In this Issue

In this Issue:

» Links

January 23, 2009

Superintendent’s Message

Dear Staff,

I have begun my next round of visits to all of the schools in the district and will focus on meeting with representative groups such as Team Leaders, Management Teams, Representative Councils, Site Councils and Professional Learning Communities. This kind of involvement gives me great insights into the workings of each school and I am most interested in sitting in on discussions about student growth and progress. Visiting with a smaller group also allows me to get to know people better.

As we think about the progress the students are making and the support they need, none of this is possible without adequate resources. Kyrene has been in a challenging budgetary situation for quite some time now. The fact that Arizona funds education so inadequately has great impact on all of us and the current financial situation makes this issue even more critical. The most recent information reported by the media about major cuts to educational funding would have a devastating impact on Kyrene. While state statute and district policy prohibits us from using district resources to influence the outcome of a political process or election, we have the right as individuals to voice our own opinions about the potential loss of programs and positions that would be the result of severe budget cuts.

This Sunday from 1:00-3:00 a gathering at the state capital will occur on the lawn in front of the House of Representatives. Everyone who has an opinion about education is invited to attend to hear from others and to share their personal views. It might be a good thing if there were lots of people there to show how much we care.

David

District News

_________________________________________________return to top

Master’s and Bachelor’s Degree Information Meeting for
Kyrene Staff Members

Grand Canyon University is hosting another Open House for the faculty and staff of Kyrene School District. During the meeting, we will be discussing our graduate and undergraduate degree programs that are currently offered. We will also be discussing scholarships available for Kyrene staff members, the financial aid process as well as details about the Federal Loan Forgiveness Program which entitles eligible teachers up to $5,000 (for teachers of all subjects) or up to $17,500 (for teachers of Math, Science of Special Education) in loan forgiveness.

A GCU Scholarship of $1,000 and GCU Application Fee Waiver will be offered to all interested teachers and staff.

Please RSVP through Gail Lafnear/Holly Mitchell (instructions below) to qualify for the available scholarships:

THURSDAY, February 5th

4:30PM - 5:30PM

KYRENE DISTRICT OFFICE – Board Room North

8700 S. KYRENE RD.

TEMPE, AZ 85284

To RSVP, go to: http://www.gcu.edu/ec/glafnear

If you are unable to attend but would like further information, please contact Gail Lafnear at 602-639-6999 or glafnear@gcu.edu. Please include your name, contact numbers, email and school name.

Grand Canyon University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association. In addition, each of the courses in the program address one or more of the national standards set by the Interstate School Leaders Licensure Consortium (ISLLC).

Annual District Art Show opens at District Office February 13-19, 2009

A select group of excellent student artwork from each of Kyrene’s twenty-five schools will be on display at the Annual Kyrene District Art Show beginning at 8:00 a.m. Friday, February 13^th and running daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. through Thursday, February 19^th.

(Note: Schools and the District Office will be closed on Monday, February 16^th for President’s Day.)

Elementary School artwork will be showcased in the District Office Board Room North and South while Middle School artwork displays can be seen on the 2^nd Floor in the open area near Superintendent’s office. All grades will have 3-D art displayed on tables around the lower courtyard windows.

An Art Show “Celebration Night” will be held Thursday, February 19th from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. with Superintendent Dr. David Schauer making remarks at 6:30 p.m.

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.

Arts Jam 2009

Saturday, February 28, 2009

Kiwanis Park Sister Cities Garden, Tempe

Initial plans are underway for several of our Kyrene schools to participate in both music and art displays during the Annual Arts Jam put on by Arts Council for Youth.
They are accepting applications for solo acts and small groups/bands by Middle School and High School age students. Please include your name, school, type of act and name of song (if any). Names will only be listed on the schedule on our website with parental permission. Send information to: info@artsjam.org or call Arts Council for Youth at 480-223-7217

MAIN STAGE Schedule as of Jan. 23
9:00 am Brisas Mallet Masters
9:45 am Corona del Sol Jaztecs and CdS Adult Choir cameo
10:30 am Lagos D.R.U.M. (Discipline, Respect and Unity through Music)
11:15 am KMS 8th Grade Chorus
12:00 pm Pueblo Middle School Show Choir
12:45 pm KMS Scorpion Bells
1:30 pm KMS Scene from Spring Musical

School News

_________________________________________________return to top

Kyrene Honors Orchestra and Chorus Concert

Each year Kyrene Elementary School District honors its top middle school orchestra, band and choir students by selecting them to perform in a special concert. New this year, there will be two locations for the Annual Kyrene Concert to be held simultaneously on Tuesday, February 3 at 7:00 p.m.

The concert at Marcos de Niza High School, 6000 South Lakeshore Drive, Tempe AZ 85283 will feature the east side Kyrene middle school honors band members and the entire Kyrene honors orchestra

A second concert will be held at Desert Vista High School,16440 South 32nd Street, Phoenix AZ 85048 and will feature the west side middle school honors band and the entire Kyrene honors choir.

There are no tickets for the concerts so seating is on a first come, first serve basis at both locations. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

For more information call Joy Fogarty at 480-783-4112, Marcos de Niza High 480-838-3200 or Desert Vista High 480-706-7900.

_________________________________________________return to top

Please let us know what you think of this publication. Send your comments, questions, and suggestions to: kalexa @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]