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Centennial Middle School Bands Band Handbook

Greetings from the Director:

Hello Centennial band students and parents! My name is Mr. Ian Grzyb (pronounced Jib), and I am the new band director at Centennial Middle School starting in the 2016-2017 school year.  This  is  my  first  year  teaching  in  the  Kyrene  School  District,  and  I  am  excited  to  share  my  passion  for  music  with  you  throughout  your  time  at  Centennial.      

My  teaching  philosophy  is  based  around  the  idea  that  all  people  have  the  ability  to  be  musical  in  some  way.  As  a  music  teacher,  my  job  is  to  guide  the  development  of  the  student  musician.  It  is  not  my  goal  to  create  a  generation  of  students  who  pursue  music  as  a  career,  but  rather  to  help  students  to  love  and  appreciate  music  throughout  their  lifetimes.  In  addition  to  teaching  music,  I  focus  on  developing  secondary  skills  through  music  performance:  perseverance,  dedication,  critical  thinking,  problem  solving,  grit  and  creativity.  The  band  classroom  is  one  of  the  best  places  to  develop  these  skills,  and  the  challenge  of  learning  and  mastering  a  musical  instrument  is  something  that  will  benefit  students  through  their  entire  lives.  I  hope  to  make  the  band  classroom  one  that  is  hardworking,  driven,  focused  and  enjoyable.  

 This  handbook  aims  to  outline  the  procedures,  expectations  and  structure  of  the  band  

program  at  CMS.  Please  take  the  time  to  read  through  the  handbook  and  complete  the  signatures  at  the  end  of  the  document  and  return  page  11  to  me  by  August  10.  Even  if  you  are  a  returning  family,  some  procedures  may  be  new  this  year.  Please  review  the  handbook  thoroughly  and  keep  the  copy  on  record.  I  furthermore  invite  you  to  email  or  call  me  with  any  questions,  comments  or  concerns  you  may  have  regarding  the  handbook,  or  your  child’s  music  education.  Meaningful  communication  is  the  only  way  for  all  parties  (student,  parent  and  teacher)  to  create  a  positive  band  experience  at  CMS.    I  look  forward  to  meeting  you  soon!    Ian  Grzyb  

Contact Information:  Phone Number: (480)-541-6559 Email: IGrzyb@Kyrene.org Staff Website: http://www.kyrene.org/Page/39028

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Objectives of the Band Program: By the time students in the band program leave 8th grade, they should be able to do the following:

• Identify all parts of their instrument. • Maintain their instrument and perform minor repairs. • Have an understanding of standard musical notation. This includes:

o Rhythmic reading skills. o Pitch reading skills. o Articulations and expressive markings.

• Understanding of proper technique and proper posture. • Understand good tone production on their instrument. • Sightread at a grade level of 1.5-2.5. • Be able to play all 12 major scales. • Have an understanding of common musical vocabulary. • Listen to and meaningfully evaluate a recording. • Develop musicality skills and performance skills. • Perform written sheet music using the above skills at a medium ability level.

This is a brief overview of the band objectives at CMS. All skills are developed continuously from 6th grade until the student leaves 8th grade. For a more detailed list of skills as addressed by grade, and by semester, please visit my website.

Policies and Procedures:  Our classroom policies and procedures allow us to maintain a safe, respectful learning environment for all students at Centennial Middle School. The specific policies and procedures for the band classroom are as follows:

1. Students will observe all school rules and policies (including technology rules, and the 3 Ps).

2. Students will come into the classroom, grab their instrument from their locker, put it together and be ready for warm-up by three minutes after the bell rings.

3. If at all possible, students should try to use the restroom during the first 5 minutes of class.

4. Once Mr. Grzyb steps up on the conductor’s podium, warm-up will begin. 5. Students will have all required classroom materials (see required materials section) at all

times in the band classroom. Take particular care to have a pencil and your 3 ring binder. 6. Students will raise their hand to ask a question, or make a comment. This allows for less

confusion in class. 7. Students will fill out a “band help slip” in the front of the room if they need an instrument

repair or if they need new music printed. If there is an instrument issue, you will finger along for the remainder of class, and give the instrument to Mr. Grzyb after class so he can try to fix it.

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8. Students will bring their instrument to class daily. The first time a student forgets, they will finger along. The second time and beyond, they will need to do a written assignment in class to maintain their points.

9. Students will complete assignments in a timely manner. My room is available before and after school most days if you need to complete an assignment at school.

10. Students will turn in assignments to the appropriate folder in the front of the room. 11. All assignments not turned in by the time the “3 minute” timer goes off will be counted

as late. 12. Students will be at all concerts and performances as indicated on the band calendar.

Failure to do so will result in the lowering of the student’s final grade. In addition, students will wear the appropriate concert dress as outlined in the “uniform” section of this handbook.

13. Students will follow all classroom expectations that they outline as a class at the beginning of the year.

14. Students will approach Mr. Grzyb if they have any issues with their progress as a musician.

If students break rules or policies, the following discipline policy will be administered: 1st Offense – Verbal Warning 2nd Offense – Name on board 3rd Offense – Buddy Room referral 4th + Offense – Focus Room referral/Call home to parents Serious Offense/repeated offenses – Administrator Referral In the case of a serious offense (bullying, serious disrespect, hazing, etc) the student will be sent directly to administration. I know this seems like a long list of policies, but we will be going over them in great detail the first week of school. The policies will be posted in the room as well. These policies exist simply to allow for the best learning to take place for all students in this classroom.

Student Responsibilities:  Students will be responsible for the following in the band classroom:

1. Bringing their instrument to class daily. 2. Practice at home, or in the class before/after school. 90 minutes minimum per week. 3. Notify Mr. Grzyb of instrument/learning issues. 4. Be at all concerts/performances. 5. Maintain their locker. 6. 8th graders – Maintain academic performance in all classes so that you may go on trips. 7. Inform band director, and coaches of conflicts between sports and band schedules.

 

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Required Materials:  Instrument: I HIGHLY recommend you rent or purchase an instrument. Centennial has limited instruments on hand, and the instruments we do have are not always the most reliable, or the easiest to make a good tone on. By renting an instrument, you are making a worthwhile investment in your development as a musician, as you will find that you progress much quicker on a quality instrument. If you do need to rent a school instrument for any reason, please contact me immediately, as the instruments that I do have on hand will go first come, first served. Daily Classroom Supplies: Please purchase the materials listed below.

• 6th Grade Band - Standard of Excellence Book 1 by Bruce Pearson (red cover). Purchase the version for your specific instrument.

• All Grades - 3 ring binder to hold handouts, and music in class. • All Grades - You must have a pencil at all times. Please keep it in your folder so you are

always ready. • All Grades - A metronome and tuner for daily practice (Korg TM-40 recommended).

With smartphones, you can find many apps for free to fill this role. I personally recommend two paid apps however: Tempo (Published by FrozenApe) and Tonal Energy. We will regularly use both of these apps in class. Keep in mind that if you have an app based tuner/metronome, you still maynot use it in class, per the school's electronics policy.

Flutes: • Cleaning Rod • Cleaning Cloth

Clarinet:

• Cork Grease • Cleaning Swab • 6th Grade – #2-2.5 clarinet reeds* (at least 3 at all times, free of damage) Vandoren or

Rico recommended. • 7th, 8th Grade - #2.5 or #3 reeds* (at least 3 at all times, free of damage) Vandoren or

Rico recommended. • Recommended - "Fobes Debut" or "Hite Premiere" mouthpiece. • Recommended - Reed guard to protect reeds.

*Students will move up in reed strength based on personal development. Start with these strengths and Mr. Grzyb will recommend a time to switch. NO PLASTIC, COLORED OR FLAVORED REEDS.

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Saxophones: • 6th Grade – #2-2.5 reeds for your specific saxophone* (at least 3 at all times, free of

damage) Vandoren or Rico recommended. • 7th, 8th Grade - #2.5 or #3 reeds for your specific saxophone* (at least 3 at all times, free

of damage) Vandoren or Rico recommended. • Solid neckstrap (not made with string). Neotech is a good brand. Baritone Saxophone

players should try to get the Neotech Bari Sax Harness for ease of play. • Recommended - "Selmer C*" mouthpiece. • Recommended - Reed guard to protect reeds.

*Students will move up in reed strength based on personal development. Start with these strengths and Mr. Grzyb will recommend a time to switch. NO PLASTIC, COLORED OR FLAVORED REEDS. Oboe:

• Cleaning swab • 2 Reeds (Weber, Lescher or Emerald Reeds recommended, medium strength (med-soft

for beginners). • Water container for soaking reeds.

Trumpet:

• Valve oil • Slide grease • Mouthpiece Brush • Recommended - "Bach 7C" mouthpiece

Horn:

• Slide grease • Rotor Oil • Mouthpiece Brush • Recommended - "Holton Farkas" mouthpiece

Trombone:

• Slide Cream • Small spray water bottle • Mouthpiece Brush • Recommended - "Bach 6 1/2 AL" Mouthpiece

Euphonium:

• Valve oil • Slide grease • Mouthpiece Brush • Recommended - "Bach 6 1/2 AL" Mouthpiece

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Tuba: • Valve oil • Slide grease • Mouthpiece Brush • Recommended - "Schilke 67" Mouthpiece

Recommended items are not necessary to purchase. They do, however, make terrific christmas presents that will serve your child through their entire musical lives. Percussion: You will need to rent a bell kit for practicing at home. You will not need to bring it back and forth each day. Other than that, please try to acquire the following materials.

• 1 pair of concert style snare drum sticks (Vic Firth SD1, Firth Ted Atkatz, Innovative Chris Lamb, or other models with teacher approval). Please do not purchase drumset sticks, as they are designed specifically for drumset. (Beginning of 6th Grade).

• 1 pair of medium yarn marimba mallets (Vic Firth M114, Innovative IP240, or similar with teacher approval) (2nd Semester, 6th Grade).

• 1 pair medium-hard timpani mallets (Vic Firth T3). (Beginning of 7th Grade) • 1 pair soft plastic bell/xylophone mallets (Innovative OS1, Malletech “Becker Blues”

Innovative F12, Balter BB11, Vic Firth M14, or similar). (Beginning of 6th Grade). • 1 Drumpad, any size (HQ reel feel gum rubber recommended). (Beginning of 6th Grade). • 1 Pitch Pipe (Beginning of 7th Grade)

Several manufacturers make "mallet pre-packs" which contain many of the necessary materials and can save you some money. Some examples are:

• Liberty I Basic Stick Pack (Budget Friendly, might be prone to damage, and replacements regularly, however).

• Steve Weiss best Seller Pack (highly recommended). • Vic Firth EP2 Educational Pack (very good selection of mallets).

Keep in mind that with these packs, you will still need to get a practice pad, and a pitch pipe. If you have any issues preventing you from purchasing any of the required items, please contact Mr. Grzyb immediately (IGrzyb@kyrene.org). It is never my intent to prevent, or discourage a student from participating in band. By communicating with me immediately, I can absolutely work through a solution with your family.

Concert Uniform: All students will need to purchase a CMS Band Polo for $15. Order forms will be found in the Band Handbook given to students the second day of school. This polo can be used for all three

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years, unless a student needs to order a new one due to growth. Other than that, the uniform is as follows: CMS Band Polo Boys - Black dress pants or slacks. Girls - Black dress pants, slacks, or a skirt that extends down to the ankles. All students - Black socks and black shoes Please do not wear hats, or any sort of headwear during a performance (ribbons, cat ears, etc). The goal is to create a unified look that does not distract the audience from our music.

Grading System: The band program at CMS makes use of the following grading scale: 90-100 A 80-89 B 70-79 C 60-69 D 0-59 F Grade Weights: Assessment – 90%

• Playing tests (in person or on SmartMusic) • Written tests • Performances

Practice – 10% • Practice Records - • Musictheory.net assignments • In-class performance • Quizzes

Students will have regular playing tests, approximately 2-4 written tests per semester, and 2-3 performances per semester. As you can see, missing a performance will impact the grade significantly, since it is a heavily weighted component of the class, and there are not many assessments. For assignments and assessments, we make use of the four-point grading scale. On this scale, anything above a 3 is marked as proficient. Anything below a 3 is approaching proficiency. More information on this scale will be given to students on the first days of school. Students will be allowed to retake any playing test over the semester (provided they took the playing test on time the first attempt). Please ask Mr. Grzyb to set up a time to do this. More information on SmartMusic will be sent home with your student.

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Performances, by their very nature, cannot be made up. Since band is a Curricular Class, attendance is expected. If the student has an Excused absence, they may submit a 2 page paper on any one of several topics (found in the band room) to Mr. Grzyb until the end of the semester. Excused Absences include (but are not limited to) illness, family emergencies, travel for a wedding, Religious observance, and funerals. Unexcused Absences include doctor’s appointments, sport practice, lack of transportation, and other extracurricular activities. Grades will be updated regularly, and you will be able to view grades on ParentVUE and StudentVUE. Please check regularly and contact me with any concerns.

Practice Records:  Students are expected to turn in a practice record each week on Monday or Tuesday. This practice record can be found in the front of the band room or on my staff website. Students are responsible for documenting 90 minutes of practice time and comments on what they practiced. Grades are assigned based on the completion of all 90 minutes, and the day they are turned in. Monday, Tuesday – 100% Wednesday – 90% Thursday – 80% Friday – 70% Students may practice at home and get a parent signature, or may practice in the band room before/after school and get a signature from Mr. Grzyb. 90 minutes a week amounts to approximately 13 minutes per day, 7 days per week. Spend the small amount of time per day, as you will get better much faster. Here are some practice tips:

• Practice in a space free of distraction • Use a metronome and a tuner • Practice slow to fast. Don’t run a passage or a scale as fast as you can. Build up to it. • Practice only on the days that you are alive. • Take notes as you practice. Ask questions. • Play for family members. • Repetition is key. Try playing something 10 times in a row perfectly.

   

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Centennial Middle School Band Calendar, 2016-2017 Tuesday, August 2 - Instrument Rental Night, CMS Band Room, 5-7pm Saturday, October 15 - Concert/clinic with Mountain Pointe, MPHS Auditorium, 1-4:30pm (7th, 8th Grade Band Only) Tuesday, December 6 – Winter Band Concert, CMS Multipurpose room, 5:30-8:00pm Monday-Tuesday, January 9-10 – Kyrene District Honor Band, Corona Del Sol High School (selected 8th graders) Thursday-Saturday March 2-4 – 8th Grade Band California tour Tuesday, March 21 – Spring Concert, CMS Multipurpose Room, 5:30-8:00 pm Thursday, March 23 – Tentative ABODA Band Festival Trip, during school time (8th Grade Band Only) Monday, May 8 – Final concert with Mountain Pointe High School, TBA. *Other dates might be added to this calendar (for instance, MPHS middle school band night). I will send home a notice with students when these dates are added.   Please mark these dates on your family calendar. Students are expected to attend their scheduled concerts as part of the required curriculum and grade for Band. Failure to attend a performance will result in a lower grade. There is a make-up assignment for concerts missed for excused absences only. I understand unexpected events come up. Please call or email me before or after a performance if such an event occurs.

*Feel Free to take this page and post it on the Fridge, on the wall, or anywhere that will help!*

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Centennial Middle School Bands Excused Absence Form Parents: Please fill out this form when you anticipate an absence from a required event. Even if you are unsure of the absence, it is better to be safe than sorry. Copies of this form can also be found in the front of the band room. Student Name:__________________________________________________ Parent/Guardian Name:__________________________________________ Today’s Date:___________________________________________________ Name of Event:__________________________________________________ Date of Event:___________________________________ Reason for Absence:

Student Signature:______________________________ Date:_______________ Parent Signature:_______________________________ Date:_______________

 

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Centennial Middle School Bands Statements of Understanding/Mutual Consent Students and Parents/Guardians: Please read and initial each box indicating that you have read and understand the policies. Please contact me using the information on page 3 if you have any questions. Please sign and return by August 10. Description Student

Initial Parent Initial

I have read and I understand the policies and procedures for the band class. I understand that my child will be held to the school and classroom discipline policy if they break the rules/policies.

I have read the required materials list and I will purchase the necessary items for my student. I understand that if I have an issue purchasing any required materials, I should talk to Mr. Grzyb immediately so he can secure items for us.

I have read the uniform requirements for band performances and understand that they must be followed for all performances. The penalty will be the lowering of the semester grade.

I understand that my student is required to be at all performances outlined in the band calendar on page 11. Unexcused absence from a concert will result in a lower grade and cannot be made up.

I have read the grading policy and understand how grades work in the band classroom.

I have received a copy of the band calendar, and will reference it if there are any questions about dates.

I understand that I am to fill out the excused absence form found in this handbook on page 12 if I anticipate an absence. I will turn this in no later than 2 weeks before a required performance.

I understand that I am to purchase a band polo by August 31th.

I understand that I am to maintain satisfactory academic performance in all classes so that I remain eligible for trips and performances.

Please sign below stating you have received and read the handbook. Parent Signature:_______________________________ Date:______________

Student Signature:______________________________ Date:______________

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Centennial Middle School Bands Polo Order Form Student Name:  __________________________________________________________________    Parent Name:  ___________________________________________________________________    Polo Size:  ________________  (XS,  S,  M,  L,  XL,  XXL)      Polo Type:

¨ Men’s Polo  

     

¨ Women’s Polo                  These  pictures  are  samples  of  the  shirt  types.  They  are  not  what  our  polos  will  look  like.     Polos are $15 each. Please attach payment to this form (cash, money order or check made out to “Centennial Middle School” (put “band shirt” on the memo line)). Please submit this form to Mr. Grzyb by Wednesday, August 31 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -          

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Centennial Middle School Bands Classroom Donation List It takes a fair amount of materials to run a middle school band program. I purchase necessities so that we can have the materials we need to help all students participate. If you are feeling particularly generous, and would like to help out with some materials, we can use any of the following throughout the year:

¨ Clarinet Reeds (strength 2, 2.5 or 3). Singular, boxes of 10, 25. Rico Orange Box, Rico Royal, Rico Reserve, Vandoren.

¨ Bass Clarinet Reeds (strength 2, 2.5 or 3). Singular, boxes of 10, 25. Rico Orange Box,

Rico Royal, Rico Reserve, Vandoren.

¨ Alto Sax Reeds (strength 2, 2.5 or 3). Singular, boxes of 10, 25. Rico Orange Box, Rico Royal, Rico Reserve, Vandoren.

¨ Tenor Sax Reeds (strength 2, 2.5 or 3). Singular, boxes of 10, 25. Rico Orange Box, Rico

Royal, Rico Reserve, Vandoren.

¨ Bari Sax Reeds (strength 2, 2.5 or 3). Singular, boxes of 10, 25. Rico Orange Box, Rico Royal, Rico Reserve, Vandoren.

¨ Bread Bags (box of 100 on Amazon, for breathing exercises) ¨ Valve Oil ¨ Slide Grease ¨ Slide Cream ¨ Cork Grease ¨ Small Spray Bottles ¨ Mouthpiece Brushes ¨ Mi-T Mist Mouthpiece Cleaner ¨ Cleaning Cloths ¨ Instrument Donations (can be used as a tax write off, see Mr. Grzyb for details) ¨ Tissues ¨ 3 ring binders ¨ Pencils (A box of 144 golf pencils from amazon is a great purchase)

¨ Tax Credit Donations (see next page).

*Tax Credits are very important as we need to make many purchases: about 50 new stands, instrument repairs and new instruments, new music, etc. Please write band on the blank lines to allocate your tax donation to the band program. If you would like to donate any of the items above to the program, please check the items off and let Mr. Grzyb know. Thank you for your tremendous support of the CMS band program.

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Centennial Middle School Bands Parent Volunteer Form  Thank you for your interest in helping out with events for the Centennial Middle School Bands. Please fill out this form, and we will contact you if we need your help. Note: All volunteers MUST have a fingerprint clearance card. Name:_______________________________________________________ Email Address:________________________________________________ Student’s Name/Grade: ________________________________________ Please Circle One: I have a fingerprint clearance card Yes No Please check off the events/activities in which you are interested in helping with:

¨ Band Concerts (October, December, March or May)

¨ 8th Grade Only – ABODA Area Concert Festival (March 23)

¨ 8th Grade Only – Disneyland Trip (keep in mind that you must PAY for this trip)

¨ Sorting and distributing fundraising items

¨ Helping with Jazz/Percussion out of school performances

Yes! My choice is to enhance education! I am enclosing a check money order payable to the Kyrene School of my

choice for $____________ as a contribution to the public school system for extracurricular activity fees.

NOTE: A separate check must be received for each school.

Name ____________________________________________________________ Daytime Phone ______________________________________

Mailing Address _________________________________________ City ________________________ State _____________ Zip Code __________

*Total amount cannot exceed $400 for joint tax return. Individual returns are $200 maximum credit. Corporate and/or business checks are not eligible. ARS 43-1089.01(G)(2)(d) defines extracurricular activities as school-sponsored activities that supplement the school’s educational program and require enrolled students to pay a fee in order to participate. Please check with the school if you have questions about specific program eligibility.

Please Note: The above complete information is required in order for this contribution to be used as a TAX CREDIT on your 2016 Arizona State Income report. If the information is incomplete, your contribution and form will be returned to you. Tax credits must be POSTMARKED by April 15, 2017. Please mail completed form to: Tax Credits, Kyrene School District No. 28, 8700 South Kyrene Road, Tempe, AZ 85284. This is NOT a receipt. You will be mailed a receipt by the receiving school. If you have any questions, please call the school directly. Online donation receipts can be obtained from PayPal.

TEMPE • CHANDLER • AHWATUKEE

Kyrene School District No. 28 2016 Arizona State Tax Credit Contribution Form

Make a tax credit donation to a Kyrene school, you’ll get it back in more ways than one. Donate up to $400 to a Kyrene school of your choice and deduct that amount from state income taxes through a tax credit*.

You can donate in person at the schools or district office, mail this contribution form, or online at: www.kyrene.org/taxcredit

District Office • 8700 S. Kyrene Road, Tempe, AZ 85284 (NW Corner Kyrene & Warner) • 480-541-1000

Elementary Schools$__________ Kyrene de las Brisas

$__________ Kyrene de los Cerritos

$__________ Kyrene del Cielo

$__________ Kyrene de la Colina

$__________ Kyrene de la Esperanza

$__________ Kyrene de la Estrella

$__________ Kyrene de los Lagos

$__________ Kyrene de las Lomas

$__________ Kyrene de las Manitas

$__________ Kyrene de la Mariposa

$__________ Kyrene del Milenio

$__________ Kyrene de la Mirada

$__________ Kyrene Monte Vista

$__________ Kyrene de los Niños

$__________ Kyrene del Norte

$__________ Kyrene de la Paloma

$__________ Kyrene de la Sierra

$__________ Kyrene Traditional Academy - Sureño Campus

$__________ C.I. Waggoner

Middle Schools

$__________ Kyrene Akimel A-al

$__________ Kyrene Altadeña

$__________ Kyrene Aprende

$__________ Kyrene Centennial

$__________ Kyrene Middle School

$__________ Kyrene del Pueblo

If your donation is listed by the school name only, it will go into the general fund. Please specify below if you want tax credit for programs such as community education, character education, fine arts and athletics. A separate check must be received for each school or if choosing Athletics.

Apply my contribution to the following EXTRACURRICULAR activity at the designated school(s):

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

Other Programs

$__________ KASP (located at Kyrene del Pueblo)

$__________ Athletics (Middle School)*

16-001 (JAN15)