News
Howell Elementary students visited TMC on Feb. 27 for a fun and educational Teddy Bear Clinic! Each student brought their own teddy bear, which was carefully examined, bandaged, x-rayed, and checked out by TMC staff and medical students from Pima Medical Institute and Pima JTED’s program. This hands-on event helped students feel more comfortable with hospitals while giving their teddy bears some much-needed "medical care"—a fun way to learn and feel safe around healthcare professionals.
A fast-acting 4th grader saved a fellow Howell student's life and was recognized as a Howell Hawks Hero by the entire school!Giovanni Hernandez Barrios performed the Heimlich maneuver on a student who was choking during lunch in the cafeteria. Giovanni plans to join the Marines as a young adult and he had been reading training materials and watching videos on emergency procedures. The student body was overcome with emotion as Giovanni described the experience. Principal Alexander heralded his bravery as he was honored by his family and school. Thank you, Giovanni!
Kathy Brown has her hands busy as Peter Howell Elementary’s Garden and Chicken Enrichment Specialist, but luckily she has help. Her daughter Treyah, a fourth grader at Howell, loves to help her mom. Treyah actually came to the midtown school first, starting kindergarten at Howell during the pandemic. Kathy got used to having Treyah around during the day due to remote learning. So, when Treyah had to go back to school in 1st grade, mom followed her and initially became a teacher’s assistant before moving to her current position.
For the past eight years, Eva Barajas has been a constant and caring presence at Howell Elementary, making sure students cross the street safely each day. Before becoming a crossing guard, she spent years working at different schools around the district, always finding ways to serve her community.
Eva’s favorite part of the job is the connection she builds with the kids and their families. Each morning, she greets them with a smile, exchanging kind words and creating a friendly relationship. “The communication with the kids and the parents keeps me going,” she says.
Even on cold or rainy days, Eva remains dedicated. “It’s hard, but I don’t care,” she says with a laugh, showing her commitment to keeping the students safe no matter the weather.
Outside of work, Eva enjoys walking and spending time with her family, including her grandkids, who once attended the very school where she now works. She encourages others looking for something meaningful to do to consider becoming a crossing guard, calling it a “good job” that creates community connections.
For Howell Elementary, Eva is more than just a crossing guard—she’s a friendly face, a protector, and a beloved part of the school family.