August 29, 2008

In this Issue:

» Superintendent's Message

» District News

» TRP News

» School News

» KTTP Middle School Newsletter

» KTTP Elementary Newsletter

Superintendent's Message

 

Dear Staff,

I have now visited 15 schools and walked through almost every classroom in each one.  The main purpose for these visits is to welcome everyone back to a new school year and to demonstrate that I care very much about what happens in each and every classroom in our district.  Welcoming the superintendent or another district office staff member was an extremely rare event when I began teaching many years ago.  As a matter of fact, it was quite alarming to me and my colleagues when this occurred because it was so unusual. 

Now that I have been in Kyrene for going on 13 years, I have learned a lot about our history.  I know, for instance, that it was very common years ago to have the superintendent and other administrators in and out of classrooms all the time in this district.  We may have gotten away from that practice as the district grew and competing issues and needs distracted leaders from what should be a top priority.  As we move forward, it is important that we keep the focus on paying attention to the daily challenges staff members face in providing high quality instruction and services to each student every day.  My team and I are committed to providing as much support as we possibly can to all students and staff members.  The reasons are because WE CARE, IT MATTERS and WE ALL CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.   

I look forward to visiting the remaining 10 schools in the next couple of weeks and plan to return for more focused visits throughout the school year.  Thank you for all the great things you do for Kyrene kids.  It is noticed, appreciated and a wonderful thing to see first hand!

 David

 

District News  ____return to top___

 

Kyrene Kids Club wants you

• Are you looking for a few extra hours in the morning?

• Do you enjoy working with Kyrene students?

• Kyrene Kids Club is looking for staff to provide childcare in before school programs.

• Club Leader positions are available starting at 6:30 am (Monday-Friday) with a starting hourly rate of $7.65/hr.

If you are interested in joining our award winning team, please contact Jen at 783-4085 or apply online at www.kyrene.org/childcare/jobs.html

 

Online Homework help at Tempe Public Library

Live Homework Help™ is a free online tutoring service from Tutor.com that debuted at the Tempe Public Library earlier this year. It continues this coming school year, connecting students to expert tutors in math, science, social studies and English. Spanish-speaking tutors also are available to help students.

This free service, made possible by a grant from the Tempe Diablos, allows students in grades 4-12, and introductory-level college, to connect with expert tutors. The service is available via students’ home computers, or via computers at the Tempe Public Library (3500 S. Rural Rd.), the Escalante Multi-Generational Center (2150 E. Orange St.) and the North Tempe Multi-Generational Center (1555 N. Bridalwreath St.). A Tempe Public Library card is required.

Tutors can answer questions, offer homework help and send students Web pages and resources. The student and tutor chat through instant messaging, draw problems on an interactive whiteboard, share files to review essays and papers, and browse educational resources on the Web together. Sessions are saved so students and parents can review them at any time. To get started, students can visit www.tempe.gov/library and click on the link called, “Get ahead of the class this year.”  

Live Homework Help™ is available in English and Spanish seven days a week from 3-10 p.m. For more information, contact the Library’s Reference Desk at 480-350-5511.

 

On-Site Opportunity Available at  Lomas

Kyrene has a unique program known as On-Site Security. Most schools have an on-site employee living on campus in either an apartment or a trailer. Four hours per week (at a rate of $12/hour or $18/hour if it is overtime), the on-site checks to make sure the buildings are secure in the evening and ensures that the alarms are set.  The fee to live in the apartment at Lomas is $775 per month (including utilities). Kyrene employees interested in applying for the position may do so online or obtain an application at the Furlong Center.  Please contact x4174 or email rysmith@kyrene.org with any questions.

 

The Power of PR

You make a difference every day and we want others to know!

The Community Relations Department needs your help promoting ALL the GREAT things taking place in Kyrene.  For example, last week a principal let us know their kindergarten was being visited by two dads who are serving overseas and it turned into a wonderful story about patriotism complete with 4 photos!  Plus, two teachers sent photos of their students doing activities related to the Olympics and that became a story as well! 

So,  we encourage you to contact us with the fun, exciting, inspiring or  emotional stories about your work.  If you see or hear a kid doing something special, please drop us a quick note.  (Special thanks to those of you currently contributing to AROUND OUR SCHOOLS columns – keep that news coming!)

Email Nancy Dudenhoefer, Manger of Community Relations  at ndudenhoefer@kyrene.org or you can leave a message at 480-783-4029.  The more on who, what, where and when you can tell us the better.  We’ll get back to you if we can use the story idea.  Thanks in advance for your help and cooperation in getting the word out about the wonderful happenings in the Kyrene School District!

TRP News ____return to top____

TRP Participants Can Win ASU Football Tickets This Fall

The ASU college football season kicks off Saturday, August 30 against NAU in Tempe and you could win free tickets to watch the game.  This season, Valley Metro is partnering with ASU for the Alt Mode User Contest and we’re giving away four tickets to every ASU home game this fall. To enter, you just need to ride the bus, carpool, vanpool, bike to work, walk or telecommute. Then enter the contest on the Valley Metro website. We’ll draw one winner for each home game who will receive a voucher for four tickets and a parking pass. ASU is favored this year to be one of the top teams in the Pac 10.

School News  ____return to top____

Sureno

Kyrene del Sureño has teamed up with the Chandler Fashion Center for a program called School Cents.  By shopping at Chandler Fashion Center and the Chandler Fashion Center Urban Village Neighborhood Shops you can help Sureño win up to $2,500.  Schools receive points for each dollar spent at stores, restaurants, kiosks and movie theatres at any of the shopping centers.  Bring your original receipts to guest services dated between August 15, 2008 and April 15, 2008 to the Guest Services desk and for every dollar spent Sureño will receive points.  Receipts can also be dropped off at the school office. 

 

 

 

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