Fire Science students at Sunnyslope High School took first place in three categories at a March district-wide competition (photo courtesy of Glendale Union High School District).
Glendale Union High School District
Seniors achieve academic honor
Sunnyslope High School seniors Manny Jacobs and Avery Lopez have earned recognition as National Merit Finalists. This distinction places them among the top high school scholars in the country.
The National Merit Scholarship Program recognizes students who perform exceptionally well on the PSAT/NMSQT, with semifinalists representing only a small percentage of test takers worldwide. Finalists are an even more exclusive group, selected from among the semifinalists based on academic excellence, leadership, and other achievements.
Competition yields wins for Fire Science
Under the direction of Dave Kerr, Fire Science Sunnyslope took home first place in the district in three different categories at the annual muster competition.
The muster is a seven-person relay race in which students complete fire ground related simulations, including getting dressed in their turnouts, putting on the air pack, stretching hose lines, to a forcible entry prop and dragging a 170-pound dummy 100 feet to the finish line.
“The students have been practicing since early December and have worked very hard. Even showing up for volunteer afternoon practices,” the school said, adding, “We had the fastest overall coed team and all-girls team, and our male gladiator won it all!”
The male gladiator does all seven of the stations by themselves. The students on the first-place coed team were Caden Worster, Luis Martinez, Elizabeth Bolden, Jorge Mendoza, Oswaldo Aragon, Zach Silva, and Andy Carrillo. The first-place all-girls team included Elizabeth Bolden, Ingrid Ruiz, Leslie Aragon, Mya Lopez, Alexis Jones, Kati Algeria, Anna Duong, and Marissa Schultz. Oswaldo Aragon was the first-place Gladiator.
Washington High juniors prepare for ACT
Approximately 90 juniors at Washington High School demonstrated their dedication to academic success by attending an after-school ACT study session. Their commitment to preparing for this important college entrance exam reflects their determination to achieve strong scores and future opportunities.
To further support students, Washington High School is offering ACT study sessions every Tuesday and Thursday after school leading up to the test. These sessions provide valuable resources, strategies, and practice to help students feel confident and prepared.
Learn more at www.guhsdaz.org.
The community is invited to come together at Madison Center for the Arts April 26 for the annual Madison Education Foundation fundraiser (submitted photo).
Madison Elementary District
Foundation hosts fundraising gala
The Madison Education Foundation invites residents to join them April 26 for a night of food, fun and philanthropy.
Get ready to set sail on the SS Madison at this year’s gala fundraiser, which will include live entertainment, a silent auction, food and drinks
The event brings the community together for a great cause, all while supporting the students and staff of the Madison School District.
This year’s fundraiser will be held Saturday, April 26, from 6 to 10 p.m., at Madison Center for the Arts, 5601 N. 16th St.
Visit www.madisoneducationfoundation.org to learn more, buy tickets and become a sponsor.
Simis enjoys International Day
Madison Simis Elementary students had the opportunity in March to explore 18 different countries during International Day festivities. Community members shared their passion for global cultures, while students visited interactive booths to learn, ask questions and reflect on new experiences.
As part of the IB program, Madison Simis Elementary encourages students to research, ask questions, think deeply and take action all while becoming lifelong learners.
Families interested in learning more about the International Baccalaureate program at Madison Simis can visit the school website: www.simis.madisonaz.org.
Students attend sport-based event
Madison No. 1 Middle School students and science teacher Natalie Carpenter recently had the opportunity to interview baseball players and participate in some fun activities like a golf simulator and even printing themselves on baseball cards at the Players Trust Playmakers Classic event.
The Players Trust Playmakers Classic supports sports-based youth development programs worldwide. The event includes activities, food tastings and special appearances from MLB players and celebrities.
The district said, “It was an unforgettable experience, and they were awesome representatives for our school. We’re so proud of our students and the impact sports and philanthropy can have on communities.”
Osborn School District
Osborn schools receive A+
After a rigorous application process, both Osborn Middle School and Clarendon Elementary met the challenge and were awarded the A+ School of Excellence designation by the Arizona Educational Foundation.
To be recognized as an A+ School means providing an exceptional education in addition to a commitment to providing a safe environment, innovative instruction and holistic care for social, emotional, physical and intellectual needs.
The district said, “Osborn is thrilled to celebrate OMS, Clarendon and Encanto (most recently awarded in 2024) for this achievement and recognition of not only the learning spaces provided for students but their service to children and families.”
Learn more about the district by visiting www.osbornnet.org.
The Central High School Bobcats boys basketball team took home the 5A State Championship title on March 7 (photo courtesy of Phoenix Union High School District).
Phoenix Union High School District
Central takes 5A basketball title
The Central High School Bobcat boys basketball team defeated Mountain Pointe High School 69-58 capturing the 5A state championship in boys basketball.
To reach the championship game, the Bobcats went head-to-head with fellow Phoenix Union school Carl Hayden Community High School in the state semifinals and went on to beat Mountain Pointe in the championship game on March 7.
Representatives from three PXU school DECA programs were recognized by the Governing Board for their efforts (photo courtesy of Phoenix Union High School District).
Board recognizes DECA programs
At a March 6 PXU Governing Board meeting, the district celebrated DECA programs from Camelback, TGB and Maryvale for earning the Thrive Award. The district also recognized the Metro Tech Flower Shop for receiving third place at the Tempe Blooms competition.
Before the meeting, the Academies at South Mountain Band performed in celebration of Music in Our Schools Month.
Washington Elementary School District
Tax credits support local schools
There is still time to reduce your state tax liability (up to $200 filing single or $400 filing jointly) by donating to a WESD school. This year, Tax Day is Tuesday, April 15, which means that residents have until then to make a tax credit donation that is eligible for 2024 tax filings.
A tax credit donation gives back to students by providing them with opportunities to participate in field trips and succeed in extracurricular activities. Those looking to contribute to a school that could use extra support can consider donating to Desert View Elementary School, Moon Mountain Elementary School, Mountain View School, Orangewood School, Richard E. Miller Elementary, Royal Palm Middle School and/or Sunnyslope School.
Donating is simple – residents can either stop by a local school office to complete a tax credit form or visit https://bit.ly/3Ao6nZ7 to donate online.
Desert View recognized with A+ rating
WESD announced that Desert View Elementary School is a first-time recipient of the A+ School of Excellence Award as designated by the Arizona Educational Foundation. With hundreds of schools applying yearly for this prestigious designation, Desert View becomes one of 53 Arizona public schools to earn the A+ Award for the 2024-2025 academic year, the district said.
The A+ Award is the highest state-level recognition given to a public school with recipients representing the best of the best in education across our state. To earn the A+ Award, Desert View successfully completed an extensive evaluative process, which included an online written application and a multi-day site visit led by a team of A+ Award judges.
Desert View demonstrated success in exceptional leadership, top-quality teaching, rigorous academics and strong community involvement. As a 2025 A+ Award recipient, the school received $500 and a banner to display on its campus and will retain the A+ designation from 2025 to 2029.
WESD celebrates students and staff
The district extended its congratulations to the SUPER Kids and SUPER Staff for March 2025 from Desert View Elementary School, Mountain View School and Sunnyslope School.
Established in 2006, the WESD SUPER Kids and SUPER Staff program honors select students and employees from each school for their achievements and contributions. As part of the recognition, WESD Superintendent Dr. Paul Stanton surprises the recipients at their schools to congratulate them. SUPER Kids receive a certificate and a free pizza from Peter Piper Pizza while SUPER Staff earn a certificate and a Starbucks gift card.
To view the March 2025 SUPER Kids and SUPER Staff, visit the WESD Facebook page.
District is hiring teachers for 2025-2026
WESD is hiring teachers for the 2025-26 school year, and qualified candidates are invited to attend a Teacher Interview Fair on Saturday, April 19, from 8:30 to 11 a.m. at the WESD Administrative Center, 4650 W. Sweetwater Ave.
Whether a seasoned educator or a first-year teacher, the district would like to talk to you. WESD says that it offers competitive teacher salaries of $53,000-$84,950 with performance pay, student loan forgiveness, school-age childcare discounts, medical, dental and vision benefits, employer-matched contributions to Arizona State Retirement and more. The district also provides support for its teachers, including instructional coaches on every campus, weekly Professional Learning Communities (PLC), regular professional development and social workers on each campus.
Those interested are encouraged to preschedule an interview by calling Lydia Garcia at 602-347-2622. Learn more at https://jobs.wesdschools.org.
