West Valley View, Avondale, Arizona, Tuesday, May 29, 2012


16


Teacher of the Week


This series spotlights teachers nominated by school district officials. One teacher a week will be featured from each of the 14 West Valley districts in alphabetical order.


Stephanie Budzban Age: 40 School:


District: Liberty Elementary Grade: Sixth Subject: Math and reading Years teaching: 11 Favorite book: “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows,” by J.K. Rowling Nominated by: Superintendent Andy Rogers — Did not give reason for nomination by deadline. West Valley View: What is your


Elementary Valley Rainbow Name: View photo by Michael Clawson


RAINBOW VALLEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL teacher Stephanie Budzban is this week’s Teacher of the Week.


$ 800 Implants Highest Quality (Nobel Biocare) Dental Implants


New patients only. Limit two per patient. May not be combined with other offers. Expires 6/15/2012.


www.azlifedentistry.com azlifedentistry@yahoo.com


13065 W. McDowell Rd | Building B, Suite 112 Avondale, AZ 85392


Please contact our offi ce to schedule an appointment. 623-455-6967


FREE Free


New Patient Special thesonictoothbrush


Regular value of $199. New patients only. One per new patient. Limit two per household. Each new patient must receive complete exam, x-rays & cleaning; which is usually covered @ 100% with dental insurance. Cannot be combined with other offers. Offer expires in 30 days.


favorite lesson to teach, and why? Stephanie Budzban: My favorite lesson to teach is modeling addition and subtraction of integers (using integer chips or number lines). Our district has done multiple years of professional development and collaboration with Arizona State University lecturer Sue Larson in the area of inductive math teaching. Most of us grew up with the rules for math being told to us; then we practiced those rules. This inductive lesson allows the students to tell me the rules for adding positive and negative numbers. It’s fun to see their faces when they think they are teaching me something new. WVV: What is your favorite moment from teaching so far? Budzban: While I have had many memorable moments, one that really sticks out is an assembly we had this year on our campus. Our school has worked very hard to develop a culture of student success.


staff to custodians to office staff to paraprofessionals to teachers and admin, along with support from parents — it takes the impact all of these people have on our students daily to create an environment where success is valued. I had goose bumps that day as we all took pride in what our students had learned. I can’t wait for next year’s assembly. WVV: What is your favorite specific memory from your days in school? Budzban: In middle school we took a


This year we began a new tradition of celebrating every student that met or exceeded the state standards, as tested on Arizona’s Instrument to Measure Standards (AIMS), at a schoolwide assembly. Certificates were given out to all that met and/or exceeded, and the Parent Teacher Organization purchased T-shirts stating “If you believe it, you can achieve it” for all that exceeded. The pride and excitement on our students’ faces was priceless. It is a wonderful feeling to know that a student believes in themselves. From bus drivers to cafeteria


field trip to Mount Rushmore. I grew up 60 miles from Mount Rushmore, but had never taken a tour through the museum before. I remember being amazed at the pictures of men hanging off the mountain on ropes carving the faces. WVV: Who was your favorite teacher, and why? Budzban: My favorite teacher of all time is Mrs. Carolyn Tull. She was not a teacher I had when I was a student; she is a teacher that retired from my current school, Rainbow Valley Elementary. She taught third grade and was our reading specialist. Everything I know about reading, I learned from her. She has a kind way of making you want to be better in everything you do. You want to do well to make Mrs. Tull proud. WVV: If you weren’t a teacher, what would you be? Budzban: I would have a job where I could work with animals.


MAG launches anti-litter campaign


When in doubt, don’t throw it out. That is the gist of an anti-litter campaign launched last week by the Maricopa Association of Governments, a coalition of government groups. The Phoenix-based organization has dubbed its initiative, “No Cups, Cans or Butts – Don’t Trash Arizona.” Even litter that is considered


Advanced Power Plus In-Offi ce Whitening! (Reg. $499)


The most effective whitening procedure available. Must receive complete exam, x-rays & cleaning; which is usually covered @ 100% with dental insurance. Cannot be combined with other offers. Offer expires in 30 days.


“biodegradable” can take years to decompose, said Tempe Mayor Hugh Hallman, the MAG chairperson. “Many individuals mistakenly believe


it’s okay to throw biodegradable items like apple cores or banana peels, on the ground


Did We Miss You?


If you don’t receive a copy of the West Valley View each Tuesday and Friday by 9 a.m., please contact our circulation department. If you tell us by 12 noon, we will bring you a paper the same day. Call us at 623-535-8439. Leave a message if it’s after hours. Or you can e-mail us at missyou@westvalleyview.com. Include your name, address, city, phone number and major cross streets.


You may also pick up a free copy at our office Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Home delivery is free upon request within western Maricopa County cities of Avondale, Buckeye, Glendale 85307, Goodyear, Litchfield Park, Luke AFB, Phoenix 85037 west of 99th Ave., Tolleson, Arlington, Palo Verde and Tonopah. If you live out- side our free subscription area, please call for subscription prices.


1050 E. Riley Dr., Avondale or call us at 623-535-VIEW (8439)


Tuesday FRIDAY


because they’re ‘natural,’” Hallman said. “It’s true those items may eventually decompose, but in the meantime, other problems may arise from this type of litter.”


Litter attracts more litter, prompting others to toss trash that is not degradable into the same area, Hallman said. Food and other organic material can also attract rodents, or other wildlife such as javelinas and coyotes, he said. When the litter is along the highway, a risk can be posed to both motorists and wildlife. For more details about the MAG effort, go to www.DontTrashArizona.com.


www.westvalleyview.com


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24