A to Z Reference Guide
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A B C D E F G H I J K L M
N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
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Academic Decathlon: In this high school class and competition group, teams compete at the local, regional, state and national level in 10 academic areas.
Academic Skills: Curriculum overviews explain what every student should know and be able to do in kindergarten through sixth grade.
ACT: This entrance exam is required for admission to some colleges and universities. For information about the test and registration, visit the ACT Web site, or contact the school counselor.
Acuity: Acuity is the district's learning-based assessment system.
Adult Basic Education: Free ABE classes are offered through Community Education to individuals age 16 and over whose reading proficiency is generally at a sixth-grade level or lower. For information, call (480) 472-7259.
Advanced Placement: High schools offer AP courses in a variety of subject areas. In a rigorous program of study, students can earn advanced placement in college and/or college credit.
AIMS: Arizona's Instrument to Measure Standards is a state-mandated criterion-referenced test that measures a student’s mastery of curriculum. AIMS is administered in April for students in grades three through eight; and in October, February and April for students in grades 10 through 12.
Architeck: The Web content management system is based on Web Policies and Best Practices developed by Web Services, Educational Technology and Community Relations departments.
Arizona Department of Education: ADE, the Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction and the State Board of Education regulate and oversee school districts.
Art Program: The Creative and Performing Arts Department includes visual arts, music, dance and theater.
Assistive Technology: This refers to items that increase, maintain or improve the functional capabilities of students with disabilities. Individual consultations are available for students who receive special education services.
Athletics: A variety of individual and team sports are available for students in grades nine through 12. After-school sports opportunities are available for younger students. The Web site features schedules, scores, school maps, the mandatory informed consent video, forms, and information on athletic programs. MPS is a member of Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA).
AVID: Advancement Via Individual Determination is a secondary school program that helps underserved students prepare for college.
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Biotechnology Academy: Located at Mesa High School, the academy helps students make a seamless transition to higher education or the workforce in biotechnology-related fields. Applications are accepted from all interested high school students. Biotechnology classes are offered at all high schools.
Breakfast: A number of MPS schools serve breakfast. Please check to see if it is available at your child's school. Free and reduced-price breakfasts are available. Complete a meal assistance application. Parents may prepay meal accounts with a check or cash, or online with a credit or debit card at myLunchMoney.com.
Budget: The district budget is adopted annually by the Governing Board. The maintenance and operations portion of the budget pays for salaries and operational costs. The capital budget funds such things as construction and remodeling costs. Capital funds may not be used for operational expenses. By law, the budget must be balanced every year.
Bus Transportation: Routes and schedules are available at your child's school. Students should be at their bus stop at least five minutes prior to pick-up time. Student safety is our No. 1 priority. Following the rules is critical to maintaining safety. If a student fails to follow the rules, bus riding privileges may be denied, or the student may face disciplinary action. State law requires motorists to stop for school buses when lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended.
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Career Ladder: This state-sponsored program assists and supports teachers in career development leading to higher performance standards and student achievement.
Career Planning System: This is used by the Guidance and Counseling Department and the Career and Technical Education Department to help students develop educational and career plans for personal success.
Career Services: Scholarship resources, a Web-based job bulletin board, the Choices program, interview tips and career development workshops are provided for students.
Close-Up: This nationally affiliated club is offered at many secondary schools. Students learn about in the democratic process and see the inner-workings of government firsthand.
Concerts: Hundreds of free concerts are performed by music groups each year. The Music Department's calendar provides a concert schedule for all schools.
Connect-ED: Communications technology allows schools to contact homes by phone and e-mail. Connect-ED can be used for emergency notifications, to remind parents of important events, such as AIMS testing or curriculum nights, and to send absence notices. It is important for parents to keep contact information current with the school office to ensure that messages are received.
Correspondence Courses, High School: This is a convenient, cost-effective way to add course work. MPS has the most successful program in the state.
Course Catalog, Secondary: The publication, available in English and Spanish, describes the courses offered in junior highs and high schools.
Credit Recovery Programs, High School: The district offers credit recovery programs for high school students who need to earn credits toward graduation. Programs include the Career Exploration Program, Correspondence Courses, Mesa Distance Learning Program, Summer High School classes and Sundown.
Curriculum: Curriculum is developed from kindergarten through high school for consistency from one grade level to another and from school to school. District curriculum reflects each content area's Strategic Curriculum Review process and aligns with Arizona Academic Standards. Curriculum is usually revised by teachers and content specialists and reviewed by a parent advisory panel every seven years.
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Departments: Overviews and locations of MPS administrative and support services departments are published online.
Destiny Library Resource Centers: This Web site features information that can help students generate ideas, guide investigations, develop the imagination and write research papers.
DIBELS: The Dynamic Indicator of Basic Early Literacy Skills is a reading fluency assessment tool developed at the University of Oregon. It is used in the district and is approved under the federal Reading First program.
Distance Learning: The online curriculum is hosted by state-certified MPS teachers. The program serves students in kindergarten through high school. Students may earn a diploma though this individual learning and independent study program.
District Information and Guidelines: This document provides information for parents about district programs, policies and behavior guidelines. Parents receive a copy each year. It is also available online.
District Tests: District tests are developed by MPS staff to measure student learning in individual courses at the end of the semester and the end of the year. For information on standardized testing, see Tests.
Donating Items to Schools: Students benefit from the generosity of community members who contribute items that range from boxes of tissues to play costumes, and school supplies to musical instruments. To donate musical instruments, costumes and art supplies, call (480) 308-7350. For all other items, contact Community Relations at (480) 472-0223 or by e-mail.
Donating Money to Schools: MPS appreciates donations to the district, individual schools and programs. One method of giving is the Extracurricular Activity (ECA) program. Parents, grandparents and caring community members make contributions and earn a dollar-for-dollar tax credits on their Arizona state income tax. Other financial donations can be made through the Financial Services Department. Call (480) 472-0112. The Mesa Foundation for Educational Excellence accepts financial support for programs that promote student achievement and well-being.
Dual Enrollment: Students may take a class on a high school campus and receive high school and college credit. College tuition is required. Another requirement is the successful completion of an end-of-course test. Prior approval is required. Consult your counselor.
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East Valley Academy: EVA is an district high school adjacent to the East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT). Students generally spend half the day at EVA taking general education requirements and half the day at EVIT taking specialized course work.
East Valley Institute of Technology: (EVIT) is a public school district that serves students from 10 East Valley school districts, including MPS. Students attend class in their home district for general education requirements and take specialized career course work at EVIT.
ECA Tax Credit: The Extracurricular Activity program allows you to designate some of your state tax dollars to a Mesa school.
ED-TV channel 99: Educational Television broadcasts on Cox Cable and features MPS programming, such as Sports Talk, Happenings, Counselor's Corner and Governing Board meetings. Watch Ed-TV 99 on demand.
Educational and Career Action Plans: As required by the state, effective with the Class of 2013, all students will have an ECAP. These plans allow students to enter and update information in a variety of areas, including academic goals, career goals, post-secondary education goals and extracurricular goals. MPS offers an Internet-based plan called Kuder.
Elementary Curriculum: K-6 information features what every student should know and be able to do.
E-Mail Account Request: MPS employees may complete a form to open, change or close an account.
Emergency Notifications: MPS uses letters, the Web site, and a phone and e-mail notification system to communicate with parents in case of an emergency. Connect-ED allows a school to send a telephone and e-mail message using contact information provided by the parent. It is important to update your contact information.
Employment: MPS is the largest employer in Mesa. Jobs are posted at the Administrative Services Center, 63 E. Main St., Mesa, and online.
Employment, Student: Mesa Career Services offers a job bulletin for students who are seeking employment.
Employees of the Month: The superintendent and school board honor teachers and support staff members who are nominated by co-workers. Guidelines and nomination forms are on the Community Relations Web site.
English Language Acquisition for Adults: ELAA classes are free for individuals who wish to improve their basic language proficiency. Call (480) 472-7259.
English Language Civics Leadership: Within ELAA classes, adults focus on community responsibilities and social studies.
Enrollment: The Web site features information on registration, immunizations, finding your neighborhood school and open enrollement.
Extended Learning Program: ELP serves intellectually and academically gifted students in third grade through junior high. Mesa Supporters of the Gifted and Talented offer resources and special events for parents. Call Kris Mason at (480) 832-6450 for information on MSGT. Or logon to the Arizona Association for Gifted and Talented, and click "Local Chapters."
Extracurricular Activity Program: ECA enables Arizona taxpayers to donate money to a Mesa school. Dollar-for-dollar tax credits are available.
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Facility Rental: To rent a district facility, call (480) 472-0151 during business hours.
Family Education Rights and Privacy Act: FERPA is the federal law that governs privacy rights for student records. Parents generally have these rights until a student's 18th birthday, when the rights transfer to the student.
Family Tree: This family literacy program addresses the needs of parents and preschoolers who attend school together. They participate in early childhood, parent education and adult education at four sites.
Fast Facts: This is a quick overview of the district's budget, achievements, program highlights and more.
Flight Centers: In this Boeing-MPS partnership, fifth-graders apply their knowledge of the scientific principals of aviation in hands-on fixed-wing airplane and helicopter simulators.
Flyers: The district distributes flyers to elementary students for nonprofit organizations that offer youth activities. Prior approval from the Community Relations director is required.
Free- and Reduced-Price Meals: The district participates in the National School Lunch Program. Eligible students may receive free- or reduced-price meals (breakfast and lunch). Guidelines for eligibility are established by the federal government. Meal assistance applications are available online, at schools and at the Food and Nutrition office, 143 S. Alma School Road, Mesa.
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General Educational Development: GED tests may be taken to earn a high school equivalency certificate. The district's Community Education department offers classes to help individuals prepare for the GED.
Genesea: This is the district's special education database.
GeneSIS: This is the district's student information system.
Gifted and Talented: The Extended Learning Program serves intellectually and academically gifted students in third grade through junior high. Mesa Supporters of the Gifted and Talented offer resources and special events for parents. Call Kris Mason at (480) 832-6450 for more information on MSGT. Or logon to the Arizona Association for Gifted and Talented, and click on Local Chapters.
Gold Cards: People who are 62 and older may request a Gold Card to attend school-sponsored athletic and performing arts events for free or at reduced admission prices. Call Community Relations in advance at (480) 472-0223 to have a Gold Card ready for pickup.
Graduation Requirements: Students must pass Arizona's Instrument to Measure Standards to graduate from high school. In addition, students must earn at least 21 credits if they graduate before July 31, 2011, and 22 credits after that date.
Grooming Standards: Personal hygiene is important for the student and his/her classmates.
Guidelines: See District Information and Guidelines.
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Health and Accident Insurance: The district does not have accident or health insurance for students. Parents are responsible for insuring their children. Parents may purchase an optional policy from a private company.
Homeless Education: Resources are available for students and families experiencing a housing crisis. The 24-hour shelter availability hotline is 1 (800) 799-7739.
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In-Service Classes: MPS offers educational opportunities for employees.
Information and Guidelines: Districtwide elementary and secondary student handbooks answers frequently asked questions, and behavior expectations and consequences.
International Baccalaureate Programme: IB offers a demanding college-prep curriculum to students around the world. MPS is the first district in Arizona to offer a comprehensive K-12 IB programme at Westwood High School, the Mesa Academy for Advanced Studies, Frost Elementary and Hendrix Junior High.
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Job Bulletin: Job openings for students are listed online by Mesa Career Services.
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Kids Corner: The Community Education Department offers before- and after-school care for students in kindergarten through sixth-grade at some elementary schools for a fee.
K-6 Academic Skills: See what every student should know and be able to do.
Kindergarten: Enrollment begins in late January for students who will be 5 years old before Aug. 31. However, parents of children reaching the age of 5 between Sept. 1 and Dec. 31 may request enrollment in kindergarten, if they believe it is in their child's best interest.
KinderPrep: KinderPrep was created for children who turn 5 years of age between Sept. 1 and Dec. 31. The program emphasizes foundational skills that help prepare children for a successful transition to kindergarten.
Kuder is an Internet-based career planning system for students and parents.
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Library Resource Centers: This Web site features information that can help students with generating ideas, guiding investigations, developing the imagination and writing research papers.
Lunch: Free- and reduced-price lunches are available. Qualifications are established by the federal government. Applications are available online. Menus and prices are also posted. Prepayment may be made online with a credit or debit card at myLunchMoney.com.
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Maps: School attendance area maps and small districtwide maps are available for online viewing. Larger maps are available for purchase from the Research and Evaluation Department.
Media Guidelines: These procedures help district employees with media inquiries, emergency or controversial situations, districtwide or community issues, school or department feature stories and media on campus.
Mesa Agenda: The MPS employee newsletter is published online monthly.
Mesa Career Services: Scholarship resources, a Web-based job bulletin board, interview tips and workshops are available.
Mesa Distance Learning Program: The online curriculum is hosted by state-certified MPS teachers. The program serves students in kindergarten through high school. Students may earn a diploma though this individual learning and independent study program.
Mesa Foundation for Educational Excellence: Mesa Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit community organization. Tax-deductible donations and the proceeds of fund-raising efforts are used to promote student achievement and well-being in MPS.
Mesa Parent Advocates for Quality Schools: MPAQS is a group of parent leaders that as advisors to the superintendent. Quarterly meetings are open to all parents and residents. Meetings focus on information about district and state educational issues.
Mission Statement: MPS . . . We Teach Them Well.
Movie Ticket Discounts: MPS employees can buy discount tickets for Harkins and AMC in the lobby of the Student Services Center.
Music Program: Music is a division of the Creative and Performing Arts Department. The focus of music programs, such as band, choral music, general music, harp and orchestra, is to develop comprehensive musicianship.
MyLunchMoney.com: Parents may use the Internet to deposit money into their child's account for breakfast and lunch. Parents may monitor the student's usage, set spending limits and receive e-mail notifications when the balance is low.
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NAEP: The National Assessment of Educational Progress is a periodic assessment of U.S. students. It measures what our students know and can do in a variety of subject areas.
National Academic League: NAL combines important aspects of team sports (competitiveness, strategy and cooperation in a group effort) with important aspects of learning (problem solving, critical thinking and scholarship). Many of the district's junior high schools and the Mesa Academy for Advanced Studies offer NAL.
National Merit Scholarships: See PSAT/NMSQT.
NCLB: No Child Left Behind is a federal law that impacts K-12 education and requires certain actions on the part of the state and the school district.
Newsletters: The district has several publications for staff, parents and residents.
News Releases: The Community Relations Department helps district staff submit news releases to the media.
Norm-Referenced Tests: Assessment data are used to see how students in MPS compare to their peers. Our students consistently outperform students with similar demographics. NAEP and Stanford 10 are norm-referenced tests.
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OBARS: Training in the Organizational Budgeting, Accounting and Reporting System is open to MPS employees.
Op Shop is an annual districtwide college and career fair for junior high and high school students and their families. Colleges and universities, technical schools, community colleges, professional organizations, and representatives from business and industry help students preview post-high school options in education and employment.
Open Enrollment: Arizona is an open-enrollment state. Parents may select a school outside their neighborhood attendance area or their school district. MPS welcomes open enrollment students.
Opt-Out Form: The form allows parents to deny student access to the Internet at school, being photographed or interviewed by the media, or allowing the district to share information with military recruiters as required under No Child Left Behind. Complete the form and submit it to the school office each year.
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PABDAC: The Planning and Boundary Design Advisory Committee makes recommendations to the superintendent on growth and boundary alignment. Members are appointed by the Governing Board.
Parent Update: The district's No Child Left Behind report is published each fall.
Parent University: Free workshops support parents, grandparents, caregivers and educators in their vital role in shaping the lives of young people. Classes are taught by national consultants and prominent Valley educators.
Policies: The Governing Board creates policies to guide district staff.
Preschools: MPS offers Prekindergarten, Family Tree, Home-Based Migrant Preschool, Mesa Early Learning Preschool and Special Education Preschool Services. Maricopa County offers Head Start and Early Head Start.
Professional Development: Workshops are designed for MPS employees.
PSAT / NMSQT: This test is sponsored by the College Board and National Merit. It is an opportunity to practice for the SAT. It is a requirement to compete for National Merit recognition and scholarships. College QuickStart provides information on using the test scores.
Public Records Request: Request forms are online. Public records may also be requested in writing under the state public records law or the federal Freedom of Information Act.
Publication Guidelines Manual: Standards based on school board policy enable MPS employees to create publications that reflect high-quality editorial content and design.
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Release Time: Time off campus during the school day may be granted to students upon parent request and administrative approval. Contact your child's counselor.
Report Cards: Report cards are issued four times a year, after each nine-week grading period. At the elementary level, conferences are conducted at twice per year. Parents may request additional conferences.
Rules: MPS is guided by Governing Board Policies and Arizona Revised Statutes. Behavior guidelines are published in school handbooks and District Information and Guidelines.
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SAT: The college entrance exam is administered by the College Board. It is required by some colleges and universities for admission.
School Report Cards: The Arizona Department of Education issues report cards annually for each public school.
Service Learning: Service learning volunteer programs are available at many schools. Students may earn the Honor for Excellence in Service Learning upon completion of 150 hours of service learning throughout the four years of high school. This can be a combination of curriculum-based service learning and extracurricular service sponsored by clubs or community organizations.
Space Integration Module: SIM is a unique opportunity for elementary students to experience the thrill of space flight. SIM includes an orbiter, space station and mission control, all equipped with the latest technology. The SIM experience focuses on science, technology, engineering and math. It also teaches students the importance of communication, teamwork and problem solving.
Special Days and Observances: Education- and youth-related days, weeks and months help school employees plan ahead.
State Standards: MPS curriculum for kindergarten through 12th grade is aligned with Arizona State Standards in the arts, comprehensive health and physical activity, foreign and native language, language arts (including reading and writing), math, social studies, technology and workplace skills.
State Tax Credit: The Extracurricular Activity program allows you to designate some of your state tax dollars to a Mesa school.
Study Resources: The Study Dog link leads to a variety of search engines and lots of resources to help with math, language, current events and social studies.
Substitute Teachers: They maintain quality academic standards when teachers are absent due to illness or professional development. MPS hires substitute teachers who have a current Arizona teaching or substitute teaching certificate.
Summer Kidz Camp: This is a licensed summer childcare option for elementary-age children.
Superintendency: The superintendency is a group of administrators responsible for the day-to-day operations of Mesa Public Schools. They provide recommendations to the citizen-elected Governing Board regarding academics, policy and finance.
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Tax Credits: You can direct your Arizona tax money to a Mesa school. Dollar-or-dollar state tax credits are available.
Technology Training: Educational Technology and Information Systems offer in-service training for MPS employees.
Tests: The district uses several assessments to measure student achievement and to comply with state and federal government mandates. Individual tests include AIMS, district tests, NAEP and Stanford 10.
Theme Park Discounts: MPS employees are eligible for vacation discounts through Get-Away Today, Legoland, Sea World, Six Flags Magic Mountain, Hurricane Harbor and Universal Studios.
Trip Reduction Program: MPS has a plan to help employees save money on gasoline, decrease traffic congestion and reduce air pollution. The Trip Reduction Program is a Maricopa County mandate.
Tutoring: Many schools offer free tutoring programs before school, after school or during lunch. Ask your teacher for information. MPS offers study resources, at no cost to students, such as Britannica Online, Library Resource Centers and Live Homework Help Online. The Study Dog link leads to a variety of search engines and lots of resources to help with math, language, current events and social studies.
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Used Surplus: Used, unwanted or unneeded items are redistributed for use in other areas of the district. However, for items that we are not able to redistribute, an open house is conducted to sell available items to the general public.
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Visitors: We welcome visitors to MPS campuses. Please sign in at the school office and pick up a name badge as soon as you arrive.
Volunteer Services: We welcome parent and community volunteers who assist our schools in many ways. Visit the school office and ask how you can help.
Volunteers of the Month: Employees are invited to nominate parent and community volunteers. They are honored by the superintendent and the school board.
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Web Policies and Best Practices: Appropriate content and visual consistency of school and department Web sites are based on policies and best practices determined by Web Services, Educational Technology and Community Relations departments. Architeck is the district's Web content management system.