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.
Discovery Kids is offering a spring break camp from March 11 through March 15 and from March 18 through March 22 from 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Desert Mountain Elementary and Gateway Polytechnic Academy. Camp includes arts and crafts, STEM, team building, gym games, computer lab, food fun, field trips, and more! Please be sure to bring a water bottle and a cold lunch daily, or purchase lunch online for $2.75. Please note that you must place your order by Thursday of the week prior to the start date. Please visit our Registration page or view our spring break camp flyer for more information.
On Tuesday, January 22, 2019, Newell Barney Middle School (NBMS) in the Queen Creek Unified School District became an AVID National Demonstration School. AVID (Advancement via Individual Determination) is a college readiness system that aims to incorporate best practice teaching strategies for all teachers and students. Of the 180 AVID sites in Arizona, NBMS is one of just three middle schools to receive this distinction.
“Newell Barney Middle School is thrilled to be selected as an AVID National Demonstration School,” said NBMS Principal Denise Johnson. “We want to thank the staff and students who have embraced the AVID program and strategies the last four years. The AVID culture on our campus is due to the hard work and dedication of the staff as they continue to focus on developing authentic relationships with all students. The staff believes in our students and they create a safe environment so that students can work at their full potential.”
AVID National Demonstration Schools are centers of teaching and learning that also serve as models for those interested in learning about the AVID College Readiness System. A National Demonstration School exhibits a college readiness system that is evident across the campus through rigor and high expectations for all students. These schools clearly demonstrate an ongoing pursuit of excellence to ensure college and career readiness for all students, and improve academic performance for students based on increased opportunities and support for success.
“NBMS exemplifies high expectations and a successful school-wide approach to quality instruction, goal setting, and career exploration for all students,” said Superintendent Dr. Perry Berry. “I am proud of our entire staff, student body, and parents for embracing this college readiness system for all students”.
Demonstration Schools undergo a rigorous validation process and must be re-validated every few years to ensure high levels of implementation, with quality and fidelity to AVID strategies school wide.
On Thursday, January 17, more than 20 QCUSD students competed in the district spelling bee at the newly renovated Queen Creek Performing Arts Center. Each school held individual spelling bees in the months leading up to the District event. The top three spellers from each school participated in the district spelling bee.
The winners are:
- Claire Nelson, 5th grade (Gateway Polytechnic Academy)
- Sage Glonek, 7th grade (Queen Creek Middle School)
- Elijah Aguirre, 8th grade (Newell Barney Middle School)
The top two district spellers advance to the regional spelling bee.
Congratulations to all the spellers who made it to the district competition. You make the QCUSD family very proud!
We would like to welcome Silver Valley Elementary to our growing QCUSD family! The QCUSD Governing Board just approved Silver Valley as the official name of Elementary School #7. A naming committee for Silver Valley Elementary consisted of teachers, students, administrators, parents, and community members who brought three recommendations to the governing board for consideration.
The inspiration for Silver Valley Elementary comes from the Silver Queen Mine, which used to be part of the Mesa/Superstition area. Many people worked in the mine but lived in what is now Queen Creek. The bottom of the mountain where this mine was located was a creek named Pickett Post Creek. Later, it was renamed Queen Creek. The committee also noted that they appreciated the fact that the school sits in the valley between the Superstition and San Tan mountains.
Silver Valley Elementary is located in the Cadence at Gateway community near Ellsworth and Ray in the northern part of our boundaries. Learn more about our new STEAM-focused (PreK-6) school.
The 2018–2019 school year is underway! We hope that you are aware of these important dates!
- February 18 - No school for Presidents Day
- February 19 - Board meeting at 6:00 p.m.
- February 21 - Parent Institute: Anti-Bullying Workshop for Parents at the district office from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.
- February 27 - Teacher job fair at the district office from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.
- February 28 - AVID awareness night at the district office from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.
- March 5 - Board meeting at 6:00 p.m.
- March 6 - Elementary and middle schools early release
- March 7 - Elementary and middle schools early release
- March 8 - All schools early release
- March 11-22 - Spring break
The Queen Creek Unified School District (QCUSD) is proud to expand our Parent Institute offerings for the 2018-2019 school year. Classes focus on issues that affect families both at school and at home and are for QCUSD parents and guardians. Below are the dates and times for upcoming classes. We will add additional classes throughout the year. All Parent Institute sessions will take pace at the QCUSD district office at 20217 East Chandler Heights Road, Queen Creek, Arizona 85142.
- Organizational Tools for Your Student
TBD - Anti-Bullying for Parents
Thursday, February 21 from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.