The Latest from Spring/Summer 2020 .
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LAVEEN’S NINTH SCHOOL TO OPEN IN AUGUST ESTRELLA FOOTHILLS GLOBAL ACADEMY IS AN INTERNATIONAL BACCALEAUREATE CANDIDATE SCHOOL LAVEEN SCHOOLS ADJUST TO COVID-19
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Laveen Superintendent Bill Johnson announces retirement
Dr. Jeff Sprout to serve as Laveen superintendent beginning in July
Laveen School District Superintendent, Dr. Bill Johnson, announced in December that he would be retiring in June 2020. Dr. Johnson has served the Laveen School District since 2005 when he was hired to fill the business manager role. He was named Superintendent in 2011. Upon accepting Dr. Johnson’s retirement, board member Jill Barragan expressed her gratitude to Dr. Johnson and reflected on his many accomplishments during his 15-year tenure with Laveen. “It is Dr. Johnson’s leadership that has brought Laveen schools to where they are today. Laveen has implemented many successful initiatives since he joined us back in 2005. In 15 years we have seen the district grow from one that was virtually unknown outside of our immediate community to one that is widely recognized for its many achievements and innovative programs, as well as having a voice in state level policy decisions. These accomplishments take years of dedication and determination. We are fortunate to have had a superintendent that was so deeply committed to the Laveen District and community as a whole.” Dr. Johnson noted, “It has been a great privilege to work with so many wonderful people over the past 15 years. Together we have accomplished many positive things for our schools, the students, and the community. I feel very grateful to have been a part of the important work being accomplished by our schools and school district. I know that as much as we have accomplished, there remains a tremendous potential to continue to improve, progress, and to do much good.”
Upon Dr. Bill Johnson’s retirement announcement, the Governing Board appointed Dr. Jeff Sprout as his successor. The board cited Dr. Sprout’s experience and commitment to the Laveen District and community for being selected. Dr. Sprout has served the Laveen district for over six years as Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and has been dedicated to making Laveen a great place to work for staff. He has been actively involved in the community, serving in the Laveen Lions Club and has chaired the Laveen Community Parade for four years. He has volunteered many hours in developing the Laveen Education Foundation. “I am humbled by the opportunity the Board has granted me. For almost seven years, I have enjoyed working closely with Dr. Johnson to make Laveen a great place to work and live. I look forward to working with the incredible Laveen staff as we continue to create bright futures for all Laveen students,” Dr. Sprout stated following the appointment. Before joining Laveen, Dr. Sprout was a teacher, principal, and Director of STEM Research and Development in the Alhambra District. He was the recipient of the Excellence in Education teaching award, Rodel Exemplary Principal Award, and, along with his staff, received the A+ School of Excellence Award. He completed his doctoral program at Arizona State University. Dr. Sprout will begin as Superintendent on July 1, 2020.
District welcomes several new administrators for 2020-21 Page 6 Page 2
Letter from the Superintendent Working and serving in Laveen schools these past 15 years, with the most recent nine years in the role of Superintendent, has been a wonderful experience for me, and one that I am going to miss deeply. It is the people that I will miss the most. The Laveen School District is fortunate to be made up of dedicated, capable, and caring employees who see their role as much more than a job, but as a mission to ensure that all students receive a quality education in a safe and supportive environment. It has been my privilege to work alongside this amazing team of teachers, support staff, and school administrators who answer every question and address every situation by asking, “What’s best for kids?” Back in early December I formally announced my retirement, which will be effective at the end of June. At the time, I had no idea what the spring would bring. The pandemic and resulting school closures created unusual and unexpected circumstances under which to complete a career in public education, and certainly circumstances that I would have never chosen. But, it is in difficult times like these that true heroes are revealed and we have our share of heroes in the Laveen School District. I am proud of our teachers, our school leaders, our school cafeteria staff, our bus drivers, our maintenance workers, our groundskeepers, our technology team, and all of our many employees who turned on a dime when schools were closed to continue to meet the needs of students under stressful and unprecedented circumstances. The school closures and the impact of COVID-19 have created a difficult time for parents and families as well. I recognize the challenges and added stress that the situation has placed on you and I am very grateful for your understanding, patience, and support. I also want to recognize our Governing Board members who work without compensation providing guidance and support to the organization, and prioritizing the needs of students and families in every decision they make. Each one of our Governing Board members is an uncompromising advocate for children. I admire them and am very grateful for their leadership. I have every confidence that the Laveen School District will continue to be successful and thrive. We have overcome every challenge that we have faced and been made stronger and better as a result. We will likewise work through and overcome the challenges we currently face and challenges that are yet to come. It won’t be easy, but the Laveen School District has the right attributes to succeed. These include strong community support, partnerships with civic minded community groups, business partnerships, involved supportive parents, and highly dedicated and skilled school employees. And, we never forget that the purpose for everything we do is to create bright futures for our students. I have great appreciation and affection for our students. They are full of potential, and seeing them learn, grow, mature, and develop into capable and successful adolescents ready for high school and beyond is what has brought me the greatest joy. I feel that it has been an honor and a privilege to serve. You have my sincere appreciation and I wish you the very best always.
Board reorganizes for 2020 In January, the Laveen Governing Board reorganized, selecting a new president and clerk. The Board voted in favor of Michele Anderson to serve as president for 2020 and Jill Barragan as clerk. Anderson joined the Laveen Governing Board in 2015 and was elected as Board Clerk in 2017. Barragan has served on the Governing Board since 2013. She was elected as Board Clerk in 2015 and as Board President from 2017-2019. The board reorganizes annually. Anderson
Barragan
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Laveen schools quickly adjust to COVID .
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Arizona schools close following spring break When Laveen schools went on spring break in mid-March it was expected that classes would resume as normal a week later. However, during that week of heavy travel, cases of COVID-19 began to increase around the globe. Across the country, schools started to close in the areas hit hardest by the Novel Coronavirus. In Laveen, families and staff began to question the safety of returning to school and work. On March 15, Governor Doug Ducey and State Superintendent Kathy Hoffman announced that all Arizona schools would be closed for a period of two weeks. As COVID-19 cases continued to rise and social distancing measures became necessary, the closures were extended to the remainder of the school year. There is no doubt that COVID-19 changed the way schools looked and provided instruction over the last quarter. But, thanks to Laveen’s swift action and its staff’s willingness to adjust, the district was able to offer essential services and provide online instruction.
Laveen moves to online learning with ease
Free meals for children provided daily
Throughout the school closures, Laveen remained committed to providing a quality education to its students. Less than one week after the closures were announced, all classroom teachers began providing daily, direct instruction via an online or video format. Laveen was well prepared to move to an online format. All core curriculum was available on a digital platform that students were already accustomed to accessing. Additionally, Laveen teachers regularly use Google Classroom as a hub for sharing and submitting assignments and resources. Teachers also established daily “office hours” in which they would be available in real-time to interact with students and answer any questions families may have. By the end of the fourth quarter, almost 85% of Laveen students participated in online instructional activities provided by our teachers.
Knowing many families rely on school meals for their children, Laveen provided free breakfast and lunch to all children between under the age of 18 on a “grab & go” basis. Supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Laveen was able to launch the free meal program, normally offered in the summer months, during the closures. This allowed families to drive through any of Laveen’s 17 distribution sites (seven schools and ten bus stops) for free breakfast and lunch to go for their children. Laveen served an average of 25,000 meals per week during the closures. The district’s Child Nutrition Department will continue to provide free meals for children during the summer months.
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D-19 .
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Kids Club provides daycare to essential workers
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Committees plan for reopening
To ensure Arizona’s first responders, critical healthcare workers, and essential public sector employees had the support they needed to continue combatting COVID-19, the Governor’s office partnered with various organizations to offer child care through Arizona Enrichment Centers. The Kids Club program at Desert Meadows School was approved as one of the few Arizona Enrichment Centers in the Laveen area. When school closures were first announced, Laveen’s Kids Club team immediately stepped up to provide a day camp experience to children whose parents were considered “essential employees.” This program provided structured activities in a safe, supervised environment for children in Grades preschool through sixth. We are proud that Laveen’s program could support the Governor’s initiative and serve the families who were on the front lines of this state of emergency.
Since the closure of schools, district teams have been working to develop plans for re-opening in August. As we look ahead, the safety of students and staff will continue to be our primary focus. As of Photo by freepik. early June, we expect to start the new school year on August 3 as planned with students attending classes in person following guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which include additional disinfecting procedures and social distancing measures. Laveen plans to also provide distance learning options for students who are unable to attend school in person due to COVID-19 concerns. In addition, the district is developing alternative plans in the event that schools are closed or need to operate on a modified schedule. Please visit our website, www.LaveenSchools.org, for details on our plans for opening. Enrolled families should expect to be surveyed on their choice of options in June.
#ClosedNotClosed Schools and offices might have been closed due to COVID-19 restrictions, but business in the school district continued as all staff worked either remotely or on alternative schedules. Laveen’s technology team was ready to assist parents and staff with any technology issues they may have experienced with distance learning, front office teams answered phones during the usual business hours, and our support services team maintained our facilities ensuring they were clean for those still on site. Instructional coaches held site-based grade level meetings with teachers to support their online lesson planning and delivery and Laveen’s academic services department offered weekly online trainings to instructional staff. School administrators monitored weekly lessons and family communication. And, district leadership met virtually to develop future plans. Page 5
Changes to Laveen administration for 2020-21 The opening of a new school, coupled with the retirement of district superintendent Dr. Bill Johnson, has created movement across Laveen’s school and district administration. The following individuals will be taking on new roles during the 2020-21 school year.
Tim Thomas, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources Tim Thomas has served as principal of Rogers Ranch School for the last seven years. Before that, he was a school administrator in the Alhambra District for four years and a classroom teacher for six years. Under his leadership, Rogers Ranch was named an A+ School of Excellence. He received the Milken Educator Award and was named a Rodel Exemplary Principal.
Megan Hamburgh, Rogers Ranch Principal Megan Hamburgh has been the assistant principal at Vista del Sur for the last four years. Hamburgh was an instructional coach for four years and a classroom teacher for six years. She is experienced in leading school-wide academic achievement and growth, building and sustaining positive school climate and culture, developing effective curriculum, and implementing restorative justice practices and positive behavior interventions and supports.
Kristi Pashley, Cheatham Elementary Principal Kristi Pashley, principal of Paseo Pointe School will be transferring to Cheatham. Pashley is an experienced administrator and has been with the Laveen School District since 2009, when she started as an Assistant Principal at Trailside Point. She was principal of Vista del Sur Accelerated Academy for five years and has been at Paseo Pointe for the last four years. She also has eight years experience as a classroom teacher. Under her leadership, Vista del Sur received the National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence Award.
Jon Rohloff, Paseo Pointe Principal Jon Rohloff is an experienced educator with six years of principal experience in the Fowler Elementary School District. He was a classroom teacher for 10 years, teaching elementary, middle, and high school level courses. He is also bilingual in Spanish, making him an excellent choice to continue to grow Paseo’s Dual Language Immersion program.
Brett Humphrey, Trailside Point Principal Brett Humphrey has spent his entire career in the Laveen School District, beginning in 2007 as a classroom teacher. Since then, he served Trailside Point as instructional coach and has been the school’s assistant principal for the last five years. Page 6
Sarah Zembruski, Estrella Foothills Global Academy Principal Sarah Zembruski has served as the principal of Trailside Point since 2011. Under her leadership, Trailside has twice been named an A+ School of Excellence and has received the Gold Achievement Award for Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports for the last five years. She launched Trailside’s successful performing arts program. She is the recipient of the Exemplary Principal Award.
Ashley Grant, Trailside Point Assistant Principal Ashley Grant has been with the Laveen School District for four years. She has served as an assistant principal at both Rogers Ranch and Laveen School and was a classroom teacher for six years. Grant was recognized as a Rodel Aspiring Principal in 2015.
Erin Scagnelli, Vista del Sur Assistant Principal Erin Scagnelli has been with the Laveen School District for nine years. She was previously an instructional coach at Cheatham Elementary. Before that, she was a classroom teacher for seven years at Rogers Ranch School.
Erin Lebish, Estrella Foothills Global Academy Dean of Students Erin Lebish started her career at Trailside Point as a classroom teacher in 2012. She has served as an instructional coach at Trailside Point since 2018.
Reed Brotherton, Laveen School Assistant Principal Reed Brotherton has been with the Laveen School District for five years. He is currently an instructional coach at Trailside Point and previously served as assistant principal in a smaller district.
Estrella Foothills Global Academy named an International Baccalaureate Candidate School Now enrolling for August 2020 Laveen’s ninth school, Estrella Foothills Global Academy, is a candidate school* for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme and pursuing authorization as an IB World School. IB World Schools share a common philosophy—a commitment to improve the teaching and learning of a diverse and inclusive community of students by delivering challenging, high quality programmes of international education that share a powerful vision. Estrella Foothills, opening in August 2020, will feature global studies as its signature program. This program will create opportunities for students to think and engage in learning activities that broaden their global perspective. The plans include a Mandarin Chinese foreign language component. The school, located near 55th Avenue and Carver is now enrolling students. Families wishing to enroll their child may begin the registration process via the district’s secure online registration portal located at www.laveenschools.org/registration. Required documents may be presented in person prior to the start of school. As with all Laveen schools, Estrella Foothills will not have a set attendance boundary. It is a “school of choice” that any family may attend regardless of where they reside. The school will initially open to Grades K-6 and add a grade level each year until it serves Grades K-8. The school was designed by EMC2 Architects and is being constructed by S.D. Crane Builders. *Only schools authorized by the International Baccalaureate can offer any of its four academic programmes: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), the Diploma Programme or the IB Career-related Certificate (IBCC). Candidate status gives no guarantee that authorization will be granted. For further information about the IB and its programmes, visit www.ibo.org. Page 7
Accomplishments .
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Laveen School named an Arizona Exemplary Title I School Laveen School has been named a 2019-20 Arizona Exemplary Title I School by the state's Department of Education. This award recognizes schools that show a commitment to excellence and continued school improvement, ensuring the best learning possible for students. This state-level recognition program is based on the Six Principles of Effective Schools and honors schools that have demonstrated innovation and outstanding results in at least one area. Laveen displayed outstanding achievement in the area of Effective Teachers and Instruction as validated by an on-site visiting team. The school was honored at the statewide conference in February.
Vista student attends STEM conference in Texas Vista del Sur student Reyna Guerra was selected to attend the STEM Learning Ecosystems Conference held in San Antonio, Texas. Guerra was one of two Arizona students selected by Arizona Chief Science Officers to attend the all-expenses paid conference that serves as a platform for national peer-to-peer professional learning networks to share information and expertise. Guerra serves as one of Laveen’s Chief Science Officers, promoting STEM education in our schools and across the state.
Dr. Todd Liolios honored by Arizona Council for Exceptional Children Dr. Todd Liolios, executive director of student services, is the recipient of the Arizona Council for Exceptional Children’s 2020 Laura Ganoung Award. This award is given to a person who demonstrates innovation in special education and who has made a significant contribution to the field of special education. Dr. Liolios was honored at the organization’s annual state conference in February.
Laveen students rewarded for growth Vista sixth grader wins district spelling bee Sixth grade student Kallysta Komlan (middle) took 1st Place in Laveen’s annual spelling bee. Komlan attends Vista del Sur Accelerated Academy. The 40 district bee participants included winners from all eight schools in Grades 4-8. Seventh grade Paseo Pointe student Skylar Marshall (left) and Marian Murphy (right), Rogers Ranch sixth grader, were the two runners-up.
Fifth grade Laveen School students in Mr. Logan Wasie’s class won the Laveen School/Phoenix Suns “Grow to Go Challenge.” Wasie’s class showed the most growth across the three district assessments. His entire class received tickets to a Phoenix Suns home game. Students who showed the most growth got to go onto the court, meet players, and get basketballs autographed.
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Eight teachers receive Excellence in Education awards 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. This year's Excellence in Education recipients are Anahi Bermudez, Paseo Pointe; Gabrielle Chilton, M.C. Cash; Michelle Headley, Rogers Ranch; Cotylee Kendall, Desert Meadows; Jennifer Lewis, Trailside Point; Tamarra Peterson, Cheatham Elementary; Cleo Simpson, Vista del Sur; and Andrea Smith, Laveen School.
Exceptional Service Awards honor classified staff Eleven classified staff members from across the district were recognized with the district’s Exceptional Service Award, the highest recognition Laveen has for its classified employees. Each of these employees was nominated by their supervisor based on their quality and quantity of work, expertise, initiative, teamwork, customer service, and attendance. Recipients were: Sarahi Balanzar, Cheatham guest teacher; Sara Contreras, Rogers Ranch café manager; Julie Carson, Support Services administrative assistant; Donnie Rodman, lead groundskeeper; Clara Munroe, Academic Services administrative assistant; Christina Carlos, Human Resources administrative assistant; Chris Madrid, Laveen School café manager; Reyna Leyva, M.C. Cash behavior monitor; Jennifer Silber, Paseo Pointe secretary; Susan Cortez, Rogers Ranch secretary; and Tehani Smith, Trailside Point health associate.
New English language arts curriculum adopted for 2020-21 Laveen’s English language arts adoption committee, comprised of representatives from each school began researching and evaluating potential curriculum programs in the fall. The committee recommended ReadyGen for Grades K-5 and StudySync for Grades 6-8. These selected programs systematically integrate four strands: reading, writing, listening and speaking, and language. Additionally, each program provides methods and materials for differentiating instruction for students with disabilities, gifted, and English language learner subgroups, while ensuring that all students still encounter grade-level text during the core block of instruction. Finally, the digital engagement component supports the district-wide technology initiatives. The curriculum was approved by the Governing Board and will be implemented across the district for the 2020-21 school year. Page 9
In Our Community .
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Laveen hosts first Special Olympics Field Day Laveen held its first Special Olympics Field Day in January at Laveen School. Over 180 special education students from across the district participated in a variety of activities such as soccer, bocce ball, football, and ladder ball. Students rotated through the activities led by representatives from the Special Olympics organization. The field day serves as the first step to hosting a future Special Olympics competition. “This event exposes our students to a variety of activities and allows us to find the sports in which our students have the most interest. We plan to develop a team to participate in a Special Olympics competition next year and this will help us prepare for that event,” said Sarah Mikula, Laveen’s Special Olympics coordinator.
District partners with Attorney General’s office to host parent info sessions
Suns’ Jevon Carter visits Trailside Point Kids Club
The Laveen School District partnered with the office of the Arizona Attorney General to host two parent information sessions. The first focused on Vaping and E-Cigarette awareness. Parents were educated about the common myths and misconceptions surrounding vaping and the use of ecigarettes. Speakers provided information on the evolution of these products, the dangers associated with the devices, and the chemicals inhaled during usage. The second session focused on cyber safety and covered general topics related to social media including sexting, cyber-predators, cyber-bullying, popular apps, and social media websites. Both evening sessions were offered at no charge and middle school students were encouraged to attend with their parents.
Just before Spring Break, Jevon Carter of the Phoenix Suns surprised students in Trailside Point’s Kid Club. Carter read to the students and led some exercises that required the students to practice their teamwork skills. The visit was in celebration of Read to Achieve day and occurred at the end of Read Across America Week. This event was part of a Suns / Northern Arizona University partnership. That night, 45 Trailside Point students attended the Suns game. Students who showed high academic achievement on the NWEA district assessment were selected to attend.
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Enroll your child in a Laveen school. Laveen schools are now enrolling for the 2020-21 school year. Register online at www.LaveenSchools.org/registration Choose Laveen Open attendance boundaries Signature programs 1:1 student to device ratio New, digital curriculum A+ Schools of Excellence Free Full Day Kindergarten Academic Preschool We’re opening our ninth school in August, Estrella Foothills Global Academy— an International Baccalaureate Candidate School.
College Prep ● Computer Coding ● Global Studies ● Mindful Leadership ● Kids at Hope ● STEM Performing Arts ● Dual Language Immersion ● Accelerated Pace Laveen School District │5001 W. Dobbins │602-237-9100 │www.LaveenSchools.org 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
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The Latest from Laveen is published by the Laveen Communications Department. Kristen Landry • 602-237-9100 • klandry@laveeneld.org
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. You may register online or complete a packet available on our website, www.LaveenSchools.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/report card from previous school Photo identification for parent/guardian
Vista del Sur is an accelerated school and students must take an assessment prior to enrolling. Paseo Pointe is a dual language immersion (DLI) school. Incoming students in Grades PK-3, for 2020-21, must enroll in the DLI program (DLI will expand a grade level each year). Estrella Foothills Global Academy is opening in 2020-21 to Grades K-6. Laveen schools also accept open enrollment of nonresident (out-of-district) students on a space available basis. Bus transportation is only provided to those students who live within designated transportation zones of their neighborhood school.
Visit us online at www.LaveenSchools.org M.C. Cash School 3851 W. Roeser Phoenix, AZ 85041 602-237-9120
Estrella Foothills Global Academy 5400 W. Carver Laveen, AZ 85339 602-304-2050
Rogers Ranch School 6735 S. 47th Avenue Laveen, AZ 85339 602-304-2030
Cheatham Elementary 4725 W. South Mountain Laveen, AZ 85339 602-237-7040
Laveen Elementary 4141 W. McNeil Laveen, AZ 85339 602-237-9110
Trailside Point Performing Arts Academy 7275 W. Vineyard Laveen, AZ 85339 602-605-8540
Desert Meadows School 6855 W. Meadows Loop East Laveen, AZ 85339 602-304-2020
Paseo Pointe School 8800 S. 55th Avenue Laveen, AZ 85339 602-304-2040
Vista del Sur Accelerated Academy 3908 W. South Mountain Laveen, AZ 85339 602-237-3046