Thanks to the Credit for Kids Donations the Fine Arts department has received significant donations over the last several years. They determine where the money will be spent. For example, sound, lighting, choir lifters etc. This year they received $35,000 to be used for fine arts at all the schools but the H.S. fine arts will get a big chunk. I'm not sure they are as "broke" as might have been portrayed. As I write this, the High School Band account has over $13,000 in it. I cannot remember turning down a purchase request for the band or choir, with the exception 2005 when Mr. Potvin needed several very expensive drums replaced. It was at that time that we sat down and I suggested making the band and fine arts a specific goal for the Credit for Kids program. The next year, those drums were purchased. Another example is the trip to New York so our choir could sing at Carnagie (last year). We in effect "forwarded" budget money into their extra-curricular account so they could go, until such time that they did the fundraising to pay it back. I agree with you that students (and parents) should invest in instruments. There are rentals available as well. Having said that, there are some instruments that the school should keep on hand because they are very expensive and not practical for students to purchase. Some examples might be, bass drums, multiple marching snares, tuba, baritone.
As to FFA, and I know I have said this before on this blog; it will not be dropped. It remains an important extra-curricular club along with the other vocational clubs that are national.
Terri: Thank you for your kind words. I'm honored. A staff that cares makes all the difference. Additionally I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge all of the coverage the Roundup gives to academics and extra-curricular programs other than athletics. For example, the article Mr. Noughton refers to was a front page article on Mark McCarty earning the Flinn Scholarship. Last May after graduation, the Roundup devoted almost an entire page to students and the scholarships they earned. The Roundup works with us to devote a great deal of "ink" to many, many activities. For example the Ag. program, HOSA (Health Occupations Studens of America), FBLA, DECA, and on and on. Suzanne Jacobson contacts me on a regular basis to ask about activities that would make good stories. While some may take umbrage to Mr. Foster, I will tell you, he loves the kids, knows the kids and tirelessly works to honor their athletic efforts and recognize their academic achievements. I'm not sure people truly realize and appreciate the positive approach this paper takes toward education and kids in general.
The student must apply and go through a rigorous writing and interveiw process that has several steps over several months. For our part, we make the students aware that the scholarship (as all scholarships) is available and encourage viable candidates to begin the process. The application process actually begins in October and the final candidates are not announced until March.
Our Guidance office posts scholarships and sends out letters to seniors with scholarship opportunities including websites. We also help students with resume's, letters of recommendation etc. as much as possible.
As to extra-curricular activities including sports, music, student government, clubs and community service; these are all important considerations for students to receive academic scholarships. Most committees look at academics and something more. Though the primary topic for most American media and readers is sports, I can assure you, we keep it in perspective as one component of extra-curricular, notwithstanding, an important one.
Let me give you an example I tell parents and student athletes: Last year Payson students were awarded $840,000 worth of scholarships to post secondary institutions. Approximately $23,000 were athletic scholarships. Now, where do you want to put your best effort? Into the chances of getting a piece of the $817,000 or the $23,000?
The Flinn Scholarship is probably the most prestigious scholarship in Arizona. It is earned by 20 Arizona students a year. The intent of the Flinn Foundation is to keep the brightest and best in Arizona by providing four years of books, tuition, housing, fees and study abroad during the summers. Altogether it's worth between 80 and a hundred thousand dollars over four years. Though we are a relatively small rural school, we have had three Flinn Scholars: Nikki Hale in 1988, Beryl Jones in 2006 and Mark McCarty in 2008. I expect another in the next year or two.
In regard to athletes traveling and missing classes etc. They still as a group have a higher overall grade point average than a random population who are not plugged into an extra-curricular activity. They also have a higher graduation rate.
To answer the question about how many on the list are "cheerleaders or jocks", the answer is 59. As I perused the list, many others are very active in other extra-curricular areas such as vocational clubs, band, drama etc. The simple fact is there is a positive correlation between academic achievement and a student participating in extra-curricular activities. This holds true whether the extra-curricular activities are sports, clubs, band, chorus etc. That is why it is important for high schools to offer a variety in many areas. Last year's Validictorian Mark McCarty was a Flinn Scholar and a state wrestling champion. The Salutatorian Esther Linkey was Board of Regents Scholar and Cross Country and Track athlete. The "dumb jock" thing is largely a myth that doesn't hold up statistically if you actually run the numbers.
Sylvia and I are voting yes on the YMCA because we believe the YMCA coupled with the location will have a positive impact on the quality of life in Payson. Placement of the proposed facility in Rumsey park surrounded by softball fields, soccer fields, tennis courts, basketball courts and the library are perfect to encourage relationships and activities for all ages. We believe an entity such as the YMCA with a history of cultivating cross generational relationships will positively impact the entire community. As resources become more scarce, partnerships like the one between the Town of Payson and the YMCA will be increasingly common to provide quality programs to communities. I suppose that would put us on the "cutting edge".
As a high school principal I am constantly trying to lure the brightest and best to move their families to Payson to teach. Though our wages are slightly above average, the cost of living is fairly substantial. High caliber people who entertain moving to Payson are very interested in what it has to offer in the way of quality of life issues such as parks, pools, ballfields and recreational facilities. Last summer I spoke with a top-notch educator - a teacher of the year who moved from Payson to Grand Junction Colorado. Why? She explained to me that Payson a great place while her kids were small but Grand Junction offered so much more in the way of quality of life issues for her family; like higher education, recreation programs and cultural activities. Payson lost a great teacher - and her family. Over the last few years I can name a number of outstanding families that have moved from Payson to other places like Bend Oregon, Spokane Washington or Coeur d'Alene Idaho or for that matter, the West Valley. Places that are investing heavily in providing a high quality of life for their residents.
So, what happens if your physician with young school age kids decides to make the jump? Or, your physical therapist? Or more teachers? How will that in turn affect your quality of life? We must do everything we can to ensure a healthy vibrant community. Sylvia and I have spent our lives in Payson and are committed to it. We encourage you to sort through your mail, find your mail-in ballot for proposition 401, mark yes for healthy kids, healthy families, healthy communities and send it today! Roy and Sylvia Sandoval
It is important here not to interpret input as "talking down" . As Mr. McLaughlin has indicated, "it is difficult to understand what people are voting for, or against". School finance is a complex subject with many terms etc. My objective in writing is to clarify some terms and definitions. I feel this may be an obligation because education is my field. Many people, though they don't take part in the discourse, do read this blog. Consequently, if my clarifications can be of service to them, I think it's important to feel freedom to give input. My hope would be that people who do spend much time interacting on this medium would not discriminate simply because of writing style or subject. It is not my intent to in any way be offensive or superior. It is merely an area I can lend some experience and expertise. If I give erroneous information please call me on it. If I make comments and further clarification is needed, please ask. With all due respects however, the indictment of "talking down" does nothing to further the cause of open and honest discourse, hence accurate information.
Hi: Just a little correction. As I mentioned in my last message, an override can only be used for salaries and maintenance and operations needs. To build a cafeteria you must pass an override bond.
A community committee made up of a fairly diverse group of about 25 Payson people made up the bond committee. They looked at many aspects of the district at all levels. In the end they had to make decisions relative to the maximum they thought voters might pass and the cost of the highest priority items. I wasn't in on all of the talks because it was summer so I tried to take some family time. In the end they decided that the priorities would be on JRE and the middle school. At that time, I believe the rationale was thus: Payson really needs a new high school. A new high school runs about 50 million. The bonding capacity at the time was 60 million. The modifications to JRE and the middle school and the smaller things at the other schools could be done and really done right with a 50 year lifespan for about 34 million. This would leave a 26 million dollar capacity. If the committee and the schools proved to the voters that they could use the 34 million dollars efficiently, they could in the future once assessed valuation continued to rise, go back to the community and ask for the money to build a new high school instead of throwing money into something that is already been "cobbled" together over a 40 year period.
About the 2.5 teachers. Numbers of teachers are actually calculated by the number of sections they teach. So, you have one teacher teaching 7 sections of P.E. another teaching 7 sections of P.E. and a third teacher teaching 4 sections of P.E. and three sections of something else. It's actually a little over 2.5 but I'm happy to say, none are missing any limbs!
1. School funds will not and cannot by law be used to fund a town librarian. The town librarian is funded from town funds which are not connected with the school. 2. Each school has a library which in this day and age is a media center. Media Centers have "stacks" like the traditional library. However, in addition to books they also have a rather large array of electronic media and computer stations etc. which require supervision and maintenance and a person who can provide instruction in utilizing various forms of electronic media. It would not be practical or very effective to transport kids from school to school or from school to public library to use the media center. It would most definitely impede their usage and media center skills. 3. Physical Education is available to and utilized by all students. At the middle school (grades 6-8) there are two P.E. teachers. One for boys, one for girls. At the High School there are 2.5 teachers. Students at the high school can choose either Physical Education or Strength Training. 4. I think when you say "maintenance workers" you may mean that the override is for "maintenance and operation". This might take a little explaining. With educational funding there are two distinct streams of funding that as a rule can't be interchanged, 1) Maintenance and Operations 2) Capital. Maintenance and Operation (M&O) must be used for salaries such as staffing and items such as supplies and materials or utilities etc. Things that are used each year. Capital must be used for buildings or things that last such as computers or textbooks. The override that is on the balance is for "maintenance and operations" which is why it is pertinent to salaried positions such as P.E., Library etc. The capital bond that was passed a few years ago was for "capital" items. It is the one that is being used to build JRE and do the modifications to the middle school. It cannot be used for Maintenance and Operations items such as salaries 5. There is no plan to cut agriculture and hence FFA which is the club associated with Agriculture. Agriculture is funded primarily from state vocational funding. The issue with agriculture is not a maintenance and operation issue. It is a capital issue because those are the funds necessary to build a facility. Hope this helps.
7 January 2009 at 7:07 p.m.
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roysandoval (roy sandoval) says…
Thanks to the Credit for Kids Donations the Fine Arts department has received significant donations over the last several years. They determine where the money will be spent. For example, sound, lighting, choir lifters etc. This year they received $35,000 to be used for fine arts at all the schools but the H.S. fine arts will get a big chunk. I'm not sure they are as "broke" as might have been portrayed. As I write this, the High School Band account has over $13,000 in it. I cannot remember turning down a purchase request for the band or choir, with the exception 2005 when Mr. Potvin needed several very expensive drums replaced. It was at that time that we sat down and I suggested making the band and fine arts a specific goal for the Credit for Kids program. The next year, those drums were purchased.
Another example is the trip to New York so our choir could sing at Carnagie (last year). We in effect "forwarded" budget money into their extra-curricular account so they could go, until such time that they did the fundraising to pay it back.
I agree with you that students (and parents) should invest in instruments. There are rentals available as well. Having said that, there are some instruments that the school should keep on hand because they are very expensive and not practical for students to purchase. Some examples might be, bass drums, multiple marching snares, tuba, baritone.
As to FFA, and I know I have said this before on this blog; it will not be dropped. It remains an important extra-curricular club along with the other vocational clubs that are national.
On Music: Instruments and uniforms
5 January 2009 at 9:54 p.m.
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roysandoval (roy sandoval) says…
Terri:
Thank you for your kind words. I'm honored. A staff that cares makes all the difference. Additionally I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge all of the coverage the Roundup gives to academics and extra-curricular programs other than athletics. For example, the article Mr. Noughton refers to was a front page article on Mark McCarty earning the Flinn Scholarship. Last May after graduation, the Roundup devoted almost an entire page to students and the scholarships they earned. The Roundup works with us to devote a great deal of "ink" to many, many activities. For example the Ag. program, HOSA (Health Occupations Studens of America), FBLA, DECA, and on and on. Suzanne Jacobson contacts me on a regular basis to ask about activities that would make good stories.
While some may take umbrage to Mr. Foster, I will tell you, he loves the kids, knows the kids and tirelessly works to honor their athletic efforts and recognize their academic achievements.
I'm not sure people truly realize and appreciate the positive approach this paper takes toward education and kids in general.
On Jocks, Cheer leaders and Scholars
5 January 2009 at 6:54 a.m.
Suggest removal
roysandoval (roy sandoval) says…
The student must apply and go through a rigorous writing and interveiw process that has several steps over several months. For our part, we make the students aware that the scholarship (as all scholarships) is available and encourage viable candidates to begin the process. The application process actually begins in October and the final candidates are not announced until March.
Our Guidance office posts scholarships and sends out letters to seniors with scholarship opportunities including websites. We also help students with resume's, letters of recommendation etc. as much as possible.
As to extra-curricular activities including sports, music, student government, clubs and community service; these are all important considerations for students to receive academic scholarships. Most committees look at academics and something more. Though the primary topic for most American media and readers is sports, I can assure you, we keep it in perspective as one component of extra-curricular, notwithstanding, an important one.
Let me give you an example I tell parents and student athletes: Last year Payson students were awarded $840,000 worth of scholarships to post secondary institutions. Approximately $23,000 were athletic scholarships. Now, where do you want to put your best effort? Into the chances of getting a piece of the $817,000 or the $23,000?
On Jocks, Cheer leaders and Scholars
5 January 2009 at 12:25 a.m.
Suggest removal
roysandoval (roy sandoval) says…
The Flinn Scholarship is probably the most prestigious scholarship in Arizona. It is earned by 20 Arizona students a year. The intent of the Flinn Foundation is to keep the brightest and best in Arizona by providing four years of books, tuition, housing, fees and study abroad during the summers. Altogether it's worth between 80 and a hundred thousand dollars over four years. Though we are a relatively small rural school, we have had three Flinn Scholars: Nikki Hale in 1988, Beryl Jones in 2006 and Mark McCarty in 2008. I expect another in the next year or two.
In regard to athletes traveling and missing classes etc. They still as a group have a higher overall grade point average than a random population who are not plugged into an extra-curricular activity. They also have a higher graduation rate.
On Jocks, Cheer leaders and Scholars
4 January 2009 at 7:42 p.m.
Suggest removal
roysandoval (roy sandoval) says…
To answer the question about how many on the list are "cheerleaders or jocks", the answer is 59. As I perused the list, many others are very active in other extra-curricular areas such as vocational clubs, band, drama etc. The simple fact is there is a positive correlation between academic achievement and a student participating in extra-curricular activities. This holds true whether the extra-curricular activities are sports, clubs, band, chorus etc. That is why it is important for high schools to offer a variety in many areas.
Last year's Validictorian Mark McCarty was a Flinn Scholar and a state wrestling champion. The Salutatorian Esther Linkey was Board of Regents Scholar and Cross Country and Track athlete. The "dumb jock" thing is largely a myth that doesn't hold up statistically if you actually run the numbers.
On Jocks, Cheer leaders and Scholars
18 October 2008 at 11:40 a.m.
Suggest removal
roysandoval (roy sandoval) says…
Sylvia and I are voting yes on the YMCA because we believe the YMCA coupled with the location will have a positive impact on the quality of life in Payson. Placement of the proposed facility in Rumsey park surrounded by softball fields, soccer fields, tennis courts, basketball courts and the library are perfect to encourage relationships and activities for all ages. We believe an entity such as the YMCA with a history of cultivating cross generational relationships will positively impact the entire community. As resources become more scarce, partnerships like the one between the Town of Payson and the YMCA will be increasingly common to provide quality programs to communities. I suppose that would put us on the "cutting edge".
As a high school principal I am constantly trying to lure the brightest and best to move their families to Payson to teach. Though our wages are slightly above average, the cost of living is fairly substantial. High caliber people who entertain moving to Payson are very interested in what it has to offer in the way of quality of life issues such as parks, pools, ballfields and recreational facilities. Last summer I spoke with a top-notch educator - a teacher of the year who moved from Payson to Grand Junction Colorado. Why? She explained to me that Payson a great place while her kids were small but Grand Junction offered so much more in the way of quality of life issues for her family; like higher education, recreation programs and cultural activities. Payson lost a great teacher - and her family. Over the last few years I can name a number of outstanding families that have moved from Payson to other places like Bend Oregon, Spokane Washington or Coeur d'Alene Idaho or for that matter, the West Valley. Places that are investing heavily in providing a high quality of life for their residents.
So, what happens if your physician with young school age kids decides to make the jump? Or, your physical therapist? Or more teachers? How will that in turn affect your quality of life? We must do everything we can to ensure a healthy vibrant community. Sylvia and I have spent our lives in Payson and are committed to it. We encourage you to sort through your mail, find your mail-in ballot for proposition 401, mark yes for healthy kids, healthy families, healthy communities and send it today!
Roy and Sylvia Sandoval
On The Roundup Editiorial in Friday's paper
9 October 2008 at 10:27 p.m.
Suggest removal
roysandoval (roy sandoval) says…
It is important here not to interpret input as "talking down" . As Mr. McLaughlin has indicated, "it is difficult to understand what people are voting for, or against". School finance is a complex subject with many terms etc. My objective in writing is to clarify some terms and definitions. I feel this may be an obligation because education is my field. Many people, though they don't take part in the discourse, do read this blog. Consequently, if my clarifications can be of service to them, I think it's important to feel freedom to give input. My hope would be that people who do spend much time interacting on this medium would not discriminate simply because of writing style or subject. It is not my intent to in any way be offensive or superior. It is merely an area I can lend some experience and expertise.
If I give erroneous information please call me on it. If I make comments and further clarification is needed, please ask. With all due respects however, the indictment of "talking down" does nothing to further the cause of open and honest discourse, hence accurate information.
On Don't table the closed campus question, scrap it!
9 October 2008 at 5:41 p.m.
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roysandoval (roy sandoval) says…
Hi:
Just a little correction. As I mentioned in my last message, an override can only be used for salaries and maintenance and operations needs. To build a cafeteria you must pass an override bond.
On Don't table the closed campus question, scrap it!
30 September 2008 at 9:58 p.m.
Suggest removal
roysandoval (roy sandoval) says…
A community committee made up of a fairly diverse group of about 25 Payson people made up the bond committee. They looked at many aspects of the district at all levels. In the end they had to make decisions relative to the maximum they thought voters might pass and the cost of the highest priority items. I wasn't in on all of the talks because it was summer so I tried to take some family time. In the end they decided that the priorities would be on JRE and the middle school. At that time, I believe the rationale was thus: Payson really needs a new high school. A new high school runs about 50 million. The bonding capacity at the time was 60 million. The modifications to JRE and the middle school and the smaller things at the other schools could be done and really done right with a 50 year lifespan for about 34 million. This would leave a 26 million dollar capacity. If the committee and the schools proved to the voters that they could use the 34 million dollars efficiently, they could in the future once assessed valuation continued to rise, go back to the community and ask for the money to build a new high school instead of throwing money into something that is already been "cobbled" together over a 40 year period.
About the 2.5 teachers. Numbers of teachers are actually calculated by the number of sections they teach. So, you have one teacher teaching 7 sections of P.E. another teaching 7 sections of P.E. and a third teacher teaching 4 sections of P.E. and three sections of something else. It's actually a little over 2.5 but I'm happy to say, none are missing any limbs!
On School overide
30 September 2008 at 8:41 p.m.
Suggest removal
roysandoval (roy sandoval) says…
I think I can answer your questions:
1. School funds will not and cannot by law be used to fund a town librarian. The town librarian is funded from town funds which are not connected with the school.
2. Each school has a library which in this day and age is a media center. Media Centers have "stacks" like the traditional library. However, in addition to books they also have a rather large array of electronic media and computer stations etc. which require supervision and maintenance and a person who can provide instruction in utilizing various forms of electronic media. It would not be practical or very effective to transport kids from school to school or from school to public library to use the media center. It would most definitely impede their usage and media center skills.
3. Physical Education is available to and utilized by all students. At the middle school (grades 6-8) there are two P.E. teachers. One for boys, one for girls. At the High School there are 2.5 teachers. Students at the high school can choose either Physical Education or Strength Training.
4. I think when you say "maintenance workers" you may mean that the override is for "maintenance and operation". This might take a little explaining. With educational funding there are two distinct streams of funding that as a rule can't be interchanged, 1) Maintenance and Operations 2) Capital. Maintenance and Operation (M&O) must be used for salaries such as staffing and items such as supplies and materials or utilities etc. Things that are used each year. Capital must be used for buildings or things that last such as computers or textbooks. The override that is on the balance is for "maintenance and operations" which is why it is pertinent to salaried positions such as P.E., Library etc. The capital bond that was passed a few years ago was for "capital" items. It is the one that is being used to build JRE and do the modifications to the middle school. It cannot be used for Maintenance and Operations items such as salaries
5. There is no plan to cut agriculture and hence FFA which is the club associated with Agriculture. Agriculture is funded primarily from state vocational funding. The issue with agriculture is not a maintenance and operation issue. It is a capital issue because those are the funds necessary to build a facility.
Hope this helps.
On School overide