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MONDAY
MESSAGE
Hello
everyone!
On
Tuesday, as I sat waiting for an appointment, I
reflected on the past several years in Kyrene. Almost 4
years ago, I changed the course of my life to come to
Kyrene. I did this because I recognized your passion for
children's learning. Throughout my career, I have wanted
to be part of a district that shared that common vision
for children. I saw that here and I admire it.
In
other words, I'm saying I'm in Kyrene because I love
this district. I love what it represents. I know that we
have had to make changes over the past few years and
that it has been hard and that it has been stressful. I
know you have concerns and I know that some of you may
even be angry. But, if you will meet me halfway as we
move forward, I will not let you down. I will do all
that I can to support you in your work and I will not
leave anyone behind in that effort.
Your
contributions are valued, admired and appreciated.
Maria
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NEWSFLASH
SS/HS Family
Fun Day and Expo
The Safe Schools/Healthy Students team currently
prepares to host a Family Fun Day and Expo at Kiwanis
Wave Pool on Saturday, September 24 from 10 a.m. to 2
p.m. The entire Kyrene community will be invited to
attend this event with a reduced rate of $2 for wave
pool access. The Expo will provide useful information on
community resources; health information, such as
physical wellness, mental wellness, and behavioral
wellness; and safety information vital for student
success in school and in their community. Students and
their families who participate in SS/HS
activities may receive free tickets for wave pool
access.
Look
for more information in your school’s newsletter as
well as post cards that will be sent home with each
student on or near August 23. Tickets may be purchased
by calling x4083 or by contacting the Prevention
Supervisor at your school.
Tax
Credit Web Site Now Live
Anyone wanting to make an online tax credit donation can
now do so on the Kyrene
Web site. Visitors can donate two ways: either
through an online
transaction or by printing and mailing a donation
form. Between now and December 31, tax credit
donation opportunities will be marketed throughout the
Kyrene community.
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MAJOR
INITIATIVES
K-8 Programming Study Meeting Recap
The K-8 Programming Study Committee had their first
meeting of the year on August 16. The agenda focused on
support being provided for implementing the middle
school model, possible changes the Board is considering
to the work plan, the work underway on the Strategic
Plan, future areas for possible study, and upcoming
meeting dates and times. The next step for the work of
this committee is for the Board to discuss and approve
changes to the work plan, since that plan governs the
work of the group. That will be taking place at an
upcoming Board meeting (most likely in September).
Strategic Planning
The
Strategic Planning Council met recently to continue
their work to lead the development of Kyrene’s next
Strategic Plan. Initial work on vision, mission and
goals has been shared with the Governing Board. At this
point the Board is very interested in staff and public
input and plans are being developed to accomplish that.
Informational sessions will also be planned for each
school and community meetings will be scheduled, in
addition to opportunities for written feedback. More
detailed information will be provided in the coming
weeks. For additional background information about the
Strategic Planning process, please visit the Strategic
Planning page on the Kyrene Web site.
Communications Audit Focus Groups
Thank you to the many individuals that have already agreed to
participate or have nominated someone. Openings are
still available for the following focus groups:
- Parents
(English-speaking): 8/29, 6-7 p.m.; 8/30, 6-7 p.m.
- Parents
(Spanish-speaking): 8/29, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
- Community
members: 8/30, 8-9 a.m.; 8/30, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
- Teachers:
8/30, 3:30 p.m.; 8/30, 4:30 p.m.
- Classified
Staff: 8/30, 10 a.m.
If you are interested in participating, would like to
nominate someone, or have questions about the
Communications Audit, feel free to contact Johnny
Cruz at x4174.
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GOVERNING
BOARD
Governing
Board Meeting on August 23
The Governing Board will meet tomorrow evening starting
at 7 p.m. The meeting
agenda is attached.
Welcome
Reception for Ross Robb
A welcome reception for new Governing Board member Ross
Robb will take place tomorrow, August 23, at 5:30 p.m.
at the District Office in Training Rooms 4 and 5.
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TRAINING
AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
ASSET
Offering SEI Provisional Endorsement Training
ASSET announced recently that their SEI
Provisional Endorsement online trainings (the 15 hours
of training due by August of 2006) are now posted and
open for registration. Once into the ASSET portal, go to
Professional Development, then to Course Catalog and
click “View All Courses.” These classes are listed
as free of charge (there may be a processing fee).
Registration will fill quickly as there are many
districts in Arizona that are not offering any in-house
training. Additional classes will continue to be added
throughout the year.
August 24 Early Release
Day
On
August 24th all Kyrene teachers will be
participating in the first district-wide Early Release
professional development opportunity. We will be
focusing on writing for our elementary schools.
The focus for middle schools will be on Writing
and Reading Across the Curriculum (WRAC). The Curriculum and Assessment Department has designated
individuals at each site who will be conducting these
training sessions.
How
do you motivate students?
The
Curriculum and Assessment Department is offering a class
on student-involved Assessment. Teachers will learn
about how to motivate and involve students in classroom
assessment, how to teach students to create and maintain
student portfolios, and how to organize and conduct
student-led conferences. Each participant will receive a
notebook of practical ideas that can be used immediately
in the classroom. Sign up for the September 22 class on the
PGO.
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KYRENE
CLASSIFIEDS
Supplemental Education Department
The Supplemental Education Department is hiring
additional staff. If you or someone you know enjoys
working with children (ages 6 weeks through 8th
grade) and is looking for employment with the Kyrene
School District (or if you are looking for additional
duties and compensation), check out the employment
opportunities on the Kyrene
Web site.
For
information on jobs with Montessori or C.A.S.A. Vida
programs, contact Shannon
Andress at x4054.
For information on jobs with before and after school
enrichment programs, contact Ashley
Coates at x4089.
For information on jobs with Kids Club programs, contact Jena
Brandon
at x4059.
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