from The Latest

FALL 2015

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Laveen exceeds technology goal Page 3

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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.

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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

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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.

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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 kkennedy@laveeneld.org 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 • 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 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