Find Past News Stories About QCUSD
Stories from the 2020–2021 School Year
Queen Creek High School Senior Shows Elementary Kids Benefits of Theatre
17-year-old Jasmyn Gade is broadening the horizons of hundreds of elementary school children and improving their confidence by introducing them to the world of live theatre.
From Campus Construction to Clock Operation: Jim Lamb is Dedicated to the Firebirds Success
Successful high schools require top-notch athletics facilities for students to use and dedicated adults to keep the programs running.
Parents Tell ABC15 They're Happy With How Queen Creek Unified has Fared Since Returning to In-Person Instruction
On August 12 the Queen Creek Unified School District governing board decided to allow in-person instruction to commence on August 17.
Sandra Day O’Connor Civics Celebration Day Held at QCUSD
As a way to pay tribute to the life and civic contributions of Sandra Day O’Connor, all Queen Creek Unified School District students in kindergarten through 12th grade took part in a civics lesson on Friday, Sept. 25.
Arizona School Districts Offering Free Meals To Kids Thanks To Federal Waiver Extension
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has extended waivers that allow schools to offer free meals to kids, like they did during the closures, through December.
School Boards Face Tough Decisions on When to Re-open Schools
Arizona school governing board members are making difficult decisions when to re-open schools closed for the COVID-19 pandemic for in-person instruction for students.
Children Deserve A Choice: Arizona Districts Set To Offer In-Person Classes
The Queen Creek Unified School District is one of the latest school districts that's choosing to start in-person classes before COVID-19-related public health benchmarks are met.
Here’s What a Mesa School is Doing to Keep Students Safe On Campus
Gateway Polytechnic Academy, serving preschool through sixth grade, has numerous strategies in place to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus.
Queen Creek Students Return to Class In-Person Despite COVID-19 Pandemic
Schools within the Queen Creek Unified School District have made some changes as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
Teachers Preparing for a Virtual Start to 2020–2021 School Year
Teachers are getting ready for a different start to the school year in the Valley. With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it won't be a normal start to the school year for many Valley students, as well as teachers.
East Valley School Districts Reopen with Virtual Offerings
Online learning begins for all Queen Creek Unified School District students on Aug. 3 and July 27 for Higley Unified School District.
Here is When Arizona Schools Plan to Start the Upcoming Academic Year
The start of the academic school year has already begun and the coronavirus pandemic has forced schools in Arizona to plan accordingly.
Queen Creek School Preparing for Academic Year
Arizona schools are working to re-open as safely as possible. Though online is not new, it is something that takes preparation.
Cruz: Learn More About the Newest Elementary School in Queen Creek USD
The Queen Creek Unified School District is opening its eighth elementary school ahead of the 2020–21 school year.
Queen Creek Unified School District has Online Enrollment
The online enrollment portal will give parents and guardians the flexibility to upload documents and enroll students from the comfort of their own computer in their own home.
Queen Creek High School Tennis Courts Can be Reserved Three Evenings a Week
Queen Creek High School tennis courts are available to reserve 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings. Rentals will run through July 20.
A Warm Welcome
Student Success: Shout-out to Queen Creek High School Link Crew for going the extra mile to make incoming freshmen feel welcome and thank you azfamily 3TV CBS 5 for highlighting the actions of these student leaders!!
Stories from the 2019–2020 School Year
Volunteers in Professional Industries Needed to Help Students with Mock Interviews
The Queen Creek Unified School District is in need of volunteers from professional industries to conduct mock interviews with high school students.
Queen Creek Staff Members Complete a Stop the Bleed Course
The American College of Surgeons Stop the Bleed program has trained over one million people worldwide. On Monday, January 27, more than 50 Queen Creek Unified (QCUSD) staff members completed the Stop the Bleed course.
Military Family in Queen Creek Reunited After Nearly Two Years Apart
A military family in Queen Creek, Arizona reunited after nearly two years apart. The surprise took months to plan but the tear-filled reunion was worth the wait.
Queen Creek Teen with Special Needs Refuses to Be Defined by Disability, Gears Up for Wrestling Weekend
Wrestling is one of the toughest sports there is, but it didn't stop a Queen Creek teenager with special needs from getting involved.
Valley Students Excited to Vote for the First Time in November Election
The November Presidential Election will be the first time many young people will cast a vote, including seniors at Queen Creek High School.
Queen Creek Unified School District Hiring for Variety of Positions
The Queen Creek Unified School District is hiring. "We actively seek highly qualified, dedicated employees to work in our district. If you have an interest in joining our talented team, check out our current job openings," according to a release.
QCUSD Middle School Name Changes Approved
The Queen Creek Unified School District Governing Board changed the names as part of a consent agenda vote.
Tax Credit Donations Benefit Queen Creek Unified School District Schools
QCUSD students benefit directly from these donations because the money may only be used for student-focused activities that enhance their educational learning environment.
School Showcases Planned January 23 by Queen Creek Unified School District
Enrollment for the 2020–2021 school year is right around the corner at Queen Creek Unified School District. Families new to the Queen Creek area are encouraged to attend showcases happening at all QCUSD elementary schools from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 23, according to a release.
Queen Creek Teen in Wheelchair Gears Up for Wrestling Season
A 14-year-old boy with special needs in Queen Creek has no limitations. Cole Ludwig is in a wheelchair, but that doesn’t stop him from being on the Newell Barney Junior High School wrestling team.
Queen Creek Unified School District Welcomes Katherine Mecham Barney Elementary
The Queen Creek Unified School District Governing Board on Wednesday, Dec. 10 voted unanimously to approve the adoption of the name of the district’s newest school: Katherine Mecham Barney Elementary.
Brookline College Nursing Students to Work With Queen Creek Nurses
A clinical agreement recently approved between Brookline College and Queen Creek Unified School District allows nursing students to work with district nurses as part of a school practicum. The Queen Creek Unified School District Governing Board approved the agreement as part of a November 12 consent agenda. It also received approval from both Brookline’s attorneys and the district’s attorneys, according to the meeting’s agenda.
Home Depot Donates Paint, Soil, Other Items to Frances Brandon Pickett Elementary
Miscellaneous items valued at $500 were recently donated by the Home Depot to Frances Brandon Pickett Elementary School, 22076 E. Village Loop Road South in Queen Creek. The donation was approved by the Queen Creek Unified School District Governing Board as part of a November 12 consent agenda.
Final Election Results: Maricopa County Voters Weigh In On K-12 Bonds, Overrides
Voters in dozens of school districts across Maricopa County decided whether those districts can borrow more and spend more on K–12 public schools. Of the 26 school districts casting votes for bonds and overrides, or in some cases both, the final tally, released late Friday evening, show voters in 21 districts favor boosting funding.
Early Results Show Queen Creek School District Budget Override Renewed
Unofficial numbers (10,982 ballots cast in the mail on November 5 election) show voters in favor of continuing the Queen Creek Unified School District’s maintenance and operations 15% budget override, according to unofficial early results posted by the Maricopa County Recorder’s Office.
Chasity Cruz selected principal for QCUSD Elementary School No 8.
Chasity Cruz is selected as the principal of the Queen Creek Unified School District’s newest elementary school, yet-to-be-named elementary No. 8.
Parent Institute Class November 26 on Dangers of Distracted Driving
We will hold a parent institute class on the dangers of distracted driving in Queen Creek. The class is free and is at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 26, at the Queen Creek Unified School District office, 20217 E. Chandler Heights Road in Queen Creek.
QCUSD Teacher Heather Hilland Named Educator of the Year by QC Chamber
Desert Mountain Elementary teacher Heather Hilland with Principal Jim Richardson. (Submitted photo)
The Queen Creek Chamber of Commerce held its 10th Annual Business Awards Dinner on Thursday, September 19 at Encanterra Country Club. Community members, businesses, and a teacher were honored with awards.
How Queen Creek Helps Students Succeed After Graduation
Queen Creek Unified School District seeks to help students succeed with post-secondary and business partnerships, rigorous course offerings, and technological skills. Queen Creek Unified’s mission is to empower each student to achieve excellence in all pursuits and lead with integrity. This mission drives the district’s strategic plan which has five priorities; the first priority being helping students succeed.
Queen Creek Educator Wins Mac and Gaydos’ Pay Tribute to a Teacher
The first KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Mac & Gaydos’ Pay Tribute to a Teacher award of the 2019–20 school year goes to a Queen Creek educator lauded for his work with special needs students.
A+ Teacher of the Week: This Queen Creek Teacher is Shaping the Future
Helen Litle is an incredible kindergarten teacher in Queen Creek. Trisha Hendricks shares her story.
Back to School: Desert Mountain Elementary
FOX 10's Cory McCloskey is hanging out with students in Queen Creek at Desert Mountain Elementary.
New High School in Mesa Lets Students Pick Career Paths
A brand new high school is opening in the East Valley and it's far from your traditional high school.
A+ Teacher of the Week
Building Exceptional Relationships: Teacher at Queen Creek Middle School receives A+ Teacher of the Week award.
Arizona Schools Can Apply For State Money To Hire Police Officers, Counselors, Social Workers
Starting Sept. 16, Arizona public schools can apply for money to hire police officers, counselors, and social workers. The State Board of Education approved the new application process for the School Safety Program at its meeting Monday.
Queen Creek Football Aims for Championship Season with Joe Germaine Back as Head Coach
Joe Germaine almost forgot what it takes to be a head coach. Lots of paperwork, administrative duties, making sure the lower levels, feeder programs are up to speed.
High-tech School Opening Soon Near Mesa, Queen Creek Border
A brand new high school is opening in the East Valley and it's far from your traditional high school.
Arizona Teachers Get Pay Raises for New School Year
As the new school year gets underway, teachers are seeing more money in their paychecks. Teachers in the Mesa Unified School District got 5% pay raises this school year after getting 10% raises last year.
Stories from the 2018–2019 School Year
High School Robotics Team Makes it to National Competition
For months, a robotics team out of Queen Creek High School has been preparing for a national competition. They've designed a robot to work underwater, and the competition is this weekend.
Bus Driver Shortage Hurts AZ Schools: What's Working to Recruit & Retain
School bus drivers are critically important to getting students to and from school safely, but many districts are having difficulty recruiting and retaining them due to low unemployment and the strong economy.
Valley Construction Company Using Virtual Reality Goggles to Unveil New Project
A Valley construction project is using virtual reality goggles as a way to show off its vision to the community.
5th Grade Spelling Champ
Meet Claire Nelson. She is a 5th grade spelling champion and a student at Gateway Polytechnic Academy. Find out how she prepared, and learn her tips for competition success.
Queen Creek Students Make Light-Up Valentines
Fourth graders at Queen Creek Elementary School made Valentine's Day cards that light up. The cards were part of a project to teach the students about circuits.
Get Kindergarten Ready with Queen Creek
Video - Kindergarten teacher, Ms. Corey Rislund, is here with your guide to prepare your child for kindergarten.
Queen Creek Baseball Coach Mikel Moreno Deployed
Mikel Moreno, the former Mesa High and Arizona State standout who was The Arizona Republic's Coach of the Year in 2017, is in Afghanistan serving his country as a captain in the Army reserves.
8 Valley Companies Hiring Right Now
Looking for work? Check out these eight valley companies looking for people right now.
Eastmark High First Basketball Coach Named
Shawn Lynch, who coached Mesa to the 2003-04 6A state boys basketball championship, will become Queen Creek Eastmark's first boys basketball coach when the school opens in the summer.
Joe Germaine Returns to Lead Queen Creek Football Program as Head Coach
Joe Germaine, who led Queen Creek to its only football state championship as head coach, will return to that role at the 6A school.
After a year away from high school football, former Brophy Prep coach Scooter Molander has been hired to build the football program at Eastmark High, a new school in the Queen Creek Unified School District.
The Queen Creek Fire and Medical Department donated 300 feet of old hose. The district cut the material into 600 roughly six-inch sleeves that, when slipped over the arm of a door closer, help prevent it from opening.
Mark Underwood - QCHS Sports Announcer
Video blog on QCHS sports announcer.
Fox10 News Visits Faith Mather Sossaman Elementary
Fox10 Video: Cory visits Sossaman Elementary.
Fox10 News visits Frances-Brandon Pickett Elementary
Fox10 News visits Frances-Brandon Pickett Elementary for boo bubbles event.
A New 'Escape the Room' Experience
At Queen Creek High School, students are trading their typical study sessions in the library for a timed challenge to solve puzzles and riddles using logic and reasoning skills.
Former Board Member Shares Thoughts on Past and Future of QCUSD
Former board member shares thoughts on past and future of QCUSD.
QCUSD Teacher Surprised on Radio
QCUSD Teacher surprised on the JohnJay and Rich show for the LoveUp movement.
9/11 School Assembly Focuses on First Responders
The third grade class at Desert Mountain Elementary School in Queen Creek, born nine years after 9/11, is learning about that fateful day.
ABC Channel 3 Visits Newell Barney Middle School
ABC Channel 3 visits Newell Barney Middle School for Veterans Day memorial.
Queen Creek School District Building New School in Fast-Growing Area
Queen Creek Unified School District's new elementary school will be built on 15 acres. It will serve up to 950 students in pre-k through fifth grade.
East Valley School District to Build $28.8M School in Rapidly Growing Area
East Valley school district to build $28.8M school in rapidly growing area. This will be the district's seventh elementary school in Queen Creek.
Students at Queen Creek High School Remember Mccain
John McCain was a senator for Arizona the whole time students at Queen Creek High School have been alive. This past week they have been learning about The Maverick and they reflect on the lessons his legacy leaves behind.
Tale of Family Separation Captures Attention of Queen Creek Students
Book captured the attention of Ms. Thompson’s fifth-grade class at Queen Creek Unified School District’s Desert Mountain Elementary. They got to Skype with the author.
Information on QCUSD’s Discovery Kids Fall Camp 2018 and Youth Athletic Program
Check out our flyers for upcoming winter events with our Kids Camp and Youth Athletics program.
Queen Creek Unified School District Breaks Ground on Elementary #7
Community members joined Queen Creek Unified School District officials on September 10, 2018, to celebrate the groundbreaking of QCUSD elementary school #7.
Lunch Lessons beyond the Cafeteria in Queen Creek
Dustin Walker, director of Child Nutrition with the Queen Creek School District, talks about how district’s food, contrary to popular belief, is actually healthy.
Many Valley Schools Are Back in Session. But Why so Early?
Many Valley schools are back in session, but why so early? Allison Carmichael, principal at Gateway Polytechnic Academy tells us why.
Chandler Woman New QC High School Principal
A Chandler woman is thrilled to be working in her new role as principal on a campus where she already has made many contributions.
Growing Eastmark Gets a Name for High School
Six years ago, Eastmark in Mesa was a developer’s dream. Last week, it got a name for its new high school – the third school setting up shop in the rapidly growing 7,400-home community.
Queen Creek Unified School District Announced the Name of Its New Secondary Education Campus
Across the Valley, Queen Creek Unified School District announced the name of its new secondary education campus — Eastmark High.
Now Hiring: Eight Places Looking for Workers in the Valley
The Queen Creek Unified School District is hiring for multiple positions! Open jobs include custodians, child nutrition workers, and bus drivers. Interested in learning more about other jobs in the district?
Stories from the 2017–2018 School Year
Queen Creek Unified School District presents Lion King Jr.
FOX 10's Cory McCloskey gets a preview of the Lion King Jr. production in Queen Creek.
Queen Creek School District Feeds Hundreds with Free Summer Program
Many families utilize the summer meal program to save money and make sure their kids get nutritious food all summer long.