Focus on TUSD - December 2007

Joint Column from the Superintendent and Board President
TUSD administrators recently held their last monthly Leadership Team meeting before the winter break. The usual business of updating school and central administrators on recent Governing Board actions and progress reports on initiatives took place. And then something special happened.

A quiet celebration began, fitting for a time of year holding diverse spiritual and secular celebrations for many across the world. It was announced as a time for gift giving, but instead of the typical gift exchange, this event recognized the gifts of friendship and professional support we regularly exchange but which are seldom publicly acknowledged.

For the next thirty minutes or so, people took the portable microphone and, in the company of about 185 colleagues, recognized gifts bestowed on them this year. Examples ranged from deeply appreciated supportive phone calls during times of personal stress, to thanks for assistance that was above and beyond addressing a particular school issue. We heard praise for the excellent support supervisors give, as well as supervisors' grateful descriptions of instances of peers, or of those whom they supervise, going the extra mile.

To some, this may seem to be a bit of self-congratulations. However, most people never receive the thanks they deserve for the thought and effort they put into affecting the quality of the day, which Henry David Thoreau said was "the highest of the arts." We hope teachers find time to share this with students and principals to share this with staff.

So rather than leaving that gathering with wrapping paper, ribbon, and new trinkets of affection and appreciation ( a beautiful tradition in itself), TUSD's leadership enjoyed giving and receiving acknowledgement for some of the most treasured human characteristics: kindness, caring, friendship and making the world a better place.

Along with enjoying the "goodies" that are a part of this time of the year, we hope that you and your family are enriched by the seasonal giving spirit, and that you may also celebrate peace on Earth and good will towards all.

--Joel T. Ireland
Governing Board President

--Roger F. Pfeuffer
Superintendent

TUSD - Proud Supporter of Small Classes

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

The deadline to submit material for the January Focus is Friday, Jan. 11. The Focus will be published Monday, Jan. 21. Email submissions to Chyrl Hill Lander or Sharon Dunham in the Communications & Media Relations Department or use the online Tip Sheet.