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The Latest

Laveen Schools Show High Academic Achievement

PAGE 3

Fall 2014

From the Superintendent

In recent weeks we have heard

much discussion about Arizona’s

College and Career Ready Stand-

ards.

Adopted by Arizona’s State

Board of Education in 2010, the Laveen Elemen-

tary School District has spent the past four years

preparing for the new academic standards. We

have invested not only in new curriculum aligned

to the mathematics and English language arts

standards, but also in educational resources, as-

sessments, and teacher training.

A great amount of time and effort was put into

the creation of the new standards. They were de-

veloped by a consortium of states through a public

process that invited review and input. The busi-

ness community was directly involved, as were

educators and content area specialists. The public

was invited to review and provide feedback as

well.

The new standards provide a solid foundation

for learning for our students. They provide stu-

dents, parents, and teachers with a clear under-

standing of what students should know and be

able to do in every grade level. Ultimately, they

will help our students develop critical-thinking

skills and become better prepared for college and

beyond.

Laveen has taken these standards and devel-

oped a complete curriculum that meets the indi-

vidual needs of our students. Teams of Laveen

teachers, instructional coaches, and administra-

tors researched, reviewed, and evaluated new cur-

riculum materials. Our teachers have participat-

ed in numerous professional development oppor-

tunities to implement the curriculum into our

classrooms. I am confident Laveen will remain a

high performing district and our students will

continue to achieve.

For more information on how the standards

impact Laveen students, visit our website at

www.laveeneld.org.

— Dr. Bill Johnson, Superintendent

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Laveen launches flickr page

The Laveen Elementary School District has

launched an online photo album on flickr. This

will allow Laveen to easily share numerous photos

from events around the district.

You can view our photos through the flickr icon

link at the top of our school webpages or by visit-

ing the direct flickr link, www.flickr.com/photos/

laveenesd/.

In addition to flickr, you can also

find the Laveen District on Facebook,

www.facebook.com/LaveenESD.

Board approves strategic plan

The Laveen Governing Board approved the dis-

trict’s strategic plan at their September meeting.

The district’s administrative team, comprised

of principals, assistant principals, and department

heads, spent several

months developing the

plan’s goals, initiatives,

and action steps.

The final plan sets

goals for increasing aca-

demic achievement, en-

hancing the positive climate and culture, attract-

ing and retaining quality staff, building school/

community partnerships, and maintaining equita-

ble resources. It can be viewed online at

www.laveeneld.org.

New board members to be appointed

The Maricopa County Education Service Agen-

cy cancelled Laveen’s November school board elec-

tions and will instead appoint the new members

The district had three seats to be filled, howev-

er, only three individuals applied to fill those

seats. Each will now be appointed in December.

Jill Barragan will continue on the board and

serve a four-year term as will new member Louis

Monteilh. Michelle Anderson, also new to the

board, will serve a two-year term.

The three replace Isaac Serna, whose term ex-

pires in December; Shari Gustafson, who resigned

in August; and a vacancy that occurred in 2013.

Page 3

The Composite Score represents

the percentage of students,

attending a Laveen school for the

entire year, who passed reading

and math on AIMS.

Schools may earn bonus points for

reclassifying English Language

Learners and reducing the

percentage of students scoring

“Falls Far Below” in certain areas.

The Growth Score represents the average academic growth of all

students. Students who attended a Laveen

school for the entire school year, and have taken AIMS the last two years,

earn a student growth percentile score (SGP) based on how well they grew academically compared to their

peers across the state.

Academic Achievement Laveen District awarded grade of “B”

The Arizona Department of Education has once again awarded the Laveen Elementary

School District with a grade of “B” as part of the state’s 2014 A-F Letter Grade accountability

system.

The district earned a total point value of 133, which is ten points higher than last year and

the highest the district has been since Arizona began assigning letter grades in 2011.

Vista del Sur earned a grade of “A” and all other schools earned grades of “B.”

The A-F Letter Grades are based on two components: a composite score and a growth score.

The composite score represents student achievement on AIMS. The growth score represents the

average academic growth of students from one year to the next. The state’s accountability sys-

tem is designed to place equal value on the two as shown in the chart below.

Only students who attend a Laveen school for the full academic year are included in the let-

ter grade accountability scoring.

District earns bonus points

The district earned the six bonus points possible for an elementary district to earn in the

state’s accountability system. The points were awarded for the reclassification of English Lan-

guage Learners and reducing the amount of students scoring “Falls

Far Below” in specific areas.

School districts are expected to reclassify 23% of their ELL students

to earn three bonus points in the A-F Letter Grade calculations. Re-

classification means those students have become proficient in English

based on the state’s Arizona English Language Learner Assessment

(AZELLA). This spring, Laveen tested over 500 ELL students with an

excellent district-wide reclassification rate of 44%. This is an increase

from 25% in 2013.

Additionally, the District earned the three bonus points awarded for

reducing the percentage of students scoring “Falls Far Below” in third

grade reading and in eighth grade math.

Page 4

Each year seven teachers from across the district are selected to receive the Excellence in

Education Award. This prestigious award is given to those who attain high academic

achievement for their students, provide exceptional service and leadership at their school,

and make a positive difference outside of the classroom and in the community.

Recipients of the 2014-2015 award are: Erin Rogers, Rogers Ranch; Brooke Somers, De-

sert Meadows; John Carpenter, Laveen Elementary; Allison Presutti, Trailside Point; Na-

than Kissel, Vista del Sur, Stephanie Hillis, Cheatham; and Emily Soltis, M.C. Cash

These recipients were recognized at the November Governing Board Meeting.

E xcellence in ducation

Page 5

Snow

Schools, administrators recognized for achievements

At the August 14 Governing Board meeting, three schools and four administrators were recognized.

Rogers Ranch School was recognized for outstanding student achievement as demonstrated on Arizo-

na's A-F Letter Grade Accountability System. Rogers Ranch School received 62 growth points, which is a

37 point increase from 2013. The growth score represents the average academic growth of all students

and the bottom quartile students.

M.C. Cash and Trailside Point schools were recognized for receiving the Arizona Educational Foun-

dation’s A+ School of Excellence™ designation.

Rogers Ranch Principal Tim Thomas, M.C. Cash Principal Lisa Sandomir, Trailside Point Principal

Sarah Zembruski, and Technology Coordinator Eddie Lopez were also honored with the district’s Pinna-

cle of Leadership Award. This award recognizes select individuals for exceptional leadership, outstand-

ing accomplishment, and dedicated service to Laveen’s students and community.

The principals received the award for their school recognitions as mentioned earlier. Lopez received

the award for the number of technology devices that have been integrated into classrooms, specifically

almost 1,700 Chromebooks in July. Laveen schools have a 2:1 or better student-to-computer ratio in the

classroom.

Page 6

Your tax dollars at work

The stage, located in the gym, takes shape (top). The existing library is expanded (above). Below, this aerial view shows the exterior walls of the new gym. It is located behind the cafeteria.

Cheatham’s gym nears completion

Construction of Cheatham’s gymnasium and oth-

er classrooms is nearly completed.

When Cheatham was originally built as a K-6

school it did not need both a cafeteria and gym. Hav-

ing since been reconfigured to K-8, a gym is needed

to support the larger campus including Grades 7 and

8.

Art, science, and band rooms are also being add-

ed and the computer lab and library are being ex-

panded as part of the project.

The new facilities are located at the southeast

corner of the campus. Playfields and basketball

courts will be rearranged to fit nicely on the remod-

eled campus.

These additions will bring Cheatham up to the

district standards that other Laveen campuses cur-

rently meet. The additions were designed by EMC2

Architects and are being constructed by D.L. With-

ers Construction. They should be completed in Janu-

ary.

The project is funded primarily through proceeds

from bond sales approved by voters in 2008.

School #8 planned for 2016

Laveen School District continues to grow,

attracting families who care about their chil-

dren’s education and want the best. As a re-

sult, our schools are filling up. It will be neces-

sary to build a new school to accommodate the

growing numbers of students.

This year, the district is planning to begin

the design work, followed by construction next

year and a targeted opening for the start of

school in 2016.

The ability to build the school will depend

on continued voter support of our bonds and

budget overrides.

Page 7

Construction underway at LEC

Phase II of the Laveen Education Center

construction began this fall.

The second building will house academic ser-

vices, business services, technology, and sup-

port services staff and will be a mirror image of

the existing LEC. It will replace the buildings

to the south that currently house business and

technology.

Once this second building is completed, our

transportation department will temporarily re-

locate to the old buildings while their building

goes through a major renovation.

This project is funded through proceeds from

bond sales as approved by Laveen voters in

2008.

The project was designed by Orcutt Winslow

and is constructed by Jokake Construction

Trenching is completed in preparation of the pouring of the footers for the LEC (above). A welder completes the joining of a metal beam (below). Framing is completed as the new LEC takes shape (below right).

Cheatham

Exterior paint

Cafeteria renovation

Parking lot seal coating

Vista del Sur

Restroom renovation

Carpet replacement

Exterior door replacement

Trailside Point

Exterior paint

Interior door install

Concrete repairs

Hand wash station install

Drinking fountain install

Desert Meadows

Exterior paint

Concrete Repairs

Hand wash station install

Drinking fountain install

Other recently completed projects that have utilized bond funding include:

Around our Schools

Rogers Ranch

Students in Mrs. Terry Snow’s technology inte-

gration class were visited by a crime scene special-

ist as part of their forensic science unit.

Paul McMurry, a crime scene specialist for the

Phoenix Police Department, came to talk to the 7th

and 8th grade students as an extension of the Pax-

ton/Patterson Action Lab curriculum.

He gave the students an overview of his day and

explained how he processes different crime scenes

and the tools he uses.

Forensic Science is one of 18 career modules the

students can explore in

the lab. During the 15-

day module, students

examine evidence, cre-

ate composite sketches,

and do fingerprinting.

Page 8

Desert Meadows

Mr. Ren Fahey’s 5th graders auctioned off 17

decorated cakes to benefit the Arizona Humane So-

ciety as part of the class’s fall community service

project.

Basha’s master cake decorator visited the De-

sert Meadows students and demonstrated her cake

decorating skills. The Halloween-themed cakes

were then auctioned off with the bidding starting

at $10.

Their goal was to raise at least $200, but they

actually raised $462! The highest bid for one cake

was $60. Two $50 bids were also placed.

The class pre-

sented a check to

the Humane Socie-

ty along with stu-

dent-created post-

ers promoting the

adoption of ani-

mals.

Cheatham

Students in Cheatham’s Advancement Via Indi-

vidual Determination (AVID) program recently

participated in the College Walk for Success, put on

by the Be a Leader Foundation.

S t u d e n t s

showcased their

school spirit

and the im-

portance of edu-

cation in their

lives.

The walk

ended at the

Phoenix Convention Center where students had the

opportunity to speak with colleges from across the

United States and receive valuable information for

future college planning.

Preschool

Laveen preschool students came back from fall

break to find new equipment on their playground.

A new play set, teeter totter, curvy balance

beam, and more were added to the existing play set

and swings.

Page 9

M.C. Cash

M.C. Cash School has partnered with the City of

Phoenix to offer their community the Good Neigh-

bor Program.

The Good Neighbor Program is a free, eight-

week leadership

program that

gives residents

the opportunity

to speak to their

elected and ap-

pointed leaders

and improve

their communi-

ty. It also provides the necessary information for

accessing City of Phoenix resources.

Vista del Sur Vista del Sur is the recipient of the Western

Growers Foundation’s 2014 Arizona School Garden

Grant.

The school received $1,500 to create and sustain

an edible garden on their campus. Additionally, they

received an Arizona Gardens for Learning book,

bookmarks, tools, and seeds to get started.

The Western Growers Foundation’s School Gar-

den Program encourages students to eat fresh fruits

and vegetables and learn about where their food

comes from and the importance of good nutrition.

Farmers from

Arizona and

California make

up the Western

Growers Foun-

dation.

Laveen

First grade student Fernanda Rubio appeared in

the movie Dolphin Tale 2, based on the true story of

Winter, the dolphin who was fitted with a prosthetic

tale after hers was amputated

Rubio has had prosthetic legs since she was just

three years old. She visited the Clearwater Marine

Aquarium while attending Camp No Limits, a pro-

gram designed to empower children with limb loss.

Winter resides at the aquarium.

Crews were filming at the aquarium during Ru-

bio’s visit and captured her interaction with the dol-

phin.

Winter was an inspiration to Rubio when she

first lost her legs. Hesitant to

wear her prostheses,

“Fernanda soon saw how

Winter, also wearing a pros-

thetic, was able to do so

much with it and that in-

spired her to also learn how

to use hers,” her mother said.

Trailside Point

Trailside Point second grader Andrew Capono

took the Silver Medal after competing in the state

Special Olympics 25 meter free style. This was his

first state competition.

Capono advanced to State after unexpectedly

taking the Gold Medal in the regional 50-meter

competition.

At regionals, Capono was originally scheduled to

compete in the 25 meter free

style beginners’ competition.

However, an error by the offi-

cials resulted in his name not

being called. To remedy the mis-

take, officials allowed him to

compete in the 50 meter free

style advanced swimmers. Ca-

pono, just wanting to swim, ac-

cepted the opportunity.

Page 10

Child Find Notice Child Find is a comprehensive developmental screening assessment process which identifies chil-

dren, 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.

Foundation selling storm t-shirts

The Laveen Education Foundation is selling

T-shirts to commemorate the two 1,000-year

storms that hit the Laveen area.

The navy blue shirts note that the wearer

survived two 1,000—year storms and includes

the dates. The back features a large wave and

school bus. Adult and youth sizes are available

for $15 and $10, respectively.

To purchase yours, visit the Foundation’s

website at facebook.com/LaveenEducation Foun-

dation or stop by the Laveen Education Center

at 5001 W. Dobbins. All proceeds benefit the

Foundation which provides scholarships to

Laveen school alumni.

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.

Foundation hosts Winter Festival

The Laveen Education Foundation hosted

their first Winter Festival on December 5.

The event featured numerous vendor booths

with gifts available for purchase, carnival

games, food and drink, and an evening filled

with performances by students from across the

district.

The highlights of the festival included a

snow slide and photos with Santa Claus and a

few famous princesses.

Proceeds from the event benefitted the Foun-

dation which provides scholarships to Laveen

alumni.

Thank you to those who came out and sup-

ported this event.

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 donation for a married couple is $400 and $200 for a single person. Cred-

its may carry over for up to five years.

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.

Hand delivered donations must be received by December 18 or postmarked by December 31 to be eligible for a 2014 tax

credit.

Arizona allows taxpayers to dedicate dollars to

education while reducing the amount you owe on

your 2014 taxes through the tax credit program.

For every dollar you donate, the amount you owe

on your Arizona taxes will be that much less. If

you do not owe taxes, the amount you donate 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 2014 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

P.O. Box 29

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 Traditional

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 Traditional

is a school of choice and, therefore, does

not have attendance boundaries. Be-

cause 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.

Residential Customer

Visit us online at www.laveeneld.org