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JULY 17, 2019
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West Point High School boasts innovative features BY OCTAVIO SERRANO
West Valley View Staff Writer
West Point High School in Avondale is getting ready to open the doors to phase one and welcome 1,200 freshmen and sophomores. Incoming Principal Brandi Haskins is impressed by the innovative high school’s enhanced safety and educational features. “What I’m most excited about is for our students to come onto campus and see the learning environment that has been created for them,” Haskins said. “I think they’re going to feel like young women and young men coming onto campus to learn.” Officials broke ground for the 190,000-square-feet first phase in September at 11620 W. Encanto Boulevard. Phase two, about 70,000 square feet, should be completed by December, with the remaining portion wrapping up in May. The $109 million project will be 310,000 square feet. Ben Barcon, co-owner of ADM Group, the project’s architectural firm, said the size was needed for the number of students. “You have a campus with eventually 2,900 students milling around, so you need a lot of acreage and this one happens to be 69 acres,” Barcon said. The school features innovative architecture, complemented by a technology-friendly environment and security. Its new staff is excited to become part of the campus. Haskins has been with the Tolleson Union High School District for 28 years. The former principal of Westview and La Joya Community high schools said there is a need for a new campus. “The Tolleson Union High School District has been growing tremendously,” Haskins said. “The West Valley is still growing, and we definitely needed it in our district to make sure we have space for all of our students, so they have the opportunity to learn at their highest levels.”
For its first year, West Point will host 1,200 freshmen and sophomores. The school will eventually reach its full capacity of 2,900 students. This campus will include gymnasiums, a performing arts center, an innovation center/library and more than 14 science lab centers. Barcon said the innovation center is especially striking. “We’ve done it in such a way that it’s flexible,” Barcon said. “All the book racks are on wheels and we have a storage room for them. The innovation center can become a lecture hall. It could become a meeting space. It could become a fab lab or a number of things. So, flexibility of design for the future is really what it’s all about.” The courtyard, which Barcon referred to as a quad, is a welcoming space with four seating areas. Students can gather on concrete seats, and the space, which will accommodate 2,900 students, will have Wi-Fi and charging stations. Barcon said the cafeteria was designed to look like a “memorial union at a college,” with soft-seating booths, high-top tables and counters. “The outside areas have a concession stand for those who don’t want to go inside,” Barcon said. “They can walk over to the window and order a sandwich or a hot dog, and then sit outside.” Barcon and his team put a lot of thought into the school’s security and created a safe design for the campus Barcon described the building as a colosseum circular design with a common courtyard, making it easier for staff to supervise students. The administration office building has large one-way windows that look out onto the courtyard. “The glass on the outside looking in is dark, but the inside looking out is clear, which gives them a heck of a way to supervise these kids,” Barcon said. The windows are found in the classrooms as well. Balconies overlooking the courtyard are an added security feature. “Anybody from administration or se-
Construction is coming along at West Point High School, as shown by these drone photographs. (Photo courtesy Tolleson Union High
West Point High School 11620 W. Encanto Boulevard, Avondale 623-478-4014
School District)
curity can be on that second-floor balcony looking down on the courtyard to supervise those kids,” Barcon said. In case the school needs to go into lockdown, the campus has three layers of security, he said. “One is the outside perimeter fence around the entire campus, and we have a second perimeter fence from building to building,” Barcon said. “Any visitors have to go to the front lobby, which has bullet-resistant glass. They’ll have to be screened and allowed in through a side door into the campus.” The classrooms are innovative as well. The walls serve as whiteboards, thanks to a new type of paint. Completing a project of this size was
not easy, Barcon said. His team developed more than 800 documents and sheets of drawing in 90 days and managed to get a permit within 45 days. “If it weren’t for our designers, our architects, our 3-D model people and our CAD people who put it on the computer, it would never have gotten done,” Barcon said. “It’s a real team effort.” Haskins foresees interactions with Luke Air Force Base. “In any community, you’re always looking for ways the school can work with the community and learn from practitioners in the field,” Haskins said. “We’re really lucky to have Luke Air Force Base as such a strong part of the community.”
Fast facts about West Point High School • The West Point High School Dragons’ colors are black and red. • The new school is set to open with only grades nine and 10. In 2020-2021, the school will accommodate freshmen, sophomores and juniors (grades nine, 10 and 11). In 2021-2022, West Point High School will have its first graduating class serving freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors (grades nine, 10, 11 and 12). • Tolleson Union High School District is partnering with Luke Air Force Base to provide an academy with rigorous and challenging curriculum with an emphasis on STEM. • About $48 million of the project’s funding came from the Arizona School Facilities Board. Another nearly $7 million is from adjacent ways. A voter-approved bond authorized over $53 million. The full project has a guaranteed maximum price of over $108 million.
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How to choose the right school for your child BY SHELLY SMITH HORNBACK Litchfield Elementary School District Director of Community Relations
My husband Todd and I relocated from Scottsdale to Verrado when our two grown children were preschoolers. The decision to move was prompted by opportunities for professional advancement, but solidified when we realized we would be located within the boundaries of the “A”-rated Litchfield
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Elementary School District. As young parents and new homeowners, one of the few things we knew with certainty was that prudent homeownership is dependent on proximity to good schools. Strong schools and strong communities go hand in hand, and I will forever be grateful that our children’s A+ schools were within walking distance from our home. Every family has different priori-
ties and commitments to consider when selecting a school. It is sometimes tough to narrow down the overwhelming field of educational options. Below are my suggested considerations for finding the best fit for your child. Safety: Are exterior gates and doors locked? Is identification required of visitors? Do students have trusted adults to support them when in crisis? How does the curriculum and culture support teaching children the necessary skills to express themselves? What are the procedures to report suspected bullying? Care: Do you get a warm feeling when you visit the school? Do you feel welcome and valued? Is school spirit prominent? Are the adults fostering connection by speaking directly to your child? Do teachers and staff show affection and Shelly Smith Hornback is the director of community relations for the Litchfield Elementary respect? Are people smiling and School District. (Photo courtesy Litchfield Elementary greeting each other? Are support School District) staff honored as valuable teammates? Are there significant examallows parents to apply for any public ples of longtime employees? How are school in the state, no matter the techbehavior challenges handled? nical boundaries of the family’s resQuality Education: How many of the idence. Open enrollment procedures teachers are certified? What is the com- vary and can be found on most dismitment to professional development? tricts’ websites. Consider awards and ratings that the Neighborhood schools happen to be school and school district have earned. something my family values. We loved What support positions are in place living near teachers and classmates. We (reading aides, instructional coaches, embraced the sense of community that behavior interventionists, etc.)? What comes with knowing the local bus drivleadership opportunities are available er and riding bikes to parent-teacher to students? Are general education stu- conferences. When choosing a school, dents encouraged to mentor students it’s important to examine your famwith special needs? ily’s values and make decisions that Lifestyle: What after-school opportu- feel right for you. Trust your instincts. nities are available? How long is the Abandon the myth of perfection and commute? What are the school hours? have confidence in your parenting Consider opportunities for volunteer- skills that will be enhanced by caring ism. How does the school foster parent teachers and quality programming. Fiengagement? What does the school- nally, once you commit to a school, I home connection look like? encourage you to get involved and help Many people do not realize that Ar- that school be everything you need it to izona has an open enrollment law that be for your family.
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Tolleson preschool continues, thanks to council BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI West Valley View Executive Editor
Tolleson children will head to preschool this year, thanks to a joint effort between city of Tolleson officials and the Tolleson Elementary School District. “It’s going to make a huge difference,” said Tolleson Elementary School District Superintendent Dr. Lupita Hightower. The district had a federal $524,000 Preschool Development Grant, as Arizona doesn’t fund preschool, outside of special needs preschool, Hightower said. This was the primary source for preschool programs at schools like Arizona Desert and P.H. Gonzales elementary schools in Tolleson. However, earlier this year, the grant was dissolved for the majority of Arizona, putting TESD in danger of closing the preschools’ doors. “This would have eliminated early childhood educational opportunities for approximately 125 preschool-age children and left their families desperate for quality child care or early childhood education,” Hightower said.
The district approached several organizations like Head Start, First Things First and the United Way to no avail. It also applied for a Tohono O’odham Grant, but that decision won’t be made until September. Hightower told Mayor Anna Tovar about the lack of funding and she was concerned. “I’ve gone to the preschools and they are amazing,” Tovar said. “To see our children as young as 2 years old all the way to 5 receiving quality education at a very young age is amazing. “We see it as a must for the community. It sets a strong foundation of going into kindergarten through 12th grade. Statistics show early childhood curriculum improves their overall development skills.” After little discussion, the Tolleson City Council on July 9 voted to designate $400,000 for TESD’s unfunded preschool program. The funds were previously earmarked for a new playground at Arizona Desert Elementary School. If the Tohono O’odham Grant is approved in September and awarded in
Enrolling for Fall 2019!
West Valley Christian School – Goodyear Preschool – 8th Grade
Seated, from left to right, are Councilman John Carnero, Councilwoman Clorinda Erives, Mayor Anna Tovar and Vice Mayor Juan F. Rodriguez. (Photo courtesy Tolleson Elementary School District)
November, the funds will go toward the new playfield. “They didn’t want the students to go without that opportunity this year,” Hightower said. “We are hearing the federal government may reinstate funding, but we couldn’t take that chance. “It was $400,000. I feel incredible. The cities don’t have to help with funding schools, but they do whatever they can to support us. “It’s amazing and it’s a huge win for our schools. I’m so grateful to be in a
Pendergast: The district that ‘bee’-lieves in you BY DR. LILY MATOS DEBLIEUX Pendergast Elementary School District Superintendent
Middle School Kickoff – Thurs Aug 1 (5:30 pm) Meet the Teacher Night – Mon Aug 5 (3-6 pm) 1st Day of School – Wed, Aug 7
www.mywvcs.org
• Tuition Assistance available & multi-student discounts • Biblically Integrated Program challenging the spiritual, academic and social development of each student • Focus on servant leadership • Art. Music, Computers, STEAM, Spanish, PE • Athletics & Extracurricular Activities • Before & After-School Care • Full or Part-Time Pre-School for 3 & 4-year olds
16260 W. Van Buren St. Goodyear, AZ 85338 623-234-2100 West Valley Christian School, in partnership with the family, equips students to discover and develop their talents and spiritual gifts in order to live a life of service, impacting the world for Christ.
city where the mayor and council believe in investing in children.” Tovar agreed. “It’s another partnership we’re very proud of,” she said. “It’s very important to work with our schools here. They are all our children. It does take a village to raise children. This was a no-brainer. It’s something that’s going to help our students long term. Preschool starts their educational career and all students need to have the best possible opportunity. It’s just the beginning.”
Construction, Leadership and Accelerated Math, Banner Health, Medical & Forensic Sciences, Entrepreneurship The Pendergast District is focused on and Next Level Leadership Academy. educating the “whole child” Character education is through research-based acpromoted on each campus ademics, fine arts, physithrough the Be Kind Procal education, technology, gram. The Speak Up, Stand extra-curricular programs Up, Save a Life Movement and a full-time counselor is working to eradicate bulon each campus. lying, and focus on issues Leadership opportunities plaguing youth today, by are encouraged for students sharing positive solutions at each grade level that on each of the 12 campusinclude clubs, organizaes. tions, student government The district is also known and community service. for its eight-grade superinThe district has signature tendent’s student council, STEAM Academies, in- Dr. Lily Matos DeBlieux. which mentors and trains (Photo courtesy Pendergast cluding Dual Language, Elementary School District) youth to be the leaders of Ethnic Studies, GCON Detomorrow and focuses on sign and Build, Computer Science, Ag- career and college readiness and comriculture Ecosystems, Energy, Conser- munity service. Pendergast is the disvation and Efficiency Academy, Orcutt trict that believes in you. Come join us | Winslow Architecture, Planning, and today.
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Litchfield Elementary School District REGISTER TODAY
to experience the challenging
curriculum and caring relationships in our “A” rated District!
Nationally Recognized Teachers • School Nurse on Every Campus Affordable Before/After School Care • Free Full-Day Kindergarten Music + Art + PE + Computers • Farm-to-Cafeteria Food Engaged Parents and Community • Barbara B. Robey Elementary School, 5340 Wigwam Creek Boulevard, Litchfield Park • Belen Soto Elementary School, 18601 West Campbell Avenue, Goodyear • Corte Sierra Elementary School, 3300 Santa Fe Trail, Avondale • Dreaming Summit Elementary School, 13335 West Missouri Avenue, Litchfield Park • L. Thomas Heck Middle School, 12448 West Bethany Home Road, Litchfield Park • Litchfield Elementary School, 255 East Wigwam Boulevard, Litchfield Park • Mabel Padgett Elementary School, 15430 West Turney, Goodyear • Palm Valley Elementary School, 2801 North 135th Avenue, Goodyear • Rancho Santa Fe Elementary School, 2150 North Rancho Santa Fe Boulevard,Avondale • Scott L. Libby Elementary School, 18701 West Thomas Road, Litchfield Park • Verrado Elementary School, 20873 West Sunrise Lane, Buckeye • Verrado Heritage Elementary School, 20895 West Hamilton Street, Buckeye • Verrado Middle School, 20880 West Main Street, Buckeye • Western Sky Middle School, 4095 North 144th Avenue, Goodyear • Wigwam Creek Middle School, 4510 North 127th Avenue, Litchfield Park
www.lesd.k12.az.us
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Sharp pencils, sharper community impact BY ANNELISE KRAFFT
West Valley View Contributing Writer
There’s nothing better than a sharp pencil to help a student take on the school year. Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council’s Emily McGee, from Troop 761 in Goodyear, agrees. McGee is working to make a positive impact on the lives of children in her community — one pencil at a time. After noticing a need for school supplies in her community, McGee decided to take on a massive pencil collection journey. She coined Emily’s Pencil Project in 2016 when she was a Brownie. “As a Brownie, Emily noticed some kids had trouble affording school supplies and wanted to help,” said Emily’s mom, Tiffany McGee. “The purpose of her project is to raise awareness for why schools need simple things like pencils, to show support of our educators and to use social media to make a positive impact. She decided that everyone deserves a pencil and collected 1,000 to donate to local schools.”
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Now, years later, Emily is in seventh grade and taking on the challenge again: this time through her Girl Scouts Take Action Project for the Cadette Media Journey, which focuses on the influence of media in the girls’ everyday lives. For her Take Action Project, which aims to find a sustainable solution to a problem Girl Scouts notice in their communities, McGee is challenging herself to raise 15 times more than her previous efforts. “My goal was to collect 15,000 pencils and donate 1,000 to 15 different schools in need,” she said. “We’ve blown that out of the water, collecting 17,429 pencils so far. We have eight schools accepting the donations and counting.” The schools, including Odyssey Prep Academy and Copper Trails, Lattie Coor, Desert Star, Littleton, Buckeye, Collier, Marionneaux and Sundance elementary schools will be recipients of the donation, with more schools joining the list daily. Emily is targeting schools in the Avondale, Buckeye, Goodyear and Tolleson communities as well as the Lib-
erty and Littleton school districts. To collaborate with each school, she had to speak with school faculty members regarding their need and supply, taking initiative and interviewing multiple teachers and principals. Her mom said Girl Scouts has had a noticeable impact on her daughter. “It’s amazing how much Emily has changed throughout this journey,” Tiffany said. “Girl Scouts has given her an amazing opportunity to take leadership into her own hands while making a great impact on the community. Emily used to be so timid, but Girl Scouts has given her a voice to self-advocate.” Emily agreed with her mom, noting how Girl Scouts has helped her develop confidence, courage and character. “One thing I’ve learned is that it doesn’t matter how little you are, you still have a voice,” she said. “I was doing this even as a third-grade Brownie — anyone can make a difference.” One way she is sharing her voice is through her Facebook page, Emily’s
Pencil Project, which she uses to update her followers on her progress and help raise donations. It’s exciting to get a donation and give people updates,” she said. “Having followers who get just as excited as us makes it so much fun. It’s nice to have people cheering us on.” Before she donates the pencils on August 8, she is trying to accumulate as many donations as possible. The impact of her pencil project has even been seen on her family’s recent trip to New York, where they were surprised with a donation while visiting the Girl Scouts of Western New York. “It’s amazing how Girl Scouts really brings people together,” Tiffany said. “To get a donation that far from home is amazing and has really shown Emily the power of girls working together.” When it comes to her daughter’s newfound sense of self, Tiffany does not doubt where it came from. “I am certain the Girl Scouts has wholeheartedly been a part of that,” she said
This school year is especially exciting because we will be opening the doors to our 16th school on August 5. Belen Soto Elementary School is a gorgeous two-story building in the Goodyear community of Sedella. If you haven’t already had the privilege of meeting the founding principal, Courtney Frazier, I encourage you to contact her at 623-547-3400 to hear about her ambitious vision for this new community gem. With more than 800 students expected on opening day, this neighborhood school is named after the first college graduate of Mexican-American descent from the Southwest Valley. Mrs. Soto Moreno is a retired educator who graduated as the valedictorian from Litchfield High School
in 1954. She and her large family have been active in the creation of her namesake school that is built on the same land where she grew up as the daughter of a farmworker. In addition to creative flexible seating in the media center and an impressive makerspace, Belen Soto Elementary School will have a large community garden and an orchard with fig, peach and citrus trees. Litchfield Elementary School District is best known for providing academic rigor in a caring environment. While our students are consistently ranked among Arizona’s most successful on standardized tests, we actively balance their academic achievement with exceptional social emotional learning. With a steadfast commitment to
conscious discipline, an evidence-based social emotional learning program, we are committed to creating positive school climates where adults and children self-regulate, connect to the people around them, and solve problems in healthy ways. Our award-winning staff is empowered to use daily rituals and strategic activities that ultimately enhance school safety, increase staff retention rates, and help children feel safe and loved so they can access their brilliance. We welcome students, families, employees and all stakeholders to our growing Litchfield family. Our doors are open to willing partners who want to join us in our mission to connect, educate and empower our Litchfield family and community.
Welcome to Litchfield Elementary School District BY JODI GUNNING Litchfield Elementary School District Superintendent
As the proud superintendent of one of Arizona’s premier elementary school districts, it is my privilege to introduce you to Litchfield Elementary School District. With 102 years of educational excellence under our belt, we are an “A”-rated district with schools in four cities (Avondale, Buckeye, Goodyear and Litchfield Park). We are honored to educate more than 11,000 preschool through eighth-grade students and employ nearly 1,400 caring professionals who are committed to helping children succeed at school and in life.
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AUGUST 7, 2019
BUHS REGISTRATION DATES | JULY 23-26th | 8:00am-3:30pm CLOSED FOR LUNCH: 11:30am-1:00pm
EFHS REGISTRATION DATES | JULY 23-26th | 8:00am-3:00pm CLOSED FOR LUNCH: 11:00am-12:00pm
YHS REGISTRATION DATES | JULY 23-25th | 8:00am-3:00pm CLOSED FOR LUNCH: 11:00am-12:00pm
www.buhsd.org
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AVONDALE
• ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT •
Don’t Miss out... Enroll Today! Enroll your child in a district that is outperforming neighboring districts and charter schools in state testing. School choice/open enrollment available at all of our schools.
Experience an Avondale education! -Outpacing the state average in AzMERIT ELA and Math test scores -”A” rated schools across our district -Offering tuition-free kindergarten -Learn in English & español with our dual language program -Full and half-day preschool programs -VEX robotics and STEM opportunities -Enrichment classes include coding, art, music, band and choir -More than 40 sports teams competing annually
An award-winning district of choice serving preschool through 8th grade www.avondale.k12.az.us
623-772-5000