October 21, 2016 Laveen District Dialogue

District Dialogue Bi-weekly news from the Laveen Elementary School District

October 21, 2016

Excellence in Education Award Recipients Honored Each year seven teachers from across the district are selected to receive the Excellence in Education Award. This prestigious award is given to those who attain high academic achievement for their students, provide exceptional service and leadership at their school, and make a positive difference outside of the classroom and in the community.

The 2016 award recipients are: Michelle Blakely, Cheatham Elementary School; Briza Gutierrez, Desert Meadows School; Karen Dunker, Laveen Elementary School; Maria Pilar, Maurice C. Cash Elementary School; Alasha Weibley, Rogers Ranch School; Erin Lebish, Trailside Point School; and Katie Basham, Vista del Sur Accelerated Academy.

Developmental preschool receives hundreds of free books Laveen’s developmental preschool staff visited the Friends of the Phoenix Public Library resource warehouse to select hundreds of free books for their classrooms.

Teacher Jonathan Clauss applied for a "Book Storm" award last spring which provides free, donated books to classrooms and libraries. He applied for the award to help the program’s newer teachers build classroom libraries. Clauss received the award for 500 free books. Preschool staff visited the warehouse earlier this month to select the books.

Laveen third graders visit Arizona Humane Society All Laveen Elementary School third graders visited the Arizona Humane Society earlier this month.

The students made toys for the resident cats and had the opportunity to tour the facility. Students were introduced to the work of AHS, walked through the various shelter areas and discussed pet adoption. .

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Franklin, Valenzuela are September’s Employees of the Month Employees of the month for September are Salina Franklin, M.C. Cash resource teacher, and Carlos Valenzuela, Trailside Point behavior monitor.

Ms. Franklin not only supports her students, but also serves as a mentor to new self-contained teachers to help support the learning of all students. She is always willing to share materials, resources, and meet with teachers to help them in any way that she can. She always has a smile on her face and is willing to do anything that is asked of her. She is not afraid to ask for help and takes what she learns and applies it in her classroom.

Since taking over the ISD room at Trailside Point, Mr. Valenzuela has completely Franklin Valenzuela changed the atmosphere of the room, creating an environment in which students truly want to make better decisions. He is passionate about making a positive difference in the students that come to his classroom and is committed to the school’s PBIS program.

Student Science Officers attend institute

Desert Meadows celebrates Dot Day

Chief Science Officers from across the district attended the Chief Science Officers (CSO) Institute on October 1. Chief Science Officers serve as STEM ambassadors and promote STEM programs. The purpose of the institute was to help CSOs learn how to advocate for STEM on their own campus.

Students had the opportunity to collaborate with other CSOs from all over the valley. Laveen’s CSOs will meet with their teacher sponsor to help create a STEM plan for their school.

Desert Meadows celebrated their inaugural Dot Day, based on Peter H. Reynolds’ storybook The Dot, on September 15.

The Dot is the story of a caring teacher who dares a doubting student to trust in her own abilities by being brave enough to “make her mark.” What begins with a small dot on a piece of paper becomes a breakthrough in confidence and courage– igniting a journey of self-discovery and sharing.

Bulletin boards were made showcasing student work depicting what they learned.

Special Needs Resource Fair planned Laveen’s 2nd Annual Special Needs Resource Fair will be held on November 3 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Laveen Elementary School, 4141 W. McNeil.

This event will provide information on resources available to empower families with special needs children. There will also be guest speakers who will inspire and instill hope for parents of children with special needs.

For more information, sponsorship opportunities, and vendor reservations please contact Michelle Flores at mflores2@laveeneld.org or 602.237.9100.

PAGE 2

October 21, 2016