Articles from December 2023

The Laveen School District will be implementing a change to the district calendar beginning next school year (2024/25) that will impact the Wednesday half-day schedules.

Currently, we have 15 half days each year in which our staff receives professional development following dismissal. We also have four half days for parent/teacher conferences.

Next year, instead of the 15 half days in which our schools dismiss three hours early, we will dismiss an hour and a half early every Wednesday (36 days).  Half-day schedules on parent/teacher conference days as well as the last day of school will remain unchanged.

The reason for this change is twofold.

First, early-release Wednesdays allow for more instructional time in core subject areas. Students will follow a schedule similar to a full school day. This change will make the calendar more consistent for families.

Second, Laveen is in the process of implementing Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) for staff. By offering this time weekly, instead of once or twice a month, staff will receive more quality research-based training that is conducive to developing a strong Professional Learning Community and will ultimately improve student learning.

For more information, visit our FAQ on this topic.

Read the letter from Superintendent Dr. Jeff Sprout.

Beginning in the 2024-2025 school year, all Laveen students will receive breakfast and lunch at no charge.

The Laveen School District has been selected to participate in the USDA Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). This provision to the school breakfast and lunch programs allows schools/districts to provide meals at no cost to ALL students. The program may be extended to subsequent years.

While the program is in place, families will not have to apply for free or reduced-price meals. However, all Laveen families will be asked to complete the simplified Alternate Income Form/ Formulario Alternativo para la Elegibilidad Basada en los Ingresos to collect important data used for each school’s federal funding allocations.

Adult and additional student meals, as well as a la carte items, will be still be available for purchase. Visit the Purchasing Additional Food Items page for details.

All Laveen schools are currently enrolling new students to being in August 2024.  Please visit our Registration page to enroll your child using our secure online parent portal or to access printable enrollment documents.

Parents/guardians will need to present the required documents listed below in person for verification to complete the registration process. These documents must be verified prior to the start of school.

• 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 is an accelerated school and students must take an assessment prior to enrolling. Paseo Pointe is a dual language immersion (DLI) school, incoming students must enroll in the DLI program.

All Laveen school offices are open Monday-Thursday this summer and available to complete your child’s registration. Please be advised most school offices will be closed July 1-5. Please call for hours.

Paseo Pointe student Owen Towle was named Student of the Month by the Arizona State Board of Education. Owen was nominated by Paseo Pointe for his leadership, high academic achievement (Specifically in Spanish after starting in 3rd grade), and athletic achievements. He embodies the vision of empowering excellence in the dual language program.

Paseo Pointe Dual Language Academy’s “Feria de Talleres” is an annual celebration highlighting our students’ Spanish language proficiency. Translated as “Workshop Expo” in English, this event embodies our commitment to linguistic and cultural development.

Each grade level selects a theme and engages in project preparation, offering students an opportunity to demonstrate their Spanish skills. Themes have spanned from Animal Habitats and Hobbies/Talents to Careers and Family Trees. Each project is required to incorporate visual, written, and verbal components, ensuring a comprehensive showcase of language abilities.

Participation is inclusive, encompassing all students from PreK to 8th grade, including those not enrolled in our Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program. Families are invited to explore the diverse workshops, immerse themselves in new skills, engage in Spanish conversation with their children, and indulge in a variety of culinary delights.

This cherished event, now in its second year, fosters community engagement and celebrates the rich tapestry of language and culture at our school.

Paseo Pointe made it to the Read to the Final Four with third graders getting to participate in a special event at Phoenix Fan Fest.

Read to the Final Four is a literacy challenge in which hundreds of third grade students from across the state are reading and logging their minutes for a chance to win fun prizes and compete for the championship. While Paseo did not win the championship, the school received a $5,000 check from the Helios Foundation to support literacy in the school.

The final four schools were recognized at a special event before the opening of the NCAA Phoenix Fan Fest at the Phoenix Convention Center

All middle school Laveen students are invited to attend our LEAP into High School event.

This year’s event will be held April 30 from 5:00 p.m. -7:00 p.m. at Rogers Ranch School, 6735 S. 47th Ave.

Participants will be able to meet with representatives from area high schools to learn more about their programs and offerings.

Visit www.LaveenSchools.org/LEAP for a list of participating high schools.

Join us for the inaugural district art show on Thursday, April 25 from 4:30 -6:30 p.m. at the Laveen Education Center, 5001 W. Dobbins.

Laveen’s Celebration of Art will feature student art from across all Laveen schools and grade levels. Stop by throughout the evening to see the amazing work our students have created.

Congratulations to the 2023-24 Exceptional Service Award winners! The Exceptional Service Award is the district’s highest honor for classified staff members.

• Gonzalo Sanchez – Bus Driver – Transportation
• Gabriel Cabrera Solis – Groundskeeper – Support Services 
• Veronica Soto– Receptionist – Laveen Education Center
• Tehani Smith – Registrar – Estrella Foothills
• Sarahi Balanzar – Computer Technician – M.C. Cash
• Cynthia Brito – Health Associate – Rogers Ranch 
• Sandra Bautista – Secretary – Laveen Elementary 
• David Garcia – Plant Manager – Paseo Pointe
• Jerlyn Dees – Instructional Associate – Cheatham 
• Araceli Jimenez – Cafeteria Manager – Child Nutrition (Desert Meadows)
• Jesusita Martinez – Kids Club Specialist – Desert Meadows
• Angel Richmond – Instructional Associate – Trailside Point
• Stephanie Carreon –Plant Manager – Vista Del Sur

These individuals display the following attributes:

• Strong attendance and dependability
• High quality and quantity of work
• Excel at working harmoniously with others
• Expert in their job responsibilities
• Regularly show initiative and creatively solve problems
• Provide excellent customer service

Their commitment to our students, staff and community is greatly appreciated.