Excellence: Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow 2020 Community Newsletter

2020 COMMUNITY PUBLICATION A look at the 2019-2020 school year.

Glendale Union High School District

Excellence: Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow

APOLLO CORTEZ GLENDALE GREENWAY INDEPENDENCE MOON VALLEY SUNNYSLOPE THUNDERBIRD WASHINGTON ONLINE LEARNING ACADEMY

World-Class education in your own backyard.

GUHSD isn’t letting the pandemic slow down its pursuit of excellence Despite historic challenges facing schools across the country, GUHSD continues to be a top-performing district within the Metro-Phoenix area. For decades, parents and students within the Phoenix and Glendale areas have selected Glendale Union High School District schools to pursue their high school careers, and 2020 is no different. As a nationally recognized district, GUHSD sets the standard for educational excellence with its wide variety of academics, extracurricular activities, athletics, Career and Technical Education (CTE) options, and much more.

2020 Flinn Scholar GUHSD is proud to highlight Priscilla Villalobos Ixcotoyac from Washington High School who received the prestigious 2020 Flinn Scholarship. In Arizona, 1,014 high school seniors applied for the Flinn Scholarship, producing a less than 2 percent award rate.

The merit-based award, supported by the Phoenixbased Flinn Foundation in partnership with Arizona’s three state universities, covers the full cost of tuition, mandatory fees, housing, meals, and a myriad of exclusive opportunities—a package valued at more than $120,000.

Along with Priscilla, graduating seniors earned a combined total of $83.6 million in scholarships.

2020 National Merit Semifinalists GUHSD is honored to recognize two 2020 National Merit Semifinalists. The semifinalists include Alexis Hatch from Sunnyslope High School and Jessica Zylstra from Thunderbird High School.

Every September, the National Merit Scholarship Corporation selects semifinalists from 1.6 million entrants across the country.

Out of the 50,000 students with the highest PSAT/NMSQT Selection Index scores, approximately 16,000 high school students qualify as semifinalists.

From the semifinalists group, some 15,000 students met the very high academic standards and other requirements to advance to the finalist level of the competition. By the conclusion of the 2020 program, about half of the finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the prestigious Merit Scholar title.

Earlier this year, Alexis Hatch from Sunnyslope High School received finalist status and one of the 2020 National Merit $2,500 Scholarships for her impressive accomplishments, skills and potential for success in rigorous college studies.

District of Choice: #WeAreGUHSD

GUHSD recognizes that all students can be successful with high levels of support and assures they are prepared for life after graduation. Whether students wish to continue studies at college or university, enroll in alternative postsecondary programs, enlist in the military, or pursue another career, GUHSD provides the resources and assistance for them to fulfill their dreams. Even during the global pandemic, GUHSD faculty, staff and administrators make certain to offer additional and/or alternative options to students to help them become successful. With the district’s academically challenging curriculum and high standards of excellence, students have the opportunity to develop their talents, discover their potential and plan for their future. Despite the challenges of COVID-19, GUHSD remains committed to providing an excellent academic experience that is accessible to all learners.

NATIONALLY & INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNIZED ACADEMICS

CUTTING-EDGE STEM OFFERINGS

Working remotely from home or not, GUHSD students receive an excellent academic experience by participating in rigorous academic programs that guide them to be successful. While attending any one of GUHSD’s schools, students can earn college credits through Advanced Placement and dual-enrollment courses that colleges and universities recognize throughout the country. Additionally, students interested in pursuing university studies outside of the country may acquire the Advanced Placement International Diploma, a globally recognized achievement.

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education is vital for students’ college readiness. GUHSD continues to offer high levels of STEM courses such as Advanced Placement Physics; technologyrelated classes such as coding and Advanced Placement Computer Sciences; engineering-related courses including Robotics and Advanced Engineering Sciences; and rigorous math courses including Advanced Placement Calculus AB and Advanced Placement Calculus BC.

CHAMPIONSHIP ATHLETICS & EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

GUHSD schools prioritize student success for after high school. Whether students choose to pursue postsecondary education or begin a career immediately after graduation, GUHSD provides excellent Career & Technical Education (CTE) options to help them reach their goals.

Students have the opportunity to choose from more than 45 CTE courses and are currently participating in these programs through a virtual environment. Courses such as culinary, nursing, construction trades, fire science, home health education, welding technology and engineering are only a few that GUHSD schools offer. These programs prepare students to enter the workforce with the academic and technical skills needed to compete successfully in the job market.

GUHSD is proud to hold numerous regional and state championship titles. The 2019-2020 school year saw three state championships including the AIA 5A Volleyball State Championship by Sunnyslope High School, the AIA 4A Volleyball State Championship by Greenway High School and the 2020 AIA Boys Winter Soccer 4A State Championship by Washington High School. Reflecting on the 2018-2019 school year, more than 76 percent of students participated in athletics or belonged to one of more than 40 clubs and organizations offered at GUHSD schools.

AWARD-WINNING FINE & PERFORMING ARTS GUHSD confidently promotes and displays the immense contribution that arts education makes within its schools. Disciplines including dance, band, choir, theatre, media arts and visual arts continue to be essential elements of the GUHSD educational experience. Students have the opportunity to enhance their creative skills by participating virtually in these fine and performing arts programs.

VOLUNTEERISM & COMMUNITY SERVICE GUHSD provides numerous opportunities for students to make a positive impact in its communities. Students volunteered over 66,000 hours during the 2019-2020 school year. Their dedication to serving others continues to strengthen GUHSD and its community.

OUTSTANDING CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION OPTIONS

STATE-OF-THE-ART ONLINE LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES Accredited by AdvancED, the Glendale Union High School District Online Learning Academy offers excellent opportunities for students to choose from in an environment that fits their needs. Global pandemic or not, the GUHSD Online Learning Academy allows students to attend school in person full time or learn from home, which provides flexibility and opportunity for student success.

Visit guhsdaz.org for more information about the GUHSD educational experience, including a complete list of courses offered.

Superintendent Brian Capistran

LEADERSHIP COMMITTED TO STUDENT SUCCESS

GOVERNING BOARD

Excellence Continues

GUHSD Schools Rank Among the Nation’s Best

Pam Reicks President

Patti Hussey Clerk

Patty Kennedy

Susan Maland

Glendale Union High School District is honored and proud to be the leader of educational excellence in the Metro-Phoenix area. Its commitment to student achievement and focus on continuous improvement have been recognized on a local and national level, even during the global pandemic. GUHSD is known for having some of the highest-rated public high schools in Maricopa County. Its national accolades include being recognized as the Advanced Placement National District of the Year by the College Board, and its schools being consistently listed among America’s Top High Schools by U.S. News & World Report.

GUHSD schools are student focused, comprehensive and ever improving. During the 2019-2020 school year, graduating seniors earned over $83 million in scholarships, and 7,396 college credits through Advanced Placement and dualenrollment programs. On average, over 80 percent of students enroll in postsecondary education, enlist in the military or pursue another career.

Despite working through the challenges of the global pandemic, GUHSD students, parents, staff, teachers, and administrators continue to embrace GUHSD’s mission, “To Empower All Students for the Choices and Challenges of the Twenty-first Century” and its vision “To prepare all students for college and career.”

Visit guhsdaz.org for more information about the GUHSD educational experience, including a complete list of courses offered.

Graduates Earned

$83.6M

Students Earned

7,396

in Scholarships

College Credits

Students Volunteered

80%

66,072 hours in their communities

of students pursued postsecondary education

Data from 2019-2020

Andrew Pulcipher

APOLLO CORTEZ GLENDALE SUNNYSLOPE THUNDERBIRD

GREENWAY INDEPENDENCE MOON VALLEY WASHINGTON ONLINE LEARNING ACADEMY

ARIZONA SCHOOL TAX CREDIT Take the Credit and Reduce your Arizona State Income Taxes!

Did you know you could direct up to $400 back to your own pocket by making a tax credit contribution to the GUHSD school or program of your choice? You could receive one hundred percent of the credit back when you file your taxes!* Your tax credit contribution also helps students become involved in meaningful and life-enhancing activities. It can also help fund GUHSD athletic programs, fine and performing arts courses and college prep tests.

*Please see a tax professional for more details.

SUPPORT NEIGHBORHOOD STUDENTS

NO NET COST TO YOU

The Arizona State Public School Tax Credit Law allows taxpayers a tax credit of up to $400 for those filing personal taxes as “married filing jointly” or $200 for those filing “head of the household” or “single,” if they contribute to a public school.

Tax Year:

Name: Address: State: AZ

City:

Zip Code:

Phone:

Student(s) Name: (optional)

Amount of Donation $

School to receive donation:

(up to $200* or $400* if married filing jointly)

I wish to designate this money to the following area(s):

Contributions are nonrefundable. For a complete list of activities, visit the tax credit page at www.guhsdaz.org

Make checks payable to the school to which you are donating. If donating to multiple schools, separate checks must be made out for each one.

Mail this form and your check to the bookstore of the Glendale Union High School District school of your choice or donate online at guhsdaz.org.

Tax credit donations must be made by April 15.

DOLLAR-FOR-DOLLAR TAX CREDIT

GUHSD High Schools: Apollo 8045 N. 47th Ave. Glendale, AZ 85302 623-435-6311

Moon Valley 3625 W. Cactus Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85029 623-915-8019

Cortez 8828 N. 31st Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85051 623-915-8214

Sunnyslope 35 W. Dunlap Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85021 623-915-8783

Glendale 6216 W. Glendale Ave. Glendale, AZ 85301 623-435-6206

Thunderbird 1750 W. Thunderbird Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85023 623-915-8917

Greenway 3930 W. Greenway Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85053 623-915-8513

Washington 2217 W. Glendale Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85021 623-915-8408

Independence 6602 N. 75th Ave. Glendale, AZ 85303 623-435-6109

Northern Academy, Next Step or Online Learning Academy

7650 N. 43rd Ave. Glendale, AZ 85301 623-435-6039

PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTIFICATION OF NONDISCRIMINATION Annual Public Notification of Nondiscrimination: Glendale Union High School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability in admission to its programs, services or activities, in access to them, in treatment of individuals, or in any aspect of their operations. GUHSD provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. GUHSD Career & Technical Education Department does not discriminate in enrollment or access to any of the programs available, such as business, applied technology, FACS, nursing and fire science. The lack of English language skills shall not be a barrier to admission or participation in the district’s activities and programs. GUHSD does not discriminate in its hiring or employment practices. This notice is provided as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Questions, complaints or requests for additional information regarding these laws may be forwarded to the designated

OFFICE OF COMMUNITY RELATIONS 7650 N. 43RD AVENUE GLENDALE, AZ 85301 623-435-6000 www.guhsdaz.org

SUPERINTENDENT Brian Capistran GOVERNING BOARD MEMBERS Pam Reicks, President Patti Hussey, Clerk Patty Kennedy Susan Maland Andrew Pulcipher OUR MISSION To empower all students for the choices and challenges of the twenty-first century.

OUR VISION To prepare all students for college and career.

compliance coordinators by calling 623-435-6006 or 623-435-6067, or write to 7650 N. 43rd Ave., Glendale, AZ 85301.

NOTIFICACIÓN PÚBLICA ANUAL DE NO DISCRIMINACIÓN: El Glendale Union High School District (GUHSD) no discrimina en base a raza, color, nacionalidad, género, edad, o discapacidad de admisión a sus programas, servicios, o actividades, en acceso a ellas, en el tratamiento a individuos, o en ningún aspecto de sus operaciones. GUHSD provee el acceso igual a los Boy Scouts y otros grupos designados para los jóvenes. El departamento de Educación Técnica y de Carreras de GUHSD no discrimina en su matriculación ni en el acceso a cualquier de sus programas disponibles, como negocios, la tecnología aplicada, FACS, enfermería, y formación para bomberos. La falta de habilidades con el inglés no será una barrera a la admisión ni la participación en las actividades del distrito y sus programas. GUHSD tampoco discrimina en sus contratos o prácticas de empleados. Esta noticia es provista y requerida por el Título VI del Acto de Derechos Civiles de 1964, Sección 504 del Acto de Rehabilitación de 1973, Título IX de la Enmienda Educativa de 1972, en el Acto de Era de Discriminación de 1975, y el Acto de los Estadounidenses con Habilidades Diferenciadas de 1990. Ud. puede comunicarse con el coordinador de cumplimiento sobre preguntas, quejas, o para más información con respecto a estas leyes Director de Operaciones y Atletismo, 623-435-6006. Directora de la Educación Especial 623-435-6067; 7650 N. 43rd Ave. Glendale, AZ 85301.

RIGHTS FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES Pursuant to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 2004, each school district is responsible for identifying, evaluating and providing service for all public, private, or homeschooled children with disabilities.

If your child attends a private school or is home-schooled, and you feel that your child may need to be screened for a possible disability, you should contact the GUHSD Office of Special Education at 623-435-6067. You may also refer your child for screening by contacting the school psychologist at the public school your child would attend if he/she attended public school. All public school students are screened within six weeks of the date of enrollment in the public school.

The Glendale Union High School District continues its long-standing tradition of providing quality instructional staff to work with your children. Its teachers are recruited from the strongest teacher preparation programs in Arizona and across the nation. All teachers participate in ongoing professional development activities to maintain their content knowledge, as well as their ability to plan and deliver effective instruction. The district is proud of its record of student achievement, which is a direct result of the efforts of its professional staff.

As a parent of a student in the Glendale Union High School District, you have the right to know the professional qualifications of the teachers who instruct your child. Federal law allows you to ask

TAX CREDIT OPPORTUNITY INSIDE! CONTRIBUTE BY APRIL 15TH.

for certain information about your child’s teachers and requires us to provide this information in a timely manner. Specifically, you have the right to ask for the following information about each of your child’s teachers: whether the Arizona State Department of Education has licensed or qualified the teacher for the grades and the subjects he/she teaches; circumstances; the teacher’s college major, whether the teacher has any advanced degrees and if so, the subject of the degrees; whether any teacher’s aides or similar paraprofessionals provide services to your child and if they do, their qualifications. The Glendale Union High School District looks forward to continuing its positive partnership with parents. Your high expectations for student achievement, school involvement, and appropriate behavior on behalf of your student make an important difference in the success of GUHSD. For more information, please call Allison Mattingly at 623-435-6018.

Fiscal Responsibility & Financial Excellence Based on the 2019 Auditor General’s Classroom Spending Report, GUHSD invests more of its funding in the classroom than state and peer group district averages. The same report found that GUHSD spends less on administration than other state and peer group averages.

Glendale Union High School District continues to be fiscally responsible with taxpayer funds and earns prestigious awards from the Association of School Business Officials (ASBO) and the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for the past 30 years.

Scan this code to view the full report.

Learn more by visiting our website at guhsdaz.org

EXCELLENCE | YESTERDAY, TODAY & TOMORROW APOLLO CORTEZ GLENDALE SUNNYSLOPE THUNDERBIRD

GREENWAY INDEPENDENCE MOON VALLEY WASHINGTON ONLINE LEARNING ACADEMY