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May 8, 2009
Superintendent’s Message
Dear Staff,
As of Monday, there are only 9 days of school left for students! These years continually seem to go by at an ever rapidly increasing pace. I remember when I was a child and thought that a year was an eternity. It seems like I just got used to it being the 1980’s and suddenly we are well into the 21st century! I looked into the eyes of some of the students the other day at an elementary school. As we talked about the end of the year, it was good for me to remember the perspective that children have about their world (9 more days seems like it will take forever). We continue to strive to do all we can to meet the diverse needs of our students and seeing the world through their eyes is immensely helpful.
Many of us have never experienced a year like this one. We have, and will continue to ride the waves of the economic crisis very well. Let’s continue to remember that all of us are impacted in some manner—some much more severe than others. It is more important than ever that we remember our quest to be a unified, One Team educational organization. When we pull together and work as a team, we are at our best. In many ways, in spite of the unprecedented times and challenges, Kyrene is experiencing its finest hour. We should continue to look at what lies ahead as a tremendous opportunity to help shape the future.
I truly enjoyed the employee recognition program where we celebrated as one large and noisy Kyrene family. What I like most about events like those is that they show what we value and who we truly are as an organization. Thank you for another successful year (number 120)! Kyrene has helped to build this community and we continue to offer the highest quality public education that is the envy of the East Valley and state of Arizona! Enjoy the remaining days with your students and colleagues.
David
Employee of the Year Awards
For the third year Tempe Schools Credit Union, a long-time supporter of the Kyrene Foundation, sponsored “peer nominated” Employee of the Year awards for Kyrene’s three employee groups.
When determining the Support Staff Person of the Year, the judges looked for a person who has outstanding customer service and significantly contributes to the Kyrene School District …improving the quality of the Kyrene experience.
According to her peers, this year’s honoree has a deep commitment to students and is determined to see every student succeed which is ultimately what we all want! The Support Staff Person of the Year from Kyrene de los Nińo’s, is Patti Benster.
When the judges considered Administrator of the Year nominations, they look at those who, among other things, manage effectively, foster cooperation, encourage partnerships and play an active role in the success of their area of responsibility. The nominators gave many examples of this administrator doing “whatever it takes” to help students achieve success. She has created many programs that have enhanced learning, created camaraderie and inspired staff. Whether she’s wearing an orange safety vest and holding a crossing sign or helping her staff reach their goals, this is a school leader who “gets it done”. The ADMINISTRATOR of the YEAR from Kyrene de la Mariposa Elementary, is Dr. Marianne Lescher.
For Educator of the Year, the judges looked for a teacher who showed concern for students while enhancing educational experiences, one who was involved and used creativity and initiative to improve instruction. This person’s peers were full of examples. This teacher was instrumental in forming a new super popular Science Club, started an Astronomy night and after attending NASA’s Space Camp, has gotten actual moon rocks from the Apollo Lunar Space Missions to put on display for the entire the community ! Basically, she’s out of this world! The Educator of the Year from Akimel A-al Middle School, is Tara Dale.
On-Site Opportunities Available!
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. On-sites check 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). Deposits include 1st and last months’ rent, a $100 cleaning fee and refundable damage and key deposit – all of which are spread out over the first 4 months (or approximately 8 paychecks). Lomas and Monte Vista are hiring an on-site to perform checks four hours per week (at a rate of $12/hour or $18/hour if it is overtime), the on-site at Centennial/Colina will be hired to work 8 hours per week (at the same hourly rate). 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.
Staffing Update
The Human Resource Services Division continues to work on assigning displaced teachers to their new schools. These teachers are being reassigned based upon changes in staffing needs at their current schools. This process will be finalized very soon and all placements will be made. Once this is completed, open teaching positions are confirmed at schools, and we will begin the recall of our Reduction in Force teachers. We anticipate the recall to begin prior to the end of the school year and continue throughout the summer, as needed, based upon staffing requirements. Reduction In Force teachers are encouraged to stay in communication with Vickie Middleton or Mary Jane Rincon at Ext. 4114 in Human Resources to monitor the progress of the recall as we move through the summer.
BlueCross BlueShield Walk On! Program
Congratulations to fifth graders in Kyrene for participating in the BlueCross BlueShield Walk On! Program. Walk On! is a program created by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona to physically challenge kids in Arizona. The goal of the program is to help kids get moving and to show how something as simple as walking can help improve your overall health and fitness. During the Walk On! Challenge, fifth-grade students tracked how much exercise they did in a single month by keeping track of their steps with pedometers. With our teacher's support, Kyrene had over 340 students participate, with 163 of those students completing the month long challenge and walking 280,000 steps in a single month. For more information on this program, you can visit www.azblue.com/walkon
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