Rich Hamilton, Red Mountain High softball coach

Rich Hamilton named Coach of the Year

Red Mountain High's Rich Hamilton was named 2011 West Sectional Softball Coach of the Year by the National Federation of State High School Associations. The West section includes Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada and Utah. Career highlights:

• regional championships, 2007 through 2011
• state championships, 2010 and 2011
• state runner-up, 2009
• cumulative record, 161-27
• three-time Region Coach of the Year
• Arizona Republic Big School Coach of the Year
• two-time East Valley Tribune Coach of the Year
• 18 students became college softball players

“Rich demonstrates that all educators have a responsibility to influence and add value to the lives of their students," said Jim Gowdy, Red Mountain assistant principal.

2011 state softball championship video

Express your interest in instruction support jobs by March 9

The Curriculum and Instruction Department anticipates specialist, coach, master teacher and trainer job openings in 2012-13:

• Title I school improvement specialist
• professional development and instructional support specialist
• English language development specialist
• world language specialist
• math coach (fifth- through eighth-grade focus)
• MesaREADS coach (elementary)
• Teacher Advancement Program (TAP) master teacher
• educational technology trainer

To be considered for potential openings, send an e-mail indicating your interest and your contact information, by March 9, to Kathy Bartlow, curriculum and instruction secretary, at kabartlo@mpsaz.org. Job descriptions and applications are online. Applications must be submitted by March 19.

Work for KidzCamp this summer

Community Education is accepting applications from classified and certified employees to fill summer KidzCamp program manager and instructional aide positions. Online applications are due by April 13.

You're invited

Zaharis anniversary party — Zaharis Elementary is 10 years old. You are invited to join former students, staff, families and friends from 5 to 7:30 p.m. March 22 at 9410 E. McKellips Road.

Science and technology event — The Biotechnology Academy, at 1630 E. Southern Ave., will host a Hands-On Science Exploration Day for people of all ages. Stop by from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 3. Activities will include DNA extraction and inspection, container gardening, recognizing and using medicinal plants native to Arizona, a computer technology workshop, a laptop repair crash course and a station to recycle used electronics.

Take SMART Board classes for classified staff

If you work with teachers who have SMART Boards, and you'd like to learn more about them, enroll in:

• SMART Board Tools for Classified Staff — 9-11 a.m. March 19 or March 22
• SMART Board Gallery for Classified Staff — 9-11 a.m. March 26 or March 29

Register on the Professional Development Department's website. Click "Sessions." Scroll down and read "Classified and Substitute Directions for Registration." Then click “Classified Log In.”

And the award goes to . . .

State coaching record — Gary Ernst, Mountain View boys basketball coach, set a state record with 775 wins during his remarkable 40-year career.

National Academic League — The Mesa Academy for Advanced Studies won city and state National Academic League championships. Taylor Junior High was the city and state runner-up. Both schools will compete in nationals March 5-April 27. Joe Reilly coaches the Mesa Academy team, and Kay Warfield coaches Taylor's team.

Jesse Parker Legacy Award — Curt Canaday, Mountain View physics teacher and Academic Decathlon coach, won the inaugural Jesse Parker Legacy Award. His school received $1,000.

SHARP Green Team Award — The School Home Adjustment Reinforcement Program won the Green Team Award from Arizona Public Service and the Phoenix Suns. SHARP's recycling and composting programs were named the most eco-friendly environmental initiatives. Prizes included Green Team T-shirts, 30 lower-level Suns tickets and on-court halftime recognition.

Talking Stick grant — The resort awarded Lehi Elementary a $1,000 grant for library books and media equipment.

Mesa Agenda is published by the MPS Community Relations Department


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