Sleep - An Academic Intervention for All Students

During the holiday break I have been able to catch up on some professional reading. One article of interest came from the Association for Curriculum and Supervision Development publication "Health Learning" titled "Sleep: The E-ZZZ Intervention." Some interesting data was presented within the article summarized below:

• Sleep deprived students tend to be more restless, irritable and impulsive
• Sleep deprived students may be more depressed and have lower self esteem
• Sleep deprived students demonstrate lower academic achievement with decreased motivation, concentration, attention and coherent reasoning
• Studies found that students that went to bed 30-40 minutes earlier than normal improved in memory, motor speed, attention and other abilities associated with reading and math scores
• Students with As and Bs tend to have a small discrepancy between their weekday and weekend sleep hours

How much sleep is needed? As students grow, their need for sleep gradually diminishes. A ten-year old needs 10 hours with the amount dropping as they move into adolescence. During puberty the amount will need to return to 9-10 hours. Eight hours are a minimum with our students' busy lives.

A common practice mentioned is having students receiving less sleep on school nights then "sleeping in" on weekends. This creates a "sleep jet lag" with school achievement likely to suffer. Changing sleep cycles should be started slowly in increments of 15-30 minutes over several weeks. An easy indicator is how easy the student wakes up in the morning. Common avoidances to monitor includes noise, stress, light, lack of exposure to daylight, lack of exercise, excessive TV viewing, excessive computer use and caffeine intake.

This is one controllable intervention for parents to practice and instill within their student's lifestyle for success. With an estimated 85 percent of all students reporting to be at least mildly sleep deprived and up to 40 percent significantly sleep deprived, all of us should be aware of its impact on our young people.

Website Continues With New Features

As we continue to see the impact of new media features on our school district communications, we have revamped our FHUSD website to reflect a more interactive and informational format. You will note on our website located at http://www.fhusd.org/ several new features including:
1. ADE School Labels on district home page and school building home pages
2. "Falcon Pride" section to highlight recognition of students and staff in various academic and
extracurricular activities
3. More photographs in the "Photo Gallery" to highlight spotlighted activities with students, staff and community
4. Added "quick links" to provide easier access
5. A "What's New" section on home page with emphasis on time sensitive events and
important information
6. A new commitment to keeping the district and school home pages current and showing
the constancy of learning and enrichment occurring daily in our school buildings.
We are very open to any suggestions you may have for us to improve our site to meet your needs and wants. My e-mail is bmyhr@fhusd.org.

Overrides Passage Comes With High Expectations

We are extremely thankful for our two FHUSD overrides passing last week. The passage of the K-3 and M&O Override provides FHUSD with some key resources to weather expected legislative cuts to public education during the 2009-10 and 2010-11 school years. Co-Chairs Marian Hermie and Dwight Johnson with Treasurer, Jerry Miles, provided leadership for an energetic and passionate committee - School Director Dr. C.T. Wright, School Director Pat Green, Jerry Traylor, Karl Gaardsmoe, Joanne Meehan, Mayor Jay Schlum, former Mayor Wally Nichols, Jackie Miles, Jean Linzer, Art Tolis, and Al Lorenz. In addition we appreciate the efforts of Phyllis Kern in providing override informational poster used at presentations.

I also recognize in having overrides that pass at 50.2 and 50.4 percent points out a number of "No" voters numbering over 2300. Part of my efforts must be to determine if the reasons were purely economical or more specific in nature. Their "no" votes and the "yes" votes should both be seen expecting a value added educational system that will meet our students' and community's needs on all accounts. Though legislative cuts will hurt future staffing and programs, our community rightfully deserves a school system that produces a student product ready to achieve and succeed in today's changing world.

I welcome all feedback on our school system by replying to this blog or by phone (480-664-5010) or e-mail bmyhr@fhusd.org.

School Override Campaigns

School override ballot measures often bring out the most ardent supporters on both sides of the aisle. School overrides and levies are common place across the nation asking local voters within the school district to add a secondary tax for local schools. This is in addition to their primary school tax shared across the state.

As a school district we seek to get information out to the voters so they can make an informed decision. Our biggest fear is not the facts but misinformation or misconceptions that become part of the local community belief system.

For example, a recent "Letter to the Editor" in the FH Times criticized the district office and this superintendent for not returning a voter's phone regarding questions on the override. We researched this to apologize but found out the caller had phoned the Office of the Maricopa County Schools, a 602 area code number. Still another three-page handwritten letter placed on cars in the Basha's parking lot criticized and implied salaries for our School Board of Directors calling them "fat cats." Our school board receives no compensation for their many hours of service for our district's students and famlies.

It serves the greater good not to point out or call out these individuals in the local media. Rather, it shows the continuing need for the district to make every effort in communicating information and serving our community so they can make their choices based in information that is factual and current. We welcome your questions and need for information. Do not hesitate to call or e-mail us to meet your future informational needs. My direct line is 480-664-5010 or
e-mail me at bmyhr@fhusd.org

H1N1 Virus Update and Comment

With the flu season upon us FHUSD is beginning to show signs of lower student attendance and staff attendance challenges. Currently, we have four confirmed H1N1 student cases. This is low compared to most districts in the Valley but we also have a number of students ill with the regular flu virus.
Our biggest challenge has been our staff having to send home students that have been sent to school despite showing flu symptoms including high temperatures. As a district we realize the great stress our parents and guardians are under to be at their workplace. However, we encourage our parents and guardians to work out a plan with friends and relatives so their children have an alternative site to stay home when their symptoms warrant.
This will likely be the most difficult flu season we have in our lifetime. It is important that we work together to protect the health of the many and in doing so protect our school learning environment. We encourage everyone to carefully follow the guidelines on the front page of our website and available at all school offices. Our proactive efforts can make a difference during this extended flu season. We will continue to do everything possible to sanitize key areas of our schoolhouses and help our students individually practice safe behaviors.

Parents are Key Partners in Educating Our Young People

As a public school system we have been pressed into educating our students, our parents and our community on many societal changes occurring in this fast-paced 21st Century world. From HIV, Internet safety, drugs/alcohol education, nutrition, tolerance and H1N1; the public schoolhouse has become a clearinghouse to educate and disseminate information for all stakeholders.

However, we have also found parents needing and at times lacking to communicate and work with their school district leadership team and teachers to tackle these societal challenges. Frankly, we need parents to step up and help us provide a learning environment to provide important information and reinforce within the home.

Over the past two weeks we have had well advertised drug/alcohol community forum and an Internet Safety forum. In both forums featuring area experts our numbers were in the mid-30s lacking the critical numbers needed to forward the information in making a difference in the schoolhouse and the community. Of late, we have found parents quick to blame but also fail to communicate directly with staff or district leadership when concerns or needed information should be shared. Our staff is here to assist and support as negative behaviors and ignorance do not stop at the schoolhouse doorstep.

In today's world our relationship must be one of trust and shared commitment to our children. Regardless of the school setting the problems of society will be found in our schools unless we partner and communicate our shared mission to care for and honor our young students future. My direct line is 480-664-5010 or e-mail bmyhr@fhusd.org.

FHUSD Efforts with Recent Hate Crime Behavior

The recent hate crime behavior and vandalism by current FHHS students against our community and FHHS classmates places a responsibility on our school district to use this situation as a "teachable moment." We have actively sought to intervene with the parents/guardians and students on both sides in order to utilize our education mission to make a difference for the future.

As of this date FHUSD Staff has:
1. Met with Town of Fountain Hills, FHUSD Board of Directors and Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation leaders
2. Met and communicated with parents/guardians and students directly involved in this situation
3. Met and communicated with the Maricopa County Sheriffs Office Staff
4. Met with area Anti-Defamation League Staff to discuss the situation and facilitate possible strategies/programs including peer programs and Holocaust enrichment materials to our district and state curriculum
5. Applied for a grant that would bring two one-day "Respect" retreats for our freshman and sophomore classes

We take our role in being the leader in intervening and preventing this type of behavior very seriously. This will be an on going effort for our staff but we can make a real difference in helping our greater school community to honor and celebrate our diversity. We ask for your support and input on this important initiative.

Update - President's Sept 8th Speech

On Monday FHUSD will be provided a copy of the President's September 8th speech to students. We will post ASAP on the front of our FHUSD website. I would assume it will also be readily available on many media outlets.

I will also send the U.S. Dept. of Education's K-6 lesson and 7-12 lesson and a copy of the speech in a pdf file to anyone that wants to e-mail me at bmyhr@fhusd.org

This is difficult situation for all school districts in balancing "respect for the Office of the President" and those seeing it as a political act that has no bearing on their child's education. Please communicate as needed if you choose your child to opt out of their schoolhouse viewing options.

President's Speech to Public School Students

On September 8th at 12:00 PM EST, American public schools have been asked to have President Obama address students on the importance of education. The television speech outline speaks to challenging students to working hard, setting educational goals and taking responsibility for their education. This summary is on www.ed.gov/adminstration. This was done once before by President George W. Bush on October 2, 1991.

We have had some phone calls expressing concern on allowing this event to happen along with media reporting calls by some political commentators to stop districts from viewing this speech.
As a district we will respect the Office of the President and telecast the speech appropriate to our learning levels and curriculum. By policy we will also notify parents so they can have their student opt out of this televised speech. Parents as the students first teacher have the right to choose the appropriateness of this for their child.

President Obama's Speech to Public Schools September 8th

On September 8th at 12:00 PM EST, public schools have been asked to have their students listen to President Obama.

FHUSD Moving Forward Despite Tough Economy

Despite the current lack of a state budget and reduced state education support, Fountain Hills Schools continue to seek an educational environment for increasing student achievement. Since the beginning of school on August 10th, we have lowered elementary class sizes adding teachers at the 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade levels. Our current class sizes reveal our commitment to protecting this key student development time.
KG 19-20
1st 21-22
2nd 22-23
3rd 23-24

In addition we have brought back our Computer Specialist at Four Peaks Elementary (grades 3-5) with this teacher to share time beginning second quarter with our McDowell Mountain Primary School (preschool - grade 2). Technology literacy is a key component for our students' future and our P-12 system provides a strong array of technology tools for their access and use.

Last week we had almost two dozen parents, staff, administrators, board members and community members work over two days in a visioning activity to identify instruction and curriculum visions with goals. This came from a large amount of data and dialogue to be developed into an achievement action plan with measurable indicators. With the important passage of our two upcoming override renewals this November (K-3 and Maintenance & Operations) our district will position itself to systemically improve despite the below average support from the state. On going initiatives also include benchmarking assessment, instructional walkthroughs, website renewal, academic rigor and a new student/parent informational system.

As a district we recognize, that despite the external challenges, the opportunity is now for continuous and embedded improvement for learning systems. We continue to have the fortunate support of the Fountain Hills Community that help create graduating classes of 92%
moving on to higher education. A strong school system supports our community and protects property values. We will continue to seek improvement and with your help support the future for the Fountain Hills.

FHUSD Moving Forward Despite Tough Times

Despite the current lack of a state education budget and reduced state support, FHUSD continues to seek an educational environment for increasing student achievement. Since the beginning of school on August 10th, we have lowered our class sizes by adding teachers at the 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade levels. Our current class sizes reveal our commitment to protecting this key time in student development.

KG 19-20

1st 21-22

2nd 22-23

3rd 23-24

In addition we have brought back our computer specialist at Four Peaks (grades 3-5) with this teacher to share time with our McDowell Primary School (grades preschool-grade 2) beginning second quarter. Technology literacy is a key component for our students' future and our P-12 system provides a strong array of technology tools for their access and use.

Last week we had almost two dozen parents, staff , administrators, board members and community members work for two days in a visioning activity to identify our district instruction and curriculum vision. This data and dialogue will be developed into a district achievement plan

with measurable indicators within an action plan. With the passage of our two upcoming override renewals this November (K-3 and Maintenance & Operations) , our district will position itself to systemically improve as support returns to normal levels.

As a district we rocognize that despite the external challenges the opportunity is now for continuous and embedded improvement for our learning systems. We continue to be fortunate to have the support of the Fountain Hills Community that creates graduating classes with over 94% moving on to higher education. A strong school system supports our community and protects property values. We will continue to seek improvement and with your help support the future for the greater Fountain Hills community.

New School Year Brings Opportunities

The new school year has begun with the usual challenges associated with the opening week. Facilities, technology upgrades, personel needs, class size adjustments and transitioning some 15-20% of our student population new to the district is an annual journey. However, the truly best part of the new year is seeing the opportunities the new year brings. We have some opportunities that we have focused on as the year begins.
1. The passage for the "renewal" of two current overrides slated for November 2009 election. In a difficult time for public school education, the Maintenance & Operations override and K-3 override, will help maintain our strong instructional program, professional staff and protect community housing prices. A strong school district is a cornerstone for a strong FH community and culture.
2. A laser like focus on student achievement. With our community visioning team's work (August 18-19) this week along with the full implementation of tri-annual student benchmark assessments, we will seek to make our entire instructional system stronger. Despite the budgetary challenges our energy must remain focus on student achievement and character development. As the financial world recovers our current work will propel our system forward. Next month at our annual school directors retreat, we will reflect then embed our learning vision and district learning goals promoted by the committee work done on August 18-19.
3. A continued focus on technology and its impact to our students' future will continue. Our classroom and building technology continues to expand and offer our students direct use in real world applications.

Despite external obstacles FHUSD will continue to seek and demand continuous improvement in all areas. It is said an organization must expect excellence in all areas if they truly want to have a community of learners and evolving, improving culture. We welcome your thoughts and comments as we apply this practice of reflection.

New School Year Brings Opportunity

The new school year begins with the usual challenges associated with class sizes, technology upgrade needs, facility needs and short term personel challenges brought about by unbalanced class sizes and a 15-20% change in the students attending our schools. We are always amazed at the movement that takes place over the summer that brings

High School Athletic Code

Fountain Hills High School has a year round athletic code that currently applies only to high school student body school officers and student-athletes. It became very apparent when I arrived that the enforcement code was being ignored to a large extent due to a lack of communication between the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office and our high school leadership team. Working with MCSO and our attorneys, we were able to come to a shared belief that the names of students receiving "minors in possession" or "minors in consumption" could be shared to protect the integrity of the school code and help mitigate dangerous teen behaviors.

We now have a deterrent and protocol that has cost some student-athletes and school leaders playing time (first offense - 1/3 of sports season) or loss of thier school office.

FHUSD Education Vision Initiative

FHUSD is currently in the middle of a data gathering initiative involving the various stakeholder groups making up our school community. Based on administrative training by our principal team last year, we are attempting to take a data driven look at our overall school system concerning our most important mission - student achievement. Since last spring we have surveyed and inteviewed students, staff, parents, community leaders and School Board members to gather qualitative data to be combined with our available quantitative demographic and assessment data. On August 18th we will have a committee of these various stakeholder groups review all this data with the support of a consultant from the McREL, Mid-Continent Research for Educational Learning. On August 19th we will set some specific education visions for our district.

Currently we have a parent survey on our district website to gather information. We have had over 200 responses on a two question survey with comments welcomed. It has been very useful and will serve as a cornerstone for our August 18th discussions.

We welcome all input from whatever the source in supporting our belief that FHUSD must practice and apply being a school system focused on continuous school improvement based on data driven systems.

Arizona Education Funding Challenge Remains Real

With the Governor and the Legislature arriving at a new funding amount, the question still remains if adequate revenue can be generated to legitimately fund the approved 2% inflationary rate. This will generate about $200,000 locally. It will not serve the greater good if the State comes back next year and sweeps up money during the school year as seen in 2008-2009. This district gave back last year over $290,000 that had been budgeted to teacher salaries, programs and materials. Can we with confidence bring back programs, teachers, or consider a pay raise for a dedicated staff with this unknown still very much a reality? It continues to amaze me how much energy and time is robbed annually from our students due to district and building staff placed through this yearly budget gauntlet. Hopefully, a legitimate funding formula will be created so our focus can be placed on student achievement not just surviving year-to-year. Maybe this is our reality in public education but it does come at a cost to our student achievement and continuous improvement efforts.