Lake Havasu Unified School District
Quarterly Family Newsletter-Volume #2-October-December 2022
Dr. Rebecca "Becky" Stone
What's New with the LHUSD Governing Board?
Dear LHUSD Families,
The first part of the 2022-2023 school year has gone by very quickly. As we reflect on the many things for which we are thankful, I want to take this opportunity to share just a few of them with you: We are thankful for our students who come to school every day ready to learn – they give us all a daily reminder of what is important and why we are here. We are thankful for the support of our parents in creating an outstanding partnership for our students. We are thankful for the teachers, administrators, and staff who truly care about student achievement and have the best interests of our students at heart.
I wish all of you and your families a happy, healthy, and relaxing Thanksgiving holiday!
Sincerely,
Rebecca Stone, Ed.D.
Governing Board
Our Governing Board has some changes coming it's way in January! Thank you to all of you who showed up at the polls to ensure that our district is supported. We are grateful to Archiyana Aliyar for her service and guidance on our board over the last few years. In January, we will welcome Sharon Harvey as our new board member, and we will also be welcoming Lisa Roman back for her second term as a board member for LHUSD. We are thankful for each and every one of our board members for doing their best every day to represent the needs of our students, staff, and families of LHUSD for our district!
Communications and Community Outreach
Raising Scholars Podcast
Raising Scholars Podcast
Our "Raising Scholars" podcast is a broadcast designed for families to hear all about the mission and vision of learning which is being carried out at LHUSD for the academic and social emotional growth of students in our district. It is also a place to share tips, tools, advice, and reflections on how our schools, families, and our community can help our students learn to make the most of their potential in their K-12 learning experience.
Havasu Community Schools Coalition
Are you a community partner interested in learning more about our Havasu Community Schools Coalition. Our coalition is an alliance of school and community partners built to better support our schools and served the needs of our students and families in our community. Our Lake Havasu community is exceptionally giving toward our schools. Our goal for building the coalition is to create a more aligned, efficient, and proactive way in which we communicate with our community regarding the needs of the schools in our district and in Lake Havasu City.
If you are interested in being a partner in our outreach or would like to attend one of our quarterly meetings, please scan the QR code below to fill out our interest survey. If there is a business or organization that you know is interested in getting involved in this conversation, please be sure to share this information. We look forward to working together to support our school and community needs together! Please check out our Facebook page for updates on all the ways we are working together to serve our schools!
Looking to Volunteer?
Looking to Volunteer?
Pick up your volunteer packet at any of the schools where you would like to Volunteer.
Interesting in becoming a Substitute? We still need and are looking for CERTIFIED AND CLASSIFIED SUBSTITUES, you can visit educationalservicesinc.com, or link is down below to fill out application.
https://educationalservicesinc.applytojob.com/apply/w5FB7Aft5Q/SubSource-Substitute-Position
Any questions on the process please reach out to Viviana Rowe, Viviana.rowe@lhusd.org or 928 505-6900 or for more information.
ESI can also help in the process with any questions and can be emailed at hr@esiaz.us or call 844 614-7784
Staff Appreciation
Celebrating our Substitute Teachers!
Thank you so much to all our Substitutes who continue to help our school district on a daily basis, especially to our long term subs for coming in everyday and dedicating your time to our students. The Lake Havasu Unified School District really appreciates all your time! You are a very important asset to all our schools!
Celebrating our Education Support Professionals!
LHUSD wants take the time today to acknowledge our Education Support Professionals for all they do to support every student...every day...no matter what it takes! There is no way we could do the amazing work of supporting our kids without you!
Business Offices
Dollar for Dollar -Understanding How We Serve Our Schools
Take a look at how your dollars make a difference!
In the last year, Tax Credit contributions helped raise over $235,000 dollars for extracurricular activities — like band, sports, and kindergarten enrichment — in our schools.
Taher Food Services
Titan Family Portal
Rachel's Challenge-Giving Thanks!
Thank you to all of the volunteers and staff who supported our Rachel’s Challenge initiative this year. As usual, the community and staff showed up for our students.
We want to send a special thank you to our community partners Cha Bones, Shugrue's, College Street Brewhouse, and Martini Bay/London Bridge Resort for providing hundreds of lunches for kids and volunteers.
Thank you to everyone who helped the Lake Havasu Unified School District work to accept Rachel’s Challenge and lead with kindness and compassion in their lives.
How exactly do our resources get approved? Check it out on our website!
A comprehensive process of review and public input is incorporated in textbook selection.
Visit our Textbook Adoption page for details on upcoming meetings.
Core Knowledge
Core Knowledge is a content-specific, cumulative, and coherent curriculum, which provides a clear outline of content to be learned from preschool through grade eight.
Knowledge, language, and skills build cumulatively from grade to grade.
This cumulative building of knowledge helps ensure that children enter each new grade ready to learn.
For information on the Core Knowledge Foundation and Core Knowledge Sequence Origins, please read the following article. https://content.myconnectsuite.com/api/documents/6c6081389c9e4962babe9844907ff86f.pdf
Amplify ELA
Amplify ELA is a blended English language arts curriculum designed specifically to support students in grades 6–8 and prepare them for high school and beyond. With Amplify ELA, students learn to tackle any complex text and make observations, grapple with interesting ideas, and find relevance for themselves.
Students are engaged through dynamic texts, lively classroom discussions, and meaningful digital experiences.https://amplify.com/programs/amplify-ela/
Amplify Science
Amplify Science is a K–8 science curriculum that blends hands-on investigations, literacy-rich activities, and interactive digital tools to empower students to think, read, write, and argue like real scientists and engineers. Amplify Science for grades 6–8 has recently been rated all-green by EdReports.https://amplify.com/programs/amplify-science/
Singapore Math
The Lake Havasu Unified School District has adopted a new K-6 math curriculum. Known as Singapore Math, the mathematics teaching method is designed to build students’ mathematical fluency.
Singapore Math has been taught in the country of Singapore since 1981. Students in that nation ranked the top in the world on the math portion of the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study. The teaching method has been used in the United States since 2000, reportedly with great success.
Problem-solving is at the heart of the instruction. The program teaches children to think mathematically versus having them memorize the mechanics of problem-solving. Students learn problem-solving with pictures and diagrams. In the classroom, students focus on fewer topics but in greater depth.
Additional information about Singapore Math is on the Singapore Math website at Singaporemath.com. For specifics about the program, “Dimensions Math,” visit https://www.singaporemath.com/collections/dimensions-math-pk-5.
Thank you to our Speech Language professionals who work so hard to serve our students!
Elaine Quinn-Speech Language Pathologist
Cassidy Phoenix-Speech Language Pathologist
Susan Read-Speech Language Pathologist
Sandra Penke-Speech Language Pathologist
Erin Riggert-Speech Language Assistant
Carissa Farrington-Speech Language Assistant
Teoni Kosters-Speech Language Assistant
Thank you to our Occupational Therapists who work with our students everyday to improve their learning and executive functioning skills
Rachel Hunger-Occupational Therapist
Anne Toy-Occupational Therapist
Julia Neves-Occupational Therapist
Laura Miller-Occupational Therapy Assistant
Thank you to our Physical Therapists who work with our students on their gross motor and fine motor skills to help them thrive each day!
Mary Halfacre-Physical Therapist
Betty Jakubik-Physical Therapy Assistant
Recognizing our School Psychologists-National School Psychologist Week
A special shout out to all of our professionals in our Student Services department who work to support our students. This week is School Psychologist's Week where we honor our School Psychologists and Psychology Assistants for all they do to help our students thrive! Thank you to each and every one of you for all you do! #LHUSD #schoolpsychologistsrock #SchoolPsychWeek
Doug Pehling-School Psychologist
Ryan Olson, School Psychologist
Kara Skowera, School Psychologist
Denise Atkins, Psychologist Assistant
Monica Marks, School Psychologist
Outstanding Environmental Educator in P-12 Settings
Congratulations to Ali Porosky for being recognized for making an impact for our students at LHUSD! The Excellence in Environmental Education Awards are given to those who:
● dedicated current and long-term service in the field of EE (programs, curriculum, research, publications,
legislation, etc.)
● created a work environment that incorporates EE (volunteerism by employees, using recycled &
environmentally-friendly products, collaboration with and/or funding of EE initiatives)
● demonstrated outstanding action, contribution, service, volunteerism, and leadership supporting EE
● shared ideas, best practices, and techniques with others
● employed community engagement models and collaborates with the greater EE community
● demonstrated outstanding work on programs including practices that promote diversity, equity, and
inclusion
Christina Musselman -Top Ten AZ Teachers
Congratulations go out to Christina Musselman, 1st-grade teacher at Starline Elementary!
She was just named as a Top Ten teacher and will interview to possibly be named the AZ Teacher of the Year.
The AEF Arizona Teacher of the Year Awards is an annual event celebrating the dedication and hard work of Arizona's public school teachers.
Ten outstanding teachers of the year, all of whom have been nominated by colleagues, parents, or students, are honored.
One teacher will ultimately be chosen for a "year of recognition" as Arizona's candidate for National Teacher of the Year.
Please join us in congratulating Mrs. Musselman!
Jodi Biasucci-National Crayola Creativity Ambassador
Jodi Biasiucci is the art teacher at Starline Elementary and mentor to other teachers at our elementary level as well. She was recognized at our October Regular board meeting for her work in art education that builds deep Core Knowledge connections for students and also her commitment to her profession. She now has the opportunity to take part in professional development and outreach opportunities in Arizona to bring back knowledge for our teams and to serve as an ambassador for the Lake Havasu Unified School District.
Golden Apple Award Winners
September-Hannah Upton-Art Teacher, Thunderbolt Middle School
Hannah Upton is the Art teacher at Thunderbolt Middle School! She was chosen by her peers to be presented with this honor for all she does to support her students in art, as well as all she does to contribute to her team!
She is such a great example of a team player and an educator who is always working to do what best to bring out the best in her students!
Thank you to the K-12 Foundation for helping us honor her!
October- Zoe Powers- Teacher, Nautilus Elementary
Zoe is kind, compassionate, and organized. She has the kindest, calm demeanor that is just what our students need. Zoe works incredibly hard to support and serve not only our Special Education students, but ALL of our students. She is champion for students in our district and we are very fortunate to have her on our campus. She is an advocate for her students' needs; no matter what grade level she works with. She is always collaborating with her fellow teachers and other staff to ensure that those students are getting all the supports they need. She is a role model for Special Education in our district.
November-Jamie Hammer, Teacher, Jamaica Elementary
Mrs. Hammer is extremely dedicated to Jamaica. She goes way above and beyond every single day. She is a champion for her students and stops at nothing to give them what they need. She is a knowledgeable advocate for our resource students as well. She is a teacher leader on campus, mentoring other teachers and leading professional development with passion for all teachers and students, always striving to make Jamaica the best for our students.
Certified
Honoring our Alumni~
Shannon Allor, Teacher, Jamaica Elementary
Kimberly Schreiber, Music Teacher, Lake Havasu High School
Katheryn Dietch, Teacher, Starline Elementary
Classified
Laura Moulton, Human Resources
Pete Medley, Technology Department
Michael Meixner, FSP, Havasupai Elementary
Smoketree Fourth Grade-Katie Arzate, Beronica Garcia, and Kristen Jacobson
A super shout out to the fourth grade team at Smoketree for being recognized as Individuals of the Week by the Smoketree Journalism club! Their team works together every single day to make learning the best it can be for their students! Check out the White Sheet article link to read more about this amazing team! https://www.greenandwhitesheet.com/online_eedition/lake_havasu/page-068/page_164c266b-1a20-51ab-ae80-0251000d4aa5.html
Nautilus Elementary- Justine Casper, First Grade Teacher
Justine Casper was one of three featured Ignite Presentations at the First Annual Arizona Induction Symposium in Phoenix. On Friday, October 28th, Mrs. Casper explained how the LHUSD Mentoring and Induction Program in conjunction with the Bridge Program have supported her during her first two years in the classroom. Her presentation highlighted the impact of mentoring and coaching on student achievement.
Mrs. Casper states the bridge program has provided an abundance of trainings and seminars that have supported me throughout my first and second year teaching. I have been provided all the necessary resources to be successful and ensure that every single student in my room is actively engaged. I am very thankful for the opportunity LHUSD has provided for me and all of the other new teachers to the district. The support, encouragement, guidance, and experience of all the mentors is an amazing combination, that works.
Havasupai Elementary-Brian Karbowski, Music Teacher
Mr. Brian Karbowski- Mr. Karbowski is new to Havasupai Elementary. He is our Music teacher for Semester 1, and then he will transfer over to Smoketree Elementary for Semester 2. Our students enjoy coming to Music. Here are some things students said about him:
"Mr. Karbowski is nice and fun." - Memrie, 2nd
"He is a really good music teacher. I like how he teaches music." - Deegan F., 2nd
"I like how we get to play on the instruments sometimes in Music!" - Sariah M., 4th
"Music class is a lot of fun." - Kristopher Y., 4th
"I like that Mr. Karbowski does sing-alongs with his guitar!" - Lynn C., 4th
"I really like how he performs with his guitar at restaurants." - Dominic S., 5th
"Mr. Karbowski's class is always fun and teaches us something." - Candace S., 5th
On some Friday mornings, Mr. Karbowski is greeting students with his ukulele and good vibes! Thank you, Mr. Karbowski, for all the great things you do for our school and students!
Starline Elementary-Candace Olsen, Special Education Paraprofessional
. Candace Olson started with Starline as a teacher serving in the 3rd grade for two years. She loved her position, but this year chose change positions and is now serving as a Paraprofessional in the resource setting working to serve our students with a higher level of need and support. The Starline staff has seen how she thrives in this new role and has been working so hard to support the team. Candace is also serving as a mentor on campus as well. We are so thankful to have dedicated staff such as Candace with us at Starline Elementary.
Barbara Green-Administrative Assistant, Human Resources
Barbara Green currently works as the Administrative Assistant in our Human Resources department at Lake Havasu Unified School District. She has been with our LHUSD team now for two years, and she has brought so many strengths to our team in the process. She began in our Curriculum and Instruction office as their Administrative Assistant and moved into Human Resources after a year of serving in that department. Now that she serves in Human Resources, she is one of the first faces that our public sees when they come into the district office. She is truly a ray of sunshine to those who she greets, and is always willing to be a helping hand to both those who come into office as well as the staff she works with daily. Barbara, fondly known as “Babs”, has an uncanny ability to maintain a sense of calm and order at the front desk while being known for her lightning speed efficiency in completing any and every task asked of her. She has excellent customer service skills and is a conduit for a large volume of communication that flows through the District Office front desk. She handles many tasks including front desk operations, fingerprinting, employee recognition assistance, and tax credit assistance for the public as well. She is truly an invaluable member of our LHUSD team, and we are lucky to have her with us smiling every day!