At Frances Brandon-Pickett Elementary, students don’t just attend school—they become part of a caring, connected community. With a dedicated staff, supportive families, and a focus on academic and personal growth, the school is a shining example of the Queen Creek Unified School District’s (QCUSD) commitment to excellence.
For attendance clerk and registrar Maria Peru, her role is about more than paperwork. “Knowing that I’m the first point of contact, I try to be welcoming and make sure everyone feels supported,” she explained. “The students here bring so much life and energy, and the staff here is like family. We all work together to support each other.” As a Queen Creek resident and QCUSD alum, Maria is proud to serve the community she grew up in.
First-grade teacher Jewells Sommer brings the same sense of family to her classroom. With 13 years in Queen Creek, Sommer has taught generations of students. “I’ve had seniors come back to visit me. I’ve taught siblings over the years, which I love,” she said. “We are such a family here. We take care of each other and support each other—it really is a tight-knit family.”
In her classroom, Sommer makes learning engaging with her “first-grade flock” theme. She believes in celebrating students and creating fun, hands-on lessons that inspire a love of learning. “We put our heart and soul into everything we do here,” she said.
When asked why families should #ChooseQCUSD, both staff members shared the same message: QCUSD provides a well-rounded education in a family-friendly environment where students are valued, supported, and set up for success.