MUSD celebrates students, teachers, schools and volunteers

Maricopa Unified School District (MUSD)’s governing board recognized several students, teachers and volunteers at their Wednesday meeting.

Maricopa Wells Middle School Dean of Activities Shannon Hull presented the school’s students of the month: sixth grader Jordan Mastel, seventh grader Mykel Cifaldi and eighth grader Arturo Saenz.

Hull also introduced some of the newly elected student council members from the school. Officers are: President Cori Teller, Vice-President William Huggins, Secretary Mary Barzilla, Treasurer Alan McDaniel and Media Relations representative Kendra Trussel.

Teacher of the month, Ashley Modlin, is a special education instructor at Maricopa Wells.

Santa Rosa Elementary School Principal Rick Abel announced that eight district teachers have received their Masters degrees from NAU; six of them teach at Santa Rosa. The degrees are all in elementary education with reading endorsements and hours toward ESL certification.

Maricopa Elementary School parent volunteer Leslie Maldonado received a bouquet of roses for her commitment to the school. “She’s missed only one day this year,” noted Principal Bonnie Gibson, “and it’s all on her time.”

Maldonado urged other parents to volunteer at schools. “Tie a shoe, open a packet of ketchup,” she laughed. “It doesn’t take much to make kids happy.”

Superintendent Dr. John Flores told the audience and board members that all schools in the district have been rated as ‘performing’ or better. The specific rankings will be available soon.

Read to Kids Day will be Thursday for grades K-2 at all elementary schools in the district. For every volunteer who reads, United Way of Pinal County will furnish that school’s library with a book. Volunteers do not need a badge but should sign in at the school office. Books will be provided. Hours for the respective schools are:

Maricopa Elementary – 7:30 to 10 a.m.
Pima Butte Elementary – 7:30 to 10:30 a.m.
Santa Cruz Elementary – 8:30 a.m.
Santa Rosa Elementary – 7:45 to 10:45 a.m., 12 to 2 p.m.

Photos by Joyce Hollis