The Latest
from
SPRING 2015
Laveen prepares for School No. 8 Page 7
Laveen’s newest school will be located in the Paseo Point neighborhood near 55th Avenue & Dobbins.
Dear Community Members, It’s been another great year in Laveen, and a year of change, challenge, and success. Our teachers implemented new math and English language arts curriculum fully aligned to the Arizona College and Career Ready Standards. Our schools and students received multiple awards and recognitions (Page 4). The schools surpassed the goal of a 2:1 student to computing device ratio and have integrated technology into instruction and learning. This was the first year our students participated in the new state assessment, AzMERIT. Despite the little time given to prepare from the state, testing in Laveen, entirely done on computers, went very well. We are proud of our teachers and students who all did a great job preparing for, administering, and taking the test. Laveen schools continue to benefit from strong community support. Great communities have
great schools, and schools can only be great with the support of their communities. Business partners, parent volunteers, and community groups helped make events like the Laveen Winter Festival and the Laveen Spring Art Festival great successes. They also supported and served our schools in a variety of ways. Together we are building a quality community. Enrollment at Laveen schools continues to grow. All seven of our schools are at or very near capacity. It is time to build and open a new school to accommodate the growing numbers of students. The eighth school will be located on a districtowned property in the Paseo Pointe subdivision. Details can be found on Page 7. We are looking forward to the many great things in store for our students and our schools next school year. Classroom technology will continue to expand and schools will continue to develop their signature programs in computer science, STEM, performing arts, leadership, and accelerated learning. It is shaping up to be another great year in Laveen.
— Dr. Bill Johnson, Superintendent Page 2
Vaccines required for incoming sixth graders The Arizona Department of Health Services requires that all students entering sixth grade obtain two adolescent vaccines, Tdap and Meningococcal (MCV4). Tdap is a combination vaccine that provides protection against three bacterial diseases — tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Whooping Cough). Meningococcal prevents against four types of bacterial meningitis. Parents should review their child’s immunization records. If these vaccinations have not been received, the child should obtain the vaccination at either their doctor’s office or an immunization clinic. Proof of immunizations will need to be received before the student can begin school on August 3.
Laveen offers free meals during summer Several Laveen schools will be offering free breakfast and lunch over the summer as part of the Summer Food Service Program. Children 18 years and younger may receive breakfast and lunch, free of charge, at any of the designated sites. The program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to ensure children continue to receive nutritious meals even when school is not in session. Adult meals are available for $1.75 for breakfast and $2.50 for lunch. All meals meet the federal nutrition guidelines. M.C. Cash, Trailside Point, and Rogers Ranch schools will offer breakfast and lunch from May 27 to July 24, Monday through Thursday. Desert Meadows will operate from May 21 to July 28 Monday through Friday, except May 25. Children may eat at any of the designated sites, regardless of where they attend school. Breakfast will be served from 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. Lunch will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Enroll your child in a Laveen School. Laveen schools are accepting new registrations throughout the summer. Visit any of our schools* between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday, to register your child for next year.
Extended Registration Hours Monday, July 13 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 14 6:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Sign up for bus transportation Pay for lunch Submit health records Pay athletic fees Join the PTO Sign up for Kids Klub
Children registered early will receive a free gift!
Free Full Day Kindergarten at all schools
*Vista del Sur is a school of choice and conducts a separate registration. Please call 602-237-3046 for details.
Mark your calendars!
Learning begins on Day 1
Meet Your Teacher Night July 30, 2015 5:00 p.m.
at all Laveen Schools
School starts August 3, 2015 Page 3
Accomplishments
Children’s Goal Setting Project Breanna Hurd, Vista Del Sur February 2015 winner
Special Olympics State Competition Andrew Capono, Trailside Point Silver Medal, 25 meter free style
ASU’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Art & Essay Contest Alan Roy, Vista del Sur 2nd Place—Essay Lucas Henderson, Vista del Sur 3rd Place—Essay Jorge Jasso, Trailside Point, 3rd Place –Art
Positive Behavior and Interventions Supports of Arizona Gold Achievement Award Trailside Point
Arizona FIRST Lego League Adult Coach/Mentor Award Mr. Tristan Henderson, Vista del Sur
Student Illustrations Ava Escarzaga, Vista del Sur
Grand Canyon State Games Essay Contest Julia Adams, Vista del Sur Bronze Award AZ MESA Day Competition
Aquatic Vehicle Competition Vista del Sur, 2nd Place Anna Jaison, Jillian Noelle Reyes, Emil Roy, and Amanuel Shiferaw
Roller Coaster Run Competition
Trailside Point, 2nd Place Sadie Check and Faith Stockton
Page 4
Jeremy Jackrabbit Saves Every Drop
Valley Metro Cool Transit Art Contest July 2015 Calendar Artwork Cecilia Archibald , M.C. Cash District Spelling Bee Lindsay Davis, Vista del Sur, 1st Place Kaia Manion, Rogers Ranch, 2nd Place Nikki Nguyen, Rogers Ranch, 3rd Place District Essay Contest Melissa Goodwin, Desert Meadows, K-3 category Mavett Medrano, Vista del Sur, 4-6 category Richard Nguyen, Vista del Sur, 7-8 category
Vista del Sur honored
District recognized for public relations
Vista del Sur was once again named a "High Performing Reward School" by the Arizona Department of Education. They received this honor for their high academic performance and student growth. High Performing Reward Schools are Title I schools that earned an “A” letter grade, met their Annual Measurable Objectives, and showed significant academic growth. They will be recognized at a state-wide conference in June.
The Laveen District was recognized by the Arizona School Public Relations Association for their public relations efforts. The district received Communications Coordithree Awards of Excellence nator Kristen Landry for a Specific Program for (above) and Administrative
Trailside coach named Rodel Aspiring Principal Trailside
Point Instructional Coach Brett Humphrey was selected to participate in the Rodel Exemplary Principal Initiative as a Rodel Aspiring Principal. As an aspiring principal, Humphrey will be mentored by one of Rodel’s Exemplary Principals in order to prepare him to Humphrey eventually lead his own school. Humphrey will serve as Assistant Principal at Trailside Point next year.
Rogers Ranch a “Bright Spot” school Rogers Ranch has been named a “Bright Spot” school by Thriving Together for their third grade reading successes. Thriving Together is a United Way initiative to help children succeed from birth to career. Thriving Together will learn what's working from Rogers Ranch to share with other schools in the collaborative.
The Latest from Laveen
Assistant to the Superintendent Elizabeth Jimenez (below) accept the district’s ASPRA awards.
District Newsletter, Graphic Standards, and the Winter Festival, and an Award of Distinction for a Specific Program for Strategic Planning. Laveen also nominated Senator Catherine Miranda for Excellence by a Government Official for Contributions to Public Education for her sponsorship of several bills supporting education.
Sandomir named Rodel Exemplary Principal The Rodel Foundation of Arizona has recognized M.C. Cash Principal Lisa Sandomir as a Rodel Exemplary Principal. She was recognized for her demonstrated ability in leading Cash to success by inspiring staff to develop a campus that is high Sandomir achieving, safe, orderly and welcoming. After being nominated for the award, representatives from Rodel visited the Cash campus and interviewed selected staff members before naming her a finalist. Sandomir will now mentor other Rodel Aspiring Principals so they are better prepared to lead their own schools. Page 5
Your tax dollars at work Construction completed at LEC Phase II of the Laveen Education Center was completed this spring. The second building, which is adjacent to the first phase of the LEC, houses academic services, business services, and technology. Another building was also constructed directly behind the LEC to house maintenance and support services staff. The building will replace those to the south along 51st Avenue. Our transportation department has temporarily relocated to the old buildings while their building undergoes a major renovation. This project was funded through proceeds from bond sales as approved by Laveen voters in 2008. The project was designed by Orcutt Winslow and is constructed by Jokake Construction.
Cheatham gains more space Cheatham started the new year with a new gymnasium, art and science rooms, as well as an enlarged library and computer lab. When Cheatham was originally built as a K-6 school it did not need both a cafeteria and gym. Having since been reconfigured to K-8, a gym was needed to support the larger campus including Grades 7 and 8. These additions brought Cheatham up to the district standards that other Laveen campuses currently meet. This project was funded through proceeds from bond sales as approved by Laveen voters in 2008. The project was designed by EMC2 Architects and constructed by D.L. Withers Construction.
Page 6
Laveen Elementary School District’s
School No. 8
Preliminary Drawing
The Laveen Elementary School District’s eighth school has an expected opening date of August 2016. The future PK-8 school is located in the Paseo Point Community near 55th Avenue & Dobbins.
School No. 8 Features
1,000 student capacity Four classrooms per grade level U-Shaped two-story classroom wing allowing for separation of grade levels Three preschool rooms with separate play area STEM classrooms Art rooms Second floor library with window views Band/ Music rooms Cafeteria Gymnasium On-Site parent drop-off/ pickup queuing lane Separate bus loading area
Preliminary Drawing
Designed by
Constructed by
Page 7
Around our Schools Desert Meadows Desert Meadows held a Science Night for their whole school. The Arizona Science Center provided experiments and demonstrations for students of all grade levels. Science teacher Steve Humble even conducted an astronomy activity using iPods and tablets; once darkness fell he pointed out the stars in the sky. The event also featured games, a hot dog stand, and treats provided by Scooptacular. Meadows’ PTA helped plan this successful event.
Preschool A group of 130 children and adults represented Laveen Preschool at the Arizona Museum of Natural History. This family event was held in support of the "Dinosaur" and "Space" units. The Little Hawks explored the many exhibits at the museum and had the opportunity to really dig in at the museum's Paleo Dig Pit. This was the first visit to the museum for most of the families.
Page 8
Cheatham Arizona Cardinals player Sam Acho brought the National Dairy Council and NFL’s Fuel Up to Play 60 program to Cheatham. Cheatham and the district’s Child Nutrition Department applied for a grant that brought this exciting program combining nutrition and physical activity to their school. Students enjoyed breakfast in the classroom followed by an assembly and physical activities. Cheatham launched their breakfast in the classroom program this year and saw a 193% participation increase. The school previously served an average of 270 breakfasts per day in the cafeteria. They are now serving an average of 793 breakfasts a day in the classroom.
Rogers Ranch In celebration of Earth Day, Rogers Ranch students planted trees at Cesar Chavez Park. The students were greeted by the Phoenix Suns Gorilla before donning their gloves and grabbing shovels provided by the City of Phoenix. City workers were on hand to assist and teach the students about the young trees and the benefits they provide to residents.
M.C. Cash Middle school students at M.C. Cash have been mentoring special education students this year. Together, they researched and created service projects to do around the school. Projects they selected included: picking up trash around the campus, creating a flower and vegetable garden, and developing a book of records for the school.
Trailside Point Trailside Point received the Gold PBISaz Achievement Award for demonstrating high fidelity Positive Behavior and Intervention Supports (PBIS) implementation and student outcomes at the annual Behavior Education Technology Conference. Trailside implemented PBIS four years ago. Since their Panther P.A.C.T was launched, they have significantly improved social skills and decreased the amount of time and resources needed to address behavioral problems, which ultimately has resulted in higher test scores and academic achievement.
Laveen Laveen School has partnered with members of the Air Force to provide mentoring to its students. The partnership began in 2013 when Airmen from Luke Air Force Base visited the school for and expressed interest in working more with students. Now, more than 30 personnel from a variety of areas at Luke AFB who come to campus to work individually with students. Students are referred for mentoring by teachers who believe they would benefit from the extra support. Volunteers from the base work with the students for approximately 45 minutes, twice a month. Students recently had an opportunity to visit their mentors at Luke AFB. Here, they participated in an obstacle course, tried on gear, and watched F16s take off and land.
Vista del Sur Students in Ms. Gloria Fala’s 8th grade Spanish class at Vista del Sur conducted their mid-terms by putting on a fashion show. While students walked the “runway� their classmates described their attire entirely in Spanish using correct grammar. This activity included everything they have learned from the beginning of the year including introducing themselves and other people, describing people and their clothing, and creating complete sentences with correct grammar structure. Page 9
In our Community Gila River hires advisor for Laveen
Trailside, Vista receive grants
The Gila River Indian Community has hired a Johnson-O'Malley Advisor for the Laveen Elementary School District. Danielle Allen, will advise Native American students at Laveen Elementary School regarding their academic performance and attendance, provide guidance and advisement to the other schools in the district, and assist in coordinating educational and cultural outreach activities for the Native American and Laveen community. Allen will also work with the JOM Advisor at Betty Fairfax to ensure a smooth transition of Laveen students as they complete 8th grade and go on to high school.
Trailside Point and Vista del Sur will both receive a $5,000 grant from the Arizona Technology in Education Association (AzTEA) and CenturyLink for their Engineering the Future and Building Intelligent Cities projects.
M.C. Cash receives fruit and vegetable gran t M.C. Cash School is the recipient of a $51,850 grant by the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program. This funding will provide fresh fruits and vegetables to Cash students throughout next school year. The program was established to expand the variety of fruits and vegetables children experience, increase children’s fruit and vegetable consumption, and create healthier eating habits.
Lions recognize student artwork Each year, the Laveen Lions Foundation sponsors a Peace Poster Art Contest within the Laveen District. The group selects one winner from each school. These students were recognized at the April board meeting. The 1st Place winners from each school are: Eric Chagolla, Rogers Ranch; Damien Contreras, Cheatham; Faith Hernandez, Desert Meadows; Keisha Johnson, Trailside Point; and Angelyk Wilkinson, Vista del Sur. The winning posters were then sent on to compete at the multi-district level. Angelyk’s artwork took 1st Place at multi-district and was selected to move on to regionals.
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. Page 10
Reduce your taxes by supporting Laveen schools Arizona allows taxpayers to dedicate dollars to education while reducing the amount owed on their 2015 taxes through the tax credit program. For every dollar donated, the amount owed on Arizona taxes will be that much less. If taxes are not owed, the amount donated 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 2015 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.
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.
Anyone can participate, married or single, with or without children. Complete and return this form, along with your payment, to your child’s school or mail to Laveen Tax Credit Program, 5001 W. Dobbins, Laveen, AZ 85339 You may also donate online at www.laveeneld.org. Donor Information: Name
Address
City, State Zip
Donation Amount: $ The maximum donation for a married couple is $400 and $200 for a single person. Credits may carry over for up to five years. I would like my donation to go to: (check one) I would like my donation to support: (check one) Program where there is the greatest need Field Trips
Signature
Intramural Sports
the school most in need or Activity Bus
Gifted Enrichment
Art
specific school Band
Preschool
Choir
Equestrian
Tutoring
Phone Number
This non-refundable donation is eligible for the Arizona State Income Tax Credit as allowed by ARS §43-1089.01. Please consult with your personal tax preparer to determine the application of this credit. Hand delivered donations must be received by December 17 or postmarked by December 31 to be eligible for a 2015 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 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 Traditional 3908 W. South Mountain Laveen, AZ 85339 602-237-3046
Enroll your child in a Laveen school You may enroll your child in your neighborhood* 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. *Please note, Vista del Sur Traditional
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.
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 if your child does not attend your neighborhood school.
Visit us online at www.laveeneld.org