THE NEWSPAPER OF AVONDALE, BUCKEYE, GOODYEAR, LITCHFIELD PARK & TOLLESON
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The Voice of the West Valley for 34 years
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September 4, 2019
State superintendent visits Avondale school BY ANDREA ESTRADA
West Valley View Staff Writer
When Kathy Hoffman, Arizona’s superintendent of public instruction, visited the Legacy Traditional School in Avondale, she got a firsthand look at the traditional, well-rounded education for which the network of high-performing public charter schools is known. Aaron Hale, the founder of Legacy Traditional Schools, and Legacy Avondale Principal Kristen Smith shared with Hoffman some achievements of the “A-rated” campus, which opened in 2011. “We started with 450 kids and now we’re at 1,350. One of the things we’re extremely proud of is that we’ve been able to maintain the same structure, curriculum, instruction and culture of our school,” Smith said. “That’s, I think, remarkable; being able to keep that small-school feel.” Smith described the culture on campus as “positive,” something she attributes to the Legacy format. “Kids love to be here. It’s not just our academic side, but that it’s a safe place. Our parent input and students’ responses — as far as how they’re feeling on campus — they want to come to school every day,” she said. LTS programs that promote the arts and
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Kathy Hoffman learns about science class activities from Jacob Sandoval, 13, left, and Albert Carrillo, 13, right. (West Valley View photo by Pablo Robles)
fitness also contribute to that positive culture, Hale told Hoffman. “We have full-size basketball courts in all of our campuses. We have music programs and PE programs. Everything. Be-
cause we’re really that whole spectrum of service for the kids,” he said. Hoffman, who toured a handful of class-
Superintendent...continued on page 3
Citizens venture inside Buckeye Police Department BY OCTAVIO SERRANO
West Valley View Staff Writer
Pop culture can sometimes lead the public to hold misconceptions about local police departments. With that in mind, the Buckeye Police Department implemented a program to keep the community educated on how it operates.
The Buckeye Citizens Police Academy offers a close look into the inner workings of the police department. Participants participate in interactive classes with experienced police officers, sergeants, crime scene investigators and detectives. The academy will begin Wednesday, September 4, and runs six consecutive Wednesdays through October 9, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at
the Coyote Branch Public Library. Don McWilliams, neighbor and family services manager for the BPD, said, “This police academy is open to the public, and it is a bridge between the police department and the community.” MEDICATION Although people normally notice police A
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