The Latest from Laveen Fall 2015

The Latest from FALL 2015 .

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Laveen exceeds technology goal Page 3

Our student enrollments continue to increase and, to accommodate the growth and avoid overcrowding, construction is getting underway for our eighth elementary school here in Laveen. Planning, designing, and building a new school is always an exciting endeavor. Seeing what was envisioned take form and become a reality is always a gratifying experience. The Laveen School District is in the business of creating and building, but not just school facilities. We create futures. We build lives. As I think of the important role that our schools play in the Laveen community and in the lives of its students the poem titled The Builder, by an unknown author, comes to mind: The Builder I passed one day through a busy town, and saw them tearing a building down.

With a “Ho, heave ho!” and a husky yell, they swung a beam and a side wall fell.

I asked the foreman, “Are these men skilled?

The kind you’d hire if you were to build?”

“No,” he chuckled. “No indeed, the common laborer is all I need.

I can easily destroy in a day or two, what it takes a builder years to do.”

I thought to myself as I went on my way, which of these roles have I tried to play?

Am I a wrecker, as I go around, foolishly engaged in tearing down?

Or am I a builder who works with care, strengthening lives by rule and square, supporting others with a well-made plan, and helping us be the best we can?

As exciting as it is to see a new building take shape, it is infinitely more thrilling and fulfilling to watch a child grow into a happy, successful, and productive member of the community, reaching his or her full potential. The work we do in our schools and community is helping create a bright future for each student and for our community as a whole. It is an honor for us to partner with parents and community members in this important work, and we thank you for your support and the role that you play in supporting our schools, strengthening our community, and enabling students to learn, grow, and achieve in a safe and positive environment called school.

Dr. Bill Johnson, Superintendent Page 2

Summer meal program a success Over 23,700 breakfast and lunch meals were served to children over the summer through the Summer Food Service Program.

Four Laveen schools provided free breakfast and lunch over the summer as part of the program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Summer Food Services ensures children continue to receive nutritious meals even when school is not in session. All children 18 years and younger receive free meals that meet the federal nutrition guidelines.

New state proficiency standards The State Board of Education recently adopted the performance standards for the new state assessment, AzMERIT. The AzMERIT test is based on Arizona’s College and Career Ready Standards, which are more rigorous and require more critical thinking than the previous standards. This, in turn, resulted in AzMERIT being significantly more difficult than the previous AIMS assessment.

The new performance measures are comparable to many other states enabling Arizona students to know how they are doing on a national level.

The Arizona Department of Education has released estimated proficiency rates for AzMERIT which indicate we will see student proficiency in the 25-41% range for English language arts and 29-42% proficiency for math across the state.

Laveen District increases technology The Laveen Elementary School District met their goal of achieving a 2:1 student to computer device ratio.

Rogers Ranch, which is a STEM-focused school boasts a 1:1 student to computer ratio.

Students in Kindergarten and 1st grade use iPads; all other grade levels use Chromebooks. All classrooms have a document camera, speakers, and a projector.

"Arizona's academic standards require students to use technology and digital media to research, collaborate, and demonstrate their learning. Our students are getting daily practice to prepare them for college, workforce training, and life in a technological society,” said Executive Director for Academic Services Kathy Davis. “Our English language arts and mathematics curriculum both have a digital platform so students can use the technology to access these resources online."

In addition to managing these thousands of devices, the Laveen technology department spent the summer adding even more technology.

One hundred SMART Boards were installed in K-3 classrooms. At the start of this school year, every K-8 classroom and resource teacher was equipped with a SMART Board. SMART Boards act as interactive whiteboards and allow students to manipulate the screen by touch, similar to that of an iPad. They help keep students engaged through physical participation in the lesson.

Additionally, 1,800 iPads were reconfigured to allow for centralized management and app distribution.

Over 900 additional Chromebooks were also purchased to maintain the district’s 2:1 student to device ratio.

New internal systems were launched this summer as well, including a new point-of-sale system for all school cafeterias and a new employee time clock system. The previous systems were antiquated and did not communicate with each other as well as needed.

The increased technology was made possible by Laveen voters who approved a capital override in 2012.

“Our students are fortunate that the community believed in and supported the added technology,” said Laveen Superintendent Dr. Bill Johnson. “It will undoubtedly better prepare them for high school, college, and beyond.”

Laveen students take Honors Algebra at Cesar Chavez High School Eight Vista del Sur 8th grade students are currently enrolled in high school honors mathematics courses at Cesar Chavez High School.

Four students are taking Honors Geometry and four are taking Honors Algebra 3-4. The students attend Chavez each morning before classes begin at Vista. They will each earn high school credits for passing these advanced classes.

The high school has been welcoming to the students. They provided summer tours, high school mentors, and transportation to Vista after class.

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Laveen welcomes new school administrators

Administrators recognized

Several Laveen schools welcomed new administrators to their campuses this year. They are: Andrew Wait, Cheatham Principal — Andrew Wait brings four years of principal experience to Cheatham. He joins Laveen from Yuma where he has been for 10 years. Wait has been involved in the AVID program for several years.

At the August 13 Governing Board Meeting, four administrators were recognized with Pinnacle of Leadership awards.

Student Services Director Todd Liolios, Vista del Sur Principal Kristi Pashley, Kids Klub Coordinator Kim Teer, and Transportation Coordinator Eric Kissel received the award. This award recognizes select individuals for exceptional leadership, outstanding accomplishment, and dedicated service to Laveen’s students and community.

Steven Gerace, Cheatham Assistant Principal — Steven Gerace has been with Cheatham since 2007, most recently as an instructional coach. He has served as the school’s AVID Coordinator and received the district’s Excellence in Education Award in 2012.

Nicole Goodwin, M.C. Cash Assistant Principal— Nicole Goodwin brings three years of experience as an Assistant Principal to Cash. She joins Laveen from the Glendale Elementary School District where she began her career in 2002.

Brett Humphrey, Trailside Point Assistant Principal — Brett Humphrey joined Trailside Point in 2013 as an Instructional Coach. He originally came to Laveen in 2007 as a teacher at Desert Meadows. He received the Rodel Aspiring Principal award last year.

J.P. Ketcham, Laveen Assistant Principal—J.P. Ketcham joins Laveen School from Desert Meadows where he was also Assistant Principal. He brings a number of years of school administrative experience, having served in both the Buckeye and Glendale Elementary School Districts. Ketcham began his teaching career in 1997.

Tanya Whiteford, Desert Meadows Assistant Principal — Tanya Whiteford brings four years of Assistant Principal experience to Desert Meadows. She joins Laveen from the Alhambra Elementary School District where she began her career in 2006. Whiteford is a recipient of the Rodel Aspiring Principal award and serves on the state’s Arizona State Teacher Retention Task Force.

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Student Services Director recognized Student Services Director Todd Liolios was selected as the Arizona School Administrators Higher Education Division’s Outstanding Dissertation Student Liolios Award recipient.

This award is for outstanding doctoral students in educational leadership from member post-secondary institutions. Liolios presented a summary of his research on early entry kindergarten students and how their academic achievement compares with age-typical students at the annual ASA Summer Conference.

Business Services recognized

District launches new brand, website

The district’s Business Services Department was awarded the Association of School Business Officials International’s Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting for the 2014 fiscal year.

This award honors school districts for excellence and best practices in financial reporting, transparency, and fiscal accountability.

Receiving this award provides Laveen with expert feedback to continue to improve the quality of the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report while also improving the district’s bond rating.

The Laveen Elementary School District has a new look this school year. A new logo, tagline, and website were unveiled this summer.

The logo features a tree design and represents children, growth, knowledge, and family as well as recognizing Laveen’s agricultural roots. The tagline, “Creating Bright Futures” was selected to emphasize the mission of the district.

A new website was also launched that complements the new logo. It features more pictures and easier navigation for visitors.

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Laveen Elementary School District’s

School No. 8

Groundbreaking Celebration Sept. 28 / 9:00 a.m.

Join us for the groundbreaking of our next school located within the Paseo Point Community near 55th Avenue & Dobbins.

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Your tax dollars at work .

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Summer improvements take place across the district

Before

After

Before

After

A number of construction and renovation projects took place across the district over the summer break.

Funding was provided through bond proceeds as approved by voters in 2008.

Transportation The transportation building was gutted and remodeled providing adequate space for bus driver training, bus dispatch, and expanded operations.

Rogers Ranch At Rogers Ranch a new bus bay was installed just north of the school along 47th Avenue. This will better separate the buses from the visitor parking.

Additional Projects  Finalize design for School #8  Improve 51st Avenue near the LEC to add turn lanes, fencing, curbs and sidewalk, and driveways for bus entrance and exit  Construct a new bus parking lot  Install new cafeteria serving lines at Desert Meadows and Trailside Point  Expand parking lot and multi-use athletic field development at LEC  Purchase three full-sized special education buses  Purchase two student activity vans  Purchase one small special education bus

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Vista del Sur Vista’s front office was expanded and remodeled. Site drainage work was done to prevent courtyard flooding, and additional rooms were built.

District receives School Facilities Board grant The Arizona School Facilities Board approved two requests for construction funding grants at its June meeting.

The grants will provide for new roofing at Cheatham Elementary School and the repair of a drainage pipe in Vista del Sur’s courtyard which was completed this summer.

2015 Bond Election .

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The Governing Board of the Laveen Elementary School District has called for an election to ask voters whether to issue $42 million in bonds over nine years. Proceeds from the bond sales would fund building construction and renovation projects, facility upkeep, new school buses, and technology items. The election takes place November 3, 2015.

If passed, what exactly will bond proceeds provide?

By law, bond proceeds may only fund construction and renovation projects, school buses, and technology items. Specific items this bond will provide include:

Why did the Laveen Governing Board call for the bond election?

Existing Laveen Schools are at or very near capacity and still growing. The district has grown by 900 students since the opening of the last school and the Arizona School Facilities Board estimates that Laveen Construction Drawing will grow by an additional 3,000 Preliminary students over the Construction of schools #8 and #9. next 10 years.

To balance its budget, the state cut Acquire school sites to accommodate future growth capital funding to schools by 85-percent and eliminatMaintenance ed the Building Renewal fund for school districts. The Repair and replace infrastructure Governing Board feels that the state cannot be relied Maintain all facilities – roofing, A/C, painting Replace playground equipment to ensure child safety on for new school construction funding. In the past, the state placed moratoriums on new school conReplace shade structures for playgrounds struction funding and will no longer consider any Technology funding for new schools until after existing schools Provide upgraded security at all sites have exceeded their student capacity, which could Technology initiatives, upgrades and improvements result in severe overcrowding.

Install digital, programmable marquees Refresh and improve classroom technology Most of Laveen’s schools are new. What mainteSchool Transportation nance/ replacement is necessary?

Purchase school buses to replace aging fleet Laveen is very fortunate that each of our schools are less than 20 years old, the majority being constructWhat is the estimated cost on these items? ed within the last 10 years. With thousands of students walking through our schools each day, even our newest buildings will require some level of upProject Cost keep. This includes: carpet replacement, painting, Enhance School Safety $ 500,000 roofing and HVAC replacements, concrete repairs, Tech Refresh & Improvement $4,810,000 etc.

Construct School #8

$7,440,000

Construct School #9

$14,000,000

School Site Acquisitions

$2,000,000

Maintain & Repair Schools

$11,500,000

Bus Fleet Replacement

$1,750,000 Total

The bond program will be spread over 10 years during which time schools will need maintenance and repair.

$42,000,000

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Around our Schools .

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Desert Meadows

Rogers Ranch

Desert Meadows is further integrating technology into student learning this school year.

The school has set clearly defined technology standards for each grade level and will continue offering its staff professional development opportunities highlighting the use of technology.

For students, grade level-specific technology skills will be taught through the computer integration class and a robot coding club will be launched later this semester. Additionally, student tech experts will be trained to assist teachers in implementing new skills in the classroom such as developing code and programming robots.

Art and music classes will also have more access to technology through sharing an iPad cart to support the curriculum.

Rogers Ranch gifted teacher Rowe Van Meter received a $700 grant for the school from the Arizona Center for After School Excellence (AZCASE).

The grant will be used for an after school Math, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) engineering club through the University of Arizona. Students in Grades 6-8 will choose a challenge such as airdrop rocket, rollercoaster, solar car, etc. and build their model based on the specifications set by MESA. There will be three competitions (local, regional, and state) with the final on April 23 where students showcase their design and notebooks and are judged.

The funds will be used for supplies as well as transportation to the competitions.

Preschool The Little Hawks are using Mat Man in class to learn about parts of the body.

Using wooden pieces, the children discuss each part as they assemble Mat Man.

Preschoolers talk about their ears while assembling Mat Man.

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Cheatham Cheatham will soon be adding Scholastic’s Reading Counts! to their library.

Reading Counts! is a program than encourages students to read outside of class.

It offers a variety of leveled literature and non-fiction works.

It is also technology-based.

Reading Counts! generates an online quiz to meet the individual student’s reading needs. This quiz gives the teacher an assessment that can be used to monitor reading progress.

All books are aligned to Arizona’s College and Career Ready Standards.

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M.C. Cash

Laveen

M.C. Cash had their first parent night in midAugust.

Parents of students in all grade levels gathered to discuss curriculum and academic expectations, technology integration, and opportunities to strengthen the school to home connection.

M.C. Cash teachers presented two 30-minute sessions to accommodate the families with students in multiple grade levels.

Forty students in Ms. Nereyda Rodriguez’s Spanish classes will attend the Dia de los Muertos festival in October.

Dia de los Muertos is a significant family holiday throughout Mexico, Latin America, and the Southwest. It is a day to remember one’s ancestors. While the customs surrounding Dia de los Muertos differ by region, in Arizona it is a Celebration of Life.

Laveen offers Spanish to students in Grades 6, 7, and 8. Students meet five days a week and study communication, culture, connection, comparison, and community.

Students will meet at the school to paint their faces and discuss the cultural events that occur this time of year in Latin America.

Trailside Point Trailside Point School added several performing arts classes this school year. Now, more than half of their student population is involved in a specific performing art class besides general music.

Performing arts classes offered include: ukulele, choir, percussion ensemble, beginning and advanced guitar, beginning and advanced orchestra, beginning and advanced band, drama, set design and production, and broadcasting.

Vista del Sur Vista del Sur is now Vista del Sur Accelerated Academy.

Vista’s staff and Site Council worked throughout the 2014-2015 school year to determine an appropriate name change that more clearly communicates what they are. Vista’s curriculum is one grade level ahead and they do not follow the “traditional” model of teacher-led instruction.

At its July meeting the Laveen Governing Board, unanimously voted to change the school’s name. The name change will continue the tradition of excellence at Vista while defining the school’s vision and expectations for the entire school community.

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In Our Community .

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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.

2nd Annual

Laveen Winter Festival

Free admission.

Tickets will be sold for select activities.

Student Performances Snow Slide

Food Photos with Santa & Ice Princesses

December 4 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Laveen Education Center Page 10

Crafts/ Gifts

Games Activities

Fundraiser benefitting the Laveen Education Foundation.

Reduce your taxes by supporting Laveen schools Arizona allows taxpayers to dedicate dollars to education while reducing the amount owed on their 2015 taxes through the tax credit program.

For every dollar donated, the amount owed on Arizona taxes will be that much less. If taxes are not owed, the amount donated may be carried forward for up to five years to offset future tax liabilities.

For example, if a single person owes $300 on their state taxes for 2015 and donates the maximum amount of $200, they will then only owe the state $100.

Couples filing jointly may donate any amount up to $400. Individuals may contribute up to $200.

Tax credit contributions may only be used to support character education and fee-based extracurricular activities such as after-school tutoring and clubs, academic enrichment, field trips, fine art programs, and athletics.

Anyone can participate, married or single, with or without children.

Complete and return this form, along with your payment, to your child’s school or mail to Laveen Tax Credit Program, 5001 W. Dobbins, Laveen, AZ 85339 You may also donate online at www.laveeneld.org.

Donor Information: Name

Address

City, State Zip

Donation Amount: $ The maximum 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)

2015

2016

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, 2016 to be eligible for a 2015 tax credit.

Non-Profit Org U.S. Postage PAID Laveen, AZ Permit #6

5001 W. Dobbins Laveen, AZ 85339

Residential Customer

The Latest from Laveen is published by the Laveen Communications Department.

Kristen Landry • 602-237-9100 • klandry@laveeneld.org

Laveen Education Center 5001 W. Dobbins Laveen, AZ 85339 602-237-9100 M.C. Cash School 3851 W. Roeser Phoenix, AZ 85041 602-237-9120 Cheatham Elementary 4725 W. South Mountain LAveen, AZ 85339 602-237-7040 Desert Meadows School 6855 W. Meadows Loop East Laveen, AZ 85339 602-304-2020 Laveen Elementary 4141 W. McNeil Laveen, AZ 85339 602-237-9110 Rogers Ranch School 6735 S. 47th Avenue Laveen, AZ 85339 602-304-2030 Trailside Point School 7275 W. Vineyard Laveen, AZ 85339 602-605-8540 Vista del Sur 3908 W. South Mountain Laveen, AZ 85339 602-237-3046

Enroll your child in a Laveen school You may enroll your child in your neighborhood* school at any time throughout the year.

Registration packets are available online at www.laveeneld.org or in our schools’ front offices. You will need to bring the following documents to complete your child’s registration:  Child’s original birth certificate  Child’s immunization record  Proof of Residence, such as utility receipt or lease agreement (refer to Arizona Residency Guidelines)  Legal papers, if applicable, for custody  Withdrawal form and report card from previous school  Photo identification for parent/ guardian. *Please note, Vista del Sur 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.

Open Enrollment Open enrollment laws allow parents to enroll their child in any Laveen school outside of their neighborhood. Applications are accepted annually.

Approval is based on space.

Parents/ guardians are responsible for transportation if your child does not attend your neighborhood school.

Visit us online at www.laveeneld.org