Focus on TUSD - November 2007

Superintendent's Column
The holiday season is here again bringing festivities and celebrations of teacher and student talent that coincidentally herald the end of the first semester. It is a demanding time requiring evaluation of achievement and the acknowledgement of what is yet to be accomplished before the school year ends in May.

It all goes very fast, a common observation, but one which holds special weight during the holidays. It is my hope that in this season in which so many wondrous things are celebrated by people of many cultures and religions that you and your family and loved ones find the time to fully enjoy your own celebrations.

As part of the TUSD family you know how important a role you have in educating our city's youth. I give thanks for your commitment in ensuring that our students get taught, supervised, and loved. I give thanks to those in our district family who see that our students are kept safe, fed, and transported daily.

I am also grateful to those who make certain that we are appropriately supplied, evaluated, and provided with professional development. When I think about the myriad of things that have to be done in a school district to make learning possible, I am thankful that we can rely upon outstanding people all around us who consistently go the extra mile for kids and colleagues.

I am also thankful for the parents and guardians who entrust their children and adolescents to our care believing we are making it possible for them to pursue their dreams and achieve success.

I am thankful I live and work in a town where so many people appreciate education and embrace the diversity in our community as an asset even as it requires each of us to develop a broader sense of our responsibility in the making of a just, inclusive, and educated society.

Finally, I am thankful for having had the honor and opportunity to be superintendent of this district which does, in fact, educate this city's children -- 80% of them.

Having served in this role for over three years, I can honestly say it all goes by very fast and there always seems to be much left to do. Yet, with all its trials and tribulations, often played out in a very public stage, TUSD remains an outstanding example of professionalism and public service and I am proud to be a part of it.

--Roger F. Pfeuffer
Superintendent

TUSD - Proud Supporter of Small Classes

Photos in the November issue by Jes Ruvalcaba of Communications & Media Relations, unless otherwise noted.

The deadline to submit material for the December Focus is Friday, Nov. 7. The Focus will be published Monday, Nov. 17. Email submissions to Chyrl Hill Lander or Sharon Dunham in the Communications & Media Relations Department or use the online Tip Sheet.