NE

WS

LE

TT

ER

OF

VE

NT

AN

A V

IST

A E

LE

ME

NT

AR

Y S

CH

OO

L

ISSUE #8

DECEMBER 7, 2012

, 2012

MARCH 23, 2012

, 2010

‘XZXC0000

09

APRIL 24, 2009

, 2008

,

Principal’s Message Music’s in the Air! Congratulations to our Ventana Vista Children’s Choir! Under the direction of our wonderful music teacher, Mrs. Colleen Zandbergen, these 4th and 5th grade students practice throughout the year and had their debut performance last weekend at La Encantada! Our choir is open to any interested 4th or 5th grade student. This year’s members include: Tarina Aleamoni, Romit Banerjee, Meridith Blakely, Audrey Brown, Christina Chen, Alison Chuang, Gabriella Dean, Laura Deeb, Jenna Derman, Gianna Dispenza, Ashley Geer, Karen Jie, Alexis Johnson, Alexis Jones, Ainsley Limesand, Sarah Nielson, Stephen Peterson, Adam Plante, and Mira Raju. We look forward to sharing with you the musical talents of ALL of our Ventana Vista students at the upcoming Winter Musical Performances. All performances will take place in the MPR.

K/1 – Friday, December 14, 8:30-9:00 Gr. 2 – Monday, December 17, 11:15-12:00 Gr. 3 – Tuesday, December 18, 9:45-10:30

Gr. 4 – Wednesday, December 19, 10:30-11:15 Gr. 5 – Thursday, December 20, 9:00-9:45

Arizona Tax Credit in the Foothills CFSD would not be the district it is today without the community that surrounds and supports it! The success of our schools' extracurricular programs is tied to the generous contributions of community members who divert some of their state tax funds to the CFSD programs of their choice! How does it Work? Any Arizona taxpayer has the opportunity to give to Catalina Foothills School District instead of paying it in taxes. The donation must be earmarked for support of one of our many qualifying fee-based, extracurricular activities. We'll send the donor a receipt for their records. Then, when the taxpayer fills out their 2012 Arizona state taxes, they can subtract the amount of the donation, up to $400 (joint filers) and $200 (individuals), from what is owed in state taxes. This is not just a tax deduction…it is a tax credit that reduces the amount of taxes owed to the state, dollar-for-dollar. For more information about how this credit will work for your individual tax situation, contact your tax advisor. How are these Dollars Spent? Tax Credit dollars are spent to support fee-based, extra-curricular offerings. However, regular communication between Mrs. Boling and Community Schools, leads to a beneficial partnerships that also helps support the needs at Ventana Vista, as dollars are spent to serve a joint purpose. What is the Tax Credit Goal at Ventana Vista? We are aiming for $30,000…that is only 150 individuals at $200 each! Where Can I Donate? You can donate online (http://www.cfsd16.org/public/_community/donate.aspx) with your credit card or fill out the 2012 Tax Credit Form, which can be mailed to Murphey Administration Center, 2101 E River Rd., Tucson, AZ, 85718 or dropped off in person at any CFSD school, by December 31, 2012. Please make checks payable to Catalina Foothills School District (CFSD) and note the program to which you'd like to contribute on the check.

Continued…

Principal’s Message continued What have we purchased at Ventana Vista with tax credit dollars? Here are some of the joint projects that Community Schools and Mrs. Boling have completed/purchased within the past 2 years, as well as projects underway or yet to come:

• Imagine Learning software purchase used by VV teachers, students, and Community Schools

• Lego Robotics team registrations and equipment used by VV students, staff, and Community Schools

• “Bobcat Code” program and school assembly used by VV staff, students and Community Schools

• 30 sets of headphones used by VV students and Community Schools • Community Garden Project (funded by CFSD tax credit dollars and Community Gardens

of Tucson grant dollars) used by VV students, teachers, Community Schools, and community members.

• Computers (20 laptops) On Wheels (C.O.W.) used by VV teachers, students, and Community Schools for Imagine Learning Program

Thank you, in advance, for your support of our school in this way!

Kim Boling Principal

520-209-8000 kboling@cfsd16.org

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

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

DATES OF INTEREST Tuesday, December 11th •EARLY RELEASE AM Kinder 8:00-10:15 PM Kinder 11:15-1:30 Grades 1-5 8:00-1:30 •Please see the schedule of winter musicals in the Principal’s Message. Tuesday, December 18th •EARLY RELEASE AM Kinder 8:00-10:15 PM Kinder 11:15-1:30 Grades 1-5 8:00-1:30 Friday, December 21st •Next VISTAS Newsletter Winter Break: Last day of school is Friday, December 21st. First day back to school is Monday, January 7th.

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 209-8000 Health Office 209-8004 Attendance Line 209-8090 FAX 209-8070 Durham (Bus) 615-7635

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.

Please come and check the lost and found for any

missing items.

Unclaimed items will be donated to charity on

Tuesday, December 18. .

The following students were invited to have lunch with Principal Boling on Friday, December 7th. Each child was recognized for individual classroom achievements.

Gabriel Altamirano Bryn Callie Sophia DiPonio Ozzy Paschke Omar Hemzawi Chloe Geer Nicole Hassen Hannah Pun Julia Weitman Cierra Johnson Max Bell Kailie Simpson Caleb Grennell Khristian Smith Willa Goddard-Westland Gracie Gunther Nicole Altamirano Kaitlyn Medvec Malya Hersha Amir Haghiri Anthony Deeb Leo Gruenstein William Simons Logan Chung Amelie Buffill-Gutierrez Audrey Robb Natalie Johnson Ashley Geer Gabriella Monge Meredith Blakley Brooke Janney Jack Johnson Andrea Soroa Laura Deeb Peter Deeb Ella Dean Nicholas Mojica Hana Burroughs

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

November 1, 2012 To: Parents of Catalina Foothills Students From: Mary Kamerzell, Superintendent of Schools Subject: 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-of-district 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. Open Enrollment applications and information regarding the application process are on the district web site, www.cfsd16.org (as of December 1, 2012), or 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.

Catalina Foothills Unified School District #16 2101 E. River Road, Tucson, AZ 85718

(520) 209-7500 (520) 209-7570 FAX www.cfsd16.org

A 21st Century Learning Community

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.

Families with children entering grades K-4* are invited to apply to enroll their children in Catalina Foothills School District’s

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 district’s 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.

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 district’s 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/

Spanish Immersion Program

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 school’s 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 school’s 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.

Kindergarten Show and Tell

in Catalina Foothills School District

Ventana Vista FFO meeting minutes for November 18 2012

VV FFO Co-President Tara Kirkpatrick called the meeting to order at 8:15 a.m.

Principal Boling

Principal Boling announced 5th grade camp was a success. This two day camp in Oracle is meant to extend on the curriculum, build teamwork, and foster friendship. This great event is funded by donations made to the FFO. On another note, she informed that tax credit funds were used to build a garden with Community Schools and Community Gardens. All three kindergarten classes have incorporated the garden directly into their curriculum.

Secretary

VV FFO Secretary Bianca Rowley made a motion to approve the minutes from October’s meeting. Motion approved.

President

Tara Kirkpatrick announced the new Bobcat Blitz, a short weekly email going out to parents weekly to keep them informed on current or upcoming events, is being well received by all.

Treasurer

VV FFO Co-Treasurer Kelly Medvec informed those present as to the state of the FFO’s finances. The beginning balance was $26,538.34. Deposits were made in the amount of $8,129.90 and checks were written in the amount of $8,203.22. Ending balance is $26,465.02.

Grants

VV librarian Jill Wadsworth requested a $200 grant for “Cranberries for Thanksgiving”. During library time for the week preceding Thanksgiving students will learn a simple recipe to make and share with family and friends. The students will make the relish, and then discussion will focus on Thanksgiving traditions and the gift of sharing something they have made. The money would go towards buying groceries (cranberries, sugar, oranges, cups and spoons). Grant approved.

Halloween Bingo Night

Lalita Hadley provided announced the event ran smoothly and brought in $100. She thanks the community for participating.

Bobcat Run

Tara Kirkpatrick announced this event was a huge success. More than 200 families participated. The event brought in over $4400. Thank you to the entire community for your participation. She

would like to have the t-shirt contest in the spring next year, so that t-shirts are designed and ready to sell at the Open House in the fall.

Science Fair

Bryn Allen announced flyers are going out this week. The Science fair website, www.vvsciencefair.org is up and running. Projects are set up Monday February 4, judging will take place Tuesday February 5 in the Turtle Room, and presentations will be open to the public Thursday and Friday. There are plans to set up examples through out school in the weeks leading up to the event for kids to see and start thinking about their projects.

Promotions

Fundraising Night at Panda Express had a good turnout but we haven’t received the total amount raised. The FFO will receive 20% of what was sold that night. Fundraising night from Chuck E. Cheese brought in $100.

Yearbook

Gina Chen announced there are only about 100 copies left, so families should order their yearbook soon.

Catalina Foothills School District

Jackie Nichols attended the last CFSD meeting. They announced Catalina Foothills High School was ranked 378th out of 22,000 US high schools, according to US News Weekly Magazine. The foundation is currently focusing on the Love our Schools Gala to take place on January 25th at Lowes Ventana Canyon. Tickets can be purchased online at www.cfsdfoundation.org at $125 for an evening of live and silent auction, Teacher of the Year presentation, dinner and live music entertainment. The foundation will be conducting telethon through the rest of the calendar year asking for donations. If someone makes a donation they should check to see if their place of employment will match that donation.

New business

A motion was made to add the Science Fair on February 4 to the FFO Calendar. Motion approved.

Principal Boling announced a new school wide activity to start in November called “Math in the real world”. There are also plans to have a Family Math Night next fall.

Tara Kirkpatrick adjourned the meeting at 8:50 a.m.

The next FFO meeting will take place January 17 at 8:15 a.m. in the Kaleidescope Room.

LOVE OF READING NEWS

The planning is underway for our 2013 Love of Reading event! This school-wide celebration, which is sponsored by our wonderful FFO, celebrates reading in a variety of fun and exciting ways. Love of Reading week will begin Monday, March 4 and end with a big finale on Friday, March 8. A committee has been formed to organize the workshops and activities and we could use your help. Meetings will be held once a month between now and March. Committee members are needed to host workshops and organize the daily activities. If you would like to join this creative group, call Jill Wadsworth at 209-8006. MANY THANKS AND . . .

KEEP READING!

NOT SURE HOW TO SPEND YOUR WINTER BREAK?

CONSIDER SIGNING UP FOR SOME FUN FIELD TRIP ADVENTURES!!

WE WILL BE GOING ON TRIPS DECEMBER 27TH, 28TH & 31ST

DecemberWant to kn

ow what’s

happening in

Community Schools?

?

Take a look!

IMPORTANT DATES

DECEMBER 7:BROCHURES GO HOME

DECEMBER 10:REGISTRATION STARTS

DECEMBER 21:REGISTRATION ENDS

Remember Community Schools has a new late registration procedure!

Be sure to register BEFORE winter break

to avoid fees!

Catalina Foothills Community Schools

Community Schools has some new registration policies that we would like

you to be aware of

We have increased our late registration fee to $15.

If you register the week that classes start, we would appreciate a call to the Community Schools program coordinator at your school.

If you register the day that classes start, your student will not be able to attend class until the following week.

CHECK BACKPACKS ON DECEMBER 7TH

FOR THE NEW COMMUNITY

SCHOOLS BROCHURE. IT WILL FEATURE WINTER

BREAK FIELD TRIPS AS WELL AS NEW AFTER SCHOOL & EARLY RELEASE CLASSES

Community Schools has recently amended its registration policy for all enrichment programming, including elementary, middle and high school before- and after-school classes, middle school athletics, and Camp Foothills summer programs. All registration periods will begin with a 5-day Pre-Registration period, available only to currently enrolled CFSD students. This Pre-Registration period is meant to ensure that first priority for registration is given to students attending school in our district. Enrollment is always limited by space available in any program, and therefore never guaranteed. However, this Pre-Registration period will enable CFSD students to secure their spaces in highly-popular Community Schools programs before those spaces are opened up to the community at large. For the 3rd Quarter of Community Schools Middle School offerings, Pre-Registration begins December 5, 2013. General Registration begins December 10, 2013. For the 3rd Quarter of Community Schools Elementary offerings, Pre-Registration begins December 10, 2013. General Registration begins December 15, 2013. Stay tuned for High School 3rd Trimester, Elementary and Middle School 4th Quarter, and Camp Foothills Summer Pre-Registration time frames to be published by Community Schools later this school year.