Happy Memorial Day! Today we honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation and freedoms. We are humbled by their service.

We have now raised over $208,000.00 and continue to march forward toward our goal — with three weeks left, we encourage everyone who has not donated to join the over 400 local families, and those from across the nation, by contributing today. Together we can, and will, make a difference!

Our hope to raise $500 per family, but recognize these difficult times and some families may not be in the position to donate or raise $500. We welcome any donation, regardless of size. Every dollar counts.

There are several easy ways to donate:
On line using the button to your right or mail us a check (made payable to the “CFSD Foundation” and on the memo write “30/60 Challenge”) to:

CFSD Foundation
P.O. Box 65150
Tucson, AZ
85728-5150

We passed the $200,000 mark raised yesterday and continue to march forward toward our goal — with over 25 days left in our campaign, we invite everyone who has not donated to join the hundreds of local families, and those from across the nation, by contributing today. Together we can make a difference!

Foothills residents rally to save teachers
By David Sanders
Arizona Daily Star
Tucson, Arizona | Published: 05.21.2009
http://www.azstarnet.com/sn/85718/293598

Oversized sunglasses and brightly colored straw hats made for a festive afternoon Sunday as about 500 people attended the 30/60 Challenge rally at Catalina Foothills High School.

The rally raised $12,000 that day, bringing the 30/60 Challenge total to $185,000. The rally was part of a 60-day effort for the Catalina Foothills School District to raise enough money to cover the salaries of 30 teachers, said Mark Kipphut, president of the Catalina Foothills School District Foundation.

“We are trying to raise $1.3 million for teachers and save the 30 teachers that are at risk,” Kipphut said. “One of the reasons this district performs so strongly is because we have small classroom sizes, K-12. What will happen if we lose those 30 teachers, our class size will grow about 20 percent to about 28 to 30 students range. That’s what this all really comes down to.”

With a “Walk a Mile in Your Teacher’s Shoes” event around the track, a dunk tank and various music, art and academic demonstrations, the rally was as educational as it was fun. Sports teams were also on hand in an effort to raise tax-credit dollars.

“This is a joint effort with our community and schools to bring in tax-credit dollars and 30/60 dollars,” said part-time high school English teacher Lisa Millerd, who helped organize the event.

“We are kind of hoping that this not only brings information to people about how this all works in terms of education dollars, but that they feel involved and that they can support the programs and academics that they need to,” she said.

Catalina Foothills alumna Madison Carroll enjoyed the event and seeing everyone care about the district and the high school, 4300 E. Sunrise Drive.

“I love this school. I went here all four years. I had a great time, but with the budget cuts, it’s reality, but it’s nice to to see everyone come together and help out the community,” Carroll said as she surveyed the activities. “It’s my way of giving back.”

● Contact photographer David Sanders at 573-4155 or dsanders@azstarnet.com

Our hope to raise $500 per family, but recognize these difficult times and some families may not be in the position to donate or raise $500. We welcome any donation, regardless of size. Every dollar counts.
There are three ways to donate on line:
1. 30/60 Challenge web site (http://3060challenge.com/)
2. CFSD Foundation web site (http://www.cfsdfoundation.org/)
3. FaceBook 30/60 Challenge Cause Page (http://apps.facebook.com/causes/265190/23609740)
Or mail us a check…make the check payable to “CFSD Foundation” and on the memo write “30/60 Challenge:”
CFSD Foundation
P.O. Box 65150
Tucson, AZ
85728-5150

Another exemple of academic excellence in the Catalina Foothills School District — let’s not gamble with our children’s future by cutting the teachers who enable each student to achieve their full potential! Please support the 30/60 Challenge by giving today.

http://www.azstarnet.com/metro/293623
Arizona Daily Star
May 20, 2009
Valuable Flinn Scholarships go to 3 Catalina Foothills students

Three students from Catalina Foothills High School are among 17 Arizona high school seniors who will attend one of the state’s universities on a Flinn Scholarship.

The Flinn Foundation launched the scholarship program in 1986, paying for four years of study at an Arizona university as well as offering opportunities for academic travel and faculty mentorship.

This is only the second time in 24 years that the incoming Flinn Scholar class has fewer than 20 students. Organizers say several students declined the offer, expressing concern about the state’s commitment to education given recent cuts to higher education by state lawmakers.

Among other criteria, students had to rank in the top 5 percent of the graduating class and carry a 3.5 minimum grade-point average.

Applicants also had to demonstrate leadership ability, submit three essays and take part in two personal interviews.

Winning students were selected from high schools across Arizona, from Patagonia to Yuma to Flagstaff.

The three Catalina Foothills students are:
• Laurel Gray, an Advanced Placement Scholar, served as captain of the varsity swim team, a translator at a Nogales clinic and was a high-school ambassador for middle-school students.

• Emma Kleiner, a National Merit Scholar, served as president of the speech and debate team, was an intern for former Gov. Janet Napolitano and U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, and was a campus liaison for the American Israel Public Affairs Committee.

• Ravi Ram, an AP Scholar with distinction, was co-captain of the varsity tennis team, a state champion on the Science Olympiad team, secretary of the speech and debate team and a teen columnist for the Tucson Citizen.