In their first year participating, Washington High School’s vocal ensemble earned an “Excellent” rating at the Vocal Jazz Madrigal Festival (photo courtesy of GUHSD).
Glendale Union High School District
Vocal ensemble excels at festival
In February, Washington High School’s vocal ensemble represented their school with distinction at the Northern Arizona University Vocal Jazz Madrigal Festival, a premier event that gathers more than 140 high school ensembles across Arizona and neighboring states.
Throughout the festival, students participated in performance evaluations and instructional sessions that focused on refining tone, technique, ensemble balance and musical expression. In its first year participating, the ensemble earned an “Excellent” rating, an accomplishment that reflects strong preparation, collaboration and commitment to artistic growth, the school said.
The district added, “Experiences such as this provide students with meaningful opportunities to perform at a high level, learn from expert clinicians and continue building the confidence and skills that define GUHSD’s performing arts programs.”
Jazz ensembles gathered in February for a district-wide event designed to strengthen musicianship as students prepare for upcoming concerts and competitions (submitted photo).
Students participate in Jazz Clinic
Jazz ensembles across the Glendale Union High School District gathered at Sunnyslope High School for the District Jazz Clinic, an event designed to strengthen musicianship as students prepare for upcoming concerts and competitions.
Throughout the clinic, students participated in focused rehearsals, collaborative learning and specialized instruction that helped refine the techniques and styles essential to jazz performance.
This year’s clinic was led by Gordon Williford, a Glendale High School graduate and former band director at Moon Valley and Thunderbird High Schools, whose expertise provided valuable guidance in jazz interpretation and ensemble performance. The culminating sessions highlighted noticeable growth among participating bands and reflected GUHSD’s continued commitment to providing meaningful, professional-level performing arts experiences.
Tax credits support local 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.
Learn more by visiting www.guhsdaz.org/taxcredit.
District hosts student art show
The Glendale Union High School District (GUHSD) presents this year’s Student Art Show, “Young at Heart,” hosted at Glendale Community College from March 4 through March 31.
The exhibition features a collection of artwork created by talented students across all GUHSD campuses, including paintings, sculptures and mixed-media pieces. Community members are invited to view the exhibition throughout the month and join the GUHSD Art Show reception on March 31 at 5 p.m. in the Glendale Community College Student Union, 6000 W. Olive Ave. This special evening offers an opportunity to celebrate the remarkable artistic achievements of students and support the continued growth of visual arts education across the district.
Annual dance show offers ‘Unity’
The Glendale Union High School District will present its annual district dance show, “Unity in Motion,” on March 5 at 7 p.m. in the Sunnyslope High School auditorium, 35 W. Dunlap Ave., with doors opening at 6:30 p.m.
The performance will feature Advanced and Performance Dance groups from all GUHSD campuses, showcasing a variety of themes and dance styles that highlight the creativity and talent of district students. Tickets will be available through GoFan for $7. Families and community members are invited to attend and celebrate the artistry and dedication of student dancers.
School staff, students and Madison District leadership were joined by the Phoenix Suns Gorilla and cheerleaders to celebrate the completed renovations at the Madison Meadow Middle School gym (photo courtesy of Madison School District).
Madison School District
Meadows celebrates updated gymnasium
Madison Meadows Middle School recently celebrated the completion and opening of its newly renovated and expanded gymnasium.
The grand opening celebration featured performances by Madison Meadows students and a guest appearance by the Phoenix Suns Gorilla.
The new gym includes a lobby with a trophy display case, a new multi-purpose room, six motorized basketball hoops and motorized bleachers. The facility also includes upgraded amenities including new locker rooms and a concession area.
The facility is designed for multi-use functionality, supporting daily physical education classes, school sporting events and community basketball and volleyball tournaments on weekends.
This renovation and expansion project was funded by voter-approved bonds, providing the school with modern athletic and community event space. The Madison School District said that it appreciates the community voters’ support and investment in high-quality facilities for Madison students.
Spanish immersion offered at summer camp
Madison School District will offer its Spanish Immersion Summer Camp from June 1 to 18.
Spanish Immersion Summer Camp offers students entering kindergarten through fourth grade the opportunity to strengthen their Spanish language skills through a full immersion experience. Students will be exposed to the language, food, music, culture and traditions through fun, hands-on activities and games from Spanish-speaking countries. Students will also complete weekly challenges using their communication skills in Spanish.
The camp will be held at Madison Heights Elementary School, 7150 N. 22nd St., which is home to Madison School District’s elementary Spanish Immersion Signature Program.
For more information and to register, visit www.madisonaz.org/spanishcamp.
Blood drive scheduled at district office
Madison School District, in partnership with Vitalant, will sponsor a blood drive at the Madison District office, 5601 N. 16th St., on March 6, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
In addition to helping to support those in need, donors will also be eligible for a chance to win Vitalant’s prize drawing. For more information and to schedule an appointment, visit www.madisonaz.org/blood-drive. Walk-in donors will also be accepted.
District will host hiring fairs
Madison School District will host job fairs on March 18 and April 8. Individuals will have the opportunity to meet with school and district leaders to learn about available positions, benefits and more.
Madison is hiring teachers, guest teachers, bus drivers, before and after school program staff, as well as other district, school and student support positions.
Both events will be held from 4-6 p.m. at the Madison District office, 5601 N. 16th St. More information about working for Madison School District is available at www.madisonaz.org/jobs.
Phoenix Union High School District
Central students score in culinary competition
Phoenix Union High School District announced that a pair of Central High School students earned second place in the Blue Watermelon Project’s eighth annual “Feeding the Future” competition on Jan. 24.
The students, Victor Miranda and Tycen Feichter Bonini, were awarded $5,000 toward their future education expenses. Their dish: a chipotle kick pulled pork tostada, fiesta jalapeño broccoli and fire-kissed grilled Tajín pineapple, was inspired by their Latin culture.
“This dish is because of our Latino heritage,” Miranda said. “We’ve both experienced what it is like to live in a Latino household, and the tostada is one of the most common dishes.”
More than 20 teams competed in the event, which challenges students to create meals from a list of ingredients that follow the federal guidelines for school meal programs so that the meals could be served in schools.
In addition to earning the second-place prize from the judges, a sold-out crowd of attendees who sampled each team’s dish voted the Central students’ as one of their favorites.
The Central Culinary program regularly participates in community events, often showcasing their talents and the strength of the program to thousands of people in the community.
Students interested in enrolling at Central High School and participating in their award-winning culinary program may visit www.pxu.org/enroll to enroll for the 2026-27 school year.
Orangewood School’s Jennifer Pfister was celebrated for her achievement in earning National Board Certification (photo courtesy of Washington Elementary School District).
Washington Elementary School District
Educator earns certification
Washington Elementary School District (WESD) congratulated Jennifer Pfister, academic interventionist specialist – reading, at Orangewood School, who recently earned National Board Certification in Early and Middle Childhood Literacy: Reading-Language Arts.
To honor the achievement, Pfister received a celebratory pennant and congratulations from district leaders, colleagues and family members. National Board Certification is the highest credential an educator can achieve in the United States, reflecting a deep commitment to excellence in teaching and student success.
The district said, “The WESD Family is proud of Ms. Pfister and grateful for her continued dedication to advancing academic achievement for all students.”
WESD celebrates students, staff
A group of outstanding students and employees from Richard E. Miller Elementary School and Royal Palm Middle School were recently honored as February 2026 SUPER Kids and SUPER Staff.
Since 2006, the WESD SUPER Kids and SUPER Staff program has celebrated exceptional students and employees from across the district for their achievements, dedication and positive impact. As part of this special tradition, Interim Superintendent Dr. Lupita Hightower personally surprised each honoree at their school with well-deserved recognition.
Students received a certificate and a free pizza courtesy of Peter Piper Pizza, while staff were awarded a certificate and a Starbucks gift card, generously donated by Veregy. To learn more about the February 2026 honorees, visit www.wesdschools.org.
Superintendent search underway
During its Dec. 11, 2025, meeting, the governing board selected the search firm McPherson & Jacobson to conduct a nationwide search for a new superintendent. At a special meeting on Jan. 22, the board finalized a timeline for the search, as well as criteria they are seeking for qualified candidates.
Finalists are expected to be presented at a March 16 board meeting, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. With interviews and board decision taking place in April. Community members are encouraged to stay informed by visiting the WESD Superintendent Search webpage at www.wesdschools.org/about-wesd/superintendent-search. The site includes regular updates, key timelines and more.
Board gains new member
WESD announced that Art Harding was recently sworn in to fill a vacancy on the governing board and will serve the remainder of the term through December 2026.
Harding was appointed by Maricopa County School Superintendent Shelli Boggs following an extensive process. He currently serves as chief operating officer at the Arizona Department of Education. The district said that he has redirected over $40 million in previously underutilized federal funds to targeted tutoring programs, yielding substantial academic gains, and championed a return to core academics by enhancing school safety. Earlier accomplishments include helping school districts in financial trouble and promoting healthier school environments through statewide junk food bans.
