Herberger Young Scholars Academy

How do you like your salsa? Spicy, sweet, fruity, mild?? All the students who are enrolled in our Spanish classes worked in teams to make their own Salsa dishes which was entered into the Best Salsa competition. We had upwards of 40 different types for everyone at HYSA to enjoy! Did anyone make their salsa too hot for Senor Palacios? I think not!

HYSA's Thespian Troupe and National Honor Society partnered together to host our Frost Fest! Students played fair games, ate holiday goodies, and won raffle prizes. The students also participated in a holiday fashion show where several teams created outfits out of wrapping paper which their "models" showed off on the runway! It was a really fun night at HYSA's Frost Fest!!

Our IGCSE (9th grade) students worked in the ASU Lab doing experiments about atomic emissions under the guidance of their teacher, Ms. Kenisha Manley. They were looking at the different elements with spectroscopes. Also, they studied ionic compounds like salt. Our HYSA students work in the ASU labs on a regular basis to learn lab procedures in a safe environment.

HYSA's Middle Years students have been very busy! After completing the NYSA Tech Challenge, students continued their learning with Mr. Mullowney by creating rockets and testing them to determine what affects their forces and propulsion. Under Mrs. Keur's guidance, students participated in National History Day using the theme of "Rights and Responsibilities" to research chosen topics. They synthesized their work into final projects which included written papers, exhibits, websites, documentaries, and performances. According to one of our students, Siri, "I have been very excited with our learning experiences to be able to research and create projects in such interesting and creative ways."

We are thrilled to share with you that Dr. DJ Graham has been named as the Head of School for Gary K. Herberger Young Scholars Academy. Dr. Graham previously brings a wealth of experience in education into this new role along with a deep commitment to fostering the intellectual and personal growth of our gifted students. The Dean of Arizona State University’s Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College, Carol G. Basile, stated, “[Dr. Graham] shares the vision of nurturing gifted minds and cultivating a diverse, inclusive, and inspiring school culture. We are confident that his leadership will continue to advance HYSA’s mission and help our students reach new heights.” Congratulations, Dr. Graham!

Herberger Young Scholars Academy's robotics teams really performed well at the FIRST Robotics Competition. Our three teams competed at the JV and Varsity divisions. One of our teams earned first place as well as the Inspire award which relates to the volunteer outreach work they do to bring robotics activities to elementary students. Way to go, HYSA Robotics Teams!

HYSA faculty members attended the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) conference in Seattle, Washington last week. Many of our HYSA faculty were presenters as well. Topics included gifted teaching strategies, the use of artificial intelligence in education, acceleration and compacting in the gifted curriculum, and more! It was a great opportunity for passionate gifted education professionals across the country to learn from one another.

HYSA's National Honor Society is sponsoring a food drive for Mom's Pantry, November 15 - December 2. The cohorts will be competing each other to bring in the most canned food and supplies. The winning cohort will receive a donut party! More importantly, the Mom's Pantry Food Drive is a good cause.

Our HYSA students performed the science fiction play, RUR: Rossum's Universal Robots, during a three-day run under the director of our drama teacher, Mrs. Vining. It was exceptional! The students who performed the play as well as the students who were behind the scenes all worked very hard.

Our school is fortunate to be the recipients of a grant through the Chef in the Garden program. Their Blue Watermelon Project brings seeds and fresh garden plants to us four times a year. Chef Charleen Badman and Chef Sasha Raj worked collectively with our Middle Year 1 class on Friday to cook a Harvest Lentil Tostada dish. The students, along with Mr. Sarraino and Mr. Mullowney, shared this meal with the rest of the HYSA students.

Mrs. Keur's math class had a pre-algebra probability carnival this week! Students created and ran games which involved using probability skills. Faculty and students really enjoyed this event!

Dr. Graham and Ms. Mendoza will be the featured presenters for the AAGT Parent Institute Series on November 13th at 5:00pm. Please join them for the free live virtual webinar entitled, "You Figured Out Elementary School, Now What? Supporting Gifted Secondary Students."

Students participated in our annual CALAVERA Decorating Contest for Día de los Mu***os. Zen won "Most Original," London won "Most Artistic," and Amelie won "Most Representative." Thank you to all the students who entered their calaveras into the contest. They were amazing!

The HYSA Thespian Society and the HYSA Student Government will be hosting the Fall Festival today, 3:30-5:30. Students and faculty got into the spirit by dressing up in their Halloween costumes!

Students and faculty coordinated with each other to match their clothes for "Twin" Thursday during our Spirit Week!

Everyone had a wonderful time at the Quinceañera celebration held at ASU's La Sala Ballroom in the University Center Building. We had a wonderful time learning about the Quinceañera and related customs!

It's "Well Dressed" Wednesday at Herberger Academy! Students dressed up for Spirit Week and our schoolwide Quinceañera celebration hosted by our students who take Spanish class.

HYSA students and faculty were very creative in coming up with interesting ways to transport their belongings to school on "Anything But a Backpack" Tuesday!