New National Board Certified Teachers
Five Kyrene teachers were among those that recently achieved the prestigious National Board Certification, bringing the number of National Board Certified Teachers in Kyrene to 20! More than 8 percent of all of the teachers in Arizona to receive this certification are from Kyrene.

Kyrene’s new National Board Certified Teachers are Sarah Baird (Cerritos), Sue Curtis (Cerritos), Molly Danforth (Waggoner), Karen Hiller (Akimel A-al), and Laura Nolde (District Office Technology Department).

K-8 Programming Study
The K-8 Programming Study is underway and several meetings have already been held.  Committee members from each stakeholder group (teachers, parents, administrators, and support staff) were selected and appointed according to the guidelines outlined in the K-8 Programming Study Work Plan. The Work Plan, minutes from committee meetings, current agenda, meeting dates, committee members, and other information about the K-8 Programming Study is available on the Kyrene Web Site. The Work Plan calls for the Committee to begin by studying and making recommendations about K-8 core and elective programs provided by the Kyrene School District.

In addition to the Committee, there are six Solutions Teams that are examining current and alternative instructional models and programs. These teams are: Budget Information, Instructional Time Allocation, Current and Alternative Middle School Models, Current and Alternative Elementary Models, Current and Alternative Administrative Models, and Current and Alternative Support Services Models

Each team will present information to the Committee for consideration and eventually, action. Action items will be forwarded to the Superintendent and/or Governing Board for approval. The K-8 Programming Study Committee meetings are subject to Open Meeting Law and all employees and members of the public are invited to observe and listen to the work being conducted by the group. It is important to understand that the members of the Committee do not represent any particular program or group of people. Committee members were selected and appointed based upon their knowledge and understanding of Kyrene programs and because of their perspectives based upon their affiliation with the District. Committee members will act on their own behalf with decisions that need to be made as this work moves forward. The best way to stay current with the work of this group is to visit the Web site, watch for additional Insider articles, and ask school and District leaders any questions you may have.   
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Governing Board Reception
A reception honoring incoming and outgoing Board members will be held on Tuesday, December 14, from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. in Training Rooms 4 and 5 at the District Office. The most recent teachers who have received National Board Certification will also be honored.
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Performance Pay
On December 9th, eligible teachers will be receiving a separate check as the first installment of the 2004-05 Performance Pay. The December payment will be $763 for each full-time, full-year qualified teacher. This amount will be prorated for part-time teachers according to their FTE. (For example, a half time teacher would receive $381.50). Teachers who are new to the District this year or who were on a leave of absence last year will not be receiving a check in December. They have an opportunity to participate in an alternative program and will receive payment in May after completing the program. 
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Use of District Facilities
Did you know that outside organizations using Kyrene facilities (e.g., classrooms, fields, District Office) need to submit a Request Form to the school's secretary prior to the facility being used? Any group (e.g., PTA, Scouts, college classes) using the facility needs to submit the request so that we can have the legal documentation to protect our facilities and the District, appropriate custodial support is made available, and the facility can get "credit" for the hours of use (the number of hours a facility is used by outside organizations determines how much funding that facility later receives). When in doubt about whether or not a request needs to be completed, please submit a Request Form or ask Crystal Davis (x4070) or Bonni Pomush (x4050) for additional information.
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Kyrene to Celebrate National Inclusive Schools Week
Kyrene will join schools around the country this week in celebrating National Inclusive Schools Week. Schools throughout the District are hosting a variety of events to commemorate the week. Thank you to each of the schools that are celebrating the diversity of our student population by participating in this special week of events.  
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Highly Qualified Workshop
All teachers must be Highly Qualified by the 2005-06 school year. Teachers are encouraged to attend the KEA and Department of Education Highly Qualified Workshop. Below are the details regarding the workshop:

Wednesday, December 8, 2004
4:00-5:30 p.m.
District Office Board Room 

Schedule of Events
4:00-4:15 -- Paperwork Workshop (Bring your transcripts, certificates, and any other documentation needed)

4:15-4:45 -- Erika Wesley, ADE (Presentation on Highly Qualified and an Open Forum)

5:00-5:30 -- Questions and Assistance with Highly Qualified Paperwork

Nominations for Kyrene Foundation Board
The Kyrene Schools Community Foundation is accepting nominations for prospective Board members. The Foundation is embarking on some ambitious corporate sponsorship and fund-raising initiatives in the coming year and is looking for community leaders that support our schools to take an active role in this organization. Members of the Board of Directors should include individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds, with a diverse array of talents, and with significant access and influence in the community. If you know of an individual that would be a valuable asset to the Foundation's Board, or if you have additional questions, please contact Johnny Cruz at x4174 or fill out the attached nomination form. You may be involved in the process of inviting this individual to join the Foundation Board, if that is your preference.
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KEA Diaper Drive
From now until December 17, the Kyrene Education Association is sponsoring a diaper drive for the Kyrene Family Resource Center. Diapers will be collected at each school and at the District Office. For questions, contact Sharon Lotz at x1486.
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Staff Development Web Page
A new Staff Development Web Page has been developed and is now available for review. This page will be updated frequently to profile new professional development and training opportunities available in a variety of content areas. The Page will feature links to each District Office department and will feature training opportunities facilitated by each department.
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New Preschool Web Page
Parents inquiring about various preschool programs offered in Kyrene can now be referred to the new Preschool page on the Kyrene Web site, which will provide information about Special Programs Preschool, Montessori, Kyrene Kids Club Early Learning Centers, and Headstart.
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Kyrene Montessori Registration
The Kyrene Montessori program is opening a new class that will begin on January 3^rd. Registrations are now being accepted; to register or to learn more about the Kyrene Montessori program, call Jackie Sponberg at (480) 783-4054. Register today!
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Safety First Newsletter
Attached is a copy of the latest Safety First newsletter, which is published quarterly to inform and educate individuals on safety issues. The newsletter also includes information on how you can win a $100 prize by filling out a safety quiz! Congratulations to Judy Seyfarth from Monte Vista who won last month.
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Arizona State Retirement System Newsletter
Attached is the latest copy of the newsletter from the Arizona State Retirement System.
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Altadeña Conducts First Flag Retirement Ceremony
On December 1, Altadeña conducted the first Flag Retirement Ceremony in the school's history. It was time for the flag in front of the school to be replaced as both the American and Arizona flags had become worn. Students from Girl and Boy Scout Troops conducted the ceremony. Altadeña Band Director and retired Army National Guard officer William Norris directed band members playing "America the Beautiful," "To The Colors," and "The Star Spangled Banner." All who were present were very moved by the ceremony, which will be shown to the school on December 7 to commemorate Pearl Harbor Day.
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We Want Your Feedback
Please let us know what you think of this publication. Send your comments, questions, and suggestions to jcruz@kyrene.org. Please be sure to type Kyrene Insider in the subject line. We want to ensure that we are effectively distributing information, so please let us know your opinion. [top]