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As Liberty Elementary School District begins 2023, here's a look at some new opportunities and special recognitions. If you haven't already, click on the icons below to stay connected and follow us on social media.
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Liberty Elementary School District is excited to announce that Christine Mendoza, a 6th - 8th grade science teacher at Liberty Elementary School, has maintained National Board Certification. 

"Ms. Mendoza is an outstanding science teacher and leader in our school community," said Liberty Elementary School Principal Holly Weiner. "Maintaining a National Board Certification is not an easy feat, but Ms. Mendoza values growth as a professional to be able to provide the best possible educational experience for each and every student that steps through her door. We feel very fortunate to have her on the Liberty campus."

The National Board Certification is the highest certification an educator can achieve in the United States through a process that enhances their teaching practice. Mendoza was first certified in 2013 in the area of Early Adolescence Science.

"To me, this certification means that I am continuing to grow and evolve as a teacher. I am practicing my belief of being a lifelong learner. For students and parents, it means that they are receiving instruction from an educator who is highly qualified and appropriately certified,” said Mendoza. 

Administered by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, the National Board Certification is a rigorous and reflective process that requires teachers to showcase the National Board Standards in their practice. One requirement of the certification process is to record teaching sessions and carefully dissect and evaluate them.

"It forces you to really dive deep into your teaching and instruction and focus on why you do what you do in the classroom. Is this a best practice? How can I refine my instruction? What are other needs outside of instruction that will improve my students’ academic and social growth?,” Mendoza said. “For my students, I also hope that I am a role model. They are in this process with me. They see me filming myself, they hear about the papers I have to write, they are there in the classroom when I say ‘hey I learned this new thing at a training, and I want to try it out in our classroom.’ Hopefully, seeing me set goals and work towards those goals will inspire them to also work toward their own goals.”

Kindergarten Roundup

Join us in the weeks ahead for Kindergarten Roundup nights at each of our seven schools. Students and families, as well as the general public, are invited to experience what our campuses have to offer.

Kindergarten is key to giving your child a good start to their education. Studies show students who attended full-day kindergarten had better academic outcomes the following year, were more self-confident, and were better at playing with others. 

Each event is from 5 to 7 p.m. at the individual schools. A full schedule is below.

The following documents are needed for enrollment:

  • Verification of residency
  • Health Records
  • Birth certificate or another legal document

We're Hiring!

Come join a team that's passionate about making a difference. Work for a school district that gives you an opportunity to grow, while providing increased flexibility with a four-day school week on the horizon. The Liberty Elementary School District is looking for a select few highly qualified teachers to join the team for the 2023-2024 school year and beyond! Register for our 2023 Teacher Job Fair that takes place on Saturday, February 11 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Blue Horizons Elementary School.

For more information and to register, visit liberty25.org/join-our-team/2023-teacher-job-fair

60-Day Review for 6th - 8th Grade Science and Social Studies

Transparency surrounding what is taught in Liberty ESD's schools is important to the District. We want to let you know about two opportunities to review primary instructional resources before they potentially become adopted as tools for learning.

The 6-8 grade Science Primary Instructional Resource Committee has worked together to identify two resources to be placed on a 60-day review to gather public input:
  • OpenSciEd
  • STEMscope
Both resources are available to review in person at the Liberty Elementary School District office at 19871 W. Fremont Road in Buckeye.

In February, the Liberty ESD administration will bring forward a recommendation to the Governing Board to consider adopting one of the resources as a primary instructional resource for 6-8 grade science.

Also, the 6-8 grade Social Studies Primary Instructional Resource Adoption Committee launched a 60-day review to gather public input on each of the following resources:
  • McGraw Hill - Social Studies
  • Savvas - myWorld Interactive Social Studies
In March, the Liberty ESD administration will bring forward a recommendation to the Governing Board to consider adopting one of the two resources as a primary instructional resources for 6-8 grade social studies. Both resources are also available to review in person at the Liberty ESD District Office.

Governing Board Approves Budget Interests for SY2024

Liberty Elementary School District Governing Board approved new budget interests for next year. With the passing of the override election, the Board prioritized $1.1 million to specific override election initiatives and programs, all of which contribute to high levels of student learning and engagement in school: 

• Increase student achievement 

• Recruit and retain quality teachers 

• Maintain smaller class sizes 

• Retain music, art, and physical education programs 

• Maintain full-day kindergarten 

• Continue after-school sports and clubs 

An additional three percent compensation increase for all staff, guest teacher pay increases, and other teacher stipends all will contribute to recruitment and retention. In addition, the Board prioritized an additional $3,000 stipend for all special education teachers. An additional 9.5 teaching positions and one administrative position were prioritized to address class size reduction and student enrollment growth. School athletics will be restored to four seasons and two teams per season.

Child Find Provides Support For All Students to Reach Their Full Potential

All children deserve a chance to reach their full potential. Child Find — or AZ Find — is a service that assists families of children who may have special needs, and is here to see that every child has that chance.
 
Administered through the Liberty Elementary School District’s (LESD) Special Service office, the intent of Child Find under both federal and state requirements is to ensure that all children ages birth to 21 years with delays or disabilities are identified, located, and evaluated in order to receive needed early intervention support or special education services.
 
The Child Find process begins with screenings in five developmental areas: cognitive, communication, social-emotional, adaptive, and physical skills. Based on the screening results, the Child Find team may recommend further evaluation.
 
Public agencies, such as the LESD, are responsible for providing these supports and services. The district is obligated to actively search to "find" children who may be eligible and conduct an eligibility determination process that includes screening and evaluation according to state-established criteria. The earlier parents have their child screened, the better.
 
Child Find is a component of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA ’04) that requires Public Education Agencies (PEA) to locate, identify, and evaluate all children with disabilities, aged birth through 21, located within their boundaries of responsibility who are in need of early intervention or special education services.

If you believe your child is eligible for Child Find, please contact the district’s Special Services office at 623-474-6671.

Celebrating School Board Recognition Month

Board members in order of appearance: Paul Bixler, Mark Aguire, Michael Todd, Bryan Parks, and Kris Kenyon

January is School Board Recognition Month, so there's no better time to recognize Liberty Elementary School District's Governing Board! Board members Mark Aguire, Paul Bixler, Michael Todd, Kris Kenyon, and Bryan Parks provide great leadership to the district. This is also a great opportunity to recognize Michael Todd as new Board President, and to welcome Kris Kenyon as new board member. Thank you for your time, leadership, and extraordinary service!

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