District Dialogue Biweekly news from the Laveen Elementary School District
April 11, 2014
Laveen receives grant to provide back-to-school clothing for students in need
Rogers Ranch Instructional Coach named Rodel Aspiring Principal
The Laveen Elementary School District is the recipient of a $15,000 grant by Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust to provide back-to-school clothing for students at all seven schools. The grant provides school uniforms, underwear and shoes to students with the greatest need. “Laveen shares in Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust’s belief that essential clothing helps prepare children for a successful school year,” said Laveen’s superintendent, Dr. Bill Johnson. “This grant will provide some of our neediest students with clean, properly-fitted clothes and shoes and help them get their school year off on the right start.” Laveen joins 40 other school districts across Maricopa County in receiving the back-to-school clothing grant. We were selected because we have a significant population of students in need.
Cory Woodard, Instructional Coach at Rogers Ranch, has been selected as a Rodel Aspiring Principal. He will now go through a two-year course of training, shadowing, and mentorship with a Rodel Exemplary Principal. The Rodel Aspiring Principal program provides participants with practical strategies they can apply at their own schools Woodard when they become principals. Participants attend professional development seminars on the four Rodel traits: Collaborative School Environment, Family and Community Involvement, Professional Learning, and High Expectations. Woodard was selected for this honor by Rodel for, among other things, his commitment to effective leadership in a high -needs school. Woodard will be joining Laveen Elementary School next year as their Assistant Principal.
Rogers Ranch custodian named AZ National Guard’s Instructor of the Year Rogers Ranch School’s Lead Custodian, Joshua Snow, has been named Instructor of the Year by the Arizona Army National Guard. In addition to his custodial duties, Snow serves as a Sergeant First Class in the Guard and is one of 20 instructors at the Guard’s Regional Training Institute located at 52nd Street and McDowell in east Phoenix. He teaches classroom courses such as Military Police and Officer Candidate School to Army soldiers. Each year, the Regional Training Institute conducts a selection process for the Instructor of the Year award. Each instructor teaches a class to a panel of senior leaders. Instructors are judged based on their ability to deliver a block of instruction. Points are deducted for using crutch words like “um,” lacking smooth transitions, or not relating the material to students in a way they understand. The judges look for the instructor to be engaging and Snow make what could be a dry and boring class interesting. Snow will now be evaluated for the Instructor of the Year award for the entire U.S. Army. He gave another class which was recorded and sent to Washington D. C. for judging. He will find out in a few months how he placed at the national level. Snow has been at Rogers Ranch School in the Laveen Elementary School District for two years and served as a behavior monitor prior to moving into the lead custodian role. His military experience has benefitted the school in both roles. “Mr. Snow's attention to detail and expectations for himself and his work has helped improve the campus to be more comfortable, clean and safe,” noted school Principal Tim Thomas. The District Dialogue is issued on the second and fourth Friday of the month.
Cardinals visit Rogers Ranch The Arizona Cardinals brought 60 minutes of physical activity to Rogers Ranch School through the team’s Play 60 program. Students participated in a variety of stations to practice their running, catching, and jumping techniques. Cardinals player Justin Bethel was also on hand to help motivate the students. At the end of the event, Bethel handed out signed Gatorade water bottles to all participants.
Woodard, Jones are March’s Employees of the Month Employees of the month for March are Cory Woodard, Instructional Coach at Rogers Ranch, and Yadira Jones, District Office Receptionist. Woodard was nominated for always striving to increase the achievement and overall educational experience for every student and teacher on campus. He builds strong relationships with staff and students alike. He serves as a role model to the students and is a positive influence on them. He has helped students make better choices resulting in their ability to be more successful in class. Additionally, Woodard is organized, professional, dedicated and always willing to take on new challenges. Jones has done a tremendous job of creating an atmosphere of friendliness at the Laveen Education Center. She is always willing to help, no matter what the circumstance might be. If she is asked to perform a task she has never done before, not only will she find a way to do it, but she will do it exceptionally well. Jones is always courteous to the district’s customers and helps parents, prospective employees, and community members feel welcomed.
Szabo is April’s TEC award recipient Andrea Szabo of Vista del Sur is this month’s Technology Excellence in the Classroom Award winner. Szabo's students use technology across the content areas. In science and social studies, they conduct online research and create presentations to demonstrate their learning. Students engage in digital conversations with peers and the teacher as they share and refine their work. In math, Szabo has used the flipped classroom model, having students watch a video of her teaching a concept prior to completing the lesson in class. And for writing, they are creating Google Documents to allow for real-time feedback and an enhanced revision process. Szabo’s students are quickly becoming technology experts as they routinely use Chromebooks and iPads to research, create, and learn.
Woodard
Jones
Meadows holds first carnival Desert Meadows held their first school carnival last weekend. The event was organized by the school’s PTSA. There were bounce-houses, game booths, and treats for families to enjoy.
Szabo (middle) with technology director Jordy Fuentes (left) and principal Kristi Pashley.
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April 11, 2014
BREAKFAST:
the most important meal of the day.
Eating a nutritionally balanced breakfast can help your child do their best every day. Our breakfasts include whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Milk and 100% juice are always offered.
Served free to all students, every day.
Join us in the cafeteria 30 minutes before school.
It’s a good start to a great day!
Laveen School Art Club’s
Art Show
Friday, April 11 Building A, 5001 W. Dobbins On display from 6:00 - 9:00p.m. Held in conjunction with the Laveen Art League’s Art Walk.