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April 27, 2009
Superintendent’s Message
Dear Staff,
Now that it is over 90 degrees on a regular basis we know that spring has arrived in the desert! With this time of year comes the intensity of bringing the present school year to a close and planning for the next one. In spite of the many challenges and uncertainty we face, this is a time for great celebrations. We have almost completed our 120th year of educating children in this community and we have a proud and dynamic history that has made Kyrene one of the premier school districts in Arizona. Many award ceremonies, year end celebrations, promotion for 8th graders and performances will fill the next few weeks. Let’s enjoy the excitement as the school year comes to an end.
As Kyrene moves into the second decade of the 21st century, it is time to reflect on what the future could look like for a successful and progressive district like ours. Washington DC is friendlier than ever toward public education but true educational reform is what is being sought after. Generous funding will be available for school districts that develop innovative, researched based plans that can bring about real change. In a society where students can instantly get information when they want it, where they want it and how the want it, we need to consider how education fits into this picture. We are entering an era where exciting opportunities lie before us. Let’s continue to think and learn together about what we will become!
David
Employee Appreciation Reception
Please join us for refreshments and socializing as we honor our fellow employees for their dedicated service to the Kyrene School District. We will be recognizing employees who are retiring or reaching a milestone year with the District. This event is hosted by the Kyrene Governing Board, KEA, KESPA and KAC, and will be held at the Furlong Center from 4:00-5:30 pm on Tuesday, May 6. Food and gifts are provided by the Kyrene Community Foundation. See the following link for a list of those who will be honored.
List of employees that will be honored
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Kyrene School District wins Award for Energy Efficiency
On Tuesday, April 14th the Arizona Association of School Business Officers presented the Kyrene School District Facilities Department with a 2009 Best Practices Award. The award was presented to Terry Tatterfield, Assistant Superintendent who oversees operations, facilities, transportation, food services and all other support services. Terry credited the entire Kyrene staff for implementing the strategies that have resulted in successful energy efficiency.
During the last five years, the Kyrene’s energy conservation and utility reduction has resulted in substantially less energy use and cost. Use of energy management systems, careful scheduling, tracking of data and a district wide awareness initiative resulted in 12 of 16 elementary schools and 3 of the 6 middle schools reducing electric use in 2008.
Average electrical cost for 2008 was $0.95 per square foot compared to the average for Maricopa and Pima county schools of $1.52. Average total utility use was $1.59 compared to other districts in like climate areas of the state of $2.81. The district’s excess utility expense has been reduced 16% in the past two years resulting in the current 10% excess utility expense. This program has helped to position the district to better deal with the increasing costs and decrease funding issues with minimal affect on classroom dollars.
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Kyrene de la Mariposa named 2009 A+ SCHOOLS OF EXCELLENCE
Monday May 11, at 9:00 am Kyrene de la Mariposa will receive their second A+ School of Excellence Award. The award and banner will be presented by Bobbie O’Boyle, Executive Director of the Arizona Educational Foundation at an All School Assembly. U.S. Representative Harry Mitchell is also scheduled to attend the ceremony. Mariposa is among just Seventeen Schools State-wide Recognized by AEF for Success in Public Education. Since 1983, AEF has honored exemplary PreK-12 public schools in Arizona through the A+ Schools Award.
AEF’s A+ Schools of Excellence Program endeavors to improve education in public schools by identifying and recognizing outstanding Arizona schools. The A+ Program strives to create a comprehensive framework of successful programs for other schools throughout the state and nation to follow. A+ Schools are evaluated in the following areas: student focus and support; active teaching and learning; curriculum; leadership; community and parent involvement; and assessment data.
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Tell your friends and neighbors Kyrene has classes for adults!
Classes aren’t just offered for kids in Kyrene ― adult classes are available, too! Locations are convenient, and many classes are offered while childcare programs are still open. For a complete list of classes, click here or call (480)783-7314. If you’d like something offered that you don’t see listed, please share your idea with us!
After a very successful first session, we are proud to announce that registration is now open for the Create the Life you Want weekly classes ― one-hour sessions with Author, Speaker, and LifeSuccess Consultant, Nicholas Tutora help you create the life you design! Learn how to align your thoughts, feelings, and actions to lead to the results you desire. (Enrollment is open to all!)
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Paloma
The SEI classes at Kyrene de la Paloma are holding a learning celebration for students and their families on Thursday, April 30, from 6:00 to 7:00 in the evening. The students will be sharing portfolios of their work, and awards will be given to recognize the effort and progress the students have made and treats will be served.
Aprende
Ms. Bowen's sixth grade classes at Aprende have decided to make a Friendship quilt for the firemen in their community. They have decided on Station # 9 located across from Aprende on Desert Breeze Blvd in Chandler. They have invited the firemen to speak to their class on 8 May 2009 about how they use Spanish to do their jobs and why it is important to be able to speak the language to help people in their profession.
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