NEWSFLASH
Kyrene Annual Report and Video
Last week, schools received copies of Kyrene’s 2004-2005 Annual Report and new promotional video. Each of these new resources will support Kyrene’s marketing efforts. Additional copies are available upon request. You can also view both the Annual Report and video online.

For questions, or to request additional copies, contact Johnny Cruz at x4174 or Linda Stewart at x4175.

Parent Training Series: Bullying Presentation
The Kyrene Centennial Region prevention team has scheduled a presentation for Kyrene parents, focused on effective ways to help children deal with bullying behavior. Dr. Dennis Friedman is the featured presenter. The presentation – part of the Prevention Team’s parent training series – is scheduled for October 4, from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Kyrene Centennial Middle School Library. To learn more, contact Adama Sallu at (480) 783-2598.

Change in Bus Pass Policy
This is a challenging year for the Transportation Department with the current driver shortage and challenges to retain good bus drivers. The Transportation Department is continuing to recruit, interview, and hire good qualified people, but the process is lengthy and time consuming. For this reason, Transportation is implementing a policy change, effective immediately: Bus Passes will be limited to students that are new to Kyrene this year. In the past, many returning students have been issued Bus Passes to ride home with their friends. For questions, contact Marianne Borghese at x4231 or by e-mail at mborgh@kyrene.org.    

Valley of the Sun United Way
The Valley of the Sun United Way campaign has kicked off its 2005 fund-raising campaign. The Valley of the Sun United Way will depend on individual and corporate donors to lift them up the their goal of $48.5 million this year. Kyrene’s campaign will run from September 23-October 26. United Way campaign materials have been distributed to each school and District Office. You can also designate your contribution to the Kyrene Schools Community Foundation.

More than 3,000 families are homeless on any given day in Maricopa County. Figures like these continue to remind us that thousands of adults, children and seniors are in need of critical support each day – right in our own community. If you have any questions, please contact Mary Ott at x4162.

Adopt a School in Mississippi 
The Mississippi School Boards Association is actively involved in Hurricane relief efforts for Mississippi schools, two of which are the Mississippi Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund and the Mississippi Hurricane Katrina Adopt-A-School Effort. The attached documents provide additional information for schools looking for additional ways to support students affected by Hurricane Katrina.

Kyrene Centennial Wins Target Promotion
Centennial Middle School was awarded a Giant Red Backpack that was on display at the Target store on Ray Road in Ahwatukee, along with a $100 Gift Card. Target held a drawing including all of the schools in the area and CMS was selected. A representative from Target Human Resources and Marketing came to CMS and presented the Giant Red Backpack during the CMS News Show. Every student in the school will be signing the Giant Red Backpack and then it will be displayed in the CMS Media Center. 
[top]

MAJOR INITIATIVES
Strategic Planning Update
The Strategic Planning Council has been meeting regularly in preparation for gathering staff and public input, which will be used to draft a Strategic Plan.

Throughout the Strategic Planning process, stakeholders will have the opportunity to provide input to help Shape the Vision in Kyrene in three major phases:
1. Shape the Vision Informational Meetings and Surveys – printed and online surveys will be available by the start of the Informational Meetings, which will take place at every school beginning in October; information will also be presented at staff and department meetings
2. Shape the Vision Community Meetings – will be scheduled later in the fall to allow staff, parents and community members to engage in small group discussion about Kyrene’s priorities and future
3. Review of Draft Strategic Plan – the draft Strategic Plan, which will be developed using the feedback from surveys and community meetings, will be posted for public comment in the spring

For more information, visit the Strategic Planning Web site.  
[top]

GOVERNING BOARD
Kyrene Governing Board Meeting
The next meeting of the Kyrene Governing Board will take place on Tuesday, September 27 at 7 p.m. The agenda for the meeting is available on the Kyrene Web site.
[top]

STAFF REMINDERS
Professional Growth Paperwork
Due to the Oct 15th date being on a weekend, and Staff Development Day falling on the following Monday, the deadline date for Professional Growth paperwork to be received in Human Resources has been extended to the end of the workday on Tuesday, October 18th. 

Attention Kyrene Families: Census Survey
This month, one in every 13 households in the Kyrene community will receive a short survey, which will help provide an accurate count of our current population. More responses will result in additional public funding for schools in Kyrene. For more information about the Census Survey, call (602) 256-3225 or www.census2005.com.

Flyer Distribution/Community Kiosks
One year ago, the flyer distribution policy in Kyrene – and in many neighboring districts – changed to no longer permit non District-sponsored literature to be distributed in classrooms. Organizations can now make flyers and other literature available at the community kiosks located near the entrance of each school. Anyone contacted by organizations looking to distribute flyers in schools is encouraged to reference the community kiosks.

Charity Drives to Benefit the Family Resource Center
Many schools are beginning to schedule various donation drives to take place throughout the fall. Some schools have inquired about having their drives benefit the Kyrene Family Resource Center. Any school interested in doing this is encouraged and welcome to do so. This is a great way to teach children about helping their neighbors through community service. Donations are regularly needed in the areas of food, clothing, toiletries, diapers, and toys. All these donations stay within our Kyrene community. Once again this year we will be having the Winter Wonderland event, so if your school would like to partner with the Family Resource Center, please contact Roxanne Richardson or Karin Crider.
[top]

TRAINING AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
ASSET Online Professional Development Begins October 12
The ASSET Fall 2005 Course Catalog is now available. Navigated courses begin October 12 and end on November 23. Self-paced courses will open on October 12, 2005 and must be completed by December 7. These courses can be used for recertification, District credit, or to help satisfy Highly Qualified requirements.
[top] 

KYRENE CLASSIFIEDS
On-site Position
There is an on-site resident position available at Milenio. Kyrene employees who are interested in the position can apply online or obtain an application at the District Office.

Multiple Position Openings
Kyrene is looking for:
- Instructional Assistants
- Bus Drivers
- Substitute Teachers

Please visit the Kyrene Web site or contact Vickie Middleton in Human Resources at x4114 for more information.

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 8^th grade) and is looking for employment with the Kyrene School District (or if you are looking for additional duties and compensation), check out employment opportunities at http://www.kyrene.org/hr/suppsum.htm.

For information on teaching a before and after school enrichment program, contact Ashley Coates at x4089.

NEWSLETTERS
Kyrene Community News
Click here to view the latest edition of Kyrene Community News, Kyrene’s community e-mail newsletter.
[top]

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]