On Washington High School’s 70th day of the school year of the school’s 70th year, students celebrated by giving back to the community through a clean-up effort (submitted photo).
Glendale Union High School District
WHS students give back
More than 200 Washington High School students marked a special milestone by giving back to their community through a neighborhood cleanup in celebration of the school’s 70th year on the 70th day of the school year.
“Their efforts reflected a strong sense of responsibility, community engagement, and Ram pride as they worked together to make a meaningful impact,” according to the district. “Through teamwork and service, these Washington High School students demonstrated how caring for their community strengthens both their school and the neighborhoods they serve.”
District hosts hiring event
Glendale Union High School District invites Valley residents to join the district at a Career Fair on Saturday, Feb. 7, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Greenway High School to explore opportunities in a district known for academic success, strong community connections and support for its team.
District leadership said, “With competitive salaries, full credit for years of experience, and a culture that values innovation and growth, Glendale Union High School District is the place to build a meaningful and rewarding career.”
Learn more at www.guhsdaz.org.
Rams celebrated by district board
The Glendale Union High School District Governing Board recognized the 2025-26 Achievement Above All honorees at Washington High School, celebrating individuals and groups whose service, leadership and dedication had an extraordinary impact on the Ram community.
Honorees included teacher Tracey Holberg, student Carol Hanna, student group Rams United, support staff member Angela Maya and volunteer Stephanie Scott, with each representing excellence in academics, inclusion, service and school spirit. Together, these Washington High School recipients exemplify Washington’s tradition of success by strengthening connections, inspiring confidence and creating a culture where every student is supported and encouraged to succeed, according to the school.
Dr. Barbie Firkus, Madison No. 1 Middle School, was one of two dozen educators awarded grants by the Madison Education Foundation AZ (photo courtesy of Madison School District).
Madison School District
Foundation recognizes outstanding educators
Madison School District celebrated the outstanding educators who were awarded teacher grants from the Madison Education Foundation AZ. These grants will help fund a variety of creative and engaging classroom projects, ranging from needle felting, a field trip to the Heard Museum, to a refresh of the Makerspace, and much more.
Educators recognized included Scott Sefranka, Courtney Flowers, Hugo Estrada-Duran, Cynthia Bradley, Michael Vontsolos, Sara Wingard, Marlo Johnson and Kaylene Bauman, Madison Meadows Middle School; Leigh Seibert, Sheila O’Connor, Crystal Di’Pede and Regina Francis, Madison Traditional Academy; Nicole Belden, Hannah Roussin and Denyse Diehl, Deena Woods and Kimberly Grubler, and Kelly Borrego and Abbe Stormer, Madison Simis Elementary School; Sara Daffe and Julie Thibodeaux, Madison Park Middle School; 3rd Grade Team and Jessie McKinley, Madison Camelview Elementary School; and Dr. Barbie Firkus, Madison No. 1 Middle School.
Madison launches kindergarten program
Madison Elementary School District will launch its new full-day Gifted Kindergarten program, specifically designed to meet the unique educational and developmental needs of the district’s youngest gifted learners. The Madison Gifted Kindergarten program will be located on the campus of Madison Heights Elementary School, with the first class beginning in August 2026.
This specialized program offers an enhanced and enriched kindergarten curriculum and differentiated instruction to ensure every student reaches their full potential. Flexible pacing of the program will allow students to learn at their own rate, and flexible grouping maximizes time for exploration of critical and creative thinking. Students in the Gifted Kindergarten program will also participate in the school’s special area classes and in grade-level activities and field trips.
To be eligible for the program, students must be five years old before Sept. 1, 2026, have been screened for gifted services between the ages of four and five years old, and meet either of the following criteria: gifted qualification at 95th percentile or higher in any of these areas: verbal, non-verbal, and quantitative; or an IQ of 128 or higher.
Space is limited. For more information about the program and enrollment, visit www.madisonaz.org/gifted-kindergarten.
District offers preschool tour
Following the popularity of the annual Discover Madison Kindergarten and Discover Madison Middle School tours, the Madison School District is inviting families interested in exploring its variety of preschool offerings to attend the Discover Madison Preschool Tour on Friday, Jan. 16, from 8:30 a.m. to noon.
This event is specifically designed for parents and guardians of current preschool age children or who are anticipating starting preschool in the upcoming fall semester.
The comprehensive tour will offer attendees a firsthand look at Madison’s preschool programs at each of the district’s elementary schools.
The event will begin at the Madison Center for the Arts, located at 5601 N. 16th St. For additional information, contact the district at 602-664-7900.<
Osborn School District
Registration open for 2026-27
Registration for 2026-2027 is now open at all Osborn schools. Families who are looking for a Montessori school for their 3–6-year-old, Osborn’s Montessori program also has a dual language offering with spaces still available in both programs.
To learn more about Osborn’s programs or for the contact to schedule a tour, visit the website at www.osbornschools.org.
The Osborn School District celebrated staff who represent the district values on a daily basis at a December meeting, including, left to right, Griselda Norzagaray, Allison Stachel, Tavon Rooks and Paula Quezada (submitted photo).
District celebrates inspiring staff
At the Dec. 16 Governing Board meeting, the Osborn School district celebrated its December Spread L.O.V.E. Award (Living Our Values Every Day) recipients from Osborn Middle School.
Honorees included Allison Stachel (equity), Paula Quezada (growth), Griselda Norzagaray (integrity), Richard Landeira (joy) and Tavon Rooks (relationships).
Joseph Parra Miguel
Phoenix Union High School District
Scholarship offers near $2 million for PXU student
Phoenix Union High School District (PXU) announced that a student at Phoenix Coding Academy, Joseph Parra Miguel, has received nearly $1.8M in total offered scholarships and counting.
“We anticipate that he will reach $2M, pending acceptance from more schools,” district leadership said. “He has been accepted to 18 schools, with colleges including University of the Pacific, Drake University and Elmhurst University. His current plan is to attend Arizona State University to study accounting.”
Washington Elementary School District
District to host hiring event
Residents who are looking to make a meaningful impact in education are invited to attend a Job Fair on Saturday, Jan. 24, from 8:30 to 11 a.m. at the WESD Administrative Center, located at 4650 W. Sweetwater Ave.
The district is currently hiring K-6 elementary, 7-8 middle school and special education teachers for the 2026-27 school year, as well as support staff in the transportation, KidSpace, maintenance and nutrition services departments. WESD says that it offers a competitive teacher salary of $53,100 to $80,520 including approximately $3,100 for performance pay, student loan forgiveness, school-age child care discounts, medical, dental and vision benefits, vacation, paid time off and sick time, employer-matched contributions to Arizona State Retirement and so much more.
To pre-schedule an interview, call 602-347-2622. Walk-ins are also welcome. To search open positions and apply online, visit https://jobs.wesdschools.org.
Event welcomes future kindergartners
WESD will host Kindergarten Sneak Peek events at 27 of its schools on Wednesday, Jan. 21. This is a chance for families with future kindergartners to join their neighborhood school to explore classrooms, meet staff and experience district schools firsthand.
Attend one of the informative sessions from 9 to 10 a.m. and/or 4:30 to 6 p.m. On-site registration will also be available. Be sure to bring your child’s birth certificate, immunization records and proof of residency to complete enrollment. Families of children who will be 5 by Aug. 31, 2026, should attend, as well as families of children who will by 5 by Dec. 31, 2026, to receive information about the district’s Early Kindergarten Entrance Program.
Give back to WESD students
WESD invites residents to help make a difference in the lives of its students by making a tax credit donation to local WESD schools – including Desert View Elementary School, Maryland School, Moon Mountain Elementary School, Mountain View School, Orangewood School, Richard E. Miller Elementary School, Royal Palm Middle School and Sunnyslope School.
A contribution makes a direct and meaningful impact on students by supporting field trips, extracurricular activities, uniforms, equipment and stipends for coaches and sponsors. Best of all, tax credit donations can reduce your Arizona state tax liability – up to $200 if filing single or $400 if filing jointly.
To donate, visit the school’s front office to complete a tax credit form or donate online at https://bit.ly/3Ao6nZ7.
