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Rice Elementary (2023-2024)

What an incredible STEAM night at Rice Elementary! From our captivating art gallery to the thrilling Science is Fun demonstration, the exhilarating animal displays by Wildman Phil, and the mesmerizing music instrument petting zoo courtesy of Milano's Music -- every moment was filled with wonder and excitement. Add in the poetry slam, student science projects, our beautiful garden, and delicious treats from Tiki Joe's, and you've got a recipe for an unforgettable evening!

Rice Elementary (2023-2024)

Bravo to Anthony Watson, Evan Carroll, Kolton Kraemer, and Caleb Lewis for earning spots in the prestigious CUSD Honor Band! They did a marvelous job at the concert! Special thanks to our amazing band teacher, Dr. Lennex, for nurturing their musical abilities and preparing them for this remarkable opportunity!

Rice Elementary (2023-2024)

Rice student leaders had the incredible opportunity to engage with Mayor Kevin Hartke, Councilwoman Christine Ellis, and other city leaders. We are grateful to the staff and city officials for fostering this enriching experience, empowering our students to be informed and engaged citizens!

Rice Elementary (2023-2024)

What a fantastic day at the Chandler Innovation Fair! Special guests dropped by the Rice Elementary booth, making it even more memorable. Big thanks to Mr. Narducci and everyone from our community who stopped by. A huge shout out to Mrs. Barrera and our incredible staff for welcoming and engaging our visitors. The City of Chandler selected the Rice Elementary booth as a winner in the elementary division of the 2024 CIF booth competition.

Rice Elementary (2023-2024)

We celebrated the outstanding contributions of three incredible individuals at Rice. Huge congratulations to: Apple Achievement Award winner, Mrs. Sarpy; Superintendent Citizenship winner, Autumn Burns; Outstanding Volunteer: Mrs. Chrissy Schumacher. Thank you for making Rice a better place.

Rice Elementary (2023-2024)

Congratulations to Olivia Boeck, Marcelo Ginnane, and Abbie Tillotson who received an Honorable Mention at HISEF in the Engineering Category for their project - Parachutes: Does Size Matter?

Rice Elementary (2022-2023)

We are so proud of our Rice Rhinos who participated in the National Mathleague Competition in June 2023. Their dedication, hard work, and passion for math brought them to this prestigious event.

Rice Elementary (2022-2023)

Congratulations to Jennifer Kraemer who was named 2023 CUSD Educator of the Year by the Chandler Chamber of Commerce. This recognition is a testament to her outstanding commitment and dedication to education. We are incredibly proud of her well-deserved achievement.

Rice Elementary (2022-2023)

Check out our amazing 3rd grade students who just finished reading, One Plastic Bag! This inspiring true story tells the tale of a woman in Gambia who finds a unique way to recycle plastic bags and help her community with their pollution problem. Our students were so inspired that they decided to take on a recycling project of their own, turning plastic bags into beautiful bracelets. This is a wonderful connection to our school's overarching theme of sustainability!

Rice Elementary (2022-2023)

Congratulations to Principal Shirley Mathew for being selected as a 2023 Maricopa County Exemplary Principal! "It is an honor to recognize Shirley Mathew as an Exemplary Principal. Shirley is a dynamic instructional leader who has thoughtfully and strategically built and implemented a collective vision for students, teachers, and the Rice community. She is a positive force and has created a school environment rooted in caring relationships, high expectations, trust, guidance, feedback, and sheer joy."
-- Superintendent Steve Watson, Maricopa County School Superintendent

Rice Elementary (2022-2023)

What a fantastic day for our fifth-grade students! Chef Tess led an incredible cooking session, immersing our students in the art of preparing a healthy dish and emphasizing the significance of nourishing their bodies with wholesome food. The engagement and enthusiasm were truly remarkable, making it a memorable and enjoyable learning experience. She taught 5th-graders how to make a caprese pasta salad with pesto at the Growing Chef event. Thank you, Chef Tess, for your expertise and for inspiring our students to embrace healthy eating habits!

Rice Elementary (2022-2023)

Congratulations to our Rice team on their outstanding performance at the state MathLeague competitions in May! They did a fantastic job. Rory McGillicuddy, Gavin Schumacher, Chase Leavy and Benjamin Bear have qualified for the national competition. Huge thanks to Mrs. Tate and Mrs. Kraemer for their dedication and hard work in preparing these talented students. We're so proud of you all!

Rice Elementary (2022-2023)

Great news! Rice Rhinos took home the second-place trophy for cheer at the district competition hosted by Hamilton High School on Saturday. Congratulations to our talented team for their incredible energy, spirit, and for representing Rice with pride. We want to give a huge round of applause to Coach Cook for her dedication and hard work in preparing our students.

Rice Elementary (2022-2023)

As part of Disney's 100th anniversary celebrations, they invited educators for a special "Disney Imagination Campus 100 Teachers Celebration" at Disneyland on May 5, 2023. Rice K-6 Technology Teacher Nasreen Wahid, was selected from the nearly 8,000 applicants as one of the 100 chosen from around the nation to take part in the festivities. They were chosen due to their essays which highlighted how they bring wonder, creativity, and imagination to life in their classrooms. Teachers appreciation with some Disney magic | Good Morning America

Rice Elementary (2022-2023)

Jack Courtright represented Rice Elementary and won 1st place in the Chess Emporium Fall Classic tournament held in Tempe. Way to go Jack! We are proud of you!

Rice Elementary (2021-2022)

Gavin Schumacher created Rhinoland, an intriguing game to learn all about Rice Elementary. He did a lot of research, and every detail was well planned. He even used painted rocks as counters to support our vision of sustainability. Gavin very graciously gifted Rhinoland to Mrs. Mathew to be used to help new students get to know Rice Elementary. What a novel and innovative game. Way to go, Gavin!

Rice Elementary (2021-2022)

On March 1st, Rice Elementary students and staff celebrated Biography Day by dressing as someone who inspires them! A beautiful way to celebrate accomplishments and strengths of those who came before us and continue to inspire us! PHOTO ALBUM: Biography Day

Rice Elementary (2021-2022)

Congratulations to Rice Elementary's Invention Convention Winners! Our students worked to evaluate a need. Then, based on research, trial and error investigation, and model creation, they presented their models and explained their research. It is incredible to see our students working to solve problems in everyday life! Photo Album: Invention Convention Winners

Rice Elementary (2021-2022)

Rice students made Valentine's Day cards for veterans. This was in partnership with Congressman Stanton's office. We are glad to share our love and gratitude with our very special veterans.

Rice Elementary (2021-2022)

Max Reich and Halyn Hahn were selected to play in the Chandler Unified School District Honor Band. Max Reich is the 1st chair trombone (he had the highest score of all the trombones who auditioned) and Halyn Hahn is 4th chair flute. Congratulations to our talented students.

Rice Elementary (2021-2022)

Our Rice Rhinos had a lot of fun and did a remarkable job at the running club race. Way to go, Rhinos!

Rice Elementary (2021-2022)

Rice students Derek Hutchins, Lucia Carvajal, Reegan Jones, Kiera Freestone, Ethan Savoie, Mayli Johansen, Harrison Nicholls, Rhett Lewis, and Makena Leeper qualified for CUSD's Honor Orchestra. Reegan Jones placed 1st out of 47 violins! Rhett Lewis also placed 1st out of 18 cellos!

Rice Elementary (2021-2022)

Rice Rhinos did an outstanding job at the MathLeague competition on January 22nd, 2022. Rice Elementary students placed 1st in Division 6 for the state of Arizona and came in second for the state overall. Way to go, Rhinos! A huge shout out to Jennifer Kraemer and Robyn Bills who prepare the students for these competitions. The following students qualified for the state competition:

• 3rd grade - Chase Leavy
• 4th grade - William Clouse, Kolton Kraemer, Kipton Weinberg
• 5th grade - Ayushi Gautam
• 6th grade - Sawyer Alvarado, Carmen Pafford

Photo Album: Rice MathLeague Competition

Rice Elementary (2021-2022)

Rice Elementary School students participated in the STUCO food drive and donated 5,530 pounds of food to United Food Bank, thanks to the generosity of our families during Thanksgiving. Additionally, boxes of food were also donated to the Chandler CARE Center. Thank you for helping our students make a difference by caring for others.

Rice Elementary (2021-2022)

The week before winter break, second graders wrote letters to seniors at Rose Court Senior Living in Phoenix. Each student was assigned a resident, and in technology class they typed a short letter and included a festive border before printing them out. Ms. Wahid delivered the letters and the staff handed them out on Christmas with stockings and brownies. They were a huge hit, and some of the residents are planning to write back. It looks like we might have some pen pals in the near future! This was an excellent opportunity for students to practice writing, technology skills, and service to the community.

Rice Elementary (2021-2022)

Congratulations to Rice Elementary teacher Courtney Cook who earned National Board Certification in December. Achieving National Board Certification is a rigorous process, and was designed to develop, retain, and recognize accomplished teachers and to generate ongoing improvement in schools nationwide. It is the most respected professional certification available in K-12 education. National Board for Professional Teaching Standards website: Mission and History

Rice Elementary (2021-2022)

Rep. Jennifer Pawlik visited Rice Elementary and Haley Elementary recently. She shared with students some of her responsibilities in the legislature. We are grateful for her advocacy for students and schools.

Rice Elementary (2021-2022)

Students start the day bright and early with a morning run. Running club is a lot of fun for our students, and we appreciate the help of our parent volunteers. PHOTO ALBUM: Morning Run

Rice Elementary (2021-2022)

Thank you to our bus drivers for the miles and miles of service. We recognized them with cards and treats.

Rice Elementary (2021-2022)

Rice Elementary students Chase Leavy, Sawyer Alvarado, Joey Foreman, and Gabe Pusz (under the direction of Robyn Bills and Jennifer Kraemer) were recognized in the top six in Arizona for their grade level in the Math League competition on Nov. 13. Rice Rhinos worked hard, competed, invested themselves in the process, and had fun.

Rice Elementary (2021-2022)

Second grade students honored veterans with an outstanding musical performance. Thank you to our teachers whose hard work was seen in the music and words of our students. We were amazed by the students who learned sign language from one of our teachers, Rylie Perkes, for the performance in order to be inclusive and reach more of our community. We were delighted to welcome our families to watch the performance. It is with our deepest gratitude that we thank our veterans for their service and sacrifice.

Rice Elementary (2021-2022)

As part of Rice Elementary's commemoration of Patriot Day, Mr. and Mrs. Partridge, grandparents of 6th grade student Katie Andersen, shared their personal experiences as they helped with the rescue operations after 9/11. Also pictured is our 9/11 Wall of Honor recognizing family members who are first responders or serve in the military. Commemorating Patriot Day at Rice Elementary photo ablum

Rice Elementary (2020-2021)

Rice fifth grade students had a unique experience: Come and Eat It! -- a chef-driven, student-led, LIVE cooking program. This event was a collaboration between Rice Elementary, Aramark, and Independence Gardens. Students learned about the importance of good nutrition, and cooked using fresh, healthy ingredients, including cilantro grown in Rice Elementary's very own hydroponic tower gardens. Thank you to chefs Tess Collins and Subash Yadav for teaching our students how to make a bean tostada with jicama avocado slaw. Come and Eat It Photo Album

Rice Elementary (2020-2021)

Rice 6th graders finished their 3D design and printing unit by finally receiving their very own printed projects. Students used 3D design software to create an obelisk with their name etched in hieroglyphics, which was then printed out on one of our 3D printers. At the end of the project, they discussed helpful real-world applications for 3D printing (such as prosthetics for kids and devices for animals with special needs). 6th grader Ben Bunde used the software to design something he had been thinking about. He wanted to take the idea of using hydroponic gardening to create a float to hold a plant in a canal or pond. Ms. Wahid helped him adjust his design, print out a prototype, and now he can test his idea and improve his design! 3D Printing Photo Album

Rice Elementary (2020-2021)

Congratulations to Addison Carter and Faith Hancock who won 2nd place in Medicine and Health Sciences, Elementary Division (5th - 6th Grade) at the 2021 Hamilton Invitational Science and Engineering Fair (HISEF) for the project titled "Hygiene is Key"

Rice Elementary (2020-2021)

Congratulations to Rice Elementary's 20-21 AAA (Apple Achievement Award) Winners: 6th grader Ryder Christensen, Teacher Lisa Fink, and Volunteer Theresa Dayton.

Rice Elementary (2020-2021)

Congratulations to our Rice 6th graders who were selected for the CUSD District Honor Band: Maddie Shobe, bass clarinet and Olivia Foreman, tenor saxophone.

Rice Elementary (2020-2021)

Congratulations to our Rice musicians who were named for the CUSD District Honor Orchestra: 5th grader, Ethan Savoie and 6th grader, Eliza Heap both play the cello.

Rice Elementary (2020-2021)

Rice Elementary is kicking off our Flag Corp with the help of our dedicated Campus Security Officer, Scott Frye. Our 2020-2021 Flag Corp members are: Ryder Christensen, Ben Bunde, Kyle Johnson and Grayson Spragg. Thanks for your important contribution!

Rice Elementary (2020-2021)

Rice Elementary hosted a contest for the design of our inaugural yearbook cover. Grade level winners are (top row left to right) kindergartner Hannah Andreasen, 1st grade Mia Nichols, 2nd grader Dean Tokarz, 3rd grader Amanda Scheier, and (bottom row left to right) 4th grader Evie Webster, 5th grader Joella Mitchell, 6th grader Kate Andreasen and our winner - 3rd grader Emma Andreasen. Congratulations!

Rice Elementary (2020-2021)

Congatulations to Rice Elementary special education teacher Lisa Fink who won the Apple Achievement Award, Teresa Dayton who was named the Outstanding Volunteer, and sixth grader Ryder Christensen who is the Superintendent Citizenship winner for 2021. Read their stories here!

Rice Elementary (2020-2021)

Rice Elementary kindergartners celebrated the 100th year of school while fifth grade teacher, Lorie Zylstra, decided her students should also celebrate 1,000 Days of School! They made a word wall of 1,000 words they have learned in their six years of school.

Rice Elementary (2020-2021)

Congratulations to 6th grader Christian del Fosse who won the Rice Elementary School spelling bee. Christian advanced on to represent Rice Elementary at the CUSD Spelling Bee on January 28.

Rice Elementary (2020-2021)

Visitor comment: "All of the Staff and Students! I was so impressed by how kind, considerate and well behaved all of the students were! It made me smile! I was at the school on Jan. 29 all day, and all of the children were so very kind and well mannered. And the teachers and staff were so kind -- it showed that they really care for their students. All the children seemed to be so happy, I just was so impressed. My kids are all adults now, but if they weren't, I would want to enroll them at this school for sure! I even had the privilege to meet the principal, Mrs. Mathew, who also was very kind."

Rice Elementary (2020-2021)

Rice Elementary teacher Brianne Aaker earned National Board Certification as an Exceptional Needs Specialist - Early Childhood through Young Adulthood. The process was rigorous, but worthwhile. Brianne brings the number of CUSD teachers who have earned national certification to 74. National Board Certification was designed to develop, retain and recognize accomplished teachers and to generate ongoing improvement in schools nationwide. It is the most respected professional certification available in K-12 education. Created by teachers, for teachers, the National Board Standards represent a consensus among educators about what accomplished teachers should know and be able to do. Board certification is available in 25 certificate areas spanning 16 disciplines from Pre-K through 12th grade. National Board for Professional Teaching Standards website

Rice Elementary (2020-2021)

Rice Elementary's Inaugural Student Citizenship Award Winner is Ryder Christensen! The Apple Achievement Award (AAA) is CUSD's recognition program. Each year one staff member, volunteer, and student from each school is recognized for their outstanding contributions to their campus. We are so grateful to have so many wonderful children at Rice, and Ryder is an excellent example of how smart and engaging our students are. Ryder has three sisters and one brother, a dog and a pet tortoise! Ryder loves skateboarding, jumping on his trampoline, hanging out with friends, and helping others. He often volunteers through his church to help people move. We can't wait to see what the future holds for you, Ryder!

Rice Elementary (2020-2021)

Rice Elementary's student council food drive was a huge success! They collected over 6,000 canned goods which were donated to United Food Bank and Chandler CARE Center. Four watermelon bins were overflowing -- as well as 20 paper boxes, and several bags. AMAZING JOB!

Rice Elementary (2020-2021)

Moira MacCatherine, President of Perry High's Women In STEM Club and our former student along with Club Officers delivered 180 paper microscopes for our students. The gift was received by Rice Student Council President, Greyson Spragg. We are so grateful!

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