Be a Spanish/English interpreter

The Special Education Department has an on-going need for interpreters at meetings throughout the district.

Requirements

• a high level of skill and an advanced vocabulary in English and Spanish
• flexibility to work before and after the typical school day
• willingness to interpret at sites other than your home base
• successful results on a brief oral interpreting test
• a training session 

Certified and classified staff may apply. Only classified employees working less than 40 hours are eligible due to wage and hour restrictions. Continuing special education interpreters must re-apply every two years and participate in a refresher training session.

Deadline Jan. 25

For an application, e-mail Phyllis Smith, special education training and compliance secretary, at pasmith@mpsaz.org. Applications are due by Jan. 25. If you know others who may be interested and qualified, please share this announcement with them.

Send news for Facebook

As word of outstanding student and staff achievements, activities and events increase during spring semester, please share the good news with district Facebook followers. Send information to Lynda Jordan, community relations specialist, at lkjordan@mpsaz.org. Questions? Call (480) 472-0224.

Chess tournament open to all K-12 kids

Kindergarten through 12th-grade students at all schools are invited to a fun, free afternoon of play at the Chess Invitational Tournament hosted by Stapley Junior High at 3 p.m. Feb. 3. Beginning, intermediate and advanced individuals and school teams are welcome. Full story

Educational Technology open lab

Ed Tech trainers will help you hone your skills during an open computer lab from 3 to 5 p.m. Jan. 30 at 546 N. Stapley Drive. Drop in anytime with questions about Architeck, Grade Book, DataStore, Podcasting, SMART Board, Acuity, Mobi, SmartMath, LibGuides, MPS Connect or Clickers. Full story

School and district highlights and events

Brandon's champions — The Red Mountain High soccer team and Student Council have a new fan and a new best friend — 12-year-old Brandon Parsley. The teens honor him on the field, at fundraisers for his health-care expenses and at family get-togethers. Full story

$300,000 scholarship — Flor Flores, Dobson High senior, was awarded a $300,000 scholarship to the University of Notre Dame. The former Student of the Year at Powell Junior High went on to earn a 4.4 grade-point average and to excel in Dobson's Advancement Via Individual Determination program, Student Council, National Honor Society and We the People team. Full story

Retirement party invitation — Bid Barbara Heinze best wishes from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Jan. 27 at the Student Services Center, 1025 N. Country Club Drive, Mesa. Heinze was a trainer and liaison for the Native American Education Program. She worked at Hale, Highland, Hermosa Vista and Lehi elementary schools.

Cancer-fighting fundraiser — Nando's will host a fundraiser at the request of 15 MPS bus drivers on Relay for Life's Knocking Out Cancer team. If you dine at Nando's between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m. Feb. 28, the restaurant will donate 5 percent of your bill to the American Cancer Society on behalf of the team. Nando's is located at 6715 E. McDowell Road, Mesa.

MPS history — Enjoy a district overview as you travel back in time, thanks to this narrated slide show produced by the Educational Television Department.

Resources and reminders

Facebook | Employee of the Month nomination | Volunteer of the Month nomination     

Mesa Agenda is published by the MPS Community Relations Department


Link to all districtwide employee newsletters