Between April 7 and April 22. 2022 Laveen School District students will participate in state achievement testing. Students in Grades 3-8 will take AASA, previously AzM2. The AASA test measures students’ skills in English language arts (ELA) and mathematics. Students in Grades 5 and 8 will take the AzSCI science test (previously AIMS), in addition to AASA. For more information on the AASA or AzSCI assessments and to view sample tests visit the Arizona Department of Education’s assessment page.

Student attendance is very important, not only during testing but also in the next several weeks as we review and reinforce pertinent skills that students will need to achieve success. Listed below are ways you can help your children do their very best during the testing week:

• Make sure your children get a good night’s sleep.
• All children should eat a good breakfast either at home or at school.
• It is important your children arrive at school on time, so they don’t miss any parts of the test.
• Make any appointments before or after school.
• Send your children to school with a positive attitude. Encourage them to do their best. Let them know how wonderful you think they are.

Laveen’s state assessment schedule is as follows:

The Laveen District has recognized the following 13 classified staff members as this year’s Exceptional Service Award recipients.

• Patricio Apolinar, Paseo Pointe Assistant Lead Custodian
• Elizabeth Arciniega, Trailside Point Attendance Clerk
• Mary Barger, M.C. Cash Special Education Instructional Associate
• Lena Bryant, Cheatham Student Success Instructional Associate
• Michelle Hall, Child Nutrition Specialist
• Erica Hernandez, Vista del Sur Attendance Clerk
• Holly King, Human Resources Certified Specialist
• Catalina Koller Laveen, Guest Teacher Instructional Associate
• Luis Moran Contreras, Estrella Foothills Lead Custodian
• Tiffany Oliver, Desert Meadows Special Education Instructional Associate
• Julie Ostos, Rogers Ranch Computer Technician
• Elmo Valdez, Support Services HVAC Technician III
• Kelly White, Transportation Dispatcher

These individuals were nominated and selected for bringing their best to work every single day.  All of the recipients 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.  

View photos of the award recipients on the Laveen Flickr page.

Congressman Ruben Gallego presented the family of late M.C. Cash principal Lisa Sandomir with formal comments made during the first session of the 117th Congress, House of Representatives proceedings.

In November 2021, Congressman Gallego spoke on the House floor of the tragic loss of Ms. Sandomir and delivered the following comments as part of the official Congressional Record.

“Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and mourn the loss of Lisa Sandomir. Ms. Sandomir was a longtime Phoenix-area educator and principal of Maurice C. Cash Elementary School for the past 16 years. She passed away tragically last week as the result of a car accident. Ms. Sanomir was beloved by students, parents, and fellow teachers. During her time as principal, M.C. Cash was named an A+ School of Excellence and she was awarded the prestigious Rodel Exemplary Principal award for her leadership. Ms. Sandomir believed in creating a positive environment where every student was given the opportunity to succeed and often reminded her students to never stop believing in themselves just as she never stopped believing in them. My thoughts are with Ms. Sandomir’s family, the students and staff of M.C. Cash Elementary School, and the entire Laveen community during this difficult time. Although Ms. Sandomir will be greatly missed, her legacy will be carried on through the thousands of students whose lives she touched.”

The congressman presented these framed comments to Ms. Sandomir’s brother, Mark, who then spoke about his sister to a small group of M.C. Cash staff members and district leaders. Mr. Sandomir acknowledged the M.C. Cash Community as being Ms. Sandomir’s first family and gifted the Congressional Record to the school for display.

Laveen Elementary School was recently named an A+ School of Excellence by the Arizona Educational Foundation.

Laveen joins M.C. Cash School, Trailside Point Performing Arts Academy, Vista del Sur Accelerated Academy, and Rogers Ranch School in receiving this prestigious award.

The A+ School of Excellence program is a comprehensive school assessment program that celebrates outstanding public schools. Schools complete an extensive application which is then followed by site visits by members of the AEF. The A+ School of Excellence™ designation is valid for a three-and-a-half-year period.