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Articles from May 2023

Celebrating Principal’s Appreciation Month at Desert Meadows School!

October is Principal’s Appreciation Month, and we are thrilled to honor and celebrate our incredible school leader, J.P. Ketcham!  At Desert Meadows School, we recognize the vital role our principal plays in shaping the success of our students, staff, and entire school community.

Our principal leads with passion, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, ensuring that every student receives the best education possible. Whether it’s fostering a positive school culture, advocating for new initiatives, or being a constant source of support for students and staff, our principal goes above and beyond every day.

This month, we encourage everyone in our school community to take a moment to share your appreciation—whether it’s a kind word, a thank you note, or just letting our principal know how much their hard work means to you.

Let’s come together and make this Principal’s Appreciation Month extra special! Thank you, J.P. Ketcham, for everything you do to make Desert Meadows School a fantastic place to learn and grow.

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Irving Barraza Receives Excellence in Education Award

Each year one teacher from each school is selected to receive the district’s Excellence in Education Award. This prestigious award is given to those who attain high academic achievement for their students, provide exceptional service and leadership at their school, and make a positive difference outside of the classroom and in the community.

Congratulations to Desert Meadows School, Irving Barraza

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Three Laveen Schools awarded America’s Healthiest School 2024.

Cheatham Elementary, Desert Meadows School and Paseo Pointe Dual Language Academy were all three named America’s Healthiest Schools 2024.

Annual award recognizes schools for dedication to student, staff, and family health 

Alliance for a Healthier Generation has named 3 of Laveen’s Schools as one of America’s Healthiest Schools for 2024. This annual recognition honors schools for implementing best practices to support the health of students, staff, and families. Eight hundred and seventy-nine schools across 30 states were awarded this year.

America’s Healthiest Schools are recognized in up to nine categories.

Desert Meadows was recognized for:

  • Increasing Family & Community Engagement, presented by Kohl’s
  • Strengthening Social-Emotional Health & Learning, presented by Kaiser Permanente 
  • Cultivating Staff Well-Being, presented by Kaiser Permanente
  • Supporting School Health Service

Cheatham Elementary was recognized for:

  • Improving Nutrition & Food Access, presented by Del Monte Foods
  • Strengthening Social-Emotional Health & Learning, presented by Kaiser Permanente 
  • Cultivating Staff Well-Being, presented by Kaiser Permanente
  • Supporting School Health Services

Paseo Pointe Dual Language Academy was recognized for:

  • Supporting School Health Services
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Change in Half Day Schedules for 2024-2025

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.

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Free Meals Provided to All Laveen Students in 2024-2025

Beginning in the 2024-2025 school year, all Laveen students will receive breakfast and lunch at no charge.

The Laveen School District has been selected to participate in the USDA Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). This provision to the school breakfast and lunch programs allows schools/districts to provide meals at no cost to ALL students. The program may be extended to subsequent years.

While the program is in place, families will not have to apply for free or reduced-price meals. However, all Laveen families will be asked to complete the simplified Alternate Income Form/ Formulario Alternativo para la Elegibilidad Basada en los Ingresos to collect important data used for each school’s federal funding allocations.

Adult and additional student meals, as well as a la carte items, will be still be available for purchase. Visit the Purchasing Additional Food Items page for details.

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Laveen Schools Now Enrolling for August 2024

All Laveen schools are currently enrolling new students to being in August 2024.  Please visit our Registration page to enroll your child using our secure online parent portal or to access printable enrollment documents.

Parents/guardians will need to present the required documents listed below in person for verification to complete the registration process. These documents must be verified prior to the start of school.

  • Child’s original birth certificate
  • Child’s immunization record
  • Proof of Residence, such as utility receipt or lease agreement (refer to Arizona Residency Guidelines)
  • Legal papers, if applicable for custody
  • Withdrawal form and report card from previous school
  • Photo identification for parent/guardian.

*Please note, Vista del Sur is an accelerated school and students must take an assessment prior to enrolling. Paseo Pointe is a dual language immersion (DLI) school, incoming students must enroll in the DLI program.

All Laveen school offices are open Monday-Thursday this summer and available to complete your child’s registration. Please be advised most school offices will be closed July 1-5. Please call for hours.

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Desert Meadows’ JP Ketcham Named Exemplary Principal by County Superintendent

award graphicCongratulations to Desert Meadows’ JP Ketcham who was named an Exemplary Principal by the Officer of the Maricopa County Superintendent.

The leadership award is presented to principals who intentionally and strategically nurture school cultures where teacher and student voices set and realize the school’s vision. Principals awarded the Exemplary Principal award intrinsically value the opinions, experiences, and preferences of those they lead and consistently leverage those perspectives in decision-making. As a result of these safe and supportive environments, the students achieve academically and emotionally, and the teachers remain in the profession.

Nominees go through a rigorous five-phase process which includes teacher surveys, candidate interviews, and a committee site visit before they are selected to be an Exemplary Principal.

Maricopa County Superintendent Steve Watson surprised Ketcham during a staff meeting where he presented the award.

Watch the video of the surprise announcement.

See the photos taken of this special award being presented.

 

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