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2010

ARIZONA OUT 4 Life Conference

ARIZONA OUT 4 Life Conference

April 26-28, 2010

Desert Willow Conference Center

4340 East Cotton Center Boulevard, Phoenix, AZ

 

Each year more than 20,000 inmates are released from Arizona’s prisons into communities throughout our state.  More than 50% of them return to prison within three years.  In order to make Arizona communities safer and reduce recidivism, it is essential that networks comprised of stakeholders across disciplines collaboratively identify the challenges and solutions for successful reentry.  The Out 4 Life Reentry Conference, co-sponsored by Prison Fellowship and the Arizona Department of Corrections, will bring together key stakeholders to address practical barriers, identify opportunities, cultivate working relationships, and develop appropriate strategies for prisoners to successfully transition from incarceration into community.  A combination of plenary sessions and workshops will cover topics such as public policy, housing and employment of ex-offenders, substance abuse treatment, coordination with probation and parole, unique needs of women prisoners, working with sex offenders, and best practices in prisoner reentry. FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER, GO TO: WWW.OUT4LIFE.COM .

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Foundation Founding Fellow and Justice Hero Passes

Dan McAuliffe, Foundation Founding Fellow and 2005 Walter E. Craig recipient passed away Friday March 12th. While Dan was most broadly known for his service to the profession, he also served the public in the area of civil rights. He spent four years at the United States Department of Justice in Washington, D.C., where he worked with issues of civil rights including school desegregation. He continued his commitment to public service through his work with the Human Relations Commission for the City of Phoenix. In 1992, when Arizona faced a vote on the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday, Dan served as co-chair of Lawyers for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday and as a volunteer for Victory Together, an organization that spearheaded the effort to have the MLK Holiday adopted in Arizona. Dan chose an unglamorous and low profile role, but with high importance to the campaign. In a similarly low key fashion, Dan assisted the least advantaged in our community through his pro bono services to those most in need. He expected great things of those around him and worked hard to help make such things happen.

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PLEASE CLICK HERE TO JOIN US IN THANKING IOLTA PARTNERING BANKS

~ Going Above and Beyond ~

Contributing 100% of Interest Earned to Arizona IOLTA Program!

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High School Students - Enter the 2010 Law Day Editorial Cartoon Contest and win a Wii System!

Who are the pirates of today? Some still roam the high seas. Others use the Internet to strike their victims. Piracy dates back to 1300 B.C. but continues today in many forms.

Use your wit and imagination to depict a pirate of the 21st century for this year’s Law Day Contest! Win some great prizes!

First place: Wii system
Second place: iPod touch
Third place: iPod shuffle

Each year on or about May 1, the State Bar of Arizona participates in Law Day, a nationally celebrated program sponsored by the American Bar Association. In 1958, President Dwight D. Eisenhower proclaimed the first Law Day to strengthen our country’s heritage of liberty, justice and equality under the law. Over the years, legal and civic organizations nationwide have used these general ideas to develop educational programs for the public.

This year the State Bar, the Superior Court in Maricopa County and the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services and Education have partnered to sponsor an editorial cartoon contest on the theme, Modern Day Pirates: Piracy Laws & Issues in the 21st Century.

 

The contest is open to Arizona students enrolled in grades 9-12.
Cartoons may be submitted electronically to lawday@azbar.org
Or in printed format to:
State Bar of Arizona
Law Day Cartoon Contest
4201 N. 24th Street, Suite 200
Phoenix, AZ 85016-6288

You can download the contest entry form and guidelines at www.azbar.org

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Nominations now being accepted for both LRE Teacher and Officer of the Year Awards!

Do you have an exceptional LRE Teacher or Officer? Hurry....the date for nominations ends March 31st!

The Arizona Foundation for Legal Services and Education invites you to recognize your outstanding Law Related Teacher and Officer. Each year the Foundation honors those who have demonstrated exceptional contributions to the advancement of legal education. This award focuses on those individuals who have improved public awareness of law related topics, and in turn have strengthened the community that surround our Arizona schools.

John J. Ross Memorial Award for Excellence in Law-Related Education

Created through the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education to honor the memory of Mr. Ross, who was a senior partner in the law firm of Brown and Bain. Each year, the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education Center for Law-Related Education awards at least one $250 cash award for teacher excellence in law-related education.

The Law-Related Education Officer of the Year Award

Recognizes exceptional contributions of Arizona police and probation officers in furthering education and understanding of the role of the law in our democratic society. This award focuses public awareness on the contributions that officers provide to the community and Arizona schools.

If you have an exceptional LRE Officer or LRE Teacher, and would like to nominate them for their efforts please click on the “Awards” tab.

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Bar President Speaks of Becoming a Foundation Fellow

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Public Relations Committee

Foundation's Public Relations Committee February 17th

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Great Loss to Justice Community- Elvera Anselmo

Elvera Anselmo passed away on February 7th.  Elvera was born in Chicago and lived in Phoenix for the last 23 years.  For several years after graduating from Blackburn College with a degree in Education, Ms. Anselmo traveled and worked around the world with the United Nations.  When she returned to the States she worked to protect women from violence and to provide housing to the homeless.  She lobbied both Arizona and Illinois legislators on behalf of low income people, provided training and continuing legal education, and worked to protect senior citizens against fraud and abuse at the Attorney General’s Office, governor's Advisory Council on Aging and AARP.

She was a courageous and dedicated fighter for equal justice for all, and will be very missed by the justice community as a whole.

 

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Tough Economic Times in Arizona

Foreclosures, bankruptcies and other financial problems are increasing but free assistance is available for many residents.

Southern Arizona Legal Aid and other non-profit organizations are seeing a huge increase in the number of people who need assistance with their finances including bankruptcies, foreclosures and other topics like credit card debt and better budgeting practices.

Experts say each case is unique but Belinda Castro exemplifies the confusion and frustration that many people are encountering. After buying her dream home six years ago, 2009 was a personal nightmare. Castro lost her sister, her job and was diagnosed with cancer. She couldn't make her mortgage payments temporarily so she asked if she could make those payments at the end of her mortgage as part of a loan modification. She thought she got it but was notified in December he property had been sold.

Castro is still trying to untangle the legal mess with assistance from SALA. Castro says she just wants to get back on track and be able to breathe. "I don’t want to hold my breath" she says, "I want my home back, I want my life back.”

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2010 We the People Summer Institute

The Arizona We the People summer institute is now accepting applications. This year's free institute will be held June 28 - July 2, 2010. For more information and to apply please click on the link below.

2010 We the People Summer Institute Application Form.

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Access to Justice Headlines

News at the Resource Center for Access to Justice Initiatives
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The ABA/NLADA Equal Justice Conference

The Equal Justice Conference brings together all components of the legal community to discuss equal justice issues as they relate to the delivery of legal services to the poor and low-income individuals in need of legal assistance. The emphasis of this Conference is...
Learn more...

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"We the People" State Competition Results!

Congratulations to all the participating schools for a fantastic performance at the State Competition!

1st place--Corona del Sol High School (Team 7)

2nd place---Hamilton High School (Team 4)

3rd place---Dobson High School (Team 2)

4th place---Lake Havasu High School (Team 10)

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Unit 1 Award--Prescott High School (Team 9)

Unit 2 Award--Higley High School (Team 1)

Unit 3 Award--Maricopa High Schoool (Team 6)

Unit 4 Award---Westwood High School (Team 8)

Unit 5 Award--Rio Rico High School (Team 5)

Unit 6 Award---Red Mountain High School (Team 3)

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2009

LRE Academy: Jury of Peers: Enhancing Arizona Teen Court Programs

LRE Academy presents...Jury of Peers: Enhancing Arizona Teen Court Programs

March 25, 2010

Register today!

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LRE Academy: Representative Democracy in America

LRE Academy presents...Representative Democracy in America

March 4th, 2010

Register today!

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LRE Academy: Embracing Diversity in Schools

LRE Academy presents...Embracing Diversity in Schools

February 24-25, 2010

Register today!

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LRE Academy: Kids Voting: Empowering Youth to Become Active Citizens

LRE Academy presents...Kids Voting: Empowering Youth to Become Active Citizens

February 4th, 2010

Register today!

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LRE Academy: Community Works: Building Teens Up & Breaking Down Youth Violence

LRE Academy presents...Community Works: Building Teens Up & Breaking Down Youth Violence

January 20-21, 2010

Register today!

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LRE Academy: Children Creating Change: Project Citizen 102

LRE Academy presents...Children Creating Change: Project Citizen 102

January 13, 2010

Register Today!

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LRE Academy: Getting High: The Dangers of Drugs & Alcohol

LRE Academy presents...Getting High: The Dangers of Drugs & Alcohol

January 12, 2010

Register Today!

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Project Citizen 2010 State Showcase!

Project Citizen 2010 State Showcase

May 7, 2010

Black Canyon Conference Center

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Arizona High School Mock Trial 2010 State Tournament!

Arizona High School Mock Trial State Tournament

March 27, 2010

Sandra Day O'Connor Federal Courthouse (Phoenix)

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We the People 2010 State Competition!

We the People State Competition

January 8, 2010

ASU West Campus

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Join us for a FREE Professional Development Event

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ACSS Board Meeting

The Arizona Council for Social Studies' board will meet at 6 pm at the Foundation's offices

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Foundation Board of Directors' Meeting

Foundation Board of Directors' Meeting 

Thursday, December 10th - 3PM-5PM

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Law Related Education Committee Meeting

Law Related Education Committee Meeting                                                           

Thursday, December 3rd at 3pm

Foundation Training Room

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For the Person who has Everything - Give the Gift of Justice

If you're struggling to find a gift this season, why not donate to the Foundation or one of its grantees in a friend's name!  The Foundation will send a lovely card to the recipient acknowledging your gift in their honor.  Contact the Foundation at 602-340-7366 or donate online!

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Wills for Heroes has New Partner

Foundation proudly announces our latest partnership with the State Bar of Arizona, the Wills for Heroes program.  The partnership brings a new website:  http://az.willsforheroes.org/.

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Foundation Legal Service Committee Meeting

November 9th Noon - 1:00 Grant review

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Legal Service Conference - DV Statewide Project

Statewide Legal Service Conference held at Foundation Offices November 10th

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Kids Voting AZ Academy! Feb. 4th, 2010

Join us for a FREE professional development training for the very popular Kids Voting Arizona curriculum!

As a result of this training, participants will learn…

• Strategies/Activities to engage students to be knowledgeable, active citizens.
• Useful content that will guide students through the voting process.
• Effective methods for developing informed citizens.

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Congratulations, Barb Dawson

The Foundation would like to congratulate Barb Dawson on her win for the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce's Athena awards. The award honors Valley businesswomen for their "excellence in business and leadership, exemplary community service, and their support and mentorship of other women." Finalists are chosen not only for excelling in their careers, but for outstanding work in the community. Barb Dawson is a Foundation hero and we are happy she is being recognized by the community as a whole. Thank you, Barb!

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Arizona Attorney General's Office Issues Opinion on IOLTA Interest

Arizona Attorney General Opinion I09-005 concludes that, "under Arizona law, the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education owns the entire beneficial interest in and has the exclusive right to the interest income generated, minus a reasonable service charge or fee, on trust accounts required to be established by attorneys pursuant to the provisions of the Arizona State Bar's Interest on Lawyers Trust Accounts ("IOLTA") program, established by Rule 43 of the Rules of the Supreme Court." Read Opinion.

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Happy Birthday VAWA!

This month marks the 15th anniversary of the landmark Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). VAWA, under the Office on Violence Against Women, provides financial and technical assistance to communities across the country that are developing programs, policies, and practices aimed at ending domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Legal service agencies across the country receive VAWA funding to help victims with their legal issues.

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Honoring Our Foundation Fellows - Mark Harrison

Like many of the founding fellows, Mark Harrison is an affable and successful member of Arizona's community of attorneys. A familiar theme resonates throughout each interview of a founding fellow: dedication to the practice of law through a commitment of volunteerism. This commitment is equally personally satisfying in that it lends itself in obtaining a gratifying and balanced law career. Read more.

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NEW IOLTA FDIC Insurance Coverage Notice

All financial institutions with FDIC coverage were automatically enrolled in the Transaction Account Guarantee Program of the TLGP for the period of October 14th through December 5, 2008. After that time, financial institutions could have elected to opt out of the program. Those that elected to opt out were required to post a notice to that effect in the lobby of their main and branch offices and on their websites. In addition, they are listed on the FDIC website as having opted out of the program. Financial institutions that elected to participate in the program were also to post a notice in their main and branch offices, as well as their website, indicating their participation.  These notice requirements were to be posted by December 19th. The TLGP is in effect until December 31, 2009, unless it is further extended by the FDIC. For the full text of the final rule, click here.

The FDIC has now posted the list of financial institutions that have opted out of the Transaction Account Guarantee Program of the TLGP.  To view the list, click here.

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Foundation wins 2009 Alfred Sloan Workplace Flexibility Award

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Legal Help Websites in need of Volunteers

Every year, Flagstaff students and volunteer attorneys participate in Law Day, which raises awareness of the importance of our laws and our 3-branch government.

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Legal Help Websites in need of Volunteers

The Foundation's three legal help websites need volunteers to help research questions submitted to the website. AzLawHelp.org, LawforKids.org and LawforSeniors.org all provide a particular audience help with a variety of legal issues. Users may submit questions through the website which are then assigned to a volunteer attorney or law student (who's answers are then reviewed by an attorney). No legal advice may be given, but users will be provided with what the current laws are for their situation and what resources may be available. If you are interested in volunteering for the website or other Foundation activities, read more.

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2009 Court Artist Contest

State Winner & Region VII Winner—Linnea Paseiro—Northland Preparatory Academy
State Runner-Up and Region VI Winner—Julie Zhang—University High School
Region VII Runner-Up—Sage Nelson—Northland Preparatory Academy
Region VI Runner-Up—Ciera Miller—Tanque Verde High School

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2009 Arizona State High School Mock Trial Winners

Arizona State High School Mock Trial Tournament Winners
1st Place - University Team 1
2nd Place - Xavier Team 4
3rd Place - University Team 3
4th Place - Xavier Team 1

Outstanding Student ($500 AADC Scholarship Winner)
Will Hawkins - Blue Ridge 
Honorable Mention Outstanding Students ($250 AADC Scholarship Winners)
David Berens - University Team 1
Shane Arlington - Northland Prep. Team 1

All State Mock Trial Team
Shane Arlington - Northland Prep. Team 1
David Berens - University Team 1
Kristie Gallardo - University Team 2
Will Hawkins - Blue Ridge 
Sara McCabe - Xavier Team 1
Mari Carmen Perez-Vargas - Xavier Team 2
Danny Wilson - Brophy

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Foundations of Justices CLE series

Learn the legal foundations for Family Law Housing Wills & Trusts Bankruptcy and Consumer Law as well as how to be a Modest Means attorney

Contact the State Bar’s CLE department or 602-340-7262 for more information

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We the People State Competition Winners Announced

Winners of the January 9th We the People State Championship:

1st Place - Corona Del Sol - Tempe (AE)

2nd Place - Dobson High School - Mesa (BG)

3rd Place - Hamilton High School - Gilbert (AG)

4th Place - Prescott High School (BY)

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2008

$1.3 Mil Grant Given For Inmate DNA Tests

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Attorneys Need to Take Extra Care in Watching Client Trust Accounts

With the precarious economy and the number of financial institutions either failing (such as IndyMac Bank) or being taken over by other institutions (such as Washington Mutual), lawyers who have client trust accounts should be thinking about the safety of those accounts.

Actually, lawyers with client trust accounts should be thinking about the safety of the accounts – property that belongs to clients and others -- all the time, not just in a financial crisis and not just to comply with the specific requirements of Rules 43 and 44, Ariz.R.Sup.Ct.

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Hotline Is A Victim Of Budget Cuts

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Register Now For Kids Voting Awareness Sessions

Kids Voting Arizona is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, grassroots-driven voter education program.  We, as an organization are committed to creating lifelong voting habits in children and increase adult voter turnout.

The Foundation is offering Awareness sessions for Kids Voting which will begin this fall! Participants will be engaged in lively, interactive trainings that will prepare them to introduce new and exciting lessons into their classroom (click here to register and/or see our Kids Voting Awareness Session Calendar).

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Fake Check Scams are Targeting Law Practices!!! Learn the Red Flags and Avoid the Traps!!!

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CSI: Arizona a Success!

On May 16th, 2008 ten schools from across Arizona competed in the 3rd annual "CSI: Arizona" Forensic Science Competition. Approximately 230 students participating in the competition used skills they learned in their forensics science class in school to investigate mock crime-scenes. The students also use real-life CSI skills such as collecting and analyzing evidence and interviewing witnesses and suspects to try and solve the case.

The ten schools are divided between high school and middle schools. This year's high school state champions are North Canyon High School and the middle school state champions are Desert Sands Middle School.

Congratulations to all who participated in this successful event (click here for a list of this year's participants)

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Project Citizen Showcase Winners

On Friday May 2nd, 2008, nearly 200 students presented their solutions to problems they are currently facing in their communities. These issues  ranged from Animal Testing to Teen Homelessness. 

Community leaders listened to the students’ presentations and helped them better understand the democratic process of change.

The topic of the winning portfolio was "Solar Energy", Heather Matchett's 5th grade class from Lineweaver Elementary School in Tucson. Their portfolio will be judged again later this summer in New Orleans.

The topic of the winning oral hearing was "Grafitti in America", Sandra Suarez-Hairgrove's class from Valencia Middle School in Tucson.

Congratulations to all participants! (Learn more about Project Citizen).

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ARIZONA STUDENTS AWARDED SCHOLARSHIPS: Arizona Supreme Court Justices Recognize Essay Winners on Law Day

Download Document

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Foundation Video Premiere at 2008 State Bar Convention Annual Luncheon

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University High School to Compete at Mock Trial Nationals

On Saturday April 5th, sixteen teams competed in the Annual State Mock Trial Competition. This year's case, about civil rights, involved the Plaintiff seeking injunctive relief for the alleged violation of their right to freedom of religion.

The Foundation congratulates University High School on winning the state tournament this year. These students will represent the state of Arizona in Delaware for the National Mock Trial Tournament in May.

Thank you to all who volunteered their time to make this an amazing event.

(to see the list of schools who participated in the state competition, click here).

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Foundation Gives Out Over $2 Million to Legal Aid Grantees

In 2008, the Foundation awarded over 2 million to legal aid grantees across the state of Arizona.  This was an increase of over $750,000 from 2007.  Agencies apply in late October and grants are awarded starting in January.  Each agency serves those most in need with legal issues including child custody, diability benefits, domestic violence, and immigration.  For a list of 2008 grantees or how to apply... Read More

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Now Registering for We The People Summer Institute

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Law Day Brings Another Essay Contest!

The topic of the Third Annual Law Day Scholarship Essay Contest is "How should the courts uphold the rule of law?".  Winners from each county will receive a $250 scholarship, and all schools with at least one entry in the contest will receive a $50 stipend for supplies! Read More!

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Schools to Compete in CSI State Competition

The Foundation is excited to host our 3rd Annual Middle/High School CSI Arizona State Competition on May 16, 2008. Over 30 teams participated in this year's CSI Arizona Qualification Scenario, with the hope of competing in the State Competition. The following schools to advance to the state competition in May are: Barry Goldwater High School, Canyon del Oro High School, North High School, North Canyon High School, Centennial Jr. High School, Crane Middle School, Desert Sands Middle School, and Woodard Jr. High (Click here to learn more about CSI Arizona).

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Printing Request for Proposals (Due 3/6)

The Foundation seeks a printer to produce up to 150,000 copies of our “When You Turn 18” brochure that will be distributed to Arizona High School seniors and the general public in May of 2008.  Specifications and a production timeline are included in the full request for proposals. The Foundation is an AA/EOE employer - minority and disadvantaged businesses are encouraged to apply.
Download Document

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State Legal Gap Study Complete - Clear Need Identified for Increased Resources

The Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education retained Fieldwork Quant Group in Chicago, Illinois to conduct the study identifying legal needs gap in services for Arizonans. With a 95% confidence level, the State study reveals that 32% of Arizonans had a civil legal need in the last 12 months and over half of those with household incomes under $47K stated they could not afford the private representation needed. Over 80% of Arizonans didn't know where to find legal aid assistance. The study outlines the legal need issues, the areas of the state with the greatest needs and those sub-populations who are most likely to go without a voice  in our justice system.

To obtain a copy of this report, please contact Kay Lapid at Kay.Lapid@azflse.org, or (602) 340-7260.

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Arizona Lawyers Helping Homeowners

The Lawyers Helping Homeowners program calls upon volunteer lawyers to assist homeowners in working with their lenders to find appropriate financial arrangements to avoid foreclosure. Keeping people in their homes helps stabilize the economy and increase family security. This initiative, coordinated by the State Bar of Arizona, the Arizona Foundation for Law Related Education, and the Arizona Supreme Court, will not save all homes from foreclosure, but will offer hope and opportunity to many who might otherwise have none (read more). 

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ARIZONA STUDENTS CHOOSE OBAMA, MCCAIN AS TOP PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES

Students from nearly 500 schools casted their votes in the Kids Voting Arizona Presidential Preference Election. With nearly 100 percent of participating schools reporting, Democratic Senator Barack Obama and GOP Senator John McCain are the top choices of Arizona’s Kindergarten through 12^th grade students (read more).

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LRE Lending Library

The new LRE Resource Library has recently acquired hundreds of new items for its collection.   Many new videos, stories and curricula for use in the classroom are now available in a range of Law Related Education topics.  All Arizona educators, including teachers, parents, Juvenile Justice representatives and attorneys are invited to borrow materials online, or visit us at 4201 N. 24th St. #210 in Phoenix.

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We the People State Competition Results

First Place - Dobson High School

Second Place - Hamilton High School

Third Place - Corona del Sol High School

Fourth Place - Mountain Ridge High School

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2007

LRE Lending Library Reopens December 1st

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Arizona Hosts National Legal Aid & Defenders Association Conference

See NLADA website for conference summary

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Domestic Violence Shelters, Legal Service Providers Seek to Close Funding Gap

Last year 19 legal lay advocates and 20 attorneys, funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) in 28 cities here in Arizona provided help to nearly 1,600 victims of domestic violence with legal problems. This year those victims may not have those dedicated providers to assist them. Recently, the Foundation, who administers the grant and distributes it to domestic violence shelters and legal aid agencies across the state, was informed that they would not receive the DOJ funding of $391,000.

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Grant Applications Now Available!

The Foundation is now accepting applications for LRE, Legal Services, and Loan Repayment Assistance Program grants. Applications are due November 2nd!

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Foundation President Receives Gavel

The Foundation's President Joe Kreamer became a judge on Friday, September 14th as he was sworn in to the Maricopa County Superior Court. Before his appointment by Governor Janet Napolitano, Judge Kreamer was a trial lawyer specializing in personal injury and commercial litigation cases.

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LRE Academy Now Enrolling!

The first Law Related Education Academy of this academic year will take place Sept. 11th! There are over 29 acadmies offered for officers and teachers, but spots will fill up quickly so register today!

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Dates and Deadlines

 

• December 12, 2007 - AZ Domestic Violence Legal Assistance Project training
• December 13, 2007 - Foundation Board Meeting
• February 6, 2008 - IOLTA Midyear Meeting-Los Angeles

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Input Needed on Curriculum for Tribal Law

The Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education is in great need of your input! Please take a few minutes to complete a very important survey about the development of a tribal law curriculum for Arizona public schools. To take the survey, please click here. The survey will be closed on September 7^th!

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Foundation Calendar!

• September 26, 2008 - Foundation's 30th Anniversary!
• September 27, 2008 - National Kids Voting Day
• November 4, 2008 - Kids Voting AZ General Election
• December 6, 2008 - We the People Regional Competition
• January 9th, 2009 - We the People State Competition
• March 6, 2009 - Project Citizen District Showcase
• March 7, 2009 - Mock Trial Regional Tournament
• March 28th, 2009 - Mock Trial State Tournament
• April 13-24, 2009 - Project Citizen State Level Portfolio Judging
• May 8, 2009 - Project Citizen State Showcase

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Nominate an Officer Today for the LRE Officer of the Year Award!

This award recognizes the exceptional contributions by police and probation officers in the advancement of law related education at schools around the state. One award is given to an outstanding officer each year. Of special emphasis is the demonstration of leadership that extends beyond the classroom and into the law enforcement community and the community at large

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Nominate a teacher today for the John J. Ross Memorial Award!

This award recognizes the exceptional contributions by Arizona teachers in the advancement of law-related education. Up to four $250 cash awards are given annually to teachers from across the state. Of special emphasis is the demonstration of leadership that extends beyond the classroom and involves the community at large. Nominations are due August 31st.

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Foundation Staff to attend ABA IOLTA Conference

Foundation staff members that administer IOLTA funds will be attending the 2007 ABA Annual Meeting in San Francisco from August 9-12. Executives and staff from bar foundations around the country will attend topical sessions regarding the IOLTA program.  IOLTA (Interest on Lawer Trust Accounts) funds are used to support legal aid, legal education for the public, and other activities that improve the quality of justice.

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Foundation and Kids Voting Arizona Offer Grants to Arizona Tribal Communities for Collaboration on Kids Voting Curriculum

Download Document

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August 15th Deadline for Legal Aid Attorney Loan Repayment Program

ASU and U of A alumni who are currently legal aide attorneys are eligible for this program in honor of Joyce Holsey, who silently dedicated her life to giving thousands of others a voice and equal access to our justice system.

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Over 50 teachers trained at LRE Summer Institutes this summer

Summer may be time off for some teachers but there were more than 50 educators that were back at 'school' and this time as the student. Their committment to their students led them to give up a week of their summer vacation to learn more about two law-related education programs: We The People and Project Citizen.

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RFP for 2007-2008 Academy Trainings

The Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education will host approximately 30 trainings (from August 1, 2007 - April 31, 2008) which will introduce Arizona educators to a variety of law-related education curricula aligned to Arizona State Academic Standards. Depending on the subject of each training, they may last 1-3 days. Arizona teachers, administrators, school resource officers, school probation officers and community resource people are eligible to attend each training.
Interested parties may download the Facility Request for Proposal here:
RFP for 2007-2008 Academy Trainings.

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New opening at the Foundation

We are seeking an individual to fill a Website & Database Developer position. If you are a team player who is looking for a career with a company that values the balance between work and life, look no further! To apply, please fax a cover letter and resume to 602-416-7435, or send a message to Lara Slifko.

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Awardees to receive honors at 2007 SBA Convention Luncheon

    Join us in congratulating William Haug our 2007 Walter E. Craig Distinguished Services recipient and Cary Inabinet our William E. Morris Pro Bono Service recipient, during the Awards Luncheon at the 2007 SBA Convention. Keith Perkins, the recipient for the Foundation for Justice award, will be honored during the reception.

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The 2007 Western Regional Project Citizen Summer Institute

    The 2007 Western Regional Project Citizen Summer Institute will be hosted by the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education July 6-13th, 2007, in Prescott, AZ, at Yavapai Community College. Professor Joe Stewart, from South Carolina, will be the institute scholar. The institute is designed for middle and high school educators and will provide professional development for 31 participants and serve 9 states.

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The Arizona We The People Summer Institute

The Arizona Foundation for Legal Services and Education hosts a We The People Summer Institute each June at Yavapai College in Prescott, Arizona. This week-long training is for We The People teachers in upper elementary through high school grade levels, and of all levels of experience with the program.

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Westwind Academy Wins State Project Citizen Portfolio Showcase

The topic of the winning portfolio was "Tagging and Graffiti" and the teacher was Carrie Algozzini. Their portfolio will be judged again in August at the National Conference of State Legislators in Boston, Mass.

Nearly 200 students presented their solutions to problems ranging from elder abuse to immigration during the State Project Citizen Showcase.   Community leaders listened to the students’ presentations and helped them better understand the democratic process of change.

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Congratulations to Dobson High School!

Dobson High School finished fourth in the national finals of We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution after they participated in the competition's final round on Capitol Hill in congressional hearing rooms. More than 1,200 students from all 50 states and the District of Columbia participated in the competition.

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Paid Volunteer Opportunity!!!

The Foundation is seeking people who are passionate about civic and law-related education and would like to share their passion, knowledge and experience with others.

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New Opening at The Foundation

We are seeking an individual to fill the a Instruction Specialist position. To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume to Lara Slifko by mail or to The Foundation prior to 5:00 p.m. on April 18, 2007.

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New Openings at The Foundation

We are seeking an individual to fill the a newly created Program Coordinator position. To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume to Lara Slifko by mail or to The Foundation prior to 5:00 p.m. on March 16, 2007.

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2007 Arizona Forensic Science: Crime Scene Investigation Competition

The Foundation is excited to host our 2nd Annual Middle/High School Forensic Science Competition on May 18, 2007. This competition combines science and law providing students the opportunity to develop skills in both fields through the application of crime scene analysis, evidence gathering, critical thinking, communication and presentation skills, and the practical experience of applying the law and science to a real life scenario. The Scenario to qualify for this State Competition has been released.

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2006

The Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education is seeking

to fill the positions of Web Content Developer and Project Coordinator.
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"Recognizing the Stars Among Us" A Call For Nominations – Deadline March 31, 2006

Annually at the State Bar Convention, the Foundation honors individuals who have been recognized by their peers as having extraordinary commitment and service to the people of Arizona. Nominations are now being accepted.

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State Bar of Arizona Executive Director gives opening remarks at Foundation reception for ABA Law Related Education Conference held January 25-28th

 
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2006 Arizona Forensic Science Competition

The Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education is excited to be hosting our First Annual Middle/High School State Forensic Science Competition on April 29, 2006. This signature event will be hosted during April in honor of the state's Access to Justice Month. This competition combines science and law providing students the opportunity to develop skills in both fields through the application of crime scene analysis, evidence gathering, critical thinking, communication and presentation skills, and the practical experience of applying the law and science to a real life scenario.

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When You Turn 18

The laws of our state and nation can sometimes be a confusing maze. The "When You Turn 18" brochure serves as a road map to educate and guide young adults through the many areas of the law they encounter in everyday life. This informational guide is available to families, schools and organizations that deal with young adults at no charge order online!.

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2006 Arizona Law Day Essay Contest

We invite all Arizona students in grades 10-12 to enter the 2006 Arizona Law Day Essay Contest. Three winners will be chosen from each County in Arizona, and the First Place essay winner in each County will receive a $150 gift card and a trip to attend special recognition event in May 2006 at the Arizona Supreme Court. Entries are due by March 15, 2006.

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Legislative Appreciation Luncheon

The Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education is hosting a "Legislative Appreciation Luncheon" on Monday, February 13, 2006. This event is an important opportunity to thank the Arizona State Legislature for its continued support of our programs and for the Legislators to have an opportunity to interact with Arizona school children, School Safety Officers, Teachers and Domestic Violence Shelters.

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Law Related Education Grant Deadline Extended to Friday March 24th, 2006

The Foundation will distribute a total of $55,000 to Arizona teachers, schools and organizations to promote access to justice through Law Related Education programming. Grant proposals for all three programs (teachers, schools/districts, organizations) will be reviewed together and awards will be announced in April 2006. Award amounts are anticipated to range from $500 to $10,000 dependent upon the total number of qualifying grant applications received. Deadline for proposals is March 15, 2006.
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2010

CSI Students Show Off Their Skills

Seventh-grade students at Clarkdale-Jerome School became Crime Scene Investigators Monday. They investigated a mock homicide in the school gymnasium.

Check it out here! http://verdenews.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=35387

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2009

North Canyon High to host Forensic CSI Challenge

The North Canyon High School Forensic Club in partnership with the Paradise Valley School District and Phoenix Police Department, with support from the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services and Education, will be hosting their first Forensic “CSI” Challenge.

The challenge will be limited to the first 10 teams that submit their letter of intent to NCHS by December, 1st 2009.

The challenge will be held April 16-17, 2010 at North Canyon High School.

Visit http:cmweb.pvschools.net/~chuffman for more information!

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Congratulations to the Top 10 Teams that completed the 2009 CSI Arizona Qualification Scenario!

 

 

 

High Schools

 

Canyon del Oro High School Team #2

Canyon del Oro High School Team #1

Canyon del Oro High School Team #5

Chino Valley High School Team #2

Mountain View High School

Barry Goldwater High School

 

Centennial Middle School

Desert Sands Middle School Team #5

Desert Sands Middle School Team #6

Crane Middle School

Middle Schools

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2009 Qualification Scenario now available!

The Qualification Scenario is now available to teams registered for the 2009 program.  Please go to the download center and you will find the Qualification Scenario and a corresponding diagram.  If you haven't already registered your team, please visit the website, www.azflse.org/csiarizona, click on login (or "Become a Memer" if you haven't previosly logged on) and then click on the CSI Arizona Qualification Scenario event.  Good luck!!!

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2008

Qualification Scenerio Has Been Posted

The 2009 Qualification Scenerio has been posted and distributed to CSI Arizona Members.  CLICK HERE to download the Scenerio.  You must register your team by December 19th to participate, but the Qualification Scenerio Reports are due February 2nd, 2009.

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Registration is Due January 2nd for Qualification Scenerio!

Registration is now available online for the CSI Arizona Qualification Scenario. Paper applications and rosters will not be accepted, so keep in mind that any recognition given to your students will be printed exactly as you type them in the registration form.

To register, simply LOGIN and click on the qualification scenario event, and then follow the instructions from there. If you have forgotten your user name and password, contact Hayley Ivins and it will be sent to you. If you do not have a user name and password BECOME A MEMBER.

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2008 CSI: Arizona State Champions

Congraulations to all the schools who participated in the CSI: Arizona 2008 State Competition on Friday May 16th, 2008!

Middle School Teams

Desert Sands Middle School

Centennial Middle School

Crane Middle School

Woodard Jr. High School

High School Teams

Barry Goldwater High School

North Canyon High School

North High School

Canyon del Oro High School

 2008 High School Champions :

North Canyon High School

2008 Middle School Champions:

Desert Sands Middle School

Keep up the good work detectives!!

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Schools Participating in 2008 State Competition

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2007

Qualification Scenario Has Been Posted!

The 2008 Qualification Scenario has been posted and distributed to CSI Arizona Members. CLICK HERE to download the Scenario. You must register your team by December 21st to participate, but the Qualification Scenario Reports are due February 2nd, 2008

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Registration is Due December 21st for Qualification Scenario!

Registration is now available online for the CSI Arizona Qualification Scenario. Paper applications and rosters will not be accepted, so keep in mind that your student's certificates will be printed exactly as you type them in.

To register, simply LOGIN and click on the qualification scenario event, and then follow the instructions from there. If you have forgotten your user name and password, contact Amy Koenig and it will be sent to you. If you do not have a user name and password BECOME A MEMBER.

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2010

Mock Trial Alumni--Join our Facebook page!

Become a "Fan" of the Arizona High School Mock Trial Program and stay in the know about upcoming opportunities and news!

 

 

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2009

ASU hosts free Mock Trial Academy

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Arizona High School Mock Trial Program Winners

Arizona State High School Mock Trial Tournament Winners
1st Place - University Team 1
2nd Place - Xavier Team 4
3rd Place - University Team 3
4th Place - Xavier Team 1

Outstanding Student ($500 AADC Scholarship Winner)
Will Hawkins - Blue Ridge 
Honorable Mention Outstanding Students ($250 AADC Scholarship Winners)
David Berens - University Team 1
Shane Arlington - Northland Prep. Team 1

All State Mock Trial Team
Shane Arlington - Northland Prep. Team 1
David Berens - University Team 1
Kristie Gallardo - University Team 2
Will Hawkins - Blue Ridge 
Sara McCabe - Xavier Team 1
Mari Carmen Perez-Vargas - Xavier Team 2
Danny Wilson - Brophy

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2007

Mock Trial Rules Have been Revised!

Please make sure that you are aware of all the rule changes, and that you are required to have a timer for each of your teams this year. One will not be provided for you. CLICK HERE to read the new rules for this year!

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Announcing the National Mock Trial Practicum Web Site!

The National High School Mock Trial Championship Board in partnership with Great River Technologies presents the NATIONAL MOCK TRIAL PRACTICUM WEBSITE

This valuable tool enhances the mock trial experience for students, teachers, and coaches.This dynamic website includes interactive exercises that allow students to test their knowledge of the trial process. It demonstrates opening statements, closing arguments, direct examinations, cross examinations, and much more. The site also includes flash cards, video clips, drag and drop exercises, and a discussion forum for students and coaches.

 

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2010

Film Your Project Citizen Issue - An Online Video Competition!

Project Citizen is proof that young people can offer fresh and innovative perspectives on problem-solving in their communities.  

The Center for Civic Education invites Project Citizen students to participate in Film Your Issue—an online video competition that highlights solutions proposed by young people to contemporary problems. The Center’s Project Citizen program is collaborating with the What’s Your Issue Foundation and its Film Your Issue program to take youth civic engagement online.   

Young adults from ages 14 to 24 are invited to produce and upload a three-minute video and a one-page text describing a problem in their community and their proposed solution to that problem. The problem should be related to one of the following “front-burner” issues: the environment, the economic recession, education, health and healthcare, human rights, equal rights, national security and defense, poverty, public service, and technology.  

The deadline for submissions is April 19, 2010, with winners announced in May. Winning submissions to the Film Your Issue competition will be presented to senior officials of President Barack Obama’s administration, highlighted on the What’s Your Issue iTunes Channel, and presented at an awards ceremony co-hosted by Sony Pictures in Los Angeles. Winners will be featured at the Center for Civic Education’s National Project Citizen Showcase at the Legislative Summit of the National Conference of State Legislatures.  

Find more info here: http://www.civiced.org/index.php?page=film_your_pc

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Project Citizen students making a difference!

Check out this article on www.azcentral.com to learn about Project Citizen students from Mesa's Rhodes Jr. High!

http://www.azcentral.com/community/mesa/articles/2010/03/01/20100301students-against-mesa-plastic-bags.html

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2009

Project Citizen Wins

Arizona's Project Citizen Program was recently honored by the Arizona Capitol Times for its efforts in public policy education! Many thanks to the network of students, teachers, Regional Coordinators that have helped to make the program a sucess in Arizona.

This awards program was created in 2007 to recognize the contributions of policy professionals across the state. It is a salute to those who advance public policy by implementing and championing creative strategies to positively impact the state and the lives of Arizonans, without regard to partisanship or political affiliation.

For more information: http://azcapitoltimes.com/blog/2009/09/25/meet-the-2009-leaders-of-the-year/

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“PROJECT CITIZEN” SHOWS OUR FUTURE IS IN GOOD HANDS

Parkview Middle School (Prescott Valley)	“Be Safe, Put a Crosswalk in Place”
Glassford Hill Middle School (Prescott Valley)	“Gang Tagging”
Landmark Middle School (Glendale)	“Stop the Violence”
Mesa Academy for Advanced Studies (Mesa)	“Animal Shelters”
Mesa Academy for Advanced Studies (Mesa)	“Teenage Drug Use in Phoenix”
Mesa Academy for Advanced Studies (Mesa)	“Criminal Relocation”
Rhodes Junior High School (Mesa)	“Domestic Violence”
Rhodes Junior High School (Mesa)	“African Hunger Donation Drive”

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2008

Project Citizen District Registration Now Open!!

Project Citizen teachers!!!

You can now register your classes for the Project Citizen District Showcase which will be held on March 6th, 2009. But hurry up!!!! The registration deadline is November 7, 2008 (click here to login and register your class).

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Lineweaver Elementary School Won Top Portfolio Prize at Project Citizen State Showcase

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Valencia Middle School Won Top Oral Hearing Prize at Project Citizen State Showcase

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Schools to Participate in Project Citizen 2008 State Showcase

The following schools will be showcasing their skills on Public Policy at the Black Canyon Conference Center on Friday May 2nd, 2008.

Holy Angels School- "Regulating Second-hand Smoke in Motor Vehicles"

Holy Angels School- "No Pain, No Gain!"

Landmark Middle School- "Animal Testing"

Lineweaver Elementary School- "Solar Energy"

Lineweaver Elementary School- "Animal Safety"

Mesa Academy for Advanced Studies- "School Service"

Parkview Middle School- "Speeding"

Rhodes Jr. High School- "The Green Revolution"

Rhodes Jr. High School- "Helping the Homeless"

Valencia Middle School- "Graffiti in America"

Westwind Academy- "Teen Homeless"

Congratulations and best of luck to you all!

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2007

Showcase Dates Have Been Announced!

Project Citizen District showcases will take place on March 6th and 7th at their respective District locations. Check back for locations and dates for your district in October.

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LRE Grant Available!

You can apply for an LRE grant to assist with expenses relating to your school's Project Citizen Program! The Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education promotes access to justice for all Arizonans.The Foundation works to level the playing field, so that all in Arizona have knowledge and access to the justice system. The Granting Program for Law-Related Education supports and enhances educational efforts that prepare youth for the office of citizen.

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The 2007 Western Regional Project Citizen Summer Institute

The 2007 Western Regional Project Citizen Summer Institute will be hosted by the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education July 6-13th, 2007, in Prescott, AZ, at Yavapai Community College. Professor Joe Stewart, from South Carolina, will be the institute scholar. The institute is designed for middle and high school educators and will provide professional development for 31 participants and serve 9 states.

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Mogollon Jr. High School Won Top Oral Hearing Prize at Project Citizen State Showcase

Topic: School Vandalism

Teacher: Jim Maner

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Westwind Academy Will Send Their Winning Portfolio to National Showcase

• Mogollon Jr. High School, Jim Maner: Payson –Heber Overgaard School District Final Exam Policy
• Holy Angels School, Leonard Leverance: Globe- School Walkways
• Westwind Academy, Carrie Algozzini: Phoenix – Teen Suicide
• Landmark Middle School, George Colebrook: Glendale – Teenage Activities
• Shepherd Junior High School, Libby Hammond: Mesa – Hygiene Kits for the Homeless
• Rhodes Junior High School, Jeff Anderson: Mesa- Stopping Illegal Immigration into Arizona
• Rhodes Junior High School, Jeff Anderson: Mesa- Reducing Illegal Drug Use in the East Valley
• Underdown Junior High School, Mark McCall: Cashion-Elder Abuse & Neglect in Nursing Homes
• Underdown Junior High School, Mark McCall: Cashion – Improving Police Department Response Times

The Project Citizen Showcase would not be possible without the help of our volunteers. Many thanks go to the following, who gave their time for these students: Kim James, Cheri Bludau, Colleen McManus, Dulce Encinas, Rebecca Lauchner, Manoj Vyas, Brendan Moroney, Lori Rodriguez, Theresa Ramsey, Johnetta Dorsey, Heather Matchett, John Contreras, Candace Odenwald, Jan Lundgren, Kevin Brungardt, Dewain Fox, Javan Mesnard, Rebecca Truxel, Gary Odenwald, Kathleen Lundgren, Brian Lockery, Danielle Reiger, Jody Arnold, Paul Bergelin

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The 2007 District Project Citizen Showcase Registration is now underway!

Click here to see the date of your district showcase. Registration is due February 21st, 2007

Your students have done the work- now give them the opportunity to shine! This exciting event gives students the benefit of interacting with other classes who have had the same experience in their communities. They will also improve their presentation skills and boost their confidence by presenting their project to interested community members and getting encouraging feedback. Travel assistance and lunch for everyone is provided, and each student will receive a certificate for their accomplishment. Participation is free!

Please follow these easy steps to register your class(es) on-line
Paper registration is no longer available

• If you have never participated in a showcase, first, "Become a member".
• Fill out the electronic form and click submit
• An e-mail with your username and password will be sent to you within a few days. Once you have received your username and password, please proceed with the instructions provided below. Your confirmation will include information on which Congressional District Level Showcase your school will be assigned to.

• For those with a username and password, "login".
• If you don't remember your username, contact Amy Koenig and it will be e-mailed to you
• Make sure that your personal information is correct and click "submit".
• On your member page, click "upcoming events registration", and then click the appropriate event for your congressional district.
• Fill out the information to register your team(s), and send in the school responsibility form

If you have any questions about registration or need technical assistance, please contact Amy.Koenig@azflse.org or 602-340-7357

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2006

Welcome to the Arizona We the People.Project Citizen website. The goal of this web site is to provide teachers and students with information that will help them with the Project Citizen program.

Project Citizen is a portfolio based civic education program for grades 5-9. It helps teachers and students understand public policy and use this information to create change in their community thereby empowering them and their teachers. Click here to read Project Citizen historical information, advisory committee members, supporting organizations and past state champions.

• Is interdisciplinary
• Is based on cooperative learning
• Is an excellent model for performance assessment
• Is an excellent method for implementing project based learning
• Focuses on state and local government
• Applies student learning to real public policy issues that concern them Develops participatory skills

...see sample portfolios and more »»

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Coronado K-8 School (Tucson) honored as overall State Champions & Capps Middle School (Heber) honored as top scoring portfolio. Both to represent Arizona at the National Showcase!

Ten teams participated at the state showcase May 11th, at the Black Canyon Conference Centerin Phoenix. Those teams invited were 2 teams from Rhodes Jr. High(Mesa), 3 teams from Capps Middle School(Heber), 2 teams from Parkview Middle School(Prescott), Palo Verde Middle School(Phoenix),Coronado K-8 (Tucson), and Madison #1 Middle School(Phoenix). Each team presented during 2 rounds to a panel of judges consisting of teachers, lawyers, judges, probation officers, and community members. Coronado K-8 School and Capps Middle School (Dress Code)received Superior awards, Capps(Keep It Clean), Madison #1, and the 2 teams from Rhodes Jr. High received Exceptional awards, and Palo Verde Middle School, Capps (Bullying), and the 2 teams from Parkview Middle School received Outstanding awards. Both Coronado K-8 and Capps Middle School (Dress Code) will have their portfolios sent to Seattle in August to be judged nationally during the National Conference of State Legislatures. Congratulations to all the students....you're all winners to us!

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Legislature Back To School Program!

The Foundation and the Center for Civic Education encourages you to involve your school in the seventh annual America's Legislators Back to School Program . The program will kick off the third week of September and, for the first time, run throughout the school year giving legislators and teachers more flexibility in scheduling classroom visits.

The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) sponsors this program that provides resources such as legislative staff to help coordinate visits of legislators, and lesson plans to help teachers prepare for the legislator's visit. NCSL is the Center's partner in We the People: Project Citizen and the Trust for Representative Democracy.

Here is a link to the Frequently Asked Questions from NCSL's website. For more information go to http://www.ncsl.org/public/backsch.htm.

Teachers who have participated in the past have said it was a good experience for Project Citizen and We the People teachers and students; an excellent opportunity to increase legislator's awareness of the programs.

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For those with a login and password

• Click on "Teacher login" under "Register On Line"
• Click on "Personalized Teacher Page" under "Register On Line"
• Click on "Project Citizen Program" under "Upcoming Events Registration Form"
• Fill out the information to register your team(s)

If you have any questions, please contact Amy Koenig at Amy.Koenig@azflse.org or 602-340-7357

Your confirmation will include information on which Congressional District Level Showcase your school will be assigned to.

We look forward to your participation!

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For new participants

• Click on "Register On-line" on the left hand side of the page
• Click on the link "submit your information" located in the first paragraph
• An e-mail with your login and password will be sent to you. Once you have received your login and password, please proceed with the instructions provided below.

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Mesa's Rhodes Jr. High and Prescott Valley's Park View Middle School Selected as 2006 Arizona Project Citizen Champs

A nation-wide civic education program, We the People: Project Citizen, is conducted locally by the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education. It leads students through the public policy-making process and lets students experience the Office of Citizen first-hand. Project Citizen calls on students to solve a problem in their community, big or small, from bullying to traffic. Project Citizen teaches students to honor civic duty and become active members of our community.

Students in Project Citizen classes begin by identify a problem in their community. Next, they research the problem contacting other communities with similar problems to find out what policies were in place to correct them. They then create a policy they feel will solve the problem. And finally they present their research findings as well as their suggested policy and implementation plan both through a static display portfolio and orally to a panel of community leaders.

Project Citizen Oral Hearing State Showcase Champions
Rhodes Jr. High - Mesa - Extra Curricular Activities
Teacher - Terri Welsh

Project Citizen Portfolio State Showcase Champions
Park View Middle School - Prescott Valley - Hwy 69 "Blood Alley"
Teacher - Becky Fitch
(Their portfolio will be judged again at the 2006 National Conference of State Legislatures in Memphis, TN in August)

Superior

• Holy Angels 6th Grade - Globe - topic: Recycling - Teacher: Len Leverance
• Capps Middle School - Heber - topic: Smoking - Teacher: Stacey Frazier
• Rhodes Jr. High - Mesa - Swimming Safety - Teacher: Terri Welsh
• Rhodes Jr. High - Mesa - Mesa Money Matters - Teacher: Terri Welsh

Exceptional

• Westwind Academy - Phoenix - topic: Declining Health of Students - Teacher: Tim Lewis
• Holy Angels 5th Grade - Globe - topic: Recycling - Teacher: Len Leverance
• Palo Verde Middle School - Phoenix - Prop 200 - Teacher: Rich Curtain

Outstanding

• Palo Verde Middle School - Phoenix - Wire Tapping - Teacher: Rich Curtain

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2010

2010 We the People Summer Institute

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09-10 WTP State Competition Results!

Congratulations to all the participating schools for a fantastic performance at the State Competition!

1st place--Corona del Sol High School (Team 7)

2nd place---Hamilton High School (Team 4)

3rd place---Dobson High School (Team 2)

4th place---Lake Havasu High School (Team 10)

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Unit 1 Award--Prescott High School (Team 9)

Unit 2 Award--Higley High School (Team 1)

Unit 3 Award--Maricopa High Schoool (Team 6)

Unit 4 Award---Westwood High School (Team 8)

Unit 5 Award--Rio Rico High School (Team 5)

Unit 6 Award---Red Mountain High School (Team 3)

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2009

TEMPE AREA SCHOOL REPRESENTS ARIZONA IN NATIONAL COMPETITION Corona Del Sol Students Recognized with Top Honors at “We The People” Competition

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Winners of the 2009 We the People State Competition Announced

Winners of the January 9th We the People State Championship:

1st Place - Corona Del Sol - Tempe (AE)

2nd Place - Dobson High School - Mesa (BG)

3rd Place - Hamilton High School - Gilbert (AG)

4th Place - Prescott High School (BY)

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2008

2009 Summer Institute

Please click here for details about the 2009 We The People Summer Institute

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TOP ARIZONA SCHOOLS TO COMPETE IN “WE THE PEOPLE” STATE TOURNAMENT

• Prescott High School – Prescott – Marc Goligoski
• Lake Havasu High School – Lake Havasu – Jamie Festa-Daigle
• Corona del Sol – Tempe – Tim Smith
• Dobson High School – Mesa – Shannon Sweat
• Mountain Pointe – Phoenix – K.R. Scott
• Hamilton High School – Chandler – Abby Dupke
• Higley High School – Higley – Patrick Farrlley
• Skyline High School – Mesa – Jill Benza
• Rio Rico High School – Rio Rico – Kent Barter
• Maricopa High School – Maricopa – Bernadette Russoniello

• Mogollon Jr. High  – Heber – Jim Maner
• Glassford Hill Middle School – Prescott Valley – Sandra Clark
• Desert Sands Middle School- Phoenix- Duane Phifer
• La Cima Middle School- Tucson- Dennis Ritchie
• Valley Vista High School – Surprise – Tammy Waller

• Chino Valley High School – Chino Valley – Mark Parmeter
• Tri-City Prep. High School – Prescott –  Wendy Tollefsen
• Mohave High School – Bullhead City – Craig Evins
• Valley Christian High School – Chandler – Gail Haase
• Westwood High School – Mesa – Debra Fischer
• Chandler High School – Chandler – Larry Hansen
• Mesa High School – Mesa – Theresa Ratti
• Red Mountain High School – Mesa – Jaime Leverington

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We the People District Registration Now Open

We the People teachers!!!

You can now register your classes for the We the People District Competition which will be held on December 6th, 2008. But hurry up!!!! The registration deadline is October 31st, 2008.  Please sign in by clicking on the "Sign In/Login" link on the left-hand side of this screen.  If you are already logged in, click on the "My AZFLSE" link to begin registering.

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New We the People Companion Website Launched

The Center for Civic Education is proud to announce the launch of their new We the People Companion website! The website is designed to be used alongside the new We the People: The Citizen & the Constitution Level 3 text for high school students.

The We the People companion website contains the following features:

• An overview of the student edition, the preface, and the introduction
• The full text of all unit and lesson purposes
• Each term and concept to understand with definitions
• The complete glossary
• Brief biographies of each Founder and Framer mentioned in the student text
• Links to Supreme Court syllabi and opinions for each case described in the student edition
• Links to the full text of primary sources mentioned in the text
• Annotated bibliographies for each unit
• Links to specially selected websites that illuminate concepts mentioned in the student text
• Links to videos and podcasts related to the content of the student text

In addition, the unit and lesson purposes and terms are printable, downloadable and can be listened to in MP3 format (click here to check out the website).

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Now Registering for We The People Summer Institute

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We the People State Competition Results

First Place - Dobson High School

Second Place - Hamilton High School

Third Place - Corona del Sol High School

Fourth Place - Mountain Ridge High School

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2007

Teams to Compete at State Have Been Announced!

Congratulations to all the schools that participated in the district competition on December 8th, and thanks to all the volunteers who made it possible! The following teams will be moving forward to the state competition on January 11th, 2008:

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Competition Dates Have Been Announced!

We the People District Competitions will take place on December 8, 2007 at their respective District locations. Contact your District Coordinators for locations, assistance and guidance leading up to the District Competition.

Registration has already begun and is due November 1^st.

The State Competition will be held January 11^th, 2008 at Chandler Gilbert Community College.

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We The People Registration Is Now Free!

For the 2007-2008 school year, We The People teams will be able to register for the competitions for free due to the generous support of the Arizona State Supreme Court. School responsibility forms and up-to-date rosters will still be required for registration

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LRE Grant Available!

You can apply for an LRE grant to assist with expenses relating to your school's We The People Program! The Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education promotes access to justice for all Arizonans. The Foundation works to level the playing field, so that all in Arizona have knowledge and access to the justice system. The Granting Program for Law-Related Education supports and enhances educational efforts that prepare youth for the office of citizen.

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We The People Summer Institute A Success!

Summer may be time off for some teachers but there were more than 50 educators that were back at 'school' and this time as the student. Their committment to their students led them to give up a week of their summer vacation to learn more about the We The People Program. The We The People Summer Institute in June at Yavapai College in Prescott, offered the teachers an opportunity to hear presentations from national civic education leaders, Arizona Supreme Court Justice Scott Bales, and other local experts.  The institutes are made possible through a combination of support from the Foundation, Arizona Supreme Court,  and the Center for Civic Education.

Each teacher received a complimentary set of text books and more supplimental text books than they could carry for their classrooms.  The weeklong professional development and networking opportunities gave these teachers the gift they value most: increased resources for their students to learn.

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The Arizona We The People Summer Institute

The Arizona Foundation for Legal Services and Education hosts a We The People Summer Institute each June at Yavapai College in Prescott, Arizona. This week-long training is for We The People teachers in upper elementary through high school grade levels, and of all levels of experience with the program.

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Congratulations to Dobson High School!

Dobson High School finished fourth in the national finals of We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution after they participated in the competition's final round on Capitol Hill in congressional hearing rooms. More than 1,200 students from all 50 states and the District of Columbia participated in the competition. Students on the Dobson team are Quinney Fu, Elizabeth Meyers, Henry Jiang, Jennifer Truong, Cady Pisani, Laurel Jones, Amanda Toohey, Cheseree Gaston, Caree Wheeler, John Lorenzen, Lauren Hanson, Arielle King, Sarah Raynes and Blake Blackman. The team's teacher is Shannon Sweat.

2007 Arizona State Competition Results!!!

Winners:   

1st - Dobson High School - Mesa - Teacher: Shannon Sweat

2 nd Hamilton High School - Chandler - Teacher: Mike Spears

3 rd Corona del Sol- Tempe - Teacher: Tim Smith

4 th Marcos de Niza - Tempe - Teacher: David Dotts

Unit Award Winners:

Unit I Mountain Ridge High School - Glendale

Unit II Lake Havasu High School

Unit III Rio Rico High School

Unit IV Higley High School

Unit V Prescott High School

Unit VI Maricopa High School

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Dobson High School of Mesa Represents Arizona in Washington D.C.

The first round of the national finals was held at the Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington, Virginia, April 29 and 30. The competition involves entire classes making presentations and answering questions on constitutional topics before a panel of judges recruited from across the country. Constitutional scholars, lawyers, and government leaders, acting as congressional committee members, judged the students' performances. Arizona Supreme Court Justice Scott Bales was one of this years National Judges. The combined scores of the classes during the first two days of hearings determine which ten teams will compete in the championship round May 1 in Senate hearing rooms on Capitol Hill. That evening the winning classes receive awards at a special ceremony at the Omni Shoreham, Washington D.C.

The annual three-day final competition is the culminating activity of We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution, the most extensive civic education program of its kind in the country. The Dobson students have been working with their teacher, Shannon Sweat, since last fall studying We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution. The text provides students with a fundamental understanding of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

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We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution State Competition

2007 Arizona State Competition Results!!!

Winners

1st - Dobson High School - Mesa - Teacher: Shannon Sweat
2 nd Hamilton High School - Chandler - Teacher: Mike Spears
3 rd Corona del Sol- Tempe - Teacher: Tim Smith
4 th Marcos de Niza - Tempe - Teacher: David Dotts

Unit Award Winners:

Unit I Mountain Ridge High School - Glendale
Unit II Lake Havasu High School
Unit III Rio Rico High School
Unit IV Higley High School
Unit V Prescott High School
Unit VI Maricopa High School

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Judges Connecting in the Classroom

A GREAT teacher resource available! Arizona teachers from around the state, along with staff and members of the Arizona Supreme Court, have created lesson plans, videos, activities and reading materials for teachers to use when they invite members of the Arizona judiciary into their classroom. The lessons link to all levels of the We The People textbook on the subject of the court system. There is a statewide information sheet included on who to contact to schedule a classroom visit. For further information, contact Jennifer at Jennifer.Nickason@azflse.org

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Legislature Back to School Program

For more information, please click here Legislature Back to School Program

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2006

Raise the Bar Documentary

FREE - Preview copy of "Raise the Bar", the documentary film based on the 2003-04 National High School Mock Trial Championship. E-mail Charleston@mac.com with your request for a copy along with your mailing address.

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State Competition Results

view all past event results!

Dobson High School of Mesa Represents Arizona in Washington D.C.

On April 28, students from Mesa's Dobson High School traveled to Washington, D.C., where they represented Arizona in the national finals of We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution, the highly prestigious academic competition on the U.S. Constitution. The Dobson students studied for months to prepare for their role as experts testifying on constitutional issues in a simulated congressional hearing. To represent their state at the national finals, the class won their congressional district and the Arizona state competition earlier this year. Dobson placed in the top 25 in a field of 50 teams.

State Sponsor
Arizona Foundation for Legal Services and Education
4201 N. 24 Street, Suite 210
Phoenix, AZ 85016
Phone: (602) 340-7361
Fax: (602) 271-4930
Susan Nusall, Law-related Education Program Manager

National Sponsor
Center for Civic Education
5145 Douglas Fir Road
Calabasas, CA 91302-1467
1-800-350-4223
Robert Leming, We the People National Director

The Arizona We the People... The Citizen and the Constitution program is funded in part by the Arizona Supreme Court and the Center for Civic Education

We the People...the Citizen and the Constitution is administered by the State Coordinator and Congressional District Coordinators.

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Legislature Back to School Program!

For more information, please click here Legislautre Back to School Program

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We the People Logos

Click to download logos

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Dobson High School of Mesa Represents Arizona in Washington D.C.

The first round of the national finals was held at the Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington, Virginia, April 29 and 30. The competition involves entire classes making presentations and answering questions on constitutional topics before a panel of judges recruited from across the country. Constitutional scholars, lawyers, and government leaders, acting as congressional committee members, judged the students' performances. Arizona Supreme Court Justice Scott Bales was one of this year's National Judges. The combined scores of the classes during the first two days of hearings determine which ten teams will compete in the championship round May 1 in Senate hearing rooms on Capitol Hill. That evening the winning classes receive awards at a special ceremony at the Omni Shoreham, Washington D.C.

The annual three-day final competition is the culminating activity of We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution, the most extensive civic education program of its kind in the country. The Dobson students have been working with their teacher, Shannon Sweat, since last fall studying We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution. The text provides students with a fundamental understanding of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

A GREAT teacher resource available! Arizona teachers from around the state, along with staff and members of the Arizona Supreme Court, have created lesson plans, videos, activities and reading materials for teachers to use when they invite members of the Arizona judiciary into their classroom. The lessons link to all levels of the We The People textbook on the subject of the court system. There is a statewide information sheet included on who to contact to schedule a classroom visit. For further information, contact Jennifer at Jennifer.Nickason@azflse.org

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FREE Professional Development Opportunity!

You are invited to be one of only 24 teachers to attend the We The People: The Citizen & The Constitution 2006 Arizona Summer Institute
Date: June 7-14th
Cost: FREE!!
Location: Northern Arizona University
Teachers will be provided at no cost:
Room and board
Travel Stipend
Classroom set of We The People textbooks
Set of supplemental resource books

The Arizona Summer Institute is open to 4th-12th grade teachers of government, civics, or history. Teachers will participate in lectures given by Constitutional Scholars from around Arizona, learn about effective methods for using the We The People curriculum, which has been correlated to the Arizona Social Studies Standards, and participate in a simulated congressional hearing. Large group and small group work will provide teachers with an excellent networking opportunity. All of this and a week in the cool pines of Flagstaff at NO COST to teachers!

Click here to download an application:
Word Doc - 2006 WTP Arizona Summer Institute
PDF- 2006 WTP Arizona Summer Institute

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We The People: "The Citizen and The Constitution 2006 Summer Institute"

Vice-Chief Justice Rebecca White Berch assisted with teaching at the “The Citizen and The Constitution 2006 Summer Institute in Flagstaff this June. Fifteen educators from Arizona and surrounding states participated in the rigorous professional development program. The educators became students during the five day program and learned constitutional scholars from a variety of disciplines.

"We can’t express how much we appreciate the Vice-Chief Justice’s time to share her expertise," says Susan Nusall, Program Manager, "she, along with the other scholars are preparing these educators to go back and teach their students. Those students, then, will know our constitution and be better prepared for the Office of Citizenship. It is a tremendous gift to our state and nation."

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Dobson High School of Mesa Represents Arizona in Washington D.C

The first round of the national finals was held at the Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington, Virginia, April 29 and 30. The competition involves entire classes making presentations and answering questions on constitutional topics before a panel of judges recruited from across the country. Constitutional scholars, lawyers, and government leaders, acting as congressional committee members, judged the students' performances. Arizona Supreme Court Justice Scott Bales was one of this years National Judges. The combined scores of the classes during the first two days of hearings determine which ten teams will compete in the championship round May 1 in Senate hearing rooms on Capitol Hill. That evening the winning classes receive awards at a special ceremony at the Omni Shoreham, Washington D.C.

The annual three-day final competition is the culminating activity of We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution, the most extensive civic education program of its kind in the country. The Dobson students have been working with their teacher, Shannon Sweat, since last fall studying We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution. The text provides students with a fundamental understanding of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

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