August 21, 2009
Dr. Catalani's Office Hours at Schools
Superintendent Dr. Catalani will be visiting schools throughout the year.
- August 24 from 8-10 a. .m. at Cheyenne Traditional School, 13636 N. 100th St., Scottsdale 85260
- August 26 from 8-10 a.m. at Redfield Elementary School, 9181 Redfield Road, Scottsdale 85260
View the complete schedule
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Factual Override Information Available Online
On November 3rd, a K-3 Renewal Override will be on the ballot.
The K-3 Override is a continuation of an existing override approved initially by voters in 2005. The K-3 Override reduces Kindergarten class size to a District-wide target of 21 students to 1 teacher. These funds also allow us to reduce class sizes in grades 1-3 below current staffing ratios. Additional funds are used for instructional assistants in Kindergarten and first grade as needed. The override raises about $3.4 million per year.
To view a complete Fact Sheet about the K-3 Override, please visit www.susd.org.
Classroom Technology Installation Update
The Classroom Technology Implementation has been completed at Supai Middle School and Anasazi, Tonalea, Yavapai, Hohokam, Navajo, Pima, Tavan, Cheyenne, ANLC, Sierra Vista, Mohave and Redfield elementary schools. Installation is in progress at Saguaro.
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Hohokam Transitions to Traditional School
Hohokam Elementary School is in the process of transitioning into a traditional school. Next school year will still be a transition year, but one change that will begin in August is the implementation of a new dress code. The Hohokam school community has worked hard to develop a list of fundamental beliefs that is referred to as the Traditional Pillars:
- Classrooms with a Strong Academic Focus
- Linear and Sequential Curriculum
- High Expectations for All
- Dress Code
- Partnership between Home and School
- Consistent Discipline
For the 2010-11 school year, the school will be fully transitioned to Hohokam Traditional School. The Scottsdale Unified School District Governing Board has supported the transition and approved the new dress code on April 7. For more information about Hohokam’s transition to a traditional school or the new dress code, please contact the school at 480-484-1800 or visit the school’s Web site.
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Parental Involvement — The Key to School Success!
According to the National Education Association (NEA), parents must be actively involved in order to insure a child's success in school. A child's educational experience is enhanced when a parental figure is involved.
Here are a few of the research findings into parental involvement:
- When parents are involved in their child's education at home, children do better in school.
- Children go further in school when their parents are involved in school.
- A home environment that supports learning is more important to student success than income, education level or cultural background.
- The sooner the parental involvement starts, the more powerful the effects.
- Some of the results of parental involvement include student achievement, reduced absenteeism and improved behavior.
What can parents do to get involved?
- Read to or with your children; join or start a book club with your teen.
- Check homework every day.
- Stay in contact with your child's teachers.
- Become involved in the school's parent organization.
- Advocate for better educational support throughout your community.
It's never too late to get involved with your children and their education!
For more information on student success, please check the NEA Web site: www.nea.org/home/index.html
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Scottsdale's Mountain View Junior Little League Advances
The team is now in the U.S. Championship game for the 13-year-old World Series. If they win, they will play the international champion in the World Series Championship game. To follow the team's progress, go to http://mvllworldseries.com/.
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Microsoft Select Products Available for Purchase
Microsoft has allowed parents of SUSD students to purchase software at the SUSD license price. Available software titles can be viewed and purchased at http://susd.onthehub.com. These are complete versions of the software in a box, exactly as you would get them off a retail store shelf. There is a small value added cost for the CD or DVD media and the service supplied by e-Academy to host the program.
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Miracle League Baseball Project - Input Needed
The Miracle League of Arizona is working together with the Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) and the City of Scottsdale on conceptual plans for the Miracle League Field Project. The proposed project, a baseball field to accommodate kids with various disabilities, is planned to be housed at the District's Child Development Center, the former Cheyenne Elementary School, 11130 E. Cholla St.
The meeting is at 5 p.m. on August 27 at the Child Development Center.
Miracle League is a volunteer-based organization led by Dan Haren Sr., father of Diamondback's pitcher Dan Haren. Its mission is to provide opportunities for children with special needs to play Miracle League Baseball and to promote community support and sponsorship of Miracle League of Arizona and the construction of facilities that meet the unique needs of Miracle League players and their families.
SUSD estimates there are nearly 3,000 special needs children in the District and an additional 3,100 special needs children not part of any on-site school program.
For additional information or questions, contact Dan Haren, Miracle League of Arizona, at 480-306-6081.
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Volunteer Tutors Needed – You have so much to offer! Share it with a child!
The Scottsdale Oasis Volunteer Tutor Program is looking for volunteers interested in giving one hour a week to help an elementary student improve their reading. By becoming a volunteer tutor, you work directly with students in a one-on-one setting. No experience is necessary, just enthusiasm and a willingness to help a child. All training and supplies are provided.
There are several different tutoring opportunities throughout the Scottsdale Unified School District. Tutors pick the program that bests fits their schedule and interests. Tutors can volunteer with an after school program at Pueblo Elementary or can volunteer during the school day at various district schools.
Oasis Volunteer Orientation Meeting is scheduled at 9:30 a.m. on September, 9 at the Mustang Library. Please plan on attending this meeting to learn more about this volunteer opportunity. For more information and to reserve your space, please contact: Linda Rivoir at 480-368-7019.
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Sharing Healthy Experience (s.h.e.) Forum
Teens and Parents Participate in Interactive Workshop That Teaches Them to Thrive in Today’s World
Scottsdale Unified School District and Scottsdale Prevention Institute will host the 3rd Annual Sharing Healthy Experiences Forum (s.h.e.) from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday, September 12th at Mountainside Middle School, 11256 N. 128th St., Scottsdale.
Hundreds of girls, parents and educators will rock out to live music, enjoy a delicious lunch and participate in interactive experiences all relating to the teen and “tween” girl years. The event is open to all girls in grades 5-8, with or without a parent in attendance. All materials and presentations will be available in English and Spanish. Read more...
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SUSD Foundation Night at Chase Field
Arizona Diamondbacks vs. S.F. Giants - Tuesday, September 22nd at 6:40 p.m. Read more...
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D-backs Welcome Back Luis Gonzalez - Special Discount
Game: D-backs vs Astros, Saturday August 29th @ 5:10 pm
Promotions: “Gonzo” T-shirt to first 25,000 fans, Post Game Fireworks, and FREE Post Game Concert with Montgomery Gentry
For special group discounts go to www.dbacks.com/groups
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Constitution Commemoration Day
Celebrate the signing of our Constitution at the Constitution Commemoration Day Celebration at 5:30 p.m. on September 17 at the Scottsdale Civic Center Plaza, 3839 Drinkwater Blvd., Scottsdale.
Events at the celebration include a poster contest for all K-12 students and a Constitution essay contest for a3-12 grade students. In addition, prizes will be awarded to all poster contest winners. The posters will be displayed at the event and in selected library lobbies. Rules and entry forms can be downloaded from http://www.ccdscottsdale.com/. For more information, please view the flyer.
This annual celebration is sponsored by the Scottsdale Area Association of REALTORS®.
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SUSD Offers All Day Kindergarten
The Benefits of All Day Kindergarten and K-3 Override
- The K-3 Override was originally approved to provide all day Kindergarten for Scottsdale Unified School District.
- When the State provided funding for all day Kindergarten, we were able to support smaller class sizes in Kindergarten and grades 1, 2 and 3.
- The current State budget challenges may impact the funds provided by the State for all day Kindergarten. District leadership is continually monitoring the State budget process and will update this information as often as possible.
- If the State does not provide funding for all day Kindergarten, the K-3 Override will be used to continue our current all day Kindergarten program. We would not be able to continue to reduce class sizes in grades 1, 2 and 3.
Thank You
- The K-3 Override was passed by voters in 2005. A voter-approved K-3 Override runs for a period of seven years.
- The first five years of this override allow for a school district to budget an additional 5% of K-8 funding capacity.
- If the Override is not renewed after five years, it will be reduced by 1/3 of the approved funds in year six and an additional 1/3 reduction will occur in year seven.
- The K-3 Override allows $3.4 million per year of additional education funding so that the District has reduced Kindergarten class sizes targeted at 21 students to 1 teacher.
- These funds also allow reduced class sizes in grades 1-3, during the important early years of a student’s education. Funds also provide for instructional assistants in kindergarten and first grade.
The Benefits of the K-3 Override to Our Children Are:
- Better academic preparation.
- The opportunity for enrichment of the curriculum.
- More interaction between teachers and students.
- More focused participation during early childhood education which positively impacts later academic performance.
- A more productive learning environment and the opportunity to learn to work well with peers.
Thank you for your continued support of public education! Your support has made excelling education possible in the Scottsdale Unified School District. Thank you!
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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, simply fill out the online Teacher Nomination Form.
*Please note that a high resolution digital photo must be submitted to be considered for publication.
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Scottsdale Leadership Accepting Nominations for Annual Awards
Scottsdale Leadership, Inc., a nonprofit organization serving Scottsdale and the surrounding community, is accepting nominations for the 2009 Corporate Leadership, Frank W. Hodges Alumni Achievement, Drinkwater Community Leadership and Youth Leadership awards. All nominations are due by September 4, 2009.
The Youth Leadership award, presented by Scottsdale Active 20-30 Club and Foundation, recognizes a teenager who exhibits leadership skills within their school, community and extracurricular activities. Nominees must be a high school junior or senior.
Award recipients will be honored at Scottsdale Leadership's 10th Annual Spirit of Community Leadership Awards Luncheon, sponsored by APS, on December 4, 2009 at the Hilton Scottsdale Resort & Villas, 6333 N. Scottsdale Road.
To download an award nomination form or for more information, visit www.scottsdaleleadership.org or call 480-627-6710. back to top
H1N1 (Swine Flu) Update
08-09 - Parent Letter Update
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