District News

Congratulations to the Employees of the Month for May:  Eydie Celles, fourth grade teacher, Desert View Elementary School; Nancy Flam, driver, Transportation; Abel Gallardo, driver, Transportation; Regina Garcia, office manager, Sunnyslope School; Ana Issa, social worker, Mountain View School; Steve Murosky, director, Academic Support Programs; Ann Nickel, third grade teacher, Sunburst Elementary School; and Nellie Schneider, social worker, Mountain View School.

Sponsored by various business partners, the Employee of the Month recognition is bestowed upon employees who have exemplified the Vision, Mission and Values of the WESD. These employees serve as an inspiration to others by maintaining high customer service standards and a commitment to student achievement. Honorees enjoy breakfast with the superintendent and are awarded with a commemorative gift.

Acacia Elementary

Acacia Elementary School recently hosted an outdoor assembly to celebrate being named "A+ School of Excellence."  Acacia is one of twenty schools in Arizona that received this award.  The A+ Program, sponsored by the Arizona Educational Foundation, recognizes and celebrates outstanding K-12 public schools that serve as models of overall educational excellence in Arizona.  These schools are recognized for their superior ability to meet the needs of their student populations.  At Acacia, positive partnerships are maintained with parents, community members and business partners. These partnerships have positively impacted achievement and the ability to inspire students to give back to their community, while emphasizing responsible citizenship.  This dedication and compassion is a significant part of Acacia's success.

Alta Vista Elementary

Students in grades 3-6 with academic honors during the last grading quarter had the opportunity to attend a student only Phoenix Symphony performance.  This year, almost 100 students attended along with an additional 30 students who had perfect attendance for the entire school year.

Students in the Alta Vista Island Wavez steel drum band recently returned from performing on Main Street in Disneyland.  After a whirlwind trip, the Island Wavez also performed during the ASU College of Education graduation on May 14.

Arroyo Elementary

Sixth grade students visited Catalina Island Marine Institute for a three-day marine plant and animal study.  Students learned about and touched algae, fish, sharks, and rays.  They participated in two daytime snorkeling adventures and one night snorkel. One of the highlights was a dissection lab where students identified parts of a squid

Congratulations to Bryce C., Martha M., and Ranya S., recipients of the Presidential Academic Award.  This award is given to students earning Principal's List accomplishments for all 12 quarters since fourth grade with no unsatisfactory behaviors or referrals.  These students were honored at a pinning ceremony and breakfast.  Lauren C., past recipient of the award, spoke to the students and guests about the award and future goals and expectations for the students.

Ironwood Elementary

On Friday, May 7, the PTO provided a Teacher Appreciation Luncheon for the staff.  The array of Mexican dishes, chips and dessert were provided by On the Border  and Maggianos Little Italy of  Scottsdale restaurants. John and Diana Wyllie and Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Berglund helped donate the food, as well as gifts for a teacher raffle.  With beautiful flowers, tablecloths and silverware at each table, staff members felt like they had been transported to Mexico for lunch.

Lookout Mountain Elementary

All third through sixth graders wrote and presented speeches in April related to topics in their social studies classes. Two students from each class were selected to present their speeches again at the school speech event. The following students were also chosen to present their speeches at the Washington Elementary School District Annual Speech Event in May:  Abigail A., Matthew B., Julia C., Willa K., Maddy M., Holly O., Aurora R. and Tayler W., third grade; Sophie A., Allie C., Tabitha C., Chad H., Ashlynn L., Lizzy N. and Tess S., fourth grade; Maggie H., Kyle H., Danny K., Ryan L., Andrew T., Emily V. and Chloe V., fifth grade; and Isabelle A., Anika B., Trevor G., Nicole H., Hayley N., Gabby S. and Allie V., sixth grade.

Sahuaro Elementary

The staff at Sahuaro enjoys competing against students at the end of the year in a friendly game of basketball and softball. On May 7, the staff played a 10 quarter basketball game against the boys and girls basketball teams. The students played very well; however, they could not overcome the skill of the staff. The sixth grade students will get another chance to try to beat the Sahuaro staff at a friendly game of softball on the last day of school, May 25.  Every year the students look forward to this event and it's a great way to say goodbye to the sixth graders before they head to middle school.

Sahuaro would like to thank all students and their families for a great year.  Please have a safe, but fun summer.  We look forward to next school year.

Sunburst Elementary

Character Counts Career Day at Sunburst was a rousing success!  Fifteen parents and community members volunteered their time to speak with classes about their careers and why good character is essential for success in those careers.  Police officers, firefighters, painters, scientists and writers attended.  A zookeeper, a fitness expert, an auto body repairman, and a McDonald's manager were also present. They all spoke to various grade levels and classrooms, sharing their daily activities and answering students' questions. Students now have ideas about a variety of career opportunities and the various skills and training required to be successful. 

Sunburst Elementary athletes performed well at the recent Hersey's Track Meet, held at Raymond Kellis High School on May 15.  Coach Roseanne Knight brought more athletes to the event than any other school in the state. Sunburst relay teams placed in the top seven of the state and the 11-12 year girls relay team took first place!  Congratulations to champions Abriana O., Amber M., Breon H., and Adara G.  

Sweetwater School

Ten students in sixth through eighth grades were inducted into the Sweetwater chapter of the National Junior Honor Society at the end of April.  Additionally, the six current members who completed a full year of service earned their honor pin, while the nine students who fulfilled two full years of service received their honor medal.  Membership in the National Junior Honor Society is focused on those students who exemplify the five ideals of the organization: scholarship, service, leadership, citizenship and character.  NJHS advisor, LaVonne Napier, also presented a special Service Award medal for the second consecutive year to Savannah P. for completing over 300 hours of community service during the past year.