gilbert sun news; september 2015: youth

www.GilbertSunNews.com September 2015 31Youth

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Students and snooze buttonsChanging school start times could cost districts

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BY MICHELLE TALSMA EVERSON All fi ve Gilbert Public Schools’ high

schools begin their days at 7:30 a.m. For students who choose to participate in “A hour,” school starts at 6:30 a.m.

But, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) published a statement encouraging middle and high schools to aim for a start time of 8:30 a.m. so students can get adequate sleep. Research shows it can improve health, academic performance and all around quality of life.

“Adolescents who do not get enough sleep are more likely to be overweight, not engage in daily physical activity, suffer from depressive symptoms, engage in unhealthy risk behaviors such as drinking, smoking tobacco, and using illicit drugs, and perform poorly in school,” cites a new study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

“However, insuffi cient sleep is common among high school students, with less than one third of U.S. high school students sleeping at least eight hours on school nights.”

Dr. Rick Singh, an East Valley medical director at NextCare Urgent Care, said children should be getting at least eight to 10 hours of sleep daily.

“The benefi ts of children and teens getting the right amount of sleep

include better academic performance, less negative behaviors, participation in healthy activities and an overall improvement for their health,” he explained.

Recent research shows that two-thirds of students are categorized as “seriously sleep deprived”—and it’s not just an issue locally. As part of the CDC study, it was found that an average of fi ve out of six schools start before the recommended 8:30 a.m. But, logistically, shifting school start times for an entire district is a major undertaking.

Heidi Vega, director of communications for the Arizona School Boards Association (ASBA), explained that school districts evaluate school start and end times annually and it’s common practice for most schools districts to provide stakeholder input on these types of decisions.

“The most common factor that is usually voiced regarding changing high school start times is additional transportation costs since many school districts use the same buses to transport elementary, middle and high school students,” she explained.

“This type of cost can be challenging for most districts due to millions of dollars in budget reductions across school districts in Arizona. Other contributing

SEE SNOOZE PAGE 32

32 September 2015 www.GilbertSunNews.comYouth

SNOOZE FROM PAGE 31

challenges can include pushing the school day further into the evening with high school students involved in athletics and afterschool activities, as well as families with multiple children who rely on the older child to be home when the younger siblings arrive from school.”

For families who are concerned about early start times, one alternative is an online education. One choice, Arizona Connections Academy, is a public, online school that serves students statewide in grades kindergarten through 12. Its administrative offi ce is located in Gilbert.

Kerri Wright, a principal at Arizona Connections Academy, said, generally, she believes children tend to perform best when they are allowed to wake up with their body clock.

“Our (online) environment allows parents to work with their children to create a school schedule that best meets the needs of the child,” Wright explained.

“Teachers are available between 8 and 4 each day and provide opportunities for students to contact them later in the afternoon if that is what works best for the student’s schedule. From brain development to mood swings, we notice that the freedom to sleep later, if necessary, and to defi ne their school day allows for the development of healthy habits and personal responsibility.”

If online education is not an option, the CDC notes that there are many things parents can do to ensure that their teens get enough shuteye. These options include enforcing earlier bedtimes and limiting electronics (cellphones, TVs, etc.) at bedtime. Other expert suggestions are to create a relaxing bedtime routine (yes, even for teens), cut back on extracurricular activities if needed, sleep in an hour on the weekends, and afternoon naps of half an hour or less if needed.

Ten Maricopa County youngsters who participated in the Maricopa County Reads summer reading program were honored by the county’s Library Board of Directors.

Ten youngsters who were identifi ed as top point earners from the county’s fi ve supervisory districts received a certifi cate of reading achievement by the Maricopa County Library Board of Directors. The awardees came from such cities and towns as Gilbert, Anthem, Fountain Hills, Goodyear, Guadalupe, Mesa, Phoenix, Queen Creek, Mesa and Surprise. The program concluded Aug. 1.

“Reading regularly is a pathway to improved learning and informed citizenship,” said Steve Chucri, chairman of the Maricopa County Library Board of Directors. “Through Maricopa County Reads, our library staff generated lots of excitement about reading through books, eBooks, guest appearances, and many other summer experiences in our libraries. We are pleased to honor kids for their reading accomplishments.”

“Children are showing us that reading is important to them,” said Cindy

Kolaczynski, director of the Maricopa County Library District. “As the county librarian, it’s heartening to see kids and their parents embrace community libraries as destinations for personal development and growth as well a place for wholesome fun.”

More than 77,000 individuals registered for the 2015 summer reading program and some 27,000 earned free books for their efforts. To qualify for a free book, a summer reading participant had to earn 500 points or more—one point for each minute read.

“Participants in Maricopa County Reads retained an average of 87 percent of their reading comprehension skills during the program,” said Caris O’Malley, MCLD customer experience administrator. “That’s about 9 percent higher than the estimated summer reading skills retention norm calculated by Reading is Fundamental offi cials. Our program seems to be working well.”

For more information about Maricopa County Reads, email Caris O’Malley at [email protected]. For a list of activities, visit www.mcldaz.org.

County library board honors summer reading achievers

(Sunday, Sept. 13)


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NBA star Harden hosts youth basketball campBY ISRAEL GONZALEZ

NBA All-Star Guard and former ASU All-American James Harden hosted his first Valley youth basketball ProCamp in Gilbert from Aug. 22 to Aug. 23.

“This city really raised me,” said Harden, who plays for the Houston Rockets. “I’m just trying to get more involved and give back to the community here.”

The two-day camp was hosted at Inspire Courts and lasted three hours each day. Campers were divided by age group and participated with prep and college coaches from the area in various stations that taught different basketball fundamentals and skills.

Harden also joined random stations around the camp surprising the kids and participating in drills. Select campers even had the opportunity to go one-on-one and try to score against the NBA Players Association MVP. Five participants were able to score.

This is Harden’s first camp in Arizona. Harden played basketball for ASU from 2007 to 2009 before being drafted third overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder. Harden said the experience at ASU helped him evolve as a basketball player.

“As soon as I stepped on campus, they did an unbelievable job helping me—

everyone, the coaching staff, my teammates, everyone on campus,” Harden said. “I knew something great was going to happen. As long as I worked hard and stayed focused something positive would happen and it did.”

Besides the basketball campers, the gym was filled with parents and Harden fans. Parents wore jerseys and held foam boards of his signature beard to show their love for Harden. Each camper received an autograph from Harden, a limited edition James Harden Basketball ProCamp T-shirt and a team photo with Harden.

Harden not only credits the Sun Devils community for helping with basketball,

but also helping him mature. He said he hopes to find more ways to give back to the community.

“I went from a boy to a man,” Harden said. “College really matured me. Those two years really helped me a lot. It’s always great to come back and give back. Make sure the community knows that I really respect it.”

Seven-year-old DJ Spencer prepares to take James Harden to the hole, one on one. GSN photo by Tim Sealy

Construction crews are working on giving a facelift to Southeast Regional Library’s children’s area.

During the update—which wraps up Friday, Sept. 4—access to children’s materials will be limited and the kids’ area of the library will be closed.

There will be no changes to the hours of operation during renovation and the library will remain open. That period’s hours of operation are from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursdays and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays.

The picture books and juvenile fiction sections will have a new layout and display shelving will be added once the children’s space reopens.

Families who wish to access a full complement of children’s materials and services during the upgrade are invited to visit nearby Perry Branch Library or Queen Creek Branch Library in Queen Creek.

For more information, call (602) 652-3000 or visit www.mcldaz.org.

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BY TRACY HOUSEGilbert-based life coach Bob Wilson

has long offered his services to teachers, schools, businesses and parents. Now he’s helping high school and college students achieve their goals with “Keys to Effective Student Leadership.”

The program utilizes the True Colors methodology for assessing personality types. True Colors is a model of personality identification that is easy to understand, remember and apply. With the colors of blue, gold, green and orange, True Colors distills the elaborate concepts of personality theory into a user-friendly, practical tool used to foster healthy productive relationships.

The one-day, three-hour workshop is highly interactive with whole group activities. “One of the things I like about it (is) it’s highly accurate,” he said. “It’s fun, too.” The ideal group size is six to 25 participants, he said.

“When you think about it, tying leadership with personality type makes a ton of sense,” Wilson said, “You’re looking more closely at yourself and saying ‘What are my tendencies and how can I really amplify those to be a better leader?’”

Wilson is available to speak to classes, clubs or groups. School counselors and teachers can contact him to discuss specific topics to fit individual or group needs.

He added that by understanding oneself better, it is easier to understand others. “I think that’s two key things in leadership—you need to understand yourself very well and you also need to understand the people you’re trying to lead.”

The workshops are not limited to students. Wilson also works with businesses as well. “It’s going to help them communicate better. It’s going to help them understand themselves and others better,” he said. He is also available

for intensive workshops and individual follow-up sessions.

In addition to groups, Wilson offers one-on-one coaching in his Smartful Coaching business. “I do individual work outside of the True Colors as well,” he said. His initial consultation is free. He sits down and listens to clients’ and potential clients’ needs.

“I found that to be the best way to determine do I have the background and experience to help them,” Wilson said. “And if they aren’t sure about coaching, it’s a good way for them to find out about it, face to face or on the phone. Whatever works for them.”

Motivational speaking is another service Wilson offers through Smartful Coaching. “I have some specific topics that are popular, but if they have some other topic I can specialize it for them.” His motivational message is free to nonprofit organizations. “They give a lot to the community, and that’s my way to give back to them.”

To learn more about Smartful Coaching, visit www.smartfulcoaching.com, or contact Bob Wilson at [email protected] or call (480) 710-0340.

Smartful Coaching offers workshops for students

Bob Wilson, of Smartful Coaching, is offering a workshop for students: “Keys to Effective Student Leadership,” which utilizes the True Colors methodology for assessing personality types. Submitted photo

Higley High senior represents Arizona at Boys Nation

The past few months have been a whirlwind of activity for Higley High senior Nicholas Stull. He was elected governor, declared martial law and was nearly impeached all in one week.

Even that did not compare to his experience in Washington, D.C.

Stull was one of two Higley High students to participate in the American Legion Boys State earlier this summer. Boys State is among the most respected educational programs of government instruction for high school students. The selection process included an application and interview.

The program is designed to teach boys about leadership and government. During Boys State, 375 high school students are placed into two political parties and many are given duties similar to those of true state government. There are senators and representatives, judges, law enforcement officers and a governor. That position is one the students elect halfway through the week and

Stull received the nod from his fellow participants.

Soon after the election, Stull saw that some of the boys were not taking their roles seriously, and some were not having fun. He decided to declare martial law, something not expected by the counselors or the participants.

“The senate and the house went crazy. They were trying to get out the back door. There was a point where I thought, ‘I’ve ruined this,’” he said.

While the chaos was all in fun, Stull’s actions made the week even more intense and exciting for everyone.

“They started passing impeachment laws. The civilians started coming to the gallery and watching laws being passed. That was huge. The result was the people who didn’t care, did and the people who weren’t interested, were,” he said.

From the experience, Stull was nominated to be one of two Arizona representatives for Boys Nation and he

SEE BOYS NATION PAGE 38

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STUDENT CHRONICLES Know a student who’s doing something remarkable? Send items for student chronicles to [email protected].

Shelby Phillips earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology from the University of Iowa in Iowa City at the close of the spring 2015 semester. About 5,100 students received UI degrees during spring 2015 commencement ceremonies.

Shane D’sa, a junior in the College of Arts and Sciences at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, was named to the school’s dean’s list for the spring 2015 semester. Full-time students who earn a 3.5 grade-point average or better on a 4.0 scale are eligible for the dean’s list.

Benjamin Zuniga was recently initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines. Zuniga was initiated at University of the Pacific. Zuniga is among approximately 32,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni to be initiated into Phi Kappa Phi each year. Membership is by invitation and requires nomination and approval by a chapter. Only the top 10 percent of

seniors and 7.5 percent of juniors, having at least 72 semester hours, are eligible for membership. Graduate students in the top 10 percent of the number of candidates for graduate degrees may also qualify, as do faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction.

Paul Chan was among more than 1,000 students to graduate Cum Laude from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in New York. The 209th Commencement ceremonies, held in the East Campus Athletic Village Stadium on May 30, included an address by Adm. Michelle Howard, vice chief of Naval Operations. Chan earned a bachelor of arts in architecture.

Katie Repko is one of 1,700 students from Valdosta State University in Valdosta, Georgia, who made the spring 2015 dean’s list. Students who achieve a semester grade point average of 3.50 or higher on nine or more semester hours with an institutional grade point average

of 3.0 or higher are recognized by being placed on the dean’s list.

Dena E. Navarroli graduated Cum Laude from Western New England University in Springfield, Massachusetts, with a Bachelor of Science in biomedical engineering on May 16 in the Alumni Healthful Living Center on the university’s campus. Western New England University is a private, independent, coeducational institution founded in 1919.

Bryan Sherrill has been named to the 2015 spring semester dean’s list at Lafayette College for outstanding academic achievement. To qualify for dean’s list, a student must achieve at least a 3.60 semester grade point average on a scale of 4.0. Sherrill is a graduate of Chandler Preparatory Academy.

The academic honors’ dean’s list for the spring 2015 semester has been announced by Dr. Frank Cheatham, Campbellsville University’s senior vice president for academic affairs. The list for the Campbellsville, Kentucky-based university includes senior Gentry Cameron Kinsella. The academic honors’ list recognizes students who

achieve a grade point average of 3.50 or above for the semester with a course load of at least 12 hours. The spring 2015 academic honors’ list includes a total of 552 students, with 232 named to the president’s list for achieving a 4.0 grade point average, and 320 named to the dean’s list for achieving a 3.5 to 3.99 GPA.

Allison Hansen will receive the Marjorie McKinley Memorial Scholarship from the Department of Human Development and Family Studies in the Iowa State University College of Human Sciences in Ames, Iowa. Hansen is a sophomore studying hospitality management at Iowa State. The Iowa State University College of Human Sciences and its academic departments awarded more than $1 million in student scholarships and awards for the 2015-2016 year.

Luther senior Nicolle Martin participated in commencement ceremonies for the class of 2015 on May 24 in Luther’s Regents Center in Decorah, Iowa. Nicolle, the daughter of Camille and John Martin, earned a degree in German and art. She graduated cum laude.

SEE CHRONICLES PAGE 38


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BEFORE AFTER

Collin Erickson received a Presidential Scholarship from Central College due to a high commitment to academic achievement. Erickson will be a fi rst-year student this fall at Central College in Pella, Iowa.

Tyler Lynch just began his fi rst semester at Eastern New Mexico University in Portales. Eastern New Mexico University, a state institution offering 91 associate, bachelor and master degree options, serves students from around the world. Courses are offered on-campus and online.

Constance Lee, graduated from Lake Forest College in Lake Forest, Illinois, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in education. Lee was among more than 350 students to graduate from Lake Forest College at Ravinia Festival Park on May 9. Lee is a graduate of Mesquite High School.

Jacqueline Strom started coursework at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado, on Aug. 31. Strom’s major is public health.

received the honor. “Boys Nation was a humbling

experience. Going into Boys State, my goal was to be a better leader. Boys State inspired me. It just motivated me to be better at Boys Nation. I was not there to be a leader, but to learn,” he said.

His weeklong adventure in Washington, D.C., included visits to the Pentagon, the offi ces of the House of Representatives and the Senate, the Library of Congress, the Supreme Court and the White House.

“I sat back and absorbed everything I could,” he said.

The group also met with President Obama, a moment Stull said he won’t soon forget.

Stull hopes to take all he learned and transferred it into leadership at Higley High. He already has plans to run for offi ce in several clubs. He also plays on the Higley High baseball team.

With a 4.7 grade point average, and a class load of nearly all advanced placement classes, his senior year is bound to be busy. But he’s also looking toward the future.

“Right now my goals are to keep every door open. I want to have as many options as possible. I love a little of everything,” Stull said.

BOYS NATION FROM PAGE 35CHRONICLES FROM PAGE 36

BY KIMBERLY HOSEYLike any sentimental mother who can’t

believe her little cherub is already a surly teenager, I’ve taken (and frequently look back on) my share of snapshots. Happily, with one destination that’s become a family tradition, I have a ready-made excuse, as well as a lovely background for those photos.

My son and I have regularly visited Boyce Thompson Arboretum, which houses more than 3,000 different desert plants as well as the animals that call the plants and environment home, since shortly after he learned to walk. In those days, it was the best local spot I knew to take long walks and expose him to the natural world. As time went by and we got to know the trails well, we found favorite spots: the main trail as it

winds around a canyon rim, fl owers alive with hummingbirds and butterfl ies and many more. We’ve visited at all seasons, become members and even volunteered there.

On this visit, my son and I showed up just in time for a guided dragonfl y walk led by photographer and dragonfl y

enthusiast Roger Racut. We’ve been on most of the interpretive tours the arboretum offers; exploring plants, lizards, insects and more. The groups often, but not always, include other children. This time, he was the youngest participant. It didn’t matter; everyone in attendance watched with childlike

enthusiasm as Racut netted a large orange-red fl ame skimmer dragonfl y, gave everybody a close look and photo

Planting a seedLove of nature grows at Boyce Thompson Arboretum

A sulphur butterfl y perches on some fl owers in the Hummingbird and Butterfl y Garden, which showcases fl owers that attract the colorful visitors. GSN photo by Kimberly Hosey


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opportunity and then placed the insect gently on my son’s fi nger, where it stood briefl y before safely fl ying away.

After our tour, we checked out the Hummingbird and Butterfl y Garden as a family with kids about 4 and 6 joined us. Their father spotted butterfl ies in a manic sort of spiraling dance, and guessed it was because of pheromones released that “make most of these guys want to mate.” Spotting my son, he apologized, and I told him he needn’t worry.

“We follow the right folks,” the mother quipped. Which is true, but also, everyone here wants to know about nature. My son, who I assure you is at the height of early teenage harrumphing, turns back into a giggly and engaged student of the natural world here. That alone makes the visits more than worthwhile, in my opinion.

The opportunities at the arboretum are limited only by your and your kids’ interests. One highlight not to miss is the Children’s Garden, a well-designed collection of mazes, fl owers, mosaics and more. Kids can navigate the maze and pretend to be javelinas, excavate

“fossils,” watch butterfl ies dance among the fl owers, become a human sundial and more. It’s all about interacting with the natural world.

The arboretum has many events and interpretive walks coming up in the next few months, great for all members of the

family:Saturday, Sept. 19,

at 8 a.m.—Plants of the Bible Land Guided Walk: With a similar latitude as the Biblical Sinai Desert, our own Sonoran Desert climate allows many plants featured in the Bible to thrive. Palms, pomegranates, fi gs, olives and more are featured in this

90-minute tour along wheelchair-accessible paths.

Saturday, Aug. 22, at 8 a.m.—Geology Walking Tour: Geology rocks—literally—as the minerals and volcanic formations along the Main Trail take center stage as guests cover almost 2 billion years of geologic history with professional geologist Rich Leveille.

Saturday, Aug. 22, and Saturday, Sept. 26, at 8:30 a.m.—Butterfl y Walk: Queens, Empress Leilia, spring azures and more: The fancy names and their fl ashy owners

delight during a leisurely walk through the Hummingbird-Butterfl y Garden, Demonstration Garden and Children’s Garden collections, led by local butterfl y researchers and experts.

Sunday, Aug. 23, at 7:30 a.m.—Guided Bird Walk: Discover how to spot yellow-breasted chats, Lucy’s warblers, Bell’s vireos, northern cardinals and many more birds during this interpretive walk led by members of the Arizona Field Ornithologists board.

Saturday, Sept. 5, at 8:30 a.m.—Dragonfl y Walk: Blue-eyed and common green darners, fl ame and roseate skimmers, Mexican amberwings, blue dashers…even the names are colorful. Roger Racut guides this walk around the arboretum’s pond and water features to fi nd and study these brilliant insects.

Saturday, Sept. 12, at 8 a.m.—Learn Your Lizards: This guided walk isn’t just for kids—anyone with a love for lizards and other reptiles will be fascinated as “Wildman” Phil Rakoci uses humor and his way with critters to entertain and educate.

The arboretum also offers history

walks, photography workshops, home school day tours and more.

These days, my son is as likely to swipe my camera as he is to pose in front of it, but it’s nice to see this family tradition has continued. Indeed, the biggest problem we encountered was overhearing a toddler crying as they left: “My butterfl ies!”

“I don’t think he wants to leave,” my son commented. “I don’t blame him.”

Boyce Thompson Arboretum37615 E. U.S. Highway 60 Superior 85173(520) 689-2811arboretum.ag.arizona.edu

A turkey vulture preens as visitors view and photograph it during one of the arboretum’s signature vulture days. GSN photo by Kimberly Hosey

An Anna’s hummingbird perches in the Hummingbird and Butterfl y Garden at Boyce Thompson Arboretum. GSN photo by Kimberly Hosey


SanTan Village Splash PadWhen the temperature reach higher than 100 degrees—or even 110—there is no cooler way to beat the heat than at a splash pad. On a recent sweltering day, kids came together to play in the water at SanTan Village. GSN photos by Tim Sealy

A play area next to the splash pad provides another venue for fun and shade on a summer day.

On a hot summer morning, the Splash Pad at San Tan Village is a popular spot for kids.

James Scalli keeps it cool with a splash of water.

Easton Bert heads face first into the splash. Rigden Crandell takes a big leap.

Hudson Vanden Heuvel prepares to get wet and cool on the splash pad.

Lilyan Floyd hops on the back of a caterpillar for a quick ride.

Rhett Crandell takes the high road and Raegan Crandell takes the low road.

Avery Franklin tries to catch the water.

The Crandells love to play together, from left, Rhett, Rylee, Raegan and Rigden.

gilbert sun news; september 2015: youth

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