We have so much to be proud of in our district. Check back often to see the accomplishments of our staff and students. To see past Employees of the Month, please view our Employee of the Month Archives.
April Classified Employee of the Month
Ms. Terry Allen, Computer Technician for the Laveen School District, is the recipient of the classified Employee of the Month Award for April 2013.
Ms. Allen is dedicated, hardworking, and has been with the district for ten years. She consistently goes well beyond what is required of her and is a model of an exemplary employee. She is responsible, competent, and always ready to lend a helpful hand.
Ms. Allen is responsible for many critical systems in the district and always exceeds the expectations placed upon her. She goes above and beyond, even after her work day ends. It is an honor to praise one of the shining lights of this district.
Congratulations Ms. Allen!
April Certified Employee of the Month
Mr. Josh Haagensen, sixth/seventh grade teacher at Desert Meadows School, is the recipient of the certified Employee of the Month Award for April 2013.
Mr. Haagensen is dedicated to creating a positive environment on his campus. He is always willing to work with other teachers to collaborate and develop lessons together. He has played an integral part in helping improve our AIMS math scores by incorporating math interventions into his social studies classroom. He helped design and implement a Saturday School math program that ensured students received extra remediation in a fun learning environment.
Mr. Haagensen’s school spirit also extends outside the classroom. He coaches our basketball and football teams and each of his players respect him highly. He truly invests in his players and acts as a mentor and role model both on and off the field. He is an inspirational teacher and committed colleague.
Congratulations Mr. Haagensen!
School District Superintendent Receives Honor
Dr. Bill Johnson, Superintendent of the Laveen Elementary School District, was honored on April 25 by the South Mountain/Laveen Chamber of Commerce at their Eighth Annual Spirit of South Mountain Community Awards Dinner. Dr. Johnson received the award in the education/school administrator category in recognition of his work to increase the involvement of Laveen Schools in community activities and service. Dr. Johnson accepted the award by saying, “Great communities have great schools, and schools can’t be great without the support of their communities.” Dr. Johnson began working for the Laveen School District in 2005 serving as the associate superintendent responsible for business and operations. He was appointed as the superintendent in 2011.
This is the second time the Laveen School District has been recognized in this category. The Laveen Governing Board also received this prestigious award in 2008.
Cheatham Principal Honored by Phoenix Fire Department
Fire Chief Bob Kahn of the Phoenix Fire Department presented Rick Stephen, principal at Cheatham Elementary School, with the Volunteer Excellence Award at their annual awards banquet. Mr. Stephen has volunteered hundreds of hours to the fire department's Crisis Response Program as a Behavioral Health Specialist and as a trainer for the program last year. Congratulations, Mr. Stephen!
Lions Club Peace Poster Contest
Ms. Alice Trout, a sixth grade student from Cheatham Elementary School, won second place at the multi-district level judging for the annual Lions Peace Poster Contest, sponsored by the Laveen Lions Club. The Lions Peace Poster Contest is an annual competition for 11, 12 and 13 year old children to express their visions of peace. This year’s theme was “Imagine Peace.” For the past 25 years, a total of over four million children from over 100 countries have participated in this contest.
2013 National History Teacher of the Year Award Finalist
Congratulations go to Ms. Patricia Horner, sixth grade teacher at Laveen School, for being nominated for the 2013 National History Teacher of the Year Award, sponsored by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, Preserve America, and HISTORY®. We will announce the winner of this prestigious award in May.
Laveen Educator Honored as Rodel Exemplary Teacher
Kristi Carter, sixth grade teacher at Laveen Elementary School, is the recipient of the Rodel Exemplary Teacher Initiative award. Ms. Elva Grijalva, third grade teacher at M.C. Cash Elementary School, was also a finalist. Nominations for the Rodel Exemplary Teacher award are gathered from principals and submitted to the Rodel Foundation of Arizona, where they analyze student achievement data to find the teachers who are receiving outstanding results in high-need schools. Those chosen for the award demonstrate the traits of an extraordinary teacher and are asked to mentor six high-potential student teachers.
Laveen ESD Announces Excellence in Education Award Winners
Laveen Elementary School District is proud to announce that seven teachers throughout the district have been selected as the recipients of the 2012 Excellence in Education Award. The winners are:
- Anna Gonzalez, Cheatham Elementary
- Martin Zurawski, Desert Meadows
- Kristi Carter, Laveen Elementary
- Danielle Iskiw, M.C. Cash Elementary
- Shannon Gregory, Rogers Ranch School
- Irene Cooper, Trailside Point
- Andrea Szabo, Vista del Sur Traditional School
The Excellence in Education program was developed to recognize teachers who go above and beyond what is expected of them in order to increase student achievement and to make Laveen schools a positive place for students, parents, and staff. To be eligible for this award, candidates must have been an employee of the district for at least one year, be nominated by their principal, 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.
The recipients received special recognition at the Laveen Elementary School District governing board meeting on November 15. Each recipient received a personalized plaque in honor of their achievement, and their names are listed on a plaque displayed in their school office.
Since the creation of the Excellence in Education program in 2006, a total of 62 outstanding educators in the Laveen Elementary School District have received this prestigious award.
Front Row (L to R): Martin Zurawski, Anna Gonzalez, Danielle Iskiw, Andrea Szabo
Back Row (L to R): Kristi Carter, Irene Cooper, Shannon Gregory
CenturyLink All Star Teacher Anno
unced
Congratulations to Theresa Dowling, fifth grade teacher at Trailside Point School, for being selected as a CenturyLink All Star Teacher. She was recently recognized on the field before a D-Backs game. The award included a $2,000 donation, courtesy of CenturyLink, to Trailside Point Elementary School in Ms. Dowling’s honor. The winning nomination was submitted by a parent.
