Sunnyslope’s Varsity Cheer stepped up their game to take first place at this summer’s USA Showtime Cheer Camp (submitted photo).
Glendale Union High School District
Glendale Union schools begin classes Aug. 4
The Glendale Union High School District will welcome students back for the first day of school on Monday, Aug. 4.
In preparation for the new school year, all schools in the district held student walk-through registration the week prior. This is a required event where students receive their ID, finalize class schedules, take care of transportation needs and more. Families are encouraged to visit their school’s website for specific dates and details.
Find your school at www.guhsdaz.org.
Sunnyslope cheer team shines at camp
The Sunnyslope High School Varsity Cheer team recently took first place at their USA Showtime Cheer Camp. The United Spirit Association represents a 70-plus year tradition of summer training camps and special events.
GUHSD congratulated the team on their achievement.
App keeps parents connected
As a new school year gets underway, GUHSD parents are encouraged to use ParentSquare as their main tool for school communication. The free app allows families to receive messages from their student’s school and teachers in real time and in the language of their choice.
ParentSquare helps parents stay informed about events, updates and important information. Signing up is easy, and once enrolled, families can follow school communication on their phone or desktop. It’s the best way to stay connected all year long, the district says.
Learn more at https://www.guhsdaz.org/84339_2.
Madison School District
Volunteers contribute to district’s success
The Madison School District says that a large part of its success is the support of its families and community. During the 2024-25 school year, Madison was gifted 25,835 hours of volunteer service by the community. That is the equivalent of more than 18 additional full-time employees.
The district says that students and staff directly benefit from the generosity of volunteers and expressed their gratitude by recognizing the volunteer at each site who gave the most hours. They include Alexis Bhatheja, Madison No. 1 Middle School; Audrey Elliott, Madison Simis Elementary; Stephanie Morales, Madison Traditional Academy; Amy Hsiung, Madison Meadows Middle School; Roberta McCallister, Madison Camelview Elementary; Patricia Tate, Madison Heights Elementary; Jeremy Veatch, Madison Park Middle School; and Lorraine Yarnall, Madison Rose Lane
To learn more about volunteering at Madison during the 2025-26 school year, visit www.madisonaz.org/volunteer. Classes begin Aug. 5.
Student recognized as ‘Outstanding’
In July, the Madison district congratulated Scout S. and John D. from Madison Meadows on receiving the National Junior Honor Society Outstanding Achievement Award.
This award recognizes students for their commitment to the five pillars of NJHS: scholarship, service, leadership, character and citizenship. The 500 NJHS students selected for the Outstanding Achievement Award receive a $500 college savings plan to support their educational aspirations.
Osborn School District
District seeks volunteers to support students
Osborn School District schools head back to school on Thursday, July 31, and along with teachers, support staff and administrators, volunteers make an impact on student achievement and success.
There are two categories for volunteers, including parent/guardian volunteers who serve in the classroom and chaperone field trips and non-parent/guardian community volunteers.
An online orientation is required before parents/guardians may volunteer. The orientation process for parents and guardians includes watching a video module, completing an information form and taking a short quiz. Parents/guardians only need to complete this process once.
Volunteering opportunities for people other than parent/guardians include classroom tutoring, working in the library, special projects and any number of school support opportunities. Those interested in being a community volunteer must watch the orientation video, complete an application form, take a quiz and provide a copy of a fingerprint clearance card. Those who do not have a fingerprint clearance card will be contacted by the district with more information.
For more information, contact your school’s front office or visit www.osbornschools.org and click on the “Volunteer in Osborn” link.
In July, Central High School hosted a summer graduation ceremony for Phoenix Union High School District students (photo courtesy of PXU).
Phoenix Union High School District
PXU celebrates summer graduation
PXU held its summer graduation ceremony on Monday, July 7, at Central High School, 4525 N. Central Ave. The district celebrated the students’ achievements in a social media post that read, “You persevered and put in the work to finish strong. Congratulations, and we are so excited to see you make your mark on this world!”
PXU is one of the largest high school districts in the U.S. With 23 schools, tens of thousands of students, and more than 3,500 employees, PXU covers 220-square miles of Phoenix. Learn more at www.pxu.org.
District set for new school year
Phoenix Union High School District (PXU) will welcome students back to school across 23 campuses on Aug. 5.
This year, the district-wide theme is “Stronger Together.”
“Together, we will work diligently to ensure the success and wellbeing of our students,” the district said.
In July, administrators from across PXU came together to prepare to welcome back its students. Through various workshops and informational sessions, PXU’s administrators are better equipped to embody this year’s theme, the district added.
Visit www.pxu.org/enroll to enroll a student today.
Washington Elementary School District
WESD welcomes interim superintendent
Dr. Lupita Hightower
After 10 years of dedicated service, Washington Elementary School District (WESD) bid a heartfelt farewell to Superintendent Dr. Paul Stanton.
“We thank him for his remarkable leadership, passion and commitment to achieving excellence for every child, every day, every opportunity,” the district said in a released statement.
The WESD governing board has appointed Dr. Lupita Hightower to serve as interim superintendent. Hightower, who began her new role on July 1, holds 28 years of educational experience, including 14 years as superintendent of the Tolleson Elementary School District.
Recognized statewide and nationally for her leadership, Hightower was named Arizona Superintendent of the Year in 2023. Her accolades also include the 2024 Cesar Chavez Legacy Award, 2023 ACEL Education Leader of the Year, and the 2019 National Latinx Superintendent of the Year, among other distinguished honors.
WESD ranked in Top 10 of elementary districts
WESD has been ranked #7 in the Top 10 Elementary School Districts in Arizona for 2025, according to AZ BIG Media. The recognition was based on public voting for the 2025 edition of Ranking Arizona, the state’s largest, most comprehensive business opinion poll.
Ranking Arizona is based purely on opinion and ranks companies based on how voters answer this simple question: with whom would you recommend doing business?
Enrollment open for 2025-26
Whether it is free, full-day kindergarten, premiere special education and gifted services, art, music, PE, STEM or online learning, the WESD says that it has program to meet the individual needs of your child/children.
With multiple A+ Schools of Excellence, a National Blue Ribbon and a National Title I Distinguished School, WESD has been named a top elementary school. Additionally, 78 percent of WESD schools are an “A” or “B”. The district is currently enrolling kindergarten through eighth grade students for the 2025-26 school year.
The first day of school is Aug. 4. To start the enrollment process, stop by the WESD Welcome and Registration Center, located at 3200 W. Cholla St., or enroll online at www.wesdschools.org/registration.
