The Latest from Fall 2019 .
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LAVEEN BREAKS GROUND ON NINTH SCHOOL ESTRELLA FOOTHILLS GLOBAL ACADEMY TO OPEN IN AUGUST 2020 LAVEEN STUDENT SELECTED FOR STATE LEVEL COUNCIL STUDENTS RECOGNIZED FOR AZMERIT ACHIEVEMENTS
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Letter from the Superintendent This past year, our students in all grade levels increased their passing rate on the AzMERIT English language arts (ELA) reading and writing test by an average of six percent over the prior year, with the greatest grade-level increase of 10 percent being achieved by our third grade students. In science, Laveen students have consistently and significantly outperformed the state average. Laveen students exceed the state average in math and increased the average passing rate on the state math test as well. An impressive 67 percent of Laveen District middle school students taking the high school algebra test passed, and even more outstanding is that 93 percent of students taking the high school geometry end-of-course test passed. These students will start high school one to two years ahead of their peers. We also had a record number of students that passed one or more sections (ELA, math, and science) of the state test with a perfect score. Laveen District schools are among the top third highest performing school districts in Maricopa County in English language arts and among the top half in math achievement. Looking into the detail of our student academic achievement we find that the longer students stay in Laveen District schools, the better they do. The proportion of students passing the ELA test increases by 50 percent for students that have been in a Laveen District school for three or more years and by an even greater proportion of 74 percent for math. Laveen District schools have a culture of continuous improvement. While our students do very well, we continue to strive to improve instruction and student academic success. At the same time, we greatly value the whole child and provide a broad range of opportunities for Laveen students to participate and learn in areas that are equally important but are not included on the state test including the arts, sports, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), social and emotional learning, foreign language, leadership, service, and computer coding. Our community has every reason to be very proud of its schools.
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Students recognized for perfect AZMERIT scores Almost 90 students across the district received a perfect score in at least one section of the 2019 AZMERIT state assessment. Ten of those students were recognized at the September Governing Board meeting for their achievements. Seven students received a perfect score in at least one section (math or English language arts) each year for the last three consecutive years. Those students are Brenan Wesolek, Rosalinda Samarripas, Kristian Carlson, Matthew Dominguez-Robles, Kevin Gran Tomimbang, Madelyn Brotherton, and Hannah Salaz (not pictured). Three students received a perfect score in both the math and English language arts sections for 2019. They are Christian Avila, Kenzie Maldonado, and Taylor Price.
Laveen’s English Learner Program receives praise from the State The Arizona Department of Education recently completed their on-site monitoring and assessment of Laveen’s English Learner program. Monitors shared positive feedback which included the following points: Laveen is a model district Systems and processes were deemed to be "perfect" All school sites, staffs, and students were welcoming Files were outstanding and all compliance pieces were available Teachers modeled instruction supporting differentiation
Laveen’s ninth school, Estrella Foothills Global Academy, opening in 2020
The Laveen School District will be opening its ninth school in August 2020. Estrella Foothills Global Academy is located within Taylor Morrison’s new Tierra Montana development near 55th Avenue and Carver. The school will initially open to Grades K-6 and add a grade level each year until it serves Grades K-8. The school was designed by EMC2 Architects and is being constructed by S.D. Crane Builders. As with all Laveen schools, Estrella Foothills will not have a set attendance boundary. It is a “school of choice” that any family may attend regardless of where they reside. Visit www.laveenschools.org/Estrella-Foothills-Global-Academy for updates and to join the school’s interest list.Join our Parent Interest List
Partnerships make new school possible Development of the future Estrella Foothills Global Academy was made possible through a number of partnerships. The land was acquired through a donation, valued at $1.3 million, by developer Taylor Morrison coupled with proceeds from another district-owned land sale (also $1.3 million). The Arizona School Facilities Board is funding $14.6 million in construction costs. Laveen qualified for state funding due to the need for additional capacity to accommodate the growing enrollment across the district. In addition to the site’s three play fields, there will be a joint-use playground/city park of which the City of Phoenix and Taylor Morrison are funding the construction, amenities, and improvements. The park development is valued at $2.5 million.
Estrella Foothills to feature Global Studies as a signature program Global Studies will be the focus of Estrella Foothills. This program will create opportunities for students to think and engage in learning activities that broaden their global perspective. Plans include becoming an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School and offering Mandarin Chinese as a foreign language component. Estrella Foothills plans to become a Candidate School in IB’s Middle Years Programme by opening and a fully authorized World School by 2023-24. Students will experience learning the Mandarin language with exposure in the primary grades and full language exploration beginning in fifth grade. Global designs will be incorporated into the building’s architecture. Page 3
Accomplishments .
Laveen receives grant to provide field lighting Laveen is once again the recipient of a grant from the Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority (AZSTA). AZSTA will be providing $250,000 to add lighting to the David Glasser Athletic Complex soccer/football fields. The district previously received $185,000 from the organization in 2017 for the athletic complex project. Dr. Joe Roselle, community engagement coordinator; Kevin Hegarty, chief financial officer; and Robert Jacobson, support services director, prepared the extensive grant application. Laveen is one of 31 organizations from around the state that received an AZSTA grant in its latest round of awards.
Laveen cafeterias now serving afterschool meals All Laveen cafeterias now serve afternoon meals to students who participate in afterschool activities. Since the beginning of October, “Super Snacks” have been made available to students who are practicing sports, receiving tutoring, participating in a club, or attending Kids Club. The Super Snacks are nutritious, quick and easy to eat, and delicious – giving students a chance to refuel before moving on to their activity. They are served at no charge through USDA’s After-school Meal Program, a component of the National School Lunch Program. Page 4
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Laveen schools honored with PBIS Achievement Awards Several Laveen schools were recognized with Achievement Awards by Positive Behavior Interventions Supports of Arizona (PBISAZ). Trailside Point, Cheatham, Paseo Pointe, M.C. Cash, and Vista del Sur received the Gold Award; Rogers Ranch received the Silver Award, and Laveen School received the Bronze Award. Laveen is the only district with Gold level schools. The schools were recognized at the organization’s annual conference where district superintendent Dr. Bill Johnson was a guest speaker. Laveen’s community engagement coordinator, Dr. Joe Roselle, also serves as a director of PBISAZ.
Administrators honored with leadership award Five 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, Laveen School principal Dr. Robert Caplinger, and Rogers Ranch principal Tim Thomas received the prestigious district award. The award recognizes outstanding accomplishments and dedication to the Laveen community.
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Laveen School student selected for state level council Laveen seventh grade student Malachi Ziegler is one of 20 students from across the state selected to serve on State Superintendent Kathy Hoffman’s Arizona Student Advisory Council. Council members will represent their school communities while they discuss issues that are important to students in Arizona. They will advise the state superintendent and the Department of Education about the department’s policies which have statewide impact. Ziegler submitted an essay in which he described how being adopted as an infant from Ethiopia and raised in Arizona supports his perspective of inclusivity. Ziegler is a Hawk Ambassador and helps welcome new students to Laveen School. Ziegler noted the educational issue he would like to focus on is encouraging creative thinking in the classroom. He noted how much he enjoys his school’s STEM programs as “STEM programs are rooted in creativity and ingenuity and we need to make sure all Arizona students have the opportunity to think for themselves and collaborate with others to construct knowledge.”
Trailside Point student wins gold at state Special Olympics Trailside Point student Andrew Capono won three gold medals at the Special Olympics state swim meet. He swam the 50 meter freestyle, 50 meter butterfly, and the 50 meter freestyle relay. Capono beat his personal record at this event.
Cash principal receives community service award M.C. Cash principal Lisa Sandomir was recognized with the Community Service Award by Playa Margarita Park. She was honored at the organization’s recent Show & Shine Car Show for her outstanding dedication to the Cash community. The organization noted how fortunate they were for Sandomir’s ongoing time, service, and blessings to their cause.
Paseo Pointe teacher receives $5,000 grant from Fiesta Bowl Charities Paseo Pointe teacher Ren Fahey is a recipient of a $5,000 grant from Fiesta Bowl Charities. Fahey will use the grant to purchase literature study books for his fifth grade students. The books will be for the students to keep allowing them to annotate, sticky note, and cite each book as they read. Socratic Circles will be used to guide inquiry and analysis. By the end of the school year, each student will receive five to six books to add to their personal library. Fiesta Bowl Charities awarded $1 million in grants to 200 out of over 3,000 applicants through their annual Wishes for Teachers program. Page 5
Cardinals stop by Laveen School for milk & cookies Two Arizona Cardinals players, Joe Walker and Dennis Gardeck, along with Big Red stopped by Laveen Elementary School. The players each read a book to the students before enjoying milk and cookies with them. Students in Grades 1-3 who had perfect attendance over a three week period were entered into a drawing to participate in this event. This program is sponsored by Salt River Project and Albertsons-Safeway.
Cash Alum Honored at Gila River Banquet Adam Cardona, a former M.C. Cash student, was recognized this past summer at the annual Gila River Indian Community’s Tribal Education banquet. Cardona, a 2019 graduate of Cesar Chavez High School, received the 2018 Male High School Student of the Year by the Phoenix Indian Center. Cardona received the honor for demonstrating leadership ability relating to the development of the cultural, social, and educational welfare of the American Indian Community. While attending Chavez, he served as the president of the school’s Youth Council and as a district representative for the Gila River Youth Council. He facilitated a community-wide conference, hosted a college day event, and participated in several volunteer projects. He plans to pursue a career in software development, computer programming and cybersecurity. Know a Laveen alum doing amazing things? Tell us about it at www.laveenschools.org/alumni-survey.
Laveen Elementary School District’s
KINDERGARTEN ROUND UP for students starting in August 2020 REGISTER● MEET THE TEACHERS ● VISIT CLASSROOMS Free gift for children registered on this date.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4 4:30 P.M. - 6:30 P.M.
At all Laveen schools* Students may be enrolled in any of our schools regardless of where they live, space permitting. Families living outside of a school’s transportation zone will be responsible for providing transportation.
FREE FULL DAY KINDERGARTEN AT ALL SCHOOLS
www.LaveenSchools.org/kindergarten │ 602-237-9100
*Except Vista del Sur. Vista is an accelerated academy and requires an assessment prior to enrolling. Kindergartners enrolled at Paseo Pointe must be part of the Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program. Please call for details. Estrella Foothills’ Round Up will occur at the Laveen Education Center. Preschool (ages 3-5) is offered at Desert Meadows, Paseo Pointe (DLI) and Vista del Sur.
Your Tax Dollars At Work .
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A number of construction projects have been completed across the district. These were made possible by the voterapproved bond that was passed in 2015. Additionally, the district is reviewing new curriculum materials as part of the English language arts curriculum adoption. Curriculum materials are funded through the District Additional Assistance Override passed by voters in November 2018.
Vista del Sur Preschool building constructed This year, Laveen’s general education preschool program was expanded to Vista del Sur Accelerated Academy. A new building, consisting of three preschool classrooms was constructed at the front of the school. A separate play area was also added. The preschool program opened this August. Preschool is also available at Desert Meadows and Paseo Pointe schools. Laveen School is home to the district’s developmental preschool program. All Laveen District preschools are taught be certified teachers.
Cheatham kitchen remodeled to improve efficiency Changes in menu and nutrition requirements, along with the need to serve hundreds of meals in a quick and efficient way are changing the way school kitchens are designed. This summer, Cheatham School received a full kitchen remodel that improved workflow and safety, updated equipment, and created a more efficient layout. It is now brighter and more welcoming for our students.
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Laveen eliminates plastic bottle usage with filling stations In an effort to reduce the amount of disposable water bottles that are used, Laveen has installed water filling stations at all sites. These dispensers provide chilled, filtered water and can fill any size bottle. The stations also estimate how many disposable bottles have been eliminated based on the amount of water dispensed. Bottled water is no longer being provided at district meetings and events. Guests are encouraged to bring their own refillable bottle.
English Language Arts curriculum review underway Laveen is in the process of evaluating English Language Arts curriculum materials for a new curriculum adoption. Publishers presented materials to the adoption committee in November. The committee is reviewing all the options and will make a recommendation to the Governing Board in the spring. Proposed materials will be on public display from December 17 through February 13 at the Laveen Education Center. The new curriculum will be implemented in the 2020-21 school year. Page 7
Around Our Schools .
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Desert Meadows
Laveen
Desert Meadows science teacher Steven Humble is credited with creating a data solution for all Laveen schools to monitor their Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS). In order to implement the program with fidelity, schools must regularly collect and analyze their discipline data—a process that can take many hours. Humble’s solution uses Google Data Suites and allows schools to create monthly reports within minutes. It also enables schools to personalize their reports and view multiple year’s worth of data at one time. Other districts have had to outsource this task by purchasing proprietary software. Laveen is fortunate to have a passionate and technology savvy teacher that is involved in PBIS.
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: PK-2, 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.
Paseo Pointe Marion’s Healthy Salad, created by Paseo Pointe School student Marion Colum, was featured on the lunch menu at all eight schools in September. The dish led to Colum being named a finalist in the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Walk On! Kids Cooking Challenge last spring. Marion and a few of his friends helped the Paseo Pointe cafeteria staff prepare a batch of the salad made with broccoli, cauliflower, olives, cheese, and tomatoes. Page 8
Vista del Sur Vista del Sur alumni Nasr Muhammad and Nikhil Johnson 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. Muhammad and Johnson developed the Trash Coin that pays people to clean up trash. The pair received $1,000 for their win and was invited to share their invention on Fox 10’s morning news show..
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Trailside Point
M.C. Cash
Arizona State House Representative Diego Rodriguez visited with several Trailside Point classes. He discussed his background as a prosecutor and encouraged the students to work hard and set personal goals. He also explained his work as a state legislator and reminded them of the importance of voting. Students were engaged in the discussion and asked many questions regarding his background and education.
M.C. Cash’s School Resource Officer Jon Leatherman invited Fuel For Success’s Samuel T. Smith to visit with students from M.C. Cash as well as Trailside Point, Paseo Pointe, and Rogers Ranch schools during school assemblies. Fuel For Success was created by NASCAR driver Joey Logano and is run by Smith, a California police officer. The message of the assemblies is that anyone can be a superhero when they step in to stop bullying. Fuel For Success partners with law enforcement to bring these programs to schools. Smith hosted the assemblies at Laveen schools with Wake Up! clubs.
Rogers Ranch 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 and 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.
Cheatham Kindergarten students in Ms. Sandy Life's class have cracked the code for reading. Life started the school year teaching students Spalding phonograms, which help students connect speech to print. Once students were able to master their phonograms, students applied their new learning by blending words and reading books. Life has embraced the Spalding program in her class and is considered one of the district's Spalding leaders. She is now training other teachers on the program. Laveen has implemented Spalding's supplemental phonics reading program across the district in Grades K2 and has seen great results in students' reading ability.
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In Our Community .
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Wake Up! Clubs have busy first summer
Sharing Stations added to Laveen cafeterias
The Wake Up! clubs at Trailside Point, M.C. Cash, and Rogers Ranch schools stayed active during their first summer in Laveen. Participating students served the community by helping out at St. Mary’s Food Bank. They welcomed several guest speakers including: Phoenix Police’s K9 unit, a forensic artist, a representative from Phoenix’s water department, 911 operators, and an expert on mental health and concussions from Barrow’s Neurological Institute. Students went on a number of field trips to the Phoenix and Wildlife World zoos and the Phoenix Herpetological Society in Scottsdale. Here, they saw the world’s only alligator with a prosthetic tail along with poisonous snakes that were removed from illegal situations. Club members went roller skating and worked their way out of an escape room. They also enjoyed designing shirts and setting off model rockets. Participants received law related education in the areas of substance abuse, internet safety, and bullying. Wake Up! is a program organized by the Phoenix Police Department that teaches middle school students social and personal responsibility, community pride, life management skills, and conflict resolution. They are led by the schools’ School Resource Officers.
All Laveen cafeterias now feature Sharing Stations. The stations allow students to leave items they do not want from their cafeteria meal and take extra items if they need more to eat. The stations cut down on waste while providing more nourishment to those who may need it. The stations’ bins are insulated, keeping food fresh throughout the day.
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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. 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 every dollar you donate, the amount you owe on your Arizona taxes will be that much less. (For example, if a single person owes $300 on their state taxes for 2019 and donates the maximum amount of $200, they will then only owe the state $100.) Couples filing jointly may donate up to $400. Individuals may contribute up to $200. Anyone can participate, married or single, with or without children.
Visit www.laveenschools.org/tax-credit to make a secure online donation or print a donation form. Non-refundable donations are 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, 2020 to be eligible for a 2019 Tax Credit.
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. 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.azed.gov/specialeducation/az-find/ 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 call 602-237-9100, ext. 3051 to inquire further about qualifying for this program. Page 11
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
Enroll your child in a Laveen school Parents wishing to register their incoming child(ren) should visit the school of their choice* to complete the registration process. Registration packets are available online at www.laveenschools.org and 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
Paseo Pointe School 8800 S. 55th Avenue Laveen, AZ 85339 602-304-2040
*Please note, Vista del Sur is an accelerated school and students must take an assessment prior to enrolling. Paseo Pointe is a dual language immersion (DLI) school. Incoming students in Grades PK-3, for 2020-21, must enroll in the DLI program (DLI will expand a grade level each year). Families interested in Estrella Foothills Global Academy should visit our website for enrollment information.
Rogers Ranch School 6735 S. 47th Avenue Laveen, AZ 85339 602-304-2030
Laveen schools also accept open enrollment of non-resident (out-of-district) students on a space available basis.
Trailside Point Performing Arts Academy 7275 W. Vineyard Laveen, AZ 85339 602-605-8540
Bus transportation is only provided to those students who live within designated transportation zones of their neighborhood school.
Vista del Sur Accelerated Academy 3908 W. South Mountain Laveen, AZ 85339 602-237-3046
Visit us online at www.laveenschools.org