The Latest News
There's a lot happening in our vibrant and growing school district! From events taking place at school, to public information notices we may send out to families, we’ve included all the latest events here on one page. Make it your first stop when you visit our website to ensure you are always aware of what is going on.
Enrollment for the 2020–2021 school year is right around the corner! We encourage families new to the Queen Creek area to attend our elementary school showcases happening at all QCUSD elementary schools on Thursday, January 23, 2020, from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. Kindergarten round-up will also be taking place that evening. Specific times for the kinder round-up presentation at each elementary school are below. This event is your opportunity to meet teachers, tour the campus, and learn about all the great programs and enrichment opportunities our excellent and high-achieving schools have to offer.
Kinder Round-Up Times
- Desert Mountain Elementary - 5:00–6:00 p.m.
- Faith Mather Sossaman Elementary - 5:30–6:00 p.m.
- Frances Brandon-Pickett Elementary - 5:30 p.m.
- Gateway Polytechnic Academy - 5:30–6:00 p.m.
- Jack Barnes Elementary - 5:15–5:45 p.m.
- Queen Creek Elementary - 5:00–5:30 p.m.
- Silver Valley Elementary - 5:00–5:15 p.m.
- Elementary #8 - The kinder round-up presentation will happen twice (5:00 to 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 to 7:00 p.m.) Information about all other grades will be available from 5:30 until 6:30 p.m. This will take place at the district office (20217 E. Chandler Heights Rd. Queen Creek, AZ 85142.)
QCUSD is now offering winter break camps for our preschool and K–8 students. Please see our flyers for more information:
Registration closes on December 18. Please register online. We would love to have you join us at camp!
Dr. Perry Berry, superintendent of Queen Creek Unified School District (QCUSD), and the QCUSD Governing Board have named Mrs. Chasity Cruz the principal of the district’s newest elementary school, yet-to-be-named elementary #8. Mrs. Cruz is a current QCUSD principal. Her promotion was approved at the November 12, 2019, governing board meeting.
“We are fortunate to have Chasity plan and lead our newest elementary school,” said Superintendent Berry. “Chasity’s skills, experience, and energy are a great match for our new school.”
Elementary #8 will be located in the Barney Farms subdivision, northeast of Signal Butte and Queen Creek Roads. Elementary #8 will be a school of choice featuring an accelerated curriculum map, STEAM, and student uniforms. This new school will also feature the leadership program, Leader in Me, and Project Lead the Way for STEAM. Mrs. Cruz has been the principal of a Leader in Me school and has a solid background in curriculum and instruction. Chasity has a bachelor of arts degree in education and a master’s degree in educational leadership and administration from Arizona State University.
Mrs. Cruz started her career in education in Mesa where she worked for 15 years. While in Mesa, Chasity worked as a teacher, dean of students, and a school improvement specialist. Chasity then moved to the Tempe Elementary School District where she was an assistant principal for two years. She has also served as principal of Simonton Elementary School in the J.O. Combs School District.
Chasity and her husband, Eric, have six children: Rylee (19), Jordyn (16), Adrianna (14), Hayden (13), Aubree (13), and Cooper (6). When she is not working, Mrs. Cruz enjoys spending time with her family and supporting her husband and children in their many different activities. In addition, she enjoys participating in 5Ks and half marathons.
The 2019–2020 school year is here! We hope that you are aware of these important dates!
- December 10 - Board Meeting at 6:00 p.m.
- December 11 - All School Early Release
- December 14 - Queen Creek Kid's Christmas Car Show and Toy Drive at Desert Mountain Park from 9:00 a.m. to noon
- December 19 - Middle and High Schools Early Release
- December 20 - All Schools Early Release
- December 23–January 3 - Winter Break
- January 6 - School Resumes