Beginning in the 2017-18 school year, Laveen will be utilizing a standards-based grading system which allows us to better communicate with parents on the progress students are making toward mastering the academic standards. Students’ grades for each subject area will be reported in two separate categories: academic achievement and effort. The academic grades will include assignments or tests that measure the students’ mastery of the learning standards. The effort grades will include such things as class assignments, homework, and participation.
Laveen Schools Move to E-Flyers
Beginning in August 2017, Laveen schools will utilize Peachjar’s e-flyer system to distribute flyers, newsletters, and other student-centered information to parents.
E-mail blasts containing flyers from your child’s school, PTO, or non-profit student-centered activities will be sent to parents generally once a week. Flyers are maintained on a dedicated webpage for later reference.
Only school information such as school newsletters, event flyers, and PTO happenings as well as approved flyers from non-profit child-centered organizations such as Girl Scouts, ball leagues, and local community groups will be sent to the email addresses on file for each family. Parents should make sure their school office has their current email address.
Parents may sign up for a free Peachjar account to utilize added features, like combining schools. But, this is not necessary to receive flyers.
Visit www.laveenschools.org/e-flyers for more information.
Laveen – One of the Nation’s “Googliest” School Districts
The Laveen Elementary School District has been named a Google for Education Reference District for our strong vision and transformation of education with technology. Reference Districts demonstrate excellence and thought leadership through the innovative use of technology, including G Suite for Education (formerly known as Google Apps for Education) and Chromebooks, to drive impact and positive learning outcomes. Laveen was invited to become part of the program due to our strong adoption of G Suite for Education tools and Chromebooks. The district is now considered one of the “Googliest” in the nation.
Laveen also had 11 employees across the district become Google Certified Trainers. Certified Trainers have a passion to transform classrooms with technology and will inspire and support teachers across the district as they redefine classroom learning. To achieve this certification participants must attend several training workshops to learn the vast array of Google tools and how to deliver effective training plans while helping fellow educators use Google technologies. They must also take Google Certified Educator exams and submit video documentaries that include a personal bio & training screencast. Certified Trainers will support Laveen’s schools by offering Google workshops for staff and provide on-site support to staff and students. Laveen’s Google for Education Certified Trainers are: J.D. Williams, Reed Brotherton, Sarah Mikula, Tristan Henderson, Michelle Blakely, Frincine Tait, Alecia Salvati, Katrina Conley, Richard Pino, Ella Chasten, and Spencer Cotter. Williams was the first Laveen staff member to achieve this certification.
Bus Pass System Implemented
Laveen is implementing a new bus pass system for the 2017-18 school year. Because safety is a primary concern of the Laveen School District, this bus pass system will tell our dispatchers if a student was on board and where they exited.
All school buses will be equipped with electronic card readers; new student ID badges that contain a chip will be issued to all bus riders. As students board and exit the bus, he or she will tap their badge against the reader. A green light will illuminate on the reader if the swipe is successful.
While these two measures won’t be fully implemented until August 2017, our front office staff is currently preparing for the new procedures which will take effect May 15, 2017. Transportation labels will be affixed to student badges. This label will contain the student’s route number and bus stop location. In the event a student boards the wrong bus or is unsure as to where they should exit, the bus driver can easily look at the sticker and ensure the student is where they should be.
As these two phases are implemented, it will be important that your child have their badge with them each day. We will never leave a student at the bus stop in the morning and will bring all students to school. However, a student who has forgotten their badge must report to their school office for a temporary pass for the ride home.