The Latest from Laveen Fall 2016

The Latest from FALL 2016 .

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Laveen implements new science curriculum Page 2

Letter from the Superintendent We are very grateful to our community for the overwhelming approval of our budget override renewal last month. Although the override was approved by voters many years ago, it requires voter approval every few years to remain in place. The override funds are becoming ever more important to maintain a quality educational program. For several years, the state cut school funding and has failed to fund even the base level that is stipulated in statute.

In Laveen, the continuation of the budget override enables the schools to provide full-day kindergarten and elective classes such as art, music, and P. E. in all grade levels, to keep class sizes from getting bigger, and to recruit and retain the best teachers by providing them competitive salaries and benefits.

Over two-thirds, 68.5%, of voters said “YES” to continuing the budget override and the important educational programs it funds. Such strong voter support of our budget overrides is a strong indicator of the value that our schools are providing to the community. Great communities have quality schools and our voters know that the schools play a vital role in helping to make Laveen a wonderful place to live.

The success of the school election is also an acknowledgement by voters of how well our schools are doing.

Our schools, employees, and students continue to receive state and even national recognition for their great accomplishments. Just last month, one of our schools, Vista del Sur, was presented with the highly prestigious National Blue Ribbon School Award by the United States Department of Education. Two of our other schools, Trailside Point and M. C. Cash, are A+ Schools of Excellence, awarded by the Arizona Educational Foundation. We don’t take lightly our responsibility to the voters, taxpayers, community members, and students, to provide outstanding educational opportunities and experiences to all of our students. Thank you for your support; we couldn’t do it without you.

Dr. Bill Johnson, Superintendent

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New science curriculum implemented This school year Laveen implemented new science curriculum at all of its eight schools.

A team of 17 Laveen teachers and administrators spent nearly 350 hours last spring researching, reviewing, and evaluating four K-8 science programs.

The committee unanimously selected Discovery Education’s Science Techbook.

Science Techbook is completely digital, allowing the content to be continually refreshed.

Paseo Pointe students access lessons through Science Techbook’s digital platform.

The curriculum engages students in authentic scenarios that reflect the practices of science and engineering in the real world using digital media and interactive virtual learning activities. It offers enrichment opportunities for advanced students to investigate science in greater depth while also providing intervention resources for struggling learners.

“Discovery Education is a fantastic tool and resource. It really gets students involved in what we're studying. Through virtual labs, they are able to experience things that they ordinarily wouldn't be able to experience,” explained Paseo Pointe science teacher Tristan Henderson. “It lets them explore the content deeper and allows them the freedom to explore things on their own.”

Science Techbook meets both Arizona’s current science standards as well as the A Rogers Ranch student examines the Next Generation Science extraction of DNA from Standards. strawberry cells.

Vista del Sur, a 2016 National Blue Ribbon School Vista del Sur Accelerated Academy has been named a 2016 National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education. The National Blue Ribbon School program recognizes overall academic excellence. Blue Ribbon Schools show outstanding results for all students. They are known for consistent excellence and improving student achievement.

Vista del Sur was one of only four schools in Arizona to join this esteemed community. They were nominated as an Exemplary High Performing School, receiving this distinction for the performance of all students on the AZMERIT assessment in both math and English language arts in addition to other state performance targets.

Kristi Pashley, the school’s principal at the time of nomination, attributed Vista’s success to the integration of technology into the daily instruction and specific math instructional strategies. “Vista’s extensive technology, from a 1:1 student-to-device ratio to classroom SMART Boards, allows teachers to assess their students in real time, Kristi Pashley and Jessica Epacs giving our teachers the opportunity to modify instruction and student hold the plaque presented to Vista in groupings immediately.”

Washington, D.C. The school has also seen great success with the implementation of the Mental Math strategy. “Mental Math is a non-negotiable,” Pashley said of the strategy in which students must mentally solve a math problem, explain the solution to their classmates, and share alternative ways of solving the same problem. “It has improved our students’ abilities to problem solve, become independent thinkers, and articulate their thinking across all content areas.”

Vista del Sur was recognized at an award ceremony in Washington, D.C. There, they received the coveted National Blue Ribbon flag that will fly at their school as a reminder of their exemplary teaching and learning. “All of us at Vista are honored to serve as an example of quality instruction and learning for schools across the nation,” said Vista’s current principal Jessica Epacs. “This honor affirms the dedication of our students, staff, and parents in making Vista a community of excellence.”

A local celebration was held at the school on November 21. After hearing from school and community leaders, the flag was unveiled and National Blue Ribbon bracelets were distributed to all students, staff and supporters.

Vista is an accelerated school where students work a grade level ahead in math and English language arts.

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E

xcellence in ducation

Each year master 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.

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Paseo Pointe to become full dual language immersion school Paseo Pointe School opened this year offering dual language immersion (DLI) in Spanish as an option for students in kindergarten and first grade. The program was so popular among parents that it filled three kindergarten classes and two first grade classrooms. Moving forward it will transition into a full dual language immersion school.

Beginning in August 2017, all students entering kindergarten at Paseo Pointe will be enrolled in the dual language program. Current students that are not enrolled in DLI and new students in entering Grades 1-8 will continue to receive non-DLI instruction. As the grade levels roll up, the school will eventually become 100% DLI. School and transportation options are being developed for families living near Paseo that do not wish their incoming kindergartener to receive DLI instruction. Details will be shared in the spring once they are finalized.

Paseo will continue to welcome families seeking dual language immersion regardless of where they live.

Native American Parent Council meets The Native American Parent Advisory Council held their parent meeting at Laveen Elementary School on November 15.

Families received information on the Gila River Health Care Prevention Program and the variety of programs and camps offered by the Girl Scouts.

In addition, families participated in a cultural activity for Native American Heritage Month. They learned about the process of making pottery from Gila River Indian Community member Luzelva Middaugh, District 6. They then used the steps they learned to make their own pottery piece to take home.

The next meeting will be held on February 7, 2017 in the Laveen Elementary School cafeteria. Native Health will provide a cooking demonstration and a student will share a story in her native language and make Someviki (a sweet Hopi cornbread-tamale) which is made from purple corn.

For more information contact Julie Black, Native American Liaison at 602-237-9110 ext. 3180.

Laveen educators to become Google for Education Certified Trainers Twenty-five Laveen educators are on their way to earning Google trainer certifications through Google for Education. Google for Education Certified Trainers have a passion to transform classrooms with technology and will inspire and support teachers across the district as they redefine classroom learning.

The group; comprised of classroom teachers, instructional coaches, special education teachers, site technicians, and district administrators; attended their first trainer workshop in November. Here, they completed performance task challenges with hands-on explorations that covered a variety of Google tools.

A second workshop is planned for January when the group will explore and dive deeper into Google products. They will also receive instruction on delivering effective training plans and helping educators use Google technologies.

Participants will ultimately earn their Google Trainer Certification in May 2017 and become Google site leaders after completing the professional development series.

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Your Tax Dollars At Work .

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Projects completed with bond funds A number of construction and renovation projects have been completed over the last few months.

Funding for these projects was made possible through bond sale proceeds as approved by voters in November 2015.

Laveen Education Center The main driveway into the Laveen Education Center was widened to promote safer traffic flow (below).

Black Box Theater A 2,500 square foot classroom used for theater classes and performances is under construction at Trailside Point. It will be completed after the winter break (above).

Vista del Sur The sidewalk on the north side of the school was widened to maintain ADA access to the playground area. Fencing was installed near the basketball courts for added safety (below).

Marquees Digital marquees were installed at all sites enabling schools to display more information in greater detail. They can be easily updated for real-time information (above).

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Override Approved, Paseo Opens .

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Voters approve budget override Laveen residents overwhelmingly approved continuing the district’s Maintenance and Operations Override during November’s election.

In his letter to the community, Dr. Bill Johnson thanked the community for their ongoing support of Laveen schools and noted how the programs the state views as “extras” are critical to the success of our students. “Laveen believes that offering courses above the core subject areas of math, reading, writing, science, and social studies results in a well-rounded child. We believe that full-day kindergarten creates a solid education foundation early on, resulting in higher achievement throughout a child’s educational career. And, we believe that we can hire and retain the most talented staff from across the nation to serve our small, yet highly diverse, community by offering competitive salary and benefit packages. With 68% of Laveen voters approving this measure, you have voiced your agreement loud and clear,” the letter read.

Bond-funded Paseo Pointe opens to 860 students Paseo Pointe, Laveen’s eighth school, opened in August 2016 to 860 students. The school, located near 55th Avenue and Dobbins, was constructed with proceeds from the 2015 bond election. Its construction alleviated crowded classrooms that were occurring across the other campuses.

A dedication ceremony was held in September and featured the school’s signature Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program. DLI kindergartners performed a number of songs in Spanish. The crowd also heard from legislators and district leaders before the official ribbon cutting took place. Visitors were then led on tours throughout the facility.

Chasse Building Team sponsored the dedication.

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Around Our Schools .

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Desert Meadows

Rogers Ranch

Students in Desert Meadows’ Media Club hone numerous skills while producing their weekly Bobcat Newscasts. These cover a wide range of not only academic skills, but social skills as well. Through script writing, students work on their vocabulary and writing skills. Verbal skills are necessary to clearly articulate and annunciate the words in the script. Students also use reading fluency to assist them in the monitoring of their pace.

Strong technology and researching skills are used to effectively help students record, edit, and create voice-overs and animation enhancements in order to create a final product. Socially, students learn to work cohesively as a group to share creative ideas, meet deadlines, and submit a finished broadcast in a timely manner.

Now in its third year, 11 students in Grades 4-7 meet twice a week for an hour after school to prepare the newscast that is shared with all classes.

The Arizona Science Center brought their Science on Wheels exhibit to Rogers Ranch on September 29.

The theme of the evening was Ecology to raise awareness about the environment and its inhabitants.

A variety of stations was set up along with handson exhibits for students and their families. The interactive stations included Journey of a Water Molecule, Skull Sleuth, and Bird Beak Adaptions.

Laveen Laveen students in Grades 1-4 attended a STEMfocused assembly presented by the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Bobby & Baxter Show-STEM Edition was presented by team organist Bobby Freeman and team mascot, D. Baxter. This STEM-based and baseball-infused musicalvariety show taught lessons on science, reaction time, technology, engineering, statistics, mathematics, nutrition, and physical fitness.

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Cheatham Twenty Cheatham student council members attended the Arizona Association of Junior High Student Councils (AAJHSC) State Leadership Conference at the Mesa Convention Center. They joined over 1,500 students from across the state.

Council members attended various breakout sessions covering topics such as Roberts Rules of Order, diversity, school spirit, academic achievement, fundraising and Master Council requirements.

Cheatham Student Council officers presented a breakout session to a room full of fellow council members from around the state on fundraising.

Cheatham plans to become Master Council certified this year.

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Paseo Pointe Paseo Pointe families celebrated their Walk to School Day on October 28. The families met at the neighborhood greenbelt and took South Mountain Ave. down to 55th Ave. as their route.

The walk was coordinated with the City of Phoenix and The Partnership for a Walkable America to promote safe routes to school, exercise, and spending time with families and neighbors.

Trailside Point Trailside Point received a $4,000 grant from bestselling author James Patterson to support its school library.

Since 2015, Patterson has donated $3.5 million to save school libraries nationwide. “I’ve made it my mission to underscore the vital role reading plays in children’s lives, and the need to sustain school libraries is at the heart of that mission,” said Patterson.

In addition, Scholastic Reading Club will match each dollar with bonus points that teachers can use to acquire books and other materials.

Applying schools were asked to share the story of their school library, including past efforts to make improvements and ideas to help create a brighter future. Patterson personally read and selected the winning recipients of the grants.

Trailside will use the funds to buy more books, obtain library supplies, host an author visit, and create a reading area for students.

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M.C. Cash The Batmobile made a special visit to M.C. Cash School. The visit was made possible by the Colten Cowell Foundation, a non-profit organization that helps bring smiles to families dealing with illness, disability, or loss by letting children be superheroes for a day.

M.C. Cash student Luis Serna helped endorse a school-wide coin drive to benefit the foundation. The classes that collected the most coins had the opportunity to see, and sit in, the Batmobile.

Funds will go towards the organization’s building of a new Bat-cave. Ms. Garin’s third grade class and Mr. Walsh’s fifth grade class were the two winners, filling ten and a half jars of coins each. In all, the school raised almost $2,000 for the foundation.

Vista del Sur Vista’s CABAS cultural club showcased ballet folklorico dancers from Cheatham Elementary and Vista del Sur during an assembly for students in Grades 2, 3, 4, and 6. The dancers demonstrated four different dances.

The CABAS club which stands for “Cultural Awareness Builds Academic Success” shares a variety of cultural experiences with Vista’s student body throughout the year to celebrate the rich cultural diversity in our community.

Vista’s CABAS club is sponsored by the school’s National Junior Honor Society.

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In Our Community .

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CrossWalk provides Thanksgiving meals Members of CrossWalk Church provided over 170 Thanksgiving meals to families of Laveen students.

The annual Feed-a-Family program collected enough food to provide a turkey, vegetables, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and a pie to each family. Church members then delivered the food bags Thanksgiving week.

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Laveen Lions conduct annual food and toy drive The Laveen Lions Club adopted 50 families this year to provide holiday meal baskets and gifts for children.

The Lions raise money through their annual Penny War campaign, held at each Laveen school, to provide a ham and toys for each adopted family. Food boxes were also set up across the district to collect dry goods and hygiene items.

Families may apply for Free, Reduced Price meals As part of the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs, Laveen schools offer free breakfast to all students as well as free or reduced-price lunch to qualifying families.

Families should complete an application, available online or at their child’s school, to qualify for free or reduced-price ($.40) lunch; lunch regularly costs $2.10. Breakfast is served to all students (no application is necessary) at least 30 minutes before the start of school at all eight Laveen schools.

CHILD FIND NOTICE Child Find is a comprehensive developmental screening assessment process which identifies children, 3 to 21 years of age who have disabilities that may hinder their learning. If you live in the Laveen Elementary School District boundaries and are parents or guardians of a student enrolled in private school within the district, home-schooled, or if you know of a child who might be in need of services for a disabling condition such as speech, learning disability, etc., please call the Special Education Department at 602-237-9100 ext. 3058. Free special education services are available to eligible students. For more information, visit the Child Find website at http://www.ade.az.gov/ess/childfind or call Child Find at (602) 364-4015.

MCKINNEY-VENTO HOMELESS ASSISTANCE ACT Are you currently experiencing temporary living arrangements due to eviction, job loss, or a traumatic event? Laveen Elementary School District offers services to families through the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. The act requires that children and families who are in a temporary living situation be offered services and supports.

Services provided may include enrollment assistance, nutrition services, clothing or school supplies, community referrals, and in some cases transportation. If you are living in any of the following temporary circumstances: with another family or friend due to financial hardship, living in a shelter, transitional housing, in a hotel/motel, or an unaccompanied youth waiting for foster care, you may fit the criteria for assistance under this act. Please contact Kim Kennedy at 602-237-9100, ext. 3051, or at kkennedy@laveeneld.org to inquire further about qualifying for this program.

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Reduce Your Taxes by Supporting Laveen Schools By making a tax credit contribution you can support a variety of programs at no cost to you.

Fine Arts

Academic Enrichment

Field Trips

Intramural Sports

Arizona allows taxpayers to dedicate dollars to education while reducing the amount you owe on your income taxes through the tax credit program. For every dollar you donate, the amount you owe on your Arizona taxes will be that much less. If you do not owe taxes, the amount you donate may be carried forward for up to five years to offset future tax liabilities. (For example, if a single person owes $300 on their state taxes for 2016 and donates the maximum amount of $200, they will then only owe the state $100.)

Couples filing jointly may donate any amount up to $400. Individuals may contribute up to $200.

Anyone can participate, married or single, with or without children.

Tax credit contributions may only be used to support character education and fee-based extracurricular activities such as after-school tutoring and clubs, academic enrichment, field trips, fine art programs, and athletics.

Complete and return this form to Tax Credit Program, 5001 W. Dobbins, Laveen, AZ 85339.

You may also donate by check or online at www.laveeneld.org.

Donor Information: Name

Address

City, State Zip

Donation Amount: $ The maximum annual donation for a married couple is $400 and $200 for a single person.

Credits may carry over for up to five years. Check Number I would like my donation to apply to the following calendar year.

I would like my donation to go to: (check one)

2016

2017

the school most in need or specific school

I would like my donation to support: (check one) Program where there is the greatest need Intramural Sports Robotics

Tutoring

Gifted Enrichment

Art

Band

Girls on the Run

Choir

Equestrian

Grand Canyon Trip

Field Trips Preschool

Washington DC Trip

Notes/ Name of student/ Field Trip Signature

Phone Number

This non-refundable donation is eligible for the Arizona State Income Tax Credit as allowed by ARS ยง43-1089.01.

Please consult with your personal tax preparer to determine the application of this credit.

Donations must be received by April 15, 2017 to be eligible for a 2016 Tax Credit.

Non-Profit Org U.S. Postage PAID Laveen, AZ Permit #6

5001 W. Dobbins Laveen, AZ 85339

Residential Customer

The Latest from Laveen is published by the Laveen Communications Department.

Kristen Landry • 602-237-9100 • klandry@laveeneld.org

Laveen Education Center 5001 W. Dobbins Laveen, AZ 85339 602-237-9100 M.C. Cash School 3851 W. Roeser Phoenix, AZ 85041 602-237-9120 Cheatham Elementary 4725 W. South Mountain Laveen, AZ 85339 602-237-7040 Desert Meadows School 6855 W. Meadows Loop East Laveen, AZ 85339 602-304-2020 Laveen Elementary 4141 W. McNeil Laveen, AZ 85339 602-237-9110 Paseo Pointe School 8800 S. 55th Avenue Laveen, AZ 85339 602-304-2040 Rogers Ranch School 6735 S. 47th Avenue Laveen, AZ 85339 602-304-2030 Trailside Point School 7275 W. Vineyard Laveen, AZ 85339 602-605-8540 Vista del Sur Accelerated 3908 W. South Mountain Laveen, AZ 85339 602-237-3046

Enroll your child in a Laveen school You may enroll your child in a Laveen school* at any time throughout the year.

Registration packets are available online at www.laveeneld.org or in our schools’ front offices. You will need to bring the following documents to complete your child’s registration:  Child’s original birth certificate  Child’s immunization record  Proof of Residence, such as utility receipt or lease agreement (refer to Arizona Residency Guidelines)  Legal papers, if applicable, for custody  Withdrawal form and report card from previous school  Photo identification for parent/guardian.

Open Enrollment Open enrollment laws allow parents to enroll their child in any Laveen school outside of their neighborhood. Applications are accepted annually. Approval is based on space.

Parents/ guardians are responsible for transportation of open enrollment students. *Please note, Vista del Sur Accelerated Academy is a school of choice and, therefore, does not have attendance boundaries. Because this is an accelerated school, your child must take an assessment prior to enrolling.

Enrollment opportunities are based on available space.

Visit us online at www.laveeneld.org