District Dialogue Bi-weekly news from the Laveen Elementary School District
February 1, 2019
Trailside Point partners with ASU, Cisco to solve global problems Trailside Point was selected to participate in Arizona State University's Global Problem Solvers Program (GPS), which is a partnership with Cisco to cultivate global and social awareness in middle school students. The program focuses on solving global and local problems with an Internet of Things component and empathy for those the solution would benefit. ASU provides participating schools with a $7,500 grant to support the students in this challenge and conducts monthly site visits to assist in the implementation of the program resources. Teachers are provided with curriculum and materials developed by Cisco and ASU to develop critical thinking and problem solving skills in students. Overall, the GPS program challenges students to create empathetic, technologydriven solutions to problems in the community and world. Representatives from the program visited with students just before the winter break to conduct a business model canvas exercise and practice pitching. Trailside was one of ten schools selected from around the state.
Vista, Cheatham students lead district’s Spelling Bee Each of Laveen’s eight schools sent their top speller from each grade level (Grades 4-8) to compete in the district spelling bee held last week. Vista del Sur seventh grader Taylor Price took 1st Place. Cheatham eighth grader Jennifer To is the runner up. Price will go on to compete at the regional bee later this month. To will replace Price in the event she is unable to compete.
Zarka, Schneider are December’s Employees of the Month Employees of the month for December were Nicholas Zarka, Cheatham eighth grade math teacher, and Jennifer Schneider, M.C. Cash librarian. Zarka was nominated for having the ability to motivate students into doing their personal best. He maintains a positive attitude and willingness to help others. In addition to being an excellent teacher, Zarka is the basketball coach. As such, he believes in being a team throughout all aspects of school. He Zarka is dedicated to student learning and even put on a small carnival consisting of math games to help his students learn Schneider works tirelessly with students, fostering their love of reading at an early age. She uses a wide variety of techniques to keep students engaged, such as mini-lessons and read-a-louds. She devotes countless hours to the Book Fair. Each year it is a great success and encourages the students’ passion for learning and benefits the school’s library resources. She is always welcoming to students Schneider and staff and helps ensure students meet their PBIS expectations. .
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Laveen Elementary School District’s KINDERGARTEN ROUND UP For students starting in August 2019 REGISTER● MEET THE TEACHERS ● VISIT CLASSROOMS Free gift for children registered on this date.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5 4:30 P.M. - 6:30 P.M. At all Laveen schools*
FREE FULL DAY KINDERGARTEN AT ALL SCHOOLS
Students may be enrolled in any of our schools regardless of where they live, space permitting. Families living outside of a particular school’s transportation zone will be responsible for providing transportation.
*Except Vista del Sur. Vista is an accelerated academy and requires an assessment prior to enrolling. Kindergartners enrolled at Paseo Pointe must be part of the Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program.
Preschool (ages 3-4) is offered at Desert Meadows, Paseo Pointe (DLI), and Vista del Sur.
Our third preschool is under construction!
Beginning in the 2019-20 school year, Vista del Sur will join Paseo Pointe and Desert Meadows in offering preschool to children ages 3-4. This full day program is curriculum-based. Paseo Pointe‘s preschool offers a dual language immersion program. Vista del Sur and Desert Meadows’ programs provide general education instruction.
Preschool registration for 2019-20 begins Feb. 5. Laveen School District │ 5001 W. Dobbins │ 602-237-7058 For more information visit www.laveeneld.org/preschool.