News

Representatives from Vulcan Materials stopped by Desert Meadows to check out the school’s new Coding Cafe and hear from students on upcoming technology needs. Students suggested adding 3D printers and drones to their technology toolbox. 

Maricopa County School Superintendent Steve Watson visited Desert Meadows School to read to kindergarteners in Ms. Jessica Russel’s class. Watson read “Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon” to students, and gave a copy of the book to each student. Ms. Russell’s class was selected because she recommended a book for “Mr. Watson’s Book Club” this year!

Read November’s issue of our school newsletter, Paw Prints.

On October 28, 2023, the Arizona Department of Education released new letter grades for each school based on the latest state assessment data from the 2022-23 school year. All schools in the Laveen School District have received top marks with three schools earning an “A” rating and six schools earning a “B” rating from the Arizona Department of Education for 2023. Laveen District schools are the highest-performing schools in the community.

Paseo Pointe Dual Language Academy, Rogers Ranch STEM Academy, and Vista del Sur Accelerated Academy all received “A” Labels. Cheatham, Desert Meadows, Estrella Foothills, Laveen, M.C. Cash, and Trailside Point received “B” Labels, also considered to be “Highly Performing.” 

Background: The Arizona Department of Education (ADE) issues annual achievement profiles for every public school in the state of Arizona, based on an A through F scale. The system measures year-to-year student academic growth; proficiency in English language arts, math, and science; the proficiency and academic growth of English language learners; and acceleration/readiness indicators.

Each year, the Laveen Elementary School District hosts a Winter Festival for the community. The 10th annual Laveen Winter Festival is scheduled for Friday, December 1, 2023. The event runs from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the David Glasser Athletic Complex, 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.

See the schedule of student performances.

This year’s festival is sponsored by

Premier Sponsor Chasse Building Team
Silver Sponsor Ghaster Painting & Coatings
Bronze Sponsor Laveen Dance

Each year the district recognizes select administrators who exhibit exceptional leadership, outstanding accomplishment, and dedicated service to Laveen’s students and community. This year we are recognizing Tim Thomas, Asst. Superintendent of Human Resources; Jon Rohloff, Principal of Paseo Pointe; Kaitlin Gretkierewicz, Asst. Principal of Desert Meadows; Megan Hamburgh, Principal of Rogers Ranch; Asia Glover, Asst. Principal of Estrella Foothills; Nancy Ramirez, Director of Federal Grants; and Robert Jacobson, Director of Support Services.

District superintendent Dr. Sprout held an assembly at each school to introduce all third and fourth-grade students to the Superintendent’s Math-All Stars Club, challenging students to spend 15 minutes a day practicing math skills.

Students who join the club will be given a Chromebook to use at home for the duration of the school year. Students will participate in the ALEKS online math program, a companion product to the district’s math curriculum. ALEKS uses adaptive tools to tailor students’ math practice to their identified needs. Dr. Sprout will appear in Google Classroom videos monthly to congratulate students and introduce the month’s challenges and monthly prizes.

Laveen’s Kids Club is now enrolling for Fall Break Camp. Camp is open to children in Grades preschool-6 and will be held Oct.9-13 at Desert Meadows School. Visit our Day Camp page for details and to register.

Read September’s issue of our school newsletter, Paw Prints.