News

Laveen School District Superintendent, Dr. Bill Johnson, has announced his retirement effective June 30, 2020.

Dr. Johnson has served the Laveen School District since 2005 when he was hired to fill the business manager role. He was named Superintendent in 2011.

Under his leadership, the district has seen many changes, including:

• The district has grown from four schools and 2,200 students to eight schools and 7,400 students
• Classrooms have moved from chalkboard and overhead projector technology to a computing device for every student
• Updated curriculum has been adopted in all core subject areas
• All schools have implemented successful signature programs
• Laveen schools have become “schools of choice” since the opening of attendance boundaries
• Laveen has been recognized on the state and national levels for numerous programs and achievements

In his announcement to the staff, Dr. Johnson noted “It has been a great privilege to work with so many wonderful people over the past 15 years. Together we have accomplished many positive things for our schools, the students, and the community. I feel very grateful to have been a part of the important work being accomplished by our schools and school district. I know that as much as we have accomplished, there remains a tremendous potential to continue to improve, progress, and to do much good.”

Laveen’s Governing Board is expected to approve Dr. Johnson’s retirement from the district at their December 12 regular meeting.

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.

Our PTA is now selling Desert Meadows apparel. Place your order online.

View this month’s school newsletter. Past issues can be found under the “About Us” tab.

Each year, the Laveen Elementary School District hosts a Winter Festival for the community. The sixth annual Laveen Winter Festival is scheduled for Friday, December 6, 2019. The event runs from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the LEC lawn, 5001 W. Dobbins.

This year’s Winter Festival will feature obstacle courses (for both big and little kids), games, activities, student performances, photo opportunities, holiday gift vendors, food, and much more!

Admission is free. Tickets will be available for purchase for select activities. Credit cards accepted.

All proceeds benefit the Laveen Education Foundation.

Visit our Winter Festival page for more info.

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 www.laveenschools.org/estrella-foothills-global-academy

The 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.

Beginning September 30, all Laveen cafeterias will serve after-school snacks to students who participate in after-school activities.

The “Super Snacks” are nutritious, quick and easy to eat, and delicious – giving students a chance to refuel before moving on to their activity. They are served at no charge through USDA’s After-school Meal Program, a component of the National School Lunch Program.

Whether students are practicing sports, receiving tutoring, participating in a club or attending Kids Club – we’ve got a meal ready for them.

View this month’s Paw Prints school newsletter.