School Events - Tucson International Academy

Last Weeks Graduation Ceremonies 2012

Last week’s graduation ceremonies were emotional events for many Tucson International Academy (TIA) students and families celebrating various milestones. For Kindergarten graduates, 5th graders moving up to middle school, 8th graders being promoted to high school, and seniors finishing their time at TIA, it was a moment to reflect on past achievements and contemplate future opportunities.

Seven Seniors Graduated!

Seven seniors graduated and gave speeches at their respective campuses. Two of them—Alejandro del Hierro and Christian Robles—received the Pima Merit Scholarship, a full two-year scholarship to Pima Community College awarded to the top eight percent of seniors in Pima County. At the East Campus, where no seniors graduated, 8th graders gave speeches, sharing what they liked about their school, teachers, and friends. Other featured speakers at the ceremonies included TIA Superintendent Dr. Herrera, affectionately known as “Dr. J”. She congratulated parents for helping their children succeed, and reiterated the school's commitment to guide each of them toward college. Terri Martinez of the University of Arizona spoke at the Broadway and West Campuses, adding her voice to Dr. J’s in encouraging all students—not just the seniors—to make college their goal after graduation. This year’s seniors are already tracking with that goal, all of them being accepted at Pima Community College and having applications in at the University of Arizona.

Awards Given

Graduation was also an occasion to confer several awards: Perfect Attendance, Chinese Student of the Year, Spanish Student of the Year, and Global Citizen. Criteria for the Chinese and Spanish Student of the Year includes grades and participation in class projects and school events such as the Language Fair, Cinco de Mayo, and Chinese New Year. The Global Citizen award is the highest honor bestowed by TIA, encompassing all the school’s philosophies and objectives. Teachers nominate students on the basis of their grades, participation in the classroom, social interaction with their peers, and travel they have done.

Family and Alumni Support All

Turnout was great at each event, according to Administrative Assistant Arlene Canez, who attended all four graduations. For her, the highlight was seeing how much support the kids had: “For each grade that was featured, the families came out in droves.” In addition to family, each campus also had a good showing of alumni who came back to encourage their graduating friends. And now the students can enjoy a well-deserved summer respite from the textbooks. But not for long, because there’s an exciting new chapter of learning ahead for everyone.

Kids Feeding Kids

Far too often, children around the globe rely on their school to feed them, going home in the afternoons and on weekends to little or no food. This year, TIA is excited to partner with Kids Feeding Kids to help assuage this need.

Target Community: Reynosa

The specific community that TIA plans to target is Reynosa, a border city in Tamaulipas (the Mexican state that borders the southern tip of Texas). One of the five fastest growing cities in Mexico, Reynosa is largely characterized by extreme poverty.

Walkathon to Raise Money

On Friday May 18, three TIA campuses joined together at Joaquin Murietta Park for a Walkathon. Students walked laps and participated in various field activities which provided an opportunity to exercise their bodies as well as their sense of compassion. In the past, funds from an annual walkathon have been used to purchase school supplies or P.E. equipment. But this year, when Fred Collum - Senior Organizer for Kids Feeding Kids- asked TIA to participate, TIA was compelled. “We felt the necessity to do something like this. So we set a goal to reach $400 by the end of the year,” says Mr. Montemayor. To reach this goal, each student was asked to pledge $5, either from their own money or from sponsors. Mr. Montemayor of the West campus, says that “What we’re trying to teach is that we are a community. As a community we need to help others out. It doesn’t matter if it’s by reaching out asking for help, or if it’s coming from our own pocket.”

Student Donations

Already, there is evidence that the students have learned this lesson and are well on their way to reaching the goal. Even before the walkathon, $250 had been collected in the donation jar next to the snack bar, where students can donate in lieu of buying candy. “Each year, students spend an average of $1000 on snacks - so to get a quarter of it donated instead of spent on themselves, I think is a pretty good turnout,” says Montemayor. Whether it’s forgoing a snack or walking a lap, TIA students are demonstrating a willingness to sacrifice for their community. From Tucson, Arizona to Reynosa, Tamaulipas, kids are feeding kids.

Cinco De Mayo and Mothers day!

Early Mothers Day Celebrated at TIA Cinco De Mayo Performances

On May 8th, 2012, the four TIA campuses celebrated Cinco de Mayo, the holiday which this year marks the 150th anniversary of the Mexican victory over French forces in the Battle of Puebla. If Mexican heritage and pride weren’t enough cause for celebration, the moms in attendance were in for a pleasant surprise, as the students also took the opportunity to observe an early Mother’s Day. From kindergartners performing the Spanish folk song “La Cucaracha” to high schoolers performing a play depicting the Battle of Puebla, every student in attendance had a part in the program.

Each Campus’ Celebration was Slightly Different

The Midvale and East campuses opted to host the event during school hours, while the Broadway and West campuses hosted the event after school. The Broadway campus included a jumping castle. But in keeping with Cinco de Mayo tradition, good Mexican food was a crucial component in all of the festivities. At the West campus, TIA's lunch lady Miss Maria prepared the meal, and Delgado’s Catering donated rice and beans.

Mother's Day is Celebrated May 10 in Mexico

To commemorate Mother’s Day (celebrated in Mexico on May 10), several students recited poems which they dedicated to their mothers. After their performance, they presented their mother with a rose. A mariachi band provided authentic cultural entertainment throughout the night, and serenaded moms with “Las Mananitas,” a traditional Mexican song often sung on birthdays and other important holidays. Not only did the dual holiday celebration make for twice the fun, but it was a great opportunity to reinforce cultural appreciation—for Mexico, and for moms.

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TIA Double Exposure

On Saturday May 12, 2012, students, teachers and administrators from all four Tucson International Academy (TIA) campuses will gather at Park Place Mall from 10 am to 4 pm to give TIA double exposure - allow the student talent to be showcased while also making the public more aware of the benefits of the charter school. TIA students will perform what they have learned at school from Folkloric Dances to dramas, songs, and poetry readings in both Spanish and Chinese. Professional performances are also on the agenda, including Odaiko Sonora, Tucson’s Taiko, or Japanese ensemble drumming group.

All the performances are carefully chosen to not only draw a crowd, but to reflect the heart of TIA’s mission, which is:

To be a team based learning community preparing students for a global society through:

-High academic achievement and the pursuit of higher education -Foreign language and technology -Cultural understanding and community involvement Other activities sure to interest mall-goers include an hourly raffle and booths with games or crafts for kids to do while their parents are invited to learn more about TIA and complete enrollment forms. The event is designed not only to expand awareness of the school throughout Tucson, but to give students an opportunity to perform in public. Through dancing or public speaking in a public venue, the students gain valuable experience and learn to conquer their fears. The Park Mall event is sure to be a great window through which to expose the community to TIA, and TIA students to the community. Please come and invite your friends!

What is a Cotillion Ball?

How often do you get a chance to dress up with the whole family and attend a ball? What is a cotillion ball anyway and why is TIA having one?

For the last three years, TIA students have enjoyed a unique social event. A Cotillion, a more formal and reserved debutante ball, gives students the opportunity to step outside their comfort zones and showcase a dance they learn in school during P.E. class. Learning a dance each year is required for all students at all campuses and “after learning it, many students end up going to the Cotillion who would have otherwise not attended,” said Arlene Canez, Administrator at TIA’s West Campus.

They Key Difference Between TIA's Cotillion and a Typical School Dance?

This year’s Cotillion held on Friday, April 27th, 2012 was no exception. The event had 90 staff, students, and family members in attendance. That’s a key difference between TIA’s annual Cotillion and a typical school dance. It gives the families of students the opportunity to dress up and come together for an elegant dinner and dance as a family. The faculty of TIA set out with a purpose to create a unique and purposeful event with the goal to bring families together, teach students to interact socially, and showcase their dance talents.

This Years Dance: Tango!

Of the four schools in Tucson, three schools had enough students attending to showcase their dance with this year’s student vote being the Tango. One unique highlight to this year’s event was the attendance of TIA’s very own dance club. They received a great response as they showcased the Salsa. Students visited and danced the night away with fellow students from other schools. It was amazing to hear how much interaction and social building took place between students from different campuses. It’s easy to understand cliques and students grouping up with their friends. TIA has designed this event so that all the schools in Tucson can come together, interact, watch each other’s showcase, and grow in their social skills. It’s like a prom with parents but, more elegant, less stigma, and more educational. Mrs. Canez said, “The students didn’t separate out, they actually got to know each other!” To encourage attendance, TIA allows students to make payments on their tickets.

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University of Arizona Campus Tour

For many kids, thinking about college can seem a little like planning a trip to the moon: it’s far off, mysterious, and a little intimidating. Fortunately, educators at Tucson International Academy (TIA) have found a way to bring the idea down to earth. The annual University of Arizona Campus Tour.

First Glimpse of College Life

Each spring, TIA offers two tours of the University of Arizona campus, one for middle school students and one for high school students. In each tour, approximately 100 students from the four TIA campuses travel by school bus to get their first glimpse of college life. The tour is led by University of Arizona honor students. The guide leads them to campus hotspots such as the dorms, library, sports complex, and student union, pointing out tidbits of university history along the way. For Middle School Students For the middle school kids, the goal of the tour is to eliminate the fear of the unknown. “Familiarity with the campus goes a long way to break down the intimidation factor,” says Renee Arakaki, Chief Operations Officer for TIA. For High School Students For high schoolers, the tour aims to give students a feel for normal campus life, from where they might get a haircut to where they can find an ATM. Being guided by an actual college student, and seeing other students come and go helps convey a sense of excitement about living on campus. “They see that college is not a drag, but something to look forward to,” says Arakaki. At the end of the tour, students watch a short film which gives an overview of how and when to apply for scholarships and financial aid - another helpful element, according to Arakaki: “Teachers can tell them about the application deadlines over and over, but when they hear it from the college, it’s motivating.” The Tour is a Great Tool Regardless of whether students choose to attend University of Arizona or another school, the tour is a great tool to help kids visualize themselves as college students, and to make them feel that college is not a distant planet, but just their next step.

Chinese Language Programs at TIA

A major component of the Chinese Language Programs at TIA is the annual Chinese New Year Celebration. The family event is designed to showcase the students’ language skills and expand their appreciation of Chinese Culture.

Why Is Everyone So Excited About the Chinese Language Programs?

Everything about the event, from the lively performances, colorful wardrobes, and authentic food, reflects the excitement the children have for the Chinese Program at TIA. “Our students are the most attentive and eager during Mr. Wu’s lessons. It’s very appealing to them,” says teacher Heather Hilliard. And the reason for their enthusiasm is apparent: Chinese Language Teacher Mr. Wu. If the kids’ loud cheers for Mr. Wu at a recent celebration are any indication, they love him. “Having a language teacher from the specific country really helps the kids understand and be more concerned with what they’re learning and why it’s important,” Hilliard explains. “The fact that Mr. Wu is from China helps them relate because they know him. He can say, ‘This is where I grew up, and this is what this is like’.” Chinese New Year, now also called the Spring Festival, is the most important holiday in the Chinese calendar. Each year the celebration falls on different dates in January or February, and is associated with one of 12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac. Traditional celebrations lasted 15 days, in which family reunions and feasts were an important component. Other traditions include fireworks, a lantern festival, a dragon dance, the color red, and giving children money in red envelopes. The holiday is also celebrated in numerous cities and countries outside of China where there are significant Chinese populations.

New Year and New Opportunities

Just as the Chinese New Year symbolizes new life and new beginnings, the New Year event at TIA symbolizes new opportunities for our students, which are made possible by Mr. Wu and the Chinese Language Program.

What Should Be Your Future Career?

Thursday April 5th, 2012 was a beautiful spring day at Joaquin Murrieta Park to open the minds and opportunities of students from Tucson International Academy (TIA) to the future that awaits them. This was not your normal day at the playground, but an opportunity for all TIA students to meet 31 local and national career exhibits and the people representing those organizations to help TIA students find out what will be your future career.

What Career's Await You After You Graduate?

Every year, TIA brings together faculty and students from their four locations around Tucson to open the eyes of their students to the potential opportunities that await them once they graduate. Many of the careers featured, like working for the F.B.I. or becoming an architect, would require a formal college education. However, students were also exposed to opportunities like joining the police force, border patrol, or construction which do not require a college degree. Each career exhibit brought something representative of their work. Some booths had many pictures or demonstrations of a “day in the life” of a particular occupation, while others gave opportunities for hands-on activities so students could gain their first experience of a required job element.

The diverse jobs represented at the career fair gave students a taste of the breadth of opportunities they can look forward to once they graduate. For some students, the experience further reinforced their initial career choice, while for other students it broadened the scope of choices they were considering. One of the students, Mari, mentioned “There are many types of jobs available to you when you are older” and that the job fair “... gave me other options.”

Expanding Student's Dreams

Expanding student’s dreams is not the only benefit the job fair provides. Students had the opportunity to ask questions like “Will I get paid more if I have a college degree?” and “What overall qualities or values does your company look for in employees?” Discovering the importance of a good education first hand helps the students connect the dots between what they do right now in the classroom and what they will be doing in their future career.

Each year the depth of experience grows, as businesses in our community volunteer their time and manpower to sharing their vocation, and students crystallize their once far-off dreams into actionable goals. Tucson International Academy is blessed with strong ties to our Tucson community and organizations that are willing to pour into the lives of the next generation to enter the workforce.

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TIA Geography Bee Challenge

To increase sports competition between TIA schools many years ago, a rubber chicken painted gold was offered to the winning school. Rivalries escalated, fueled by the quest for this golden chicken and its associated bragging rights. Intrigued at the level of school pride that was sparked by the possession of such a bizarre trophy, TIA teachers saw a golden opportunity of a different kind. Why not channel this competition and school pride into an academic focus? This idea led to the establishment of four additional annual competitions: the Geography Bee, Math Bee, Spelling Bee, and Debate.

Geography Bee Challenge

The Geography Bee is composed of six divisions: Kindergarten, Grades 1 and 2, Grades 3 and 4, Grades 5 and 6, Middle School, and High School. Competitions begin within each classroom. Class winners from each division in the same school then compete against each other. Finally, winners from each school compete in the championship, or district level. Many teachers reward winners with their own incentives, but the travelling trophy each year is a beautiful acrylic globe impressed with the shapes of the continents.

More than a gimmick to manufacture school pride, the Geography Bee has precipitated great educational leaps among the students, says Mr. Montemayor, principal of the Broadway Campus. Teachers are able to emphasize certain regions to correspond with current world events. “We want to teach not only where these places are, but how they affect us,” Mr. Montemayor says. One piece of evidence that shows the effectiveness of the Geography Bee is the fact that each year it becomes increasingly difficult to determine a winner in the upper divisions. Since students participate year after year, 80 to 90 percent of students now know all the countries, and so more elements must be added, such as rivers or mountains. Many times, a tie-breaker is required.

Where in the World is TIA's Pride?

Now it’s not just the golden chicken that students are after, but as many of the five available trophies as they can get each year. So where in the world is TIA Pride? Just ask this year’s Geography Bee Winners - it’s on the map.

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