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Paseo Pointe Screening Assessment Cancelled Until Further Notice

Hello Paseo Pointe Families,

Unfortunately due to the recent school closure, we will need to cancel our upcoming screening assessments scheduled for Saturday, March 28, 2020.

We are unable at this time to officially reschedule our screening assessments. I understand not everyone receiving this email was required to screen as some of you are our PreK families. Regardless, I felt it necessary to include everyone joining our school community.
The rationale for our screening is to provide our parent’s information on their child’s academic readiness. Paseo Pointe is the dual language immersion school, we provide instruction in both Spanish and English. Therefore, students must come with some academic skills in order to be successful in a setting where they are also acquiring a new language. So we screen our incoming students in the following areas:
– Letter identification (in order (ABCD) and out of order (DKJA))
– Counting
– Sorting
– Reading readiness skills (if handed a book upside down and backward, how does the student handle the book, where do you start reading, how to turn the pages of a book)
– Shapes
– Colors
– Can the student write their name?
– Trace an object or two (observing pencil grip)
– Retell a short story (what happened in the story, who are the characters, setting?)
These are all concepts we screen for during the assessment. We are currently working to create a list of resources to support you at home.
If you have any questions feel free to let us know. We do apologize for this inconvenience.
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Academics During School Closures

During this school closure, Laveen’s teachers and instructional coaches have been working to develop lessons and resources that you can work on at home with your children. In addition to all curriculum materials being available online, we have developed an Online Resources website, where you can find various resources to help your child keep up with academics. This can be found under the “Students” tab of our district website.

Please remember that your child will need to log in to our curriculum platforms in order to access the material. If you do not have your child’s login information, please contact your child’s teacher. One single sign-on through Google gives students access to all of our digital curriculum programs  Watch this video for details on logging in or refer to this Quick Reference Sheet.

Please be aware that all Laveen schools have strict internet filtering when a student connects from our server. Once you use your personal device, this filter is not available. Please monitor your child’s internet usage as they will be able to explore whatever sites your home computer allows. Be sure to watch this informational video, also on the website, for parents on how to filter home internet, Internet Filters to Keep Kids Safe Online

Internet Connectivity

If you do not have wi-fi or are unable to access the internet at home, Cox Communications is offering one free month of internet access to qualifying low-income families through their Connect2Compete program. T-Mobile is also offering an EmpowerED data plan.

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English Language Arts Adoption Committee Recommends ReadyGEN and StudySync.

The English language arts adoption committee has been meeting regularly since October, 2019 to review potential curriculum to support K-8 students. This process involves representatives from all schools an excellent opportunity to research and evaluate potential English language arts programs for the 2020-21 school year. After many hours of work, reflection and deliberation, the recommendations are:

The recommended programs systematically integrate the four strands: reading, writing, listening and speaking, and language. Additionally, each program provides methods and materials for differentiating instruction for students with disabilities, gifted, and ELL subgroups, while ensuring that all students still encounter grade-level text during the core block of instruction. Finally, the digital engagement component supports our district-wide technology initiatives. 

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District to Host Cyber Safety Workshop for Parents

The Laveen School District will host a parent workshop on Cyber Safety at 6:00 p.m. on February 11 at Vista del Sur, 3908 W. South Mountain.

The presentation will cover general topics related to social media including sexting, cyber-predators, cyber-bullying, popular apps, and social media websites. The session is being presented by The Office of the Arizona Attorney General and will run 45 minutes.

Middle school students are encouraged to attend with their parents/guardians. There is no charge to attend. This session is open to all Laveen families.

 

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Early Childhood Fair is January 22

Join us for this free event showcasing resources for current and future parents of children under 5. The 2nd Annual Early Childhood Fair is January 22 from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. It will take place at Laveen School, 4141 W. McNeil.

Participants will have the opportunity to visit with numerous vendors and providers that include activities for children, preschool, child health & development, and community programs & resources.

Registration packets for Laveen’s preschool programs will be provided at this event.

Visit our Early Childhood Fair page for more details.

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2nd Info Session Planned for Estrella Foothills Global Academy

A second informational session for prospective families of Estrella Foothills Global Academy will be held on January 30 at 6:00 p.m. This event will take place at the Laveen Education Center, 5001 W. Dobbins. Attendees will hear more about the global studies program and the process of becoming an International Baccalaureate World School. Plans of the campus and construction progress will also be shared.

Visit Estrella Foothills’ page for more details.

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Study Session on School Start/End Times Planned for Dec. 5

As we prepare to open our ninth school in August, the district must evaluate the impact Estrella Foothills Global Academy will have on our bus transportation services and, in turn, school start and end times.

On Thursday, December 5 at 6:00 p.m., the Governing Board will hold a study session to review the possible changes to school start/end times beginning in the 2020-21 school year. 

We anticipate that the options being considered will be presented to the Board at their regularly scheduled monthly meeting on Thursday, December 12 at 5:30 p.m. Information regarding the options being considered will be shared following this week’s study session. 

Visit our Start Time Page for details and updates.

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Laveen Celebrates Groundbreaking of Estrella Foothills Global Academy

On October 25, 2019, Laveen broke ground on their ninth school, Estrella Foothills Global Academy. The future school is located near 55th Avenue and Carver Road.

Development of the school was made possible through a number of partnerships. The land was acquired through a donation by developer Taylor Morrison and proceeds from another district-owned land sale; the Arizona School Facilities Board is funding $14.6 million in construction costs; and, in addition to the site’s three play fields, there will be a joint-use playground/city park of which the City of Phoenix and Taylor Morrison are funding the construction, amenities, and improvements.

Estrella Foothills will offer global studies as its signature program. Plans include becoming an International Baccalaureate World School and offering Mandarin Chinese as a foreign language component. Global designs will be incorporated into the building’s architecture. Estrella Foothills Global Academy will open to Grades K–6, adding a grade level each year until it serves Grades K-8.

The school was designed by EMC2 Architects and is being constructed by S.D. Crane Builders.

Contractor S.D. Crane sponsored the celebratory event.

View photos from the groundbreaking on our flickr page.

For more information about the school, visit laveenschools.staging2.juiceboxint.com/estrella-foothills-global-academy

 

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Laveen District to Host Vaping Awareness Info Session

Vaping graphicThe Laveen School District will host a parent information session on Vaping/ E-Cigarette Awareness at 6:00 p.m. on November 6 at Paseo Pointe, 8800 S. 55th Avenue.

The topic will focus on educating parents about the common myths and misconceptions surrounding vaping and the use of e-cigarettes. Speakers will provide information on the evolution of these products, the dangers associated with the devices, and the chemicals inhaled during usage. The session is being presented by The Office of the Arizona Attorney General.

Middle school students are encouraged to attend with their parents/guardians. There is no charge to attend. This session is open to all Laveen families.

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