January 2006
K-8 Science Resource Adoption Vendor Presentations
Initial Vendor Presentations for the science programs up for adoption
and review will occur on February 1st starting at 3:30pm at the district
office. These presentations are open to teachers, administrations,
parents and the Science Resource Adoption Committee. We would love to
have you attend!
All Day Kindergarten Registration
Kyrene schools will be holding our
Guaranteed Registration window Thursday January 19 through Friday
January 27. Anyone who registers during this time period at the school
of their choice will be guaranteed a spot in All Day Kindergarten. The
child must be 5 before September 1, 2006 and have the proper paperwork
such as a birth certificate and immunization record in order to
register. Registration will continue after January 27th on a first come
first serve basis until the school sites are full. For more information,
email
Jacalyn Sponberg.
Back to Top
February 2006
K-8 Programming Study
Meeting Cancelled
The K-8 Programming Study Committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday,
February 21, 2006 has been cancelled. The next regularly scheduled
meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 21 at 4:30 p.m. at the Kyrene
School District Office.
District Art
Show
On Tuesday, February 21 from 5:30-7:30 p.m., the Kyrene School
District’s Annual Art Show will begin. District Superintendent Maria
Menconi will share opening remarks at 6:30 p.m. at the District Office.
Artwork from each of Kyrene’s 25 schools’ students will remain on
display daily from Tuesday through Friday. Each year Kyrene provides an
opportunity for students to show off their art work to the community
through a fun filled Art Show. Come enjoy these talented young artists’
showcase and gaze into the imaginations of these young artists.
301 Performance
Pay
Meeting to discuss the recommendation for participant eligibility.
View Meeting Agenda
Strategic
Planning Community Meetings
Kyrene Community is invited to
participate in these upcoming meetings to provide additional feedback
on such topics as class size, educational opportunities, employee
qualifications and pay, teacher shortage, and safe school
environments. The community is invited to attend any of the following
meetings to provide its voice in Shaping the Vision for Kyrene.
-
February 9 - Tempe
6:30-8:00 p.m. at
the Kyrene School District Office, 8700 S. Kyrene Road
-
February 13 - Phoenix
6:30-8:00 p.m. at Akimel A-al Middle School, 2720 E.
Liberty Lane
-
February 15 - Chandler
6:30-8:00 p.m. at Aprende Middle School, 777 N. Desert
Breeze Boulevard
Experience
Kyrene
Our annual Experience Kyrene
event will take place on Thursday, February 16, from 5:30-7:00 p.m. This
event was established to provide families that are considering their
options for their children’s education with an opportunity to visit any
Kyrene school. During this event, families may tour the school, meet
parents and administrators, visit classrooms, talk to school staff, and
ask questions.
Kyrene School District Tax Credits Exceed 1.2 Million!
Kyrene School District received a total of 1,207,195.12 in tax credit
donations during the 2005 year. This is an increase of over 17% over
2004. Kyrene schools held aggressive marketing pushes to encourage
community members to donate their tax credit to the Kyrene school of
their choice. “I continue to be amazed of the outpour of support the
community has for Kyrene programs,” said Superintendent Maria Menconi.
Marketing initiatives included on-line acceptance, various advertising
efforts, and opening the District office on New Years Eve to accept last
minute tax credit donations.
Colina Students Help Students
in New Orleans Read
The students at Colina will be doing a new/gently used book drive for
the New Orleans schools. The dates are Feb. 27- March 10 (which will
have it ending right before Spring Break). We have made a connection
with the Algiers Charter Schools Association, which is the charter
schools which were the first to reopen after the hurricane. They are so
excited to have our books! We are doing this in connection with the
small Buy One Get One Free Book Fair that will be happening in March,
with the hope that some parents will donate the free book. Teclo Garcia,
our parent who is organizing this drive, is working with the Curriculum
Director for Algiers to see if we can send letters, etc. with the books
to the kids- to make more of a personal connection with the students at
the school.
Kyrene Accepting Preschool Students
The Kyrene School District’s Special Programs Preschool is taking
applications for typically developing preschoolers. Interested parents
are welcome to attend a preschool mini-session on Wednesday, February
22. Kyrene de la Estrella will be holding their mini-session on
Wednesday February 15, 2006. Typically-developing children are those who
are growing physically and intellectually at a pace appropriate for
their age and have age-appropriate English language skills.
Typically-developing children must be three years old by March 31, 2006,
to be eligible for the Preschool program.
The preschool mini-session is designed to assist staff in selecting
children for the coming school year to fill openings at Kyrene’s
preschool sites. Preschool classes are 2½ hours long, in the mornings
and afternoons. Tuition for the four-day a week class is $160 per month
and $125 per month for the three-day a week class. Applications for the
session may be picked up at the Customer Service Center at the Kyrene
School District Office, 8700 S. Kyrene Road, Tempe. Parents may go
online to
www.kyrene.org/resource/preschool
and click on Typical Peer Application. To receive an application by
mail, call Lisa Flores at 480-783-4156. The deadline for applications is
February 18.
Back to Top
March 2006
Kyrene Invites Community
and Staff Input on Superintendent Search
Earlier this year Superintendent Dr.
Maria Menconi announced her retirement effective June 30, 2006. The
following is a recap of the events that have taken place thus far and
the plan for community and staff participation in the recruitment of the
next Kyrene Superintendent.
December – Superintendent Menconi
announced her retirement
January – Governing Board issued a
bid for a superintendent search firm
February – Governing Board selected
a search firm
Within the upcoming months the
community and staff will be involved in a number of different ways.
March – community and staff focus groups will be held to identify key characteristics, qualifications, and qualities desired in the next
Superintendent
Late Spring – focus groups will be
held to allow the community and staff the opportunity to meet and have
discussions with top candidates (dates and times will be announced in
a future communication)
Staff and Community Members are
encouraged to participate in upcoming March Focus Groups. The search
firm has requested opportunities to speak with employees and community
members in order to gain a broad, yet detailed perspective from our
various stakeholder groups. Attached
is a schedule of the upcoming March Focus Groups for staff and community
members. All focus groups will be held at the Kyrene School District
Ben Furlong Center (room locations will be posted on that day). There is
no need to RSVP for the focus groups - all are welcome. Additionally, we
have established a
Web
site for the community and staff to access. We will
continue to update the site as information becomes available regarding
the search. Information will be sent home with students in the next few
days informing the community about the community focus groups. We will
also share this information with our media partners to help spread the
word about the participation opportunities.
Kyrene Kids Club Offers Exciting
Spring Break Option
The Kids Club Program is
proud to announce another exciting Spring Break Camp! Camp will run
March 13th-17th and is open from 6:30 a.m. until
6:30 p.m. daily. Kids Club is offering camp at Kyrene de la Colina in
Ahwatukee, as well as Kyrene del Sureño in Chandler. Preschoolers
through 8th Graders will also have the chance to see a puppet
show, meet the Hall of Flame Firefighters, jump in inflatable bouncers,
enjoy an ice cream party, participate in indoor and outdoor games,
science experiments, music activities, art exploration and more.
Expertly trained staff will coordinate additional entertaining
activities that reinforce what children are learning in school through
computer activities and other age-appropriate lessons. The cost for camp
is $25 per day per child for registrations received on or prior to March
3rd. After March 3rd, the cost per child is $35
per day. For new families, registrations are accepted in person at the
Kyrene School District Customer Service Center located at 8700 S. Kyrene
Rd. in Tempe, or online until March 3 at
www.kyrene.org/eservices. Families who have registered their
children with Kids Club before can also do so again by faxing
registration forms to 480-783-4141 (applications can be downloaded at
the Kids Club website at
www.kyrene.org/childcare). Please call 480-783-4040 or 480-783-4090
for more information!
Kyrene Offers Early Entrance to
Kindergarten
Kyrene School District
offers an early entrance option for children who turn five years old
between September 1st, and December 31st. Kyrene’s teachers,
administrators, and staff are eager to work with families to make Kyrene
their district of choice. Children who turn five between September 1st
and December 31st may apply for an age exception to enter Kindergarten
early. Early entrance will be approved for students who demonstrate
exceptional social and emotional maturity, and whose learning needs are
advanced. Kyrene will admit students early using an instrument developed
by Kyrene educators that helps determine if a younger child can be
successful during the kindergarten year and move on to first grade with
necessary skill, maturity, and confidence.
Parents who wish to consider applying
for an age exception for their child are required to attend an
informational meeting, complete a parent checklist, submit an admissions
application, and bring their child to a screening conference with a
kindergarten teacher. In addition to learning about how to go about
applying for an age exception to enter kindergarten, parents will also
learn about kindergarten readiness and other early childhood programs
available in our district, including preschool, partial day
kindergarten, and all-day kindergarten, as well as the funding and fee
structure for each program. Parents must attend one of the following
informational meetings to begin the age exception application process:
-
Thursday, March 9, 2006 6:30 – 8:00
pm or
-
Wednesday, April 19, 2006 6:30 –
8:00 pm or
-
Tuesday, July 25, 2006 6:30 – 8:00
pm
These meetings will be held at the Kyrene School District located at 8700 S. Kyrene Road in Tempe.
Kyrene Akimel A-al Middle School
Honoring Veterans at Patriotic Day Celebration
For the 13th consecutive
year,
Kyrene Akimel A-al Middle School
will honor the contributions and sacrifices made by veterans
at its Patriotic Day Celebration. On Friday, March 3 at 9:15 a.m. a
ceremony will be held in the school’s gymnasium, and students
participate by making speeches and musical performances. Local military
and veterans organizations are invited to attend. The colors are
presented by local Honor Guard organizations.
Back to Top
April 2006
Kyrene de las Manitas Celebrates 10th
Anniversary
Kyrene de las
Manitas is celebrating its 10th Anniversary this Friday,
April 28, 2006. The event will take place at the school. It begins at
6:00pm with a Speaker’s Forum in the Multipurpose Room, including
founding principal of Manitas Rosemary James and Kyrene Superintendent
Maria Menconi. Dessert Anniversary cake will be served. A community
family picnic will follow from 6:30 – 7:45pm. Bring a blanket, chairs,
and a picnic lunch. The Manitas staff is looking forward to seeing
families from the year they opened through the present school year.
Kyrene Partnerships receive ASPRA*tions
Awards
Each year, the Arizona School Public
Relations Association (ASPRA) recognizes standards of excellence in
school public relations through its ASPRA*tions Awards. The Kyrene
School District and its community partners were recognized by the ASPRA
with two Awards of Merit for their efforts.
Don Kirkland, Editor and Owner of the Wrangler News, was nominated for
his accurate and professional reporting of the Kyrene School
District. The Wrangler News eagerly publishes stories that help school
staff publicize the great programs being offered in the Kyrene
Community. Mr. Kirkland also spends time gathering all necessary
information to ensure fair and accurate reporting of district news. As
the Kyrene School District has looked at ways to deliver district news
to the community, Mr. Kirkland has offered innovative and cost effective
ways to include important district communications in his publication.
The “Athlete of the Week” feature is just one way the Wrangler News
regularly offers the Kyrene School District opportunities to promote its
programs. Don Kirkland’s professional partnership with the Kyrene
Community is valued by the Kyrene School District.
The Kyrene School District nominated the Intel Foundation
for its support of the Kyrene Teaches with Technology Project (KTTP).
The purpose of the KTTP is to increase student achievement through
developing technology-infused curricula, as well as providing training
and mentoring partnerships with teams of teachers and their principals
to bring technology-infused teaching into every classroom. The KTTP is
about fostering and sustaining a fundamental shift in the role that
technology can have in daily learning. Over the past three years, the
Intel Foundation has donated more than $100,000 toward the professional
development costs of KTTP. Intel Corporation has been actively engaged
in improving education since its inception in 1968. This combined with
the countless hours that Intel employees spend volunteering in valley
classrooms is a true testament to Intel’s commitment to public
education. Intel invests more than $100 million per year toward
education initiatives. Kyrene’s partnership with Intel is a prime
example of how businesses and schools can come together to provide
innovative programs to help students learn.
Cielo and Monte Vista get an A+
Kyrene del Cielo Elementary School and
Kyrene Monte Vista Elementary School are Awarded A+ Status by the
Arizona Educational Foundation.
The principal of Kyrene del
Cielo Elementary School is Beth Hill. She is very proud of the Cielo
staff, students, parents and community. It was truly a united effort to
earn the distinction as an A+ school! The principal of Kyrene Monte
Vista Elementary School is Georgia Shimkus. She recognizes that it took
a collaborative effort by the staff, students, parents and community.
What makes Monte Vista an A+ school is that everyone works together to
help its students succeed.
The A+ School Recognition Program is designed to identify and recognize
schools whose practices exemplify excellence in the following areas:
student focus and support, active teaching and learning, curriculum,
community/parent involvement, leadership and assessment. The A+ Program
is open to K-12 public schools throughout Arizona. The A+ Program is a
tremendous catalyst for bringing together the surrounding community and
its local neighborhood school.
Kyrene del Cielo and Kyrene
Monte Vista were selected after a lengthy application process and site
visit by a review panel consisting of teachers, administrators,
community volunteers and business leaders. Preparation of the
application involved students, faculty, administration and the
surrounding community. The two-year application process was led by the
schools’ Management Teams.
Kyrene Initiates Additional
60-day Public Review of Science Resources
The Kyrene School District has
initiated an additional 60-day public review of K-8 science resources
that will serve as a foundation for science instruction at all grade
levels beginning in the 2006-2007 school year. These instructional
materials and science trade books are currently on display in the
Curriculum and Assessment Department at the Ben Furlong Education
Center, 8700 S. Kyrene Road, Tempe until June 27th, 2006.
A recommendation for adoption will be
made at the Governing Board meeting on June 27, 2006 pending the public
review process. For further information, contact Suzi Mast (480)
783-4131 or Jessica Boland (480) 783-4142, in the Curriculum and
Assessment Design and Implementation Department.
Back to Top
May 2006
Finalists Are Named for Kyrene
Superintendent Opening
At a
Special Governing Board meeting on Thursday May 25,
the Kyrene Governing Board named the four finalists for the position of
Superintendent. From an applicant pool of over 40 resumes, the Kyrene
Governing Board had identified eight qualified candidates to extend
initial interviews to be conducted by the search firm, Cascade
Consulting, who then reported their findings back to the Board at which
time the Board identified the following four finalists:
-
Dr. Thomas Jandris
~ CEO of Progress Education Corporation, Oak Park, Illinois
-
Ms. Heidi Pace
~ Chief for Administrative Support Services, Academy District Twenty,
Colorado Springs, Colorado
-
Dr. Gregory Riccio
~ Superintendent, Eastside Union School District, Lancaster,
California
-
Dr. David Schauer
~ Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Services, Kyrene School
District, Tempe, Arizona
The Kyrene
community and staff are invited to participate in community and employee
interview forums on both Wednesday, May 31 and Thursday June 1.
All forums will be held at the Ben Furlong Education Center at 8700
South Kyrene Road, Tempe. All are welcome! The schedule for these
forums is as follows:
|
Wednesday, May
31 |
|
Ms. Heidi
Pace |
|
|
9:00
– 10:00 am |
Support Staff Forum Interview |
|
10:15 – 11:15 am |
Certified Staff Forum Interview |
|
11:30 – 12:30 pm |
Administrator Forum Interview |
|
1:30
– 3:00 pm |
Candidate takes Regional Tour |
|
3:00
– 4:00 pm |
Governing Board Interview* |
|
5:30
– 6:30 pm |
Community Forum Interview |
|
|
|
|
Dr. David
Schauer |
|
|
9:00
– 10:00 am |
Certified Staff Forum Interview |
|
10:15 – 11:15 am |
Administrator Forum Interview |
|
11:30 – 12:30 pm |
Support Staff Forum Interview |
|
1:30
– 2:30 pm |
Governing Board Interview* |
|
2:30
– 4:00 pm |
Candidate takes Regional Tour |
|
6:30
– 7:30 pm |
Community Forum Interview |
|
|
|
Thursday, June 1 |
|
Dr. Thomas
Jandris |
|
|
9:00
– 10:00 am |
Support Staff Forum Interview |
|
10:15 – 11:15 am |
Certified Staff Forum Interview |
|
11:30 – 12:30 pm |
Administrator Forum Interview |
|
1:30
– 3:00 pm |
Candidate takes Regional Tour |
|
3:00
– 4:00 pm |
Governing Board Interview* |
|
5:30
– 6:30 pm |
Community Forum Interview |
|
|
|
|
Dr. Greg
Riccio |
|
|
9:00
– 10:00 am |
Certified Staff Forum Interview |
|
10:15 – 11:15 am |
Administrator Forum Interview |
|
11:30 – 12:30 pm |
Support Staff Forum Interview |
|
1:30
– 2:30 pm |
Governing Board Interview* |
|
2:30
– 4:00 pm |
Candidate takes Regional Tour |
|
6:30
– 7:30 pm |
Community Forum Interview |
* All Governing Board interviews will
take place in Executive Session.
Three Kyrene Teachers Named Local Wal-Mart Teachers of the Year
On Tuesday, May 9, DyAnn O’Brien, Ed
Collins, and Ron Eger received Wal-Mart/Sam's Club Local Teacher of the
Year awards.
DyAnn O'Brien received a Local
Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year Award. The All-Day Kindergarten teacher at
Kyrene del Norte Elementary School in Tempe was surprised in her
classroom by Wal-Mart representatives, local news media, District staff,
Principal Spencer Fallgatter and Assistant Principal Mary Edwards. Mrs.
O’Brien was nominated for the award because she is a veteran teacher who
routinely goes above and beyond her job requirements. She spends extra
time nurturing the family-school relationship by being a true friend to
her students and their families; listening, supporting, and encouraging
them through their first year of elementary school and beyond. Kyrene
del Norte is a Title I school with a diverse population.
Mrs. O’Brien
is especially skilled at building harmony in a diverse classroom. With
experience in Kindergarten through 7th grades, including
special education, she creates an environment of acceptance and
friendship among typically developing and special needs students. DyAnn
O’Brien has dedicated over 20 years to Kyrene del Norte, she first
walked on the campus in 1983. Since then, she has worked at both the
elementary and middle school level, in regular and special education in
Kyrene. Mrs. O’Brien was at one time the Director of Special Education
in the Kyrene School District. She has been teaching Kindergarten at
Norte for the past ten years. Mrs. O’Brien’s words from her class
website say it best, “Teaching is my passion! I love encouraging and
inspiring children to learn and grow.” Mrs. O'Brien was nominated by
the family of a current student.
Ed Collins received a Local Sam's Club
Teacher of the Year Award. He teaches 3rd grade at Kyrene de las Brisas
Elementary School in Chandler. Mr. Collins has been a third grade
teacher in Kyrene for his entire 18 year teaching career. He holds both
a Bachelors and Masters degree in Education from ASU. Mr. Collins is the
Kyrene Poetry Contest chairperson for Brisas, as well as the
co-coordinator of the Brisas Recycling Team (which has placed in the top
three teams in the Abitibi Recycling Contest for four of the last five
years). In his spare time, Ed is a volunteer with the Tempe Police
Department and a member of the Tempe Police Department bagpipe band,
playing at officer's funerals and celebrations. Mr. Collins was
nominated by a former student.
Ron Eger received a Local Wal-Mart
Teacher of the Year Award. He is a resource teacher at Kyrene de las
Brisas Elementary School in Chandler. Mr. Eger has taught Pre-school,
first, second, third, fourth, and sixth grades in his 22 year career as
a teacher. He has been a Kyrene teacher for nine years. Ron has a
Bachelors degree from Southern Illinois University and a Masters degree
from Northern Arizona University, as well as a Special Education
endorsement. In 2004, he was awarded The Center for Exceptional
Children's Resource Teacher of the Year Award. In 2005, he received an
award for the Best IEP Team. Mr. Eger was nominated by the family of a
current student.
The teachers
will receive a $1,000 educational grant for their school, a gift card
for purchasing classroom supplies, and a special polo shirt. The
Wal-Mart Foundation recognizes about 70 teachers around the state of
Arizona as a local Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year.
Each
local teacher of the year is also invited to apply for State Teacher of
the Year and National Teacher of the Year, with additional grant money
given for each prize. The contest is sponsored in part by Phi Delta
Kappa International.
Kyrene
Honors its Teachers on National Teacher Day
The week of May 8 - May 12 is National
Teacher Week, and Tuesday, May 9, 2006 is National Teacher Day. The
Kyrene School District celebrates its many outstanding teachers. Some
facts about our teachers:
-
There are approximately 1,200
teachers in Kyrene.
-
Approximately 800 Kyrene teachers
hold Masters Degrees.
-
The average years of teaching
experience is 10 years
-
Kyrene has had 25 teachers receive
the prestigious honor of National Board Certification (the 3rd highest
percentage of such teachers in Arizona).
Retirement Celebration for Superintendent Dr. Maria Menconi
The Kyrene School District will be
honoring their Superintendent with a retirement celebration. The
reception will take place on May 9 at 5:00 p.m. at the Ben Furlong
Education Center, located at 8700 S. Kyrene Road in Tempe. Staff,
students, parents, and community members are invited to attend.
Dr. Menconi requested her retirement
in December of 2005 and her retirement will be effective on June 30,
2006. She decided to retire as superintendent to support her husband in
his career pursuits. Dr. Menconi has committed her lifetime to children
and public education. Prior to beginning her Superintendency in 2002 in
Kyrene, she spent 29 years in public education serving as Principal and
Director of Special Education in Chandler Unified School District,
Associate Superintendent and Superintendent in Fountain Hills Unified
School District as well as teaching and administrative positions in New
Mexico, Florida and Arkansas.
At the time of Dr.
Menconi’s retirement announcement, Governing Board member Rae Waters
stated, “In my role with Arizona School Boards Association, I have had
the opportunity to visit many districts. I haven’t seen another
district with more dedicated staff committed to the achievement of
students. This dedication to children has been guided under the
leadership of Dr. Menconi.”
Back to Top
June 2006
Kyrene Announces New Superintendent
Dr. David Schauer Selected at Board
Meeting
At the regularly scheduled Governing
Board Meeting on Tuesday, June 27, the Kyrene Governing Board approved
Dr. David Schauer as Kyrene’s next Superintendent, replacing Dr. Maria
Menconi who will retire June 30. Board President Rich Zawtocki shared
his support by stating “There is no question, Dr. Schauer cares about
our kids. I have no reservations that Dr. Schauer will be a great
superintendent for the Kyrene School District.”
Dr. David Schauer has served in Kyrene for 10 years, most recently as
the Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Services. Prior to his
position of Assistant Superintendent he served as Director of Schools
and Middle School Principal at Kyrene Aprende Middle School. Prior to
joining Kyrene School District, Dr. Schauer served as a Teacher,
Principal, and Director of Instructional Improvement in Illinois. Dr.
Schauer earned his Bachelors and Masters degrees from Illinois State
University and Doctorate degree from National Louis University in
Illinois.
Dr. Menconi requested her retirement in December of 2005 and her
retirement will be effective on June 30, 2006. Dr. Menconi has committed
her lifetime to children and public education. Prior to beginning her
term as Kyrene Superintendent in 2002, she spent 29 years in public
education serving as Principal and Director of Special Education in
Chandler Unified School District, Associate Superintendent and
Superintendent in Fountain Hills Unified School District as well as
teaching and administrative positions in New Mexico, Florida and
Arkansas schools.
Superintendent Search Update 3
At the regularly
scheduled Governing Board Meeting on Tuesday, June 27, the Kyrene
Governing Board anticipates the approval of a finalist, subject to
contract negotiations, for the Superintendent of the Kyrene School
District, effective July 1, 2006.
The Board Meeting
will begin at 7 p.m. and take place in the Governing Board Room of the
Ben Furlong Education Center.
Superintendent Search Update 2
A Special Governing Board Meeting was
held today, Monday, June 19. Earlier in the morning, the Board met in
executive session to discuss next steps regarding the two finalists,
Heidi Pace and David Schauer. It was anticipated that the Governing
Board would approve and name Kyrene’s next Superintendent at this open
portion of the meeting. However, President Rich Zawtocki stated that at
this meeting, the Board had no announcement to make regarding the
decision to hire a new Superintendent. He cited that a third finalist,
Tom Jandris, who was thought to have withdrawn his candidacy, may not
have officially withdrawn from consideration. The Board wanted to
proceed legally and with accurate information before further
deliberation. A follow-up meeting was not announced, but Zawtocki noted
that one will be scheduled as soon as possible, hopefully within the
next few days.
Questions can be directed to Karin Crider at 480-783-4048 or
kcrider@kyrene.org.
Kyrene
Governing Board to Provide an Update on Superintendent Search
On Tuesday, June 13 at a regular
scheduled Governing Board Meeting, Rich Zawtocki, Board President will
provide an update on the hiring of a new superintendent for the Kyrene
School District. Earlier this month, the Governing Board announced
three finalists – Tom Jandris, Heidi Pace and David Schauer. The Board
anticipated an announcement of the new superintendent at this regularly
scheduled meeting, however the process was delayed after one of the
candidates was involved in a serious auto accident. Tom Jandris and his
wife experienced serious injuries during the accident last weekend.
This turn of events resulted in the Governing Board canceling two
executive sessions scheduled for last week to meet with the finalists.
At this time, Jandris’s injuries
appear to be more serious than previously reported. The Governing Board
is scheduled to meet in executive session on Tuesday and will provide
the community with an update during the regular meeting. This update is
expected to include their next steps in hiring a superintendent.
Dr. Menconi requested her retirement
in December of 2005 and her retirement will be effective on June 30,
2006. Dr. Menconi has committed her lifetime to children and public
education. Prior to beginning her Superintendency in 2002 in Kyrene,
she spent 29 years in public education serving as Principal and Director
of Special Education in Chandler Unified School District, Associate
Superintendent and Superintendent in Fountain Hills Unified School
District as well as teaching and administrative positions in New Mexico,
Florida and Arkansas schools.
Kyrene
Governing Board to Hear Expanded Health Curriculum
The Kyrene School District, in
compliance with the Arizona State Guidelines, adopted a Growth and
Development Curriculum in 1994 and an HIV/AIDS Curriculum in 1993. A
Health Steering Committee comprised of Kyrene parents, educators, and
administrators recently worked on revising these documents. The
committee reviewed research relevant to revising and updating the
existing curriculum, the expertise of medical practitioners, and input
from teachers and parents on the committee to create an Expanded Health
Curriculum consisting of the current Health Curriculum and two
additional strands created by the committee.
The first reading of the curriculum
will be at the June 13th Board Meeting and the second reading will be at
the June 27th Board Meeting, where it will be presented for final
approval. The Kyrene community will have the opportunity to review the
complete Kyrene Health Curriculum (including Strands 8 and 9) on the
Kyrene School District's website or by going to the Curriculum and
Assessment department at the Ben Furlong Education Center.
All questions
and/or feedback can be directed to Susanna Yost in the Curriculum and
Assessment Department.
Following Governing Board final approval, the committee will be
evaluating resources and procedures for delivering the curriculum.
Click Here to view the draft of the
Expanded Health Curriculum.
Back to Top
July 2006
Additional State Funding for Kyrene
Kindergarten Programs
The Kyrene School District recently
received an increase in funds for its kindergarten programs from the
State of Arizona. In recent years, Arizona has funded Kindergarten by
providing school districts with funding to operate half-day Kindergarten
programs. In an attempt to provide funding to school districts for All
Day Kindergarten (ADK), the State has committed to increasing the
funding for Kindergarten students over the next two years. For the
2006/2007 school year, public school districts will receive an increase
in funding for Kindergarten students. For the 2007/2008 school year it
is anticipated that Arizona will provide school districts with another
increase in funding (providing public schools with the ability to fully
fund ADK programs).
Historically, Kyrene has offered the
half-day Kindergarten program (which is funded by the state), as well as
a tuition-based ADK program and a Montessori Kindergarten program. The
tuition for the ADK and Montessori Kindergarten programs has paid for
the difference between the State’s funding and the actual costs of
operating Kyrene’s premier ADK and Montessori Kindergarten programs.
Half-day Kindergarten will continue to
be offered as planned for the 2006/2007 school year. In response to the
increased funding, district officials are determining how the change
will affect the cost of the existing ADK and Montessori Kindergarten
programs in the Kyrene School District for the 2006/2007 school year.
Kyrene is looking to reduce tuition costs of these programs for Kyrene
families, while still being able to cover operating costs. Kyrene will
continue to offer the same premier ADK program which includes small
class sizes (average of 20 students), a daily snack, daily instructional
assistant support, additional classroom supplies, excellent curriculum
and technology resources, physical education, music, art, and a
professional, well-trained staff. The innovative Montessori program
will also remain unchanged. Any changes in tuition rates will be
proposed to the Kyrene Governing Board at their next meeting on August
8, 2006.
Additionally,
during the 2006/2007 school year Kyrene will prepare to implement free
ADK (pending the anticipated Kindergarten funding by the legislature)
for the 2007/2008 school year. The Kindergarten Solutions Team, which
consists of an elementary school principal, parents, and teachers, will
assist in developing the design of the 2007/2008 Kindergarten program.
Although
availability for the ADK program is limited, space is still available at
some schools. Families are encouraged to call their local school to
register.
Please view our
flyer for an overview of changes.
Back to Top
August 2006
Kyrene Responds to the Dell Laptop
Battery Recall
On Monday evening, Dell Inc.
announced a recall of 4.1 million laptop batteries based on
safety issues. On Tuesday morning, an e-mail was sent to all schools
notifying them that laptops were not to be used until they were examined
by Technology Department
staff. The schools were asked to do an All Call into all classrooms to
be sure that teachers who were not on e-mail at the time received the
message. The Technology Department
staff then went to all
schools and examined approximately 3000 laptops to be sure that they
were safe. Approximately 170
batteries were found that were
part of the recall and they were
immediately replaced with new batteries
that were not on the recall
list. The quick response to this
situation ensured the safety of Kyrene students and staff.
Kyrene
Governing Board Approves Tuition Reduction for All Day and Montessori
Kindergarten
Kyrene is committed to
offering excellent educational experiences for our students. Our quality
Kindergarten programs are examples of this commitment. We offer
half-day, all day, and Montessori Kindergarten options for our families.
Last evening, the
Kyrene School District Governing Board adopted a one time,
non-refundable program fee of $250.00 for All Day and Montessori
Kindergarten for the 2006-2007 school year. This change was implemented
in response to additional funding received by the district for the
purpose of implementing All-Day Kindergarten programs.
The one time program
fee for ADK and Montessori Kindergarten, collected earlier this summer,
will continue to be used to provide Kyrene’s quality Kindergarten
programs. This one time program fee supports classroom snacks,
additional classroom supplies, and daily Instructional Assistant
support.
If you are currently
enrolled in our half-day Kindergarten program and are interested in
All-Day Kindergarten, please contact your local school to inquire about
openings. If your school is at program capacity, please request to be
placed on their Kindergarten waiting list. As enrollment spots become
available, schools will fill each opening off of their waiting list on a
first come, first served basis.
It is anticipated that
Kyrene will again receive additional funding for ADK and Montessori
Kindergarten programs for the 2007-2008 school year. The development of
the 2007-2008 Kindergarten programs will be assisted by a Kindergarten
Advisory Team (which consists of an elementary principal, parents, and
teachers). This team will meet throughout the 2006/2007 school year to
plan for this transition.
Click
here to view the
letter sent home to Kindergarten families.
Back to Top
September 2006
Kyrene long-term demographic study
Applied Economics presented its long-term demographic and enrollment
projections for the Kyrene School District at the September 26, 2006,
study session. View the
Final Report
(pdf).
Back to Top
October 2006
Kyrene Kids Club
is best in the state
Governor Napolitano and the Arizona School-Age Coalition awarded Kyrene
Kids Club with the state of Arizona’s best multi-site school-age
program. “The program [Kyrene Kids Club] is an outstanding program that
recognizes the standards of quality of the National School Age Care
Alliance; Chief among these are fostering positive relationships among
all participants and protecting the health and safety of the children.
The program provides outstanding experiences which encourage positive
relationships, social growth, and skill development for all children.”
Each year, the Arizona School-Age Coalition solicits nominations to
recognize individuals and programs in school-age care for their
exemplary work on behalf of school-age children in Arizona. Honoring the
remarkable work of programs, staff, and supervisors in the field helps
to encourage professionalism and excellence in before- and after-school
programs. Being selected as the top rated program in 2006 is an honor
for the Kyrene School District.
Kyrene Kids Club offers programs for infants through 8th graders,
including Early Learning Centers; which provide care and enriching
activities for children six weeks old through five years old, and
School-Age programs; which are designed to meet the diverse needs of
Kindergarten through eighth grade students. Some of the many programs
include KinderClub (which is a program that compliments half-day
kindergarten), school-age before and after school enrichment, a between
schools program which allows middle school students to pick up their
younger elementary school sibling after the middle school releases, and
school-age emergency childcare which allows a family to pre-purchase
care for days on an as-needed basis. Kids Club offers programs year
round including most school closure days and throughout the summer.
Visit the
Kids Club web page for more information
on this nationally accredited program.
Akimel A-al teacher receives
Excellence in Teaching award
Dennis Prince, social studies teacher at Akimel A-al Middle School,
recently received the Xavier College Preparatory Golden Gator Award for
Excellence in Teaching. This is the second time in five years that
Dennis has been honored. He was presented the award in a short meeting
of his current students and colleagues and received an enthusiastic
round of applause. Recipients are selected based on teachers Xavier
freshwomen select as being inspirational and encouraging.
Health Steering Committee update
In October, the Health Steering Committee added 24 new members,
bringing the total to 33. The members represent parents, teachers,
administrators, prevention specialists and community partners. Meetings
are held on Monday evenings from 4:30pm to 6:30pm at the Ben Furlong
Education Center. Currently, the committee is providing feedback and
approving scripted lessons. These lessons will be placed before the
Governing Board in order to move into the 60-day review. It is the
intention of the committee that these materials, once approved, would be
used to teach the Expanded Health Curriculum in spring 2007.
After this task is completed, the
Health Steering Committee will continue in its responsibilities, and we
will keep you updated. For a schedule of meetings, current and previous
agendas and minutes, visit the
Health Committee web page.
Dr. Gina Taylor takes the next step in her Kyrene career
After an in-depth
search for a new assistant superintendent for instructional services,
Dr. Gina Taylor has been selected. “Dr. Taylor has had a successful
career in Kyrene, and I feel very fortunate to have a person with such
incredible knowledge and skills provide the needed support and
leadership to all of the schools and departments in the instructional
services division,” states Superintendent Schauer. Peers, staff,
community members and students respect Dr. Taylor stating that there is
nothing she asks of anyone that she would not be willing to do herself!
Dr. Taylor began serving in her new position on October 16.
Congratulations!
Back to Top
November 2006
Kyrene Aligns with Tempe Union High School
District
The Kyrene School Board unanimously adopted a rollover calendar that
aligns with the recently adopted Tempe Union High School District calendar
with the exception of two days, staff development day and the last day of
school. The Kyrene School District calendar was adopted for two-years,
2007-2008 and 2008-2009, with the provision to amend the 2008-2009
calendar if a tri-district calendar team recommends a common calendar
prior to November 30, 2007.
View the approved calendars
Open Enrollment Families Invited to
Continue
(Posted 11/29/06)
Kyrene School District is honored that families outside the boundary
lines chose our schools for their children's education. These families,
their children and all siblings are invited to continue their education in
Kyrene for the 2007-2008 school year. Unless notified by the family,
schools will assume that their open enrollment students will continue into
the next school year. For families that have siblings who will attend
kindergarten, information will be available in January for kindergarten
registration. If you have any questions or concerns about
open enrollment, please call the Community Relations Department Open
Enrollment Specialist at 480/783-4177.
Provide your input: Kyrene Governing Board
offers community dialog on redistricting
-
6:00pm, November 6 – Kyrene Akimel A-al Middle School, Media
Center
-
4:00pm, November 27 – Kyrene Aprende Middle School, Media
Center
-
10:00am, December 6 – Ben
Furlong Education Center
Refreshments will be
offered at all meetings, and Kyrene Kids Club is available during the
November 6 and November 27 meetings for children over four years old. To
reserve a space for childcare, please call 480/783-4039.
Kyrene, a district of excelling schools
(Posted 11/01/06)
With 22
excelling schools and three highly performing schools, Kyrene is
recognized as a top performing district in the State of Arizona.
The Arizona Department of Education released its annual School Labels on
Wednesday, October 25. Once again, each school in Kyrene School District
met or exceeded state performance and progress goals, with 22 of the
schools earning the highest rating of all – an excelling label. This means
that Kyrene School District has the highest percentage of excelling
schools in the East Valley.
The labels for each school are listed below.
Excelling
Akimel A-al
Altadeña
Aprende
Brisas
Centennial
Cerritos
Cielo
Colina
Esperanza
Estrella
Kyrene
Middle School
Lagos
Manitas
Mariposa
Milenio
Mirada
Monte Vista
Norte
Paloma
Pueblo
Sierra
Waggoner
Highly Performing
Lomas
Niños
Sureño
Congratulations to the students, teachers, parents, staff and members of
the community that contribute so greatly to student achievement and
academic progress.
Back to Top
December 2006
Enroll in an excelling school district
Enroll your child in one of the top rated school districts in the State of
Arizona. Open enrollment has begun for the 2007-2008 school year and
continues for the current year. With 22 excelling schools and three highly
performing schools, you are assured that your child will receive the best
education. At Kyrene, we focus on individual student achievement and
character development. Kyrene schools also offer a state-of-art-technology
program, gifted services and an award winning before and after school
program. To find your child's home school, click
here.
If your primary residence is outside of Kyrene
School District boundaries, you will need to fill out an
enrollment application.
We look forward to having you as part of the
Kyrene Community.
Bells will ring at
the Desert Botanical Gardens
The Kyrene Middle School Scorpion Bell Choir is honored to be selected to
perform at the Desert Botanical Gardens Las Noches de las Luminarias. You
can enjoy listening to the bells ring holiday favorites on December 22nd,
6pm to 9pm, surrounded by beautiful twinkle lights and luminarias. Walk
the garden's paths, hear the music and see the beautiful lights. This is a
magical evening and a wonderful holiday experience for all ages. Contact
Kyrene Middle School or Desert Botanical Gardens for more information.
Family Resource Center
needs your help to give provide families with a Winter Wonderland
Once again, the
Kyrene Family Resource Center will host the annual Winter Wonderland. This
program is intended to provide families in the district with extra
assistance (toys, food, clothing, etc.) during the holiday season.
Currently, the resource center is providing for over 300 children in the
district. Many schools, community organizations and businesses have
already begun various drives to help sponsor this program, but could use
your help. They are still in need of many items that will help to make
this program a success and assist many children and their families. The
following are specific items that can are needed: middle school age toys
(i.e. gift cards, board games, hair accessories, video games, DVDs, CDs,
etc.), elementary toys (race cars, trucks, Barbie’s, tea sets, dolls,
etc.), new or gently used clothing, and underwear and toiletries. All
donations must be received by Wednesday, December 13th. If you have any
questions, please contact Chavon Boston, 480/783-3172. Thank you for
helping make this holiday season extra special for those less fortunate.
Kyrene de la
Colina Observed National Inclusive Schools Week: December 4 - 8, 2006
African-Brazilian
music and dance, flags of different nations, ethnic garbs, guest speakers,
family picnic, flag raising ceremony,…these are only some of the exciting
events and learning activities that were planned for the week of December
4th – 8th, when Colina celebrated National Inclusive Schools Week.
National Inclusive Schools Week (NISW) highlights and celebrates the
progress of our nation’s schools in providing a supportive and quality
education to all students, particularly those who have disabilities and
those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. The week
also provides an important opportunity for educators, students, and
parents to discuss what else needs to be done in order to improve their
ability to successfully educate all children and youth.
At Colina, we understand the importance and need of students to build
bridges between their families, heritage, culture, beliefs and school.
The more connections students have between home and school, the better the
environment for their learning and success. We seek to respect and honor
each other’s differences and needs. NISW gives schools opportunities to
celebrate and bring attention to our students’ and their families’
uniqueness, and to greater appreciate the richness of our school’s
diversity.
Throughout the week, students in different grade levels brought in an
artifact of their heritage, wrote poems, shared research/reports, dressed
in ethnic garb, constructed miniature national flags and enjoyed a special
presentation by an African-Brazilian dance troupe.
Kyrene earns big technology salute
by Rae
Waters, Kyrene Governing Board Member. This article appeared in the
December 13, 2006 edition of the Arizona Republic
The Kyrene School District's technology
department recently received a special honor for its Kyrene Teaches with
Technology Project at the National School Boards Association Technology and Learning Conference. Kyrene
was named as a Salute District.
This is a big deal. There are only three districts in the United States to
receive this honor. Salute Districts are chosen because of their
well-executed technology effort. They are examples of how teamwork,
collaboration, continuous improvement and integration of technology across
the curriculum support all student learning.
I had the distinct pleasure of attending the recent T and L Conference to
see the members of the Kyrene Technology Department receive their award
and to attend the workshop where they shared how KTTP works. After eight
years on the school board, I have attended hundreds of presentations,
workshops and breakout sessions but this presentation by Kyrene was one of
the best I have ever seen. It was engaging, entertaining and packed full
of information. OK, maybe I am a bit biased because they are part of the
Kyrene family, but the KTTP program is truly an excellent program
delivered by dedicated professional educators for the benefit of children.
What makes KTTP so special? It really is about the philosophy of how
Kyrene uses technology. In many places, whether business, education or at
home, technology is about having the latest and greatest. It's about
technology that has the most functions just for the sake of saying "we
have the best and fastest." Sort of the bigger is better theory.
KTTP is not a technology program. It is about curriculum, assessment and
standards-based classrooms with technology as the catalyst. The belief of
the Kyrene technology department is: "It's not the stuff that counts, it's
what you do with it that matters."
Many years ago, Kyrene learned the hard way that just purchasing new
equipment and then giving it to teachers to learn to use doesn't work.
Once upon a time, laptops were purchased and given to teachers to take
home over the summer with the expectation that when school started, they
would be using those laptops.
The technology was too new and many were not convinced that there was any
real benefit. Add to that the fact that no training was provided, and it
was a recipe for disaster.
Kyrene has handled the implementation of KTTP with long-range strategic
planning. And, of course, our community has been supportive of our efforts
by providing resource in the form of a capital override.
In 2003, 12 grade-level teams consisting of 60 teachers were involved in
KTTP. By 2007, 114 grade-level teams with 610 teachers will be using KTTP.
Classroom tools include five wireless laptops, two desktop computers, a
projection system and supporting software. This configuration allows
ultimate flexibility. A wireless keyboard and projection system can be
used in a lesson. At other times, laptops can be shared between classrooms
to allow each child to have a computer.
The Kyrene technology department has a team of dedicated professionals who
do a tremendous job implementing KTTP. The KTTP team works in the
background and doesn't really receive the recognition it deserves. Thank
you to technology specialists Michelle Fahy, Kathy Grams, Challis Ireland,
Lynette Nield, Jacinta Sorgel and Laura Stoner, Assistant Director Dan
Nevill and Director of Technology Mark Share.
Implementing technology in education takes time and a talented team. Mark
Share is fond of saying that it is about evolution, not revolution.
Through the hard work of Kyrene's technology team and our dedicated
classroom teachers, technology has become a tool, much like a pencil or
ruler, to enhance teaching and learning for students.
This is a good thing.
Health
Curriculum Materials on 60-day Public Review
The Kyrene School District is seeking community input on resources for the
newly expanded Health curriculum, adopted by the Kyrene Governing Board on
August 22, 2006. Materials will be available in the curriculum room at the
Ben Furlong Education Center beginning Wednesday, December 13, 2006
through Tuesday, March 27, 2007, during posted operating hours. In
addition, there will be three Saturday viewings: January 20, 8am-12noon;
February 3, 10am-2pm; and, February 24, 12noon-4pm; and three evening
information sessions from 6pm-8pm: January 29, February 26 and March 6. For
more information, please call 480/783-4127.
View the
Public
Review information sheet.
Reception for
Governing Board Members Robb McGill and Waters
Celebrate the service of exiting Board Member Ross Robb and welcome
elected members Patrick McGill and Rae Waters. Robb served 18 months for Kyrene, and the
last twelve months as he held the office of Vice President. McGill was
elected during the November 2006 election and will begin his four-year
term in January 2007; Waters has served on the School Board for three
consecutive terms, and this will serve as her fourth term. The reception will be held on January 9, 2007, 5pm,
at the Ben Furlong Education Center.
Back to Top
