District Dialogue Bi-weekly news from the Laveen Elementary School District
April 24, 2015
District recognized for public relations The Laveen District was recognized by the Arizona School Public Relations Association at their recent ASPRA*tions Awards luncheon. The district received three Awards of Excellence for a Specific Program for The Latest from Laveen District Newsletter, School Graphic Standards, and the Winter Festival, and an Award of Distinction for a Specific Program for Strategic Planning. Laveen also nominated Senator Catherine Miranda for Excellence by a Government Official for Contributions to Public Education for her sponsorship of several bills supporting Laveen schools. Right: Communications Coordinator Kristen Landry and Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent Elizabeth Jimenez accept the district’s ASPRA awards.
Trailside coach named Rodel Aspiring Principal
Vista del Sur honored
Trailside Point Instructional Coach Brett Humphrey was selected to participate in the Rodel Exemplary Principal Initiative as a Rodel Aspiring Principal. As an aspiring principal, Humphrey will be mentored by one of Rodel’s Humphrey Exemplary Principals in order to prepare him to eventually lead his own school. Humphrey will serve as Assistant Principal at Trailside Point next year.
Vista del Sur was once again named a "High Performing Reward School" by the Arizona Department of Education. They received this honor for their high academic performance and student growth. High Performing Reward Schools are Title I schools that earned an “A” letter grade, met their Annual Measurable Objectives, and showed significant academic growth in their bottom quartile students. They will be recognized at a state-wide conference in June.
Information sessions planned for School No. 8 The Laveen Elementary School District will be opening their newest school in August 2016. This K-8 school will be located in the Paseo Point community near 55th Avenue and Dobbins. Please join us on April 30 to hear about School #8 and see the design. We will be holding two information sessions, at 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., at the Laveen Education Center, 5001 W. Dobbins. The District Dialogue is issued twice monthly.
Digital Learning Day a success!
Rogers Ranch a “Bright Spot” school
Classrooms across the Laveen Elementary School District participated in Digital Learning Day on March 13. This was a huge success with 93% of teachers across the district participating in this international event showcasing technology in the classroom. Teachers were asked to tell us how they were integrating technology into their lessons; we received over 200 responses! Several schools had 100% participation and were recognized with plaques. Trailside Point was named the 2015 Laveen Digital Learning Day winner. All Laveen schools have a 2:1 student to device ratio.
Rogers Ranch has been named a “Bright Spot” school by Thriving Together for their third grade reading. Thriving Together is a United Way initiative to help children succeed from birth to career. Thriving Together will learn what's working from Rogers Ranch to share with other schools in the collaborative.
Trailside, Vista receive grants Trailside Point and Vista del Sur will both receive a $5,000 grant from the Arizona Technology in Education Association (AzTEA) and CenturyLink for their Engineering the Future and Building Intelligent Cities projects.
Laveen Spring Arts Festival April 24 / 5pm-8pm 5001 W. Dobbins
Crafts Vendors Food
Cram, Seaport are April’s Employees of the Month Employees of the month for March were Ms. Helen Seaport, Special Education Associate and Mr. Michael Cram, Art Teacher, both of Desert Meadows School.
Cram was recognized for his ability to sparks students’ imagination and creativity in many ways. He has an elegant way of making his lessons accessible to learners of all ages and even incorporates elements of math and history into his lessons. He leads many professional development opportunities with his peers from across the district. You often hear praise from the other teachers about his level of artisanship and professionalism. Additionally, Mr. Cram communicates well with parents and even serves on the Meadows PTA — making even more valuable connections. Seaport was recognized for demonstrating true dedication and commitment. She uses a “tough-love” approach with her students, and in doing so, they have developed strong character skills and shown a greater interest in their studies. She shows compassion and understanding in dealing with the challenges faced by her students. The entire Desert Meadows staff admires her great skill, communication, and caring towards her students. Photos of all Employee of the Month recipients, as well as from other district happenings, can be viewed on our flickr page, www.flickr.com/photos/laveenesd/ PAGE 2
Cram
Seaport April 24, 2015