WESD Announces 2024 Lamp of Learning Honorees

We recently announced our 2024 Lamp of Learning honorees. Each year, the district recognizes the unique and exemplary contributions of special members of the WESD Family by honoring them with the Lamp of Learning Award. This award serves as a special opportunity to thank staff and community members for supporting the education of our students and is the highest recognition given by the district. This year, we celebrate 18 extraordinary people who represent the vision, mission and values of the WESD.

Congratulations to:

• Jessica Burillo, Lakeview Elementary School;
• Haidi Chacon, Washington Resource Information Center/WESD Social Services;
• Kelly D'Andrea, Sunnyslope School/WESD Nutrition Services;
• Johnna Faust, Desert View Elementary School;
• Amy Fernandez, Administrative Center – Superintendent’s Office;
• Danielle Huerta, Ironwood Elementary School;
• Ritchie Iafrate, Chaparral Elementary School;
• Cheri Johnson, Sweetwater School;
• Harry Leon, WESD Safety & Mentoring;
• Caitlyn Leslie, Orangewood School;
• Peoria Subaru, Sunburst Elementary School;
• Cathy Phelps, Sweetwater School;
• Rula Prock, Tumbleweed Elementary School;
• Leon Shinsky, Maryland School;
• Shannon Tucker, Administrative Center – Superintendent’s Office;
• Stephen Whynott, John Jacobs Elementary School;
• Mark Williams, Cholla Middle School; and
• Krystin Yee, Royal Palm Middle School.

Chaparral Celebrates 50th Anniversary

The Chaparral Elementary School 50th Anniversary Celebration was a great success. On March 8th, students, staff and alumni kicked off the event with a parade through the campus. Guests then gathered on the basketball courts for some special remarks from Principal Molly Boyer, Governing Board Vice President Kyle Clayton, Governing Board Member and Chaparral parent Lindsey Peterson, former teacher Steve Poe, current staff member Janice Oomens, current Administrative Coach and former student Shannon Bonnette, current Administrative Coach and former Principal Rich Morris, former Principal Kara McDivitt and myself. Afterwards, guests enjoyed games, food trucks and an alumni room.

Thank you to all who joined us and to everyone who made this event possible. It was a wonderful evening of celebrating and reminiscing. To view more photos from the celebration, please click here.

Richard E. Miller, Shaw Butte and Tumbleweed Share Highlights at March 14th Board Meeting

Another group of schools took the spotlight prior to the March 14th Governing Board meeting. This time, Richard E. Miller Elementary School, Shaw Butte Elementary School and Tumbleweed Elementary School each had the opportunity to present and share what makes their campus special with the WESD Family. Each school was introduced by their Administrative Coach, Rich Morris.

To watch the schools' shared highlights on YouTube, please click here.

Palo Verde Wins Middle School Boys Soccer Championship

It was an exciting season of middle school boys’ soccer. Congratulations to Palo Verde Middle School for winning the Middle School Boys Soccer Championship on February 29th. We also want to give a shout out to Mountain Sky Junior High School for coming in second place. The WESD Family is proud of all of our student athletes for showing great play, teamwork and sportsmanship all season long. Thank you to all of the coaches and parents for the support.

Students Display Talents in Spring Musical Performances

March is Music in Our Schools Month and in the WESD, it has been a month filled with beautiful musical performances. Our band, choir, vocal, orchestra and instrumental students have been displaying their talents in spring concerts and festivals all month long. We are so proud of them and their commitment to studying music education. A special thank you to all of our incredible music teachers for their support.

To view more photos of the performances, please click here.

Start a Teaching Career with the WESD

The WESD is looking for teachers for the 2024-2025 school year. Our upcoming Teacher Interview Fair is on Saturday, April 13th, from 8:00 to 11:30 a.m. at Arroyo School, located at 4535 W. Cholla St. We are currently hiring elementary, middle and special education teachers, as well as a speech language pathologist, teacher of visually impaired, occupational therapist and physical therapist.

Our District offers competitive salaries of $53,000-$83,950 (including $3,000 approx. for performance pay), student loan forgiveness, multi-layer teacher support, professional development, school-age child care discounts, a wellness program and EAP, medical, dental and vision benefits, employer-matched contributions to Arizona State Retirement and much more.

Please share this exciting opportunity with your friends, family and neighbors who are teachers or soon-to-be-teachers. Those interested can preschedule an interview by calling 602-347-2622 or emailing Teach@wesdschools.org.

Register for Jumpstart Classes Beginning March 25th (Must Be Registered in a WESD School)

Parents and guardians of incoming kindergartners can help their children gain the tools they need to be successful by registering them for WESD Jumpstart, a free, four-week, half-day kindergarten readiness program. Available at 27 locations in the WESD, the program will be offered this summer from May 28th to June 20th. During the program, children will make friends, learn kindergarten routines and practice kindergarten readiness skills. Free breakfast and lunch are also included. Registration for Jumpstart classes will open on Monday, March 25th. To participate in the program, children must be registered for kindergarten in a WESD school for the 2024-2025 school year. To register your child for kindergarten online, please click here. Kindergarten registration can also be completed in-person by visiting the WESD Welcome and Registration Center, located at 3200 W. Cholla Ave. For more information regarding the Jumpstart program, please call 602-347-2641.

Your Tax Credit Donation Can Help with Extracurricular Activities Including the Arts, Sports, Field Trips and More

Tax season is officially here, and there is still time to reduce your state tax liability (up to $200 filing single or $400 filing jointly) by donating to a WESD school. This year, Tax Day is Monday, April 15th, 2024, which means you have until then to make a tax credit donation that is eligible for your 2023 tax filing. A tax credit donation to a WESD school puts your tax dollars back into our community where they will make a difference for our students. To make an online tax credit donation today, please click here. Thank you for your donation and support.