Spring 2019 The Latest From Laveen Newsletter

The Latest from Spring 2019 .

.

.

.

.

GOVERNOR TOURS PASEO POINTE SCHOOL DISTRICT HOME TO THREE A+ SCHOOLS OF EXCELLENCE LAVEEN TO BREAK GROUND ON GLOBAL STUDIES SCHOOL DISTRICT EXPANDS PRESCHOOL TO VISTA DEL SUR

Letter from the Superintendent We’ve enjoyed another very successful school year in Laveen. Recently, we said farewell to a large number of former eighth grade students. We will miss them and, at the same time, are excited for their very bright future as they move on to high school and all of the opportunities for further growth and learning that they will experience. We are impressed by what our students have learned and what they have achieved — even more so by the potential they have for success and to do good as they continue their education and pursue their dreams and goals. We are grateful for every student that attends our schools and appreciate the opportunity we’ve had to be part of their life.

Student enrollments in our Laveen schools continue to grow and, with the completion of the South Mountain Loop 202 Freeway later this year, we expect that the rate of student enrollments will increase. We’ve completed the design and acquired the property for our next

Mark your calendars!

new school, which will be the ninth in the Laveen School District. It will be located on the northeast corner of 55th Avenue and Carver Road. We’ve partnered with the City of Phoenix to include lighted sports fields for use by youth sports groups. The yet-to-be-named school will have an emphasis in Global Studies, providing students with unique opportunities to broaden their understanding and familiarity with the world as they prepare to serve, lead, and succeed in a global economy. The new school is expected to open in August of 2020. Like our other schools, it will not have a geographical attendance boundary, but will be open to all students that choose to enroll on a space available basis.

As we look back on the accomplishments of this past school year, we have abundant reason to hope for the future. Our students are that future and they have demonstrated their capacity to do good and to succeed.

Thank you for your support of public education and of our schools. Together we continue to strengthen the Laveen community to help ensure a very bright future.

Learning begins on Day 1

Meet Your Teacher Night

August 1, 2019 5:00 p.m. at all Laveen Schools Page 2

School starts August 5, 2019

Governor Ducey visits Paseo Pointe On April 9 Governor Doug Ducey, along with NAU President Rita Cheng and members of the Arizona Board of Regents, toured Paseo Pointe School. They visited several classrooms, including Dual Language Immersion rooms and the media club where the Governor was interviewed as part of the student-run newscast. The Governor also read “The Three Little Javelinas” to a first grade class.

The tour concluded with a round table discussion centered on the Arizona Teachers Academy – the Governor’s initiative to encourage college students to pursue a teaching degree without student debt being a deterring factor. Students who enter this program agree to commit one year to teaching for each year they receive the scholarship. Laveen has several student teachers/ interns who are part of the academy.

Photos from this visit can be found on the district’s flickr page, www.flickr.com/LaveenESD.

Arizona Supreme Court Justice visits Trailside Point Arizona Supreme Court Justice Andrew Gould visited seventh grade Trailside Point students in conjunction with Law Day on May 1.

Justice Gould focused on the topic of freedom of speech. Trailside students enjoyed discussing the many ways Americans practice this freedom and appreciated hearing more about how free speech has evolved throughout history. Students examined a 1963 photo of Robert Kennedy speaking outside the U.S. Department of Justice and used it to discuss freedom of speech as a constitutional right in the United States and human right around the world.

Students asked the Justice many questions and enjoyed hearing about his upbringing and entering law school. He was an inspiration to many aspiring lawyers and judges in the room.

Law Day, held annually on May 1, is a national day set aside to celebrate the rule of law. Law Day provides an opportunity to understand how law and the legal process protect our liberty, strive to achieve justice, and contribute to the freedoms that all Americans share. It is promoted by the American Bar Association.

Inaugural Early Childhood Fair a success The Laveen District’s first Early Childhood Fair was a great success with hundreds of families attending.

The event featured a variety of vendors and organizations offering programs and services to families with children under the age of five, among them: First Things First, First Teeth First, Kroc Center, Read on Arizona, Head Start, Raising Special Kids, and i9 Sports.

There were also several activities for children to participate in including demonstrations by the Fantastic Fire Department, Christopher the Magician, and the Desert Meadows preschool’s coding program.

Page 3

Accomplishments .

.

Rogers Ranch is an A+ School of Excellence Rogers Ranch School has been named a 2019 A+ School of Excellence by the Arizona Educational Foundation.

The A+ School of Excellence program is a comprehensive school assessment program that celebrates outstanding public schools. Schools complete an extensive application which is then followed by site visits by members of the Arizona Educational Foundation. The A+ School of Excellence™ designation is valid for a three-and-a-half-year period.

Rogers Ranch joins M.C. Cash School and Trailside Point Performing Arts Academy in receiving this prestigious award.

Eight teachers receive Excellence in Education Award

Classified staff recognized for exceptional service

Each year eight teachers from across the district are selected to receive the Excellence in Education Award.

This prestigious award is given to those who attain high academic achievement for their students, provide exceptional service and leadership at their school, and make a positive difference outside of the classroom and in the community.

Congratulations to this year's Excellence in Education recipients!  Nick Zarka, Cheatham  Steven Humble, Desert Meadows  Leah Hall, Laveen School  Shannon Gregory, M.C. Cash  Jessica Neill, Paseo Pointe  Jacquedda Valadez, Rogers Ranch  Joree Schneider, Trailside Point  Kristin Melton, Vista Del Sur

The Exceptional Services Award is the highest recognition the Laveen School District has for its Classified Employees. Ten employees from across the district were nominated by their supervisor based on their quality and quantity of work, expertise, initiative, teamwork, customer service, and attendance.

The recipients for 2019 were:  Brandy Seechoma, Desert Meadows  Christopher Seay, Cheatham  Christina Vasquez, M.C. Cash  Esperanza Canales, Vista del Sur  Leticia Preciado, Paseo Pointe  Miriam Montufar, Trailside Point  Nyeshua Miller, Rogers Ranch  Ramon De La O, Business Department  Silvia Cortez, Laveen School  Stephanie Niehus, Human Resources

Page 4

.

.

.

Student Awards Haden Morales, Laveen School Student of the Year, Math Engineering Science Achievement (MESA) Taylor Price, Vista del Sur 3rd Place, Regional Spelling Bee Jeffrey Peterson, Laveen School; Barbara Hoyt, Desert Meadows; Wesley Tran, Laveen School “I Can Do It!” Award, AZ Council for Exceptional Children

Morales

Price

Padala

Kinnaird

Peterson, Hoyt, Tran

Marion Colum, Paseo Pointe Finalist, Blue Cross Blue Shield Cooking Challenge Samhith Padala, Vista del Sur 9th Place, State Geography Bee Sophia Kinnaird, Vista del Sur Valley Metro Calendar Art Contest

Humble

Team Awards MathLeague.org State Competition Cheatham, 3rd Place Overall Math Engineering Science Achievement (MESA) Rogers Ranch, 1st Place (National category) Vista del Sur, 2nd Place (Most Overall Points) and 3rd Place (three categories) Laveen School, 3rd and 4th Place (two categories)

Laveen School MESA Team

Mathleague.org Team

Golden Bell Award

Rogers Ranch MESA Team

Staff Awards Steven Humble, National Board Certification Danielle Shafer, Breyer Law Firm Teacher of the Month School Awards Golden Bell Award, Arizona School Boards Association Laveen School, Mind, Body Spirit Program A+ School of Excellence, Arizona Educational Foundation Rogers Ranch School Phoenix Suns Grow to Go Challenge Laveen School, Logan Wassie’s 4th Grade class Positive Behavior Intervention & Support Systems Trailside Point, Gold Award Vista del Sur, Paseo Pointe, Cheatham, Desert Meadows, and M.C. Cash; Silver Award Rogers Ranch, Bronze Award Laveen School, Merit Award

Department Awards Association of School Business Officials International Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting Arizona School Public Relations Association Award of Excellence (photography and publications)

Page 5

School might be out, but Laveen schools are serving free breakfast and lunch to all kids all summer.

Activities & Giveaways All Summer!

Free meals are available to all children under the age of 18.

No registration, no income requirements.

Children do not need to be enrolled in a Laveen school to participate.

Adult meals available for purchase ($2.50 breakfast and $3.50 lunch).

Location Paseo Pointe

Dates 5/23 –7/31

Days Mon.—Fri.

Breakfast Times

Lunch Times

7:30 a.m.—9:30 a.m.

11:00 a.m. –1:00 p.m.

M.C. Cash & Trailside Point 5/28—7/25 Mon.—Thurs. 7:30 a.m.—9:30 a.m.

11:00 a.m. –1:00 p.m.

Desert Meadows

5/28 –7/26

Mon.—Fri.

7:30 a.m.—9:30 a.m.

11:00 a.m. –1:00 p.m.

Rogers Ranch

5/28-7/25

Mon.—Thurs. 7:00 a.m.—9:30 a.m.

11:00 a.m. –1:00 p.m.

Playa Margarita Community Center

6/3 –7/26

Mon.—Fri.

Snack: 3:00 p.m.—4:00 p.m.

Dinner 5:00 p.m.—6:00 p.m.

www.laveeneld.org/summer-meals ● 602-237-9100

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 23 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.

Page 6

Your Tax Dollars At Work .

.

.

.

.

Laveen to break ground on ninth school Construction is expected to begin this summer on the Laveen School District’s ninth school. School #9 will be located within Taylor Morrison’s Tierra Montana development near 55th Avenue and Carver.

The school will have a global studies focus as its signature program.

It will open in August 2020 to Grades K-6, eventually adding Grades 7-8. Like all other Laveen schools, it will not have a defined attendance boundary.

The school will sit on an 18-acre site and be similar in design to Paseo Pointe School, which was constructed in 2016. It is adjacent to a city park that will feature a playground and ball fields. The city and developer will construct and provide amenities and improvements to the park and the district will maintain it. The school will have exclusive use of the park during school hours and scheduled school events.

Sarah Zembruski, principal of Trailside Point School has been tapped to lead School #9 when it opens.

Laveen expanding preschool to Vista del Sur The Laveen District will be opening its third preschool in Fall 2019 at Vista del Sur. Vista will join Desert Meadows and Paseo Pointe schools in offering an academics based preschool program for children ages 3-5 years old.

Like Desert Meadows, Vista’s program will offer general education instruction. Paseo Pointe’s preschool will continue to offer dual language immersion programming. The district also operates a developmental preschool for children with special needs on the Laveen School campus.

In 2017, the Laveen District launched two new preschool programs at Paseo Pointe School with both general education and Spanish immersion offerings. The following year, the general education program expanded to Desert Meadows School allowing Paseo Pointe to focus on dual language immersion. Both preschool programs have surpassed all expectations. They have been extremely popular, filling up quickly and remaining full throughout the year.

While Vista’s preschool already has a waitlist, Desert Meadows and Paseo Pointe both have a few spots still open. Preschool registrations will be accepted throughout the summer and must be completed in person at the After6855 Kids Klub office located at Desert Meadows School, W. Meadows Loop East. Visit the district’s preschool page, www.laveeneld.org/preschool, for more details including fees, requirements, and program offerings.

Page 7

Around Our Schools .

.

Desert Meadows

Rogers Ranch

Six Desert Meadows Youth and Government Club members participated in a mock trial at the Judicial Conference hosted by Valley of the Sun YMCA. Members prepared for several weeks by researching the details of a case — preparing questions, opening and closing statements, and witness testimony. They combed through police reports, affidavits, and evidence, just as they would in an actual case.

They participated in two trial simulations and were scored by a judging panel on their statements, arguments, questions, etc.

The team; consisting of Emily Cota, Alexandria Grayman, Arianna Quintero, Luis Ruiz Piñon, Jeffery JacksonMartinez, and Shahid Clarke; took 3rd Place out of the eight middle school teams that competed.

Rogers Ranch teacher Danielle Shafer was surprised at a school assembly after being named Teacher of the Month by “The Husband and Wife Law Team.”

Attorney Mark Breyer, of Breyer Law, presented Shafer with a large check, a plaque, and gift cards for a class pizza party.

Shafer’s photo was also showcased on almost 30 billboards across the valley for a day.

Laveen Fourth grade students in Logan Wasie's classroom at Laveen School won the "Phoenix Suns Grow to Go Challenge.” They showed the most growth schoolwide on the Galileo assessments from Benchmark 1 to Benchmark 3.

Everyone in the class received two tickets to a Suns game on March 27. The ten students that showed the most growth received a basketball and had the opportunity to meet players and get autographs after the game.

Page 8

Paseo Pointe Paseo Pointe student Marion Colum was one of four finalists in the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona 2019 Walk On! Kids Cooking Challenge.

This statewide competition invites children between the ages of nine and twelve to submit ideas for healthy side dish recipes. Recipes had to be original, include at least one fruit or vegetable, and be able to be prepared in 20 minutes or less. Finalists presented their dishes for a public taste test at a Phoenix Suns game.

Marion’s dish was his “Healthy Salad” that was filled with broccoli, cauliflower, tomatoes, and carrots.

His recipe can be found at walkonaz.com.

.

.

.

Trailside Point

M.C. Cash

The Phoenix Symphony’s Brass Quintet brought their Dynamic Drama of Brass to Trailside Point on March 1.

Musicians first explained their instruments to the small groups of students.

Students then heard the various dynamics each instrument offers as the quintet performed pieces from Germany, Russia, France, and the United States.

A few students even had the opportunity to conduct a music piece for the quintet to perform.

The Laveen Lions Club sponsors an annual penny drive at each Laveen school to raise funds to support their holiday basket program.

This year, Mrs. Maria Pilar’s kindergarten class raised the most money, bringing in $140.70. They, along with the top classrooms from each school were recognized with a pizza party.

Altogether, Laveen schools raised over $4,100 to support the program that provides food and gift baskets to our own families in need.

Cheatham Cheatham’s AVID students are preparing for their future by committing to take the college path and enrolling in advanced math courses.

Sixty of the students in the program, Grades 6-8, have committed to going to college. AVID students have the opportunity to visit all three of Arizona’s state universities while attending Cheatham.

As more students choose college, so does the number of students taking high school level algebra and geometry. This past year, 15 students were enrolled in geometry and 71 in algebra. Students taking these courses receive high school credit, giving them an advantage when they enter high school.

Vista del Sur Vista's 7th grade students participated in the Youth Frontiers Courage Retreat.

Through presentations, activities, and small group discussions; the retreat aimed to empower students to be themselves and take positive risks that make a healthy difference for themselves, their peers and their school. It inspired students to follow their hearts instead of the crowd.

The retreat was organized by Youth Frontiers, based out of Minnesota. Almost 20 Cesar Chavez High School students, selected based on their leadership ability, also volunteered to support with small group facilitation.

Students finished the day learning how to act with courage to build a positive school culture and climate.

Page 9

In Our Community .

.

.

.

.

Twelve honored as Laveen Legends The Laveen Elementary School District recognized 12 individuals as Laveen Legends. Each recipient was honored for their positive contributions to Laveen schools. Recipients are: Liz Suarez, M.C. Cash volunteer; Daniel Magos, Laveen School crossing guard and volunteer; Sohani AlamAhmed, Vista del Sur PTO President; Marisol Henry, Trailside Pointe PTA President; Matthew Downs, Salvation Army; Jennifer Rouse, Rogers Ranch community member; Sharon Anderson, Laveen Lions Club; Jenni Urbatsch, Desert Meadows PTO member; Les Daviet, Laveen Lions Club; Susan Sanborn, Laveen Art League and Governing Board member; Congressman Ruben Gallego; and Bill Adams, community member An awards dinner; sponsored by EMC2, Chasse Building Team, and Orcutt Winslow; was held on May 15 in the Trailside Point Performing Arts Building. Photos from the event can be found on our flicker page, www.flicker.com/LaveenESD.

Laveen Education Foundation awards four college scholarships The Laveen Education Foundation (LEF) awarded college scholarships to four former Laveen students. Recipients are:  Thanzima Rachman promoted from Rogers Ranch School. She will be attending Arizona State University in the fall and will be studying biomedical engineering.  Kenya Sterns promoted from Laveen School. She will be attending Occidental College in California and will be studying Zembruski, Rachman, Sterns political science.

(Haros not pictured)  Julie Zembruski promoted from Trailside Point. She will be attending Embry-Riddle University and will be studying aero-

nautical science  Alexis Haros promoted from Trailside Point. She will be attending Arizona State University and will be studying business entrepreneurship.

The LEF recently recognized their first college scholarship recipient, Brendaya Grigsby.

Grigsby promoted from Laveen School and went on to attend Northern Arizona University. She majored in criminology and minored in sociology and psychology while receiving her degree in three and a half years. Grigsby is moving to Georgia Grigsby this summer to pursue a job opportunity.

She is now working on her Masters in Educational Leadership from NAU Online.

The Foundation has provided over $60,000 in college scholarships to date. Recipients generally receive over $1,000 per semester as they pursue their degree.

Know a Laveen alum doing amazing things?

Tell us about it at www.laveeneld.org/alumni-survey.

Page 10

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.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, 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 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 students in Grades PK-2, beginning in 2019-20, 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-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.laveeneld.org