View April’s school newsletter. Past issues can be found under the “About Us” tab.
School Newsletter for March
View our school newsletter for March. Previous issues can be found under the “About Us” tab.
Hybrid Learning Resumes March 1
Students who selected the Flexible Learning Option (Hybrid) will return to on-campus instruction beginning March 1.
The local Laveen community is still experiencing substantial spread of the virus. The district has reviewed and updated the mitigation strategies and believe we have strong practices to prevent the spread of on campus. However, we are dependent on our families to help ensure these practices are followed so that our schools may remain open.
Most importantly, we ask you to keep your child home if they are not feeling well or have been exposed to someone infected with COVID-19. Properly-fitting masks, that cover both the nose and mouth, must be worn while on campus. And, students are asked to be mindful of social distancing.
As a reminder, all students returning on-site must have a signed COVID Acknowledgement Form on file. Parents may sign this form through their ParentVue account.
Laveen has established school-based metrics to determine if a classroom or campus must transition to virtual learning. These metrics, as well as other information related to the return to hybrid learning may be found on our website, www.LaveenSchools.org/Return-to-Laveen.
A few additional reminders for your child’s return:
- Students returning to campus should bring their charged Chromebook and reusable water bottle with them on March 1.
- Students who will be utilizing bus transportation must be registered for bus service through our Transportation Department. Students who were registered last semester do not need to register again.
- Breakfast and lunch will continue to be served free to all students for the rest of the school year, thanks to a waiver from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Cheatham Community Donates Books by Black Authors in Celebration of Black History Month
Cheatham is celebrating Black History Month by encouraging students and families to research black Americans that have contributed to our history. Each week during the month of February, Cheatham students will be tasked to complete a short scavenger hunt researching influential Black leaders. Participants will then be entered into a drawing to win one of these amazing books written by Black authors.
By supporting and celebrating Black authors and publishers, we can enable more authentic storytelling that reflects Black experiences and voices. Cheatham appreciates all the books donated by the community and authors themselves.
To donate, check out the school’s wish list on Amazon.
School Newsletter for February
Read this February’s school newsletter, The Cheatham Times.
Complete a Meal Application Today!
We need your help to ensure that crucial programs for your children do not receive cuts in funding as a result of fewer free/reduced-price lunch applications being submitted.
Many of the services we provide such as tutoring, support staff, and access to technology are funded through state and federal grants. This funding is based on the National School Lunch Program Free and Reduced lunch applications we receive from families each year.
Even though your child is currently receiving free meals for the remainder of the school year, we ask you to please take a few minutes to submit an application – even if you think you will not qualify. Every application received is important. Families with approved free or reduced-price lunch applications may also qualify for additional federal benefits such as the Pandemic EBT card.
Please click on EZMealApp.com and complete your application TODAY on the secure portal. It takes just a few minutes. Paper applications are also available online at our Child Nutrition Services page.
Our eligibility for this funding expires in early January, so we appreciate you completing the application now. Your application will remain active for the first 30 days of the 2021-2022 school year.
December’s School Newsletter
View our school newsletter for December. Past issues can be found under the “About Us” tab.
Construction of New Middle School Building Underway
A new brick and mortar building is being constructed at Cheatham Elementary School to replace the existing modular buildings which house the 7th and 8th Grade classrooms. The new permanent building is 9,200 square feet and features 10 classrooms. It will have an interior corridor and its own restrooms—two components the 15-year-old modular was lacking.
The new building was designed by BWS Architects and constructed by Chasse Building Team. The project was made possible through bond proceeds, approved by voters in 2015.
November School Newsletter
Read our Cheatham News for November. Archived issues can be found under the “About Us” tab.
Cheatham Revives Campus Gardens with Help from Community Partners
On October 16 Cheatham students spent some time outdoors revitalizing their campus gardens with some new plants and seeds. It was a project that involved numerous community organizations to get off the ground with a long-term vision of creating a community-based school.
“Cheatham is working on establishing a school that works collaboratively with the community to provide a safe space to learn and grow,” Principal Kristi Pashley said. “A perfect place to start is in the existing garden area. It is a beautiful spot that with a little love can open the door to an array of learning experiences and community partners.”
The school partnered with GreenDesert.org, an organization that teaches self sufficient lifestyles, to get the project started. GreenDesert.org founder Quita Jackson reached out to the Arizona Worm Farm which donated six 5×5 garden beds. Arcadia Color Garden Nursery donated the plants and seeds, “We love to see them get their hands in the soil, see the sprouts come up, watch the plants develop and make the connection of growing plants that show up on the dinner table,” Arcadia’s operations manager Bill Jones said.
“This is real life science… School gardens lead to home gardens which leads to more people making our environment a priority,” said Jackson. “Gardening brings so many rewards and life lessons. If I had it my way, there would be gardens in every school and community. It’s just a start.”
“A strong garden will eventually play a significant role in supporting the physical and emotional well-being of our Cheatham family and beyond,” Pashley said. “The garden may begin at Cheatham, but our hope is to see its effects throughout the Laveen community.”