Students Earn Perfect Scores on Math and ELA Portions of 2023 AASA

Congratulations to our 2023 perfect score students! During the Governing Board meeting on Thursday, August 17th, students who received a perfect score on both the Math and English Language Arts (ELA) portions of the 2023 Spring administration of the Arizona's Academic Standards Assessment were recognized for their amazing accomplishment. Congratulations to:

• Dante K., eighth grader at Abraham Lincoln Traditional School;
• Brissa L. and Ellie T., eighth graders at Cholla Middle School; and
• Lia L., fifth grader at Sahuaro Elementary School.

The WESD Family is so proud of our perfect score students and their dedication to academic achievement. Thank you to their teachers for their guidance and support.

Palo Verde Holds Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for New HVAC Units and Water Bottle Filling Stations

It was a special celebration at Palo Verde Middle School on Thursday, August 17th, as a ribbon cutting ceremony was held to recognize the school's new HVAC units and water bottle filling stations. Thanks to the $4.5 million grant from the Phoenix City Council, 98 new HVAC units were installed at Palo Verde as well as six water bottle filling stations. This project was funded by HUD through the CARES Act and the Community Development Block Grant. As part of the grant, Ocotillo Elementary School, Roadrunner Elementary and Washington Elementary also received six new water bottle filling stations each. Palo Verde and Ocotillo each received one handwashing station as well. In addition, Ocotillo received 11 new A/C units. These additions will enhance the learning environment for students at all four campuses. We appreciate the support of all our city and community partners who made this possible!

Governing Board Approves New Land Acknowledgment at Recent Meeting

Another special highlight of the Governing Board meeting on August 17th, was the approval of a new Land Acknowledgement that will be read at the beginning of each Board meeting. The acknowledgement was presented by members of the WESD Indian Parent Committee (IPC), which is facilitated by Jaimie Brown, WESD Title VI coordinator. The statement is an acknowledgement that a public event is taking place on land that was originally inhabited by Indigenous people. We are proud to add this acknowledgement as we continue to create an equitable and inclusive environment and celebrate the many cultures across our district.

Maryland Hosts Dedication Ceremony for Wellness Room

Students at Maryland School can now enjoy a new Wellness Center thanks to hospital employees from Abrazo Central Campus. Earlier this week on Wednesday, August 23rd, Maryland held a dedication ceremony to unveil the new Wellness Center, which offers students a calming environment to help with emotional needs. The room was made possible due to the support of Abrazo Central Campus employees who helped with painting and outfitting the area. Physicians from the hospital’s medical staff also provided funding for furniture and equipment, for a total contribution valued at more than $12,000. During the ceremony, guests and students had the opportunity to tour the room and all it has to offer. We are grateful for the support of the Abrazo Central Campus, and know this new Wellness Center will greatly support the mental health of our students.