Focus on TUSD - August 2007

Awards and Recognition

Gallegos recognized as "outstanding principal" by nurses
Lawrence Intermediate School Principal Ana Gallegos recently received a Certificate of Recognition from the Arizona School Nurse Consortium. She was recognized as a Pima County "outstanding principal" for her work in supporting school nurses and school health services in Arizona during the last school year.

The award was presented last month during the 20th Annual School Health Nursing Seminar, in Scottsdale.

The Lawrence staff helped identify students qualifying for free eyeglasses that the Educational Enrichment Foundation donated.

Gallegos said that the award "validates that we're here for our kids. We would do anything for them, whether it's eyeglasses or other needs. We let our community know that we have services for them and if they come to our school, we will go the extra mile for them."

Summer Harms, a health services assistant who nominated Gallegos, said Gallegos is the best principal. "She's consistent and sets boundaries and she expects the same thing from every single staff, student and parent. She really cares for everyone. She gives pats on the back and chews on the butt when you need it.

"But she's gentle with the chews," Harms said with a smile. "She handles the toughest things with grace and dignity."

Pueblo places second in national mariachi competition
Pueblo Magnet High School's Mariachi Aztlan placed second out of 12 groups competing in the 1st Mariachifest held this summer at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Fla. The group performed a 15-minute set that was adjudicated by two members of Mariachi Cobre, and an adjudicator from Texas. Only five points separated Mariachi Aztlan from the first-place finisher. Groups from throughout the country competed.

"Mariachi Aztlan and the first place group were the only groups to earn "Superior" ratings from the judges," said John C. Contreras, director of Mariachi Aztlan.

Kobritz participates in Summer Geography Institute at ASU
Ann Kobritz of Doolen Middle School recently graduated from the Arizona Geographic Alliance's 10th Summer Geography Institute, which was held at Arizona State University with field work in Flagstaff and at the Grand Canyon.

Kobritz was one of 18 teachers from throughout Arizona who were selected to participate through a competitive process.

During the 10-day graduate level course, teachers attended geography lectures; sessions on teaching Arizona geography standards; workshops on developing classroom teaching strategies and geography materials; and a practicum on how to prepare effective in-service presentations for colleagues.

Graduates of the Institute are required to conduct two in-service workshops.

Bowers receives award from national counselors' association
Former TUSD counselor Judy Bowers recently received a lifetime achievement award from the American School Counselor Association.

Before becoming TUSD's lead counselor in 1994, Bowers had been a counselor at Sabino High School. The lead counselor's position was reinstated after being cut in the mid-1980s. During her time in this position, the number of counselors in TUSD nearly doubled, from 94 in 1994 to 180, for over 100 schools.

Bowers teamed with seven TUSD counselors to write the Comprehensive Competency Based Guidance program that TUSD adopted in 1993.

Bowers is now an independent consultant with school districts trying to improve their counseling programs.