WWW.GILBERT SUN NEWS.COM
JULY 14, 2019
GPS superintendent: deeply rooted in family values BY DR. SHANE MCCORD Gilbert Public Schools Superintendent
D
ear Gilbert Public Schools community: As we prepare for the next school year, please let me start by thanking you for the trust you place in us every day. We take our role as educators, supporters, community leaders and role models very seriously. To that end, despite being a large district, we remain deeply rooted in our core values of being a family while positioning students first in all we do. Last year I asked all our teachers,
support workers and administrators to connect, create and care with every student and every colleague. It is a collective mission and one we will continue this year as we strive to inspire excellence in every learner. As we prepare for our 33,000 preK-12 students to return in August, we have been busy over the summer to ensure the 2019-20 school year builds on the momentum we created last year. Here are just some of the summer events I’d like to share with you: Our district and school websites have been updated, thereby enhancing your online experience and improving accessibility to all of the informa-
tion you need. Visit gilbertschools.net for everything you need for back to school, including school-supply lists, new start- and end-time reminders, and much more! Our Operations and Maintenance staff have spent the summer upgrading parking lots and facilities, laying new carpet, resurfacing gym floors, installing computer labs, painting our buildings and other efforts to ensure we are fully prepared for the return of our students and that learning environments are optimal for all. Finally, in addition to the pride I feel as your superintendent, I was humbled to learn in June that Gilbert Public Schools was recognized as the
2019 Employer of Choice by the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce. This incredible honor is owned by each and every staff member who supports our students each and every day. On behalf of the district, we remain grateful for all of your ongoing support that enables us, among other things, to create the most optimal learning environment possible for our students. To that end, the first day of school is August 1, and we can’t wait to see you all! We will be out at the bus stops and in our schools welcoming new and returning students and staff, and standing alongside our families as we all transition to new school start and end times.
Higley schools chief looks toward an exciting 2019-20 BY DR. MIKE THOMASON Higley Unified Supreintendent
W
elcome back for another exciting school year in
Higley! As we review the accomplishments of our teachers, we can say with great certainty that we have the best educators in Arizona. They have been working on their own all summer, attending trainings and making plans to engage your students in the classroom. As we say goodbye to the Class of 2019 and their recordbreaking $35 million in scholarships, we look forward to setting new goals and raising the bar for the children of the Higley Unified School District. This year promises to bring more pride to our schools and community through our nationally recognized arts, athletics and academic programs. From our preschool STEM and foreign language programs to our high school Advanced Placement and Dual Enroll-
ment classes, we promise to appropriately challenge your children academically. If the performing arts is your thing, we invite you to participate in our elementary orchestra program, join one of our award-winning choirs or just enjoy the music of a state champion band. If you enjoy athletics, follow our district sports programs as they promise to bring excitement to the Higley Unified School District. With the many announcements and scheduling information forthcoming from our district and schools, I encourage our families to download the Higley Unified School District App to keep up with all of your school’s latest news and information. Immediate information may be found on the district’s website at husd. org. I also invite you to follow us on Instagram, like us on Facebook and tweet us on Twitter. Finally, if you have not done so already, please update your contact information through ParentVue. I look forward to an outstanding school
Gateway Pointe Elementary School begins its first full year as an A+ School of Excellence after earning that coveted designation earlier this year. (Special to GSN )
year! There is no better place to learn and work. Thank you for your continued support as we strive to do our very best for
our community’s children. I look forward to seeing you and your children soon.