South Mountain Villager

A Positive News Publication About the South Mountain Village

Posts Tagged ‘Roosevelt School District’

RSD (Jan-Feb 2010)

Posted by somovillager on February 9, 2010

Roosevelt School District

Innovative Educator Joins Roosevelt Team

District Welcomes Dr. Jacqueline Jackson as New

Associate Superintendent of Teaching & Learning

Phoenix, AZ – Recently, the Roosevelt Elementary School District welcomed Dr. Jacqueline Jackson with a Community Breakfast.  The event was hosted by the P.R. Club at the V.H Lassen School.

Dr. Jackson will serve as the District’s new Associate Superintendent of Teaching and Learning.  She has won numerous awards, honors, and recognition for her outstanding work as an educator.  Her credentials include a Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University, a Masters of Educational Administration from Arizona State University, and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Chicago State University.  Teaching in Illinois, Arkansas, and Arizona, Dr. Jackson has experience working with children from grades K-12.  She also has school leadership and district administration experience as a principal at multiple sites and directing the Title I Federal Grant Programs in the Washington Elementary School District.

The Arizona Cardinals Preparatory Academy is a good example of Dr. Jackson’s innovative leadership.  Under her guidance the school maintained smaller class sizes and extended additional learning opportunities for students.   She also developed partnerships with the University of Phoenix, Arizona Cardinals Football Club, and Communities in Schools.  These partnerships allowed for special enrichment programs and parent involvement, making the school a family center for education.

With her research on professional learning communities in high and low performing schools, it was fitting that Dr. Jackson’s  welcome ceremony was hosted at the P.R Club.  “Positive Reflections” is an extra-curricular entrepreneurial program at the Lassen School that has been operating for over 20 years in the Roosevelt School District.  Students earn a food handlers card, figure out budgeting for the bakery, and balance the restaurant’s check book.  Middle school children from 5th-8th grade learn money management while delivering a tasty product and friendly service every Friday morning from 7-8am.

Dr. Jackson stated that “The P.R. Club is a model program which encourages independent thinking.  I am excited to be in a leadership role in the Roosevelt School District; working with a progressive, innovative, and collaborative team of educators and support staff to ensure that all students receive exceptional learning experiences.  I look forward to meeting and engaging with students, staff, parents, and community members across the District.”

We welcome Dr. Jackson, and look forward to her tour of community events throughout the Roosevelt School District over the next few months.

Posted in City of Phoenix, Community, RSD, positive news | Tagged: , | Leave a Comment »

RSD Dec 09

Posted by somovillager on January 23, 2010

Holiday Presents Come Early for Outstanding Teacher

What if a magic cube showed up at your door?  What could fit into a box measuring 1 meter high, 1 meter wide, and 1 meter long?

Earlier this year the children at V.H. Lassen School wondered about these questions.  The 5th graders also giggled and chatted outside of their classroom in anticipation of surprising their teacher.  You see, they were helping their principal and a crew from Office Max deliver a special gift.

Their teacher, Irma Payan, was selected for “A Day Made Better.”  Principal Hamed El-Afandi nominated Ms. Payan for this program because of her dedication to the children.  Office Max looks for teachers who are committed to student achievement.  “Every year Ms. Payan spends so much of her own money to provide supplies for the students.  I thought it was time to give something back to her after 28 years of excellent service to the Roosevelt School District.”

Fortunately, Office Max helps 1,300 teachers across the nation each year by delivering all of these special boxes on the same day.  Each box is packed full of school materials to keep the teacher’s classroom well supplied.  Their “Day Made Better” program was founded in direct response to the fact that collectively across the United States, over 3.2 million teachers spend $4 billion of their own money annually to provide necessary materials for their students.  Through these generous donations, Office Max works to “erase teacher funded classrooms.”

However, part of the fun is that Office Max surprises the winners.  So no one knows who will get that magic cube at their door.  They also don’t know exactly what will be inside the box.  It is kind of like Santa Claus coming early.  Should we see what Ms. Payan and her class of students got?

The local Arizona Office Max “Impress” Team packed this gift box full of the following items:  chair, printer, digital camera, flash drive, dry erase board, computer paper, colored paper pens, pencils, markers, crayons, clips, folders, post-it notes, and lots of other knick knacks.

When asked for her initial reaction, Ms. Payan said “I just told the kids that I am going to get a new chair and printer after school today.”  So the timing and contents were perfect for this special gift box because it truly did make her day better.

We thank all of the teachers and staff throughout the Roosevelt School District for their continued dedication to the children.  Each student is like a magic cube because you just never know what each child will grow up to become.  The Roosevelt educators make a difference in our neighborhoods every day by doing what is necessary to provide for student learning (unlocking the special contents inside each child).

Posted in Community, Education, Events, RSD, kids | Tagged: | Leave a Comment »

McCarthy Heart Hats Volunteers Deliver School Supplies to Students in Need

Posted by somovillager on August 27, 2009

The number of Valley homeless children is at an all-time high;

McCarthy’s Education Services team stepped in to help

McCarthy Heart Hats, the community involvement arm of McCarthy Building Companies Inc., led by employees

L to R – Roosevelt School Superintendent Chris Brown; McCarthy Project Director Justin Kelton, Project Director, McCarthy Business Development Manager Tara Malloy and McCarthy Project Director Mark Snider.

L to R – Roosevelt School Superintendent Chris Brown; McCarthy Project Director Justin Kelton, Project Director, McCarthy Business Development Manager Tara Malloy and McCarthy Project Director Mark Snider.

from the McCarthy Education Services team in Arizona, recently donated 15 large boxes filled with schools supplies to the Roosevelt Elementary School District’s Homeless Education Program in Phoenix.

As part of its Homeless Education Program, the Roosevelt Elementary School District provides tutoring, uniforms, personal hygiene items, transportation, backpacks and other school supplies to children in need. Last year, the need quadrupled to more than 800 identified homeless children, compared with 180 children the previous year. Donations became even more important and the McCarthy Heart Hats committee stepped in to help collect supplies, which included binders, notebooks, backpacks, pens and pencils, personal hygiene items and snacks, among other items.

“Donations are truly valued as they impact the quality and level of assistance we provide to homeless students.  As a result of donations, Roosevelt School District is able to enhance the efforts and support to students who are homeless so they can fully benefit from their educational experiences,” said Cynthia Bryant, Director of Federal Programs for the Roosevelt Elementary School District. “These donations truly impact our delivery of a very comprehensive homeless program.”

The McCarthy Heart Hats community outreach program is dedicated to ensuring real community needs are being met through hands-on activities and financial support. Last year alone, more than $1 million in financial support, in-kind and hands-on building contributions were made through the program.

“The Homeless Education Program is incredibly valuable in our community and it’s extremely important we help support them,” said Bo Calbert, president of McCarthy’s Southwest region. “We are grateful to all who contributed and feel privileged to be able to donate these much-needed school items, especially in these tough economic times when the need reaches new heights.”

The McCarthy Heart Hats community outreach program is dedicated to encouraging, supporting and recognizing McCarthy employees’ volunteer efforts in a variety of causes where employees work, live and play. McCarthy employees are as passionate about building better communities as they are about construction. The  McCarthy Heart Hats committee hosts an annual fundraising golf tournament and is currently accepting nonprofit grant applications: http://www.mccarthy.com/locations/phoenix/.  McCarthy employees are also encouraged to take part in community outreach individually and through company-sponsored activities, including a company-wide paid volunteer day.

About McCarthy Building Companies

Ranked among the “Best Places to Work” by The Business Journal, McCarthy has helped define the Arizona landscape for more than 30 years. Founded in 1864, McCarthy is one of the oldest and largest privately held construction firms in the nation. McCarthy’s Southwest Region has a divisional office in Las Vegas and operates in Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico and Utah. The company is the nation’s 10th largest domestic general contractor (Engineering News-Record, May 2008). In addition to the firm’s offices in Arizona and Nevada, McCarthy also has offices in Newport Beach, San Diego, Sacramento and San Francisco, Calif.; St. Louis; Dallas; and Atlanta. McCarthy is 100 percent employee owned. For more information, visit www.mccarthy.com.

Posted in RSD, Volunteers | Tagged: , , | Leave a Comment »

Roosevelt Provides Great Summer School Program for Students and New Teachers

Posted by somovillager on June 15, 2009

DSC_1256How was your summer, slick?  “Keen.”  Rumor has it that you did summer school.  “Yes, my parents thought I should get ahead.” (Excerpt from the opening of the Dead Poet’s Society)

What would happen if every classroom had a teacher as dynamic as the “Mr. Keating” character played by Robin Williams in this classic movie about education?  School would be a lot more fun, and the children might learn a lot more both in and out of the classroom.  In fact, kids might even want to attend summer school.

This summer the Roosevelt School District offered an incredible learning experience for students.  Children who registered for the month long summer school program (from June to July) had the opportunity for intensive instruction in reading and math.  The kids got small group and individual level attention that is normally not possible during the regular school year.  To help motivate the students a host of prizes were given away including popsicles, ice cream sundaes, free movie tickets, special field trips, and free dress day coupons (which allow students to wear something other than their school uniforms for a day).

In addition to educating the students, Roosevelt’s summer school program helped train new teachers.  For the second DSC_6737consecutive year, the District was selected by Teach For America (TFA) to host a training institute.  TFA is a national service organization (part of Americorps) which recruits outstanding recent college graduates and working professionals to teach our nation’s youth.  As one of TFA’s six national institute sites for new teacher training, Roosevelt students benefited greatly from this collaboration.  TFA Phoenix Executive Director Pearl Chang Esau commented that “we are very excited to be partnering with Roosevelt again this year.  The Phoenix Institute will allow us to train more teachers to service several Teach For America regions across the country.  We want our teachers to be prepared to teach, mentor, and inspire students throughout the United States.”

TFA corps members participate in a rigorous five-week summer institute, during which they develop the foundational knowledge, skills, and mindsets needed to be highly effective beginning teachers.  At the institute, new teachers engage in opportunities for practice, observation, coaching, careful planning, and thoughtful reflection while working under the guidance of a team of veteran educators to provide a quality education to local summer school students.

The TFA Phoenix institute is partnering with Roosevelt Elementary School District, Agua Fria Union High School District, and Arizona State University.  Amanda Burke, ASU’s Director for Education Innovation and Policy, explained that “ASU is thrilled to be hosting the Phoenix Institute on its Tempe campus.  ASU fosters career development for Teach For America alumni living and working in Arizona, including access to ASU graduate school fellowships and scholarships.”

Over 3,000 students will be taught by the 650 corps members attending TFA’s Phoenix Summer Institute.  Roosevelt students will know their math facts better, and be able to read with increased fluency and comprehension thanks to this new teacher training partnership.  Fortunately, Roosevelt has many highly qualified faculty who will serve as advisors and coaches guiding the new teachers in their classrooms.  Along with ASU, TFA, and their Agua Fria collaborators, the Roosevelt teachers are focusing the curriculum around the highest academic areas of need for each grade level of students.  In this way, everybody wins—students, teachers, and the wider community.

So even though “it is summertime and the living is easy,” the Roosevelt School District is encouraging its students to “Gather ye rosebuds while ye may . . .,   Carpe Diem . . ., and Seize the Day!” (as Mr. Keating from the Dead Poet’s Society would say)

Posted in RSD | Tagged: , , | Leave a Comment »

RSD June 09

Posted by somovillager on June 10, 2009

Health Fair Just One of Many Successful Programs Offered by Roosevelt Schools

On May 9th the Ignacio Conchos School hosted its First Annual Community Health Fair.  Free health and nutrition information was distributed by 31 different health provider agencies who attended the fair.  For example, children and adults got information and services for their teeth in the dental bus.  At the blood drive van adults were able to donate blood and get a mini physical.  Hearing and health screenings were also available for families in the “Safari bus.”  Fresh and Easy donated lunches to both vendors and volunteers.  To keep things fun, students and their parents enjoyed a kids maze, the Suns gorilla, and a DJ playing music, too.Health Fair #1

The community health fair is just one example of the events happening in the Roosevelt Schools.  Many schools host Fall and Spring festivals or carnivals associated with seasonal holidays such as Halloween and Cinco De Mayo.  Children parade in costumes, play games, step dance, do crafts, and get their faces painted.  Students and their families can participate in the Red Ribbon week drug prevention program or weekend “Serve-A-Thons” and service learning projects where they give back to the community by volunteering their time or helping with food drives.  Various classes also present plays, shows, demonstrations, concerts, and sporting events for the community to observe, while teaching the students to express themselves through poetry, art, science, music, or athletics.

The Roosevelt District also hosts business luncheons and legislative dinners to build support for our public schools.  Roosevelt partners with several different organizations in the process of educating our children:  The South Mountain and Laveen Chamber of Commerce, Roosevelt Education Association, Be A Leader Foundation, Arizona State Health Fair #2University, Teach For America, Campfire USA, City of Phoenix, Pearson’s Publishing, John’s Hopkins Center for Data Driven Education Reform, and Ear Candy are just a few.  These partners ensure that Roosevelt students have the best programs, resources, and technology available.  Every classroom will eventually have an interactive white board thanks to their help and the donations of many other businesses and individuals (not to mention generous development grants).  These partners also offered community leadership with a $60 million bond.  That money is now funding a new west side campus, in addition to Bernard Black, as well as a full remodel/renovation of the Julian, Barr, and Amy Houston facilities.

All of these efforts are aimed at improving the quality of education for our students to ensure academic excellence.  Some children participate in the Success for All Reading program.  Teachers use innovative and flexible grouping strategies to instruct children beyond the basic classroom.  Others get involved with the Superintendent’s Math Club.  These kinds of programs offer fun ways for students to practice critical academic skills.  Workbooks with local references allow the whole family to help out at home and reinforce what is being taught at school.  At the end of the school year some kids even earn prizes such as a new bike based on their participation.  Other programs such as Teen Court and the PR Restaurant Business Club allow students to apply what they have learned in real world settings.  Maybe that is why Roosevelt students’ reading and math AIMS scores have significantly improved over the last 5 years, increasing more than 6 times the state’s average gains in each of these subjects.

According to the Arizona Department of Education, over 90% of Roosevelt’s 21 Schools are ranked as performing or performing plus.  The Roosevelt School District was also recently recognized for “outstanding leadership and support of school based research with children,” earning an award from the Southwest Interdisciplinary Research Center at ASU.  As the school year comes to a close, we thank the community for standing behind the public schools and pushing Roosevelt to achieve academic greatness!

Posted in RSD | Tagged: , , | Leave a Comment »

Planning for the Future

Posted by somovillager on May 7, 2009

Roosevelt School District – May 2009

Growth, improvement, and innovation are taking place in the Roosevelt School District.  As the current school year winds down, the District is preparing to address the educational needs of children and their families for the next several years.

Innovation comes to the District through the Roosevelt Community Technology Center (RCTC).  The City of Phoenix recently approved a $975,000 community development grant for the RCTC whose mission is to aid and enhance existing educational and community programs by offering free access to computers, the internet, and multimedia learning for all ages.

This community partnership ensures that the students of the Roosevelt Elementary School District do not stop learning when they leave school.  Services and programs are provided in conjunction with the Be A Leader Foundation, and they focus on educational and professional development.  The RCTC is a safe haven and a venue for children and families in the South Mountain community.  The RCTC is located at 6029 S. 7th St., Phoenix.

As the South Mountain community grows, so does the school district.  During the week of March 23-27, 2009 the District conducted Kindergarten registration events.  Parents were invited to attend a special presentation at their neighborhood school to receive assistance with the registration process.  The District partnered with the United Way to provide School Readiness Kits to each family that registered their child.  These kits contain books, a CD with children’s songs, number and letter teaching tools, a Kindergarten handbook, and other materials to aid in preparing children for school.

Community growth also leads to construction and improvement to District schools.  Currently there are three new schools under development, including:  (1) new campus to replace Julian, which will serve students living within the Julian and King boundaries; (2) new campus to replace Barr, which will serve students living within the Barr and Sierra Vista boundaries; and (3) new school on the west side at a location to be determined in the area between 29th Avenue to 35th Avenue and Baseline Road to Broadway Road.

The District prides itself on small classroom sizes and comfortable space for students to learn; therefore, new schools for Julian and Barr are necessary because Julian and Sierra Vista are nearly 60 years old.  The west side school is being built to address anticipated growth in that area already witnessed by overcrowding at Bernard Black.

Please call your neighborhood school or the Roosevelt School District Office at 602-243-4800 for more information regarding student registration for the 2009-10 academic year.

Posted in RSD, SoMo Village, positive news | Tagged: , | Leave a Comment »

ROOSEVELT SCHOOL DISTRICT IS “AIMING HIGH”

Posted by somovillager on March 18, 2009

testing-kid1Last spring, the students and teachers in the Roosevelt School District (RSD) were proud of their AIMS scores. Through tremendous focus and determination, as well as support from parents and community members, RSD’s students and teachers achieved their ambitious academic goals. In 2008, over 90% of the schools in the District were ranked as performing or performing plus!

For this spring’s AIMS exams, RSD’s students and teachers are “aiming high” once again. Arizona’s Instrument for Measuring Standards, better known as AIMS, will be administered throughout the District from April 6 – 17, 2009. These tests will measure students’ progress in math, reading, science and writing for grades 3 – 8. While students do not need to pass their AIMS exams to be promoted to the next grade, the results are utilized by the Arizona Department of Education to determine whether or not a school is succeeding in its responsibility to ensure children are learning the State’s academic standards.

AIMS scores are categorized by four performance levels: Exceeds the standard, meets the standard, approaches the standard, and falls far below the standard. The goal is for all students to at least reach the level of meet the standard. These exams consist of a diversity of questions including multiple choice, short answers and essays. Students learn test taking skills which allow them to maximize their performance, and train them for future academic paths of success.scan-tron-image1

Since the beginning of the school year, teachers have prepared their students for the AIMS exams through intensive instruction, personal encouragement, and one-on-one tutoring. At Brooks Academy, for example, a rally will also be held the week before they administer AIMS. The rally will motivate students to believe in themselves and give 100% effort. Additionally, all schools in the District will continue to provide advice to parents (on how they can be helpful in preparing their children to be ready). Make sure that children get plenty of sleep, eat a healthy breakfast, and bring healthy snacks to school. These are just a few quick and easy ways for parents to help.

Working together, teachers, parents and community members can look forward to celebrating another successful year for the students in the Roosevelt School District. Good luck, students!

Posted in RSD | Tagged: , , , , | Leave a Comment »

The Roosevelt School District Reaches Out

Posted by somovillager on February 23, 2009

The Roosevelt School District Reaches Out to the Local Community for Help to Shape the Future:  Strategic Action Plan

strategic-5As part of the New Deal, on Saturday, February 7, 2009, Dr. Mark Dowling, the Superintendent of the Roosevelt School District, brought together almost seventy members of the community to develop a new mission and strategic action plan. A priority of the Roosevelt School District ‘New Deal’ is to include the voice of the community in shaping and guiding the District. Parents, community members, classified staff, teachers, district administrators, and principals worked hand-in-hand all day Saturday to establish a new mission and five major goals for the district strategic action plan.

In addition, all five Roosevelt School District Governing Board Members, President Betty Thompson, Clerk Jimmie Muñoz, Betty Ware, Norma Muñoz, and Catherine Miranda, participated in the development of the strategic action plan. The employees in attendance from the district volunteered the entire day to develop the strategic action plan. The feeling of commitment, belief, and pride in Roosevelt was strong and expressed by all seventy participants.

The district appreciates and needs the involvement of the local community to move forward and continue to increase student achievement. The goals of the strategic action plan were developed on Saturday. Action steps and strategies were also developed to accompany and support each goal. The five goals of the strategic action plan will become the foundation for building Roosevelt’s future. The five goals for the district are (1) Increasing Student Achievement, (2) Recruitment and Retention of High Quality Teachers, (3) School Culture, Climate, and Community, (4) Financial Accountability, and (5) Professional Development.

Roosevelt is the beacon of hope for the children of the community, and the timing could not have been better for the community to come together to help shape the district’s future. The five goals of the strategic action plan were designed to be a cornerstone of the ‘New Deal’ in Roosevelt. Currently, student performance continues to increase on a daily basis, teachers are improving strategies to ensure that all children are learning,

Mary Beyda, the Associate Superintendent for Teaching and Learning worked to ensure that the strategic action plan would be consistent with the goals of the Arizona State Department of Education. It is important for the district to work with the local community, and the state. The work of strategic planning is not over. Five teams were developed to ensure that the strategies and action steps for each of the goals are finalized and presented to the Roosevelt School District Governing Board for approval. In addition, a team was formed to refine the mission of the district.

The local community can take great pride in the progress of the Roosevelt School District. Superintendent Dr. Mark Dowling, and the Governing Board of the Roosevelt School District are committed to ensuring the success of the ‘New Deal’, increasing student achievement for every child, and the involving the community in decision-making..

Posted in RSD, SoMo Village | Tagged: , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Learning about the Law at Roosevelt School District

Posted by somovillager on January 5, 2009

courtroom The judge entered the court room as students from C.O. Greenfield Elementary watched in anticipation, the gravel banged and court was in session. Observing a live court trial is just one of the many activities Greenfield students in the ASU Junior Law Club have participated in this year.

Students in the Roosevelt School District are learning about the law outside and inside the classroom through the ASU Junior Law Club, Teen Court, and the Law Magnet Program. Greenfield elementary teacher Laura Palm coordinates the ASU Junior Law Club where eighth grade students are exposed to all areas of the legal profession.

ASU law students supply a set of textbooks, workbooks, and visit the school twice to teach classes. The law students then teach two 3 hour sessions to the eighth graders. These sessions teach students about the world of law including the United States’ legal structure, starting with the court system and including hierarchy of case precedence, statutes, and the Constitution. Students study legal texts, are taught legal writing, and learn how to interpret statutes and case law. The highlight of the program was a field trip to the Federal Court house on November 7, where they met lawyers, judges, parole officers, and US Marshals.

The Teen Court mentoring experience gets the students into Judge Cody William’s South Phoenix Courtroom once a month. On December 10, students from C.J. Jorgenson visited the justice complex with their school coordinator Lynn Piwowarczyk. Other participating schools include Rose Linda, Bernard Black, Cloves Campbell, and Percy L. Julian.

Learning by doing is the theme of Charlene Rolls’ Law Magnet Program based at South Mountain High School where students from Caesar E. Chavez are mentored by participating South Mountain high school students. This mentoring program, along with the Teen Court experience, was started by Pam Neil eight years ago and includes several District schools. This year approximately 50 students are participating in the program where they learn how to develop and argue a case in a mock trial setting. Caesar Chavez students travel to South Mountain High School once a month to assist older students in case preparation and presentation. Students practice oral argument skills, case analysis, and writing skills.

During the spring semester, Law Magnet students participate in the End of Year Youth Conference where students from all over Arizona compete in a mock trial tournament. The tournament is sponsored by the State Bar of Arizona and gives the students an opportunity to compete against different schools and meet practicing attorneys and judges. This mentoring program is funded through sponsorship from outside organizations and is in need of additional funding to maintain and grow the program.

Law programs in the Roosevelt School District teach students analytical, writing, and public speaking skills. Students are taught legal basics and have the opportunity to interact with legal professionals. From trips to the court house to presenting their own mock trial, Roosevelt students are learning the ins and outs of the law.

Posted in RSD, SoMo Village | Tagged: , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Red Ribbons Say “No to Drugs” for Roosevelt School District Students

Posted by somovillager on November 12, 2008

Just Say NO

Just Say NO

The Roosevelt School District recently participated in the national Red Ribbon anti-drug campaign. This is the oldest and largest drug prevention program in the nation. Each year the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the National Family Partnership plan a week of fun educational activities to make children and families aware of the dangers of drugs. As the front line of each community, schools are very effective at spreading this important message to students. Right before Halloween (October 23-31) kids are reminded to have the courage to say “No to drugs” by wearing their red badge.

In the Roosevelt School District this program was lead by the Ignacio Conchos School and George B. Brooks Academy. Students were warned about substance abuse and learned some of the history behind this program. The Red Ribbon Program was started to honor the memory of DEA Agent KiKi Camarena. He battled illegal drug smugglers and was murdered in Mexico in 1985. His friends and neighbors began wearing red badges of satin to show support for his message of courage and hope. This began the tradition of wearing red ribbons as a symbol of intolerance towards the use of drugs.

McGruff the Crime Dog

McGruff the Crime Dog

At Ignacio Conchos students started Red Ribbon week by decorating their classrooms. Kids at George B. Brooks Academy held a poster making contest to see what anti-drug slogans and symbols the students could create and then design. Children developed themes that expressed the dangers of drugs and how to prevent abuse. Kindergarten through 3rd grade classes were visited by McGruff the Crime Dog at Ignacio Conchos. The week concluded at both schools with an assembly where students read poems and performed skits for the student body. On Halloween, the school had a drug free festival complete with a costume party, school dance, and parade.

Agent Camarena is a powerful role model for the students. He worked his way through college and wanted to be a police officer in order to protect and serve his community. People would always ask him why he risked so much being an undercover DEA agent in Guadalajara. His answer was that “he wanted to make a difference and help others.” So students learn that one person can make a difference, and this lesson applies to all areas of their life and education, not just health.

The Red Ribbon program brings millions of people together to raise awareness regarding the need for alcohol, tobacco, and other drug and violence prevention and early intervention. By participating in this national program the Roosevelt School District makes its community stronger; delivering a united message against substance abuse. Students learn that a drug-free life is positive and filled with hope. Through this kind of partnership the Roosevelt School District also educates its students about the powerful value of bringing the community together around important issues. One person can make a difference, and so does the community as a whole!

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged: , , , , | Leave a Comment »