The Latest from SPRING 2016 .
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Paseo Pointe Prepares for Opening
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Laveen continues to grow, and so do our schools. This year, student enrollment increased by about four percent and topped 6,800 students. Our next new school, Paseo Pointe, will open for the coming school year. With the opening of Paseo Pointe School, the district will be adding a Spanish/ English dual language immersion option starting in kindergarten and first grade. Laveen schools offer many choices for parents and students. Signature programs at our other schools include an accelerated program, performing arts, computer science, leadership, college prep, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). Our students continue to excel in academics, sports, music, art, and many other areas. One of our students placed fourth in the Arizona State Spelling Bee. Another student’s artwork was recognized in the Maricopa County Environmental Services Stormwater Pollution poster contest. Two of our students won the 2016 “I Can Do It” award from the Arizona Council for Exceptional Children. Cheatham’s Academic Pentathlon team took 2nd Place in the state competition. A team from Trailside Point placed first in the regional Math Engineering and Science Achievement (MESA) prosthetic arm event. Vista del Sur won 1st Place in the solar car challenge and earned 2nd Place overall in the state-wide MESA competition. The bond approved by voters last fall is already having a very direct and positive impact in the classroom. In addition to helping fund construction of Paseo Pointe School, the bond enabled the district to adopt a new science curriculum for all grade levels and purchase additional student technology so there is now a laptop (Chromebook) or iPad for every student at every school. These important resources would not be available without the continued support of our voters. As always, we appreciate you being a part of our community and wish you an enjoyable summer. 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.
Laveen offers free meals to children 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 regardless of where they attend school. There are no income requirements and children do not need to be enrolled in Laveen schools to participate. M.C. Cash, Trailside Point, and Rogers Ranch schools will offer breakfast and lunch from May 23 to July 28, Monday through Thursday. Desert Meadows will operate from May 23 to August 3, Monday through Friday. Meals will not be provided on May 30 or July 4. Breakfast will be served from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Lunch will be served from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Adult meals are available for $2.00 for breakfast and $2.50 for lunch. All meals meet the federal nutrition guidelines and are provided on a drop-in basis.
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 Tuesday, July 26 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 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
August 4, 2016 5:00 p.m. at all Laveen Schools
School starts August 8, 2016 Page 3
Laveen welcomes new leaders .
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The Laveen Elementary School District will welcome several new administrators to its campuses in the upcoming school year.
Dr. Robert Caplinger, Laveen School Principal Caplinger is from Oregon and has a wealth of education experience. He was a classroom teacher for 10 years before becoming a counselor, assistant principal, and then principal. He has worked with a variety of age groups including middle school and high school students. He is also a faculty member of the University of Phoenix where he teaches English language development, classroom management, and child development. Caplinger replaces Dr. Joe Roselle who is moving to the Director of Grants and Partnerships position. Jessica Epacs, Vista del Sur Principal Epacs has spent her entire career here in the Laveen Elementary School District. She has served as an assistant principal for the last five years, most recently at Vista del Sur. Prior to that she served in the capacity of instructional coach and classroom teacher. She replaces Kristi Pashley who is moving to Paseo Pointe School as principal. Ashley Grant, Rogers Ranch Assistant Principal Grant joins Laveen from the Fowler Elementary School District where she has taught for the last six years. She was named a Rodel Aspiring Principal in 2015 and was also honored as a Rodel Exemplary Teacher. She replaces Bill Stewart who is moving to Paseo Pointe School as assistant principal. Page 4
Megan Hamburgh, Vista del Sur Assistant Principal Hamburgh has been an educator for a decade. She was a classroom teacher for six years and received the Westside Impact Teacher of the Year award in 2009. For the last four years, she has served as an instructional coach in the Pendergast Elementary School District. She replaces Jessica Epacs who is moving into the principal role at Vista Del Sur. Tracy Watkins, Director of Curriculum & Instruction Watkins began her teaching career in 1997 in the Yuma Elementary School District. She served as an assistant principal and, then, principal in the Buckeye Elementary School District for nine years. Most recently, Watkins has consulted with school districts on providing professional development to teaching staff. She replaces Dale Parcell who is retiring.
Dr. Joe Roselle, Director of Grants and Partnerships Roselle has served as principal of Laveen School since 2006. While there, he developed strong partnerships with community members who have served as role models for Laveen students. Roselle will continue this work on a larger scale, supporting all Laveen schools and students.
Paseo Pointe prepares for opening .
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Paseo Pointe School offering Dual Language Immersion in Spanish When it opens in August, Paseo Pointe School will offer Dual Language Immersion in Spanish as its signature program. Parents of students entering kindergarten and first grade will have the option of placing their children in a classroom where some subjects are taught in English for half of the day, and other subjects are taught in Spanish the other half. The program will add a grade each year, so it will eventually be available K-8. The benefits of Dual Language Immersion include: Students develop oral, reading, and writing proficiency in two languages. Students typically meet or exceed the academic performance of students in monolingual English classrooms. Students are better prepared to engage in a global society that values cultural and linguistic diversity.
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Laveen leaders join Paseo Two familiar faces will be leading Paseo Pointe School when it opens in August. Kristi Pashley has been selected as Paseo Pointe’s principal. Pashley has been with the Laveen Elementary School District since 2009. She is currently the principal at Vista del Sur Accelerated Academy and previously served Pashley as assistant principal at Trailside Point. Bill Stewart has been selected as Paseo’s assistant principal. He is currently the assistant principal at Rogers Ranch School and has been with the Laveen Elementary School District since 2008. He alStewart so served as assistant principal at Trailside Point, M.C. Cash, and Vista del Sur schools.
Enrolling your child at Paseo Pointe
About Paseo Pointe
Students living in the area between 59th and 51st Avenues and between Dobbins and Southern live within Paseo Pointe’s attendance boundaries. Children that are new to the Laveen District will need to complete an enrollment packet available on the district website, www.laveeneld.org, or at the Laveen Education Center, 5001 W. Dobbins. Children that are already enrolled in a Laveen school, but live within Paseo’s boundaries, will be automatically transferred to Paseo unless an Open Enrollment Form is completed to attend a different Laveen school. All parents wishing to enroll their child in Paseo Pointe’s Dual Language Immersion program, available in kindergarten and first grade for 2016-17, will need to complete the DLI Registration Form also available at the Laveen Education Center.
Location 8800 S. 55th Ave. School Hours 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Grades Served K-8 Capacity 1,000 Mascot Rams School Colors Green and Gold
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Accomplishments .
Arizona Council for Exceptional Children “I Can Do It” Award Juliana Garcia and Carlos Gaspar Desert Meadows Junior Achievement Arizona’s Smart Money Challenge Mekeilah Aguilar, Vista del Sur
Arizona Special Olympics Silver Medal, 25 meter free style Andrew Capono, Trailside Point
Maricopa County Environmental Services Stormwater Pollution Calendar Art Contest Jaymie Vindell, M.C. Cash
Arizona Spelling Bee 4th Place Lindsay Davis, Vista del Sur
Alpha Delta Kappa S/P/N Excellence in Education Award Mrs. Betty Ehret, Trailside Point Arizona School Administrators Outstanding Dissertation Student Dr. Todd Liolios
Rodel Foundation of Arizona Rodel Exemplary Teacher Ms. Sara Mikula, M.C. Cash
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Math Engineering Science Achievement (MESA) Regionals Trailside Point, 1st Place Vista del Sur, 2nd Place MESA State Competition 1st Place Solar Car Challenge 2nd Place Overall Vista del Sur Academic Pentathlon 2nd Place Cheatham Elementary National Blue Ribbon Schools Nominee Vista del Sur Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports of Arizona Gold Award Trailside Point Association of School Business Officials International Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting Business Services Department Arizona School Public Relations Association Overall Excellence in Public Relations Promotional video series District brand development Excellence with a Specific Program Special Needs Resource Fair Excellence in Publications and Electronic Media The District Dialogue e-newsletter Website design Video production
Your tax dollars at work .
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Summer improvements to take place across the district A number of construction and renovation projects will take place across the district this summer. Funding is provided through bond proceeds as approved by voters in 2015.
Community Field A new grass field for football and soccer will be placed east of the Laveen Education Center on the site of the old Laveen School.
Black Box Theater A 2,500 square foot classroom used for theater classes and performances will be constructed at Trailside Point.
Marquees Digital marquees will be installed at all schools.
Laveen Education Center The main driveway into the Laveen Education Center will be reconstructed to promote safer traffic flow.
Vista del Sur The sidewalk on the north side of the school will be corrected to maintain ADA access to the playground area.
Cheatham Flooring will be replaced in the 7th and 8th grade wings.
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Around our Schools .
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Desert Meadows
Rogers Ranch
Desert Meadows students participated in UNICEF’s Kid Power Month in March. Students in grades three through five received Kid Power Bands that tracked their steps. Students then went on virtual UNICEF missions to earn points. Points unlock funding from UNICEF partners to provide for food deliveries to malnourished children around the world. The participating students were recognized at a Phoenix Suns game for being the most active class in the Phoenix UNICEF Kid Power Month Challenge. They were hosted by Suns Center and UNICEF Ambassador Tyson Chandler and his wife, Kimberly.
The Arizona Coyotes visited Rogers Ranch P.E. classes and conducted hockey camps. Coyotes representatives taught students the basics of passing, shooting, and puck handling. It was a great experience for the students as it exposed them to a sport that is unfamiliar to many. The students also received tickets to an Arizona Coyotes hockey game and other fun prizes.
Cheatham
Laveen Laveen School’s eighth grade Live Pure Kids group participated in the Kidney Walk at Chase Field. The 5k event reminded the students of the importance of taking care of their bodies and to appreciate those who might be suffering from disabilities. Live Pure Kids is an after-school wellness club which promotes healthy habits such as eating well, exercise, and caring for the environment.
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Cheatham’s lobby now features a mural created by eighth grader Enrique Soto and painted by Laveen Elementary School District employees Christine Crenshaw, Jamie Steinmetz, and Krista McDowell. The school’s seventh and eighth grade gifted class proposed the idea as a service learning project to promote pride, beauty, and creativity for the school. Soto’s drawing was selected for its content and detail. The mural was completed over the spring break and funded by the school’s PTO.
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Vista del Sur
M.C. Cash
Vista students had an opportunity to participate in the Google Expeditions Pioneer Program. Students used a cardboard Google Virtual Reality Viewer to go on virtual field trips. Using a tablet, teachers guided their students through Egypt’s pyramids, state and national parks, and Roman ruins — highlighting key areas as they traveled. Vista teachers chose field trips that aligned to their grade level academic standards. Google staff provided all the materials as part of their Expeditions program.
In April, the M.C. Cash Booster Club held its first Father/Daughter and Mother/Son Dinner and Dance. Over 200 students and their parents enjoyed a spaghetti dinner followed by an evening of dancing. Photo opportunities were available and several raffles were held. It was a phenomenal evening for all who participated.
Trailside Point Performing arts school Trailside Point hosted a number of concerts this spring. First and second graders performed Disney pieces such as Zip a Dee Doo Da and Under the Sea. Third and fourth grade performed “Dragons and Monsters” which included the 3rd grade ukulele class and 4th grade orchestra. The junior high concert featured the 5th and 6th grade orchestra, performing works such as Ode to Joy; the 7th and 8th grade Classical Guitar Ensemble, playing Spanish suites like Todos a Mirar; and the 5th through 8th grade Bands.
Preschool Over 60 people attended Laveen Preschool’s family event, "Bubble-ology", a Science on Wheels unit presented by the Arizona Science Center. The bubble-ologist demonstrated bubble making using various instruments and materials, including bubbles filled with carbon dioxide from dry ice. The Little Hawks and families had the opportunity to follow a recipe to make bubble solution then create their own bubbles. Many brave Little Hawks even experienced being inside a giant bubble. This special event was made possible through tax credit donations to Laveen Preschool.
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In Our Community .
Lions recognize student artwork Each year, the 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: Gabriella Morales, Laveen; Ariana Olivas, M.C. Cash; Joselyn Osoria, Rogers Ranch; Ashton Guymon, Cheatham; Karina Salazar, Desert Meadows; Jessica Hernandez, Trailside Point; and Rachael Whempner, Vista del Sur. Salazar’s artwork took 1st Place in the Lions Club’s District 21-A.
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Laveen schools receive clothing grant The Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust has awarded a three-year Back-to School Clothing Grant in the amount of $41,400 to schools in the Laveen Elementary School District. This grant will provide school uniforms and shoes for students in need.
Vista girls prepare thousands of meals for children Vista del Sur’s two Girls on the Run teams participated in a community service project at the Feed my Starving Children organization. Feed my Starving Children prepares meals for malnourished children all over the world which is then delivered by organization partners. The students packed 67 boxes comprised of 14,472 meals. Their efforts will feed 39 children for an entire year. Vista students prepare bags of rice to feed malnourished children across the world.
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. Page 10
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Reduce your taxes by supporting Laveen schools Arizona allows taxpayers to dedicate dollars to education while reducing the amount owed on their 2016 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 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.
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 annual 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 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 Field Trips Signature
Intramural Sports
Activity Bus
Gifted Enrichment
Art Preschool
Band
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.
Donations must be received by April 15, 2017 to be eligible for a 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 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 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.
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. *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