District Dialogue Bi-weekly news from the Laveen Elementary School District
August 16, 2019
Rogers Ranch Engineering Team Places 4th in National Competition Rogers Ranch’s MESA team competed in the Math, Engineering, Science Achievement’s (MESA) National Competition in Tucson this summer. The team came in fourth place overall and took third place for their written report. They were the youngest team to compete. The team took first place at the MESA state competition in March. The sixth grade students; Ana Fritts, Thomas Beltran, Isabel Cardenas, and Brenan Wesolek; designed a water bottle holder that reminds the user to drink. The challenge required the students to code an arduino microcontroller to solve a real-world problem. The students demonstrated their prototype in two presentations, completed a report, and poster, which were all used to determine their score. The same team also took first place in the 2018 state competition and traveled to Philadelphia to compete nationally.
Laveen School adds “Free Little Libraries” Laveen has added three “Free Little Libraries” to their campus this year. The libraries are located just outside the classroom buildings and are filled with books specific to a grade level band: PK2, 3-5, and 6-8. These libraries will encourage and support literacy across all grade levels. All three libraries are filled with books donated by the Friends of the Phoenix Public Library. Laveen School was the recipient of a “book storm” grant which provided the books for the little libraries as well as other books for classroom libraries. Community volunteer, and Laveen Legend, Daniel Magos built the three house-shaped cases. They were installed just before the start of school. .
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Former Vista students win Ignite Innovation Student Challenge Vista del Sur alumni Nikhil Johnson and Nasr Muhammad were named Winner’s Circle awardees of the Ignite Innovation Student Challenge. Sponsored by Tata Consultancy Services and Discovery Education, the contest asks participants to identify a problem and solve it utilizing a digital solution with the intent to improve the world. Johnson and Muhammad developed the Trash Coin that pays people to clean up trash. Johnson and Muhammad received $1,000 for their win and recently shared their invention on Fox 10’s morning news show.
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School No. 9 August 2020 www.laveeneld.org/school-9 Administrators honored with leadership award Four Laveen administrators were recognized with the district's Pinnacle of Leadership award. Paseo Pointe principal Kristi Pashley, technology integration coordinator Richard Pino, community engagement coordinator Dr. Joe Roselle, and Laveen School principal Dr. Robert Caplinger were recognized at the August Governing Board meeting. The award recognizes outstanding accomplishments and dedication to the Laveen community.
Businesses recognized for support Several business partners were recognized for their support to Laveen schools, students, and staff at the August Governing Board meeting, including: Magnum Companies, Viasat, Amadio Ranch, Scooptacular, the Kroc Center, Chasse Building Team, Orcutt Winslow, South Mountain Community College, Phoenix College, Fairfax High School, Chavez High School, Scitech Fest, Barro's Pizza, Jimmy John's, Peter Piper Pizza, and Zoyo.
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Vista opens preschool Vista del Sur launched their new preschool program this year, filling two classrooms. Construction of a new preschool classroom wing, designed by EMC2 architects and constructed by SD Crane Builders, began in the spring with the completion occurring over the summer. Vista is the latest school to join Paseo Pointe and Desert Meadows in offering a full day, academic preschool program. Vista’s program offers general education to children ages 3-5.
Discounted lunch prices available to qualifying families Laveen schools serve free or reduced-price lunches to families that qualify based on income requirements. Families must apply annually or when there is a change to income levels. Families may apply online at EZMealApp.com or complete a paper application at the school’s front office or cafeteria. All families are encouraged to apply. Applications are processed year round and are kept confidential. Families that meet federal income levels may qualify for free or reduced-price meals. Lunches are currently priced at $2.40; the reduced price is $.40. Breakfast is served free to all students, regardless of eligibility, before school each day. In addition to receiving a discount, completed applications provide additional funds to the district in the form of grant money. Funding for prevention programs, parent training, and interventions for students in reading and math is often based on the number of students qualifying for free or reduced–price lunch. Visit our Child Nutrition page for more information, www.laveeneld.org/child-nutrition. August 16, 2019