Progress on the new library (pictured), classrooms, collaboration spaces and studios will continue over the summer months as Madison Rose Lane Elementary gears up for the 2026-27 school year (photo courtesy of Madison School District). [SCROLL down for the full story.]
Glendale Union High School District
District prepares for new school year
The Glendale Union High School District (GUHSD) is preparing to welcome students for the start of the 2026–27 school year on Monday, Aug. 10.
Before the first day of school, all GUHSD campuses will host Walk-Through Registration during the week of July 27. Parents and guardians are encouraged to attend walk-through registration alongside their students to ask questions, complete essential back-to-school steps and receive campus information. Because each campus may have different registration schedules, families should continue checking their school’s website for specific dates, times, and additional details as the school year approaches.
Washington High School student-of-the-month recipients joined Beatitudes Campus residents for a special luncheon in late April where they each received a $1,000 scholarship in recognition of their achievements (photo courtesy of GUHSD).
Students recognized by Beatitudes
Prior to the end of the 2025-26 school year, Washington High School student-of-the-month recipients were honored during a special luncheon hosted by residents at the Beatitudes Campus, where each student received a $1,000 scholarship in recognition of their achievements.
The celebration highlighted the strong partnership between Washington High School and the Beatitudes community, whose generosity continues to support and inspire Washington students, the GUHSD district said. Opportunities like these reflect the meaningful community connections that help invest in student success and future goals across the Glendale Union High School District.
Job fair scheduled for support staff
Glendale Union High School District will host the Support Staff Job Fair on Thursday, July 16, at Moon Valley High School. In-person screening interviews will take place from 3 to 5 p.m. for applicants interested in joining the district ahead of the 2026–27 school year.
Interested candidates can apply online through the “Employment” tab on the district website: www.guhsdaz.org. Positions offer benefits including competitive pay, health, dental and life insurance, paid time off, participation in the Arizona State Retirement System and short-term disability coverage.
For more information or to RSVP, call 623-435-6010.
Employees honored for dedication
The Glendale Union High School District (GUHSD) Governing Board hosted the 2025-26 Retirement Recognition Reception, honoring employees whose years of service and dedication have made a lasting impact across GUHSD schools and programs.
Retirees were celebrated alongside family members, friends, district leaders and staff during the annual event recognizing careers devoted to supporting students and strengthening school communities. Superintendent Matt Belden and Governing Board president Natalie Veidmark shared remarks thanking retirees for their commitment to education and the positive influence they had throughout the district.
Principals and administrators honored retirees for their contributions across classrooms, athletics, counseling, operations and student support services, highlighting the legacy each individual leaves behind within the Glendale Union High School District.
Kids eat free this summer
All kids and teens ages 18 and under can eat free this summer. Meals are available at select GUHSD schools, regardless of where the child attends.
In the North Central area, families can go to Sunnyslope High School, 35 W. Dunlap Ave., from 7-8 a.m. for breakfast and 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for lunch, May 27-29, and Monday through Thursday, June 1 to June 25. Other participating sites include Greenway High School and Independence High School.
For questions, call the district at 623-435-6040 or visit www.guhsdaz.org.
Madison School District
Free summer meals available to children
Madison School District announced the sponsorship of the Summer Food Service Program. Meals will be provided to all children, ages 18 and under, without charge and are the same for all children regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age and there will be no discrimination in the course of the meal service.
Meals will be provided at various sites and times. Families who qualify for free or reduced meals will continue to receive Sun Bucks this summer – $120 per eligible child. This money will be automatically uploaded to their EBT cards, if families do not already have an EBT card, one will be sent to them.
The program will be hosted at the following schools and times:
- Madison No. 1 Middle School, 5525 N. 16th St. – June 2 to July 25, Monday through Friday; closed June 19 and July 3. Breakfast is served 7:45-8:20 a.m.; lunch is served 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
- Madison Camelview Elementary School, 2002 E. Campbell Ave. – June 2-18, Monday through Thursday, closed Fridays. Breakfast is served 7:55-8:10 a.m.; lunch is served noon to 12:20 p.m.
- Madison Park Middle School, 1431 E. Campbell Ave. – June 9 to July 3, Monday through Friday; closed June 19. Breakfast is served 7:30-8 a.m.; lunch is served 11:30 a.m. to noon.
- Madison Heights Elementary School, 7150 N. 22nd St. – June 2 to July 25, Monday through Friday; closed June 19 and July 3. Breakfast is served 7:45-8:20 a.m.; lunch is served 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
For more information, call Madison School District at 602-664-7900.
Rose Lane unveils mascot, updates campus rebuild
Madison Rose Lane Elementary is embarking on an exciting new era, the district announced, marked by a campus rebuild and a fresh new mascot: The Rose Lane Rising Stars.
The new mascot was developed through a collaborative process, guided by input from students, staff and families, and represents the creativity and kindness of the Rose Lane community, the confidence and lifelong skills students develop through the programs and the school’s unique identity as a high-quality visual and performing arts school for elementary age students.
The adoption of the new mascot coincides with the near-completion of the first phase of the ongoing campus rebuild, which is scheduled to open for students and teachers in August.
In addition to modernizing the overall learning environment, the updated facilities in phase one include new classrooms, a new library, collaboration spaces and dedicated studios specifically designed for the school’s visual and performing arts programs, including art, music, dance and theater.
The new campus is part of Madison School District’s commitment to provide safe, modern and innovative learning environments for students and is made possible by support from the local community through voter-approved bond initiatives.
Madison Rose Lane is currently accepting enrollment applications for the 2026-27 school year. Visit www.madisonaz.org/enroll for details.
Felipe Carranza
Osborn School District
Osborn names new superintendent
At a May 19 executive session of the Osborn School District Governing Board meeting, the board unanimously voted to enter into contract negotiations with Felipe Carranza to serve in the role of district superintendent. Carranza currently serves as principal of Solano Elementary School.
The superintendent position was most recently held by Dr. Michael Robert, who moved to the Washington Elementary School District.
Summer projects are underway
Residents who happen to pass Osborn School District campuses this summer may notice a lot of activity as several bond-funded improvements get underway.
Thanks to local voter support, multiple campuses will undergo upgrades to enhance learning environments, safety and facilities in addition to installation of new shade structures and creation of specialized outdoor learning areas. Inside, buildings will get fresh paint, new carpeting and updated kitchen equipment. Campus safety will also see a boost through security camera upgrades.
Families can track projects and spending at Your Bond dollars at Work on the district website: www.osbornschools.org.
Phoenix Union High School District
Camelback High School Principal James Arndt announced that he will leave the school at the end of June (screenshot via YouTube, courtesy of Camelback High School).
Camelback to name new principal
In an April 27 video announcement to the community, Camelback High School’s Principal James Arndt announced that he would be leaving the role at the end of June. And in a subsequent Linkedin post, he looked back on his time at the school.
The post read in part, “Seven years ago, I walked into Camelback High School at 29 years old. I didn’t fully know it then, but I was about to be shaped by the most remarkable community I have ever known. I was fortunate enough to be named Principal in 2020, and these six years leading this school have been the most rewarding of my life.”
Arndt celebrated the Class of 2026 and then the school more broadly, adding, “Camelback is still the same amazing community, too long overlooked, home to 30 different languages and students representing communities from across the world. A school for every kid, every background, every story. We set out to build a pathway for every single one of them, and we are on the road to accomplishing that mission. The work will continue with whoever comes next.”
The district held a principal forum event on May 12, giving the community an opportunity to meet the two principal finalists: Dr. Daniel Garcia, current principal at Academies at South Mountain and Rene Martinez, current assistant principal at Maryvale High School. Residents can watch the forum online at www.pxu.org/o/chs/page/camelback-principal-forum. Superintendent Thea Andrade is expected to name the new principal prior to the end of May.
Joseph Parra Miguel
Student offered record scholarships
In May, Phoenix Union High School District (PXU) announced its first-ever “5 Million Dollar Scholar.”
Joseph Parra Miguel, at student at PXU’s Phoenix Coding Academy, was accepted to 49 schools and the scholarships he was offered from each of the schools he was accepted to total $5 million. He plans to attend Arizona State University to study business with an emphasis on language and culture. Choosing to stay in Phoenix was a choice he made because he wants to stay close to his family, who are of great importance to him, the student said.
For more information about Phoenix Coding Academy and to enroll for the 2026-27 school year, visit www.pxu.org/enroll.
Esports team wins district championship
The Camelback High School Marvel Rivals esports team battled through technical issues, computer crashes and long hours to become the 2026 PXU District Champions. Their resilience and teamwork paid off with a huge win over Central, the school said.
The Smash Ultimate team also had an incredible run, going undefeated in bracket play before facing the three-time state champion Carl Hayden team in an intense matchup. They regrouped and finished the tournament in 3rd place overall.
Washington Elementary School District
Enrollment now open for 2026-27
Whether it’s free, full-day kindergarten, premier special education and gifted services, or engaging programs in art, music, PE, STEM and online learning, WESD says that it offers opportunities designed to meet the individual needs of every student.
With multiple A+ Schools of Excellence, a National Blue Ribbon School and a National Title I Distinguished School, the WESD continues to be recognized for excellence. The district is also a top 20 school district in the country in student growth and has been named a top 10 elementary school district in Arizona. Additionally, 87 percent of WESD schools earn an “A” or “B” rating.
The district currently is enrolling kindergarten through eighth grade students for the 2026-27 school year. To begin the enrollment process, visit the WESD Welcome and Registration Center at 3200 W. Cholla St., or enroll online at www.wesdschools.org/families/registration.
Teacher named ‘EL Teacher of the Year’
WESD celebrated Josie Corson, kindergarten teacher at Orangewood School, who has been named the EL Teacher of the Year. Corson was recognized both on her campus and during the EL Student Achievement Award Ceremony at the WESD Administrative Center, honoring her outstanding commitment to student success and language development.
The district said, “Known for her compassionate approach and dedication to meeting students where they are, Josie creates a classroom environment where every child feels supported, encouraged and empowered to grow. Her ability to help students build confidence while reaching their full potential has made a lasting impact on both her students and the Orangewood community. Congratulations to Josie on this well-deserved recognition!”
District provides free summer meals
WESD will offer free breakfast and lunch meals for children and teenagers up to 18 years old this summer until June 18, Monday through Thursday, at multiple WESD schools including some in the North Central Phoenix corridor such as Desert View, Moon Mountain, Mountain View, Orangewood, Richard E. Miller and Sunnyslope.
No application or registration is needed. All meals must be consumed on-site. Adult meals will also be offered at a cost. To view specific dates and times for each school, visit the WESD website at www.wesdschools.org/families/nutrition-services. For more information, contact the WESD Nutrition Services Department at 602-896-5235.
Mountain View principal Annie Diaz, pictured with Governing Board member Bill Adams, begins her role on July 1 (photo courtesy of Washington Elementary School District).
WESD introduces new superintendent, principal
In May, the Washington Elementary School District (WESD) announced that its Governing Board unanimously approved a contract appointing Dr. Michael Robert as the district’s next superintendent.
Robert currently serves as superintendent of the Osborn Elementary School District and was selected following a comprehensive search process that included multiple interviews, opportunities for community input and a public forum, the district said. He is scheduled to assume his new role on July 1. Robert will work closely with Interim Superintendent Dr. Lupita Hightower to ensure a smooth leadership transition.
The district said, “We extend our sincere gratitude to Dr. Hightower for her year of dedicated service to the district and for her meaningful contributions in supporting students, staff and the entire WESD Family.”
Additionally, WESD announced that Annie Diaz, current assistant principal at Mountain View School, will serve as the school’s next principal beginning July 1. The district recognized and thanked current principal Phil Liles for his leadership and the many contributions he made to the Mountain View community over the past four years.
