A Message from the Board President
After careful thought and deliberation, the Governing Board
decided to go ahead with the scheduled meeting on the evening of
September 11, although it was anything but "business as
usual."
The tragic events of last month have left all of us forever
changed. Only through the passing of time will we fully realize
what those changes will mean to us as individuals and as a
community.
The individual acts of heroism, rallying of communities and
tremendous offers of help and assistance that we have witnessed
all serve to affirm what we know: America is a country of givers
and doers, of selfless people who will unite with strength and
solidarity to prove once again that the principles of a democratic
society will prevail.
On behalf of the Board, I want to express my deepest gratitude
to all members of the TUSD community, particularly classroom
teachers, counselors and site administrators, who put their own
feelings of despair and concern aside to focus on the welfare of
our students.
In particular, I want to thank Counseling Coordinator Judy
Bowers for distributing to the schools a package of ideas, lesson
plans and resources for helping children cope with this crisis.
These tragic national events have illustrated more powerfully
than words our need to continue developing supportive partnerships
and strengthening ties with other community members and
organizations.
At the September meeting, we were pleased to recognize such
recent collaborative efforts of numerous individuals and groups
that have stepped up to support TUSD (see "Board
Lauds Volunteers and Young Scientists,").
Compaq, IKON, Gateway and Convergys, area computer companies
that sent teams of employees to lend a hand in installing
computers in our schools, are among the newest members of TUSD's
extended family of community and corporate volunteers. Target also
was thanked for its recent donation of goods and supplies to our
schools.
We very much appreciate these and all volunteers who give of
themselves to support our students.
Such support will prove invaluable as the national attention
shifts to international matters. Now more than ever, it is
critical for us as an educational community to keep our focus on
our children's safety, well-being and education.
I am proud of the ways in which the entire district community
has responded to the needs of both students and colleagues during
these difficult weeks. I am confident that throughout the months
and years ahead, we will unite in our efforts in the face of
tremendous challenges yet to come.
As we are called upon to contribute to our educational, local
and national communities, let us remember that children represent
the key to a promising new future and can be a source of
inspiration in times of adversity.
Carolyn Kemmeries
Board Report
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