Glendale Union High School District marching band directors and student leaders gathered on the Glendale Community College field during the district’s Nov. 3 Marching Band Exhibition (photo courtesy of GUHSD).
Glendale Union High School District
Exhibition celebrates student musicians
The Nov. 3 Glendale Union High School District Marching Band Exhibition was a celebration of music, talent and community spirit. From dynamic performances to inspiring displays of teamwork, student musicians across the district showcased their creativity and dedication on the Glendale Community College stage.
The event honored the hard work of passionate band directors, volunteers and supportive families, whose commitment makes these programs thrive.
GUHSD said, “Together, they create the harmony that makes Glendale Union High School District’s music programs truly exceptional.”
WHS marching band takes first place at competition
The Washington High School Purple Pride Marching Machine in October traveled to Canyon View High School for the Marching Band Association competition. The band marched away with a Division 2A first place award – plus three additional awards for Visual, General Effect, and Percussion.
GUHSD celebrates ‘A’ ratings for all schools
The Glendale Union High School District (GUHSD) is celebrating an extraordinary accomplishment: all nine of its comprehensive high schools have earned an “A” rating from the Arizona Department of Education, the highest honor a school can achieve.
The recognition highlights exceptional student learning, academic growth and strong preparation for success in college, career, and life after graduation, the district said. The ratings reflect excellence across multiple measures, including academic performance, progress toward graduation, and college and career readiness through advanced coursework, Career and Technical Education, and real-world experience.
District leaders credit this achievement to the dedication of students, the expertise of teachers and staff, and the unwavering support of families and community partners, affirming Glendale Union High School District’s deep commitment to keeping the promise in every student to reach their potential.
Thunderbird community members honored
The Glendale Union High School District Governing Board honored five members of the Thunderbird High School community during its annual Achievement Above All awards celebration.
This year’s recipients include teacher Lucy Maurer, who inspires students through her culinary arts program; student Owen St. Clair, recognized for his academic excellence, athletic leadership, and compassion; and the Thunderbird Marching Band, celebrated for its artistry, teamwork, and school spirit. Support staff member Mario Celaya was commended for his reliability and dedication to maintaining the campus, while volunteer Jenna Parris was honored for her contributions to school programs and events.
Patrick Henry and Victor Vega, both educators at Thunderbird High School, recently reached an outstanding milestone of 25 years of service within GUHSD (submitted photo).
Educators recognized for 25 years of service
The Glendale Union High School District Governing Board honored Thunderbird High School educators Patrick Henry and Victor Vega for reaching an outstanding milestone of 25 years of service within GUHSD.
Henry’s work in CTE and Vega’s dedication to mathematics and student activities have helped shape Thunderbird’s culture of excellence. The district said that both educators have made a profound impact on campus through their commitment to student success, leadership in their departments, and active involvement in school programs and initiatives.
Sunnyslope announces athlete signings
Sunnyslope High School announced the early signings of several of its senior student-athletes.
Josie Portela will continue her volleyball career at the University of Portland, Rider Portela will play basketball at the University of Colorado Boulder and Lainey Johnson will compete in volleyball at Cal State Dominguez Hills. Aniyah Martin has committed to Arizona State University for track and field, Katherine Hartman will attend Merrimack College for soccer, Samantha Hyde will play softball at Missouri Southern State University, Jake Keebler will join Coe College for soccer, and Jack Petroff will play baseball at New Mexico State University.
Madison Meadows Middle School students were honored as the year’s Outstanding Chapter at the national Best Buddies conference. The Meadows club chapter is currently in its third year (photo courtesy of Madison School District).
Madison School District
‘Buddies’ club receives national recognition
Madison Meadows Middle School students were honored at the Best Buddies National Conference as the 2024–25 Outstanding Chapter, recognizing their dedication to creating a welcoming and inclusive community.
The Best Buddies program promotes inclusion and friendship between students of all abilities. The Madison Meadows club chapter, currently in its third year, is open to all students at the school and has more than 100 active participants.
The Madison Meadows Best Buddies Club focuses on building understanding and empathy by teaching that everyone learns and experiences the world in their own way. Students in the club participate in hands-on lessons that help them better understand different disabilities and learn how to use various types of assistive equipment their peers may rely on. Through these activities, students gain a deeper appreciation for inclusion and acceptance of others.
Along with awareness activities, students of all abilities participate in connection-building opportunities such as arts and crafts, board games and other group activities that help build friendships among students and strengthen the school community.
The Meadows Best Buddies club also participates in the annual Best Buddies Friendship Walk in Tempe and, last year, was named the top fundraising school out of the 60 participating schools.
Enrollment is open at Madison schools
Madison School District is now accepting open enrollment applications for the 2026-27 school year.
The district says that it 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 and Performing Arts, STEAM, Spanish Immersion, International Baccalaureate, REACH – Profoundly Gifted and a Traditional Academy.
Students are able to 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 led by partner organizations.
To learn more about open enrollment or submit an application, visit madisonaz.org/enroll.
Ethan Bryson, a SUGi Forest Maker, helped a Montecito Montessori School student plant a tree as the school transformed campus space into a pocket forest learning space (photo courtesy of Osborn School District).
Osborn School District
Learning space connects students to nature
Montecito Montessori School will soon have a new outdoor learning space…in the forest. Through a partnership with the Life Time Foundation and the SUGi Project, Osborn School District is the first in the state and one of only about 25 pocket forests in the U.S. created by the group.
The forest was planted by students, staff and many volunteers. In addition to offering a habitat for native birds and pollinators, the space will act as a living outdoor classroom, fully integrated in to the schools Montessori-based learning.
Students will build a sense of ownership and connection while they take on responsibilities of watering, weeding and monitoring plant growth. Older students will support younger peers developing leadership through their mentoring. It will be a space for practical learning: scientific observation, journaling and exploring eco systems and life cycles. Through these experiences, students will build ecological literacy and a stronger sense of their relationship to the natural world.
In September, the district also reported that the school is undergoing a major renovation that will turn the outdated building into a state-of-the-art learning facility geared specifically toward Montessori learning. The new learning space integrates into the Montessori method of education, which is based on self-directed activity, hands-on learning and collaborative play.
Learn more about the Life Time Foundation at www.ltfoundation.org, and the SUGi Project at www.sugiproject.com.
Hundreds of prospective students joined current Phoenix Union High School District students and staff at a November expo event (submitted photo).
Phoenix Union High School District
EXPO welcomes prospective students
On Saturday, Nov. 8, Phoenix Union High School District (PXU) hosted its annual EXPO event at Phoenix College.
During the event, prospective high school students from across the city learned about all of the offerings that PXU schools have. The event had over 1,000 attendees and boasted many interactive experiences and performances from Phoenix Union’s talented students.
With 24 schools, tens of thousands of students, and over 3,500 employees, PXU covers 220-square miles of Phoenix. Prospective students who were unable to attend the event, but are interested in enrolling in a Phoenix Union school, are encouraged to visit the district’s website.
Find a list of schools on the enrollment webpage that is searchable by area, available programs and school size, as well as by clubs, groups and activities. Visit www.pxu.org/enroll.
Washington Elementary School District
Teacher interview fair scheduled
WESD will host a Teacher Interview Fair on Saturday, Dec. 6, 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 2026-2027 school year.
The event offers the opportunity to meet with district leaders and learn why the WESD may be the right place to grow a teaching career.
The district offers a salary range 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, employer-matched retirement contributions and more.
To pre-schedule an interview, call 602-347-2622. Walk-ins are welcome. Arrive early as limited interviews will be available. To apply online, visit https://jobs.wesdschools.org.
Schools receive ‘A’ letter grades
The Arizona Department of Education (ADE) released the school letter grades for the 2024–25 school year, and the WESD celebrated the accomplishments of its students and staff.
The district extended its congratulations to the 11 schools that earned an “A” letter grade including three in the North Central Phoenix corridor – Moon Mountain Elementary School, Orangewood School and Royal Palm Middle School. Overall, WESD earned a district-wide “B” letter grade and 87 percent of the schools are classified as excellent or highly performing.
The district said, “We are so proud of our schools’ dedication to growth and educational excellence!”
To learn more and view a complete list of the 2024-25 WESD school letter grades, visit www.wesdschools.org/24-25lettergrades.
Receive tax credits for support of WESD schools
During this season of giving, WESD asks residents to consider making a tax credit donation to local 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.
Visit the school’s front office to complete a tax credit form or donate online at https://bit.ly/3Ao6nZ7.
Explore kindergarten at sneak peek events
The WESD will host Kindergarten Sneak Peek events at 27 of its schools on Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026. This is a chance for families with future kindergartners to join their neighborhood school to explore classrooms, meet staff and experience firsthand what makes WESD a special place to learn and grow.
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 Early Kindergarten Entrance Program. Learn more at www.wesdschools.org.
