Message from ASD Board of Education

We appreciate the opportunity to correct a serious misunderstanding about Alpine School District that has occurred because of a link that was accidentally and briefly on our website. The link was inappropriate and does not reflect the beliefs or values of the district, administration or school board. The Superintendent had it removed as soon as he became aware of it. We appreciate those who brought it to our attention.

The ASD Mission Statement, “Educating all students to ensure the future of our democracy” was developed as a reminder of the importance of education in preserving our freedoms and as a celebration of the educational opportunities that America provides for all her children; boys and girls, rich and poor. We chose ‘our democracy’ to reflect both a government with power vested in the people and our freedoms. We not only recognize that our government is a republic, but we value and participate in this form of government with an elected Board of Education. The use of the word democracy underscores the type of republic found in the United States.

Our mission statement is supported by our Values, four principles grounded in the Moral Dimensions of Teaching. They are: 1) All children should have access to a quality education, 2) Public education has a responsibility to teach children the social and political skills they need to successfully contribute in America’s culture of freedom, law, and civic responsibility, 3) Every child needs a quality teacher to ignite their love of learning, and 4) We have a stewardship to the children for these things.

The phrase, Enculturating the Young into a Social and Political Democracy, is the formal language for principle #2 (above). It is displayed in the Professional Development Center, with America’s patriotic documents contained in the Freedom Shrine, and is to recognize and celebrate the rights, responsibilities and sacrifices required for liberty in our country. There are many activities that occur in the daily life of schools that build civic virtues. These include such things as respect for others, obedience to rules and laws, service to country and patriotism, etc. We recognize that this phrase is not user friendly and since the word meanings have changed over time we need to revisit this.

ASD is committed to continuous improvement and to the ‘Public’ in Public Education. We do not make decisions in isolation or by emotion. We have in place an extensive feedback and decision-making process, both formal and informal, that includes all the stakeholders of education: parents, employees, city officials, legislators, students, business, and community members. By the time an issue comes to the Board for a vote, it has been through months of research, evaluation, input, feedback and revision through this process.

The district Mission Statement went through this process in 2005. We made refinements and alterations according to the input. In succeeding years, we have again and again taken the Mission, Vision, Values and Goals to our representative groups and to the public for their feedback. The Board annually reviews the district MVVG as part of our normal processes because it is important to us to be aligned with our community’s values. We will do this again this year taking into consideration all the input we have received.

The ASD Board and Administration love America and the freedoms we enjoy as a people. We are dedicated to student learning and working with our community to promote student achievement.

National PTA Action Alert

ASK YOUR MEMBERS OF CONGRESS TO SIGN A LETTER SAFEGUARDING PIRC FUNDING

Contact Your Members of Congress TODAY!

Members of Congress are making a bi-partisan effort to safeguard Parental Information and Resource Centers (PIRCs). Senators Tom Udall (D-NM) and Christopher Bond (R-MO) and Representatives Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ) and Todd Russell Platts (R-PA) are asking their colleagues to sign onto their "Dear Colleague" letters requesting that appropriators safeguard the PIRCs by providing level funding Fiscal Year (FY) 2011.

The Senate and House “Dear Colleague” letters are in response to the President’s FY11 budget proposal that consolidated PIRCs into the Expanding Educational Options budget authority. Consolidation means –elimination of PIRCs by directing funding away from PIRCs.

We need Congress to safeguard this sole federal program dedicated to engaging families in the education of their children.

What you can do:

* Please ask your two Senators to sign onto Senators Tom Udall and Christopher Bond’s “Dear Colleague” letter requesting level funding for PIRCs. The Senate “Dear Colleague” letter will be sent to Chairman Tom Harkin (D-IA) and Ranking Member Thad Cochran (R-MS) of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies.

* Please ask your Representative to sign onto Representatives Grijalva and Platts' "Dear Colleague" letter requesting level funding for PIRCs. The House “Dear Colleague” letter will be sent to Chairman David Obey (D-WI) and Ranking Member Todd Tiahrt (R- KS) of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services and Education.

If you need help finding your legislators, you can link to their contact info from the PTA Web site original article.

Legislative Action: HB 295 1S

We've been encouraged by Superintendent Henshaw to contact our representatives and ask them to support this bill. Here's a bit of background, followed by a summary of the bill will do:

Currently, districts are required by statute to use all capital outlay (revenue from property taxes) on building construction and maintenance.

What this means during difficult economic times like these is that your school might get a new gym floor, but teachers may be cut or class sizes increased. It's one of those things that gets parents shaking their heads; however, understand that under the current state law, the money is earmarked for repairs and improvements--not to pay teacher salaries.

If passed, HB 295 1S will allow districts to choose how they want to spend this revenue for the next two years, hoping that the economy will improve and by the end that time we'll have more in our school coffers.

This will make it possible for the district to make decisions about capital outlay that their hands were formerly tied on. If a school doesn't need critical improvements in order to ensure the safety of children, the district could choose to keep class sizes smaller and ignore some needed repairs.

In other words, re-wax the gym floor and let it go for a couple of years, and keep class sizes stable.

You may have heard that this bill is only affecting Jordan and Canyon school districts. No! The passage of HB 295 1S will affect every district in the state.

As of Thursday noon, this bill is on the House Third Reading Calendar, which means it will be voted on fairly soon. Please contact your representative right away and let him or her know that Utah PTA supports this bill! We believe it is in the best interest of children.

The bill's sponsor is Rep. Ken Sumsion (Lehi). He will most likely vote for his own bill, so if you contact him, just thank him for his work on behalf of kids and let him know he has our support.

Spread the Word!

Here's a short blurb you can put in your school newsletter.

Plan now to attend your precinct caucus on March 23.

A caucus is the place where individuals can make the most difference. During your caucus, you'll elect delegates to go to the county and state party conventions. Your delegates represent you as they vote on and select party candidates for offices from state legislators to US senators and congressmen. You might want to be elected as a delegate yourself, or you can make a difference by voting for someone you believe will represent you.

For dates and times, see your party Web site.
Republicans: www.utahcountygop.org/
Democrats: www.utahcountydems.com/

For more information on caucuses, or to learn more about getting involved, visit the www.region9legvps.blogspot.com

Caucus Meetings--what to expect

In United States politics and government, caucus has several distinct but related meanings. In the state of Utah, a caucus is a meeting of members of a political party or subgroup to coordinate members' actions, choose group policy, or nominate candidates for various offices. These meetings are held once a year in early spring, prior to county conventions.

When you attend your precinct caucus on March 23, here's what will happen:

1. Each precinct represents a relatively small geographical area, so you'll be attending with your neighbors--no need to feel intimidated or anxious.

2. You'll elect precinct chair and other precinct officers. If you'd like to be considered for office, be prepared to state how you'll represent your precinct. No prior experience is necessary--just a desire to serve and be involved.

3. You'll elect delegates, who will go on to the county and state party conventions. (Anyone can attend the conventions; however, only delegates will be able to vote.)

Note: Each party has its own constitution and bylaws. Rules for your caucus meeting as well as any specific bylaws pertaining to the election process will be made available to you at the meeting, or you can find them ahead of time by visiting your party Web site. Also, precinct officer and delegate responsibilities will be laid out for you at your meeting.

Sometimes attendance at precinct meetings is sparse. Often a precinct officer will find herself serving as a delegate as well. This is certainly allowable, as long as the other precinct members have had the opportunity to vote her in.

If you're elected as a delegate, plan to be in contact with as many members of your precinct as possible before your party conventions, in order to find out their views and be able to represent them. You can also take time to discuss issues with them at the precinct meeting. Very often, other precinct members will discuss the issues and elect their delegates based on how they feel they will be represented.

If you need information on where your precinct caucus will be held, check your party Web site, or contact your precinct chair.

County Democrats

County Republicans

If you're not ready to be voted into office this year, attend your caucus meetings anyway!! Plan to attend your party's county and state conventions. There you'll get an idea how the process works, and feel better equipped to serve (or elect your representation) in the future.

Utah PTA Bill Sheet

The new and improved bill sheet is available here. It's easy to understand, so check it out to see what PTA is following this legislative session.

Positions are taken on bills each Wednesday. If you don't see a bill here, check back each week for updates.

Alpine School Board Meeting Highlights

The Board of Education met in a study session prior to the dedication and the regular Board Meeting at Sage Hills Elementary School on January 26. The purpose of the study session was to discuss the boundary options for the new schools.

The dedication of Sage Hills Elementary began with three students sharing “What Makes Sage Hills a Great Place.” First grader Kealani Luke said that it is because “teachers care about what we learn.” Third grader, Bryanna Dye loves the huge library, and fifth grader Kayla Hauer appreciates the fun activities and great people. Principal Sherrie Holbrook talked about the past, present, and future of Sage Hills and has dared her students to “learn, soar, and excel.” PTA President Kirsten Stack expressed appreciation for all of the volunteer help that has been given and acknowledged that there is more to be done. After the students and faculty did a great job singing the school song, K-12 administrator Kathy Janzen spoke followed by Board Member Chrissy Hannemann. The dedicatory prayer was given by Board President Debbie Taylor.

There were two action items in the regular Board meeting. The first was the approval of the boundaries for the new schools. Boundary maps for the new Traverse Mountain and Eagle Mountain elementary schools as well as the new Saratoga Springs middle school/Willowcreek Middle/Timberline Middle/Lehi Junior are attached. The entire area west of the Jordan River is part of the new middle school boundary. The Traverse Mountain area students are now part of the Willowcreek Middle School boundary instead of Timberline Middle School.

For your information, the principal of the new Traverse Mountain elementary school will be David Stephenson, current principal at Alpine Elementary. The principal of the new Eagle Mountain elementary school will be David Turner, current principal at Rocky Mountain Elementary School. The Saratoga Springs middle school principal, Steve Stewart, was named last spring and is the former principal of Orem Junior High School.

The Board also voted to open the new Saratoga Spring middle school with seventh and eighth grade students only. Ninth grade students will continue to attend Westlake High School next year.

The second action item was property agreements. Both the sale of the “EsNet” property as well as the purchase of three building lots for Career and Technical Education were approved.

Thank you to the faculty, staff, students, and patrons of Sage Hills Elementary for being great hosts!

The next Board meeting will be on February 9 at the district offices in American Fork.