ISSUE #9

DECEMBER 5, 2014

Principals Message
Parking Lot Etiquette, Safetyand Problem Solving!

, 2014
, 2014

NEWSLETTER OF VENTANA VISTA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

, 2014

As many of you know, the parking lot at our school can become quite congested at
arrival and dismissal times. We encourage as many families as possible to utilize
the district school bus service. Open Enrollment families may still apply for bus , 2014
ridership (see information on the CFSD website; go to Parent Info, Transportation,
Open Enrollment Bus Application).
, 2013

If you do choose to drive to and from school, please exercise extreme caution and
patience in the parking lot, and teach your children to do the same. Specifically,
please assist children with car doors, when possible (to prevent damage to other
cars); stay off of cell phones while parking/driving; and drive slowly!
, 2013
I am happy to share with you that one of our students is working on a science
project that may help to alleviate some of the congestion in the parking lot! She
has collected some baseline data, and found that we have between 100 and 120
,
cars going through the parking lot to drop children off in a 15-minute time period in
2013
the morning!
The student is interested in determining whether the creation of a loading zone and
coordinated traffic would shorten the time it takes for morning drop off. Next week
(12/8-12/12), there will be a trial period of such a designated "loading zone." , 2012
This area will be marked and easy to identify. Signs like "prepare to unload" and
"loading zone" created by second graders will also be displayed. We would like to
seek your support and understanding during the trial period of this science project
by dropping of your children only when your car is in the "loading zone."
Thank 23,
you2012
MARCH
very much for your support of our students, as they work toward a solution of an
authentic problem at our school!
Arizona Tax Credit in the Foothills

, 2010

The Catalina Foothills School District is a wonderful school community! It is

impressive to see a community with such a commitment to educational excellence
and support of the schools here in the Foothills. CFSD would not be the district it is
today without the community that surrounds and supports it! The success of our
XZXC0000
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!
09
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 APRIL
support24,of2009
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 2014
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
deductionit is a tax credit that reduces the amount of taxes owed to the state, , 2008
dollar-for-dollar. For more information about how this credit will work for your
,
individual tax situation, contact your tax advisor.
Continued

Principals Message continued

How are these Dollars Spent?
Tax Credit dollars are spent to support fee-based, extra-curricular offerings. However,
regular communication between Ms. 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 $30,000that 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 2014 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, 2014. Please make checks payable to Catalina
Foothills School District (CFSD) and note the program to which you'd like to contribute
on the check.
What have we purchased at Ventana Vista with tax credit dollars?
Here are some of the joint projects that Community Schools and Ms. Boling have
completed/purchased within the past 3 years, as well as projects underway or yet to
come:

Purchase of new iPads, cases, and cart, utilized by VV students, teachers, and
Community Schools.
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
Kim Boling
Principal
520-209-8000
[email protected]

DATES OF INTEREST

Catalina Foothills
School District

Friday, December 5th

C615
Show Choir @ La Encantada
6:30 PM
Saturday, December 6th
Bobcat Run @ Sabino Canyon
7:30 AM
Show Choir @ La Encantada
6:30 PM
th

Tuesday, December 9
EARLY RELEASE
Gr. 1-5 8:00-1:30
AM Kinder 8:00-10:15
PM Kinder 11:15-1:30
nd

Monday, December 22
Friday, January 2nd
Winter Break NO SCHOOL

Dr. Mary Kamerzell,

Superintendent
209-7500
[email protected]
Governing Board Members

Bobcat Run
This Saturday,
December 6th - Sabino Canyon
@ 7:30 AM. Wear layers! It
will be chilly out there!
CALLING ALL PHILATELISTS
(STAMP COLLECTORS)! We have
uncovered a treasure trove of stamps
in the library! If you are a stamp
hobbyist, please stop by to see our
stamps and help us decide how to best
use this interesting and colorful
collection! Call Jill Wadsworth at
209-8006 for more information!

Musical Performances

Office Hours for 2014-2015 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

Kinder - Friday 12/12 @ 9:30

1st Immersion Thursday
12/11 @ 1:30
1st/2nd Wednesday 12/17 @
1:30
3rd/4th Wednesday 12/17 @
10:30
5th & Show Choir Thursday
12/18 @ 1:00

Carole Siegler, President

529-1379
[email protected]
Sherri Silverberg, Vice-President
615-9224
[email protected]
John Bergan, Member
878-6180
[email protected]
Eileen Jackson, Member
299-3828
[email protected]
Mary Lou Richerson, Member
299-4746
[email protected]
State of Arizona Legislative
Representatives for CFSD
(please check www.azleg.gov for
contact information)
Legislative District 9
Senator Steve Farley
Rep. Ethan Orr
Rep. Victoria Steele

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.

Hello Ventana Vista Families!

I have so enjoyed getting to know many of your children thus far in the
school year either through new student groups, classroom guidance lessons, or
individual meetings. There are still some faces I have yet to meet, and look
forward to interacting with more students through upcoming guidance lessons
in additional classrooms as we tread into the New Year!
Now that many of our first trimester activities are wrapping up, there are
finally some (a few, tiny!) free moments to begin planning our Changing
Families groups. Students and families have found these groups extremely
beneficial in processing divorce and separation, and I truly do love running
them. Last year I was privileged enough as an intern to co-run these groups
with Mrs. Fletcher at Manzanita. We found that late January/early February
was an opportune time to begin meeting, as that way the rush of the holidays
and break is over. It becomes disruptive to the process if students get into
the rhythm of meeting weekly and then span long breaks without a session.
Beginning group after break just gives us a wider window of time to really
dive into our time together The trick to planning for these groups is in
finding a time with teachers where participating students are able to meet
together with me as a grade without missing any major instruction time. I
know many of you are anxious for these to get started, as am I. These
groups most definitely WILL still be happening, and I will contact parents for
permission/input before meeting with any students.
The holidays are upon us once again, and I am thrilled to kick off our family
holiday drive. Ventana classrooms have the opportunity to sign up to adopt a
local family to help support this holiday season. Participating classrooms will
be paired with a family and can team up together to cover various aspects of
the wish list (down to the wrapping paper!). Its a fun way for our students
to work together to give to an anonymous family in need.
I also hope to have a more thorough website up and running in the near
future with resources for parents, so keep an eye out!
In the meantime, if you feel your student is struggling emotionally/socially or
in need of an adult at school to talk to, please dont hesitate to contact me.
Have a healthy and happy holiday season!!
Kelsey Faber
Counselor

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 tu r y L e a r n in g C om m u n ity

November 1, 2014

To:

Parents of CFSD Students

From:

Mary Kamerzell, Superintendent of Schools

Subject:

Open Enrollment for School Year 2015-2016

Pursuant to A.R.S. 15-816 Catalina Foothills School District will begin its open enrollment
application procedures for the 2015-2016 school year on December 1, 2014. 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, 2014, and February 28, 2015.

Open Enrollment applications and information regarding the application
process are on the district web site, www.cfsd16.org (as of December 1, 2014), 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) 209-7539
Contact: Amie Sams
Applications will be available as of December 1, 2014, 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, 2015, and hard copies by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, February 27,
2015. Decisions about admission, based on capacity, will be made by April l, 2015. 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 school year. The
midyear administration of the CogAT will be at Ventana Vista, on
Thursday, January 8th, Monday, January 12th, and Thursday, January
15th, 2015. 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, Ms. Kalish, before requesting
testing.
Parents must request testing in writing by January 5th, 2015. The
testing, which is done before school at 7:30 in the IDS room, takes
three sessions to complete. Students must be present for all three
days.

VENTANA VISTA ELEMENTARY

YEARBOOK 2014 - 2015
Full color yearbooks
are only $25.
Price goes up to $30 if
ordered after
November 27, 2014!
You may pay by cash or
check payable to VVFFO.
Extra order forms are
available in the office.
Or you may purchase online:
https://inter-state.com/Yearbook/718044
For questions regarding whether you
have purchased a yearbook or to
submit photos for the yearbook
please email Mary Tertel:
[email protected]

No Cost Fundraiser!
Ventana Vista Families, with the holidays approaching I want to
extend an invitation to all to contribute to our school without really
having to write a separate check How? You might be asking, and
the answer is:
By shopping online at Amazon, as you probably would anyway!
All you have to do is register with Amazon Smile and start your
shopping at www.smile.amazon.com to earn 0.5% for our school on
eligible purchases. All purchases must start at that link to earn credit.
Be sure to select Ventana Vista Elementary School Family Faculty
Organization as your charity. You may also download the Amazon
Smile1button for ease of ordering online! Make sure the top of the
page reads Supporting: Ventana Vista Elementary School Family
Faculty Organization.
Happy shopping and thank you for supporting our school!
Sincerely,
Gina Torres-Vanasse
Fundraising Chair
Ventana Vista FFO

A Publication for

The Boarder

the CFSD Community

Staff

A Summary Report of the November 25, 2014

C F S D Governing Board Meeting
Approval of 2016-2017 School Calendar (second
reading)
Assistant Superintendent Denise Bartlett reviewed the
2016-2017 school calendar. This calendar was
reviewed as a first reading on November 12, 2014 and
was the recommendation of the CFSD administrative
team. Dr. Bartlett noted that the calendar was
patterned after the 2015-2016 school year calendar.
Highlights include a start date of August 11, 2016 for
the first day of school, winter break over three
weekends in December, and May 23, 2017 as the final
day of school. The governing board preliminarily
approved the 2016-2017 school calendar.
Consideration of Revision to Policy IKEA Makeup
Opportunities (first reading)
Associate Superintendent Mary Jo Conery presented
the first reading of the makeup opportunities policy.
The revisions clarify the language regarding the
maximum number of absences a student may
accumulate at the K-8 and 9-12 levels for both a full
semester and academic year.
Consideration of Revision to Policy JIH Student
Interrogations, Searches and Arrests (first reading)
Dr. Denise Bartlett presented the first reading of the
interrogations, searches and arrest policy.
The
proposed language removal is from the section of the
policy that requires reasonable suspicion. By removing
the language the district retains the right to randomly
search for any communications that are created using
the district EIS system, which is included in Policy
INJDB, Use of Technology Recourses in Instruction.
Consideration of Revisions to Policy IJNDB,
Regulation INJDB-R and Exhibit IJNDB-EA Use of
Technology Resources in Instruction (first reading)
Dr. Conery presented the first reading of the proposed
revisions to the policy, regulation and exhibit. The
proposed changes didnt change the content so much
as moved it from the original policy language to the
regulation. Also, the user agreement was revised to
create two separate documents, one for staff and one
for students.
Fiscal Year 2016 Draft Budget Process
Superintendent Mary Kamerzell reviewed the schedule
for budget planning for the fiscal year 2016 (20152016).

Pima County Board / Superintendent Collaborative

Meeting Report
Board Member Sherri Silverberg shared information
and discussion highlights from the Pima County
Board / Superintendent Collaborative Meeting.
Consent Agenda Items
The governing board approved the following consent
agenda items.
November 12, 2014, Regular Governing Board
Meeting Minutes and November 15, 2015, Special
Governing Board Meeting
Expense Voucher Memorandum
Field Trip Request Memorandum
Personnel Memorandum
Gift and Donations Memorandum
Upcoming Board Meeting
The next regularly scheduled governing board meeting
is Tuesday December 9, 2014, 6:30 p.m., Catalina
Foothills High School, Building 4, Room 712.
The tentative agenda is:
Executive Session for Superintendents Mid-Year
Performance Review
Approval of Revisions to Policy IJNDB, Regulation
IJNDB-R and Exhibit IJNDB-EA (second reading)
Approval of Revision to Policy IKEA (second
reading)
Approval of Revision to Policy JIH (second
reading)
Public Hearing on Revisions to Fiscal Year 2015
Budget
Approval of Revisions to Fiscal Year 2015 Budget
CFSD

Please welcome new CFSD staff members:

Marily (Terri) Deuser, EA Inclusion, CFHS
Keila Flores, EA Classroom, VVEL
Heidi Giedraitis, EA Classroom, MZ
Hilda Gomez, CARE Activity Leader II, CS
Carri Tanner, EA Classroom, Kinder Plus, CS

Page 1 of 1

This year give

your children
something they
will never outgrow.
Donate to the Catalina Foothills School District Foundation
w w w. c f s d f o u n d a t i o n . o r g

Khush Bhola, M.D.

Thank you to our CFSD Foundation Sponsors