It’s that time of year. . .time for students to start gearing up for a new school year! Our teachers and staff are eager to see students on the first day of school, Monday, August 11, 2008. This year, we will open our doors to more than 15,000 students in grades K-8, and more than 700 preschool children. So get ready for a great year!

Reaching Out for Success

Alhambra believes strongly in developing partnerships with parents, community members, business partners, faith-based leaders, and other key stakeholders for the benefit of children. We know that it takes a team effort to educate our kids, and we make it our priority to involve our community in helping our students achieve success. In order to communicate more effectively with our community members, we’ve planned a number of Community Luncheons at our schools throughout the school year. Neighbors are invited to join us for lunch, have conversations about the programs and opportunities provided for students, and even tour classrooms to see quality instruction and how we’re using technology on a daily basis.

This year, the Community Luncheons are scheduled for August 27, September 24, October 22, and February 4. If you’d like to attend one of the luncheons, please call our Community Relations Office at 602-336-2202. We’ll even treat you to lunch! This past June, we hosted our first luncheon with faith-based leaders from around the district. Based on the outcome of this luncheon and with input from participants, the district formed a Faith-Based Leaders Council with local clergy within our district boundaries. We will meet with this council three times a year to discuss education-related issues and factors affecting our community. The luncheons are scheduled for October 1, February 11, and June 17. If you are a local minister and would like to become involved with this Council, please call our Community Relations Office at 602-336-2202.

Governing Board Approves Call for Override Election

At the June 5, 2008, Regular Board Meeting, Alhambra’s Governing Board called for a budget override election. For more than 22 years, Alhambra’s voters have approved two override measures, a 5% K-3 override and a 10% maintenance and operations (M&O) override, to support additional educational programs and services. On November 4, 2008, Alhambra will once again ask our community for voter approval to exceed the operating budget that enables the district to provide a higher quality education, offer more programs and services to better meet the needs of students, and adequately prepare children to be successful contributing members of our society.

In June, a newsletter was mailed to all households in the district providing detailed information on budget overrides, the differences between a 5% and a 10% override, how the budget override impacts the district, and much more. If you would like more information on the budget override election or a copy of our newsletter, please call our Community Relations Office at 602-336-2226.

Data. . .An Every Day Tool

In Alhambra, our teachers and principals use data on a daily basis to assess individual students’ learning and personalize instruction to meet the needs of every child. Through the use of data analysis technology, teachers know exactly where students are, and where adjustments are needed in instruction. Students are also assessed on a regular basis, which is a great determining factor of how students will do on the state-mandated AIMS test given to all students in third through eighth grades in the spring. We believe that parents should take an active role in their children’s education, and this year we are implementing a new online program so parents have a better understanding of what’s happening in the classroom on a daily basis. Throughout the year, all schools will be implementing eSembler, which is a web-based grade book that allows parents to view missing assignments, grades, and much more at any time day or night. Look for more information on eSembler throughout the school year. We always welcome parents, grandparents, and community members to visit our schools and classrooms at any time. You’ll see students and teachers using SMART Boards, CPS responders, computer technology, and much more to enhance learning in the classroom. I invite you to contact your local school and schedule a time to visit a classroom and see learning in action. I guarantee you’ll be amazed at what you’ll see regarding instruction and technology. Thank you for being a part of Alhambra’s team and partnering with us in the education of our children. I look forward to another successful year. Sincerely,

Dr. Jim Rice
Superintendent