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A Knightly Newsletter May 2022

PRINCIPALS’ MESSAGE

Knights, thank you for another wonderful year! Before you know it, it will be time to kick off yet another. The first day of school is Thursday, August 4th. Our PTO will be holding a uniform sale on Thursday, June 23rd from 4:30-6:30 and another one right before school starts. All students returning to the Academy will keep their devices for the summer. Please take good care of them so you are ready to start the new year. Keep your eye out for details regarding Meet the Teacher Night and other back-to-school events. Have a safe and fun summer! -Nikki Wilfert

STUDENT COUNCIL UPDATES

Congratulations to our newly-elected officers! You have clearly demonstrated the IB trait, risk-taker. Davis Sterling-President; Lauren Cooper- Vice President; Eva Schmelter- Secretary; Preston Rule-Treasurer; Elijah I. Salazar- Publicist

Favorite Character Day @MAAS!

Our last Spirit Day had great participation and without a doubt, fun was had by all! Our MAAS Knights are very creative. Way to end the year. Thank you, Knights- Student Council

Band and Orchestra Festival

Our band and orchestra were both rated the highest, Superior with Distinction. Our band and orchestra continue to hit the highest notes every place they go! What a great way to end the year. Congratulations to them, Ms. White and Mr. Dixon.

8th Grade "KNIGHT" Awards

Academy Knight Citizenship Award

The Citizenship Award goes to Joey Sandoval who is both caring and principled. Joey demonstrates compassion, respect, and empathy for others. joey takes responsibility for HIS actions and acts with honesty and integrity as HE strives to make a positive difference in the world.

Knowledgeable Knight Award

The Knowledgeable Knight Award goes to Alex Easter who is both knowledgeable and open-minded. Alex demonstrates mastery of academics in every class in which he participates; he is passionate in his genuine desire to learn more about the world. Alex is not afraid to see things from other viewpoints and cultural perspectives and is eager to learn from new experiences.

Notable Knight Award

The Notable Knight Award goes to Kieralyn Kennington who is reflective, balanced, and a communicator of global ideas. She is thoughtful and understands the need to lead a balanced life as supported by KIERALYN's ability to assess her personal strengths and limitations. Kieralyn is a well-rounded individual who understands and expresses ideas through a variety of means and is confident when collaborating with others.

Knight of Distinction

The Knight of Distinction Award goes out to Cora Hanna who is a risk-taker, thinker, and inquirer. Cora uses strength of character to delve into new and uncertain situations, always ready to use creative and critical thinking skills to challenge intellectual norms. Cora is someone who regularly processes information and turns it around to ask "what if", "why not", and "how about"? Cora loves to learn and will continue to use her natural curiosity to acquire skills to further her learning all her life.

M.A.S.A.

Each junior high principal in Mesa Public Schools gets to award one student with the M.A.S.A. Award. It is given to one 8th grade student that has continuously stood out in various positive ways, it is the student that is seen as exceptional. This year's M.A.S.A. goes to Mars Price.

2020-21 ACADEMY AWARDS

The Final IB Academy Awards for the IB Profiles celebrate one individual from each grade level that embodies each of the traits. These students were nominated by their teachers. The aim of all IB programs is to develop internationally minded people who, recognizing their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help to create a better and more peaceful world. As IB learners, we strive to be inquirers, knowledgeable, thinkers, communicators, principled, open-minded, caring, risk-takers, balanced, and reflective.

Inquirers develop their natural curiosity, acquire the skills necessary to conduct inquiry and research, and show independence in learning. They actively enjoy learning and this love of learning will be sustained throughout their lives. Samuel Omerza-(4th Grade) Elijah Shaw- (5th Grade) Simon Newman-(6th Grade) Arianne Rencher-(7th Grade) and Anton Magda-(8th Grade)

Knowledgeable students explore concepts, ideas, and issues that have local and global significance. In doing so, they acquire in-depth knowledge and develop understanding across a broad and balanced range of disciplines. Ezra Johnson-(4th Grade) Isaac Donoza- (5th Grade) Stella Johnson-(6th Grade) Paul Trendler-(7th Grade) and Anise Carroll-Covarrubias-(8th Grade)

Thinkers exercise initiative in applying thinking skills critically and creatively to recognize and approach complex problems and make reasoned ethical decisions. Maisie (Artemesia) Olenchock-(4th Grade) Aaron Jury- (5th Grade) Alice Hancock-(6th Grade) Kendall VonBurg- (7th Grade) and May Anderson-(8th Grade)

Communicators understand and express ideas and information confidently and creatively in more than one language and in a variety of modes of communication. They work effectively and willingly in collaboration with others. Jacob Solorzano-(4th Grade) Preston Rule- (5th Grade) Silas Norton-(6th Grade) Yasmine Phakilides-(7th Grade) and Cosette Sampson-(8th Grade)

Principled students act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness, justice, and respect for the dignity of the individual, groups, and communities. They take responsibility for their own actions and the consequences that accompany them. Lindsay James-(4th Grade) Rebecca Wehrman- (5th Grade) Alyssa Smith-(6th Grade) Crew Comish-(7th Grade) and Claire McNamee-(8th Grade)

Open-minded students understand and appreciate their own cultures and personal histories, and are open to the perspectives, values, and traditions of other individuals and communities. They are accustomed to seeking and evaluating a range of points of view and are willing to grow from the experience. Felicia Pritchard-(4th Grade) Riley Ward- (5th Grade) Carson Blackham-(6th Grade) Erick Garcia Martinez-(7th Grade) and Gouri Nair-(8th Grade)

Caring students show empathy, compassion, and respect towards the needs and feelings of others. They have a personal commitment to service and act to make a positive difference in the lives of others and to the environment. Sydney Mitchell-(4th Grade) Charlie Santiago- (5th Grade) Emma Duffek-(6th Grade) Ripley Swinehart-(7th Grade) and Josh Klinger-(8th Grade)

Risk-takers approach unfamiliar situations and uncertainty with courage and forethought and have the independence of spirit to explore new roles, ideas, and strategies. They are brave and articulate in defending their beliefs. Luna Lopez-Rosas-(4th Grade) Ian Nuñez- (5th Grade) Jett Howell-(6th Grade) Jessica Olmedo-(7th Grade) and Vivian Merrill-(8th Grade)

Balanced students understand the importance of intellectual, physical, and emotional balance to achieve personal well-being for themselves and others. Jenae Smith-(4th Grade) Ella Nelson (5th Grade) Manuel Roldan Alguero-(6th Grade) Emma Hughes-(7th Grade) and Will Blackhurst-(8th Grade)

Reflective students give thoughtful consideration to their own learning and experience. They are able to assess and understand their strengths and limitations in order to support their learning and personal development. Luis Guerrero-(4th Grade) Sarah March-(5th Grade) Hugo Diaz Ortiz-(6th Grade) Amelia Clement-(7th Grade) Jack Ellis-(8th Grade)

Final words from the 8th Grade Class of 2022...

For the incoming 4th graders...

Work hard throughout the year in the way you work best and rest the most you can during breaks and weekends. Motivate yourself to do better and be competitive but don't become stuck up about it. Listen to your class and your peers then take the most useful information into account. Find ways to relax while your at it in order to stay productive during work hours. Ask for help whenever you need it they will help you, it's their job.- Josh Klinger
Your next five years will be a long journey. You may loose friends, but you will also make new ones. You will form bonds with your teachers who will allow you to be yourself in their classroom. Aside from your studies, you will learn so much about yourself!- Joey Sandoval
Although it may seem scary at first, you'll soon understand that everyone here is really nice and there is nothing to be scared of. -Gouri
Work hard, be persistent and respectful. Be a good person.-May Anderson
Make good friends. It is so important to make connections in the lower grades, and these connections could stay with you for your entire life.-Anise Carroll Covarrubias

As we move on to high school...

I am looking forward to be on the freshman football team and try to be a starter in football. - Dublin Davis
I'm excited for the new experiences that will come with going to a new school. Especially one that is so much larger than the one I have gotten used to over the years. I will get to meet a ton of new people who have similar interests as I do. Also, not having to do science fair is a plus!-Lily krzeminski
Yes, it is the next step to follow my dreams and I have the chance to make it great! it is the opprotunity to make new experiences and to learn as well as improve my skills.- Josh Klinger

We remember when...

Mr. Riley when we played Jeopardy. -Dublin Davis
Playing the lion and water game in Mr. Reillys class.- Jackson Knopp
My best memories from MAAS are all from goofy moments between me, classmates, and sometimes teachers. Something I think I am really going to miss when I go to high school is how close we all are and how we all know each other.- Lily Krzeminski

8th Grade Celebrations!

Our 8th graders got to visit Washington D.C. and Philidelphia on their Close-up Trip the first week of May. The weather was interesting but didn't keep them from experiencing all that both cities had to offer. Mr. Spencer, Mr. Frank, Ms. Brown and Ms. Hayward made sure to keep everyone safe and busy.
On May 13th our 8th graders put on their best as we welcomed them onto the red carpet. Students had an opportunity to dance, celebrate, catch up, and enjoy the beautiful weather. Our 8th Grade Celebration was a success!
On May 13th our 8th graders put on their best as we welcomed them onto the red carpet. Students had an opportunity to dance, celebrate, catch up, and enjoy the beautiful weather. Our 8th Grade Celebration was a success!

We are grateful to the following staff members that have contributed to the success of MAAS. It takes a team to grow such amazing young learners and our community wishes you the very best as you move on to new adventures!

Ms. Kimberly Merlene/Awesome Science Teacher!

Ms. Merlene has been a teacher for 32 years and was one of our pioneers. She will continue in the profession but will be working for the Gifted & Talented Department for Mesa Public Schools. Her favorite MAAS memory, 'Out-sciencing every other school in the state by earning elementary & jr high division state champions at the Arizona State Science Fair in 2008, 2009, 2012, 2014, & 2015. Also taking our Arizona State Robotics Champions to Germany for the International Tournament in 2013.' There is no doubt that Ms. Merlene has made an impact at MAAS. Ms. Merlene has this to say to all of us as she moves on to a different side of education, 'I see greatness in all of our students and I hope they all recognize their skills/talents/etc. and foster them for a brilliant future.' We wish her much joy in her new role. Thank you Ms. Merlene.

Mrs. Tu

As Mrs. Tu moves on to enjoy time with her family in Taiwan, she recommends all Knights to be internationally-minded! "You don't know what you're going to get until you try it! Mrs. Tu has been with us for 5 years and in Mesa Public Schools since 2000. She has been in the profession since 1996 and it is time to get a little R&R. Thank you for the great trips and the memories these past three years. We wish you the best of luck!

Mrs. Liz Todd/4th, 5th, 6th Grade Science Teacher

Did you know that Mrs. Todd was an MPS student just like you? She has been teaching for 8 years, 4 of them here at MAAS. Know Mrs. Todd will be attending graduate school where she will earn an MBA in Fashion Design. She doesn't have one favorite memory about MAAS but has been honored to have taught our Academy Knights and hopes that they had as much fun learning about science as she did teaching it. We will miss seeing kids 'sciencing' in the media center with sticks, strings, and rulers. Some final words from Mrs. Todd, 'Consider a career in science! We need bright, young people like all of you to come up with new ideas and technologies that will create a better future for everyone. Aside from that, keep learning, creating, and growing. I am so proud to have been able to watch every single one of you grow during my time here. I can't wait to see what each and every one of you will accomplish in the future! Thank you Mrs. Todd.

Mrs. Karen Procopio/Computer Science teacher

Mrs. Procopio, our very own author, is trading in her teacher computer for a swimsuit, water skis, and lots of stamps on her passport. Yes, Mrs. Procopio is retiring after 30 years of teaching. She is looking forward to traveling, swimming, waterskiing, and learning to dock her boat without hitting the slip. Be ready to buy some of her fiction novels as she is going to have time to pursue her second career as a fiction novelist. Her favorite MAAS memory, 'My favorite memory is from the Academy's annual Fall Festival. It was my job to make and serve sno-cones and bags of freshly popped corn. I loved seeing our students in their "regular" clothes, meeting their families, and bonding as a Mesa community with teachers, parents, students and local businesses.' Some final words of wisdom from Mrs. Procopio, 'You get one life. It's your duty to live it fully. Believe in yourselves, work hard to achieve your goals, and never give up or stop dreaming.'

Mrs. Doreen Heitland/math teacher

After 14 years at MAAS and 21 in Mesa Public Schools, Mrs. Heitland is headed to Gilbert Public Schools. She will be teaching math and science at Highland High School. Her favorite MAAS memories are all of the trips, the math competitions, the oceanography trips, the science fair, and the incredibly "MESSY" science experiments that so many students loved. We are going to miss Mrs. Heitland and are so grateful for all she did for MAAS and our students. She always found a way to make math and science real to students, she always had kind and thoughtful words for all of our MAAS family. We wish her the best. Mrs. Heitland leaves you with this, "Fac quod amas, ama quod facis".

Mrs. Kathleen Andreasen/Cafeteria Manager

Even as Mrs. Andreasen leaves for retirement to enjoy her family and travel she leaves speaking highly and kindly of our students. Her favorite memories are our students' smiles, pleasant remarks, and happy smiling faces. She will miss our students the most. Mrs. Andreasen's words of wisdom for our knights, "I wish the students to enjoy every minute of their school years because it will go fast!!! And also last but not least eat a good breakfast and lunch!" Thank you so much for all you have done for MAAS for the past 9 years and MPS for 11 years. 

Mrs. Janene Kelly, Registrar/Attendance Clerk

After 10 years at MAAS, Mrs. Kelly will now have time to visit with her grandchildren, quilt, and maybe do some yoga. Yes, Mrs. Kelly is retiring after 16 years with MPS and 31 years in the education field. Her favorite memories are that of our 4th graders arriving to Mesa Academy nervous but excited and watching them grow into confident 8th graders ready for high school. Mrs. Kelly's last words of wisdom for our knights, "Students here always amaze me with their creativity and imagination. The invention convention and wax museum always blow me away. You have awesome teachers here. They bring out the best in you all. You can all be proud to be Academy Knights." Thank you Mrs. Kelly for taking such good care of us, we will miss you.

Mrs. Rachel Lindsay

After 5 years, Mrs. Lindsay will have the opportunity to work closer to home. Although she is looking forward to the new adventures that come with working in a new school district, she will miss our knights. Her favorite memories are those she made talking and laughing with students, spending time getting to know them, and forming bonds. She leaves us sharing that it has been a blessing working with

Ms. Angie Shults 7th and 8th Grade English

Room 9 will have a new teacher. Ms. Shults will still be at Mesa Academy but will have a new role. She will be the IB Coordinator for Mesa Academy and Summit Academy and will be on campus a couple of days a week. We asked Ms. Shults to share her favorite MAAS memory and this is what she had to say, "All of my favorite memories about MAAS relate to the relationships I was so lucky to form here. The teaching staff is comprised of true friends, who make me laugh and give great advice (and are brilliant educators!). And of course, my students have brought joy to every single day I have worked here. They are some of the funniest, kindest, most thoughtful individuals I've met, and they are proof that kids these days are deep and unique and empathetic." After 17 years in the classroom of which 8 were here at MAAS, her last words of wisdom for our Knights, JUST KEEP SWIMMING!

To MAAS Students and Families from our Staff

This community is welcoming, kind, and overall a positive place to be. Thank you for making year one great! Evan Dixon- Band Teacher

I wish all families and staff members a great summer break and a very safe one!!!

The 3 R's: Relax, Read and Recharge. Best wishes, Mrs. Kelly

Have a safe, fun, and interesting summer! Take care of yourself and spend some time with your family and friends! -Mrs. Allyson Chiren

Wishing our Academy family the most relaxing, recuperative summer, spending loads of time with family and friends and enjoying all the Blessings that we have in this beautiful world. Stay safe and well, See you in August! Mrs Garrison

Very happy memories without any broken bones/inquires :)

I hope everyone in our MAAS Community gets to spend time with family and friends. -Tina Wylie

Relax, enjoy your time away, and learn to make something new together. -Sra. Sandoval

You can change the world if you have the right tools. 8th Grade Class of 2022, the time has come and you’re equipped with everything you need. Good luck as you venture into high school. Thank you for reading and giving us so many great things to write about. -MAAS 2021-22 Newsletter Team, Anna Reeves, Emma Hughes, Cora Hanna, Claire McNamee, Cosette Sampson, Arianne Rencher, Liam Zappone, Hadley Kennington, Olivia Merrill, Joey Sandoval, Olive Van Slyke, Ryan Weinstein, Xavier Vaughan, Kendall Von Burg, and Sra. Sandoval. Have a great summer ya'll!

Credits:

Created with images by shangarey - "Colorful confetti falling on a holiday on a blue background" • terimakasih0 - "ask sign design" • Belight - "Landscape with shell on tropical beach. Summer concept."