District Dialogue Bi-weekly news from the Laveen Elementary School District
September 26, 2014
Schools offer ASU’s American Dream Academy to parents All Laveen schools are offering the American Dream Academy to parents this year. American Dream Academy is a program offered through Arizona State University. The purpose of the program is to help families take charge of their children’s education, build stronger families and communities, and emphasize the core belief that education is the key to success. Through ADA, parents gain the tools and confidence to work with schools and their communities, ensuring their children have successful academic careers and ultimately prepare for a university experience. Program topics include: understanding the critical role attendance plays in your child’s success at school, creating home environments that support success, creating a working plan that focuses on continued education, working as partners with teachers, the principal, and other school members, motivating your child to succeed at school, strengthening your child’s reading skills at home, and what every parent needs to know about the College and Career Readiness Standards. The two-hour classes are offered in both English and Spanish. Child care is provided during evening classes. A celebration is held for parents who complete the program. County cancels school board election
Foundation to sell storm t-shirts
The Maricopa County Education Service Agency has cancelled Laveen’s upcoming school board elections. The district had three seats to be filled, however, only three individuals applied to fill those seats. Each will now be appointed in December. Jill Barragan will continue on the board and serve a four-year term as will new member Louis Monteilh. Michelle Anderson, also new to the board, will serve a two-year term. The three replace Isaac Serna, whose term expires in December; Shari Gustafson, who resigned in August; and a vacancy that occurred in 2013.
The Laveen Education Foundation is selling T-shirts to commemorate the two 1,000year storms that hit the Laveen area in recent weeks. The navy blue shirts note that the wearer survived two 1,000—year storms and includes the dates. The back features a large wave and school bus. Adult and youth sizes are available for $15 and $10, respectively. To order yours, visit the Foundation’s website at www.facebook.com/ LaveenEducationFoundation. All proceeds benefit the Foundation which provides scholarships to Laveen school alumni.
Laveen Governing Board Member Jill Barragan is sworn in after her appointment to the board last year.
The District Dialogue is issued twice monthly.
Cash partners with city
Vista del Sur receives garden grant
M.C. Cash School has partnered with the City of Phoenix to offer their community the Good Neighbor Program. The Good Neighbor Program is a free, eightweek leadership program that gives residents the opportunity to speak to their elected and appointed leaders and improve their community. It also provides the necessary information for accessing City of Phoenix resources.
Vista del Sur is the recipient of the Western Growers Foundation’s 2014 Arizona School Garden Grant. The school received $1,500 to create and sustain a garden on their campus. Additionally, they received an Arizona Gardens for Learning book, bookmarks, and seeds to get started. The WGF School Garden Program encourages students to eat fresh fruits and vegetables. Farmers from Arizona and California make up the Western Growers Foundation.
Student artwork accepted for children’s book Laveen students will have an opportunity to submit artwork to be featured in the latest
Jeremy Jackrabbit book. Jeremy Jackrabbit Saves Every Drop is the fourth book featuring the environmentallyconscious rabbit. The books are written by a local couple and completely illustrated by Maricopa County school children. Last year, five Laveen students had their artwork featured, including the book’s cover. For complete rules, visit www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/kids.
Lions sponsor art contest The Laveen Lions Club is once again sponsoring the annual peace poster contest. Students in Grades 6, 7, and 8 may enter a drawing reflecting their vision of peace. First, second, and third place posters will be selected for each school. The first place winners will receive a gift card from the Lions Foundation and compete at the regional level. Artwork must be received by October 31.
Technology increased across the district Laveen continues to increase technology across the district. Over the summer SMART Boards were installed in every 4th through 8th grade classroom. Over 1,680 Chromebooks were also purchased to support technology integration. The district now has almost 3,000 Chromebooks and 480 iPads in classrooms, exceeding the 2:1 student/device ratio. Trailside Point teacher David Stuart was recognized for integrating technology into his classroom instruction last year.
PAGE 2
September 26, 2014