DATES TO REMEMBER

April Break………………….…..April 2

(no school)

Spring Photos…………………..April 7

Spring Play...…..….…April 27 & 28

NJHS Induction Ceremony,

Thursday, April 29th

(7:00 p.m.)

Orchestra Concert………….May 11

(7:00 pm.)

Chorus Concert……...………..May 13

(7:00 p.m.)

Band Concert…...……………...May 18

(7:00 p.m.)

Awards Program….………...May 20

(7th & 8th - 6:30)

9th - 8:00)

LAST DAY OF SCHOOL May 27

Parent and student opinions are important to the

Stapley Junior High staff. Earlier this spring

parents and students took the time to complete a

survey on the quality of service provided by the

SJHS staff. Stapley has always received strong

ratings from our parent community. In fact over the

last several years Stapley’s parents and

students have rated us with A+, A and B ratings

over 96% of the time. This number has ranked us

number one comparing all MPS secondary schools.

Our ratings will be in next week and we will

immediately update this newsletter article when we

have the scores in hand. Using this electronic for-

mat for newsletters allows us to update information

to you as soon as we receive it. Once again after

next week, if you would like to view the survey

results please stop by the front desk at

Stapley and ask for our Parent/Student Quality

Service feedback form or visit our web page and

click on the Quality Service Survey or the

Stapley Sabercat Newsletter.

Ken Erickson

A Note From the Principal, April 2010

1

Research confirms that when parents are involved in the education of their child, that child is more focused,

comfortable, trusting and excels in both academics and social behavior. Parent University offers sessions that

provide opportunities to learn more about child development and

effective guidance. Please check out the classes available at www.mpsaz.org/parentu.

COUNSELORS CORNER AIMS/TerraNova Testing: April 8th and 12th – 16th

Standardized testing will be divided into two weeks this year. We will be assessing 9th grade Biol-ogy students on Thursday April 8th. All grades will be testing April 12th – April 16th. If you have to schedule appointments during this week, please make them AFTER 11:30.

Testing Week Tips

• Encourage your child to take pride in his/her performance, without creating exces-sive anxiety or frustration.

• Discuss the value of the test: to assess strengths and weaknesses as well as appro-priate class placement.

• Stick to regular sleeping and eating schedules making sure to include a healthy breakfast.

• View the testing schedule from the SJH webpage under Parent Info.

STEP UP TO STAPLEY Attention all incoming Stapley 7th graders, we would like to invite your student to participate in a summer program at Stapley Junior High called “Step Up To Stapley”. This unique program is designed to smoothly assist in the transition from the elementary to junior high school set-ting. The program will run for two weeks, beginning on June 7th through June 18th. Students will attend Monday through Friday from 8:30 A.M. until 12:30 P.M. The curriculum will consist of junior high school expectations and involve active participation, while familiarizing your student with our campus and providing him/her with a solid founda-tion to begin the 7th grade year. Our focus will be on a variety of subjects like, study/mega skills, problem solving, team building, goal setting, service learning, and physical education. Our approach is to engage the students in an energizing, creative, and memorable way. Step Up will also introduce them to some of the teachers they may have in 7th grade and give them an opportunity to meet over 100 incoming new students from several elementary schools in the area.

If you are interested in having your student participate in this non-tuition program, please fill out the attached application and return it to Stapley Junior High as soon as possible. Due to the overwhelming response to this program, space is limited and will fill up fast. Applications will be accepted on a first come, first served basis. Priority will be given to students who can attend for the entire 10 days. If you have any questions about Step Up To Stapley, please don’t hesitate to contact Jamie Boarder, summer program director, at (480) 472-2760. We are looking forward to seeing your 7th grader at Step Up.

2

Mail - In Registration For 2010 Once again, the next school year’s registration process will be conducted through the

mail. Each student will receive a packet by mail early in July containing everything

needed to initiate registration. Follow the step by step instructions, and mail the

packet to Stapley JHS.

A drop box will be available in the front office for those who would rather not use the

postal service. Registration packets will be processed as quickly as possible. Please re-

turn the packet by July 26th.

It is imperative that we have your correct address on file in the front office. Please

contact the office (480-472-2780) if you have any questions.

BAND NEWS The band had several students audition for regionals and the Mesa Public School JHS Honor Band. Congratulations to the following students who made it into honor band: Bethany Lar-sen (1st chair flute), Brent Collier (2nd chair tenor saxophone), Aaron Ruben (4th chair tuba), Trevor Chapman (2nd chair per-cussion), Carly Pemberton (3rd chair percussion), CJ Berry (6th chair percussion). Bethany, Trevor, and Carly were also selected to play in the Mesa Public Schools JHS Festival Orchestra. Please join us for our final band concert of the year on Tuesday, May 18th at 7:00pm. Students who are interested in joining band next year, regardless of previous experience, should come visit Mrs. Soper in room 403 or email her at cmsoper@mpsaz.org.

3

GO STAPLEY CHORUSES!

The Stapley Choruses performed extremely well on their March 2nd Concert and the Advanced Chorus gave an awesome performance at the Mountain View Area Festival on January 27th. The choruses will continue to work on their sight-reading skills and ear-training this semester as well as some challenging new music. The choruses are looking forward to our future concerts which will be on the following dates: Friday May 7 All Day Adv. Chorus ACDA Choral Festival Thursday May 13 7:00 p.m. All Choruses Stapley Auditorium Friday May 14 1st - 2rd hours Adv. Choruses Stapley Assemblies Congratulations to students who participated in the High School Solo & Ensemble Festival in January. Students who participated were: Angela Cava, Natalie Davis, Alicia Ferrin, Emma Fletcher, Hallie Glidewell, Christie Huff, Hannah Nichols, Ivy Olsen, Breanna Smith & Lauren Willman. Students who participated in the High School Regional Choir Auditions were: Angela Cava, Natalie Davis, Alicia Ferrin, Aly Sherry, & Breanna Smith. Special congratulations to Alicia Ferrin who made the Regional Choir which performed on February 20 at Saguaro High School. Alicia will be auditioning for the All-State Choir on March 12th. Good luck Alicia! The All-State performance will be at NAU April 15-17. Music helps students to develop self-discipline and increase self-esteem. It also stimulates the brain in areas that raise academic scores in reading, math, and science. But most importantly at the junior high age-level, it provides a means for emotional growth. If your son or daughter has not yet tried chorus, encourage them to take part in this program to enhance their junior high experience!

CAREER EXPLORATION

The Career Exploration class had a great time designing and launching their rockets. Mr. Munoz shared his expertise in launching the rockets. The rockets all launched without incident however on their descent, only three parachutes opened. The students had a great learning experience in learning about space travel. Students are now working on their Graphic Arts unit. They are designing a T-shirt and will be transferring their design to a T-shirt which they will keep. Students will also be attending J.A Finance Park in May. This is an all day field trip where students will be given a job and the opportunity to show off their budgeting skills. Intro into Family and Consumer science class is starting their sewing unit. Students will be making a tote bag, a notebook of different sewing techniques, and a pair of shorts. They are all excited to get to the sewing machines.

4

Aviation Camp

Mesa Public Schools is offering an Aviation Camp for students who will be entering 7th and 8th grade for next school year, 2010-2011. Join us for a fun and exciting 2 week program designed for students who will be in 7th or 8th grade during the 2010-2011 school year. If you are interested in exploring flight and its related activities, such as computer simula-tions, tours of aviation facilities, aviation speakers, games, and more, YOU WILL LOVE THIS! When: June 7th – 17th (Monday-Thursday, 8:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. Where: Falcon Field (Commemorative Air Force Build-ing) Cost: $200.00 Apply: Call 480-472-8480 Or visit www2.mpsaz.org/science/flight Sponsors: Boeing, Commemorative Air Force of Mesa, and MPS

5

SPRING PLAY Come fall into the rabbit hole along with Alice and explore the

extraordinary characters of wonderland when advanced drama pre-sents their spring musical Disney's Alice in Wonderland Jr. on Tues-day, April 27th and Wednesday, April 28th at 7:00 p.m. in the Stapley Jr. High Auditorium. It is open to the entire community and is free!!!

Come for an evening of fun and entertainment!!

Cybercat Cafe Links

For Homework Help and Extra Teaching Tips use the link below:

http://www2.mpsaz.org/stapley/parent-info/cybercats_cafe/

LOST AND FOUND The Lost and Found is in the Bookstore.

Please check to see of your missing items

have been turned in. Anything left at the end

of the school year will be donated to needy

families.

6

Service Learning- What is New? Eighth and ninth graders, if you are planning to go to college, you should know that it is a battlefield out there. Grades are the first necessity, but colleges are also looking for those students who also help in their community. Mesa Public Schools has a program called Service Learning, which keeps track of service activities and which rewards those students who have completed 150 hours of service during their high school years. You can earn a special stamp of Excellence in Service Learning on your di-ploma, as well as the recognition on your transcripts. Ninth graders, you are eligible to begin a project at any time. Will you be doing a fun run this month? Are you helping at a senior center or a day care center? Do you do service activities for your church? Are you working on your Eagle project or helping someone with his? All of these and many others, as long as they are voluntary activities, will qualify. Eighth graders, you can start working on your project(s) the day after eighth grade is complete. You are an important facet in the community and you will benefit from helping others in your life. Your service learning coach, Ms. Jamie Boarder (472-2760), has information about the program and a list of agencies that need your help. You MUST apply BEFORE you begin the activity. Each project needs a separate application. Summer is a great time to get started with your project. Ninth graders, Reflections are just around the corner. Please return all time cards by April 1st to Ms. Boarder in Rm. 160. Invitations to Reflections will be sent out soon. Celebrate Good Times!

Special Education Workshop Series for Parents Mesa Public Schools will host workshops from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. March 31, April 7 and April 21 at the Student Services Center, 1025 N. Country Club Drive. Focus on procedural safeguards, individualized education programs and advocacy skills. For information, call (480) 472-0727. Complete information in English and Spanish is online at http://www2.mpsaz.org/commrel/parents/workshops. Talleres Para Padres Sobre Educación Especial Las Escuelas Públicas de Mesa tendrá talleres de 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. 31 de marzo, 7 de abril y 21 de abril en el Centro de Servicios Estudiantiles, 1025 N Country Club Drive. Habrá un enfoque en sal-vaguardias procesales, programas de educación individual y habilidades de apoyo. Para más informa-ción, llame al (480) 472-0727.

YOUNG AT ART Young at Art Show Opening Tuesday April 20, from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. Creative and Performing Arts Building 155 North Center Street, Mesa Everyone, Come and see the Stapley Art work -- it is excellent.

7

Teacher Appreciation week is

May 3rd - May 7th

8

2010-11 Calendar Mesa Public Schools Fall Semester, 2010 August 11 First Day of Classes September 6 Labor Day, No School October 8 End of 1st Quarter October 11-15 October Break No School November 11 Veteran’s Day, No School November 25-26 Thanksgiving Break, No School December 17 End of Semester December 20-31 Semester Break, No School Spring Semester, 2011 January 3 First Day of Classes January 17 MLK/Civil Rights Day, No School February 21 President’s Day, No School March 9 End of 3rd Quarter March 14-18 Spring Break, No School April 22 April Break, No School May 26 Last Day of Classes

Baseball Our 2010 baseball team is doing a great job. Our players are working hard and getting

better. Come out and watch us play. You will be in for a treat. THE 2009-10 TEAM

Dallin Dyer, Dallin Ortiz, Keatin White, Tyler Wielh, Brandon Namie, Bryan Eberson, Alex Sorenson, Justin Yetter, Jeff Wootan, Zac Windle, A.J. Montalvo, Colby Nielsen, Mitch Eiseler, Hayden Bauer, and Hayden Cosgrove.

Coaches are Matt Goodman and Dale Goodman.

FRESHMAN FOOTBALL INFORMATION

All of the information for Freshman Football is on the

Stapley Jr. High Webpage.

Simply click on Coach Dobson/Stapley Football

CONGRATS TO THE 2009-10 GIRLS SOFTBALL TEAM

Shannon Conrad #14 Brittlyn Bonas #1 Taylor Macewen #16 Hayley Passerella #11 Natalie Mecham #12

Amanda Neil #7 Michela McGert #3 Jenna Applegate #10 Payton Swaim #8 Angela Lewis #13

Ashton Swanson #5 Ivy Olsen #4 Alicia Ferrin #2 Nicole Dockerty #15

Mr. Powell will have an informational meeting for

any boys interested in trying out for the 2010

Mt. View Boy's Golf Team in his room (Rm. 164)

immediately after school on Friday April 30th.

9

Immunization Updates for the 2010-2011 School Year

Parents: It is necessary that we update immunization records during the reg-istration process. Please take a moment to check your child’s shot records. If new immunizations have been recorded, please send a copy to the nurse’s of-fice so our records can be updated. To ensure that your student has all of the immunizations required by state law (AZ Department of Health Services), go to the SJH Webpage to view the immunization requirements. It is located under the Health Office Link. Tenth grade requirements are included for the benefit of those students who will be moving to high school next year.

A Very Special Thank You

To the Stapley Jr. High Booster Club. These ladies are an awesome group. Their hard work and dedication to the staff at SJH is very evident. We won’t soon forget the February luncheon. The soups, salads and desserts were amazing. Thank you Lora Davis for orchestrating this wonderful event. How about those little surprises in the mailboxes??? Those were done by Meri Auwen, Dawn Giles, Melissa Teague, Deborah Rever, Kristen Hutsko & Jody Christiansen. LADIES, YOU ROCK!

Rolls April Gunnell Tami Allen Karen Scoresby

Soup Jayne Oldroyd Joni Nielson Sarah Sherry Lisa Randall Amy Demke Kelli Ellsworth Lynette Gregory Peggy Williams Kathy Knight

Salads Teresa Yetter Jane Sherman

Dessert Kimberly Thomas Meri Auwen Patricia Marsh Leeza Monarski Lisa Williams Debbie Forest

10

District Writing Contest Winners

Once again, Stapley students did an outstanding job in Mesa’s District Writing Contest. Seventh graders Brennan

Davis won first place and Kyle Hendricks honorable mention for their poems. Brennan Davis also won an hon-orable mention for his short story. Both are students in Mrs. Holso’s English classes. In ninth grade, Angela

Cava achieved first place and Marlee Mason earned an honorable mention for their personal narratives. Angela

Cava also won first place for poetry, and Hillary Elsner

and Alicia Ferrin both earned honorable mentions for their poems. Jenna Biegel won first place and Julia Guo honorable mention for their essays. And Emma Fletcher

and Morgan Schneck each earned first place and Breanna

Smith honorable mention for their short stories. All are students in Mrs. Julie Miller’s English classes. Way to go, Sabercat writers!

ATTENTION PARENTS

The Stapley Office has received several complaints concerning cars speeding and not driving responsibly through the parking lots.

Please allow time and care when dropping off or picking up your student(s). Thank you very much for your cooperation.

11

SUMMER LEARNING OPPORTUNITY

Stapley will offer a summer learning opportunity to selected current 7th and 8th grade students in math, reading, and writing, designed to boost achievement for the 2010-2011 school year. The extended learning summer session is especially designed for the student who has

• scored at or below the lower one-third of the “Meets” performance level on the 2009 AIMS assessment.

• received a grade of D or F in math, reading, or english.

• been recommended by a teacher for more instruction and support.

The extra time and effort invested in these smaller summer classes, along with a greater op-portunity for individual attention will provide our students with the knowledge and skills to be better prepared for success both in the 8th and 9th grades and on subsequent AIMS and Stanford tests. Dates for the program are Tuesday through Friday, June 1 – June 4 followed by Monday through Thursday, June 7 – 10, June 14 – 17, and June 21 – 24, a total of 16 days for the one session offered. There is no charge for the classes, but students need to attend all 16 days if at all possible. Students may take one or two classes. The times for the classes are 8:30-10:00 and 10:15-11:45. Students may choose among 4 offerings: 1) a math class which reinforces the skills and concepts for success in 8th grade math 2) a math class which reinforces the skills and concepts for success in 9th grade algebra or al-ternative algebra 3) a reading class which focuses on improvement of reading fluency and comprehension skills 4) a writing class featuring strong research-based writing strategies presented creatively All classes are planned to be highly engaging with interactive activities and numerous incen-tives. Selected students will receive letters of invitation and registration soon. If you have ques-tions, please contact Mary Evans at 472-0322 or mmevans@mpsaz.org.

12