Tonya Strozier, Congressman Grijalva, and Kelvin Strozier

Each month AAL 5th-8th graders attend a Leadership Symposium where various leadership and personal growth topics are covered. This month Congressman Raul Grijalva talked to our students about the importance of education and leadership. The symposiums are coordinated by middle school teachers Mr. Robert Damon (Social Studies/Science) and Mrs. Colleen Bradley (6th grade).

Grijalva speaking to students at AAL Leadership Symposium

Students listened intently as he shared his story of attending south side schools and how he struggled in different areas. He spoke fondly of a fifth grade teacher who took the time to come to his house and help him learn to read. As an English Language Learner he had to overcome language barriers. Students were encouraged to stay in school and take pride in learning.

The staff and students were moved by his connection to the community and how he shared about the people in his life that influenced him. He also shared how his parents modeled hard work and dedication which led him to the place he is now. He also shared those that he looked up to in the political arena such as Robert Kennedy, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Cesar Chavez.

According to Congressman Grijalva, a leader is good at studying and able to acknowledge when they have made a mistake. A leader is also not afraid to ask for help.

AAL students were able to ask Congressman Grijalva questions during the symposium. When asked about SB 1070, by Arabella Hansen, a fifth grader, he responded that he felt it was unfair to judge an individual by their appearance or language.

An encouraging message was sent to the students about service, education, and making a difference in the community. This mindset is a part of the AAL culture.

We look forward to Congressman Grijalva’s return to read to our elementary students during Love Of Reading Week in February.

Each year, AAL participates in National Days of Service lead by staff and students. Make A Difference Day – October and Martin Luther King Day – January

We Believe ~ Leadership is best developed through community service. According to our school mission students of Arizona Academy of Leadership will employ their leadership skills, to positively impact society, by way of various forms of community service. We are fulfilling our mission.

The Need  ~ According to the Southern Arizona Diaper Bank, “access to a sufficient supply of diapers is essential for the health of southern Arizona’s infants, disabled and elderly, and the quality of life of our community, but too many individuals don’t have the resources to adequately provide for this basic need”.

Bright and early on this Saturday morning we gathered to create donation boxes and pull together all the diapers collected at the South campus for one week. In total, AAL donated more than 900 diapers! Way to Go AAL!!!

Thank you once again to the AAL family for serving our community.

Happy to make a difference,

Mrs. Strozier

Through this awesome grant, AAL students receive a fresh fruit snack and a fresh vegetable snack in the afternoon.

The goal of the program is to combat childhood obesity by helping children learn more healthful eating habits. The Program has been successful in introducing school children to a variety of produce that they otherwise might not have the opportunity to sample.

In the upcoming weeks, AAL students will complete in-class activities on healthy eating choices.

We are asking parents to partner with us to encourage healthy eating choices not only at school but in the home as well.

Here’s to healthy eating,

~ Mrs. Strozier

Please check back often for updates!

Best,
Mrs. Strozier, Director