In this Issue:
» Links
September 4, 2009
Superintendent’s Message
Dear Staff,
I am very much enjoying my visits to each school to present information about student achievement and the importance of keeping the passion alive about the challenging work that we do. We can never underestimate the impact we have on the lives of the children we serve. This responsibility can seem overwhelming at times but we always need to remind ourselves how privileged we are to have this opportunity. We are shaping the future of our country and the world through the work that we do.
Take time this weekend away from shaping the future of the world! Enjoy the long weekend with your family and friends and I will look forward to my visits next week.
David
Fox Lawson Appeal Process
As you may know, approximately 18 months after being authorized by The Governing Board to conduct a classification and compensation study, Fox Lawson issued a final report to the Governing Board at the end of the 2008-2009 school year detailing their recommendations based on the results of the study. The Governing Board approved the first two steps of a four-step implementation process. Included as a part of the Fox Lawson implementation process is an appeals window.
Employees have a 45 calendar day (a little more than 6 weeks) period of time to review their classification specification (which is the name for our broad “job descriptions”) and complete and submit an appeal packet if they believe they were incorrectly classified. That window of time starts on Tuesday, September 1, 2009 and concludes on Friday, October 16, 2009 at 4:30 pm. All appeal packets will go through an internal review process, with the possibility that some of those appeals may be outsourced to Fox Lawson.
Employees who choose to submit an appeal packet for review must turn in the completed packet to their supervisor. Their supervisor, in turn, will review what the employee documented and attach a statement. Next, the appeal packet should be sent to the department head for comment, and finally forwarded to the divisional leadership for comment. Ultimately, appeal packets will be reviewed in Human Resource Services by an Appeals Committee. It’s important to note the following:
· Submission of an appeal packet in no way implies that a reallocation of an employee’s position to another classification will occur.
· Incomplete appeal packets should not be accepted by supervisors, department heads or divisional leaders, and will not be accepted by Human Resource Services.
· All decisions by the Appeals Committee are final.
The appeal form is available at the HR website, under Information and Forms.
ASU’s DELTA Doctoral Program Informational SessionThere will be an informational session about ASU’s DELTA Doctoral Program on October 1st from 4:30-5:30 pm at the Kyrene District Office. This program will lead to a Doctor of Education [Ed.D.] in Educational Administration and Supervision. Please check ASU’s website for further information prior to the meeting at http://education.asu.edu/delta.
Prevention of Virus
The Kyrene School District custodial staff clean each night with approved cleaning products that kill a wide variety of germs, viruses, and organisms. These cleaner/disinfectants kill Influenza Type A, Novel H1N1(Swine), MRSA, Strep, etc… Kyrene and SSC staff clean all high touch hard surfaces with the earlier mentioned approved products. These areas include all health offices, restrooms, counter tops, cubbies, desks, doors, push bars, door knobs, light switches, phones, hand rails, push plates, etc… Be assured that our custodial staffs are working hard to keep our schools clean, disinfected, sanitized and safe for all students and staff.
Remember, the best defense in terms of control and disinfection of any virus is proper hand washing, staying home when you are ill, covering coughs and sneezes, and cleaning .
Save the Date! For Employees Only – 400 FREE Seasonal Flu Shots
October 21st from 11 am to 5 pm at the District Office
Unitedhealthcare has partnered with Kyrene to offer 400 free seasonal flu shots to our employees. Details will be coming soon via *All Kyrene email regarding how to register for one of the free shots online. This is the seasonal flu shot only. This shot does not address the H1N1 (Swine Flu). For more information on H1N1, please see the Kyrene home page for an FAQ.
Change in the Trip Reduction Program (TRP) Web Portal
As all of you may know, the Kyrene School District has been participating in Maricopa County’s Trip Reduction Program which is to reduce the drive-alone commute time to work.
There has been a recent change in Valley Metro’s web portal regarding TRP. Some of you may have received communication from Valley Metro announcing the change. If you have not done so already, please go the link below and “Register As A New User” to become an active participant in the program.
http://sharetheride.valleymetro.org/Public/UserSignIn.aspx
Over the next several months, we will be adding to the number of monthly drawings (4 vs. 2) due to the lag time in activating the new system and will announce the winners for the $20 gift cards.
This is open to all of Kyrene employees whether you would like to participant one (1) work day a month or every day of the month. The alternative methods are carpooling, biking, walking or taking the bus. If you are a new employee you may have received information in your new employee packet. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me (Paula X4202).
Sureno
By shopping at Chandler Fashion Center and the Chandler Fashion Center Urban Village Neighborhood shops, you can help Kyrene del Sureno win up to $2500. Schools receive points for each dollar spent at the stores, restaurants, kiosks and movie theatres of these shopping centers. Bring your original receipts dated between August 15, 2008 and April 15, 2009 to the Guest Services desk and for every dollar spent, Kyrene del Sureno will receive points. To check the latest standings and for more information, visit www.chandlermall.com/community.asp
Cielo
Two Kyrene del Cielo English Language students were recognized state wide for an art contest. There were 900 students and only 8 winners. The Arizona English Language Learner Assessment (AZELLA) had an art contest in April 2007, and art teacher Maureen Sousae entered her students. After nearly two years of waiting, Anwar Gadhi, a first grade Arabic speaking student, and Lizzy Martinez-Lopez, a third grade Spanish speaking student were recognized for their masterpieces. (Lizzy is now a student at Kyrene Aprende.)
“It was a long time coming, but worth the wait,” Sousae said.
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]