All Things Avondale May 2, 2025

Desert Star School's social worker, Denise Hawk, was honored with the prestigious School Champion Award from School Connect, recognizing her outstanding commitment to students, families and the wider community. The award celebrates Ms. Hawk's tireless efforts in establishing Desert Star as a trusted community hub where families can access resources, support and guidance.

The School Champion Award recognizes individuals who make significant impacts on Arizona's youth through courageous leadership and collaborative community support.

We're thrilled to extend our warmest congratulations to Dawn Gerundo, one of our valued partners at Valley of the Sun United Way, on receiving the prestigious Community Spotlight Award from School Connect. This well-deserved recognition highlights Dawn's exceptional commitment to community engagement and her dedicated service to schools and children throughout our area.

Dawn's impactful work at the Lattie Coor School's Literacy Hub, in collaboration with teacher Emily Emhardt (who was also honored as a finalist in the School Connect Awards), exemplifies the powerful difference that dedicated individuals can make in children's educational journeys. Her tireless efforts continue to strengthen the vital connection between nonprofit organizations and our school communities, creating brighter futures for countless young learners.

The innovative and award winning Literacy Hub at Lattie Coor School recently captured media attention, earning featured coverage in both the Arizona Republic and a special segment on Arizona's Family Channels 3 and 5. The spotlight highlighted the hub's remarkable impact on student literacy rates and its unique collaborative approach to education.

We hope you take a few minutes to check out the media coverage. Simply click the links below to view:

• Literacy hub in Avondale school boosting reading scores by getting parents involved (Arizona Republic article)
• Avondale school's literacy hub shows promising results, boosting reading scores (Arizona's Family news segment)

Mark your calendars! Next week, May 5-9, is Teacher Appreciation Week. This special week gives us all an opportunity to recognize the incredible educators who make such a difference in our children's lives.

Every day, Avondale ESD teachers go above and beyond to create engaging learning environments, provide personalized support and inspire our students to pursue a future without limits. Their dedication doesn't end when the bell rings—they spend countless hours planning lessons, grading assignments and finding innovative ways to reach every learner.

National School Nurse Day is Wednesday, May 7. Our school nurses play a vital role in helping our students stay healthy and well. They conduct hearing and vision testing, monitor student immunizations, administer medication and help connect families with health related services and resources. Join us in celebrating our school nurses and the difference they make every day!

Join us in honoring our Avondale ESD educators and nurses to ensure they know just how much they're valued!

Teacher Appreciation Week is here, and we need your help to make it extra special! Our teachers go above and beyond every day to support, inspire and care for our students—and now it’s our turn to show them how much they mean to us.

We’re inviting parents and families to share a short video or written message of thanks to their child’s teacher. A simple "thank you," a favorite memory, or a message from your child can go a long way in making a teacher’s day!

📸 How to Participate:

1. Record a quick video (30 seconds or less) OR

2. Write a short message of appreciation

3. Send it to media@chooseaesd.org by Tuesday, May 6 and include your child's school, name, and grade

Let’s flood our teachers with love and gratitude this week—they deserve it! 💛 Each day, we’ll randomly select one winner from the submissions—and your child could receive a Kids at Hope t-shirt!

Do you know what your child is really seeing online? This important training will explore how smartphones and social media are affecting kids’ mental health and exposing them to hidden risks including inappropriate content, online predators, cyberbullying, and drug access through popular apps.

• Learn how drug dealers use social media to reach kids

• Recognize warning signs of substance use

• Monitor your child’s online life—without breaking their trust

• Gain tools to protect your family and start important conversations

Empower yourself with the knowledge to keep your child safe. Don’t miss this eye-opening session for parents and guardians.

Thursday, May 8, 2025

6:00 p.m.

Avondale ESD Governing Board Room

295 W. Western Avenue

*Spanish Translation Available

Avondale Middle School recently hosted a vibrant and well-attended Family Game Night, bringing students, families and staff together for an evening of fun, connection and community spirit. Attendees enjoyed a wide variety of activities, from classic board games and team-based challenges to a spirited round of Lotería led by Ms. Rivas. One of the most memorable moments of the night was watching students and their parents team up for a friendly game of volleyball, building bonds both on and off the court.

Adding to the excitement were a colorful piñata display and a fast-paced egg hunt that kept everyone engaged and moving. The event was a wonderful opportunity for families to spend quality time together while also strengthening their ties to the school community. It was truly an evening filled with laughter, collaboration and lasting memories for all who attended.

Second and third grade students from Centerra Mirage STEM Academy recently had an exciting and educational visit to the Science Center. The trip offered a unique opportunity for students to extend their learning beyond the classroom through hands-on experiments and interactive exhibits that sparked their curiosity and enthusiasm for science.

Throughout the day, students explored a variety of engaging displays, conducted mini-experiments and gained a deeper understanding of scientific concepts in a fun and memorable way. Experiences like these help bring STEM learning to life, inspiring students to think critically, ask questions and explore the world around them with a sense of wonder and excitement. It was a fantastic day of discovery and learning for all involved.

We’re proud to celebrate the outstanding success of this year’s District Math Challenge, where nearly 120 students from across the district came together to put their math skills to the test. This exciting event brought students from grades three through eight into a spirited competition that combined teamwork, critical thinking and a shared enthusiasm for mathematics.

Students competed in teams by grade bands—third/fourth, fifth/sixth, and seventh/eighth—across two dynamic rounds. The Lightning Round challenged students’ speed and accuracy, while the Problem Solving Round highlighted deeper thinking and collaboration. It was truly inspiring to see students work together, think strategically and enjoy the challenge of complex problem-solving.

A special congratulations goes to the fifth and sixth grade team from Copper Trails, who earned an impressive third place finish at the Regional Math Challenge hosted by Westside Impact. Their hard work and dedication represent the strong spirit of academic excellence across our district.

Desert Star School’s annual Rock & Jock event was a slam dunk success, bringing students, staff and families together for an exciting afternoon of fun and school spirit. The highlight of the day was the much-anticipated Staff vs. Student Basketball Game, where energy ran high and the competition was full of enthusiasm, sportsmanship and laughter.

Beyond the court, the event offered music, activities and opportunities for the entire school community to come together in celebration. Athletes on the court, cheerleaders and supporters in the stands all contributed to making the event unforgettable.

Desert Thunder’s fifth and sixth graders brought the energy and excitement to this year’s Eagle Games, a spirited day full of teamwork, laughter, and friendly competition. Students took part in a variety of fun challenges, including balloon cup stacking, wet sponge toss, jump rope in the square, and marble balancing. The playground buzzed with cheers as classmates encouraged one another through every activity. The event was a celebration of school spirit, cooperation, and plain old fun!

Lattie Coor School recently transformed into a hub of literary excitement during their annual Reading Fiesta, hosted in partnership with Valley of the Sun United Way. The event brought families together to celebrate the joy of reading while providing valuable resources to enhance literacy at home.

Parents participated in engaging workshops where they learned strategies for selecting age-appropriate books that match their children's interests and reading levels. Representatives from community organizations including Make Way for Books and Joy for Books were on hand to share resources and reading tips with families. Meanwhile, students enjoyed a variety of activities designed to make reading fun. A highlight for many was the popular "Color with a Cop" station, where a local police officer joined children in creative coloring activities while building positive community relationships.

The highlight of the event was the opportunity for every students to select 10 books each to take home and add to their personal libraries. This initiative helps ensure students have access to reading materials beyond the school day, supporting continued literacy development at home.

Graduating seniors from Agua Fria High School returned to their roots for a special Senior Walk at Michael Anderson, Lattie Coor, and Eliseo C. Felix Schools, marking a meaningful moment in their academic journey. As the seniors made their way through the campuses, they were met with cheers, high-fives and excitement from our students, celebrating not just their accomplishments but the path ahead.

The energy was palpable, with younger students looking up to the soon-to-be graduates, inspired by their hard work and dedication. It was a powerful reminder of the impact education has on shaping futures.

Students in second through fifth grade at Star Academy have been hard at work preparing for the upcoming district Science Expo, and their creativity and curiosity have truly been on display. From designing experiments to exploring scientific concepts, these young innovators are diving deep into the world of science with enthusiasm and determination. The energy in the classroom is electric, as students collaborate and experiment together, learning valuable skills along the way.

It's inspiring to see how these future scientists are using teamwork as a key ingredient in their projects, proving that collaboration can often lead to the most exciting discoveries. We couldn't be prouder of the effort and passion these students are putting into their work. As they prepare to showcase their projects, there's no doubt that their bright minds will continue to shine in the world of science.

Wildflower Accelerated Academy was thrilled to welcome Christel Bell, Lead Reporter for the Let ABC15 Know Consumer Investigative Team at ABC15 Arizona. Ms. Bell visited the school to share her newly published children's book, "Christel's Breaking News."

Ms. Bell's heartwarming story follows a young girl who discovers possibility in representation when she sees a news anchor who looks like her on television. This pivotal moment sparks the courage to dream big and pursue her passions without hesitation.

The visit left a lasting impression on students and staff alike, reinforcing that with courage and persistence, dreams can indeed become reality. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Christel Bell for inspiring our campus and showing our students that every dream is worth chasing.

Michael Anderson School’s second-grade Folklórico dancers brought joy and vibrant culture to campus as they performed for proud families under the direction of second grade teacher Ms. Avila.

Dressed in colorful traditional attire, students showcased their hard work and enthusiasm through lively dance and heartfelt singing that celebrated Mexican heritage. The performance not only highlighted their talent and dedication but also created a beautiful moment of community and pride.

Thank you, Ms. Avila, for leading our students in honoring tradition through the arts!

Today, we proudly celebrated School Lunch Hero Day by honoring the incredible food and nutrition staff who keep our students nourished and ready to learn every day. From preparing healthy meals to serving with a smile, their hard work and dedication make a difference in every cafeteria across our schools. Thank you to our lunch heroes—you are truly appreciated!

Would you like to add photos or quotes from students or staff to go along with this message?

Looking for a job? Join us at our Hiring Event on Friday, May 16, 2025, from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. at the Avondale School District Office, located at 295 W. Western Avenue, in the Governing Board Room.

AESD was named the Best Place to Work and Best School District (2024, 2023, 2022)! We have a number of positions available and would love for you to join our team!

We offer up to 10 years of related experience, education credit, and eligibility for performance pay. Please check out our available positions below. Click this link to Register for the Hiring Event, and visit our Careers webpage for salaries, benefits and more!

*AI DISCLAIMER: Some content in this document was generated with the assistance of artificial intelligence tools. All content has been reviewed and approved by Avondale Elementary School District staff prior to publication.