Watch and Read News Stories about QCUSD
Take a moment to watch or read stories about Queen Creek Unified School District in the news. You will find various news stories from throughout the school year posted on this page. Enjoy!
June
Meet the Teacher: JuliAnne Ebright
Article about QCE teacher JuliAnne Ebright
Propelling More Kids to College through AVID’s Teacher-centric Efforts
In Queen Creek Unified School District (QCUSD), students are benefiting from increased teacher training and support. It’s part of a national program aimed at closing the achievement gap and creating a college-going culture in schools.
Queen Creek Students to Compete in Underwater Robot Competition
Students from Queen Creek High School will compete this Friday in the National Underwater Robotics Challenge.
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.
Meet the Teacher: Katelyn Turnbull (Bailes)
Article about QCMS Teacher Katelyn Turnbull (Bailes)
Dawn Kennaugh New Principal at Jack Barnes Elementary
Dawn Kennaugh is the new principal of Jack Barnes Elementary School in the Queen Creek Unified School District. Mrs. Kennaugh’s hiring approval happened at the May 14 QCUSD Governing Board meeting. She will take over for Laura Valenciano who is retiring after this school year, according to a release.
Summer Camps Offered at Three Queen Creek Schools
We will offer Discovery Kids Break Camps at three locations in the Queen Creek Unified School District. The summer camps are at 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. from Monday through Friday through July 19 (not July 4).
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.
May
Queen Creek High School Nursing Students Take Top Honors at State
Queen Creek High School nursing students are heading to a national nursing competition. The students are in the QCHS Medical Professions class and are a part of the Queen Creek HOSA Club.
Free Breakfast, Lunch for All Under 18 Offered by Queen Creek School District
The Queen Creek Unified School District’s Child Nutrition department is offering a summer feeding program starting May 28. All children 18 and under are welcome to eat breakfast and lunch at no charge.
Queen Creek Students present Capstone Projects
Queen Creek Unified School District fifth grade ELP gifted students presented their capstone projects on May 16 to a panel of judges, including district leaders, board members, and parents.
Narancic appointed to Queen Creek Unified School District Governing Board
Courtney Narancic is the newest member of the Queen Creek Unified School District Governing Board.
Enrollment, Incoming-Athletes Events Planned at Eastmark High School
Two events are planned in April for Eastmark High School in the Queen Creek Unified School District.
Queen Creek Unified School District Middle School Bands Achieve Superior with Distinction Ratings
Newell Barney and Queen Creek Middle Schools, the two middle schools of the Queen Creek Unified School District, scored Superior with Distinction ratings at this year’s Arizona Band and Orchestra Directors Association Festival.
Dr. Berry: Growth, Opportunity at Queen Creek Unified School District
Two words have become synonymous with Queen Creek Unified School District. Those words are growth and opportunity.
Leuschner Named Athletics Director for Eastmark High School
Kraig Leuschner has been hired as the athletics director of Eastmark High School, the newest school in the Queen Creek Unified School District. Eastmark High School is to open in July in the Eastmark community near Ellsworth and Ray.
Diab Scott New Director of CTE and Curriculum at Queen Creek Unified School District
Nancy Diab Scott has been hired as the new director of career and technical education and curriculum for Queen Creek Unified School District.
Community Takes Part in Queen Creek Unified Engagement Event
Queen Creek Unified School District’s mission is to empower each student to achieve excellence in all pursuits and lead with integrity. Effective partnerships are imperative when it comes to achieving this mission.
Meet the Principal: Allison Carmichael to Make Jump to Silver Valley Elementary
Article about Principal Allison Carmichael
Your Family Recipe Could Be Featured on QCUSD School Menu
The Queen Creek Unified School District’s Child Nutrition Department is seeking a family recipe to be featured on the school menu for the 2019–20 school year.
Queen Creek Unified School District Middle School Bands Achieve Superior with Distinction Ratings
Newell Barney and Queen Creek Middle Schools, the two middle schools of the Queen Creek Unified School District, scored Superior with Distinction ratings at this year’s Arizona Band and Orchestra Directors Association festival.
QCUSD Student Named State Competition Semifinalist
Queen Creek Middle School seventh grader, Matthew Dillon, has been notified by the National Geographic Society that he is one of 100 semifinalists eligible to compete in the Arizona State GeoBee.
Queen Creek School Receives National AVID Recognition
Newell Barney Middle School (NBMS) in the Queen Creek Unified School District was named an AVID National Demonstration School on Tuesday, January 22, 2019.
Meet the Principal: Chasity Cruz of Queen Creek Elementary
Article about QCE Principal Chasity Cruz
Meet the Principal: Jim Richardson of Desert Mountain Elementary School
Article about DME Principal Jim Richardson
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.
TI's Chloe Smarter Than A 7th Grader?
Queen Creek student wins Geography Bee
Queen Creek Middle School Student Dillon National Geographic Society State Competition Semi-Finalist
Queen Creek Middle School seventh-grader Matthew Dillon has been notified by the National Geographic Society that he is one of 100 semifinalists eligible to compete in the Arizona State GeoBee.
Swaninger New Gateway Polytechnic Academy Principal
Thomas Swaninger is the new principal of Gateway Polytechnic Academy. Mr. Swaninger’s hiring was approved at the March 5 Queen Creek Unified School District Governing Board meeting.
Pugh New Principal for Newell Barney Middle School
Luke Pugh is the new principal of Newell Barney Middle School, a National AVID Demonstration School. The hiring of Mr. Pugh was approved at the March 5 Queen Creek Unified School District Governing Board meeting.
Fashion-Club Students Traveling to Los Angeles for Field Trip
Queen Creek High School Fashion Club students are traveling to Los Angeles April 5 through April 6 for a field trip. The trip was approved as part of a consent agenda March 5 by the Queen Creek Unified School District Governing Board.
Queen Creek Team to Attend U.S. Open Robotics Championship
Robotics students at a Queen Creek middle school are to travel out of state April 3 through April 7 for a field trip. The trip for Newell Barney Middle School national robotics students was approved as part of a consent agenda March 5 by the Queen Creek Unified School District Governing Board.
Meet the Teacher: Tammy Dolence Values Strong Relationships
Article about QCE teacher Tammy Dolence
Meet the Teacher: Kelli Gordon Loves to See Student Growth
Article about GPA teacher Kelli Gordon
Meet the Teacher: Monica Mesman Wants Strong Community at Sossaman Elementary
Article about FMSE teacher Monica Mesman
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 Teacher Job Fair Slated for February 27
The Queen Creek Unified School District is looking for new team members to join its teaching team.
Calling all Kindergartners: QCUSD Student Round-Up on February 21
The Queen Creek Unified School District is hosting a kindergarten round-up at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 12 at all elementary schools in the district.
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.
Shawn Lynch Named Boys Basketball Coach at Eastmark High School
Pending approval from the Queen Creek Unified School District Governing Board, Superintendent Perry Berry announced the hiring of Shawn Lynch as the head boys basketball coach of Eastmark High School.
Schureman Steps Down as Head Coach at Queen Creek
Travis Schureman stepped down as the head coach of the Queen Creek football program on Wednesday morning. Offensive coordinator Joe Germaine will resume his role as the Bulldogs head coach.
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.
Queen Creek High School Athletic Director Paul Reynolds Announced New Head Coach
Queen Creek High School Athletic Director Paul Reynolds announced Joe Germaine will return as head coach of the QCHS football team. Coach Germaine will resume his head coaching responsibilities starting with the 2019-20 school year.
Full-Day Preschool OK’d for Queen Creek School District
A full-day preschool option has been approved for the 2019–20 school year in the Queen Creek Unified School District.
New High School Featuring Career Path Academies Opens in Queen Creek
Eastmark High School, a comprehensive school featuring Career Path Academies, will open this July for students in seventh through tenth grades and registration for students has begun.
Silver Valley Elementary Selected as Name of Cadence at Gateway School
Silver Valley Elementary was the selection as the official name of Elementary School No. 7 in the Cadence at Gateway community near Ellsworth and Ray roads.
Meet the Teacher: Corey Rislund Finds QCUSD through Job Fair
Article on Corey Rislund, Frances Brandon Pickett Elementary Teacher.
Meet the Teacher: QCHS’s Gabriel Gahn Follows Father into Teaching
Article on Gabriel Gahn, QCHS
Nelson, Glonek, Aguirre Top Queen Creek School District Spellers
More than 20 Queen Creek Unified School District students competed on January 17 in the district spelling bee at the Queen Creek Performing Arts Center. And the winners are
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.
- Scooter Molander Hired to start Eastmark Football Program in East Valley
- Scooter Molander Hired to Build Eastmark High Football Program
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation to be Taught in Arizona High Schools
Starting next school year, a 2016 Senate bill will require all public and charter school districts in Arizona to teach students CPR at least once during their high school career. Additionally, the Queen Creek Fire and Medical Department and Superstition fire and medical district are dedicated to teaching students the lifesaving effort.
Queen Creek Reaffirms Support for Quality Education
At the December 11 Queen Creek Unified School District Governing Board meeting, governing board members and district leaders in partnership with the Town of Queen Creek joined to announce their support of the Arizona Education Progress Meter.
Queen Creek School District Preschool Programs Preparing Little Learners for the Future
Queen Creek Unified School District is proud to provide a variety of preschool options to engage preschool students, ages three to five, in social and emotional learning and pre-academics.
Queen Creek Middle School HOSA Students Give Back to Community
As a way to give back to the Queen Creek community, the Queen Creek Middle School (QCMS) student HOSA club held a canned food drive in November to help the Queen Creek Family Resource Center (FRC).
Video: Queen Creek is Home to Free Preschool for Migrant Children
The Queen Creek Unified School District is offering free preschool to migrant families. These are families who work on dairy farms.
Dr. Matt Strom New Associate Superintendent at Queen Creek Unified School District
Dr. Perry Berry, superintendent of Queen Creek Unified School District, has announced the hiring of Dr. Matt Strom as QCUSD associate superintendent of business and operations.
Ken Brague Enters Tenth Year on Queen Creek Unified School District Governing Board
Ken Brague on Dec. 11 took the oath of office for another term as a governing board member in the Queen Creek Unified School District.
QCUSD Board Member Samantha Davis Sworn-in at East Valley Ceremony
Newly elected Queen Creek Unified School District Governing Board member Samantha Davis, was sworn in during an Oath of Office ceremony for East Valley school districts.
Queen Creek Students Learn CPR from Local Firefighters
Queen Creek High School students learned CPR on Wednesday, November 21 thanks to local firefighters. More than 2,000 students practiced hands-only CPR under the guidance of firefighters from the Queen Creek Fire and Medical Department.
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.
Queen Creek School District Parent Institute Courses Slated
QCUSD is hosting free classes focused on issues affecting families at home and at school.
Arizona School Administrators Association Names Its Superintendents of the Year
Queen Creek superintendent Perry Berry named All-Arizona Superintendent of the Year for Large Districts for 2018–19.
Mark Underwood - QCHS Sports Announcer
Video blog on QCHS sports announcer.
Arizona Education Department Gives As and Bs Grades for Queen Creek Schools
Queen Creek Unified School District received A and B grades for academic growth; proficiency on English language arts, math and science; and other measurements.
QCUSD Defines Boundaries for New Schools
Eastmark High School and Elementary #7 have boundaries after the Queen Creek Unified School District Governing Board approved them at its Tuesday, Oct. 16 meeting.
Queen Creek School District Board Updated on Override Bonds
The Queen Creek Unified School District may go out for a maintenance and operations override in November 2019, according to a recent presentation made to the governing board.
Gateway Polytechnic Fills School Bus with Donations for Food Bank
GPA fills school bus with donations for food bank. Additionally, all other QCUSD schools are collecting food donations for food boxes to be given to community members.
Fox10 News Visits Faith Mather Sossaman Elementary
Fox10 Video: Cory visits Sossaman Elementary.
November Brings Two New Events to Queen Creek High School
Queen Creek High School will celebrate two firsts next month. A fall festival will take place Saturday, Nov. 3, and the JROTC will conduct its initial rummage sale Saturday, Nov. 17.
Fox10 News visits Frances-Brandon Pickett Elementary
Fox10 News visits Frances-Brandon Pickett Elementary for boo bubbles event.
Queen Creek High School College & Career Specialist, Shelli Boggs, Is a Salon Owner and Nonprofit Founder
Mrs. Boggs, previously known for her nationally recognized nonprofit Happy Hair Bands, is in her first year as the college and career specialist at Queen Creek High School.
QCUSD Superintendent Meets with Fifth Grade Student to Discuss Recycling
One Queen Creek Unified School District student, Jack S., who attends Gateway Polytechnic Academy, had the opportunity to meet one-on-one with QCUSD Superintendent Dr. Perry Berry.
Queen Creek School District to Host Suicide Prevention Discussion
The Queen Creek Unified School District is hosting the More than Sad: Suicide Prevention for Parents program to teach parents about the signs of suicide and how to get their children help.
Meet the Teacher: Stephanie Mejia Teaches, Coaches Students to Success
Article on Stephanie Mejia, QCHS.
Chemistry, Speed, and Strength: Queen Creek High School Defense Shines through Recent Success
QCHS Bulldogs describe the necessity of a football team’s defense and teamwork on and off the field.
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.
QCUSD Breaks Ground on New Elementary School in Mesa
Queen Creek Unified School District officials invited community members to join them on September 10 to celebrate the groundbreaking of QCUSD elementary school No. 7.
2018–19 Queen Creek School District Parent Institute Courses Announced
The Queen Creek Unified School District is expanding its Parent Institute offerings for the 2018–19 school year, hosting free classes focused on issues affecting families at home and at school.
Queen Creek School District Names Principal for New Elementary School
Allison Carmichael has been named the principal of the district’s newest elementary school, which is scheduled to open in July in Mesa’s Cadence at Gateway subdivision.
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.
Meet the Teacher: Hunsaker
Meet the Teacher: Hunsaker strives to be a positive influence at QCHS
Queen Creek Teacher Lafawn Berry Awarded $2,000 for Her Innovative Program
LaFawn Berry, a teacher at Gateway Polytechnic Academy in Queen Creek, has received a $2,000 grant as part of Voya Financial Inc.’s unsung heroes awards competition.
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.
Queen Creek School Resource Officer Agreements Approved
On June 20, the Queen Creek Town Council approved agreements with two school districts for school resource officers. They are with the Queen Creek and Chandler unified school districts.
Queen Creek High School Begins Program Focused on Spreading Positivity
Local students are taking the Rachel’s Challenge, a nonprofit created by Rachel’s family to help equip and empower individuals to replace acts of violence, bullying, and negativity with acts of respect, kindness, and compassion.
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.
Meet the Teacher: Ellie Hardt
Meet the Teacher: Ellie Hardt loves kids and has six of her own.
Meet the Teacher: Joe Fraley
Meet the Teacher: Joe Fraley teaches EDP classes and coaches flag football.
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?
Queen Creek District Approves Purchase of Land for Seventh Elementary School
The governing board recently decided to purchase a 15-acre site in Cadence at Gateway phases two-three in Mesa for a new Queen Creek Unified School District elementary school. The property for the district’s seventh elementary school is generally southeast of Ray and Ellsworth roads.
Queen Creek Unified School District Hosts Event for Faith Mather Sossaman Elementary
The Queen Creek Unified School District, in collaboration with McCarthy Construction and The ADM Group, hosted a ribbon-cutting event Tuesday, July 10 for Faith Mather Sossaman Elementary School.
Meet the Bus Driver: Nikki Metcalf
Meet the Bus Driver: Riders on this bus learn rules about safety, respect, and “no food.”
Queen Creek School District Bus Routes
Students in the Queen Creek Unified School District will return to class on Tuesday, July 24, 2018. To help families prepare, QCUSD has information for students and parents about bus routes for the 2018 –2019 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.
Valley High School Encouraging Students to Become Nurses
The Queen Creek Unified School District understands there is a growing need for nurses; so new this year, Queen Creek High School now offers Medical Professions 1 and 2 for juniors and seniors.