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    Visit Chandler Traditional Academy - Independence Campus Website Report a Problem with Item A011461 Chandler Traditional Academy - Independence Campus (2022-2023)
    Math and Science Night
    CTA Independence families had a blast at the Math and Science Night. There were math games throughout the school run by National Honor Society high school students, vendors, food trucks as well as science fair boards and projects displayed in the hallways. Families were invited to walk around looking at the projects and played games with their children.
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    Visit Chandler Traditional Academy - Independence Campus Website Report a Problem with Item A011454 Chandler Traditional Academy - Independence Campus (2022-2023)
    Snikitha Panyala
    Congratulations to CTA Independence's Spelling Bee 2022-2023 Winner, Snikitha Panyala! We are so proud of your efforts and hard work preparing. Good luck at the district Spelling Bee in January!
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    Visit Chandler Traditional Academy - Independence Campus Website Report a Problem with Item A011410 Chandler Traditional Academy - Independence Campus (2022-2023)
    Name the Crane Contest
    Intel surprised CTA Independence student Lavin Bhat with a laptop and a schoolwide ice cream party! Lavin was the winner of Intel's "Name the Crane" contest. The largest crane in the world came to Intel and was given the name "Skyreacher." Thank you, Arizona's Family, for sharing Lavin's story. Watch on YouTube!
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    Visit Chandler Traditional Academy - Independence Campus Website Report a Problem with Item A011258 Chandler Traditional Academy - Independence Campus (2021-2022)
    Breakfast Drive
    CTA Independence National Elementary Honor Society promoted and organized a breakfast drive. They were able to gather 240 breakfast items from the community. Thank you, Hawk families for your generosity.
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    Visit Chandler Traditional Academy - Independence Campus Website Report a Problem with Item A011151 Chandler Traditional Academy - Independence Campus (2021-2022)
    Battle of the Books Winners
    Congratulations to our Battle of the Books Winners 2021-2022:
    • 1st Place Team - Akshuth Avala, Seth Ramirez and Jun Tezak
    • 2nd Place Team - Paisley Bishop, Riley Bates and Ansley Hendricsen
    • 3rd Place Teams (tie) - Hasini Madhan and Aanya Shah AND Zaafir Alam, Omari Kalian and Aiden Leonardi
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    Visit Chandler Traditional Academy - Independence Campus Website Report a Problem with Item A011100 Chandler Traditional Academy - Independence Campus (2021-2022)
    Zoe Tezak and Paisley Bishop
    Congratulations to 4th grader Zoe Tezak and 6th grader Paisley Bishop who each took 3rd place in their grade level category for the Maricopa County Environmental Services Stormwater Poster Contest. Maricopa County's Stormwater Quality Pollution Prevention Poster Contest website
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    Visit Chandler Traditional Academy - Independence Campus Website Report a Problem with Item A010882 Chandler Traditional Academy - Independence Campus (2021-2022)
    Read Across America Week
    CTA Independence capped off Read Across America week with a celebration of students' favorite book character. Pictured is Dr. Hendricsen with all his "Things."
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    Visit Chandler Traditional Academy - Independence Campus Website Report a Problem with Item A010726 Chandler Traditional Academy - Independence Campus (2021-2022)
    Jadyn Ocampo Scholarship
    CTA Independence PE teacher Hunter Wilkes was surprised on January 28 with the Ocampo Scholarship Award! Jadyn Ocampo's senior project at Basha has to do with giving back to teachers in the district for their amazing work with our students, helping to pay down their student loans. Jadyn and her family were most impressed by the transparency and positivity in Hunter's application. Congratulations, Ms. Wilkes! We appreciate all you do for our Hawks!
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    Visit Chandler Traditional Academy - Independence Campus Website Report a Problem with Item A010696 Chandler Traditional Academy - Independence Campus (2021-2022)
    Spelling Bee
    Congratulations to CTA Independence school spelling bee champion 5th grader Shree Thallikar who placed in the top eleven at the district spelling bee, held on January 13 at the Chandler Center for the Arts. Shree now moves on to compete in the regional spelling bee on February 8 in Queen Creek.
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    Visit Chandler Traditional Academy - Independence Campus Website Report a Problem with Item A010668 Chandler Traditional Academy - Independence Campus (2021-2022)
    Holiday Drive
    Hamilton High School families, the Sun Lakes community, Safeway grocery stores and other Chandler businesses came together to help homeless and underprivileged students. More than 120 families were adopted from Hamilton, Bogle, Hill Learning Academy and other CUSD schools. They distributed more than 100 Thanksgiving Meals sponsored by the Sun Lakes Methodist Church and Safeway grocery stores. The social work team distributed more than $50,000 in gift cards, food, clothing, and other holiday items for CUSD families in need. Additionally, CTA Independence National Junior Honor Society raised $3,960 for the Hamilton homeless and underprivileged students with the help of counselor Michele Dussault and her team.
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    Visit Chandler Traditional Academy - Independence Campus Website Report a Problem with Item A010343 Chandler Traditional Academy - Independence Campus (2021-2022)
    CEF Fundraising Campaign
    Thank you to CTA Independence Staff and Families who raised over $15,000 in online and cash donations during our Cash for Classrooms Campaign (CEF)!
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    Visit Chandler Traditional Academy - Independence Campus Website Report a Problem with Item A010276 Chandler Traditional Academy - Independence Campus (2021-2022)
    School Digger Top Schools 2021
    SchoolDigger Top Ranked Schools:  Congratulations to CTA Independence, ranked the #10 elementary school in the state of Arizona by SchoolDigger (out of 782 schools ranked). SchoolDigger calculates school rankings based on AzM2 English Language Arts and AzM2 Mathematics test scores released by the Arizona Department of Education, last updated on August 31, 2021.
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    Visit Chandler Traditional Academy - Independence Campus Website Report a Problem with Item A010341 Chandler Traditional Academy - Independence Campus (2021-2022)
    Under the Sea Library
    Mrs. Lundgren and Mrs. Auza have transformed the library into an Under the Sea book paradise.
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    Visit Chandler Traditional Academy - Independence Campus Website Report a Problem with Item A010340 Chandler Traditional Academy - Independence Campus (2021-2022)
    STEM Scientists
    STEM Scientists at work! Fourth graders worked on using scientific instruments to pick up different objects. It was a fun lesson to help develop the fine motor skills a scientist needs for their work!
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    Visit Chandler Traditional Academy - Independence Campus Website Report a Problem with Item A010342 Chandler Traditional Academy - Independence Campus (2021-2022)
    PE Teamwork
    Hunter Wilkes teaches her PE students how to use teamwork to construct a pyramid out of hula-hoops.
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    Visit Chandler Traditional Academy - Independence Campus Website Report a Problem with Item A010466 Chandler Traditional Academy - Independence Campus (2020-2021)
    Dylan Pfeifer
    CTA Independence third grader Dylan Pfeifer, was featured in the national news -- including Yahoo, US News, and the Washington Post -- for his food drives to help during the pandemic. Yahoo News: Arizona third-grader holds food drives to help in pandemic
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    Visit Chandler Traditional Academy - Independence Campus Website Report a Problem with Item A009668 Chandler Traditional Academy - Independence Campus (2020-2021)
    Spring 2021 Recognition
    Congratulations to CTA Independence kindergarten teacher Corinne MacTurk who won the Apple Achievement Award, Amber Corr who was named the Outstanding Volunteer, and sixth grader Annie Colby who is the Superintendent Citizenship winner for 2021. Read their stories here!
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    Visit Chandler Traditional Academy - Independence Campus Website Report a Problem with Item A009506 Chandler Traditional Academy - Independence Campus (2020-2021)
    Giving Wreath Drive
    CTA Independence National Elementary Honor Society collected $3,050 in gift cards during their "Giving Wreath Drive" to be given to the Hamilton High School welfare fund. Wow!
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    Visit Chandler Traditional Academy - Independence Campus Website Report a Problem with Item A009395 Chandler Traditional Academy - Independence Campus (2020-2021)
    National Elementary Honor Society Inductees
    We are proud to announce that 20 new members were inducted virtually into the National Elementary Honor Society. Congratulations!
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    Visit Chandler Traditional Academy - Independence Campus Website Report a Problem with Item A008490 Chandler Traditional Academy - Independence Campus (2019-2020)
    Hamilton Invitational Science and Engineering Fair
    Congratulations to Chiara Banda, Tania Pariva and Taylor Estrella who won 3rd Place in Earth & Planetary Science, Elementary Division (5th - 6th Grade) at the 2020 Hamilton Invitational Science and Engineering Fair (HISEF) for the project titled Energy Essentials. HISEF 2020 Award Winners
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    Visit Chandler Traditional Academy - Independence Campus Website Report a Problem with Item A008491 Chandler Traditional Academy - Independence Campus (2019-2020)
    Hamilton Invitational Science and Engineering Fair
    Congratulations to Allyson Cherry, Anna Carlson and Ella Muller who won 1st Place in Earth & Planetary Science, Elementary Division (5th - 6th Grade) at the 2020 Hamilton Invitational Science and Engineering Fair (HISEF) for the project titled Rollicking Roller. HISEF 2020 Award Winners
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    Visit Chandler Traditional Academy - Independence Campus Website Report a Problem with Item A008240 Chandler Traditional Academy - Independence Campus (2019-2020)

    Superintendent's Student Citizenship Award winner: Alex Kim is always prepared, goes above and beyond on every assignment and does it without pomp and circumstance. Alex is often seen helping his peers finish assignments without being asked. He quietly models great behavior inside and outside the classroom. He can always be counted on to be the example for his peers.
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    Visit Chandler Traditional Academy - Independence Campus Website Report a Problem with Item A009133 Chandler Traditional Academy - Independence Campus (2019-2020)

    CTA Independence Junior National Honor Society 6th graders raised over $4,151 in gift card donations for Hamilton High's holiday party benefiting homeless/underprivileged students and families. Thanks also to CTA Independence counselor Michele Dussault and the CTA Independence school staff. Big hearts come in all sizes!
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    Visit Chandler Traditional Academy - Independence Campus Website Report a Problem with Item A007937 Chandler Traditional Academy - Independence Campus (2019-2020)
    Barnes and Noble Book Fair
    CTA Independence held its inaugural Barnes and Noble Book Fair. Hawk Harmony (choir) sang beautiful songs and student council members wrapped presents for donations. The evening concluded with the reading of The Polar Express by Principal Dr. Frank Hendricsen.
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    Visit Chandler Traditional Academy - Independence Campus Website Report a Problem with Item A007936 Chandler Traditional Academy - Independence Campus (2019-2020)
    Daddy Daughter Dance
    CTA Independence held their annual Daddy Daughter Dance on December 6.
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    Visit Chandler Traditional Academy - Independence Campus Website Report a Problem with Item A007935 Chandler Traditional Academy - Independence Campus (2019-2020)
    Chiara Banda
    Congratulations to Chiara Banda whose Lions Club International Peace Poster Contest entry was selected as the school winner for CTA Independence. For over 30 years, Lions clubs around the globe have sponsored this international art contest to give children everywhere the chance to express their visions of peace and inspire the world through art and creativity. Audrey was awarded a certificate and cash prize from the Sun Lakes Lion's Club, sponsored by Intel.
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    Visit Chandler Traditional Academy - Independence Campus Website Report a Problem with Item A007872 Chandler Traditional Academy - Independence Campus (2019-2020)
    Turkey Trot
    The CTA Independence National Elementary Honor Society (NEHS) and student council sponsored our 2nd annual Turkey Trot. Frozen turkeys were donated to the Chandler Care Center during this event. Students, their families, and many staff members came out and walked a mile on a beautiful Saturday morning for a special cause!
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    The Arizona Department of Education announced that CTA Independence received an "A" grade for the 2018-19 school year.
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    Veterans Day Celebration
    CTA Independence invited the friends and family members of our students who have served or currently serving our country to celebrate. Students shared poems and essays that they wrote honoring our veterans. The 4th grade students also sang songs paying tribute to each branch of the military. Veterans Day Celebration - November 2019
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    Visit Chandler Traditional Academy - Independence Campus Website Report a Problem with Item A007830 Chandler Traditional Academy - Independence Campus (2019-2020)
    National Elementary Honor Society
    Thirty-five sixth grade students from CTA Independence were inducted into the National Elementary Honor Society. These students were selected as they have maintained a GPA of 90% or better since second semester of fourth grade and have demonstrated good character through their learning behavior grades.
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    Chiara Banda
    Congratulations to Chiara Banda who won the 6th grade Peace Poster Contest for CTA Independence.
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    Visit Chandler Traditional Academy - Independence Campus Website Report a Problem with Item A007551 Chandler Traditional Academy - Independence Campus (2019-2020)
    Arctic Adventure Book Fair
    CTA Independence Fall Book Fair was a huge success! The "Artic Adventure" Book Fair allowed students to find a new book and an opportunity to donate a book to their classrooms!
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    Visit Chandler Traditional Academy - Independence Campus Website Report a Problem with Item A007278 Chandler Traditional Academy - Independence Campus (2018-2019)
    Elementary National Honor Society
    CTA Independence National Elementary Honor Society students toured and visited with Hamilton High social worker Rajani Rastogi. She took them into the Mindfulness room for a session. The students also met with NHS (National Honor Society) students and Husky Helpers. For the past two years, CTA Independence National Elementary Honor Society students have donated gift cards to help homeless and underprivileged students and families at Hamilton.
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    Congratulations to 4th graders Addison Shell from Brandi Halstead's class, Navya Jain from Erin Banda's class and Kayleigh Cheng from Megan Asad's class who were among nineteen winners out of over 700 entries in the City of Chandler Environmental Art Contest. Their work will be displayed in the City of Chandler calendar next year. The contest is designed to illustrate the importance of reducing waste, conserving water and preventing pollution. It is also an opportunity for students to learn more about environmental stewardship in their community and can become a catalyst for environmental education in the classroom. City of Chandler: Environmental Art Contest website
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    Visit Chandler Traditional Academy - Independence Campus Website Report a Problem with Item A007212 Chandler Traditional Academy - Independence Campus (2018-2019)
    Chess Team
    Congratulations to the CTA Independence Chess Team for taking 5th out of 89 teams at the Governor's Cup Chess Tournament.
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    Visit Chandler Traditional Academy - Independence Campus Website Report a Problem with Item A007213 Chandler Traditional Academy - Independence Campus (2018-2019)
    Alexander Zhu
    Congratulations to 3rd grader Alexander Zhu who took first place in his division at the 2019 Governor's Cup chess tournament. Alex was undefeated in the tournament.
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    Visit Chandler Traditional Academy - Independence Campus Website Report a Problem with Item A006977 Chandler Traditional Academy - Independence Campus (2018-2019)
    Kids Express
    Congratulations to CTA Independence Kids Express, which was named the Program of the Year by the Arizona Community Education Association.
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    Visit Chandler Traditional Academy - Independence Campus Website Report a Problem with Item A006945 Chandler Traditional Academy - Independence Campus (2018-2019)
    CTA Independence, A Plus School
    A+ School of Excellence:  Congratulations to all of the students, faculty, and staff of CTA Independence, which has been named an A+ School of Excellence™ by the Arizona Educational Foundation! A+ Schools of Excellence™ is a comprehensive school assessment program that challenges school teams to work together to identify areas of excellence in teaching, learning, climate, community building, and leadership. A+ Schools are celebrated and recognized as outstanding. Earning the highly prestigious A+ designation spotlights the positive successes happening in public schools every day! Arizona Educational Foundation A+ Schools of Excellence
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    Visit Chandler Traditional Academy - Independence Campus Website Report a Problem with Item A006496 Chandler Traditional Academy - Independence Campus (2018-2019)
    HISEF 2019 Award Winners
    Congratulations to 5th Grade award winners Samyak Duggirala and Alex Kim who won 2nd Place in Engineering at the 2019 Hamilton Invitational Science and Engineering Fair (HISEF) for the project titled Egg celent Experiment. HISEF 2019 Award Winners
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    HISEF 2019 Award Winners
    Congratulations to 5th Grade award winners Aaron Cao, Rampranav Maremanda and Dominic Servino who won Honorable Mention in Environmental Sciences at the 2019 Hamilton Invitational Science and Engineering Fair (HISEF) for the project titled Egg prot-"egg"tion. HISEF 2019 Award Winners
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    Visit Chandler Traditional Academy - Independence Campus Website Report a Problem with Item A006650 Chandler Traditional Academy - Independence Campus (2018-2019)
    Dino-Mite book fair
    Dinosaurs came to visit CTA Independence during the "Dino-Mite" book fair. Jennifer Lundgren, the librarian, and Toni Kyle, third grade teacher, befriended him.
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    Visit Chandler Traditional Academy - Independence Campus Website Report a Problem with Item A006238 Chandler Traditional Academy - Independence Campus (2018-2019)
    CTA Independence National Elementary Honor Society
    CTA Independence National Elementary Honor Society raised more than $3,000 in gift cards toward school supplies, clothing, gas, and groceries for the Hamilton High school homeless.
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    Visit Chandler Traditional Academy - Independence Campus Website Report a Problem with Item A006155 Chandler Traditional Academy - Independence Campus (2018-2019)
    National Elementary Honor Society inductees
    Thirty-eight sixth grade students from CTA Independence were inducted into the National Elementary Honor Society in November. Since the second semester of fourth grade, these students have maintained a GPA of 90% or better along with an 89% or better on Behaviors the Promote Learning.
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    Visit Chandler Traditional Academy - Independence Campus Website Report a Problem with Item A006112 Chandler Traditional Academy - Independence Campus (2018-2019)
    Audrey Askins, Eric Bell, and Alexa Gonzales
    Congratulations to Audrey Askins, Eric Bell and Alexa Gonzales who were named Teacher of the Year, Volunteer of the Year and 6th Grade Student of the Year for CTA Independence.
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    Kairui Dai
    Congratulations to Kairui Dai, CTA Independence 3rd grader, who was selected as one of 12 winners in the 14th Annual Valley Metro Cool Transit STUFF 3rd Grade Art Contest. Over 370 students entered from 36 schools across the Valley. Valley Metro Cool Transit STUFF Art Contest website
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    Katie Wong
    Congratulations to 6th grader Katie Wong, CTA Independence's Peace Poster Winner awarded by the Sun Lakes Rotary Club.
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    Rocky Engle
    Congratulations to Rocky Engle, winner of CTA Independence's 2018 Spelling Bee.
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    Parent comment: "Dr. Frank Hendricsen and Ms. Everson,
    Thank you for your kind words, welcoming nature and smooth transition mid-year for our sweet second grader! It has been a fabulous experience from the front office staff support to communication with Ms. Everson all the way to the student council president offering a tour to our daughter on day 1! You guys are the best, and your attention to detail and customer service is impressive!!"
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    Visit Chandler Traditional Academy - Independence Campus Website Report a Problem with Item A006000 Chandler Traditional Academy - Independence Campus (2018-2019)
    National Juvenile Diabetes Foundation Day
    Students and staff all wore blue on National Juvenile Diabetes Foundation Day and donated a dollar to go towards finding a cure.
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    Frank Hendricsen
    Principal Dr. Frank Hendricesen was recognized at the Capitol over break for his NAESP (National Association of Elementary School Principals) National Distinguished Principal status.
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