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.

Congratulations to Laveen School Principal Dr. Robert Caplinger who was selected as the State Director for the Arizona Schools to Watch program.

Schools to Watch is an initiative of the National Forum, an alliance of educators, researchers, national associations, and officers of professional organizations dedicated to improving education in the middle grades. Schools to Watch recognizes outstanding middle-grades schools across the country. Through a rigorous evaluation process, schools are identified for their practices in academic excellence, developmental responsiveness, social equity, and organizational structures.

Dr. Caplinger, along with other middle grades administrators, teachers, and an esteemed group of education faculty from the University of Arizona, Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University and Grand Canyon University, are in the final stages of establishing the Arizona Association for Middle Level Education (AzAMLE). This will be a state affiliate organization of the Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE).

Learn more: https://www.middlegradesforum.org/post/arizona-schools-to-watch

Enrolling a kindergartner next school year? Join us for an exploration of Laveen’s kindergarten program on February 5  from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at all Laveen schools.

Each of our nine schools will host an information night for prospective families. Our school principals will navigate you through everything you need to know as you prepare to launch your child into a successful academic career.

Registration* for the 2024-25 school year will open on February 5. Apply online at www.LaveenSchools.org/registration. Enrollment requirements may apply.

Students may be enrolled in any of our schools regardless of where they live, space permitting. Families living outside of a school’s transportation zone will be responsible for providing transportation.

*Children must be 5 years old on or before August 31, 2024 to register for kindergarten. Preschool for children ages 3-5 is offered at Desert Meadows, Estrella Foothills, Paseo Pointe, and Vista del Sur.

Visit www.LaveenSchools.org/Kindergarten for more information.

Congratulations to Vista del Sur students Leiya Thompson and Kirsten Smith who were recognized by the Arizona School Boards Association (ASBA) for their outstanding artwork.

Thomson took 1st Place in the K-2 division. Smith was a finalist in the 7-8 division.

First Place winners will receive a $100 Visa Gift card and a $100 donation to their school’s art department and/or art program. Finalists receive a $25 gift card.

Both students will have their artwork will be displayed at the ASBA-ASA Annual Conference from Dec. 6 – 8, 2023 at the J.W. Marriott Desert Ridge Resort, on the walls of the ASBA office in Phoenix, and showcased in the ASBA Journal Magazine, ASBA Connect e-newsletter and on ASBA social media.