Articles from December 2023

Each year the district recognizes select administrators who exhibit exceptional leadership, outstanding accomplishment, and dedicated service to Laveen’s students and community. This year we are recognizing Tim Thomas, Asst. Superintendent of Human Resources; Jon Rohloff, Principal of Paseo Pointe; Kaitlin Gretkierewicz, Asst. Principal of Desert Meadows; Megan Hamburgh, Principal of Rogers Ranch; Asia Glover, Asst. Principal of Estrella Foothills; Nancy Ramirez, Director of Federal Grants; and Robert Jacobson, Director of Support Services.

Congrats, to Eric Thomas (8th grade) and AnaCapresi Ricci (7th grade) who have been selected to shop with a cop with Officer Roman on 12/7/2023. These students have demonstrated PRIDE at Rogers Ranch and have shown to be a great role model among their peers!

Students from Rogers Ranch STEM Academy provided a demonstration of their coding skills to the Governing Board at the September meeting. They were led by first grade teacher Michelle Silva.

The school launched a LEGO Robotics program last year and has been partnering with students from Bioscience High School. This program provides students with the fundamental concepts of engineering. Students explore real world problems and design and code robots to create unique solutions to those problems. LEGO Robotics is suitable for students across all grade levels. Students in Grades K-3 receive an introduction to STEM using LEGO’s Duplo bricks. Students in Grades 3-5 explore real world concepts and code models. And, in Grades 8-8, students participate in a challenge competition where they research, problem solve, and engineer.

District superintendent Dr. Sprout held an assembly at each school to introduce all third and fourth-grade students to the Superintendent’s Math-All Stars Club, challenging students to spend 15 minutes a day practicing math skills.

Students who join the club will be given a Chromebook to use at home for the duration of the school year. Students will participate in the ALEKS online math program, a companion product to the district’s math curriculum. ALEKS uses adaptive tools to tailor students’ math practice to their identified needs. Dr. Sprout will appear in Google Classroom videos monthly to congratulate students and introduce the month’s challenges and monthly prizes.

Read our September Issue of our school newsletter. Past issues can be found under the “About Us” tab.

Laveen’s Kids Club is now enrolling for Fall Break Camp. Camp is open to children in Grades preschool-6 and will be held Oct.9-13 at Desert Meadows School. Visit our Day Camp page for details and to register.

Eight Laveen schools were recognized by PBISAZ for installing and sustaining Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) systems to improve the academic and behavioral outcomes of students. All eight received the highest level of award, Level 4, which recognizes schools with fidelity at all levels. The Laveen School District has more Level 4 awards than any other district in Arizona.

Congratulations to Laveen, M.C. Cash, Vista, Cheatham, Desert Meadows, Paseo Pointe, Rogers Ranch and Estrella Foothills!

Each year one teacher from each school is selected to receive the district’s 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.

Congratulations to Rogers Ranch School, Gabriel Zermeno

Academic Services is seeking community members, teachers, instructional coaches, and administrators to serve in a leadership capacity to research and evaluate math programs for Grades K–8. Participants chosen for this role will be trained in evaluative criteria prior to reviewing programs and accompanying resources. Our first meeting dates are scheduled for September 21st and October 2nd at the Laveen Education Center, 5001 W. Dobbins.

To apply, community members, teachers, and instructional coaches must submit a brief letter of interest to their school principal by Thursday, September 7th. Letters of interest will only be accepted with principal approval. Please direct any questions to Dr. Tracy Watkins, Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction at twatkins@laveeneld.org.