Dobson High School Newsletter
February 2015
Dear Mustang Parents and Guardians,
Spring is in the air at Dobson High School. The second semester of the 2014-15 school year is
underway. It’s hard to believe it is already February. Graduation is less than four months away.
Dobson Pride continues to grow and is stronger than ever! Make sure you don’t miss any exciting
updates about our students by visiting our Dobson website and clicking on the Dobson Pride Page.
The Dobson staff has been working hard to make sure learning is authentic and students are engaged.
We are honing our craft through professional development. In addition, the teachers are focused on
our incentive goals and will be conducting a school wide writing project at the end of February to
assess how well we teach writing across the curriculum. Dobson teachers are the heart and soul of
our school, and they work for your students’ success and future every day. Students will receive the
best education possible if they are present every day. Attendance makes a difference.
Dobson will be getting a makeover, and plans for our new building are headed to the board for
approval. We are proud of the design, and I want to thank the building committee members for all of
their early morning work in meetings to collaborate on the new addition. The new building will be
front and center on campus and will include visitor parking, a secure entrance, 32 classrooms, the
bookstore and more. We hope to break ground this spring and be moved in by spring 2016.
Please be sure to mark your calendars for some very important dates regarding registration,
ACT/SAT and AzMERIT and AIMS testing, to just name a few. You can find the dates for these
along with other events in this edition of our newsletter.
We will administer the AIMS writing, reading and math tests Feb. 23-24 for juniors and seniors who
still need to meet the standard. Currently all juniors and seniors are required to pass the AIMS test to
graduate. If your student has not yet passed, it is important that they attend the upcoming testing
sessions.
Thank you for your commitment to our school. Dobson High School is truly a great place and our
students are the best indicator of our excellence. If you have any questions or concerns, please call
me or stop by and introduce yourself. I’m looking forward to a successful second semester at
Dobson, Land of the Mustangs!
Sincerely,
Tamara Addis
Principal
http://www.mpsaz.org/dobson/about_us/parentnewsletter/
AzMERIT
The Arizona State Board of Education has adopted a new assessment to replace the AIMS test.
AzMERIT, Arizona’s Measurement of Educational Readiness to Inform Teaching, will be given to
students in third through eighth grade in English Language Arts and Mathematics. At the high school
level, it will be an end-of-course test in English in ninth through 11th grade, and in Algebra I, Algebra
II and Geometry. At this time passing AzMERIT is not be a graduation requirement.
Students will take AzMERIT for the first time in the spring of 2015, however exact testing dates
have not been set yet. Total testing times are similar to the AIMS, and can be given on paper or on
computer. AzMERIT is a rigorous test that requires students to demonstrate their knowledge in a
variety of formats. Results will allow for the comparison of Arizona students’ performance to
students in 24 other states. For more information about the new assessment, see the ADE website.
GRADUATION
The Graduation ceremony will be held on May 21, 2015 on the Dobson Football field. Only seniors
who have earned 22 credits, have successfully completed all the required classes and have passed
AIMS are allowed to participate in the graduation ceremony. Seniors may be denied the right to
march if they violate any behavior rules during the last month of school. Graduating seniors need to
order their own Cap & Gown from Elite Southwest/Balfour. Contact information:
www.ESBalfour.com or Customer Service at 623-385-8230.
PAYMENT FOR OPTIONAL MATERIALS, SERVICES, LOST AND DAMAGED ITEMS: When
students enroll, basic course materials, identification cards, and some lockers and locks are required.
They are free. Other lockers, locks, physical education towels, activity cards, yearbooks and
supplemental course materials and services are optional. They are not free. Lost or damaged
textbooks and other required materials must be replaced. Students who do not meet their financial
obligations may not be allowed to participate in extracurricular activities or graduation exercises.
AVID
DO YOU WANT YOUR STUDENT TO
GO TO COLLEGE?
Dobson AVID can help! Through AVID,
students learn organizational and study
skills, become critical thinkers, and receive
academic support as they tackle a
challenging honors and Advanced Placement
curriculum. AVID focus’ on students with a
2.0 – 3.5 GPA that possess a strong work
ethic and strive to be academic leaders, role
models and college students. For more
information, please contact Dobson’s AVID
coordinator, Lindsay Linoff, at 480-4723044 or lclinoff@mpsaz.org.
Built for the Valley weather! Dobson
Hoodies are a great opportunity to
show your Dobson Pride!!
Blank Jacket: $45 (XS-XXL)
Student Name: $15
Sleeve Emblem: $15
Additional
“Dobson”: $18
patches are
Mascot: $38
sewn on for $3
Mustangs: $24
EARN FREE BOOKS FOR DOBSON LIBRARY!!
We have teamed up with Changing Hands Bookstore to earn free books for the library. To
participate, mention 'Books for Schools' when you check out at Changing Hands Bookstore. In lieu
of Readers' Club Card stamps, Changing Hands will donate 15% of your purchase toward a gift
certificate for books for the library.
FAFSA
Seniors, it’s FAFSA time!! The FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. It is the
application submitted to the U.S. Department of Education that determines a student’s financial need.
Nearly all post-secondary institutions use the information from the FAFSA to determine eligibility
for federal, state, and college-sponsored financial aid, grants, loans, and work programs.
We strive to inform every Dobson student of the financial aid available to him/her, so they can make
informed decisions about their future.
Social studies teachers and Student Advisors will work together this semester with two pronged goal
of maximizing the amount of financial aid dollars that Dobson students are eligible to receive, and
helping students become familiar with navigating procedural processes like the FAFSA.
There are three steps to the application process…
1. Obtain a FAFSA pin # for both you and one parent or guardian.
2. Complete the online FAFSA or a FAFSA on the web worksheet that you receive from your
social studies teacher.
3. Check your online Student Aid Report (or SAR) and make any required corrections to your
FAFSA.
*If you do not have a social studies class, please make an appointment with your Student Advisor to
get individualized help with completing your FAFSA.
**If you have concerns about filling out the FAFSA application, an alternate assignment is available.
Sports Corner
WINTER SPORTS ROUND UP
The Winter sports teams have certainly provided a nice sizzle this season. Varsity Boys Soccer won
the City of Mesa Championship by earning a 3-0 record versus Mesa Public Schools teams.
Wrestling is continuing its dominance leading up to Sectional Championship at Skyline High School
on Saturday, February 6 at 9:00 a.m.
Currently, Boys Basketball is ranked 15th in the state and if they maintain their ranking, will host the
first round of state playoffs on Thursday, February 19, 2015 with a 7:00 p.m. tipoff.
Also Girls Basketball are the City of Mesa Division 1, Section 3 Champions, with a record of 25-1 so
far for the season going into the Super Sectionals. In addition, if the Girls Basketball team maintains
their #2 ranking in the state will host the 2nd round of the playoffs at Dobson on Friday, February 20,
2015 at 7:00 p.m.
WINTER SPORTS AWARDS NIGHT
On Monday, March 9, 2015 at 6:30 p.m. in the Dobson Auditorium we will honor our Winter Sports
student-athletes and coaches for their hard work on the field and court. All Boys and Girls Soccer,
Boys and Girls Basketball, Wrestling and Pom & Cheer student-athletes are invited to receive their
hard earned rewards. Doors will open at 6:00 p.m.
INTRODUCTION TO SPRING SPORTS
All Spring Sports will commence practices on Monday, February 9th. As a reminder, the studentathletes who are trying out for Softball, Baseball, Tennis, Boys Volleyball, and Track and Field
should ensure that they have been cleared through the Athletic Department prior to trying out. The
information needed is a current physical examination during the 2014-2015 school year, passing
grades in all classes, and a completion of the Brainbook certification. If you have any questions,
please feel free to contact either Mrs. Koch at 480-472-3054 or Dr. Ray Perkins at 480-472-3276.
We look forward to watching you compete and represent the Mustangs this spring!
AIMS TESTING
The next round of AIMS testing for any junior or senior who still has not met the standard is coming
up. Students will receive an invitation if they need to test. Testing dates are Writing AIMS Monday,
February 23. Reading AIMS Tuesday, February 24. Math AIMS Wednesday, February 25.
JUNIOR FAMILY MEETINGS
Attention Junior Families ~
During the 4th quarter, the Student Advisors will be setting up Junior Family Meetings where you
will have the opportunity to sit down one-to-one with your son/daughter and a Student Advisor to
discuss current progress, college and career information, college testing, and things that need to be
done at the end of the year and going into the senior year. This is an important opportunity to sit
down with your advisor and discuss the next steps to take now and beyond Dobson. If you would like
to set up your appointment time specifically with your Student Advisor, please contact the numbers
below.
Student Advisor
Donette Bone
Theodora Nelson
Christa Mussi
Jeni Nye
David Winkle
Zach Sumnicht
John Boggess
Alpha (by Student’s
Last Name)
A – CEO
CEP – GARCIA, S
GARCIA, T - HERM
HERN – LIN
LIO – OL
OM – SC
SD - Z
Phone
480-472-3028
480-472-3020
480-472-3019
480-472-3038
480-472-3279
480-472-3021
480-472-3022
Secretary: Chelle Johnson 480-472-3037
DISTRICT SCHOLARSHIP WEBSITE
Mesa Public Schools now uses a District Scholarship Website to keep our students and families
informed of available scholarships. Please visit the website http://www.mpsaz.org/scholarships to
find information about scholarships to fund your student's post-secondary education.
REMAINING SAT/ACT TEST DATES
Attention college-bound juniors. Sign up now to take the SAT and/or ACT. Taking one of these tests
is the first step to the college application process. There are only a few dates left this school year to
take these exams.
SAT Test Date
Register Date
ACT Test Date
Register Date
Mar. 14, 2015
Feb. 13, 2015
Apr. 18, 2015
Mar. 13, 2015
May 2, 2015
Apr. 6, 2015
June 13, 2015
May 8, 2015
June 6, 2015
May 8, 2015
Register for SAT: www.collegeboard.com
Register for ACT: www.act.org
EVIT
Enrolling at EVIT is simple! Fill out the EVIT New Student Application at www.evit.com and see
your Student Advisor to pick up a few of the required documents and finalize enrollment. The EVIT
Admissions Office will inform you if additional information is required. If you have questions or
would like to schedule a time to meet with one of EVIT’s counselors, please call 480-461-4108.
NEW! A change in state policy means EVIT will be funded for high school graduates under the age
of 22 who wish to enroll. That means EVIT will continue to be TUITION-FREE for students until
they turn 22. Enroll today!
Cosmetology & Aesthetics Admissions: Due to limited class size and the popularity of this
program, EVIT Cosmetology & Aesthetics has a special application process and deadline. If capacity
is reached, a waiting list will be established. For more information, please call the EVIT High
School Admission Department at 480-461-4108.
Performing Arts News
AMEA SOUTHWEST REGIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL
The Dobson community is proud of all of the students from the Dobson Performing Arts Department
who have participated in the Regional Festival audition process and wish the students mentioned
above the best of luck as they move on to the All-State level!
REGIONAL CHOIR
Congratulations to the following Dobson
Students for being selected for the 2015
Southwest Regional Honor Choir: Soprano:
Maelin Long, Whitney Reed, Mekinna
Murphy, Aften Martindale; Alto: Xelha
Castrejon, Arela Solis, Talia Acereto, Erica
Preblich, Sarah Mason; Alto Alternate:
Rachel Huyett; Tenor: Justin Schultz, Gareth
Fuller; Tenor Alternate: Yuki Bunsai;
Bass: Mario Manzo, Jeffrey Kenyon, Luke
Whalen-Gonzales.
REGIONAL ORCHESTRA
Congratulations to the following students for
being selected to participate in the Southwest
Region Music Festival High School Honor
Orchestra: 1st Violins - Mary Grace Bright,
Naomi Chien, Shelby Masson, Tamara Olson;
2nd Violins - Rick Hewitt, Evan Woo; Viola
- Logan Decker, Austin Gloden, Moriah
Somers, Lindsey Bruggeman (alt.); Cello Satchel Decker; String Bass - Peter Dilley,
Scott Martinez, Bobby Young, Jacob Ziskin;
Harp - Mana Azimi.
REGIONAL BAND
Congratulations to the following band students who have auditioned for and have been selected to
participate in the AMEA Southwest Regional Festival: Nicole Aldrete (Bass Clarinet, Band), Josue
Ayala (Clarinet II, Band), Selma Babic (Flute I, Band) Gage Beveridge (Percussion IV, Orchestra),
Sarah Brown (Clarinet III, Band), Matthew Bruggeman (Percussion IV, Band), Amber Budinger
(Clarinet II, Band), Christina Dodds (Clarinet I, Band), Sydney Drop (Bassoon I, Orchestra), Selena
Graf (Clarinet I, Band), Jack Henteleff (Horn II, Band), Allissa Hernandez (Clarinet II, Band), Luis
Hernandez (Flute II, Band), Jeremy Horvat (Trombone II, Orchestra), JoLynn Kimball (Flute &
Piccolo, Band & Orchestra), Brandon Kollmorgen (Trumpet III, Orchestra), Amanda Leonhardt
(Percussion V, Orchestra), Rose Lopez (Trumpet II, Band), Jillian Millard (Flute II, Band),
Alexander Morgan (Euphonium, Band), Caleb Owens (Trombone II, Band), Chanson Peck
(Trombone I and Euphonium, Band), Jesus Rojas (Bass Clarinet, Band), Travis Rowland (Percussion
I, Band), Cassidy Rust (Flute I, Band), Ariela Solis (Horn IV, Orchestra), and Brooke Tavares
Clarinet II, Band), Emily Kirstein (Oboe, Alternate), Ben Ferguson (Tuba, Alternate), Miguel
Contreras (Percussion, Alternate), Emma Rogers (Horn, Alternate).
ABODA ALL STATE JAZZ
FESTIVAL
Congratulations are extended to Jacob
Ziskin and Chanson Peck who have
been selected to participate in the
2015 ABODA All-State Jazz Festival.
Jacob is the first string bassist from
Dobson to be placed in Jazz Band I
and Chanson is the first trombonist to
be placed in Jazz Band II.
AMEA SOLO & ENSEMBLE
FESTIVAL
Congratulations to the following band
and orchestra students who received
"Superior" ratings at the 2015 AMEA
Solo and Ensemble Festival: *Mani
Azimi on harp, Naomi Chien on violin,
JoLynn Kimball on flute, Ilka Gallegos
and Vincent Gonzalez on guitar, the
*Dobson Guitar Quintet, the *Dobson
Guitar Trio, *Selena Graf on clarinet,
*Scott Martinez on string bass,
*Chanson Peck on euphonium, the
*Dobson Percussion Sextet, *Moriah
Somers on viola, and *Jacob Ziskin on
string bass. Congratulations, once
again, to all of the above mentioned for
their outstanding performances and
best wishes to those who have
advanced to Tier 2 of the festival
process (as indicated by *).
Dobson Performing Arts
Proudly Presents
April 29 – May 2, 2015
7:00 p.m.
Saturday: 2:00 and 7:00 p.m.
•
Dobson High School Auditorium
1501 W. Guadalupe, Mesa, AZ 85202
•
Tickets: $8.00
on sale beginning in April
DHS Bookstore: (480) 472-3262
PARENT PORTAL
Mesa Public Schools has an internet based method for you to access important information about
your students. You can access your student’s report cards, attendance, schedule, transcripts, and
contact information. The easy to use program can be accessed at any time from any computer with
internet access.
For privacy reasons, you must come to school to pick up an access code. Once you have this, you
will sign on and be able to access information for all of your children at all levels of school in Mesa
Public Schools. If you are interested, stop by and ask about the Parent Portal.
This is one more tool to help you track yours student’s progress at Dobson.
INTERNET SAFETY
Cyber savvy parents: Internet safety tips for kids and adults
Looking for some great resources on how to keep your children safe in this technology-rich world?
Look no further than Mesa Public Schools educational technology department. This team of experts
has compiled tip sheets, videos, online classes and other resources that you can use to learn how to
keep your children safe as they surf the Internet. Check out this awesome cyber library at
http://www.mpsaz.org/edtech/resources/cybersavvy.
Here are some basic tips that you can employ today.
 Keep computers in high-traffic areas of your home.
 Ensure your children understand what “personal information” means and that they should
never share it online.
 Spend time surfing the Internet with your children so they can show you what they like to do
online.
 Establish limits for which online sites your children may visit and for how long.
 Record any usernames and passwords your children use so you are able to monitor Internet
use.
 Remember that Internet technology can be mobile, so also monitor cellphones, gaming
devices and laptops.
 Know who is connecting with your children online and set rules for social networking,
instant messaging, emailing, online gaming and using webcams.
 Stay educated about what is trending on the Internet, what apps are popular and how children
are using technology.
 Make Internet safety an ongoing family discussion.
Let’s work together at home and at school to keep our children safe on the internet.
http://bit.ly/1cDqRWC
http://kidshealth.org/parent/positive/family/net_safety.html#
Dobson High School
Important Dates
1501 W. Guadalupe Rd.
Mesa, AZ 85202
www.mpsaz.org/dobson
Front office
Attendance
Bookstore
Student Advisement
Nurse
Registration
472-3000
472-3004
472-3262
472-3037
472-3027
472-3005
Administration
Principal – Ms. Tamara Addis
480-472-3051
9th Grade – Dr. Lindsay
(Activities/Facilities)
480-472-3054
10th Grade – Dr. Perkins
(Athletics/Security)
480-472-3054
11th Grade – Mr. Cruz
(Academics)
480-472-3052
12th Grade – Mrs. Samson
(Registration)
480-472-3052
MORP
AIMS Testing
Dobson Craft Fair
Winter Athletics Banquet
Early Release
Spring Break – NO SCHOOL
AIMS Science Testing
April Break – NO SCHOOL
Feb. 21
Feb. 24-25
Feb. 28
Mar. 9
Mar. 11
Mar. 16-20
Mar. 26
Apr. 3