District

Dialogue

Bi-weekly news from the Laveen Elementary School District January 16, 2015

The District Dialogue is issued twice monthly.

Sandomir named Rodel Exemplary Principal The Rodel Foundation of Arizona has recognized M.C. Cash Principal

Lisa Sandomir as a Rodel Exemplary Principal.

She was recognized for her demonstrated ability in leading Cash to

success by inspiring staff to develop a campus that is high achieving, safe,

orderly and welcoming.

After being nominated for the award, representatives from Rodel

visited the Cash campus and interviewed selected staff members before

naming her a finalist.

Ms. Sandomir will now mentor other Rodel Aspiring Principals so they

are better prepared to lead their own schools.

Change in Governing Board Seats

Three Governing Board members were sworn in to start

their terms this month.

Jill Barragan is continuing on the board after being

appointed to fill a vacancy last year. She will serve a four–year

term. Louis Monteilh and Michele Anderson are the newest

members and will serve four-year and two-year terms

respectively.

The three replace Isaac Serna, whose term expired in

December; Shari Gustafson, who resigned in August; and a

vacancy that occurred in 2013.

Outgoing member, Isaac Serna conducted the swearing in.

Governing Board Member, Isaac Serna, Recognized

Outgoing Governing Board member Isaac Serna was

recognized by the Board and the Cash community at De-

cember’s board meeting. Serna served on the Board for

19 years.

The Board presented him with a plaque of apprecia-

tion. Students from M.C. Cash School also presented

him with a banner and artwork of the school to thank

him for his dedication to Laveen and the Cash commu-

nity.

PAGE 2 January 16, 2015

Gerace, Tait are December’s Employees of the Month

Employees of the month for December are Mr. Steven Gerace, Instructional Coach at

Cheatham, and Mr. Cory Tait, General Maintenance Technician.

Gerace was recognized for his dedication to the students and staff of Cheatham. As an in-

structional coach, he pushes teachers to succeed. He is a huge supporter of Cheatham teachers.

Gerace is always there to lend a helping hand or to bounce ideas off of. He is willing to assist

teachers by teaching a lesson or co-teaching, if asked. He is actively involved in the school’s PTO,

AVID, Student Government, and many other clubs. Gerace is highly dependable and never asks

for anything in return.

Tait was recognized for always being pleasant and helpful to everyone he comes in contact

with. Whenever he is called to do a job, he does it with a smile and asks if there is anything else

that needs to be done. He has stepped in to fill many other roles within the Support Services De-

partment due to illnesses and vacancies. He is always willing to come in on weekends or evenings

when there is an emergency.

Student artwork displayed at Laveen Education Center Next time you are at the Laveen Education Center be

sure to check out the student artwork displayed in the board

room.

Artwork is changed monthly to feature a specific school.

Stop by and see the artistic talents of our students!

Commemorative storm shirts discounted

The Laveen Education Foundation has only a few

commemorative storm shirts left and are selling them

at a discounted rate.

The navy blue shirts note that the wearer survived

two 1,000—year storms and includes the dates. The

back features a large wave and school bus.

The remaining shirts are being sold for $10. Sizes

available are medium, large, and XXL.

To purchase yours, please contact Kristen Landry

at klandry@laveeneld.org or 602-237-9100 x 3002 or

stop by the Laveen

Education Center.

All proceeds

b e n e f i t t h e

Foundation which

provides scholarships

to Laveen school

alumni.

Winter Festival raises over $4k for Foundation

The Laveen Winter Festival raised over $4,000 for

the Laveen Education Foundation.

Held on December 12, the event attracted families

from all Laveen schools as well as residents of the

Laveen community.

The event featured

community vendors, car-

nival activities, photo

booths, entertainment,

and food. The highlight

of the event was a snow

slide offering four tons of

snow to sled down.

The event was held to raise funds for the Laveen

Education Foundation which provides high school

and college scholarships for Laveen students.

The event was so successful that there are plans

for a spring carnival in late April!

Gerace

Tait