The first quarter of the school year has been filled with exciting events, meaningful learning opportunities, and strong community connections across Queen Creek Unified School District. From new programs and special celebrations to student achievements and staff recognition, our schools have much to celebrate. Here are some highlights from around the district:
Desert Mountain Elementary
- Vice Mayor Leah Martineau from the Town of Queen Creek and Officer Sanfillippo from the Queen Creek Police Department were guest speakers for first graders, discussing community involvement.
- Handel’s Spirit Night brought together businesses, parents, and staff.
Faith Mather Sossaman Elementary
- Fifth graders attended BizTown to practice their business skills, including managing their businesses, making deposits, shopping, and paying off loans.
- Coach Laura Cox was honored as the educator at the Queen Creek Independent Hometown Heroes Awards luncheon.
Frances Brandon-Pickett Elementary
- The school celebrated 20 years of Frances Brandon-Pickett with a 20th birthday party.
- Hosted a family reading event, “A Grand Night at the Sock Hop,” bringing students, families, grandparents, and staff together.
Gateway Polytechnic Academy
- Hosted a book fair for students and families.
- Celebrated Grandparents Day with a school-wide event.
Jack Barnes Elementary
- The PTO sponsored a family swim event at the Queen Creek Aquatics Center.
- Savvas, our preferred math resource, partnered with two grade levels that have new staff members to ensure successful implementation of the program.
Katherine Mecham Barney Elementary
- Added a new preschool class section to accommodate growing enrollment.
- Hosted a breakfast for first responders in remembrance of 9/11, Patriots’ Day.
Mountain Trail Academy
- Completed a successful first quarter as a brand-new school.
- Launched the MTA House program, promoting togetherness and friendly competition, with the House Soaring Summit assembly on September 24.
Queen Creek Elementary
- Keri Rose, preschool speech teacher, received a grant for musical instruments to support language and movement in the classroom, while Mrs. Matejcek, k–1 specialized teacher, received a grant for manipulatives to enhance learning.
- Family reading night and grandparents breakfast supported community engagement.
Schnepf Elementary
- PTO organized “Fridays with Fathers” events.
- Sixth graders showcased their STEM projects at Chase Field during a D-backs game.
Silver Valley Elementary
- Cortney von Miller was recognized as a finalist for Queen Creek’s 2025 Educator of the Year Award.
- The school was recognized as an official Lighthouse School, demonstrating its commitment to leadership.
Newell Barney College Prep
- The girls’ 7th and 8th grade volleyball teams had a strong season with close games and notable wins
- The 8th grade boys’ baseball team demonstrated maximum effort throughout the season.
- Wrestlers prepared for the EVC championships while maintaining good academic performance.
- On July 11, 8th grade students hosted an orientation for incoming 7th graders, attended by majority of students.
Queen Creek Junior High School
- Queen Creek Junior High debuted its first Drama Club with over 50 students interrested.
- The cafeteria staff began operations and was featured on Channel 10 news, showcasing the local ingredients brought to students through a partnership with Oatman’s Farm, a local regenerative organic farm.
Crismon High School
- CTE students attended the Queen Creek Business and Education Summit at ASU Polytechnic, networking with community and business leaders.
- About 40 seniors toured Northern Arizona University, meeting faculty and exploring campus opportunities, and HOSA and FBLA students visited Grand Canyon University for a campus tour and program-specific college lesson.
- Held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new academic wing.
Eastmark High School
- Ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new academic wing included NJROTC presenting the colors for the first time as a new program.
- Hosted the Queen Creek Unified School District College & Career Fair.
Queen Creek High School
- The color guard performed at an Arizona Diamondbacks baseball game, providing students with an incredible experience.
- Hosted NCAA Night in the QCPAC, featuring speakers Coach Ann Peirson and Mrs. Delia Marquez, along with Queen Creek High School softball alumni Cecelia Marquez and Mackenzie Padilla.
Queen Creek Unified School District
- Hosted the LOL (Lead Out Loud) Conference.
- Celebrated the first day of school across the district.
- Held ribbon-cutting ceremonies for Eastmark High School, Crismon High School, and Mountain Trail Academy.