Making Strides Cancer Walk

We came, we saw, we...WALKED!  It was really fun.  What a great opportunity to hang out with colleagues outside of the regular day while making a difference. Participants included Ms. Reinhart and Lilianna, Ms. Q and Lexi, Ms. Claiborne, Ms. Bartz, Ms. Corsi, Mr. Weiss, Tara/John/Hailey Deeb, Ms. Atjian, Ms. Calderon, Ms. Olivas, and of course, Ms. Fraser and family.  A lot of funds were raised, and a few pounds worked off while meeting/seeing/dancing with some of Tucson's finest.  Pictures here.

Many of us have had friends or family devastated by this horrid disease.  My boyhood hero was Terry Fox.  He still is one of my heroes, actually.  His story of courage in the face of this tragic illness is worthy of more than just these simple words. He inspired many of us to help raise over $400 million in his name for a reason.  You are invited to watch man's determination at its fiercest (see video below).

Terry Fox: Running Home

Oceania Activity Day

Our students had an opportunity to be immersed in our Global Studies Academy's focus for the semester: Oceania.  We tried out games from different cultures, recreated traditions, practiced ancient dances, and did project-based activities that included representations in art.  Students, teachers, and parents alike were enthused and really enjoyed themselves.  Here is a link to some of the displays around our building that were used as a reinforcement tool, and added to the overall feel of Oceania in Tucson!

Congratulations Ms. Ambroziak!

Yes!  One of our own bringing home some hardware!  It was good to be in Phoenix to help congratulate Ms. Carole Ambroziak on this great accomplishment.  Our State Social Studies Association recognized Carole with an award, recognition, and a luncheon at Arizona State University this past Friday.  Already a Fulbright Scholar and a professional with teaching experience in Japan, we are truly fortunate to have such a distinguished educator like Ms. Ambroziak on our team.  Now if only she would promise to make that delicious Polish cabbage dish she described for those of us sitting at the banquet table, we might earn another trophy for culinary prowess!  Thank you Carole for your continuous, fine work on behalf of our kids!

Festival Of Schools

Doolen's Festival of Schools Display was held in high regard by those who visited us.  We were proud to have tons of parents and prospective students check us out.  An extra special thank you to all stakeholders who helped make this special event a success!

Forget What You Know: Study Habits

Every September, millions of parents try a kind of psychological witchcraft, to transform their summer-glazed campers into fall students, their video-bugs into bookworms. Advice is cheap and all too familiar: Clear a quiet work space. Stick to a homework schedule. Set goals. Set boundaries. Do not bribe (except in emergencies).  Article taken from NY Times.

My First Day

This was the first picture I took as Interim Principal of Doolen Global Studies Academy on my first day as Principal.  No words can describe how exciting it was to enter these hallowed doors on that day.  Thank you, Thunderbird family, for allowing me into your home.  I promise to do my very best.

Festival Of Schools

Would you like a chance to explore what each TUSD school has to offer?  TUSD's Festival Of Schools at Reid Park Zoo on October 9 is a free event, and is open to the public.  Of course Doolen Global Studies Academy will be there to display our prominent programs, our phenomenal electives, the jewel of Tucson.  Did you know that we are the only middle school in TUSD to offer cheerleading?  Our jubilant Thunderbird Cheerleaders will take the stage to root us on, show our school pride, and greet all participants with delight.  Our incredibly powerful troupe will make your hearts and spirits SOAR!  We will see you at the zoo!  Go Thunderbirds!

When:    9:00 AM - 1:00 PM, October 9, 2010

Where:  Reid Park Zoo, 1100 S. Randolph Way

Thunderbird: Apache Superhero

Thunderbird, also known as John Proudstar, was a Marvel Comic Superhero from Camp Verde, Arizona.  He possessed superhuman athletic abliity, and was at one time, part of the X-Men series.  He served in Vietnam in the United States Marine Corps where he earned the rank of Corporal.  Thunderbird meets his demise in an heroic act.  Read more by clicking the embedded link.

Doolen GATE Program

Thank You Thunderbird Community!

Earlier this afternoon, Doolen Global Studies Academy was recognized by District Leadership as one of the most popular sites in our system, one that parents most want to send their child.  The proof is in the data!  While other schools' enrollment is unfortunately in decline, the number of families who are now (and would like to be) a part of our Thunderbird partnership has exploded!  With projections at around 650, and actual students near 730, we are in the process of getting our students and teachers extra support.  We are also over cap with the number of Open Enrollment students recommended for entrance, and hope we do not have to turn families away.  Why is this?  Some have surmised it is because of our well-regarded GATE program.  Some say it is because we have many of the best teachers in the city. Others think it is our swelling parent support.  No one can doubt the power of excellent word-of-mouth.  After all, our commitment to improved laser-like focus on best instructional practices and belief that we WILL become an Excelling School does tend to travel far and wide.  Whatever the case, we must thank you, Thunderbird parents, for helping to put our best talon forward!

Totally Triumphant Thunderbirds!

What if YOU - yes I mean YOU - had the chance to seriously contribute to the formation of the school of your dreams?  If resources were no object, and roadblocks were non-existent, what would this ambitious blueprint entail?  What would it look like, sound like, feel like?  Imagine walking through corridors, and into the classrooms of this new, hallowed establishment.  Take a moment.  Can you describe this enviable site?  We can too.

Here is your chance to work with others in our fine community on a creative, brainstorming activity that is meant to significantly advance Doolen Global Studies Academy (DGSA).  This is your opportunity to help move our school into another realm of accomplishment.  Yes, We Want You!  DGSA appreciates your creative input, your amazing ideas, and hope you can meet us at our Parent Teacher Student Association meeting on Thursday (9/2/10) @ 5:00 PM in the Library.  You will not regret it!  See you there!

Ken Robinson: Do Schools Kill Creativity?

Ken Robinson: Bring On The Learning Revolution