Scottsdale Sister Cities Association

During this time of crisis in education funding, it's heartening to see the community stepping forward in small yet meaningful ways to support public education. Students of Scottsdale Unified School District's Pueblo Elementary are experiencing first hand the support of their community for their education and enrichment.

Ending the school year on a high note, MidFirst Bank arrived with their Coin Van to count the money students collected from their "Pocket Change for Pueblo" campaign. Together with a matching contribution from MidFirst Bank, students raised money that will eventually be used to fund a permanent student art installation at the school.

"I like this project because we are working to help our art class. We need art because it makes our life pretty!" explained Kindergartener Sierra Estep.

This project is indeed timely, particularly as many extra-curricular activities such as art programs near the top of the budget cutting list.

"MidFirst Bank places high value in supporting the education and enrichment of well-rounded students. They are our future and it is our responsibility as members of this community to do what we can to nurture their success." says Kori Knoesel, Community Outreach Manager with MidFirst Bank.

The students’ experience of community involvement and support for their enrichment does not end here. A delegation from Scottsdale Sister Cities Association visited Pueblo's Foreign Language Immersion students with a very special presentation from the children of Scottsdale's sister city, Alamos, Mexico. Pueblo's second grade Spanish Immersion students are participating in an art exchange with their contemporaries from Alamos.

According to Joseph Brett, President of Scottsdale Sister Cities, "We are very pleased to have a community partnership with Pueblo Elementary and their Foreign Language Immersion Program. These young students are working to become global citizens by becoming fluent in another language, and their efforts dovetail nicely with the goal of Sister Cities International to foster cultural collaboration and educational exchange."

Pueblo's second grade students received artwork depicting everyday life in this historic colonial city, and presented the Alamos delegation with a beautiful poster of life in Scottsdale as seen through their eyes entitled, "Scottsdale: Nuestros ojos, nuestra ciudad" and individual drawings and letters that will be matched to students in Alamos.

According to Pueblo parent Monique Williams, "Our children need to feel that they are part of something larger -- not only a school community to achieve a sense of belonging, but also part of the broader community in which they live. This gives them security and grounding."

"We couldn't have the successes we do without the support of our community" explains Pueblo's Principal Terri Kellen. "Community support and involvement in public education is a critical component to our student's overall school experience. We all benefit from these relationships. Our students directly experience the vitality of their community and learn through example the value of participating as outstanding citizens."

The SSCC Youth Committee is planning the second SSCC Youth Leadership Award and Workshop for August 15, 2009.   Members of the high school International Clubs are eligible to attend, based upon their recommendation by the club faculty advisor.   The program will be conducted at Scottsdale Community College.  Former Scottsdale Mary Manross has agreed to be the keynote speaker for the event and the leadership skills of the attendees will be enhanced during the half day program.   Write to youthprojects@scottsdalesistercities.com for more information.

SSCA was in the news AGAIN. There was a nice article in the May 29 Scottsdale Republic on page 17 about our work with Pueblo Elementary students. A delegation from SSCA visited Pueblo students  and presented them with art from the children in Alamos depicting their everyday life in their colonial city.   In turn the Pueblo students had prepared a poster of life in Scottsdale, drawings and letters that will be presented to students in Alamos. 

Monique Williams, a Pueblo parent and new SSCA member promoted the project.  We are so enthused about this project and future possibilities

If you are interest in getting more involved with SSCA let us know.  There are lots of opportunities for your talents!

There was a wonderful response to the SSCA social hour on May 20 at Frank and Lupes.  We had 25-30 SSCA followers attend. If you could not attend we plan to have more! 

A good time was had by all and a few pieces of business was covered.  A long time member, Ellie Richer, was presented with a certificate from Congressman Harry Mitchell recognizing her many years of service to SSCA.   Departing International Club Sponsor from Notre Dame Preparatory, Nancy Ronan,  was presented with a certificate of appreciation.  Bethany Harris of Chaparral HS and Aynsley Hawkins of Saguaro HS, two students who will be attending  International Sister City Conference in Belfast, Ireland in July were introduced.