The Laveen Elementary School District recently hosted its annual Science and Engineering Fair, showcasing our talented students’ creativity, curiosity, and critical thinking. Projects ranged from environmental science and physics to cutting-edge engineering solutions, all presented with the polish and enthusiasm that reflect students’ hard work and support from our dedicated teachers.

Judges had a tough time selecting winners among so many impressive entries. Still, after thoughtful deliberation, we proudly announce the 1st place winners by grade level and our Overall Science/Engineering Fair Champions!

Grade-Level First Place Winners

5th Grade
Vista Del Sur Accelerated Academy
Shriadhrith Shrikanth & Eshanthika Prabakaran

6th Grade
Desert Meadows School
Sara Ortiz Vargas, Liliana Garcia, & Dayana Esparza Arellano

7th Grade
Trailside Point Performing Arts Academy
Giovanni Fuentes & Marcelo Fernandez
Also named Overall Science/Engineering Fair Winners!

8th Grade
Rogers Ranch STEM Academy
Brady Harmon & Michael Pilger

Overall Science/Engineering Fair Winners

Congratulations again to Giovanni Fuentes and Marcelo Fernandez from Trailside Point Performing Arts Academy for taking home the top honor of Overall Winners!

As the school year draws to a close, Laveen Elementary School District is proud to recognize the extraordinary achievements of our students in the Superintendent’s Math All-Stars program. Over the course of the 2024–2025 academic year, students across all nine district schools logged a combined 1,103,854 minutes of math practice.

This year’s Hall of Fame leaderboard celebrates schools with the highest cumulative and average minutes. Leading the pack in total minutes is Desert Meadows, with an astounding 318,464 minutes—the highest in the district. Not far behind is Paseo Pointe, who collectively logged 248,637 minutes.

When it comes to average minutes per student, Desert Meadows also claimed the top spot with 1,409 minutes, followed by Paseo Pointe at 1,207 minutes and MC Cash with 715 minutes.

Here’s a breakdown of the final totals:

• Desert Meadows – 1,409 avg | 318,464 total

• Paseo Pointe – 1,207 avg | 248,637 total

• MC Cash – 715 avg | 101,481 total

• Vista del Sur – 655 avg | 111,403 total

• EFGA – 430 avg | 82,901 total

• Cheatham – 401 avg | 50,890 total

• Rogers Ranch – 375 avg | 84,365 total

• Trailside Point – 305 avg | 60,596 total

• Laveen – 253 avg | 45,117 total

Thank you to our students, families, and teachers for your support in promoting math fluency and a love for learning. The Math All-Stars program continues to inspire young mathematicians to build skills that will serve them for a lifetime.

In celebration of National Pickleball Month, students at Paseo Pointe School had the unique opportunity to learn and play one of the fastest-growing sports in the country—pickleball! Thanks to a special visit from USA Pickleball Serves, students participated in a day of exciting, hands-on activities designed to build their skills and introduce them to the basics of the game.

Throughout the day, students rotated through a variety of skills stations that helped them develop coordination, teamwork, and confidence. Laughter and cheers filled the courts as students practiced serves, volleys, and rallies under the guidance of enthusiastic instructors.

As part of the event, USA Pickleball generously donated new equipment to the school, ensuring that students can continue playing and enjoying the sport long after the event ends.

We’re grateful to USA Pickleball for their support and commitment to keeping kids active and engaged. Events like these not only promote physical fitness but also foster a sense of community and fun—on and off the court.