June 26, 2008
SUSD Wins Top Honor for Pest Management
SUSD has become the 31st school district in the nation to earn IPM STAR certification after a comprehensive 37-point inspection of its pest management program by an independent third-party.
The District uses Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices to manage pests and reduce students' exposure to toxic pesticides. It's a common sense approach to solving pest problems that utilizes simple measures like installing door sweeps on exterior entrances. Studies have shown that actions like these can reduce pest problems by up to 65%.
Scottsdale 's IPM program is directed by Lee Styer. His primary strategy is to find the cause of any pest problems and create a permanent fix. Sherry Glick of the US EPA observed Scottsdale 's IPM STAR inspection. “We were tremendously impressed by the record keeping system in place at Scottsdale Unified,” she said. “Every pest complaint and resolution is tracked in great detail.”
The award was presented to the District earlier this month. back to top
Math and Science Academy Moves to Saguaro
The Copper Ridge Math and Science Academy, which provides accelerated courses, is moving to Saguaro High School. The Scottsdale school board officially approved the change recently.
The academy, formerly at 10101 E. Thompson Peak Parkway, moves in August for the 2008-09 school year to the more centrally located Saguaro, 6250 N. 82nd St. It will become a specialty program within the high school.
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Kiva Principal in Circle of Honor
Kiva Principal Dr. Michael Helminkski has been selected for membership in the AZLEADS 3 Circle of Honor. He is recognized as an outstanding instructional leader based on achievement profiles, superintendent's recommendation, survey feedback from constituents and a site visit by an AZLEADS 3 team. Circle of Honor winners are an exemplary group, representing the top 1% of principals in the state of Arizona. They will be recognized at the Leading Change Institute on June 30th. Congratulations, Dr. Helminski. back to top
Ed Center Summer Office Hours
From June 2nd through July 31st, the Education Center will be open Monday through Thursday from 6:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. It will be CLOSED on Fridays. back to top
SUSD Community Schools Pre-K Programs are Growing!
For the 2008-2009 school year, new classrooms for three-year-olds will be offered at Copper Ridge, Aztec and Cherokee Elementary Schools. Copper Ridge now has four Pre-K classrooms planned for the fall!
In addition, the Kids Club and Early Birds programs will enroll three-year-old children next year. The Pre-K and Kids Club programs will partner to provide a familiar and safe environment for the three-year-old students.
Visit http://www.susd.org/CommunitySchools or call the Community Schools office at 480-484-8614 for more information. Registration packets for the 2008-2009 school year are available at participating schools, the Education Center and the Community Schools Office.
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Scottsdale Republic Features SUSD Teachers
Do you know an outstanding teacher in the Scottsdale Unified School District? Would you like that teacher to be recognized in the newspaper? The Scottsdale Republic runs a weekly feature highlighting a different SUSD teacher each week. To nominate a teacher for this feature, simply fill out the online Teacher Nomination Form.
*Please note that a high resolution digital photo must be submitted to be considered for publication.
To view Hopi Elementary School teacher Kathleen Edgar's nomination that recently ran in the Scottsdale Republic, please visit: http://www.azcentral.com/community/scottsdale/citizen/articles/2008/06/18/20080618sr-teacher0618edgar-ONnby.html
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