The Latest from Laveen Spring 2017

The Latest from Spring 2017 .

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LAVEEN OPENS SCHOOL BOUNDARIES Page 3

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Letter from the Superintendent Laveen schools provide a high quality educational experience with superb educational programs, the latest instructional technologies, a nurturing climate, and outstanding teachers. Each school also offers a unique signature program such as performing arts, dual language immersion, or STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math).

To provide families with more flexibility and choice of schools, the Governing Board has approved opening all school boundaries within the Laveen School District beginning in the 2017-18 school year. This change creates a single shared attendance boundary, the district boundary, to serve all eight schools. Residents of our district may now enroll their child in a Laveen school of their choosing without having to go through the open-enrollment process. Details of the change are on Page 3.

Opening school boundaries is a response to changes that are anticipated to affect the Laveen community in the near future. The construction of the South Mountain 202 Freeway will accelerate development, bringing more residents and businesses to the area. There is also an increasing desire of parents to enroll their children in signature programs and schools of choice.

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 25 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

Free Full Day Kindergarten at all schools *Vista del Sur is an accelerated school and conducts a separate registration. Please call 602-237-3046 for details.

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Laveen opens school boundaries for 2017-18 Laveen’s Governing Board approved opening the boundaries of all eight schools beginning in the 2017-18 school year. This change creates only one boundary for all of Laveen’s schools which is the existing district boundary. It allows in-district parents to enroll their child in any Laveen school of their choice.

Parents wishing to register their incoming child(ren) for the first time should visit the school of their choice to complete a registration packet. Placement decisions are Placement is based on the following generally based on available space, though there are some excep- priorities*: tions. Vista del Sur is an accelerated school and students must take 1. Students enrolled the previous school year an assessment prior to enrolling. Paseo Pointe is a dual language immersion (DLI) school. Incoming kindergarteners (beginning in 2. Siblings of students enrolled 3. Students living within the walk or 2017-18) must enroll in Paseo’s DLI program. Currently, the DLI protransportation zones of the school. gram is available in Grades K-2 and will expand a grade level each 4. Children of employees year.

5. Students living within the district Families that were already enrolled in a Laveen school were not boundary and not included in any of the above categories directly impacted by the change. Unless otherwise indicated, it was 6.

Students living outside the district assumed that students would remain at their current school. boundary and not included in any Bus transportation is still available to students living within the of the above categories transportation zones of each school. Students that currently walk to school and students that are currently bused to their current neigh- *There are additional requirements for Vista del Sur Accelerated Academy and borhood school will continue to do so.

Paseo Pointe’s Dual Language Program.

Visit www.laveeneld.org/open-boundaries for more details.

Mark your calendars!

Learning begins on Day 1

Meet Your Teacher Night

August 3, 2017 5:00 p.m. at all Laveen Schools

School starts August 7, 2017 Page 3

A new preschool is on its way to Laveen The Laveen Elementary School District will be opening two new preschool programs on the campus of Paseo Pointe School in August 2017.

One will be part of the school’s Dual Language Immersion program where students will receive instruction in two languages. Paseo follows a 50/50 model in which participating students spend half of their day in a classroom where teaching and learning are done in English, while the other half of the day is done in Spanish. The other will be a general English instruction preschool. Laveen plans to have two classrooms dedicated to the DLI program and one classroom dedicated to the general instruction preschool.

Preschool is open to children that are four and five years old. Three-year-olds may be accepted depending on available space. Children must be potty-trained prior to enrolling. To register, bring the necessary documents as listed on the district’s website to the Kids Klub office located at Desert Meadows School between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

The district’s developmental preschool for children with special needs will continue to operate on the campus of Laveen Elementary School.

Visit www.laveeneld.org/preschool for more information.

Laveen moves to e-flyer distribution system Beginning in August 2017, Laveen schools will utilize Peachjar’s e-flyer system to distribute flyers, newsletters, and other student-centered information to parents. E-mail blasts containing thumbnail flyers from your child’s school, PTO, or non-profit studentcentered activities will be sent to parents once a week or less. Flyers are maintained on a dedicated webpage for later reference.

Only school information such as school newsletters, event flyers, and PTO happenings as well as approved flyers from non-profit child-centered organizations such as Girl Scouts, ball leagues, and local community groups will be sent to the email addresses on file for each family. Parents should make sure their school office has their current email address.

For more information on this system, visit www.laveeneld.org/e-flyers.

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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 7.

Your Tax Dollars At Work .

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Bond sale proceeds, as approved by voters in 2015, have funded the construction of the performing arts building at Trailside Point as well as a number of renovation projects that will take place over the summer.

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Bond funds construction, renovation projects across district

Community Field The site of the former Laveen School is being transformed into a football field for community use.

Additional parking is also being added.

The existing two baseball fields will remain.

Summer Projects Exterior Painting M.C Cash Rogers Ranch

Black Box Theater A new 2,500 square foot classroom used for theater classes and performances at Trailside Point Performing Arts Academy is an exceptional venue for performances of all kinds including music, dance, and drama.

Mill Work Replacement Cheatham Vista del Sur Kitchen Remodel Vista del Sur Rogers Ranch (VCT) Tile flooring Desert Meadows (cafe, nurses office, art, science) Trailside Point (gym and hallways) Other Items Cheatham re-key Vista gutter replacement Vista interior door painting

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Accomplishments .

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Dr. Johnson named Superintendent of the Year The Arizona School Administrators Association named Laveen Elementary School District Superintendent Dr. Johnson All-Arizona Superintendent of the Year for Large-Sized Districts.

He was recognized for developing signature programs within each of Laveen’s eight schools, expanding technology to a 1:1 student-to-technology device ratio, implementing new curricula adoptions in core subject areas, maintaining a financially sound district, and increasing electives and extracurricular activities to recognize the various interests of students. He is known for his commitment to the Laveen community as well as maintaining an excellent relationship with the district’s Governing Board.

Rogers Ranch principal honored with prestigious Milken Educator Award Rogers Ranch principal Tim Thomas was honored with the prestigious Milken Educator award by the Milken Family Foundation at a surprise school assembly in February.

Thomas was asked to hold an assembly where the Arizona Department of Education could announce new initiatives in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). As the assembly kicked off, the purpose quickly changed when Mr. Lowell Milken, Chairman and CoFounder of the Milken Family Foundation, took the microphone. Milken discussed leadership, the strive for excellence, and the importance of education before announcing the recipient of the coveted Milken Educator Award.

Thomas was selected for the positive changes he has made at Rogers Ranch as well as at his previous school. He greatly increased stuPhoto courtesy of Milken Family Foundation dent achievement while creating a supportive environment for teachers and students to thrive. “Where others see challenges, Timothy Thomas sees potential. He knows how to level the playing field and provide educational opportunities for achievement, regardless of the socio-economic conditions of the students or school he serves,” said Lowell Milken. “To turn around one school is quite a feat, but to turn around two schools is exceptional and a roadmap for others to follow. Timothy is that special type of leader all schools deserve.”

The Milken Educator Award, known as the “Oscars of Teaching” comes with additional benefits. Not only will Thomas become a member of the National Milken Educator Network, a group of more than 2,700 top principals, teachers and specialists dedicated to strengthening education, he receives a financial prize of $25,000.

Thomas is one of only 34 educators across the nation to receive this honor this year and the sole recipient from Arizona. Holding back emotion, Thomas thanked his staff, “I steer the ship, but you power it,” he said.

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Student Awards Lindsay Davis, Vista del Sur 3rd Place, Arizona Spelling Bee Luis Reyes-Serna, M.C. Cash “I Can Do It!� Award, AZ Council for Exceptional Children

Team Awards

Reyes-Serna

Davis

MESA Teams (4), Vista del Sur Accelerated Academy 1st Place, MESA Day State Competition Pentathlon Team, Cheatham Elementary School 2nd Place, State Competition

Pentathlon Team

Staff Awards Dr. Bill Johnson, Superintendent Superintendent of the Year Award, Arizona School Administrators Tim Thomas, Rogers Ranch Milken Educator Award, Milken Family Foundation Steve Preis, Desert Meadows Outstanding Leadership Award, Council of Administrators for Special Ed.

Preis

Reinboldt

Colleen Reinboldt, Laveen School 2017 Distinguished Service to Exceptional Children Award, AZ Council for Exceptional Children Sarah Steele, Trailside Point 2017 Educator of the Year, Anti-Defamation League of Arizona Tim Thomas, Rogers Ranch Rodel Exemplary Principal, Maricopa County Education Service Agency

Cole

Flowers

Anik Cole Teacher Appreciation Award, Suntec Concrete

James Flowers, Rogers Ranch Tim Thomas, Rogers Ranch A+ Teacher of the Week, 12News

School Awards Vista del Sur Accelerated Academy National Blue Ribbon School Award, U.S. Department of Education

Department Awards

National Blue Ribbon Award

Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting, The Association of School Business Officials International Award of Excellence in Public Relations, Arizona School Public Relations Association Page 7

Around Our Schools .

Desert Meadows zSpace brought their mobile learning lab to Desert Meadows School where students had the opportunity to participate in hands-on augmented reality and virtual reality-based learning experiences.

Wearing 3D tracking glasses and using a stylus, students examined the human heart, analyzed Newton’s laws, and observed the life cycle of the butterfly.

Laveen The Southwest Institute of Healing Arts donated 100 yoga mats to students at Laveen School for their new mindfulness program. The mat purchase was part of the Institute’s February fundraising campaign to support Laveen’s before-school yoga program.

Laveen launched the mindfulness program this semester in an effort to teach students the benefits of effective breathing, meditation, and yoga.

Before school three days a week, students are invited to participate in a 15 minute meditation session and five minute breathing exercise.

The school also has a Mind, Body, and Spirit (MBS) Room located in the front office where a yoga instructor is available to guide them through a meditation exercise or mindfulness activity through the day.

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Rogers Ranch The staff and students at Rogers Ranch School held testing pep assemblies to help motivate and inspire the students to do their best on AZMERIT tests.

Principal Tim Thomas told the students how proud he was of all the hard work they have done this year, the teachers performed skits, and the students were able to teach their teachers some of their dance moves. It was a great way to get ready for the upcoming state assessments.

Cheatham Cheatham is the recipient of 1,000 library books through the Friends of the Phoenix Public Library’s BookStorm Award.

Library associate Diana Nolasco applied for the award to add more resources to the Cheatham library. In her application she noted, “the children are always looking for something educationally entertaining to read as well as enhance the knowledge they already have.”

Upon receiving the award, Nolasco was invited to the organization’s warehouse to select the many titles for the school.

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Paseo Pointe Paseo Pointe School is the recipient of an almost $6,000 grant from the Justin J. Watt Foundation for athletic equipment.

Paseo was awarded the grant to provide activities that give children the opportunity to learn the basic character traits of accountability, teamwork, leadership, work ethic, and perseverance.

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M.C. Cash Several M.C. Cash student council members participated in a Laveen Teen Forum hosted by Maricopa County Supervisor Steve Gallardo and his team regarding issues and problems facing teens in Laveen.

This conversation was part of a Youth Development Project where city and county leaders will use the information presented to lead coordinated efforts in providing services to residents.

Trailside Point The Phoenix Symphony visited Trailside Point as part of the organization's Mind Over Music program.

The program studies how music affects student achievement and provides tools for teachers to integrate music into the core academic areas. Symphony musicians performed for the school's advanced and junior orchestras, while providing short lessons between each piece.

Vista del Sur South Mountain High School’s step team, the Ice Cold Souljahs, brought their routine and a lesson to students at Vista del Sur for Black History Month.

Students first heard a presentation on the history of step, a dance rooted in the African American culture, by a Vista parent and SMHS faculty member.

Then, the step team demonstrated their moves before teaching small groups of students the dance.

Vista students then performed their dance in a friendly competition.

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In Our Community .

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Lions Club recognizes student artwork

12 honored as Laveen Legends

Each year the Laveen Lions Club provides students the opportunity to share their artistic vision for peace through a poster contest. This year’s theme was “a Celebration of Peace.” Lions Club members recognized the first place winners from each school at the March Governing Board meeting.

Winners from each school were: Esperanza Salas, Laveen School; Daniela Contreras, M.C. Cash; Paulina Diaz, Vista del Sur; Samantha Ramos, Cheatham; Abby Trusler, Trailside Point; Alexandria Uribe, Desert Meadows; Najelah Kirk, Rogers Ranch; and Jazzlee Acosta, Paseo Pointe. Salas' artwork won at the Lion’s district level and advanced to the multidistrict competition.

First, second, and third place winners were presented with a certificate and gift card.

The Laveen District recognized 12 members of the community at its inaugural Laveen Legends award dinner on May 17. The event, hosted by the Laveen Education Foundation, recognized those who have made positive contributions to the Laveen Elementary School District and its eight schools. Recipients of the award were nominated by school and district leaders.

Nominees include: Maggie Jolly, Paseo Pointe PTA president; Steve Gerace, Cheatham Elementary assistant principal; Brandy Seechoma, Desert Meadows secretary; Brenda Hacker, M.C. Cash volunteer; Jackie Morales, Laveen School volunteer; Cecilia Lamb, Trailside Point supervisory associate; Liz Fritz, Rogers Ranch library associate and parent; Jacqueline Alvarado, Vista del Sur PTO president; Catherine Miranda, Senator—LD27; Michael Dicken, Laveen Art League Founder; Mario Espericueta, Laveen Lions Club member, and Nindi Wadhwa, Scooptacular owner.

Free meals served all summer to all children Several Laveen schools will be serving free breakfast and lunch to children this summer. All children 18 years and younger may participate. Children do not need to be enrolled in a Laveen school to participate.

All kids’ meals are free. There are no income requirements and you do not need to register. The summer meal program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Dates Days Breakfast is served from 7 am to 9 am. Lunch Monday – Friday is served from 11 am to 12:30 pm. Meals are May 25 – August 2 available at the following dates and locaMay 30 – July 27 Monday – Thursday tions.

May 31 – July 27 Monday – Thursday Page 10

Locations Paseo Pointe Rogers Ranch M.C. Cash

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 2017 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.laveeneld.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, 2018 to be eligible for a 2017 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.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 call 602-237-9100, ext. 3051 to inquire further about qualifying for this program.

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

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.laveeneld.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. *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 kindergarteners (beginning in 201718) must enroll in the DLI program (DLI will expand a grade level each year).

Rogers Ranch School 6735 S. 47th Avenue Laveen, AZ 85339 602-304-2030

Laveen schools also accept open enrollment of non-resident (out-ofdistrict) 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.laveeneld.org