New vocational programs are on the way at El Dorado High School!

Beginning this block, EDHS students will be able to take a number of new and exciting
vocational courses. Students interested in the exciting fields of business technology and forensic science will now have the opportunity to take these courses and pursue vocational certification at EDHS. El Dorado also is partnering with Thorobred Chevrolet in Chandler, to allow students to study automotive mechanics. For more information on these career opportunities, call 480-726-9536.

Congratulations to Amy Basaraba (below, at left), El Dorado
High School's Curriculum Coach and an English instructor, for being selected the
KNIX/Fulton Homes Teacher of the Week!

A crew from the radio station recently surprised Ms. Basaraba in her classroom with the award,
which recognizes her for her dedicated work for the students of El Dorado High
School!

Way to go, Ms. Basaraba!

Credit Recovery Options - A wide range of credit recovery opportunities exist for students at El Dorado High School. Our administrative staff completes a detailed and personalized credit analysis for each student, and designs an individualized course of study to meet graduation requirements and a wide variety of college and career
goals. 

Sports Programs -
The Wolverines varsity basketball team enjoyed a great season, advancing recently to the state semifinals and fighting to the finish in every game! We are excited about our future athletic endeavors!

A Quality Education 
Students at El Dorado High School receive a high quality, comprehensive educational experience from a caring and dedicated instructional staff.

At El Dorado High School, math instruction is
much more than a classroom course. This year, as students prepare for their upcoming exams, they not only cover their own math lessons, but also tutor their peers on tough questions.

Led by an elite group of students and their instructors, El Dorado’s upper level math students have been moving through various classes, in order to answer questions about key math items.

"This is the best way for these students to learn this material, by testing their skills and helping other students," says John Hammond, an El Dorado math instructor.

This year, a number of El Dorado students plan to re-take the AIMS math exam – not to pass, but to exceed. "These kids have already passed the test," says Mr. Hammond. "But they want to take it again, to show that they have mastered the material."

At El Dorado High School, math instruction is much more than a classroom course. This year, as students prepare for their upcoming 
exams, they not cover their own math lessons, but also spend time tutoring peers on tough questions.

Led by an elite group of students and their instructors, El Dorado’s upper level math students have been moving through other classes, in order to answer questions for peers about key math items.

"This is the best way for these students to learn this material, by testing their skills and helping other students," says John Hammond, an El Dorado math instructor.

This year, a number of El Dorado students plan to re-take the AIMS math exam – not to pass, but to exceed.

"These kids have already passed the test," says Mr. Hammond. "But they want to try again, to assess what they’ve learned this year,
and to show that they have mastered the material."

"We are very proud of these students," says Daniella Fox, an El Dorado math instructor. "Their dedication is truly
impressive."

On Saturday, March 2, El Dorado High School students and teachers attended ASU’s "Night Of The Open Door," an event on the Tempe campus celebrating "the scientific and artistic imaginings of the faculty and staff of a world-class university."

El Dorado students participated in a vast array of demonstrations, covering everything from space exploration to slam poetry and an investigation of the workings of the brain. Students predicted weather across the globe, examined medieval weaponry and saw their images cast in infrared. They pondered the mathematics of juggling, wrote calligraphy in a variety of languages and studied the science of gaming.

"We had an amazing time," said EDHS Student Council President Victoria Gonzalez. "There were so many interesting exhibits. We literally could not see everything." The "Open Door" festival is the largest signature event of Arizona’s annual SciTech Festival.

It was a tough loss for the Wolverines, but the El Dorado Basketball Team fought to the finish in their 2nd round playoff game Wednesday night at Phoenix College. Please congratulate the hard-working members of the
team! They and Coach Rodriguez deserve our congratulations!

- Mr. Miller

By Amy Basaraba
EDHS Language Arts Instructor and Curriculum Coach

On Thursday, Feb. 7, El Dorado High School’s
student council held its first  "Taste of El
Dorado" event, seeking to raise funds for a Close-Up trip for students to
Washington, D.C. next spring. Twelve East Valley restaurants participated,
serving generous samples from their menus to more than 100 guests at the
Chandler-area high school. 

"It was a very interesting event," expressed a
representative from Dine (Di-NAY) Yummy, which specializes in
Navajo fry bread. "We enjoyed coming, and it’s nice to get the exposure." A
similar sentiment was shared by other vendors, including some larger, more
well-known establishments.

"I know it was El Dorado’s first event like this,"
said a representative from The Hungry Monk, "but it was well done and the
staff was really nice." Representatives from both Dragon Wok and
Rosati’s restaurants agreed they would definitely return to El Dorado for
similar future events. 

Guests dined outside in El Dorado’s courtyard for
three hours, enjoying beautiful evening weather, a strolling violist, and a
talented vocalist from El Dorado’s senior class. As the sun set, tiki lights
blazed while guests continued to chat and help themselves to additional servings
from their favorite vendors. 

"We’re glad to help these students," shared a
Chandler husband and wife. "The food was delicious and we are definitely going
to try out some of these restaurants."

On the menu were tacos from Don Taco, chicken
wings from The Hungry Monk, sweet and sour chicken from Dragon
Wok, sushi rolls from Eastwind Sushi & Grill, pizza squares from
Rosati’s, jerk chicken from Hot Pot, pulled pork from Rudy’s
Country Store & BBQ, Navajo fry bread from Dine Yummy, sourdough
bread slices from Bread Connection, fruit pops from Paletas Betty,
and cake slices from Lisa’s Rum Cake. The Devil’s Kitchen, in
addition to cookies and cold cuts, handed out $5 gift cards. 

"The generosity of the vendors and the community is
overwhelming. This night has exceeded all my expectations, and I want to thank
everyone who helped to make this happen," said Emma Schindel, the event’s
coordinator for El Dorado High School.

School staff marveled at the success of the event,
commenting on the generous portion sizes the vendors afforded as well as the
support from the community. Patrons of "A Taste of El Dorado" included several
school principals and a member of the Chandler City Council. "We’re grateful to
be a part of this outstanding community," said El Dorado High School Principal
David Miller. 

El Dorado High School is a public charter high school
located in northeast Chandler. The school recently received a B+ rating from the
State of Arizona. With a small school population, EDHS operates using a
welcoming, nurturing learning environment, which explains the final thoughts of
Student Council President Victoria Gonzalez. "We did everything we set out to do
and the results were fantastic," she said. "Even after we [seniors] graduate, we
will definitely come back to El Dorado and help out with the next one!"

"Onward And Upward" is a slogan that ties in with the
mission of El Dorado – to move forward with great resolve, and
ensure that our students are prepared to meet the challenges that await them
beyond high school.

At El Dorado High School, our dedicated teachers and
staff members are working tirelessly to provide an outstanding academic
experience for our students, and to create the kind of personalized atmosphere
unavailable at other larger high schools.

Here at El Dorado, we believe that every student can take a
leadership role and help guide the school to new heights. This block, much work
has been done to prepare students for the academic challenges they face, such as
their AIMS exams and college entrance requirements. Our hardworking Student
Council, under the leadership of Ms. Schindel, is also striving to establish a
stronger presence for El Dorado in the local community.

Recently, the Council directed a series of Spirit Week
activities designed to build excitement for our outstanding basketball team, and
for the school as a whole. The sight of students and teachers in leg-warmers and
Van Halen concert T-shirts on ‘80s day meant that students are striving to
create a stronger and more exciting sense of community here at El Dorado. In
this school, each individual truly makes a difference, and enhancing that sense
of community will continue to be our focus in the new school year.

But we need your ideas as we move the school in an
exciting new direction. Please do not hesitate to bring us your comments and
feedback. This school is moving "Onward And Upward," and we want to partner with
you as students and parents along the journey!

Have a safe and happy holiday!

Dave Miller
Principal