ISSUE #9 DECEMBER 6, 2013 , 2013

Principals Message
Musics in the Air!
, 2013

NEWSLETTER OF VENTANA VISTA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Congratulations to our Ventana Vista Show Choir! Under the direction of our wonderful music teacher, Mrs. Colleen Zandbergen, these 4th and 5th grade students practice , throughout the year and will have their debut performance tomorrow evening, December 2013 7 at 6:15 PM at La Encantadas Snowfall! The Choir will also perform at Fellowship Manor later this month and at the UA PAC 12 basketball game on January 4! Our Choir is open to any interested 4th or 5th grade student, and will also be featured at the 4th and 5th grade Winter Musical Performance here at Ventana Vista.
, 2012

We look forward to sharing with you the musical talents of ALL of our Ventana Vista students at the upcoming Winter Musical Performances. Kdg. Wednesday, December 18, 10:00 and 2:00 Gr. 1/2 Friday, December 13 at 1:30 Gr. 3 Monday, December 16 at 11:00 Gr. 4/5 Tuesday, December 17 at 9:30 Arizona Tax Credit in the Foothills
MARCH 23, 2012

, 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 XZXC0000 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! 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 support of one of our APRIL 24, 2009 many qualifying fee-based, extracurricular activities. We'll send the donor a receipt for their records. Then, when the taxpayer fills out their 2013 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, dollar-for-dollar. For more information , 2008 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 Ms. Boling and Community Schools leads to a beneficial partnership that also helps support the needs at Ventana Vista, as dollars are spent to serve a joint purpose. Currently, we are working together to expend tax credit dollars for the purchase of additional iPads, cases, and a cart. Students will utilize these iPads during the regular school day, as well as through Community Schools after school classes. Continued on Page 2

Principals Message Continued 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 2013 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, 2013. 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: Current Project: purchase of new iPads, cases, and cart to be 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 kboling@cfsd16.org 520-209-8000

DATES OF INTEREST Friday, December 6th Next VISTAS published Tuesday, December 10th EARLY RELEASE AM Kinder 8-10:15 PM Kinder 11:15-1:30 Grades 1-5 8:00-1:30 Friday, December 13th End of Trimester 2 Last Community Schools Class for Session Sunday, December 15th FFO Fundraiser Dinner @ Sweet Tomatoes 5-8 PM Tuesday, December 17th EARLY RELEASE AM Kinder 8-10:15 PM Kinder 11:15-1:30 Grades 1-5 8:00-1:30 Monday, December 23 Friday, January 3rd Winter Break No School Monday, January 6th School Resumes
rd

Pick-Up Reminders! A reminder that the office will not take transportation changes after 2:30 PM on a regular day, and 1:00 PM on an Early Release Day. Communication of these changes cannot be guaranteed if the call comes in after these times.

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)

Come check out Lost and Found for your jackets, sweatshirts and sweaters! Unclaimed items will be donated to charity after Winter Break.

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.

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

Winter Concert Information Kinder 12/18 @ 10 & 2 Grades 1/2 12/13 @ 1:30 Grade 3 12/16 @ 11 Grades 4/5 12/17 @ 9:30

Catalina Foothills Unified School District #16

2101 E. River Road, Tucson, AZ 85718
(520) 209-7500 (520) 209-7570 FAX

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C e n t u r y L e a r n in g C o m m u n it y

November 1, 2013

To: From: Subject:

Parents of CFSD Students Mary Kamerzell, Superintendent of Schools

Open Enrollment for School Year 2014-2015

Pursuant to A.R.S. 15-816 Catalina Foothills School District will begin its open enrollment procedures for the 2014-2015 school year effective December 1, 2013. 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, 2013, and February 28, 2014. applications and information regarding the application process are on the district web site, www.cfsd16.org (as of December 1, 2013), or
Open Enrollment 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 Applications will be available as of December 1, 2013, 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, 2014, and hard copies by 4:00 p.m. February 28, 2014. Decisions about admission, based on capacity, will be made by April l, 2014. At that time, all applicants will be notified whether their applications have been accepted, wait listed, or declined.

Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) for identification of Gifted Students Midyear Testing Schedule SY 2013-2014 In accordance with state requirements, the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) is offered at different times during the year. The CogAT is used to identify students for gifted services and is required for students who wish to be considered for the 3rd grade Extended Studies Cluster (ESC) or 4th and 5th grade Interdisciplinary Studies (IDS). ONLY STUDENTS IN GRADES 3-5 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 have been tested or are currently receiving gifted services do not retest. It is recommended that parents consult with the classroom teacher and/or gifted specialist before requesting testing. The testing takes 3 sessions to complete. Students must attend all three sessions. Parents must request testing in writing by Tuesday, January 7, 2014. Forms are available in the school office or by email from the gifted specialist, Liane Cooper (LCooper@cfsd16.org). Testing is in the IDS room (CV- 5th gr. pod and VV- room 214- (in the 5th gr. section). Grades 3 5 Canyon View Ventana Vista 7:10-7:55 7:10-7:55 7:10-7:55 Thursday January 9 Friday January 10 Monday January 13 Tuesday January 14 7:10-7:55 Wednesday January 15 7:10-7:55 Thursday January 16 7:10-7:55

CREDIT FOR CARING

Dolla r - For - Dolla r

Catalina Foothills School District

HELP CFSD STUDENTS AND REDUCE YOUR STATE TAX BILL

Use your 2013 Arizona school tax credit to help a child get more out of school.
Arizona law (ARS 43-1089.01) allows taxpayers to receive a tax credit of up to $200 (single filer) or $400 (joint filers) if they contribute to extracurricular fee-based programs in public schools. A tax credit is a full refund of what you owe in state taxes, dollar-for-dollar.

Heres how it works:

Just send a donation to the Catalina Foothills School District, earmarked for support of one of our many qualifying feebased extracurricular activities. (See below.) We will send you a receipt for your records. Then, when you fill out your 2013 Arizona state taxes, you can subtract your donation up to $400 from what you owe in taxes.

A 2 1 s t C e n tu r y L e a r n in g C om m u n ity

! - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Yes! I would like to donate to a school, or schools, in the Catalina Foothills USD #16 and receive a tax credit up to $400.
Taxpayers Name: __________________________________ Address: __________________________________ __________________________________ E-mail: ___________________________ Phone: ____________________________ ___ Please direct my donation as needed OR to the following school(s)1 and program(s): ___ Canyon View Elementary ___ Program with greatest need ___ After school classes/Extended Day ___ Manzanita Elementary ___ Program with greatest need ___ After school classes/Extended Day ___ Sunrise Drive Elementary ___ Program with greatest need ___ After school classes/Extended Day ___ Ventana Vista Elementary ___ Program with greatest need ___ After school classes/Extended Day ___ Orange Grove Middle School ___ Program with greatest need ___ After school classes/Extended Day ___ Esperero Middle School ___ Program with greatest need ___ After school classes/Extended Day ___ Catalina Foothills High School ___ Program with greatest need ___ After school classes/Extended Day program ____________________ ___ Athletics _____________________ ___ Theatre/drama ___ Academic competition (Science ___ Band ___ Choir ___ Other2 _______________________
1 20%

Donations may be made by filling out the form and including payment in the following ways: On-line at www.cfsd16.org using MasterCard or Visa by December 31, 2013. In person at any CFSD school or the district office with a check payable to Catalina Foothills School District (CFSD) by December 20, 2013. By mail with a check payable to CFSD, postmarked by December 31, 2013, and mailed to: CFSD Tax Credit 2101 E. River Road Tucson, Arizona 85718 Tax credit limit: $400 for married couples filing jointly $200 for single taxpayers $200 each for married couples filing separately Please check with your tax adviser for answers to specific tax-related questions.

Olympiad, Academic Decathlon, etc.)

of all contributions will go to general support, such as equipment and supplies used by all fee-based extracurricular programs, fee waivers for students who need assistance to participate in such programs, and to those programs with the greatest need. Every dollar stays at the school(s) to which you donate.
2Use

this space if you would like your contribution to support a more specific activity. Please consult with your school to see if a particular activity qualifies. Note: Your dollars cannot be designated for an individual student.

Ventana Vista Elementary Yearbook 2013-2014

ITS NOT TOO LATE TO RESERVE YOUR COPY THIS YEAR!

only $25
Price increases to $30 after November 26, 2013!

EXTRA ORDER FORMS AVAILABLE IN OFFICE

For questions regarding whether you have purchased a yearbook or to submit photos for the yearbook, please e-mail: mtertel@comcast.net.

Fun in Community Schools:

LOOKING AHEAD:
Camp Footh 2014 Comin ills g Soo n!

singing

in capo

eira

w e N g Excitin d STEM n a s e s Clas rtunities Op p o Check out ou Facebo r ok Pag e for up dates

llas o Isabe t ip r t eld amery Ice Cre

www.cfsd16.org/ communityschools

/ m o c . k o o s b l e o c o a f h . c s w y t w i n w u m m o c D S CF

FAMILY BLOGGERS NEEDED

The Ventana Vista Site Council is interested in the great stories you have about our school!
Do you enjoy Ventana Vista and Blogging? Then volunteer on our Family Bloggers Team! We would like to share information about our wonderful school to our local and global community. Events, stories, happenings or exciting details about your days at Ventana Vista are welcome! Please contact Mrs. Hunt for more information! ghunt@cfsd16.org
(All posts subject to school approval)

Calling All Photographers!

In Preparation for the Ventana Vista 20th Anniversary, Our Flickr Page Needs Your Help!

Are you interested in photography? Help the Ventana Vista Site Council nd great images (new or from the last 20 years!) for our Flickr site! We would love to post your pictures of the school! Pictures must be in good taste and only contain images of the school, activities, or your own personal images (not those of others who may not want to be published; remember the rules of good digital citizenship!). Visit our Flickr page at: http://www.ickr.com/photos/ventanavista/

Simply email your images to Mrs. Hunt at:

ghunt@cfsd16.org

VENTANA VISTA
YouTube Video Contest

ersary v i n n A h t 20 Aug/2014

!
Be a Star

Do you enjoy making movies? The Ventana Vista Site Council would like to see what your family thinks makes Ventana Vista special! Movies must be 3 minute s or less, contain school appropriate images, and speech .

Make a Video About Ventana Vista for Our YouT ube Channel in preparation for our 20 th Anniversary!

Create your movie and send it to Mrs. Hunt by January 31st, 2014!
visit: http://www.youtube.com/user/VVElementary Questions? Send Mrs. Hunt an email at ghunt@cfsd16.org
Winners will be announced on February 14, 2014!