PHOENIX — Showing love for students, teachers, parents, and the entire community, that was the goal behind Balsz Palooza, held Saturday, February 28, at Pat Tillman Middle School in Phoenix.
The event featured music, games, student artwork, visits from Phoenix Police and Phoenix Fire, and a huge celebration of everything Balsz has accomplished over this past school year.
"We are one community," explains Balsz Superintendent Dr. George Barnes. "We are doing amazing things. I think people forget that when you drive from Central Phoenix and from Tempe, there's a real cool space in East Phoenix. We've been here, and we're here to stay."
Local small businesses also helped out, like Love Bus Coffee, which donated 50% of its proceeds for the day to the Balsz Community Education Foundation.
Pat Tillman Middle School ArtWalk honors young student artists
Young Valley artists are in the spotlight and spreading their wings in more ways than one!
At Balsz Palooza over the weekend, artwork from hundreds of students was also being showcased.
There was a collection of butterflies, depicting the growth, learning, and changes that are happening, leaving so many teachers inspired, like Kate Gmelich.
" I think as a district and a school, we are trying to move forward with growth and change," says Kate. "So being able to grow and thrive with changes in ways that are needed... We kind of started as caterpillars the last couple years, and we are starting to emerge as a butterfly."
For eighth-grade student Camila Chapparo Alayssami, it's been an amazing chance to learn and grow as she goes through a big life change; Recently, her family immigrated from Venezuela.
"I'm so proud of myself," says Camila.
