District Dialogue Bi-weekly news from the Laveen Elementary School District
March 29, 2019
Chief Science Officers participate in STEM panel
Rogers Ranch teacher honored by law firm
Three Chief Science Officers from the Laveen School District recently participated in a panel discussion led by the East Valley STEM Alliance. Students discussed how their schools are promoting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math), how STEM professionals can partner with the Laveen district, and what challenges may exist.
Rogers Ranch teacher Danielle Shafer was recently surprised at a school assembly after being named Teacher of the Month by “The Husband and Wife Law Team.” Attorney Mark Breyer, of Breyer Law, presented Shafer with a large check, a plaque, and gift cards for a class pizza party. Shafer’s photo will also be showcased on almost 30 billboards across the valley for a day.
Community Survey coming soon The next step in the Laveen District’s community survey process is an online survey that parents, staff, and community members will be asked to take. An internet link will be shared with all current families and made available on our websites and social media pages. The district recently completed a number of parent town halls and staff forums to gain insight about its schools from a variety of stakeholders. Research firm HYA has been contracted by the district as an independent third party to conduct a comprehensive, thorough, and productive community engagement process. The team’s goal is to provide Laveen with accurate information identifying and measuring community, parent, student, and staff perceptions of Laveen’s schools. More details can be found at www.laveeneld.org/ community-survey. .
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M.C. Cash kindergartners win annual penny drive Each year the Laveen Lions Club sponsors a penny drive at each Laveen school to raise funds to support their holiday basket program. This year, Mrs. Maria Pilar’s kindergarten class raised the most money, bringing in $140.70. They, along with the top classrooms from each school were recognized with a pizza party. Altogether, Laveen schools raised over $4,100 to support the program that provides food and gift baskets to our own families in need. .
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Desert Meadows students compete in mock trials Six Desert Meadows Youth and Government Club members participated in a mock trial at the recent Judicial Conference hosted by the Valley of the Sun YMCA. Members prepared for several weeks by digging through the details of a case — preparing questions, opening and closing statements, and witness testimony. They combed through police reports, affidavits, and evidence, just as they would in an actual case. They participated in two trial simulations and were scored by a judging panel on their statements, arguments, questions, etc. The team; consisting of Emily Cota, Alexandria Grayman, Arianna Quintero, Luis Ruiz Piñon, Jeffery Jackson-Martinez, and Shahid Clarke; took 3rd Place out of the eight middle school teams that competed.
Business partners fund Foundation’s classroom grants The Laveen Education Foundation provides mini-grants to classrooms across the district for educational programs. Four businesses made this spring’s round of grants possible. Donors and grant recipients were recognized at the March Governing Board meeting. Vulcan Materials donated $4,000 to fund eight $500 grants to the following teachers: Kala Benzini, Desert Meadows; Carrie Taylor, Cheatham; Laura Wolfe, Vista del Sur; Peter Stern, Rogers Ranch; Sabrina Morales, Laveen School; Dustin Hunt, Vista del Sur; Alexandraiah Bollman, Paseo Pointe; and Allison Zuckerman, Trailside Point. The Magnum Companies donated $500 to fund one grant to Reed Brotherton, Trailside Point. Cricket Wireless donated $500 to fund one grant to Mary Turner, Laveen School. Zoyo donated $500 to fund one grant to Sami Rapp and Salina Franklin, M.C. Cash School.
Fernandez, Mendoza Garcia are February’s Employees of the Month Employees of the month for February were Wanda Fernandez, Laveen School Lead School Psychologist, and Ibeth Mendoza Garcia, M.C. Cash School Guest Teacher. Fernandez ensures that staff has the knowledge needed to support special education students within their classrooms. She provides thorough reports to parents and staff to ensure students are getting the appropriate services. Her communication with families and staff is unparalleled. She is firm, kind, positive and calm. She offers unconditional listening, yet has an enormous amount of knowledge -- assuring others they are getting the right answers. She is very positive about the abilities and potential growth of every student. She works with staff and families to nurture the total Fernandez child. Mendoza Garcia is thought of as the Swiss Army Knife of the M.C. Cash Community. She has served as an ISD supervisor, secretary, long term sub, and she is currently the guest teacher capable of covering any classroom on campus. She has recently extended her presence to after school activities assisting the SRO in the Wake-Up Club Program. She serves as a role model for students on how to make a positive impact within the community with words and actions. Her sense of humor is a perfect complement to her ability to empathize with some of our students’ daily struggles. She uses that sense of humor to keep students in a positive, engaged mindset. Mendoza Garcia PAGE 2
March 29, 2019
April 5, 2019
5th Annual Spring Arts Festival 5:00 p.m.—8:00 p.m. / 5001 W. Dobbins crafts ● vendors ● food ● entertainment www.laveeneld.org/spring-arts-festival
LAVEEN PRESCHOOL DESERT MEADOWS │ PASEO POINTE │ VISTA DEL SUR NOW ENROLLING FOR FALL 2019 Serving Children Ages 3—5 Full Day Academic Program Taught by Certified Teachers Tuition Based Before / After School Programs Available Paseo Pointe offers a dual language immersion program. Vista del Sur and Desert Meadows’ programs provide general education instruction. Registration must be completed at the Kids Club office located at Desert Meadows School, 6855 W. Meadows Loop East.
Laveen School District │ 5001 W. Dobbins │ 602-237-7058 For more information visit www.laveeneld.org/preschool.
April 24 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Laveen School 4141 W. McNeil Pizza will be served*
Early Childhood Fair free event showcasing resources for current and future parents of FREE GIFT children under 5
FOR THE FIRST 300 CHILDREN*
Activities for Children Preschool Opportunities Child Health & Development Community Programs & Resources Applications for Laveen’s Preschool will be accepted at this event.
Visit www.laveeneld.org/childhood-fair for more information. *while supplies last