Welcome back to the second quarter of the 2026–2027 school year! The first quarter was filled with exciting events, student achievements, and meaningful community connections across Queen Creek Unified School District. Thank you to our parents, PTOs, volunteers, teachers, students, and staff for helping us start the year strong. Here are some highlights from each school!
Desert Mountain Elementary
- Celebrated 30 years of learning, growth, and educational excellence!
- Opened a student-selected book vending machine created by the LOL Club to reward students through the PawPoints program.
Faith Mather Sossaman Elementary
- Collected an incredible 1,575 jars of peanut and other nut butters through the school’s community drive to support Feeding America and families in need.
- Hosted family learning night, bringing students and families together for an evening of learning and fun.
Frances Brandon-Pickett Elementary
- Hosted grand night of reading, featuring reading activities, a book fair, and a student council craft station for Mustang families.
- Held a students vs. staff/parents dodgeball game, combining friendly competition with teamwork, coordination, and physical activity.
Gateway Polytechnic Academy
- Welcomed the Eastmark High School girls flag football team, who helped greet students with high-fives and encouragement during morning drop-off.
- Celebrated Constitution Day as students learned about the nation’s founding document and the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.
Jack Barnes Elementary
- Hosted donuts with grownups, sponsored by Haven Health and organized by the PTO, bringing families together to start the day.
- Enjoyed a successful family swim event at the Queen Creek Aquatics Center, sponsored by the PTO.
Katherine Mecham Barney Elementary
- Celebrated Ms. Holbrook, who was named a finalist for the Town of Queen Creek Chamber educator of the year.
- Hosted grandparents and literacy night, giving students and their grandparents an opportunity to share favorite books and make lasting memories.
Mountain Trail Academy
- Celebrated music teacher Miss Hilland, who was featured in an ABC15 segment highlighting the mother-daughter teaching duo at Queen Creek Unified School District.
- Prepared for the first Soaring Summit of the school year, celebrating students’ hard work through house competitions, games, and yearbook activities.
Queen Creek Elementary
- Celebrated grandparents day, recognizing the special connections between students and their grandparents.
- Partnered with the PTO and United Portraits for new school fence banners, strengthening community partnerships that support Queen Creek Elementary.
Schnepf Elementary
- Welcomed the Queen Creek Fire Department for a kindergarten visit focused on fire safety.
- Honored local first responders during a September 11 commemoration, thanking them for their service to the community.
Silver Valley Elementary
- Student leader Alexis shared how staff model the Leader in Me Eight Habits and led community partners in writing appreciation notes to staff.
- Received more than $5,000 worth of school supplies from the City of Mesa and Sundt Construction, supporting students and staff.
Newell Barney College Prep
- Offered students opportunities to build connections and leadership skills through first-quarter athletics, robotics, drama, Dungeons & Dragons, StuGo, and other activities.
- Strengthened campus partnerships as the Newell Barney College Prep PTO installed a new shade structure.
Queen Creek Junior High School
- Celebrated the successful debut of unified sports basketball, including a first-game victory over San Tan Junior High.
- Congratulated Kyle Olson on being named middle level athletics director of the year at the AIAAA conference.
Crismon High School
- Hosted the AZ College Consortium College Fair, connecting students with college representatives to explore admissions, degree programs, financial aid, and post-graduation opportunities.
- HOSA students expanded their learning through interactive field trips, networking with professionals, and demonstrating public speaking skills before an audience of more than 250 people.
Eastmark High School
- Hosted its first JROTC Raider meet, “The Beast,” welcoming 21 teams and more than 200 cadets for a day of competition and camaraderie. Eastmark fielded three teams.
- Earned recognition among the top high schools in the state, ranking number 44 in the Phoenix area and number 55 in Arizona out of nearly 1,400 high schools.
Queen Creek High School
- Celebrated Taryn Whelan, who received the 2026 educator of the year award at the Queen Creek Chamber of Commerce Business Awards dinner.
- Recognized Ashley Deane for winning the $1,000 Fulton Homes School Salute contest from BIG 94.5.
- Performed at the Town of Queen Creek Constitution Concert, where Queen Creek High School chorale joined high school singers from across Queen Creek for the finale celebrating Constitution Week and America’s 250th anniversary.
District-Wide Highlights
- Student leaders from across Queen Creek Unified School District gathered for the annual Lead Out Loud conference to share ideas and strengthen their leadership and service skills. Keynote speaker Aaron Golub inspired students with his story of resilience and perseverance.
- Schools honored first responders in recognition of September 11, with Schnepf Elementary hosting a first responders parade and Katherine Mecham Barney Elementary hosting a first responders breakfast.
- Celebrated 116 Queen Creek Unified School District students who earned a perfect score of five on their advanced placement (AP) exams last school year!