Sunnyslope’s boys basketball team celebrated their 60–51 win over Saint Mary’s Catholic High School at the AIA Open Division State Championship on March 7 (photo courtesy of Glendale Union High School District).
Glendale Union High School District
Sunnyslope wins state basketball title
Sunnyslope High School boys basketball secured the 2026 AIA Open Division State Championship with a 60–51 victory over Saint Mary’s Catholic High School at the Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum on March 7.
After a tightly contested first half, the Vikings pulled away late in the fourth quarter to seal the win. Senior Rider Portela led the effort with an MVP performance of 16 points and 17 rebounds, while junior Delton Prescott added 16 points. Guided by Head Coach Ray Portela, the championship reflects years of perseverance, teamwork, and dedication within the program.
“The victory marks a defining moment for the Vikings and a season the Sunnyslope community will remember for years to come,” Glendale Union High School District said of the win.
Get ready for graduation
The Glendale Union High School District will celebrate the Class of 2026, bringing together more than 3,000 graduates for commencement ceremonies on May 18 and May 20 at Desert Diamond Arena.
Ceremonies will begin Monday, May 18, with Washington High School at 10 a.m., followed by Sunnyslope High School at 1 p.m., Independence High School at 4 p.m., and Thunderbird High School at 7 p.m. On Wednesday, May 20, Cortez High School will graduate at 10 a.m., followed by Apollo High School at 12:30 p.m., Glendale High School at 3 p.m., Greenway High School at 5:30 p.m., and Moon Valley High School at 8 p.m.
Families and community members who cannot attend in person will be able to watch the ceremonies via live stream, with additional details available at each school.
Sports physicals offered at Sunnyslope
Student-athletes will have the opportunity to receive free sports physical screenings through the Team of Physicians for Students (TOPS) on Saturday, April 18, at Sunnyslope High School, 35 W. Dunlap Ave.
Participating schools received scheduled times. Walk-ins will be accepted from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Only official TOPS forms will be accepted, which can be found at www.aztops.org or through the school athletic departments. Parents or guardians must complete the athlete information and medical history portions of the 2026-27 AlA physical form and sign the TOPS waiver, along with page 5 of the AlA Physical before the physical.
Tax credits support public schools
Arizona residents can support Glendale Union High School District students through the Arizona Public School Tax Credit, a dollar-for-dollar credit on state taxes, allowing contributions of up to $400 for married couples filing jointly or $200 for single taxpayers. Donations benefit extracurricular activities, student meal programs, wellness supplies and other initiatives that help ensure every student can participate in school experiences. Contributions can be made even if the donor does not have a student enrolled in GUHSD, and all funds go directly to the school of the donor’s choice.
The deadline to participate is April 15. Consult you tax advisor.
Madison School District
District to host hiring fair
Madison School District will host a hiring fair on Wednesday, April 8, 4-6 p.m., at the district office, 5601 N. 16th St.
Individuals will have the opportunity to meet with school and district leaders to learn about available positions, benefits and more. The district is hiring teachers, guest teachers, bus drivers, before and after school program staff, as well as other district, school and student support positions.
More information about working for Madison School District is available at www.madisonaz.org/jobs.
Enrollment applications are being accepted
Madison School District is currently accepting enrollment applications for the 2026-27 school year.
The district provides rigorous, engaging instruction led by high-quality educators, resulting in student performance that regularly exceeds state averages and earns local and national recognition. The district offers six Signature Programs to students in preschool through eighth grade, including Visual & Performing Arts, STEAM, Spanish Immersion, International Baccalaureate, REACH – Profoundly Gifted and a Traditional Academy.
Students can explore and develop their interests while building a strong educational foundation to become lifelong learners. Outside the classroom, Madison supports students with before and after-school programs, including the Madison Adventure Club (MAC), athletics, school clubs and a variety of on-campus activities.
To learn more or submit an application, visit www.madisonaz.org/enroll.
The Central High School boys basketball team celebrated back-to-back 5A State Championship wins after defeating Mountain Pointe, 62-53 (photo courtesy of PXU).
Phoenix Union High School District
Central celebrates state championship
In March, Phoenix Union High School District celebrated the historic back-to-back 5A Boys Basketball State Championship wins by Central High School’s Boys Basketball team.
On March 6, the Central boys played in the state championship game for the second year in a row against Mountain Pointe High School. They defeated Mountain Pointe 62-53 and senior John Mattingly, #35, was named the 5A Boys Basketball MVP after finishing with 24 points, with eight rebounds and five assists. Three other Central Bobcats scored in double figures in the state championship game: Dom Rojas (13 points), Grant Mattingly (12 points) and John Fahrendorf (11 points). The Bobcats’ 31 season wins were the most in the state and a single-season school record.
Mark your calendar for graduation
As graduation season approaches, Phoenix Union High School District families are encouraged to mark their calendars in preparation for the big day.
PXU’s large school graduation ceremonies will be held at Veterans Memorial Coliseum, May 19-21, including Central High School (May 19 at 4:45 p.m.) Camelback High School (May 20 at 7 p.m.) and North High School (May 21 at 3 p.m.). Smaller schools will celebrate their Class of 2026 at Madison Center for the Arts May 19-21, including Phoenix Coding Academy (May 19 at 3:30 p.m.)
Learn more by visiting www.pxu.org/graduation.
Washington Elementary School District
Interview fair set for April 18
Those interested in taking the next step in their teaching career are invited by Washington Elementary School District to attend a Teacher Interview Fair Saturday, April 18, from 8:30 to 11 a.m. at the WESD Administrative Center, located at 4650 W. Sweetwater Ave.
At the event, WESD will issue teacher contracts for the 2026-27 school year. The district said that it offers a competitive salary of $53,100 to $80,520 including approximately $3,100 for performance pay, student loan forgiveness, school-age childcare discounts, medical, dental and vision benefits, employer-matched contributions to Arizona State Retirement and more.
To pre-schedule an interview, call 602-347-2622. To search open positions and apply online, visit https://jobs.wesdschools.org.
Jeff Tisot (right), joined here by Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego and Desert View Elementary Principal John Mospan, was named a Lamp of Learning Award recipient in March (photo courtesy of Washington Elementary School District).
‘Lamp’ award honors dedicated individuals
Each year, the Washington Elementary School District (WESD) recognizes outstanding individuals whose dedication and service make a meaningful impact on students and the community through the Lamp of Learning Award – the district’s highest honor. This award celebrates staff members and community partners who go above and beyond to support student success and strengthen our schools.
The district conveyed its congratulations to three recipients representing schools in the North Central Phoenix corridor: Jeff Tisot, parent and community member at Desert View; Lisa Hayes, academic intervention specialist – reading; and Britney Villa Sanchez, social worker at Maryland School.
“Their commitment, compassion and leadership exemplify the spirit of the Lamp of Learning Award,” the district said.
These individuals are among 14 honorees who will be recognized at the annual WESD Lamp of Learning Awards ceremony on May 1.
Leadership added, “WESD is grateful for the dedication of these exceptional individuals and the many ways they contribute to the success of our students and schools.”
To view the full list of this year’s recipients, visit www.wesdschools.org.
Kindergarten registration opens
WESD is now accepting registrations for kindergarten for the 2026-27 school year. If a child is age 5 on or before Aug. 31, 2026 – now is the time to enroll. If a child turns 5 between Sept. 1 and Dec. 31, 2026, they are eligible for Early Entry Kindergarten.
Families interested in Early Entry Kindergarten should complete the enrollment process and schedule a screening to determine readiness. Notifications of eligibility will be provided within 10 days of the screening. In addition, all incoming kindergartners are invited to join WESD Jumpstart, a free, four-week, half-day summer program designed to help children build essential kindergarten skills, make friends and become familiar with routines. Jumpstart runs from May 26 to June 18 at multiple WESD locations and includes free breakfast and lunch.
Registration for Jumpstart opens April 1, and children must be registered for kindergarten in a WESD school for the 2026-27 school year to participate. To learn more about Kindergarten, Early Entry Kindergarten and the Jumpstart program, visit www.wesdschools.org/kindergarten or email wesdkinderjumpstart@wesdschools.org.
