ISSUE #9 DECEMBER 21, 2012

, 2012

Principals Message
Safety and Security In light of last weeks tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary, some of you have asked about campus safety and security, and emergency preparedness at Ventana Vista. We met as a staff this week to review the measures we have in place, and to discuss others that we may implement to ensure that our school is a safe. At a district level, as well, we are , 2010 examining what measures may be taken to further secure our campuses. As you know, we have one entrance onto campus that is open during the school day. Visitors are asked to sign in and wear a visitor badge. (The only exception to this is for large performances---like we had going on this week!---when great numbers of people are arriving at the same time. On such days, we do position staff members to beXZXC0000 watchful of people coming and going.) Staff members know to watch for CFSD ID badges or visitor badges on any adult on campus, and to approach those without proper 09 identification. Thank you, in advance, for being mindful of this procedure and signing in and out of the office ANYTIME you are on campus during the school day. Related to this, we believe that having some extra eyes watching for visitorsAPRIL 24, 2009 to be wearing proper identification would be helpful. If you would be willing and able to assist with this (sign up for a shift to greet visitors as they come onto campus), please email School Secretary, Cathy MacNeal (cmacneal@cfsd16.org). We do practice emergency procedures, including evacuations and lock downs, on a regular basis, with input from Pima County Sheriff's Department (PCSD) every year. Each time we do a drill, we reflect upon and improve our practice. We time our drills so that staff members and students know what to do at different times of the day, and from different locations, if/when needed. We have procedures in place to account for every student and adult on campus. We also have communications systems in place, including email and automated phone calls, in order to notify parents of emergency situations. If you have any questions about the specifics of the plans that we do have in place, please feel free to contact me. We care deeply for the safety of our children, and will continue to work with our district leadership and law enforcement to further enhance the security of our students. Happy at VV? Spread the word! With a reputation for exemplary academic standards, CFSD is helping an ever-expanding group of children experience the tradition of excellence in education that we have established. If you know of families who might be interested in joining our CFSD/Ventana Vista family, please tell them about your experience here! Open Enrollment applications are available online at www.cfsd16.org. As a reminder, current Open Enrollment families must reapply each year between December 1 and the end of February. Continued on next page
, 2008
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MARCH 23, 2012

NEWSLETTER OF VENTANA VISTA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Continued from previous page Help us promote the following events for new families: New Student/Open Enrollment Family Tours 8:30 AM on the following days: Monday, 1/14, Wednesday, 1/23, Thursday, 1/31, Friday, 2/8, Wednesday, 2/13, Tuesday, 2/26, Wednesday, 3/13, Tuesday, 3/26, Wednesday, 4/10, Friday, 4/26 Join Mrs. Boling for a tour and open house to learn all about Ventana Vista. Please call 209-8001 to RSVP. Kindergarten Show and Tell Tuesday, January 29 or Tuesday, February 12 at 2:00 PM This special opportunity is designed for prospective kindergarten students and their parents. The children will visit a kindergarten room with some of the teachers, while other teachers and Mrs. Boling review the curriculum, the typical kindergarten day, and answer questions parents may have about the program. Please call 209-8001 to RSVP. Spanish Immersion Parent Informational Meeting Wednesday, January 9 or Wednesday, February 6 at 6:30 PM This meeting is for parents interested in learning about our Spanish Immersion Program. Join Mrs. Boling, as well as our immersion teachers, to learn about immersion education and our CFSD program. (Note: This meeting is not intended for current immersion families.) Ventana Vista Staff Service Project

Thanks to the leadership of Educational Assistant Mary Benson, the Ventana Vista staff (with the help of two Girl Scout troops from the school) recently engaged in a holiday service project. After helping to serve a Thanksgiving meal to over 2,700 people at the Gospel Rescue Mission, Mary was astounded at the level of need for basic necessities. She called on the help of the Ventana Vista staff to contribute supplies for centerpieces for their Christmas meal: rolls of toilet paper wrapped in holiday tissue with toothbrushes and toothpaste coming out of the top. Staff made their own contributions and solicited donations from local businesses, and we are happy to say that we surpassed our goal of 1,000 centerpieces! We have prepared a total of 1,014! A special thank you to our custodial company, ProCleaners, for providing three cases of toilet paper (almost 300 rolls!) towards this project. Kim Boling, Principal 520-209-8000 kboling@cfsd16.org

DATES OF INTEREST Friday, December 21st Last day of school before Winter Break Monday, January 7th First day Back to School Tuesday, January 8th EARLY RELEASE AM Kinder 8:00-10:15 PM Kinder 11:15-1:30 Grades 1-5 8:00-1:30 Tuesday, January 15th EARLY RELEASE AM Kinder 8:00-10:15 PM Kinder 11:15-1:30 Grades 1-5 8:00-1:30 Thursday, January 17th FFO Meeting @ 8:15 AM Monday, January 21st Martin Luther King, Jr.s Day NO SCHOOL Tuesday, January 22nd NO EARLY RELEASE

Mark Your Calendars! Our next FFO meeting, January 17 at 8:15, will begin with a presentation on Internet Safety by the Arizona Attorney General's Office. Come learn important information in regards to cyber predators, cyber bullying, sexting, and substance abuse.

Catalina Foothills School District Dr. Mary Kamerzell, Superintendent 209-7500 mkam@cfsd16.org Governing Board Members Sherri Silverberg, President 615-9224 ssilverberg@cfsd16.org Todd Camenisch, Vice President 615-9855 tcamenisch@cfsd16.org John Bergan, Member 878-6180 jbergan@cfsd16.org Mary Lou Richerson, Member 299-4746 mlricherson@cfsd16.org

Attention Parents! We need your help! Over the last ~2 weeks, we have had 40-50 students (often the same ones) arriving to school late. This results in a line out the door of the office, where they must check in and submit their lunch count, since attendance and lunch counts have already been taken when they arrive. It also prevents a smooth start to the day and to learning for these children and their classes, as stragglers disrupt the morning routine that is underway. PLEASE MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO HAVE YOUR CHILDREN ARRIVE TO SCHOOL ON TIME IN THE MORNINGS. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

Carole Siegler, Member 529-1379 csiegler@cfsd16.org State of Arizona Legislative Representatives for CFSD (check www.azleg.state.az.us for contact information) Legislative District 26 Senator Al Melvin Rep. Vic Williams Rep. Terri Proud Legislative District 30 Senator Frank Antenori Rep. David Gowan Rep. Ted Vogt

Have a safe and happy Winter Break!

Mission Statement The mission of Catalina Foothills School District and Ventana Vista Elementary School is to guarantee that each student achieves academic and personal excellence, becomes a lifelong learner and is a responsible citizen of the world, by engaging all students in meaningful programs which meet the highest educational and ethical standards within a caring, collaborative learning community.

Office Hours for 2012-2013 are: 7:30 AM 3:30 PM 7:30 AM 2:00 PM (Early Release Tuesdays) Main Office Health Office Attendance Line FAX Durham (Bus) 209-8000 209-8004 209-8090 209-8070 615-7635

The following students were invited to have lunch with Principal Boling on Friday, December 14th. Each child was recognized for individual classroom achievements. Lauren Jones Jared Rogness Niko Valentine Rachel Pickens Jack Douglass Ashley Kirkpatrick Jackie No Alyssa-Michelle Gilbert Natalie Johnson Gabriella Monge Mya Nnamdi Madeline Stoner Paige Spann Alina Marine Dylan Hellbusch Chaz Romney Elise Krueger Jose Aviles Kyra Devlin Aaliyah Lord Anunth Ramaswami Nicholas Orgera Makenna Ley Zach Shulick Stephen Peterson Paige Pagel Cleigh Thomas Nick Janney Sienna Valenzuela Eason Wang

Reminder! Less than 100 copies of the yearbook are left so reserve your yearbook early before they're gone! Extra order forms are available in the office. For questions regarding whether or not you have already purchased a yearbook or to submit photos for the yearbook, please email ventanayearbook@yahoo.com

Catalina Foothills Unified School District #16

2101 E. River Road, Tucson, AZ 85718
(520) 209-7500 (520) 209-7570 FAX

www.cfsd16.org

A 2 1 s t C e n t u r y L e a r n in g C o m m u n it y

November 1, 2012

To: From: Subject:

Parents of Catalina Foothills Students Mary Kamerzell, Superintendent of Schools

Open Enrollment for School Year 2013-2014

Pursuant to A.R.S. 15-816 Catalina Foothills School District will begin its open enrollment procedures for the 2013-2014 school year effective December 1, 2012. The law requires every Arizona school district to follow a prescribed procedure and timetable for admitting out-ofdistrict transfer students and resident transfer students (those who live in the District but are attending a school outside the attendance area of their residence). All students who currently attend CFSD schools and reside in other districts, and all CFSD resident students who are attending a different school than they would based on their residence, are impacted by this law. We require that all open enrollment students apply for admission each year. Therefore, if your child is a resident transfer (open enrollment) student and you want him/her to continue in that capacity, or if your child resides outside of the district and you want him/her to continue to attend a CFSD school next year, please complete an application form between

December 1, 2012, and February 28, 2013. applications and information regarding the application process are on the district web site, www.cfsd16.org (as of December 1, 2012), or
Open Enrollment at the district office Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The district office is located at: Catalina Foothills School District J. W. Murphey Administration Center 2101 E. River Road Tucson, AZ 85718 (520) 209-7537 Applications will be available as of December 1, 2012, and may be completed on line (www.cfsd16.org), or submitted in person at the district office. Electronic applications must be submitted no later than February 28, 2013, and hard copies by 4:00 p.m. February 28, 2013. Decisions about admission, based on capacity, will be made by April l, 2013. At that time, all applicants will be notified whether their applications have been accepted, wait listed, or declined.

Midyear Administration of the Cognitive Abilities Test In accordance with state requirements, the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) is offered at different times during the year. The midyear administration of the CogAt for Ventana Vista will be on Wednesday, January 9, Friday, January 11, and the following Monday, January 14, 2013. Parents of 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students who are new to the school or HAVE NOT been tested in the past two years are eligible to test at this time. Students who are currently receiving gifted services do not retest. The CogAT is used to identify students for gifted services and is required for students who wish to be considered for Interdisciplinary Studies (IDS). Permission slips are available in the front office. It is recommended that parents consult with the classroom teacher and/or gifted specialist before requesting testing. Parents must request testing in writing by January 7th, 2013. Forms are available in the school office. The testing, which is done before school at 7:15 in the IDS room (room 214), takes 3 sessions to complete. Students must be present for all three days.

in Catalina Foothills School District

Families with children entering grades K-4* are invited to apply to enroll their children in Catalina Foothills School Districts Spanish Immersion Program at Ventana Vista Elementary School for the 2013-2014 school year. Goals for Students:
Meet or exceed academic achievement levels in all areas of the districts curriculum as aligned to State standards. Acquire a high level of communicative and academic proficiency in English and Spanish. Gain appreciation of other cultures and a deeper understanding of their own culture. Increase capacity for creative thinking and problem-solving skills.

Spanish Immersion Program

Our half-day kindergarten program is taught 100% in Spanish. In Grade 1, Language Arts and Social Studies are taught in English, while Math and Science are taught in Spanish. In Grades 2 and above, Language Arts and Math are taught in English, while Science and Social Studies are taught in Spanish. Spanish literacy is developed at all grade levels in our immersion program.

Beginning December 1, 2012, Open Enrollment applications are available on the districts web page (www.cfsd16.org) or at the district office during business hours, 2101 E. River Road, Tucson, AZ 85718. Open Enrollment applications should be submitted by February 28, 2013. *2nd, 3rd, and 4th grade students must meet language criteria for enrollment.

How To Learn More About the Program:

Attend a Spanish Immersion Program informational meeting scheduled for January 9 or February 6 from 6:30-7:30 pm at the Ventana Vista Elementary School library. Click on the Academics tab on the Ventana Vista website at www.cfsd16.org/schools/ventanavista/

Mandarin Immersion Program

in Catalina Foothills School District
Families with children entering grades K-1 are invited to apply to enroll their children in Catalina Foothills School Districts Mandarin Immersion Program at Sunrise Drive Elementary School for the 2013-2014 school year. Goals for Students:
Meet or exceed academic achievement levels in all areas of the districts curriculum as aligned to State standards. Acquire a high level of communicative and academic proficiency in English and Mandarin. Gain appreciation of other cultures and a deeper understanding of their own culture. Increase capacity for creative thinking and problem-solving skills.

Our half-day kindergarten program is taught 100% in Mandarin. In Grade 1, Mandarin is used for academic instruction at least 50% of the time. Language Arts and Social Studies are taught in English, while Math and Science are taught in Mandarin. Mandarin literacy is developed at both grade levels in our immersion program.

Beginning December 1, 2012, Open Enrollment applications are available on the districts web page (www.cfsd16.org) or at the district office during business hours, 2101 E. River Road, Tucson, AZ 85718. Open Enrollment applications should be submitted by February 28, 2013.

How To Learn More About the Program:

Attend a Mandarin Immersion Program informational meeting scheduled for January 17 or January 23 from 6:30-7:30 pm at the Sunrise Drive Elementary School Learning Resource Center (LRC). Click on the Academics tab on the Sunrise Drive website at www.cfsd16.org/schools/sunrisedrive/

Kindergarten Show and Tell

in Catalina Foothills School District
Families with kindergarten-age children* are invited to visit their neighborhood school to discover the passion and commitment for early childhood learning embraced by Catalina Foothills educators.
You will learn about the schools half-day (Kindergarten) and fee-based full-day (Kindergarten Plus) program options and how we can work together to help ensure your child has a smooth transition to school. Children will participate in classroom activities with one of the schools kindergarten teachers. At this time, in-district residents may register for the optional, fee-based full-day Kindergarten Plus program. Show and Tell sessions are one hour long, followed by a thirty-minute tour of the school.
Please sign up for a Show and Tell session by contacting your neighborhood school. Canyon View Elementary 209-7700 January 28 OR February 11, 2:00 p.m. Manzanita Elementary 209-7800 January 30 OR February 27, 2:15 p.m. Sunrise Drive Elementary 209-7900 February 14, 2:15 p.m. OR February 26, 3:30 p.m. Ventana Vista Elementary 209-8000 January 29 OR February 12, 2:00 p.m.

Note: Open Enrollment applicant families are welcome to attend. * If your child will be five years old prior to September 1, 2013, he or she is
eligible to attend kindergarten at one of our four elementary schools.

CANYON VIEW LITTLE LEAGUE

Registration Party Saturday January 12, 2013
10am to 1pm Mehl Park 4001 E River Road

Come by Mehl Park and Register Its time to sign up for Little League Baseball and Softball Ages 4 and up
Questions contact: cking@dsaco.com