News
OMA Showcase Honor Choir (Grades 3-6)
Our students joined over one hundred students, selected from schools around Tucson, to open and close the OMA Showcase 2025 with the following performances:
- "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" by Tears for Fears – arranged by Kirby Shaw
Watch Performance (YouTube) - "Everyday Heroes" by Teresa Jennings – directed by Sara Gascho
Watch Performance (YouTube) - "Brave" by Sara Bareillas – arranged by Janet Day
Watch Performance (YouTube) - "Hero by PinkZebra – directed by Sara Gascho & accompanied by Jacob Litt
Watch Performance (YouTube)
Helen Ornstein has been the Special Education Resource teacher at Fruchthendler Elementary for the last three and a half years. And through her entire tenure, she’s been joined by her younger son Isaac. The 4th grader loves hanging around the school after the final bell and hanging out with his friends who also have parents on staff.“There’s nothing better than coming to work and seeing my son in the hallway when I’m going to work with my own students,” Helen said. “It’s really nice that we can just steal a quick hug every now and again.”
Jessica Merriman is a 2nd grade teacher at Fruchthendler Elementary. She’s joined at the eastside school by her youngest child, Garrett, who’s in 4th grade. Her older daughter also attended Fruchthendler, but is now in middle school. When the time comes for Garrett to move on, Jessica knows she’s going to miss having her kid around, but for now they’ll continue their little routine.“He gets a peanut butter cup at the beginning of the day, every day, and he makes my sandwiches for school,” Jessica says.
Thank you to TUSD Board member Natalie Luna Rose for sharing Read Across America Day with us!
Maria G. Leon has been working in the district for nearly 8 years and has been a part of the Fruchthendler team for a while now. One of her favorite things about her job? Feeding the kids and working alongside an amazing staff. She loves knowing that she’s making a difference every day by helping and caring for the students.
Outside of work, Maria stays active, she enjoys working out, hiking, and traveling whenever she can. But above all, family comes first. She’s a proud mom of three and loves spending time with her kids. And when it comes to the Tucson heat? She embraces it—summer is her favorite season! Thank you, Maria, for keeping our kids healthy and happy.
Congratulations to Fruchthendler student Adelaide Cabrera, for winning the District Spelling Bee! She will go on to compete at the Pima County Bee at Canyon Del Oro High School on Saturday, February 15th at 10 am. Good luck, Adelaide!