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🌱 Patch AM: Which Kyrene schools are closing and when will changes hit?

Be sure to catch International John Violinist coming to The Herberger Theater Center Stage West on Sun. January 4, 20 on the Tempe Patch…

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Good morning to you Tempe! Catch up on our news and events right here. Keep reading to stay in the know. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Which Kyrene schools are closing and when will changes hit?
  • Why Tempe Union’s board presidency sparked such an emotional debate
  • What moving survivor stories are coming to Tempe History Museum?

Also on today's calendar: International John Violinist coming to The Herberger Theater Center Stage West on Sun. January 4, 20 and 9 more events.

Find out what's happening in Tempefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What did one astronaut stranded on the moon say to another? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Tempefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Friday: Sunny and pleasantly warm, with a high of 77 and low of 49 degrees.
  • Saturday: Sunny and pleasantly warm, temps: high: 78, low: 50.
  • Sunday: Mostly sunny and pleasant, with a high of 79 and low of 55 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Downfall of Arizona neighborhood schools worsens, Kyrene set to close six campuses (azfamily.com) — Families in Tempe’s Kyrene Elementary School District are facing major changes as the governing board voted to close six neighborhood schools because of declining enrollment and budget shortfalls. Closures begin after this school year and continue into 2027, forcing many students who currently walk or bike to school onto longer bus commutes. District leaders say the plan should save $6.7 million over five years.
   

2. Tempe Union Board has tense, unusual discussion (ahwatukee.com) — Tempe Union High School District board members recently held a tense, unusually candid discussion about who should serve as board president in 2026, debating leadership style, emotional resilience, and time commitments. Several members, including current president Armando Montero and vice president Amanda Steele, expressed interest while stressing that board unity and student-focused decisions must remain the priority.
   

3. Triumph in Tragedy: Traveling Holocaust exhibit brings survivor stories across Arizona (tucsonweekly.com) — Tempe residents will soon be able to explore a powerful Holocaust exhibit at Tempe History Museum from Dec. 17, 2025, through April 2, 2026, featuring stories of Gerda and Kurt Klein. The traveling “Triumph in Tragedy” series brings survivor artifacts and narratives to five Arizona cities, with free admission and companion talks aimed at preserving memory and countering antisemitism.
   

4. ASU encourages former Sun Devils to come back and complete degrees through new initiative (kjzz.org) — ASU is inviting former students back to its Tempe campus with Operation Comeback, offering debt relief and new per-credit scholarships for Arizona residents who return in 2026. The program can zero out some past-due balances, add up to $1,000 more for those near graduation, and pairs returners with reentry specialists to help them finally finish their degrees.
   

📸 Around Tempe

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • HELLO NEIGHBORS!
    Aris Foundation will be giving out Turkey Dinners again for Christmas. This will take Place TUESDAY December 23rd at 5pm until supplies last. It… (Nextdoor Juniper Watson)
  • I have a free 6ft Christmas tree.
    5 people have wanted it and zero people came. So I am sitting it by the gate at 1425 E Libra Drive in Tempe free for the taking!! (Nextdoor Juniper Watson)
  • McDonald's posted a job opening for Shift Manager in Tempe. Apply here.
  • Sam's Club posted a job opening for Freezer, Cooler and Deli Stocker Associate in Tempe. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Tempe here.

Ok Tempe! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I don’t think you know the gravity of this situation.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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