the latest from laveen fall 2015
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from The Latest
FALL 2015
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Laveen exceeds technology goal Page 3
Page 2
Our student enrollments continue to increase and, to accommodate the growth and avoid overcrowding, con-struction 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 com-munity 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
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 spon-
sored by the U.S.
Department of
Agriculture.
Summer Food
Services ensures children continue to receive nutri-
tious 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 assess-
ment, AzMERIT.
The AzMERIT test is based on Arizona’s College
and Career Ready Standards, which are more rigor-
ous and require more critical thinking than the previ-
ous standards. This, in turn, resulted in AzMERIT be-
ing 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 re-
leased 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.
Page 3
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 lev-
els use Chromebooks. All classrooms have a document camera, speak-
ers, and a projector.
"Arizona's academic standards require students to use technology
and digital media to research, collaborate, and demonstrate their learn-
ing. 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 sum-
mer 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 white-
boards and allow students to manipulate the screen by touch, similar to that of an iPad. They help keep stu-
dents 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 sum-
mer tours, high school mentors, and transportation to Vista after class.
Laveen welcomes new school administrators 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.
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 Princi-
pal — 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 Princi-
pal award last year.
J.P. Ketcham, Laveen Assistant Principal—J.P.
Ketcham joins Laveen School from Desert Mead-
ows 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 Mead-
ows. She joins Laveen from the Alhambra Ele-
mentary School District where she began her ca-
reer in 2006. Whiteford is a recipient of the
Rodel Aspiring Principal award and serves on the state’s Ari-
zona State Teacher Retention Task Force.
Student Services Director
recognized
Student Services Di-
rector Todd Liolios was
selected as the Arizona
School Administrators
Higher Education Divi-
sion’s Outstanding Dis-
sertation Student
Award recipient.
This award is for outstanding doctoral
students in educational leadership from
member post-secondary institutions. Lioli-
os 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.
Administrators recognized
At the August 13 Governing Board
Meeting, four administrators were recog-
nized with Pinnacle of Leadership awards.
Student Services Director Todd Liolios,
Vista del Sur Principal Kristi Pashley, Kids
Klub Coordinator Kim Teer, and Transporta-
tion Coordinator Eric Kissel received the
award. This award recognizes select indi-
viduals for exceptional leadership, out-
standing accomplishment, and dedicated
service to Laveen’s students and communi-
ty.
Liolios
Page 4
District launches new brand, website
The Laveen Elementary School District has a new
look this school year. A new logo, tagline, and web-
site 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 empha-
size the mission of the district.
A new website was also launched that comple-
ments the new logo. It features more pictures and
easier navigation for visitors.
Business Services recognized
The district’s Business Services Department was
awarded the Association of School Business Offi-
cials International’s Certificate of Excellence in Fi-
nancial Reporting for the 2014 fiscal year.
This award honors
school districts for excel-
lence and best practices
in financial reporting,
transparency, and fiscal
accountability.
Receiving this award provides Laveen with ex-
pert feedback to continue to improve the quality
of the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report
while also improving the district’s bond rating.
. . . . .
Laveen Elementary School District’s
School No. 8
Join us for the groundbreaking of our next school located within the
Paseo Point Community near 55th Avenue & Dobbins.
Groundbreaking Celebration
Sept. 28 / 9:00 a.m.
Page 5
Page 6
Your tax dollars at work
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.
Summer improvements take place across the district
A number of construction and renovation pro-jects took place across the district over the
summer break. Funding was provided through bond proceeds
as approved by voters in 2008.
Additional Projects
Finalize design for School #8
Improve 51st Avenue near the LEC to add turn
lanes, fencing, curbs and sidewalk, and drive-
ways 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 bus-
es
Purchase two student activity vans
Purchase one small special education bus
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.
Vista del Sur
Vista’s front office was ex-
panded and remodeled. Site
drainage work was done to
prevent courtyard flooding,
and additional rooms were
built.
Transportation
The transportation building was gutted and remodeled
providing adequate space for bus driver training, bus dispatch,
and expanded operations.
Before
Before
After
After
. .
Page 7
2015 Bond Election
Preliminary Drawing
. . .
If passed, what exactly will bond proceeds provide? By law, bond proceeds may only fund construction and renovation projects, school buses, and technolo-gy items. Specific items this bond will provide in-clude: Construction Construction of schools #8 and #9. Acquire school sites to accommodate future growth Maintenance Repair and replace infrastructure Maintain all facilities – roofing, A/C, painting Replace playground equipment to ensure child safety Replace shade structures for playgrounds Technology Provide upgraded security at all sites Technology initiatives, upgrades and improvements Install digital, programmable marquees Refresh and improve classroom technology School Transportation Purchase school buses to replace aging fleet What is the estimated cost on these items?
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 stu-
dents since the opening of the last school and the Ari-
zona School Facilities Board estimates that Laveen
will grow by an additional 3,000 students over the
next 10 years. To balance its budget, the state cut
capital funding to schools by 85-percent and eliminat-
ed the Building Renewal fund for school districts. The
Governing Board feels that the state cannot be relied
on for new school construction funding. In the past,
the state placed moratoriums on new school con-
struction funding and will no longer consider any
funding for new schools until after existing schools
have exceeded their student capacity, which could
result in severe overcrowding.
Most of Laveen’s schools are new. What mainte-nance/ replacement is necessary? Laveen is very fortunate that each of our schools are less than 20 years old, the majority being construct-ed within the last 10 years. With thousands of stu-dents walking through our schools each day, even our newest buildings will require some level of up-keep. This includes: carpet replacement, painting, roofing and HVAC replacements, concrete repairs, etc. The bond program will be spread over 10 years dur-ing which time schools will need maintenance and repair.
Project Cost
Enhance School Safety $ 500,000
Tech Refresh & Improvement $4,810,000
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 $42,000,000
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.
Around our Schools
Cheatham
Cheatham will soon be adding Scholastic’s Read-
ing Counts! to their library.
Reading Counts! is a program than encourages
students to read outside of class.
It offers a variety of leveled litera-
ture 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 Ca-
reer Ready Standards.
Page 8
Desert Meadows 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 opportuni-
ties 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 pro-
gramming robots.
Art and music
classes will also have
more access to tech-
nology through shar-
ing an iPad cart to
support the curricu-
lum.
Rogers Ranch
Rogers Ranch gifted teacher Rowe Van Meter re-
ceived 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) engineer-
ing club through the University of Arizona. Students
in Grades 6-8 will
choose a chal-
lenge such as air-
drop 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.
Page 9
M.C. Cash M.C. Cash had their first parent night in mid-
August.
Parents of students in all grade levels gathered to
discuss curriculum and academic expectations, tech-
nology integration, and opportunities to strengthen
the school to home connection.
M.C. Cash teachers presented two 30-minute ses-
sions to accommodate the families with students in
multiple grade levels.
Vista del Sur Vista del Sur is now Vista del Sur Accelerated Acad-
emy.
Vista’s staff and Site Council worked throughout
the 2014-2015 school year to determine an appropri-
ate 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 expec-
tations for the entire school community.
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 per-
forming 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 produc-
tion, and broadcasting.
Laveen
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 South-
west. 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 com-
munication, 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.
. . .
Page 10
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 bounda-
ries 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.
2nd Annual Laveen Winter Festival
Snow Slide
December 4
5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Laveen Education Center
Food
Crafts/
Gifts
Fundraiser benefitting the
Laveen Education Foundation.
Photos with
Santa & Ice
Princesses
Free admission.
Tickets will be
sold for select
activities.
Activities
Games
Student
Performances
In Our Community . . . . .
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 [email protected] to inquire further about qualifying for this program.
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 ex-
tracurricular activities such as after-school tu-
toring and clubs, academic enrichment, field
trips, fine art programs, and athletics.
Anyone can participate, married or single, with or without children.
Reduce your taxes by
supporting Laveen schools
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. 2015 2016
I would like my donation to go to: (check one) the school most in need or specific school
I would like my donation to support: (check one)
Program where there is the greatest need Activity Bus Art Band Choir Equestrian
Field Trips Intramural Sports Gifted Enrichment Preschool Tutoring
Signature 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.
5001 W. Dobbins
Laveen, AZ 85339
Non-Profit Org
U.S. Postage
PAID
Laveen, AZ
Permit #6
The Latest from Laveen is published by the Laveen Communications Department.
Kristen Landry • 602-237-9100 • [email protected]
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 acceler-
ated school, your child must take an
assessment prior to enrolling. Enroll-
ment opportunities are based on availa-
ble 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.
Residential Customer
Visit us online at www.laveeneld.org