2013-05-05 \Tucson\Schools & Universities\
http://strengthbuilding.org
(520) 546-9296
Depending on who you talk to, Charter schools in Arizona were enabled for the purpose of innovating and improving education; or for destroying the public school system.  In an oppositional political system, probably both have some truth - and perhaps ... read more

2012-08-23 \Tucson\Schools & Universities\Elementary Schools\
Class directory connects families
Open houses are here, and with them an opportunity to help kids and parents connect.  Bring a sign up sheet to your child's open house, asking parents to sign up to have their name and contact information in a class directory.  Type in all the info, make ... read more

2012-08-01 \Tucson\Schools & Universities\High Schools\
Tucson Magnet High School : Mama Clash's promises to Tucson High freshmen
We went to the Freshman orientation for Tucson High School this morning, and the new principal Dr Clarice Clash seems to be off to a strong beginning.  She gave a fairly stern talk to the freshman class, threatening them with having to pick up garbage ... read more

2012-08-01 \Tucson\Schools & Universities\School Districts\
Tucson Unified School District : New School Hours http://tusd1.org/contents/bellschedule.h
TUSD parents take note - your kid's school may start earlier or later than it did last year!  See the announcement of new start and dismissal times for details.  It has to do with getting the bus schedules working right so kids get to school on time, ... read more

2012-07-22 \Tucson\Schools & Universities\School Districts\
School starts soon - is your child prepared?
With school starting in just over a week, TUSD students might want to spend a few days gearing up.  Kids might interpret this to mean getting gear - new backpacks, shoes, school clothes, notebooks etc - but perhaps now is a good time to put some preconditions ... read more

2011-12-23 \Tucson\Schools & Universities\Private Schools\
International School of Tucson : Correction http://www.InternationalSchoolofTucson.o
IST is moving to 1701 East Seneca St, Tucson, AZ 85719. The website is www.InternationalSchoolofTucson.org (not .com). Why is it not listed here? http://btucson.com/Tucson/Schools%20&%20Universities/"
[Thank you for the update, it is now listed under ... read more

2011-12-21 \Tucson\Schools & Universities\Jr High & Middle Schools\
Choosing a Middle School? The scoop on Paulo Freire Freedom School (charter) http://paulofreireschool.org/
"I wish we didn't have weekends".  How often do you hear that in the back of the car on the way to school with a middle schooler?  My daughters love their school so much that they count down the days of vacations - to when they can go back to school. ... read more

2011-12-12 \Tucson\Schools & Universities\School Districts\
Tucson Unified School District : Mon Dec 12 Last Day for Magnet/Open Enrollment http://www.tusd1.org/contents/events_oe.
To reserve your place under TUSD's open enrollment program, stop by 1010 E. 10th St today and name your top 3 schools and magnet programs. (A magnet school with multiple programs can be listed once for each program.)  

Having trouble deciding on a ... read more

2011-12-03 \Tucson\Schools & Universities\Elementary Schools\
Attendance is Vital Right at the Start : Correction
I think it's great that you are encouraging parents to send their children to school everyday.  Kudos to you for supporting education; for the sake of credibility though, may I recommend the following corrections?  

Your original post:
"She also pointed ... read more

2011-11-25 \Tucson\Schools & Universities\Jr High & Middle Schools\
Paulo Freire Freedom school (pffs) http://paulofreireschool.org/
                        Paulo Freire Freedom school (pffs)

        I came to Paulo Freire in my 8th grade year a little nervous (actually really nervous). My old school had been a big mess and I was afraid Pffs would end up being the same way. But ... read more

2011-11-25 \Tucson\Schools & Universities\Jr High & Middle Schools\
The Geeks Guide to Middle School
1.DON’T GET INVOLVED IN ACTIVITIES!  If you think you will get made fun of.
2.Ignore all bullies or if you are tough enough FIGHT BACK!
3.Stand up for your friends.
4.DON’T HIDE IN THE SHADOWS be your self ( and if that means doing activities that ... read more

2011-10-02 \Tucson\Schools & Universities\Private Schools\
Turning Point School : This school is closed
Turning Point closed about three years ago. The owner tried to go charter but that didn't work. The site may still be for sale, but was in poor condition so not many people were interested."

2011-09-01 \Tucson\Schools & Universities\Elementary Schools\
Attendance is Vital Right at the Start
My first grader's teacher taught fourth grade last year, and she noticed something: the kids who were struggling the most, who couldn't read and didn't get the math, were the same ones who missed excessive days when they were in first grade.  She points ... read more

2011-08-16 \Tucson\Schools & Universities\
Re: TUSD Board leadership http://www.kgun9.com/127646428.html
Open letter to TUSD governing board

Dear Governing Board members,

I want to thank you for your perserverence on behalf of our schools, in the face of extreme pressures from so many directions.  

I hope that the August 23 board meeting becomes ... read more

2011-08-14 \Tucson\Schools & Universities\
Tired Tucson Teacher http://tucsoncitizen.com/tired-tucson-te
Thu, 11 Aug 2011 Whither now Wisconsin? Last night two of the recalled senators who sided with Scott Walker’s attempt to end collective bargaining in Wisconsin lost their seats in the state legislature. That makes the vote now 17 to 16, if legislators ... read more

2011-08-14 \Tucson\Schools & Universities\Teaching and School Supplies\
Jonathan's Educational Supplies : Easy way to support teachers and local merchant: http://jonathansonline.com
Buy your child's teacher or your neighborhood school a gift certificate to Jonathan's.  Your teacher can choose from high quality and innovative teaching materials without having to dip into his or her supply budget - or household budget, as is too often ... read more

2011-07-13 \Tucson\Schools & Universities\School Districts\
Tucson Unified School District : AIMS: Reading, math up, writing down using new standard http://tusdstats.tusd.k12.az.us/planning
AIMS stats are out!  Note that the scoring guide for writing changed in 2011, so year over year comparisons may not be accurate.

For TUSD, you can see detailed breakdowns here:
http://tusdstats.tusd.k12.az.us/planning/profiles/aims/aims_route.asp ... read more

2011-07-13 \Tucson\Schools & Universities\School Districts\
AIMS: Reading, math up, writing down using new standard : hm - sample writing problem:
Hm - I wish the writing test could have kids actually write.  Apparently it does not.   The questions are valid enough, but they don't test the actual act of writing. Here is a sample 'writing' problem:

  (1) Your backpack is a great tool for being ... read more

2011-07-08 \Tucson\Schools & Universities\High Schools\
Ethnic Studies Audit actually positive, Huppenthal apparently misrepresented it : On an unrelated note, Huppenthal also bullies little old ladies http://www.azcentral.com/community/chand
Excerpts from coverage of Huppenthal's 2009 trial for theft and tampering with a campaign sign:
"I began to shout, 'Stop it,' and he ignored me as if I was not even there," she testified Wednesday.

Though seemingly frail as she walked slowly toward ... read more

2011-06-20 \Tucson\Schools & Universities\High Schools\
Ethnic Studies Audit actually positive, Huppenthal apparently misrepresented it http://www.tucsonweekly.com/images/blogi
The Huffington Post ran a hard-hitting article Jun 17:Did Arizona Education Chief Huppenthal Commit a Felony in Growing Ethnic Studies Scandal?

The Tucson Weekly has posted a full PDF of the ethnic studies audit online

The audit appears to be a ... read more

2011-06-05 \Tucson\Schools & Universities\Jr High & Middle Schools\
Teachable moment...or not : Hi Suzanne - use link?
Hi Suzanne - I tried to find your facebook page but I couldn't tell which one was yours - there seem to be a lot under the same name.  Here is the link to mine: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1245126942   Hope to hear from you!

2011-06-03 \Tucson\Schools & Universities\Jr High & Middle Schools\
Teachable moment...or not :
Well, Mike and Arehart were "together",so it makes sense. I think they were just sick,kids in school are always nasty, but they just took it to another level. I always wondered if they ever regretted the things they did? I doubt it.
People like that ... read more

2011-06-02 \Tucson\Schools & Universities\Jr High & Middle Schools\
Teachable moment...or not : not right
I do remember them making fun of kids in the class. For a teacher to do that from their position of authority is really wrong.  I remember James too - his 'gift' was pretty normal jr high stupidity/nastiness, but for the teachers to allow it and publish ... read more

2011-06-02 \Tucson\Schools & Universities\Jr High & Middle Schools\
Teachable moment...or not : yeah, I remember
I guess I was in my own little world most of the time.  I do remember a couple times thinking something wasn't right, though more in 5th grade with Arehart - he really humiliated some kids.  The weird thing is for me it started as an escape from a teacher ... read more

2011-06-01 \Tucson\Schools & Universities\Jr High & Middle Schools\
Teachable moment...or not : unfortunately yes
Yep, i was there for a year and a half and left. 81-83. So I am sure you remember "story time".

2011-06-01 \Tucson\Schools & Universities\Jr High & Middle Schools\
Teachable moment...or not : not your fault......
You were a kid too, so you really couldn't have done anything either.  Just a few things they did.
1. In our little yearbook when the 8th graders could "leave us something" they allowed a kid name James to leave me slim fast, so i would look better. ... read more

2011-05-31 \Tucson\Schools & Universities\Jr High & Middle Schools\
Teachable moment...or not : I'm sorry - was I there?
I'm really sorry to hear about your experiences at Miles Jr High.   I can see how that could happen.  Was I one of the kids that did nothing?  I was there from 1981-83.

2011-05-30 \Tucson\Schools & Universities\Jr High & Middle Schools\
Teachable moment...or not :
I went to that school with Becky williams and she made my life hell. She would gather all the students together and tell stories about me.  Once or twice it was another student, but mostly me. She and Mike terrorized me, it was the worst time of my life ... read more

2011-05-15 \Tucson\Schools & Universities\Elementary Schools\
Holladay Intermediate Magnet School : Holladay approved for K-5 : Offers Performing Arts, Free Summer School, Extended Day
The Holladay community had something to celebrate this week.  For two years, the school had been in a precarious position as a 3-5 without a feeder school, as Borton Elementary, which used to feed into Holladay, had decided to add a third grade and then ... read more

2011-05-05 \Tucson\Schools & Universities\School Districts\
Not too late to bring up grades! TUSD students check here.
TUSD parents - did you know you can check individual assignments your kids are missing?

Go here: https://tusdstats.tusd.k12.az.us/paweb/utility/Accounts/Login.aspx

You will need an access code provided by your school.  For teachers participating ... read more

2011-04-24 \Tucson\Schools & Universities\
Bargains that Benefit - Tucsonans helping Tucson schools http://bargainsthatbenefit.com
Here's a local organization helping get donations to Tucson schools.  Local businesses can donate fundraiser items.  Looks like they have just started out, on the website one bargain is featured - discount tickets to Romeo and Juliet.

2011-04-24 \Tucson\Schools & Universities\
Donate to Tucson schools - or post a request http://www.donorschoose.org/donors/searc
Teachers can submit requests for specific teaching materials at DonorsChoose.org.  See a list of what Tucson teachers have requested

Its not too late to help kids finish up the year with a bang!  In fact, now that AIMS is over, teachers can really ... read more

2011-03-09 \Tucson\Schools & Universities\School Districts\
TUSD Strategic Plan 2011-2012 http://www.tusdstrategicplan2011-2012.or
Clarification: the plan being presented at the board meeting was the TUSD Strategic Plan for 2011-2012.  Your comments are welcome, please see
http://www.tusdstrategicplan2011-2012.org/Utilization.html"

2011-03-09 \Tucson\Schools & Universities\School Districts\
Carson considered for closure, all other TUSD schools safe at least this year - thanks to Judy Burns! http://tusd1.org/contents/govboard/gbmee
TUSD board member Judy Burns came out strongly last night in opposition to closing any more schools for a year, and instead spending the time to redraw boundaries and work with parents and communities.  Adelita Grijalva supported Burns and Hicks voted ... read more

2011-02-07 \Tucson\Schools & Universities\School Districts\
Tucson Unified School District : TUSD Strategic Plan 2011-2012 info and forum http://tusdstrategicplan2011-2012.org/
Have an idea to help TUSD schools?  Send it directly to the strategic planning committee, or bring it up on the forums on this site:

  http://tusdstrategicplan2011-2012.org/

Thanks TUSD for opening up to public comment!  

Its a difficult time ... read more

2011-01-04 \Tucson\Schools & Universities\School Districts\
A future for neighborhood schools? : Would the school employees be downsized?
Shutting down a school must mean lots of job loss. It seems like some teachers would still lose their jobs in this scheme, unless the rent from extra school space would be enough to keep the same amount of teachers for the fewer students. Either way, ... read more

2010-12-31 \Tucson\Schools & Universities\School Districts\
Tucson Unified School District : A future for neighborhood schools? http://tusd1.org/contents/distinfo/schoo
TUSD has closed nine schools due to low enrollment.

Could they reopen someday as neighborhood schools?  Having small, local schools is something of a 'best practice' in education, not to mention the heart of many communities.  

What if low-enrollment ... read more

2010-10-30 \Tucson\Schools & Universities\Jr High & Middle Schools\
Teachable moment...or not
"You have to take your jacket off"
"Why?"
"We don't know if you're gonna steal"

Oy vey.  Well-intentioned though the book fair staff and volunteers are, what a message.  
"We don't know if you're gonna steal"

I don't want to give the name of ... read more

2010-08-18 \Tucson\Schools & Universities\Elementary Schools\
Holladay Intermediate Magnet School : Free Extended Day: Sports, Art, Chorus, Variety/Games & more http://edweb.tusd.k12.az.us/holladay/
While many Tucson schools have had to cut back on after-school programs, Holladay Elementary is fortunate to offer some amazing - and free - extended day programs for enrolled students.  Fine art, chorus and sports are some of the options available. ... read more

2010-08-18 \Tucson\Schools & Universities\Charter Schools\
Satori Charter School : helpful and targeted assessments http://www.satorischool.org
We visited Satori and even though we did not wind up going due to logistics (just a matter of driving time) I was very impressed with the school.  They use the Singapore Math program and carefully assess the level of the students before school starts ... read more

2010-08-14 \Tucson\Schools & Universities\
Back to School
Monday marks the first day back for many students in Tucson.  With budget cuts, schools have had to cut back on extra-curricular activities and even supplies (bring your own toilet paper?).  Perhaps its a good time to set an example for our kids and show ... read more

2010-08-11 \Tucson\Schools & Universities\Jr High & Middle Schools\
Safford Engineering/Technology Magnet Middle School : Quick help!
Just a follow-up, we got a very fast and helpful reply from principal Theresa Tenace when we asked questions about some district procedures.

2010-08-07 \Tucson\Schools & Universities\Jr High & Middle Schools\
Safford Engineering/Technology Magnet Middle School : Lego Robotics and Claymation http://edweb.tusd.k12.az.us/safford/
We visited Safford today and spoke to curriculum specialist Sarah Costello, who walked us through some of the unique classes Safford has to offer.  Video editing of 'claymation' sequences, building and refining lego robot design and advanced photography ... read more

2010-08-04 \Tucson\Schools & Universities\
Search AIMS Scores for district and charter schools http://www.azdatapages.com/datacenter/ed
Quick search by school gives an apples to apples comparison of district and charter schools throughout Arizona.

Individual school districts may have more sophisticated interfaces, such as the TUSD AIMS Cohort analysis, which allows you to follow a ... read more

2010-06-21 \Tucson\Schools & Universities\Charter Schools\
Sonoran Science Academy : Too much contriversy
I decided to pull my kiddo out of Sonoran SAcience Academy There is too much contriversy going on with that school and I don't feel it is safe for my child to be there anymore.
I really do not beleive there running things legitamate and the teachers ... read more

2010-03-24 \Tucson\Schools & Universities\Charter Schools\
Tucson Academy of Leadership and Arts : Change of Address
Tucson Academy of Leadership and Arts
55 North 6th Avenue
Tucson, Arizona 85701

2010-03-01 \Tucson\Schools & Universities\
Your View on School Budget Cuts? http://www.arizonaeducationnetwork.com/2
A site where parents and community members can voice how the cuts to the school system have affected them.

2010-02-27 \Tucson\Schools & Universities\Elementary Schools\
Holladay Intermediate Magnet School : Interview with Principal Larry Haynes http://btucson.com/AnUnofficialHolladayS
As a parent, I think that Principal Larry Haynes has had a really positive, calming influence at Holladay school.  In this interview he talks about the new Expeditionary Learning focus, bully-proofing program, fine arts, and the future of the school.

2010-02-17 \Tucson\Schools & Universities\Elementary Schools\
Holladay Intermediate Magnet School : Holladay School! http://btucson.com/AnUnofficialHolladayS
I feel so lucky to be a part of the incredibly hardworking, warm, close-knit community at Holladay school.  Like all TUSD schools we are getting hit with budget cuts but the parent community is coming together to keep and build the things we love about ... read more

2010-02-15 \Tucson\Schools & Universities\Charter Schools\
Satori [complaint] :
Really went downhill after becoming charter school. Non-charter school is still great!

2010-01-20 \Tucson\Schools & Universities\
DMV Practice Tests | Online Traffic School http://www.permitpracticetest.us/
(800) 723-1955
DMV Practice Tests Driver License Practice Test - We’ve taken all the questions from your state’s DMV driver license practice test exam and packaged them in random samplings of 50 questions or 100 questions packages.

2009-12-19 \Tucson\Schools & Universities\School Districts\
Not to late to Donate Tax Credit
If you haven't done it already, and you will pay Az state taxes this year, you can give a free gift to the school of your choice.  Its about the only chance you have to direct where your taxes go.  Make the donation now, get it back on tax day or as soon ... read more

2009-08-16 \Tucson\Schools & Universities\School Districts\
Tucson Unified School District : First day of School for TUSD students http://tusd.k12.az.us/
Welcome back, students and families!  The new school year is a good time to start on the right track - help your child stay on top of their homework, and set a regular schedule of reading with your kids.  Even if you are not a parent, you can support ... read more

2009-07-27 \Tucson\Schools & Universities\Elementary Schools\
Walker Elementary School : Great but needs parent volunteers
There is not as much parent participation as there is in other amphi elementary schools but the teachers provide a lot despite this.  The test scores outrank all other amphi schools and AZ schools as well. Staff is positive and encouraging.

2009-06-16 \Tucson\Schools & Universities\Jr High & Middle Schools\
Sahuarita Middle School : Looking for.... http://www.agiftfromabove.webs.com
Looking for an author to talk to your students? I'm here. Email me at: heather_paye@yahoo.com

Heather Paye

2009-05-21 \Tucson\Schools & Universities\Colleges & Universities\
Tucson Theoloical Seminary http://www.tucsonseminary.com
7635 La Cholla Blvd. #132
520- 445-3062
Enroll now for fall classes! Equipping for Pastorate, Ministry, Pastoral Counselor or Chaplaincy. Comprehensive programs offering undergraduate and post-graduate degree. Low monthly tuition payments offered. Preparing men and women to fulfill the call ... read more

2008-10-07 \Tucson\Schools & Universities\High Schools\
Racial Drifts at PV High :
thanks for setting the record straight."

2008-09-29 \Tucson\Schools & Universities\High Schools\
Palo Verde Magnet High School : Racial Drifts at PV High
Dear parents and to all those whom this may concern,
The racial events that occured at Palo Verde Magnet High School was dramatically blown out of proportion.  First of all, the said fights that supposedly threatened the welfare of the students were ... read more

2008-08-26 \Tucson\Schools & Universities\Charter Schools\
Satori Charter School : Satori [complaint]
Unenthusiastic staff and little control of students leaves a lot to be desired..."

2008-08-06 \Tucson\Schools & Universities\School Districts\
Tucson Unified School District : Back to School - Aug 11 - Open House Aug 8 http://tusd.k12.az.us/contents/distinfo/
Check out the TUSD back to school page for information on calendar, bus schedules, immunizations, enrollment and more.  Most TUSD schools have an open house on Friday August 8 where you can meet your teacher and register on site.