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Pistor Middle School

Tucson, Arizona

Principal: Kathryn Gunnels
Advisor: Martha Isiderio
Student Council Officers: 13

Projects

“Multicultural Week Celebration”

The Student Council took the lead in organizing a series of cross-cultural activities under the theme “The more variety, the better society: A Multicultural week of celebration.” This initiative marked the start of our observance of April as Diversity Month, aiming to highlight the diverse cultural backgrounds within our school community. The Student Council dedicated significant effort to arrange performances, set up cultural booths, and plan engaging activities for our school community. Notable features included cultural displays in the main building hallway representing various countries, as well as a multicultural show showcasing talents and traditions from India, the Philippines, Panama, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Colombia, and the United States.

The event featured a range of performances, including traditional dances, music, and costumes, along with interactive activities like henna tattooing and food tasting. Highlights included performances by the Philippine Mabuhay Cultural Foundation of Tucson, showcasing dances such as Alay Dance, Banga Dance, Bendian Dance, Kzadoratan Dance, and Pag Apir Fan Dance. Additionally, teachers and student groups from India, Panama, and the Philippines, as well as the Pistor Middle School Mariachi and Band, contributed to the vibrant showcase of cultures. Participants embraced their cultural identities through attire representing their heritage.

Through this weeklong celebration, students had the opportunity to immerse themselves in different cultures and develop a deeper appreciation for diversity. The event aimed to promote inclusivity and understanding among our school community, fostering a sense of unity through the shared celebration of our rich tapestry of backgrounds.

“Feed My Starving Children”

Feed My Starving Children is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing nutritious meals to children in need worldwide. For the second consecutive year, Pistor Middle School has participated in this cause, with 65 students from grades 6 to 8 volunteering to pack meals during a mobile packing event lasting 2.5 hours. These meals, which consist of rice, soy, veggies, and vitamins, are then sent to countries facing food insecurity through partner organizations for distribution. On packing day, we joined together with 23 other schools (1,111 students and 1,048 additional volunteers) to pack 498,312 meals, which will feed 1,365 kids a meal a day for a year!

“Ruby Bridges Walk”

The Ruby Bridges Walk project is designed to enhance school morale by celebrating the impactful legacy of civil rights hero Ruby Bridges. The student council plans to organize a symbolic walk that pays tribute to Ruby Bridges’ courage and determination, with the goal of inspiring students to embrace diversity, combat discrimination and bullying, and cultivate a more inclusive and encouraging atmosphere on campus. This initiative serves as a poignant reminder that united efforts can lead to remarkable achievements in the face of adversity. Throughout the campus, including the pep rally location in the cafeteria, purple decorations were displayed. Both teachers and students adorned purple attire to honor and celebrate Ruby.

“PBIS Christmas Party Games and Valentine’s Day Dance”

The Student Council organized a PBIS Christmas event featuring a variety of fun and entertaining party games infused with Asian and Mexican cultural influences. This celebration was a way to acknowledge and appreciate the hard work and dedication shown throughout the entire quarter and first semester. With music, decorations, and delicious treats, the event created a joyful and celebratory atmosphere for all students to enjoy. By bringing the school community together for this event, students were able to partake in the holiday spirit, exchange gifts, strengthen friendships, and create lasting memories to treasure. The party is free of charge.

On Valentine’s Day, the Student Council held a fundraiser to support the upcoming Valentine’s Dance Party. Activities included selling candy grams, balloons, flowers, cards and face paint. To show gratitude towards teachers and administrators, personalized cards, with flowers and balloons, were handcrafted by council members. The school was adorned with red and pink hearts, creating a joyful and loving ambiance throughout the halls. Additionally, a Barbie theme embellished the cafeteria. On Friday, February 16th, Student Council hosted a PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention System) Valentine’s Dance during 6th and 7th period in the cafeteria. The dance was free of charge. Students who meet ALL three of the following requirements were invited to attend. 1) Attendance: Good attendance with no unexcused absences or excessive tardies during this quarter is required. 2) Behavior: Students must have no Level 3 or higher violations from January 2024 until the present date. 3) Class Grades: In order to attend the dance, students must have passed all their classes, including electives, as indicated on the Quarter 3 Progress Report. During the dance, council members were involved in various tasks such as managing programs, overseeing the STUCO store, food preparation, supervising the dance floor, and greeting attendees at the entrance.

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