for a second domestic partner. Afternoon
workshops are $10-15. The picnic and tours can be enjoyed free of charge.

South Mountain pastor Barb Doerrer-Peacock is enthused to be offering this event to
the community. “As an historic church in our community, we’ve had a long history of
supporting education, teachers and students,” Doerrer-Peacock explains, “so, we’re
thrilled to be hosting this conference. We hope it will draw together people interested in
nurturing imagination and creativity as the basis of lifelong education.”
For more information or to register for the conference, call 602-315-8481 or email
24.7edu@gmail.com. A printable conference brochure is available at

www.gileadpress.net.
Shea Darian
gileadpress@q.com
602-315-8480

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Take Pride In The South Side SEPT 09

Posted by somovillager on August 30, 2009

VOLUNTEERS

Unlimited Potential Welcomes A New Executive Director

103_4114Lorraine Moya Salas is returning to community practice as the Executive Director of Unlimited Potential after a brief hiatus. She has been at Arizona State University for the last several years lecturing in the School of Social Work. Prior to that, she spent four years obtaining her doctorate in Social Work.

Lorraine commented that she is happy to be back working in the South Mountain area. “While I enjoyed teaching and the research I did in academia, in my heart, I knew that I needed to be back in the community. Social work and working with families is my true vocation.”

Almost twenty years ago, after receiving her Masters in Social Work, Lorraine went to work for Southwest Behavioral Health Services and began her career as a Prevention Specialist in the Roosevelt School District.  In this capacity, she had the opportunity to work with numerous children and their parents. Lorraine stated, “I witnessed the strength families possess as they deal with the many obstacles life sometimes throws at you.”  She later went on to be the Director of Scottsdale Prevention Institute’s, El Centro de la Familia, a family center that works with Spanish speaking families. “Again I was astounded by the remarkable resilience of families as they strive to raise successful, happy children.”

Lorraine stated that in her new role she hopes to build on the agency’s 23 year history of supporting families in sspridereaching their educational goals. “I want to focus on the agency’s underlying mission of empowering families.” Unlimited Potential will begin a new community development program in the fall that will engage adults in strengthening the community and offering children opportunities to learn and grow. Unlimited Potential is also part of the “Safe and Drug Free South Mountain Coalition” a community group that is working to address some of the substance use issues in the community and to provide youth with positive alternative activities they can participate in. Lorraine stated, “Even after all these years I truly believe that by working together people can achieve just about anything.” If you are interested in being a part of these efforts, contact Lorraine at Unlimited Potential (602) 243-7376.

THE STOCKING LADY

Well folks, you have probably wondered
how the Holiday Fun Fest that happens in our Village every December gets all those stockings decorated. stockingsYou might even think we buy them that way. Not true. there is a wonderful lady and her husband in our village that hand decorates with felt they purchase themselves over 1000 stockings every year for us. This is their third year. Here is a little bit about her.
Arlene King was born in Greensburg Indiana, December 1947. Here family moved to Phoenix in 1959.
She attended Laveen Elementary School and graduated from South Mountain High in 1966. She met her
husband, Kenneth King while attending high school. they were married in the Southern Baptist Church
at South Central and St. Anne about 44 years ago. (This is the current location for our annual Holiday Fun Fest event, this years date is December 12th). They have four children and six grandchildren. Arlene was a Boy Scout Leader in the Pueblo (South Mountain) District for over ten years. Her and Ken enjoy making new decorations for the stockings each year. They have already started making next years designs for Christmas 2010. Arlene and Ken have been residents of the
South Mountain Village for over fifty years.

Posted in Laveen, SoMo Village, Take pride in the South Side, Volunteers, positive news | Tagged: , | Leave a Comment »

SOUTH MOUNTAIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE CELEBRATES 30TH ANNIVERSARY

Posted by somovillager on August 30, 2009

By Dr. Kenneth Atwater, President, South Mountain Community College

They said it couldn’t be done.presfinalimage004image001

But guess what?  We did it.

When South Mountain Community College was created three decades ago, more than a few thought the school would not survive. An institution of higher learning built in Phoenix, south of the Rio Salado? Many had their doubts.

But we did it.

And this year, South Mountain Community College will mark 30 years of providing quality instruction to students and serving the educational needs of our community.

It was on August 23, 1979 that ground was broken for a permanent college campus near the intersection of 24th Street and Baseline Road in Phoenix.  And from that day forward, South Mountain Community College has been “the little college that could.”

The smallest of the ten colleges in the Maricopa County Community College District, South Mountain arose from truly humble beginnings. The main campus was built on a tiny budget, using portable buildings, and offering classes in local elementary schools and churches along the way.  A small but committed faculty was assembled, meager in number but rich in spirit, some of whom continue to teach at the college today, and all with the commitment to students that quickly established SMCC as “the college with a heart.”

But we didn’t merely survive—we thrived!

And the main reason for our success is inherent in our name:  community.  South Mountain Community College was created and uniquely equipped first and foremost to serve our community….an extremely diverse array of homes, neighborhoods, ranches and farms that span the Baseline corridor, from Ahwatukee and Guadalupe on the east to Laveen on the west.

And among the residents of this unique and dynamic section of the Valley of the Sun were many individuals for whom a college education had been only a dream.  Our college was created for those residents, to help them attain their educational goals in a friendly and supportive environment, and show them that one’s accomplishments are limited only by the extent of one’s desire and willingness to work.

Yes, we built it, and they came—more than 100,000 students over three decades, with many thousands of those students leaving with degrees and certificates, well prepared to take the next step in pursuit of their chosen careers.

As such, the college has served as a beacon of progress for Phoenix, and the South Mountain Village in particular.  And over the decades, the college has grown along with the community.  Those original temporary structures that were built with uncertainty 30 years ago have slowly been replaced and edified with the permanence of bricks and mortar.  And bold new structures, like our Technology Center and award-winning Performance Hall, have further strengthened the college’s presence and added distinction and character to the community landscape.

Regional SMCC centers were created to serve unique and vibrant student populations in Guadalupe, Ahwatukee and Laveen.  And investments in property made in those communities will ensure a presence for the college for years to come.

And soon we will break ground on yet another exciting addition to the college campus: the South Mountain Community Library, created jointly with the City of Phoenix, and designed to serve not only our students but the residents and families of the South Mountain Village.  This new structure, scheduled for grand opening in the summer of 2011, will be yet another step forward in strengthening the ties between college and community.

The theme for our 30th anniversary celebration is “Celebrating the Vision: 30 Years of Excellence,” and we are looking forward to many exciting events and activities throughout the 2009/2010 academic year.  You’ll find a calendar of events and much more by following the “30th Anniversary” link on our college Web site, at www.southmountaincc.edu.

If you have not had opportunity to experience our campus, I hope you will take advantage of the exciting activities we are presenting this anniversary year, and visit us soon.

In the meantime, we at South Mountain Community College will prepare for our next 30 years by holding true to our institutional vision: educating lives; transforming minds; touching hearts; and building community.

We invite you to share in that vision.

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Laveen Schools Sept 09

Posted by somovillager on August 30, 2009

Laveen Schools Continue to Make Big Gains in Student

Achievement

The Laveen District once again showed dramatic improvement in student achievement for the 2008-2009 school year, achieving some of the highest student achievement scores in the district’s history.

“We’re delighted to be providing the children of Laveen with the quality education they deserve,” stated Governing Board President Randy Schiller.

This is the third consecutive year that Laveen schools showed growth over the previous year’s scores. The state AIMS results for 2009 show that student achievement in Laveen exceeded state benchmarks in every grade level in reading, math, and writing, according to Laveen Superintendent Dr. Ron Dickson. Improving student achievement has been a top priority in Laveen since Dickson’s arrival in 2005.

“We are pleased, but not surprised by the gains in student achievement,” stated Dickson. “Our teachers, staff, and administrators spend a great deal of time talking about where students are and where we want them to be, and then doing what is necessary to get them there, and it’s definitely paying off.”

Dickson is also very proud of the fact that the teachers haven’t had to accomplish this task alone. This is particularly important when considering that, because of the district’s rapid growth since 2005, most of the district’s teachers and administrators have been in their positions for three years or less. To compensate for this limited experience, the Laveen District provides a tremendous amount of support by way of new textbooks, curriculum maps, a quality staff development program, and a fulltime teacher mentor at each school site. All of this support is making a difference in Laveen, with some of the schools doubling the percentage of students meeting state standards from the previous year.

The improvements within the district are not going unnoticed by members of the Laveen community. A recent survey showed that 90% of parents believe the Laveen District is headed in the right direction. In addition, the Laveen community showed tremendous support for the district in the November general election, when they approved passage of a school bond issue. These funds will be used for the rebuilding of Laveen and M.C. Cash Schools, the renovations at other existing schools, the purchase of school buses, and improved district support facilities.

Dickson highlighted the role of principals, teachers, and staff in raising student achievement and stated, “We’re all energized by the growth that we’ve experienced, and are confident that we will build on these successes to make 2010 the best year yet!”

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YMCA SEPT 09

Posted by somovillager on August 30, 2009

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Ocotillo Library Sept 09

Posted by somovillager on August 30, 2009

ocotillo

Children Programs

Babytime—(Occurring Tuesdays) 9:15 AM to 10:15 AM–Children birth to 23 months accompanied by a caregiver. Have fun sharing books, fingerplays, songs and more. Learn tips to build a foundation for reading. Playtime follows program.

Family Storytime—(Occurring Tuesdays) 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM– All ages with children, birth to five, accompanied by a caregiver. Have fun sharing books, finger plays, songs, flannel board stories, and more. Learn tips to build a foundation for reading including dialogic and sound awareness activities.

Teen Programs

Teen Computers—Two internet computers are reserved for teens ages 12 to 18.  These computers are located in the TEEN SCENE.  Teens must own a library card to use any computer in the library.  There is a limit of one reservation per day.

Teen Night—1st and 3rd Friday, 5 PM to 6 PM– Kick off your shoes and dance, unleash your inner rock star, or just relax and watch your favorite movie! Play Dance Dance Revolution or Guitar Hero or watch a movie on Ocotillo’s giant projection screen. We’re always on the lookout for new challengers! Light snacks provided.

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Adult Programs

Clases de Ingles ACORN—Los lunes y los miercoles, 5-7 pm – Aprende Ingles.  Gratis para miembros.  Clases para todos adultos.

Friends of the Library, Ocotillo Chapter—2nd Saturday–Friends of the Phoenix Public Library.  Join this friendly group and make things happen in your neighborhood library! All are welcome! Visit the branch for more information.  Visit the Friends book sale by the front of the library for fantastic bargains.  For adults.

Posted in Education, Events, Phoenix Public Library, SoMo Village, Volunteers, kids, positive news, sponsors | Tagged: , | Leave a Comment »

Roosevelt School District SEPT 09

Posted by somovillager on August 30, 2009

Roosevelt Schools Improve Academically

Over 95% of Schools Earn “Performing” Label on Arizona Learns and

60% Are Rated “Performing Plus” by State Department of Education

On July 30th. 2009, the Roosevelt Elementary School District held its annual welcome back ceremony at the South Mountain High School Auditorium.  Over 700 educators were present for the announcement of the new AZ Learns labels, which are based on the 2009 AIMS tests scored by the Arizona Department of Education.

Over 60% (13 of 21) of Roosevelt’s Schools earned the “performing plus” label while 95% (20 of 21) of the schools are “performing” or higher.  On average across all grade levels tested (compared to 2008), for 2009 the District scored 9% better in math and 10% better in reading on the AIMS tests.  These significant improvements in the core subjects demonstrate the District’s commitment to student success in the classroom.

Superintendent Mary Bedya commented that “we are seeing the results of targeted academic instruction.  I am extremely proud of everyone’s hard work last year.  I expect this trend of academic achievement in the Roosevelt School District to continue into 2010, and I am also excited for the upcoming school year because we have a lot of terrific programs planned for the students.”

For instance, during the 2009-2010 school year, Roosevelt is implementing the Success for All reading program and continuing its Math Matters curriculum with Superintendent’s Clubs at every school.  More than twenty teachers went to Baltimore this summer to receive special training in the Success for All reading program.  In addition, the District will be hosting an Arts Festival and many other interactive events with the community, such as parent lunches.

Even with the tough budget situation, the District is pleased to be bringing on about 70 new teachers this year.  Several of them were trained at the highly regarded Teach For America National Institute hosted by Roosevelt during the last month.  Roosevelt was one of only six national locations selected for this prestigious training opportunity.

During 2009-2010, the Roosevelt School District will pursue academic achievement for every student, professional development for all employees, and fiscal responsibility while developing a culture and climate of communication with the wider community.

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“A NIGHT FOR AIMEE”

Posted by somovillager on August 30, 2009

SouthGate Church is currently partnering with Open Table Ministries to help a young woman named Aimee and her 2Aimee4 year old son.  “Aimee was the victim of abuse in her early teens and spent most of her teen-age years in foster care facilities.”

Aimee has many exciting goals to help her become successful and self-sufficient.  She is interested in improving her education and working toward career goals that will increase her income and brighten her prospects for the future.  She needs some help in achieving those goals.

SouthGate Church is planning a fundraising event for Aimee on Sunday, September 20th at 5:00p.m. at 2020 East Baseline Road.  The event will include a dinner, entertainment, and an auction.  The proceeds raised will be used to meet some practical and financial needs Aimee currently has and to help her get through the Open Table process and on to her goal of self-sufficiency.

You are cordially invited to attend and participate in this event. The cost is $10.00 per person (no one under 16 yrs. of age please). Please register at the church office by September 6th.  Any businesses or individuals who would be willing to help out by donating goods or services for the auction can call the church office at (602) 243-1900 or George at (602) 243-3162. Thank you and God Bless.

Pastor Andrew

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