AESD Connected In Avondale, every student will grow as a thinker, problem solver and communicator to pursue a future without limits.

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Avondale Elementary School District

We believe that all children are capable of success – NO EXCEPTIONS!

June 2016

www.avondale.k12.az.us

1 Student - 1 Device Every Child – Every Day

Thanks to the voters of AESD, our students continue to engage in learning through technology in our 1-1 initiative, to ensure one device per student.

Students in K-8 are using digital curriculum for Reading and 3-8 students are using digital curriculum for Social Studies. This year, we have increased the number of devices to over 2,000. Students use their devices to access the curriculum, read, respond to prompts, research and demonstrate what they learned. Technology provides opportunities for students to demonstrate 21st century skills. Our students are able to continue to grow as thinkers, problem solvers, and communicators for a future without limits. The increased access to technology was powerful in preparing students for the AZ MERIT test. All AESD students took the AZ MERIT test online. The district Technology department, in collaboration with Academic Services, supported all school sites throughout the testing process. Giving students daily practice using technology devices for reading and writing helped our students navigate AZ MERIT and built practical skills that students can use beyond the classroom.

KEEPING OUR COMMUNITY

INFORMED WITH NEW FULL-COLOR, DIGITAL MARQUEES

We are happy to announce that all of our schools have new marquees that will allow us to better communicate school activities, while reducing labor costs and increasing the number of messages displayed for our parents and community. Out of respect for our neighbors, all marquee display boards will be scheduled to shut off at 8:00 p.m. each evening. We are thankful for our Avondale and Goodyear community support and are hopeful that you find the marquees helpful in knowing what is happening on your local school campus.

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www.avondale.k12.az.us

We have had an amazing 2015-2016 school year wherein we are recognized as leaders in several areas. We have the

only schools teaching coding to K-8th grade students during the school day and had 3 teams travel to World Vex Robotics. We

established a phenomenal and growing dual language program and expanded our preschool opportunities. We have winning teams in the Westside Impact Math Challenge and State Geography Bee contenders. We round out our learning beyond the school day with our athletic program, string instrument orchestra, mariachi band, drama presentations and gifted activities throughout the year. There is so much to celebrate and focus on for each child.

Our district is committed that child will grow as a thinker, problem solver and communicator to pursue a future without limits. What does that mean?

That means we know and appreciate our students and what they bring when they enter our schools and our classrooms. We recognize our responsibility and commitment that every child will expand their knowledge and ability to apply new knowledge and be able to communicate effectively every day. We expect our students to be able to go anywhere and be tremendously successful. We will work together with each other and our community to ensure we make this happen for every child!

We look forward to the next school year. The capital override has provided curriculum and technology resources that go right into our classrooms. We are set to have technology devices in all classrooms for every child, every day and curriculum to support the digital learning. Our M&O override ensures our art, music, coding and PE programs continue, as well as pay for full-day Kindergarten and nurses and counseling support at each site. Our bond makes sure our incredible facilities represent the respect our children and community deserve making our neighborhood attractive and welcoming.

You can count on our staff to help your children find their talents, gifts and intelligences they all have- and we will celebrate those with you and your children. We look forward to our journey with your family to make our schools and community the best with and for our children.

A Message from Superintendent Dr. Betsy Hargrove

In March 2014, a group of Avondale-Goodyear community members, including parents, business owners, former and current employees, government officials, and graduates of the District gathered to create a vision for a non-profit foundation to support the Avondale Elementary School District. They held a common desire to empower the students and staff of the District by providing opportunities for scholarships and honoring the excellent work of the staff in preparing students

for the future. The vision came to life as "Creating Opportunities, Celebrating Excellence." The Avondale-Goodyear Education Foundation is on a mission to raise $100,000 in the

next four years to provide post-secondary scholarships for AESD students and recognize staff excellence in helping those students achieve their goals. This year they raised a total of $28,327.67! Our 8th graders who promoted on May 25th from AESD are the first students who will be eligible for the scholarships being awarded in 2020! Your child that promotes from any AESD school in the future will also be eligible for post-secondary scholarships through the Foundation!

Chief Science Officers are Ambassadors of STEM

AESD has a strong Chief Science Officer (CSO) team of students that champion campus-wide engagement, interest and popularity of science & innovation and serve as ambassadors to the community. Our CSOs have shared their passion for STEM at local and state events, and were recently asked to participate on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. with the Office of Science and Technology Policy.

The VEX Robotics World Championship in Kentucky provided an opportunity for our State Champion students to interact with over 500 teams from all over the world. Three teams from Centerra Mirage STEM Academy represented AESD and Arizona. Even with language challenges, our students had grace and poise throughout the event and were able to interact with their new international colleagues. One of our teams came in the top third for their division! AESD has Robotics Teams at all schools throughout the district. Contact your school principal to have your child participate in this exciting and challenging opportunity.

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COMMUNITY ATHLETIC FIELD

We are excited to share with you a Community Athletic Field that is currently being renovated and expanded. This community project is made possible thanks to Fiesta Bowl

Charities and the Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority.

The second phase of the project, sponsored by The Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority, the College Football Playoff and

the Extra Yard for Teachers, will feature a multi-generational play station/fitness course, bleachers, lighting and renovations

to the adjoining soccer field and basketball courts.

We look forward to sharing this incredible Community Athletic Field with you soon!

Community of Schools Serving PreK-8th Grades

On March 1st, the Governing Board voted to realign Lattie Coor, Eliseo C. Felix and Avondale Middle Schools. The three schools, closely situated on the corner of Central Avenue and E. La Pasada Blvd. in Avondale, will work in concert as one community campus to provide an excellent education for children Pre-kindergarten through grade eight. The community of schools will offer an early childhood center, elementary and middle grades with a focus on strong foundational skills and enriching and exciting electives for students in the upper grades. Lattie Coor will serve PreK – 1st grade students with an exceptional early childhood education focus. Eliseo C. Felix will serve 2nd-5th grade students supporting foundational education opportunities while challenging students to be the best they can be.

Avondale Middle School will serve 6th-8th grade

students and will offer stimulating and thought-provoking

electives for students to choose from.

The community of schools will be

housed on three campuses, but will work in unity to provide support and services for students and their families from PreK through 8th grades.

www.avondale.k12.az.us

FOOD THAT’S IN WHEN SCHOOL’S OUT

AESD provides FREE meals to all children under age 18 through the Summer Feeding Program from June 6th-23rd (Monday through Thursday).

Participating sites: Avondale Middle School (1406 N. Central Ave, Avondale) Desert Thunder School (16750 W. Garfield Dr., Goodyear) Serving times: Breakfast: 7:30-8:30 am Lunch: 11:00 am-12:30 pm For more information about the Summer Food Program in the Avondale Elementary School District, please call 623-772-5024.

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Kids at Hope Philosophy… All children are capable of success – NO EXCEPTIONS!

www.avondale.k12.az.us

Avondale Elementary School District

Before&&&After&School&Program&Preschool

Preschool Full Day

AM PM

Half Day $225 Monthly

Full Day: 6:15am - 6:00pm

$600 Monthly

Before & After School Program

PM 5-Days $165 MONTHLY

AM 5-Days $95 MONTHLY

Wed/Early Release $77 MONTHLY

AM&PM 5-Days $250 MONTHLY

Many Other Packages Available

D.E.S. Approved

A.C.E. DEPARTMENT

10% OFF COUPON 201682017&

Good&for&First&Month’s&Tuition&in&A.C.E.&

Preschool&or&Before&&&After&School&Program&

For More InformationVisit our website:

http://www.avondale.k12.az.usClick Department Tab then A.C.E. Department

Or Call Cathy Ortega A.C.E. Secretary

623-772-5004

Thursday August 4th – Meet the Teacher Night at all school sites 5:30-7:00 p.m.

First day of school for all students is August 8th!

Here are just a few more of our

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

AESD STUDENT NOMINATED FOR ALL-AMERICA CITY YOUTH AWARD

Michele Obleo Dirzo, a student from Michael Anderson School, was selected by the City of Avondale for this honor. Michele will travel to Denver with the City of Avondale delegation in June. The National Civic League will announce the national winner of the 2016 All-America City Award on June 19th.

SPECIAL OLYMPICS

AESD had 9 students with 12 volunteers and coaches competed at the Special Olympics held at La Loya High School in Tolleson in March.

ENROLL YOUR CHILD IN AN AESD SCHOOL

Over the summer you can complete a fillable PDF registration packet in two ways.

1. Stop by the district office to complete a registration packet now through July 22nd (295 W. Western Ave., Avondale 85323)

2. Complete the registration packet on your home computer! Just visit the district website and click on the “Parent” drop down menu to “Registration” - Here is the link: http://www.avondale.k1 2.az.us/parents/registration Once you complete the packet, print it off and email, fax or bring it to the district office through July 22nd or your school office when they re-open on July 25th.

Thank you for making AESD Your District of Choice!