AVMS GATE On YouTube

AZ Education Notes

TUSD releases online guide to its schools

TUSD's Catalog of Schools is now available online at tusd1.org.

The catalog highlights each of the 105 schools in an effort to help parents navigate Tucson's largest kindergarten-through-12th-grade district. It can be downloaded or picked up at TUSD headquarters, 1010 E. 10th St.

Additionally, an interactive Web feature allows parents to plug in factors that are important to them in a school, and they'll get in return a list that meets those criteria.(Click Title of Post For full Story: AZStarnet)

Tenure, Seniority Weakened In AZ

The Arizona Legislature made sweeping changes to state teacher contracts earlier this year, removing seniority, salary and contract guarantees.

Changes under House Bill 2011 mean that school districts will be prohibited from using tenure or seniority as a factor in determining which teachers can be laid off. Additionally, school districts no longer have to honor seniority when they rehire.

Gone is an April 15 deadline that required school districts to notify teachers of their contract status for the following school year.(Click Title Of Post For Full Story: AZ Central)

OMA Praised: George Lucas Foundation

ARTSmobile!

Are we fortunate or what?  Take a virtual tour of the African Footprints ARTSmobile's recent visit to Alice Vail Middle School!  Just click on the green link below to delve into what our students had a chance to explore!  I was lucky enough to have been able to snap a few pictures of this incredible artwork with my phone for our Flock Talk! audience.  Click on the ARTSmobile title above for photos saved to Flickr.  Enjoy!

ARTSmobile

Tucson Unified School District's Fine and Performing Arts Department has a multi-cultural artifact collection that travels directly to the students via two mobile museums - the ARTSmobiles. This collection enabled TUSD Fine Arts to become the first school district affiliate in the United States for the Smithsonian Affiliations program. An ARTSmobile will be delivered to the scheduled school on a Monday, be available for visits Tuesday through Thursday, and be picked up on that Friday. Each scheduled school will have a pre-visit packet of activities and lessons before the ARTSmobile visit. The ARTSmobiles are manned by docents who teach classes on the culture and arts of the individual ARTSmobiles.

African Footprints ARTSmobile
African Footprints ARTSmobile Schedule In MS Word | In Adobe PDF

Most Hallowed Ground

(Click Title For Article From Smithsonian)

I have yet to visit Arlington.  I remember stories he told about who was buried there and why.  Jack Boyd, a U.S. History College Professor (during my undergraduate days) would sit at the front of the class and just go on and on verbatim, no notes were used at all.  A well-respected man, as humble as could be, would joke about his political persuasions - quite the opposite of the leanings of our school's majority. He made us feel like we were insiders on a grand tour of all that was American agony, perseverance, and accomplishment.

Mr. Boyd was a fan of historical dates, key battles, and noteworthy figures.  With a deeply-wrinkled face that betrayed his love for Camel unfiltereds, he would often say that all war is unnecessary.  A debatable premise, perhaps.  What is undeniable, however, is the great human toll and incredible sacrifice one must acknowledge when looking upon a picture of Arlington National Cemetery.  Those brave enough to wear the uniform have my utmost respect, and I salute you.

Photo courtesy of Lori Gaither, one of our GATE Teachers who visited the Washington, D.C. area just recently.

Barrage: OMA Opportunity For AVMS!

Barrage – A high-octane string group that features an international, multi-talented cast performing an eclectic mix of music, song and dance brings its show to Tucson on Friday, October 23rd. The performance will take place at7:00 pm at the Sahuaro High School Auditorium. This public performance is part of the Barrage tour and features an international cast that delivers an eclectic show at a feverish pace.

Tickets: $20.00 adults; $10 students (children 12 and underFREE).

Call the OMA Foundation at 309-5858 to purchase your ticket OR to purchase tickets online -click here

Tickets will also be available the night of the event, at the door, seating is limited.

Plan now to attend this fun-filled, high energy evening!

        “Barrage is too Wow for Words !” – Denver Post
      2006 marked the end of Barrage’s first decade in whichBarrage entertained millions of people around the globe. Their second decade began with a series of new tours around the world. In 2008/2009 Barrage completed over 200 performances in the , Europe, Asia and . Fans will enjoy Barrage at International Festivals, Theatrical Presentations, Concert performances, Educational Events, Special Events and TV appearances.
      This Barrage performance offers up a diverse fusion of cultures, musical styles and incredible performance vitality. The music of Barrage continues to evolve - combining contemporary world music influences, layered vocal arrangements and pulsating modern beats and rhythms. The cast delivers the new show with amazing energy and musical virtuosity that will take your breath away.

Poised, Confident, Triumphant

The '61 Yankees?  Some would say there were similarities.  The Bulls of the 1990's?  Perhaps when it came to coaching.  Gretzky's Oilers?  Maybe that was pushing it.

But We Did It!  Our sports teams - our young Falcons - thrashed about as mammoth predators this season.  With our talons pointed toward a beak-smacking feast - The Championship - we tore up every net in our way.  We cut our vicious teeth on opponents like starving vultures without restraint. When we were done, we gave our vanquished foes a birds-eye view of what nothingness looked like.  By the end, we grasped in our stealthy clutches the desires of each rival, and swept their spent husks to the dustbin of the past.  Each flock won a bye in the tournament!

But as all majestic creatures must sometimes face from time to time, devastatingly, we were cut down.  Icarus-like, our boys' heroic season evaporated just before the tourney, and our Falconitas fell to less-regal opponents in the first of two rounds.  Our students showed Vail grace and courage, had their glimpse at immortality, and we are proud of them.  Our coaches - Ashby and Weitzner - deserve 1000 thanks.

Soon, we will hatch anew.  We shall sharpen our claws while we wait.  We will once again swoop the sky, and grasp at streams of victory in coming days.  Still perched high above the rest, we can hardly wait.

They Shot A Movie Once - Some Kinda Elvis Thing - Ashby Believed He Was The King's Stand-In

Eager For Everything - Hungry For Victory (&NY Pizza) - Weitzner Says "Bring It On"

Family Strengthening Here - $200 Bonus!

(Click Title For More Information)

http://zenhabits.net/2009/06/7-secrets-to-raising-a-happy-child/

Imagine finding new and effective ways of communicating with your son/daughter, and exploring dreams/goals with your child.  Imagine finding out new techniques that encourage better student performance at home and at school.  Imagine having a chance to do these things in an uplifting, supportive environment.

Well, dream no more!  This FREE service is brought to you by Ms. Helen Wilson and Barbara Dawson in association with Pima Prevention Partnership and Alice Vail Middle School.  We invite your family (at least one parent/caregiver and your child/children) to join us for eight sessions* at our Family Strengthening program here on campus.  More information can be had by calling 584-5454 and asking for Helen Wilson.  Welcome to a new world of successful family-building strategies!

BONUS: Dinner (FREE) is served every session

BONUS: $200.00 Stipend will be given to each family completing the 8-week program

BONUS: Drawing for an incredible family-sized dessert at each session

*October 12, 19, 26...November 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

6th Grade Class @ Arizona Opera

(Click the Title For Arizona Opera Information)

Laughter.  Crying.  Disbelief.  And that was just the reaction of yours truly (Mr. Beaton) on the way to the show!  Interesting bus ride, I can tell you that!

Seriously though, students were well behaved on buses and at the performance.  Our Opening Minds through the Arts (OMA) integration opportunity led us to the La Boheme show this afternoon.  What a delight!  A world-class, inspiring drama.  The actors/singers were extremely talented, and the responses elicited at the end of the program were very entertaining.  Our students asked some very good questions.  I am sure the follow up lessons left in teachers' boxes will be equally amazing!

Special thanks goes out to Darden Bradshaw for her incredible work.  She organized everything from the buses, to the show, and we are certainly appreciative of her superior efforts!   Kudos Darden!

Festival Of Schools

(Click Title For More Information)

Want to explore what school is right for your child?  Would you like more in-depth information on what each school is all about?  Come to our Festival of Schools at Reid Park Zoo on November 7.  Admission is free.  Booths from all of TUSD's 100+ schools will be set up for you to peruse.

When:    9:00 AM - 1:00 PM, November 7

Where:  Reid Park Zoo, 1100 S. Randolph Way

(Regular admission will be charged after 1:00 PM)

Sponsored by Tucson Electric Power

Cutting Edge: Ron Clark On CNN

(Click On Title For Link To Story)

Many Alice Vail faculty were fortunate enough to have previewed the powerful Ron Clark Academy (RCA) first hand in 2008/2009.  Two groups of AVMS teachers have already attended this incredible experience in Atlanta, with a new group slated to go in the new year.  Attendees of RCA have shared these similar observations: Ron Clark is an effective and brilliant master-teacher, one who has an undying energy and passion for teaching students in often unorthodox ways.  These methods certainly get students' attention, and insure that instruction is interactive/student-centered.  Multiple Intelligences are omnipresent to confirm that student learning endures.  Implementation of Mr. Clark's strategies have already been occurring in many of our classrooms at AVMS.  Ron's Excellent Eleven (qualities he feels must be present in the classroom in order to achieve at the highest levels) are listed below:

* Enthusiasm
* Adventure
* Reflection
* Balance
* Compassion
* Confidence
* Humor
* Common Sense
* Appreciation
* Resillience
* Creativity

Pictures, video, commentary, and the like from AVMS faculty will appear here in future postings!

Here are a couple of related links that you may find appealing...
http://projects.ajc.com/gallery/view/living/ronclark0305/
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0473389/

Extra Help!

Did you know that Alice Vail Middle School has extra help each morning for students who may need additional time with their studies?  This free tutoring service, provided by numerous AVMS teachers every morning, begins at 8:30 AM and goes until the day's opening bell.  Mr. Michael Greer has organized our Study Conference, and has excelled in this leadership role with the gracious assistance of an all-star cast of supporting teachers.  Students interested in taking advantage of this program should go to the school's foyer every morning, and talk to One of these teachers on duty: Ms. Deb Ferreira, Ms. Roberta Waldren, Ms. Marsha Willey, Mr. Dusty Fields, and Mr. Greer.  All teachers in this program give their time and energy without financial compensation.  Please thank them for their efforts on behalf of our students!

Here is a recent tidbit from AZStarnet regarding city-wide, after school tutoring:


Kids can get free help in math, reading

Free tutoring services are being offered to a select number of students at nine schools in the Tucson Unified School District.

The tutoring is for students who need extra help if they have fallen behind in math and reading. Participating schools and contact numbers:

• Robison Elementary School: 232-7800. Informational meeting is 5:30 p.m. Oct. 6.

• Hohokam Middle School: 908-3700.

• Naylor Middle School: 584-6800.

• Maxwell Middle School: 225-2000. Informational meeting is 4:30 p.m. Tuesday.

• Safford Middle Magnet School: 225-3000. Informational meeting is 6 p.m. Oct. 8.

• Valencia Middle School: 908-4500. Informational meeting is 6 p.m. Thursday.

• Wakefield Middle School: 225-3800. Informational meeting is 5:30 p.m. today.

• Myers-Ganoung Elementary School: 584-6700. Informational meeting is 5:30 p.m. Oct. 7.

• Cavett Elementary School: 225-1300. Informational meeting is 4 p.m. Wednesday.

Special Election Information

On Tuesday, November 3, 2009, a special election will be held in the Tucson Unified School District.  Registered voters will have the opportunity to help decide two important financial matters for the school district:

1) Proposition 401: Maintenance and Operations Budget Override

          This override is being requested to provide the following:

               *Guaranteed full day kindergarten

               *Increased speed and access to technological learning in the classroom

               *Additional resources that school site councils will recommend for use based upon what is needed at schools.  These additional resources, about $150 to $190 per student, may be used to decrease class size, expand music and art instruction, and/or provide improved library or counselor services.

2) Proposition 402: Technology Capital Outlay Budget Override

          The proposed override monies ($9,000,000) are expected to fund the following programs in the first year:

               *Classroom technology:

                    - Replace aging classroom computers - 10,000 units on a 3 year lease

                    - Improve network infrastructure needed for the high speed bandwidth (first year rollout)

                    - Replace school servers & switches supporting the new computer equipment

               *District wide technology:

                    - Replace TUSD's Human Resources and Financial Management System maximizing operational efficiency and dollars to the classroom

                     - Replace operational computers on a 3 year lease basis

                    - Replace servers and switches district wide supporting the new computer equipment and high speed internet capabilities

Another Perspective: September 11, 2001 From 250 Miles Up

I still cannot believe it has already been eight years since our tragedy on 9/11.  The images of that day are seared in our minds forever.  I was sworn in as an American citizen only two days later, and I dedicated this tremendous step in my life to those who perished that day.  This is a small tribute for those who lost their lives, and for those who have been affected in countless other ways when the towers fell.  Our Armed Forces should also be appreciated for their brave efforts on our behalf since those terrible moments.

http://internetpopculture.com/2009/09/10/911-as-seen-from-space/

The pictures taken here were from the International Space Station, hundreds of miles from earth...

Tame Your Brain

Interesting article.  Quick read.  Here are some fun facts: The Brain...

*is about 78% water;
*takes about 3 full soda cans of blood per minute to pass through it;
*can stay alive for 4 to 6 minutes without oxygen before the cells begin to die;
*processes information at at least 260 Miles Per Hour;
*is about 2% of our total body weight, but uses 20% of our energy;
*it is estimated, has about 70,000 thoughts per day!

http://www.popsci.com/scitech/article/2009-09/memory-scientists-say-all-not-forgotten

Brewer restores school cuts, axes tax repeal

Brewer restores school cuts, axes tax repeal

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Ahhh...The First Post!

Ken Robinson Says Schools Kill Creativity

http://www.ted.com/talks/ken_robinson_says_schools_kill_creativity.html

Warning - this is quite hilarious!

So, of course this important and entertaining link is posted first!  It should look familiar to those who attended the inaugural Beaton's Bistro last year.  This video - shot at a Technology, Entertainment, Design (TED) conference in California in '06 -coincides with part of our school philosophy, a core belief shared with many of our stakeholders: our future success depends upon the unlimited capacity for innovation of our youth.  Let us exercise this distinctive gift, not squander it!

After viewing the Ken Robinson talk, some may want to contact their state legislators about the stifling effects that poorly funded schools are bound to have on our kids' creativity.  Many applaud Governor Brewer's line-item veto of proposed cuts in K-12 education this past Friday (see next post).  Many ask still - is this current level of funding for education adequate for the high ambitions we have for Arizona's children?  Will it sustain us in an uncertain future?  Here are some helpful resources one should consult after digesting these harsh realities:

http://www.epodunk.com/top10/per_pupil/index.html

http://www.azleg.gov/MemberRoster.asp

PS - Frank Sent This...