ISSUE #2 AUGUST 30, 2013

Principals Message
Whats All This About the Common Core?

, 2013

NEWSLETTER OF VENTANA VISTA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

This is the third year that CFSD elementary schools have been implementing the Common Core State Standards. Still, there remains some mystery for parents in regards to what , 2012 theyre all about. For an overview, consider watching a brief (3 minute) video on the website of the Arizona Department of Education: http://www.azed.gov/azcommoncore/generalinfo/ The Common Core State Standards Initiative is a state-led effort coordinated by the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices (NGA Center) and the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO). The standards were developed in collaboration with teachers, school administrators, and experts, to provide a clear and consistent , 2010 framework to prepare our children for college and the workforce. Arizona is one of fortyfive states that have adopted these standards. The AIMS test, with some new test-items embedded, will continue to be used with students in Grades 3-5 at the elementary level this spring, and we expect to implement the XZXC0000 new PARCC assessment (fully aligned with the Common Core) in the Spring of 2015.
09 MARCH 23, 2012

An Overview of the Common Core: English Language Arts At the elementary level, English Language Arts is comprised of the following broad APRIL 24, 2009 strands: Reading Standards for Literature, Reading Standards for Informational Text, Reading Standards for Foundational Skills, Writing Standards, Speaking and Listening Standards, and Language Standards.
, 2008 Each broad strand consists of a set of measurement topics (categories of learning). They are as follows:

Reading Standards for Literature Key ideas and details Craft and structure Integration of knowledge and ideas Range of reading and level of text complexity Reading Standards for Informational Text Key ideas and details Craft and structure Integration of knowledge and ideas Range of reading and level of text complexity Reading Standards for Foundational Skills Print concepts Phonological awareness Phonics and work recognition Fluency

Production and distribution of writing Research to build and present knowledge Range of writing

Speaking and Listening Standards Comprehension and collaboration Presentation of knowledge and ideas Language Standards Conventions of standard English Knowledge of language Vocabulary acquisition and use At each grade level, there are specific standards that align to each measurement topic. They provide a focus for instruction and assessment each year. An Overview of the Common Core: Mathematics In Mathematics, there is a strong emphasis on eight specific Mathematical Practices. The Mathematical Practices are taught across all levels, K-12, and describe characteristics and traits that mathematics educators should seek to develop in their students. These practices rest on important processes and proficiencies with longstanding importance in education, and they are well aligned with the traits and qualities we seek to develop in the realm of Critical and Creative Thinking. The Mathematical Practices are as follows: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them. Reason abstractly and quantitatively. Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others. Model with mathematics. Use appropriate tools strategically. Attend to precision. Look for and make use of structure. Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning.

At the elementary level, there are now four to five measurement topics per grade level for mathematics:

This narrowed focus allowa for more in-depth exploration, problem solving, and reasoning to take place, as described in the Mathematical Practices below. Details about the specific measurement topics and standards for each grade level can be viewed on our district website. Go to www.cfsd16.org, then to 21st Century Learning, and then to the Elementary Program.

DATES OF INTEREST Monday, September 2 Labor Day Holiday NO SCHOOL Tuesday, September 3rd NO EARLY RELEASE Friday, September 6th Book Fair Grand Opening 5-7 PM Monday, September 9th Thursday, September 12th Fall Book Fair (See attached flyer for times) Tuesday, September 10th EARLY RELEASE AM Kinder 8-10:15 PM Kinder 11:15-1:30 Grades 1-5 8:00-1:30 Friday, September 13th Next VISTAS (school newsletter) published
nd

WERE STILL TAKING DISTRICT DIRECTORY ORDERS If you forgot to order your district directory, fret no more! Were extending our order deadline and would be happy to accept your directory order. Complete your order form and turn it in with your payment to your schools front office any time until September 10th. If you do not have an order form, call Eileen Jackson at 299-3828.

Catalina Foothills School District Dr. Mary Kamerzell, Superintendent 209-7500 mkam@cfsd16.org Governing Board Members Mary Lou Richerson, President 299-4746 mlricherson@cfsd16.org Carole Siegler, Vice President 529-1379 csiegler@cfsd16.org John Bergan, Member 878-6180 jbergan@cfsd16.org Eileen Jackson, Member 299-3828 ejackson@cfsd16.org Sherri Silverberg, Member 615-9224 ssilverberg@cfsd16.org 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

Dear Open Enrollment Families, The 2013-2014 Open Enrollment Bus Application is now available on the district website: www.cfsd16.org under Parent Info, Transportation. A separate application must be submitted for each student. Families who apply by August 30th will receive notification in mid-September regarding their bus application status.
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 2013-2014 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

Ventana Vista Fall Book Fair!!!! Grand Opening Friday Sept. 6th 4pm-7pm 2nd Floor of the library Be a part of our desert theme by adding a Egyptian touch to your wardrobe Then cool down with a BTO yogurt for $4 Also open: During lunch M-Th, Sept. 9th-12th 12:00-12:40 Special Tuesday hours: 7:30am-8:30am & 1:30pm-3:30pm

2013 Scholastic Inc. 10921 131001

Mark Your Calendar... November 1st 5-8pm

CFSD Plant Science Family Night

Plant Science Family Night is an interactive science extravaganza held at Ventana Vista School. PSFN introduces K-5 students to the diverse >ields of Plant Science.

Bus Shuttle available at Bashas 4:45 til 8:15 (non-stop runs)

Who are the learning center presenters? Plant Scientists and other University of Arizona Molecular Biologists Pathologist Optical Engineers ... Naturalists .. Ecology and Evolutionary Biologists Microbiologists Entomologists Biologists Dendrochronologists Geneticists Biochemists Environmentalists Soil Scientists and more! Who ever knew science could be so much fun..... JOIN US on November 1st. There are 40 incredible learning centers and a few Kid Keynotes too! Join us with the multitude of activities with over 25 University Scientists and Researchers, and our local experts from Tucson Cactus and Succulent Society, Desert Harvesters, Tucson Village Farm, Sabino Canyon, Arizona Sonora Desert Museum, Magic Garden Nursery, Desert Legumes Program, Desert Dolphins, International Wildlife Museum, Heifer International, Master Gardeners and own CFSD Community Gardens. Plant Science Family Nights hands-on workshops bring PLANT SCIENCE to life, demonstrating everyday (and not so everyday) scientiRic principles in a fun, festive atmosphere. In past years, we have had more than 30 learning centers including: DYO Green Super Rice and taste rice in all colors from around the world! Pepper Roasting with a real Arizona Dirt Farmer and Guinness Record holder Grind and Make your own Tortillas Extracting DNA and Making candy model DNA Genome Sequencing and ATGC Hunt and Find! Discovery with Bugs, Bats, Bees.. Our Pollination Experts. Plants on the Moon: Living/Working in Space Plants in our ocean... Build a Phytoplankton Grafting plants and classifying plants Nutrition and You... what about sugar cravings? Gardening and Growing here in Tucson Build-a-Cactus Model and Can a Jumping Cholla Jump? Water and Soil Chemistry Questions: Caryl Jones 299-6813 Be a Botanical Artist and try your hand at the Art or cjones@cals.arizona.edu Where does our soil come from? Integrated Farming ... Sustainable fun with bugs and poop! This event is funded by a NSF - Magni>ication...Hows and Whats and Whys. National Science Foundation Make a Window Greenhouse grant awarded to Dr. Rod Wing Who are those Herbivores? and VVFFO.

CFSD Plant Science Family Night November 1st from 5-8pm at Ventana Vista School

Were off to a great start of an exciting new school year!

Students are enjoying a variety of early release & after school classes like

CFSD Community Schools

Here are some important dates to mark on your calendar!

October 14, 15, & 16
Half day after school activities & field trips Registration Flyers for Fall Break will go home on September 20th

And Many More!

Fall Break Registration: September 23rd- October 9th

October 17 & 18
Full day field trips

(520) 209-7551

www.cfsd16.org/schools/communityschools

$PurchaseOrder.Id=2522

$PartName=WithBorder

Ventana Vista

Labor Day No School

Pepperoni or Cheese Pizza . Chicken Patty on WW Bunn Tuna Salad Sandwich on WW Bread Italian Wrap Green Beans Fruit Milk

Spaghetti w/Meatsauce . Chicken Nuggets w/ WW Roll Yogurt, String Cheese & Crackers Minnie Mouse Salad Carrots Fruit Milk

Orange Chicken w/Brown Rice & WW Roll BBQ Rib Sandwich Cheese Sandwich Beef Taco Salad Corn Fruit Milk

Nachos .Hot Dog on a WW Bun Veggie Sub Mandarin Chicken Salad w/ WW Roll Pinto Beans Fruit Milk

Low-Fat 1% White, or Non-Fat Chocolate Offered Daily

Macaroni & Cheese w/ WW Roll Chicken Patty on WW Bun Cheese Sandwich Beef Taco Salad Pinto Beans Fruit Milk

Pepperoni or Cheese Pizza Cheeseburger on WW Bun Turkey & Cheese Sandwich Popeye Salad w/ WW Roll Carrots Fruit Milk

. Chicken Nuggets w/ WW Roll Soft Taco Yogurt, String Cheese & Crackers Chicken Caesar Salad w/ WW Roll Corn Fruit Milk

Grilled Cheese Sandwich Hamburger Veggie Sandwich Mandarain Chicken Salad w/ WW Roll Green Beans Fruit Milk

Pepperoni or Cheese Pizza Fish Patty Sun Butter & Jelly Sandwich Crispy Chicken Wrap Broccoli Fruit Milk

EAT GREAT! BUILD A BALANCED PLATE!!

Spaghetti w/Meatsauce Hot Dog on WW Bun Veggie Sub Mandarin Chicken Salad w/ WW Roll Green Beans Fruit Milk

Beef & Broccoli w/Brown Rice Chicken Patty on WW Bun Cheese Sandwich Chicken Caesar Salad w/ WW Roll Pinto Beans Fruit Milk

Pepperoni or Cheese Pizza Rib -B-Q on WW Bun Sun Butter & Jelly Sandwich American Wrap Corn Fruit Milk

Chicken Nuggets w/ WW Roll Corndog Yogurt, String Cheese & Crackers Beef Taco Salad Broccoli Fruit Milk

Pepperoni or Cheese Pizza Cheeseburger on WW Bun Turkey Ham & Cheese Sandwich Minnie Mouse Salad Carrots Fruit Milk

REMEMBER TO PICK AT LEAST 3 AND ONE OF THEM MUST BE A FRUIT OR VEGGIE!!

Chilli w/ Fritos & WW Roll Hot Dog on WW Bun Cheese sandwich Chicken Caesar Salad w/ WW Roll Broccoli Fruit Milk

Nachos Chicken Patty on WW Bun Veggie Sub Mandarin Chicken Salad w/ WW Roll Corn Fruit Milk

Pancakes & Sausage Sloppy Joe On bun Sun Butter & Jelly on WW bread Buffalo Chicken Wrap Green Beans Fruit Milk

Pepperoni or Cheese Pizza Suprise Entree From Mr.Whiskers! American Sandwich Popeye Salad Black Beans Fruit Milk

Chicken Nuggets w/ WW Roll Soft Taco Yogurt, String Cheese & Crackers Beef Taco Salad Carrots Fruit Milk

You may pay for student lunch accounts on line at:mylunchmoney.com Student Lunch $3.00 Reduced Price $.40 Bottled Water $.75

Teriyaki Beef Dippers w/ Rice Corndog Cheese Sandwich Chicken Caesar Salad w/ WW Roll Broccoli Fruti Milk

Low-Fat 1% White Non-Fat White Non-Fat Chocolate Skim, & Lactose Free Milks Offered Daily!

BUILD A BALANCED PLATE TO HELP YOU FEEL GREAT! THE 5 COMPONENTS ARE: VEGETABLE FRUIT GRAIN PROTEIN MILK PICK AT LEAST 3 AND ONE MUST BE A FRUIT OR VEGGIE!!

$PurchaseOrder.Id=2522

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labor Day No school

Cereal Bar Cheese Stick Fruit Milk

Yogurt Graham Crackers Fruit Milk

Cinnamon Bun String Cheese Fruit Milk

Bagel & Cream Cheese Fruit Milk

Cereal Fruit Milk

Yogurt Graham Crackers Fruit Milk

Cinnamon Bun String Cheese Fruit Milk

Bagel & Cream Cheese Fruit Milk

Mini Maple Pancakes Fruit Milk

Yogurt Graham Crackers Fruit Milk

Cinnamon Bun String Cheese Fruit Milk

Bagel & Cream Cheese Fruit Milk

Cereal Bar String Cheese Fruit Milk

Mini Maple Waffle Fruit Milk

Cinnamon Bun String Cheese Fruit Milk

Bagel & Cream Cheese Fruit Milk

Cereal Fruit Milk

Yogurt Graham Crackers Fruit Milk

Mini Maple Pancakes Fruit Milk

Bagel & Cream Cheese Fruit Milk

Non-Fat Chocolate or 1% White Milk offered Daily

KICK START YOUR DAY WITH A NUTRITIOUS HEALTHY BREAKFAST!!

REMEMBER TO ALWAYS PICK AT LEAST 3!!!

Build A Balanced Plate to Help You Feel Great! The Five Components are: VEGETABLE FRUIT GRAIN PROTEIN MILK - Pick at least 3 of the 5 Components and at least one must be a FRUIT or a VEGGIE!!

School Lunch Program 2013-2014

Lunch Offering: A nutritious lunch is served everyday of the school year and is
available to any student who wishes to purchase it. Please note that at the Elementary schools and Middle schools, lunch is not served on half days.

National School Lunch Program:

Each meal will be offering 5 components, Fruit, Vegetables, Grains, Meat or Meat alternative and Milk. Students can decline up to 2 components but MUST TAKE CUP OF A FRUIT OR VEGETABLE COMPONENT. Students will be asked to go back to the serving area and get this component if it is missing on their tray.

Cost:
$3.00 per meal, $.40 for reduced meal. Late in the summer, all families will receive the application to apply for the free and reduced lunch program. Should your family qualify, as determined by federal guidelines the district will notify you. The cost of lunch will be free, or reduced. National breakfast Program: Grab & Go breakfast is available before school at the Elementary and Middle Schools .The High School will have a hot breakfast available from 8:00am-10:00 am. The free and reduced program applies to breakfast as well. Cost: $1.75 per breakfast meal, $.30 for reduced breakfast meal.

Other Cost:
At the Elementary schools, students can purchase extra milk for $.50 or bottled water for $.75. Middle schools and High School are offering a variety of drinks and snacks; please check at the snack carts to see what is available. Items offered at the snack carts are not part of a reimbursable meal.

Menus and Information:

We care about the environment, and the condition of the planet that our future generations will inherit. Therefore, we will only have the greener solution of electronic menus. Menus will be available at www.sodexoeducation.com or www.cfsd16.org.

Payment for Lunch:

Payment for lunch can be made with student cards or cash. Student cards are required to purchase lunch, if you are not paying with cash. Please have your cards with you. It goes much faster to process your lunch.

Card System:
Each student will be issued a card; this card is to be used to purchase your meals. It is scanned through the cash register and the purchase amount will be deducted from the student account.

Payment Options:
Please note that during registration, No lunch prepayment will be accepted. 1. Electronic payment is the preferred and safest pre-payment option. www.mylunchmoney.com will be activated on Aug.1, 2013. If you have not used this service before, it is necessary to sign up for it. There is a small fee for each transaction but it is well worth it. 2. Checks will be accepted during the school year. At the Elementary schools, checks can be dropped off at the office. Checks are loaded daily onto the students accounts. 3. Cash is also accepted during the school year; however it is the least safe option. At the Elementary schools cash can be dropped off at the office. Cash is loaded daily onto the students accounts. If you have any questions regarding the lunch program please call 520-209-8344. Please note that refunds are only given to students leaving the district with a balance over $15.00

 Catalina Foothills Unified School District #16 Tucson, Arizona

July 2013 Dear CFSD Families, We look forward to seeing you on August 8 for the start of the 2013-2014 year. In the meantime, we wanted to make you aware of how visitor access to our school campuses will change beginning with this new school term. The following procedure will be uniformly practiced in our schools to verify that guests are authorized to visit the campus during the school day when students are in session: 1. At the start of the school day when all entrances to the campus are closed, visitors may only enter at the front of the campus through the administrative office. 2. The office staff will ask for the visitors photo ID (initial visit) to verify identity and make a copy of the ID. 3. If the visitor is confirmed as someone who will be given access to the campus, he/she signs in and receives a numbered visitor badge in exchange for an item of value (e.g., car keys, phone). 4. When returning to the same office area to exit the campus, the visitor will hand off the visitor badge in exchange for the item of value left earlier in the day when checking-in. Note: If approved by the principal, a permanent visitor badge may be available to regular visitors to the campus (e.g., supervised classroom volunteers) to eliminate the need to check the photo ID, assign a visitor badge, and collect an item of value. The permanent badge option will only be available if the visitor is willing to pay for and be fingerprinted for a criminal background check. Once clearance is received, the visitor will receive a photo badge that is shown each time he/she arrives on campus. Entering through the administrative office will still be a requirement. We ask for your cooperation (and patience) when processing through our front office to visit a campus. Please keep in mind that the safety of our students is the reason we will no longer allow a more open access to the campus during a school day. Sincerely,

Mary Kamerzell, Superintendent

Catalina Foothills High School 2013 Football Season

Dear CFSD Students, Families and Staff Catalina Foothills High School invites you to our athletic events. Its a great opportunity for our community to come together and show FALCON spirit! Band, Cheer and our Varsity Football team will take the field at 7pm on the following dates:

Fri. Fri. Fri. Fri. Fri.

Sept. 6th CF vs Walden Grove Sept. 20th CF vs Sahuarita Oct. 4th CF vs CDO Oct. 11th CF vs Flowing Wells (Homecoming) Nov. 1st CF vs Maricopa

In an effort to provide the most enjoyable and positive environment for the Foothills Varsity Season, we are asking for cooperation from students regarding spectator protocol. The following are expectations students must adhere to in order to attend home varsity football games: All non-high school students must be accompanied into the game by someone who is of driving age (16 or older). This person is responsible for any non-high school student they accompany through the admission gate. This responsibility is in effect from the time they enter the campus until the time they exit for the evening. Students are expected to be seated in the stadium area as spectators of the game. Students may sit in the home (east) bleachers or on the steps on the north end of the field. Students may visit the snack bar or restroom, with the expectation of an immediate return to their seat. Students congregating on the plaza, upper level of the stadium, or any other areas of the campus is not conducive to being a spectator and will not be allowed. Students may be asked by game management to return to their seat or may be directed to sit with the person responsible for them during the game. Should it be deemed necessary, game management reserves the option of removing a student from the stadium area. Should this action be necessary, the designated person supervising this student(s) will be notified immediately. Admission prices: $4 for adults and $3 for students (6-17 years old). It is our hope that this protocol will make our football games a safe and enjoyable experience for all of those who support Foothills Athletics. We appreciate your efforts in making Catalina Foothills High School a special place for our students, athletes, parents and community. Sincerely, Jody Brase, Athletic Director/Assistant Principal Catalina Foothills High School

Tucson Soccer Academy

Expect the best.
Fun soccer starting now, build teams with friends convenient practice & game locations with parent coaches!
Recreational Soccer Registration Ages U6 through U18 Register online at www.tucsonsocceracademy.com Deadline: September 15th

Southern Arizonas Premier Soccer Program

Catalina Foothills School District neither endorses nor sponsors the organization or activity represented in this document. The distribution of material is provided as a community service.