Peoria Unified School District Annual Review 2014 by Peoria Unified School District

Peoria Uniﬁed Sch�l District A�ual Review 2014

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We Are Peoria Unified Peoria Unified prides itself on excelling schools, award-winning arts and Career & Technical Educa�on courses, specialized Signature programs, student safety, community engagement and fiscal responsibility. More than 24,000 families call their neighborhood Peoria school “home.” We invite you to see what Peoria Unified has to offer your family! As we embark on our 125th year of educa�ng students, Peoria Unified is proud to be unified — not uniform — and caters to the unique learning styles of individual students. From academics to the arts, our Signature programs and Career & Technical Educa�on courses provide custom learning opportuni�es to ensure Peoria Unified students are college and career ready — prepared to shape tomorrow.

Highlights from our 2013-14 year: l

95 % high school gradua�on rate, more than 15 % higher than the state average 20 schools, including all seven high schools rated “A” by the Ariz. Department of Educa�on $57 million in scholarships awarded to graduates

Governing Board

Hal Borhauer

Matt Bullock

Tracy Livingston

Kathy Knecht

The Peoria Unified School District proudly celebrates our 125th anniversary this year by educa�ng more than 36,500 students – Pre-K– through 12th-grade – in 34 elementary schools, seven high schools and one non-tradi�onal high school. From a one-room school house in 1889 – to one of Arizona’s largest unified districts – Peoria Unified serves communi�es in Peoria, Glendale, Sun City and Sun City West with a rich tradi�on of excellence.

James Kistner March-Dec. 2014

Joseph McCord Aug-Dec. 2013

Administration

Denton Santarelli, Ed.D. Heather Cruz, Ed.D. Superintendent Deputy Superintendent

Ken Hicks Chief Financial Oﬃcer

Student Achievement 2014 AZ LEARNS LABELS Alta Loma Elementary Apache Elementary Cactus High Canyon Elementary Centennial High Cheyenne Elementary Copperwood Elementary Co�on Boll Elementary Country Meadows Elementary Coyote Hills Elementary Desert Harbor Elementary Desert Palms Elementary Desert Valley Elementary Foothills Elementary Fron�er Elementary Heritage Elementary Ira A. Murphy Elementary Ironwood High Kachina Elementary Lake Pleasant Elementary Liberty High Marshall Ranch Elementary Oakwood Elementary Oasis Elementary Parkridge Elementary Paseo Verde Elementary Peoria Elementary Peoria High Peoria Tradi�onal School Peoria Transi�on Center Pioneer Elementary Raymond S. Kellis High Sahuaro Ranch Elementary Santa Fe Elementary Sky View Elementary Sun Valley Elementary Sundance Elementary Sunrise Mountain High Vistancia Elementary Zuni Hills Elementary

B B A C A B A B B A A B B B A B B A B A A A A B A A C A A C B A B A C B A A A B

Excelling schools, outstanding students

Peoria Unified is proud to receive an “A” label from the Ariz. Graduation Rates Department of Educa�on’s Peoria Unified AZ Learns A-F labeling % system. The district boasts a total of 20 “A” labeled Peer Average schools, including all seven 90% State Average of the Peoria Unified high 78% schools. With exceptional Source: Arizona Auditor General, FY2012 growth, the district con�nues to meet the benchmarks set for gradua�on rates, low drop-out rates and English Language Learners’ reclassifica�on rates.

Peoria Uniﬁed’s Curriculum & Instruc�on Department provides the leadership and guidance to increase student achievement through standards-based curricula, professional development and educa�onal support. To support the state-wide implementa�on of the College & Career Readiness Standards currently underway, and guarantee our students are prepared accordingly, educators are diligently working to ensure all stakeholders are prepared to meet the changes and challenges of the new assessments and standards.

$57 million in scholarships were awarded to Peoria Uniﬁed High School graduates in 2014

Budget and Finance Taxe rates decrease when property values increase Property owners in the district saw a tax rate decrease of 3.4%. The reduc�on is a combina�on of new developments and rising property values, both good indicators of a growing local economy.

Peoria Uniﬁed was recently identiﬁed as one of eight high-achieving, low-cost public education operations in Arizona. Source: The Washington, D.C. Center for American Progress

A great return on your investment Eight valley school districts rank at the top in Arizona for giving students a big academic “return on investment” for the amount of tax dollars spent, according to a new na�onal report. The Washington, D.C., Center for American Progress iden�fied Peoria Unified as one of eight high-achievement, low-cost opera�ons. Results on state tests and the Ariz. Office of the Auditor General’s annual school spending profiles are school measurements available to taxpayers and voters. The report also took into account each district’s challenges, such as student poverty levels. Source: The Republic | azcentral.com | August 8, 2014

We accomplish more with less Peoria Unified spends $166 less per student on facility and plant opera�ons than the state average, according to the Ariz. Office of the Auditor General. This reinforces the district’s commitment to reduce u�li�es costs and effec�vely manage available resources. High expecta�ons and successful achievements are accomplished with limited resources. According to the Auditor General, Peoria Unified receives $477 less per student than the average of the largest school districts in Arizona and $788 less than the overall state average. Compared to the national average, Peoria Unified receives $3,950 less per student. Student Support 8.7¢ Instruc�onal Support 5.2¢

FY 2013 Expenditures / $191 Million Budget

Per pupil spending among States with populations similar to Arizona:

56¢

Classroom Instruc�on

4.4¢ Food Service 3.6¢ Transporta�on 11.3¢ Maintenance & Opera�ons (M&O) 10.8¢

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Popula�on Division, Release Date: December 2013

Administra�on

Source: Arizona Auditor General, FY2013

View the Annual Finance and Budget Report at www.peoriaud.k12.az.us, located under Financial Transparency.

Custom Education for Student Succe� Options to customize an education for unique individuals Peoria Unified is proud to be unified — not uniform — and caters to the unique learning styles of individual students. From academics to the arts, Peoria Unified’s Signature Programs provide customized education and specialized learning opportuni�es for all students. Peoria Unified accepts Open Enrollment variance applica�ons year-round at all schools for all programs. To learn more about our programs and how to enroll in them, visit us at www. peoriaud.k12.az.us, email ques�ons to pusdpr@pusd11.org or call 623-486-6100.

Career & Technical Education (CTE) Programs

Pre-K through 12th Grade

Signature Programs

Preschool (full-day programs)

Business, Marketing & Management

Accoun�ng | Business Administra�on Financial Services | Marke�ng

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Industrial, Manufacturing & Engineering

Arts Integra�on | Foothills Project Search | Desert Palms Science Inquiry | Desert Palms Second Language Immersion | Santa Fe

K-8 Grades

Automo�ve Technologies | Construc�on Technologies Engineering | Welding

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Communication & Information Systems

Computer Maintenance | Media Produc�ons Networking | Game Design | So�ware Development

Health Services

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Medical Assis�ng | Nursing Sports Medicine & Rehabilita�on

9-12 Grades

Environmental & Agricultural Systems

Agriscience & Landscaping | Biotechnology Sports Turf | Nursery Management

Interna�onal Baccalaureate | Ironwood University High | Sunrise Mountain

Other specialized opportunities available to high school students:

Human Services & Resources

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Math, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) Online Courses Dual Enrollment/College Credits Advanced Placement Courses MET Professional Academy | Peoria Opening soon

Highlights of Student Succe�

REMI OSO Ironwood High Na�onal Achievement Scholarship ﬁnalist, Bill Gates Millennium scholar, more than $1.6 million in scholarships oﬀered from Ivy League schools, MIT and Stanford

CAMRAE MCMANAMAN

JAKE JELINEK

Peoria High

Sunrise Mountain High

Ariz. Youth of the Year Boys & Girls Club, Metropolitan Phoenix

First in state to serve as a Youth Liaison on a City Council, Peoria

CHRISTOPHER SMITH Oakwood Elementary Perfect EXPLORE test score

JIAQI EU | KYLEE BURGESS | MIKAY LA WHALE N

ELIZABETH GIELEN

Best Overall Mobile App Award, Ariz. State University Polytechnic “Schools Par�cipate in App Resource & Knowledge” SPARK App League

First place in seventh-grade Na�onal Be Kind People Project Wri�ng Contest

Centennial High

Kachina Elementary

Proud Achievements

presented the Peoria Uniﬁed Governing Board s Educa�on Network Kennedy Center Alliance for Art socia�on Award and Na�onal School Board’s As

CENTENNIAL & IRONWOOD HIGH SCHOOLS Won $25,000 in State Farm Insurance’s Celebrate My Drive video contest

ISSAC KEENE | TIM LITWILL ER | YURIY ISPARYA N | KEN KEENE, INSTRU CTOR NOT PICTUR ED: MALIK FARRIA | JORGE FLORES Centennial High’s Peoria Sports Broadcast Network (PSBN) Na�onal grand prize winner of NewTek’s “Why I Love My School” video contest

State Athletic Championships CARLA MOORE | BARBARA ZECH Lake Pleasant Elementary American Diabetes Associa�ons’ Partner in Care Award

Proud Achievements

KEEGAN CARLSON Ironwood High

Na�onal winner of Mothers Against Drunk Driving Power of Youth video contest

ANNA CHACO N, ANAIRI S CHACO N, MICHEL E TO, LESLIE ROBLED O, RAMON NIETO, MATTH EW GALLEG OS, JACQUE LINE ENRIQU EZ Raymond S. Kellis High Arit-Pa non-proﬁt team $25,000 winner in na�onal Lead2Feed challenge

Proud Achievements

DR. ROBERT BENSON Foothills Elementary

MICHAEL WAKEFORD Raymond S. Kellis High

CINDY PIANO Heritage Elementary

Governor’s Arts in Educa�on Individual Award winner

Teacher of the Year Sharing Down Syndrome Arizona

U.S. Presiden�al Award for Excellence in STEM Teaching

MIKE SUMAN Ironwood High Warren H. Lee Trainer of the Year Award

VISTAN CIA ELEMEN TARY Celebrates an A+ School of Excellence Ra�ng from the Ariz. Educa�on Founda�on

MYLIFE PROGRAM WESTMARC Quality of Life Enhancement Best of the West Award

Co�unity Engagement Schools open to community — take a tour to see why our students continue to excel The Peoria Unified School District hosts bi-annual Patron Tours to give our community members a ﬁrst-hand view of Scan the code and view a 3 minute Youtube video our excep�onal schools and about Peoria Uniﬁed’s Patron Tours the opportuni�es available for students in our district. This unique, interac�ve campus tour gives patrons — parents, residents and business For more informa�on and to register leaders — an opportunity for the Spring Patron Tour, email pusdpr@pusd11.org to experience our awardwinning programs.

Our community brings input to 21st Century Community Education Forum Peoria Uniﬁed held its third 21st Century Community Educa�on Forum and parents and patrons turned out to provide feedback about the educa�onal topics most important to them. More than 230 individuals joined the conversa�on last fall and engaged in discussions on the budget, College & Career Ready Standards, the Strategic Plan, school schedules and student safety.

Join us! The Spring Patron Tour will begin at 8 a.m., Friday, March 6, 2015 at Peoria High School. During the tour, patrons will ride a yellow school bus to Santa Fe Elementary School. An invita�on to join us for our Patron Tour is extended to any resident, re�ree, business owner or government oﬃcial within the district. A con�nental breakfast and lunch will be provided.

Community members unable to a�end could connect to the conversa�on by sending in ques�ons via Facebook and Twi�er and watching the event streamed live. As a follow-up, Peoria Uniﬁed posted a Community Educa�on Forum document online which outlines the progress that has been made to date on topics discussed.

For more informa�on, and to register for the Patron Tour, email pusdpr@pusd11.org.

Grateful for incredible community support We are humbled by the incredible support we receive from our generous community. Many give their �me and talents through volunteerism or oﬀer contributions through tax credits and donations. This support allows us to do great things for children and, in turn, makes a great diﬀerence for our future genera�on of leaders. 2013 was a record year for tax credit contribu�ons. More than $1.6 million was collected for students to par�cipate in extracurricular ac�vi�es.

Co�unity Engagement Something to tout about

Peoria Uniﬁed received two Ariz. School Public Rela�ons Associa�on (ASPRA) awards: an Award of Dis�nc�on for the district’s mobile App and an Award of Excellence for a monthly newsle�er. The mobile App provides families with 24/7/365 access to calendars, menus, a school directory linking to school websites and social media sites, events and more. The App also has the capability for a student or parent to report threats to the safety of themselves or others.

Spotlighting student talents at Arts and Cultural Festival Each year, the Peoria Uniﬁed School District and the Peoria Educa�on Founda�on partner with the City of Peoria to hold an event that families look forward to all year long – the Peoria Arts & Cultural Fes�val. The free, familyfriendly event highlights music, dance and artwork from

An ASPRA Award of Excellence was given for the monthly newsle�er, Peoria Uniﬁed’s Latest Spotlight on Excellence — PULSE — which delivers district-wide news and updates as well as lunch menus right to an email inbox. Peoria Uniﬁed also won two Golden Achievement Awards from the Na�onal School Public Rela�ons Associa�on (NSPRA) for exemplary public rela�ons for the Crisis Communica�on Plan and the mobile App.

Foundation enhances excellence in education Since 1987, the Peoria Educa�on Founda�on has oﬀered grants to teachers to enhance educa�onal opportuni�es for students. Thanks to generous dona�ons and support from community partners, private donors, the annual Peoria Arts & Cultural Fes�val, Peoria Uniﬁed personnel and various fundraisers, the Founda�on has distributed more than $1 million in educator grants to district teachers and scholarships to students over the past 10 years.

SAVE THE DATE! elementary and high school Peoria Arts & Cultural students. Students perform Festival | 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. live at the event and have Sat., April 11, 2015 a unique opportunity to Old Town Peoria All proceeds from this event fund showcase the wide variety grants for arts projects in Peoria Uniﬁed of opportunities students classrooms. within the Peoria Uniﬁed School District are exposed to through the arts. Proceeds from the event go to the Peoria Educa�on Founda�on. We hope you will join us for next year’s Arts & Cultural Fes�val on April 11!

The Peoria Education Foundation is a nonprofit organiza�on and members who serve on the Board are local business and community leaders. The Foundation’s largest fundraiser, the 10th annual Visionary Educa�on Awards Gala, will be held at the Arizona Broadway Theatre on March 30, 2015. The community is welcome to attend. More information available soon at www.peoriaedfounda�on.org.

Directory of Schools HIGH SCHOOLS

K-8 ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS Alta Loma Elementary

Peoria, AZ 85345-7016

Foothills Fine Arts Academy

Glendale, AZ 85306-2328

Cactus High

Peoria Elementary

6330 W. Greenway Road Glendale, AZ 85306-3204

11501 N. 79th Avenue Peoria, AZ 85345-1358

Centennial High

Apache Elementary

Fron�er Elementary

Canyon Leadership Academy/ Sunﬂower Center

Heritage Elementary

Pioneer Elementary

Ironwood High

Ira A. Murphy Elementary

Sahuaro Ranch Elementary

Liberty High

8633 W. John Cabot Road Peoria, AZ 85382-0879 (623) 412-4875 5490 W. Paradise Lane

Cheyenne Elementary

Copperwood Elementary

Co�on Boll Elementary

Country Meadows Elementary

Coyote Hills Elementary

Desert Harbor Elementary

Desert Palms Elementary

14388 N. 79th Avenue Peoria, AZ 85381-4682

21258 N. 81st Avenue

5312 W. Mountain View Road Glendale, AZ 85302-2200

Peoria, AZ 85345-6735

6315 W. Port au Prince Lane Glendale, AZ 85306-3203

Glendale, AZ 85302-1100

6051 W. Sweetwater Glendale, AZ 85304-1100 (623) 486-6400 9621 W. Speckled Gecko Drive Peoria, AZ 85383 (623) 773-6525

Kachina Elementary

Santa Fe Elementary

Peoria High

Lake Pleasant Elementary

Sky View Elementary

Peoria Transi�on Center

Marshall Ranch Elementary

Sundance Elementary

Raymond S. Kellis High

Oakwood Elementary

Sunset Heights Elementary

Sunrise Mountain High

Oasis Elementary

Sun Valley Elementary

Parkridge Elementary

Vistancia Elementary

5304 W. Crocus Drive Glendale, AZ 85306-4399

11200 N. 83rd Avenue Peoria, AZ 85345-5945 (623) 486-6300

8624 W. Sweetwater Avenue

8990 W. Orangewood Avenue Glendale, AZ 85305

Glendale, AZ 85304-1966 12900 N. 71st Avenue Peoria, AZ 85381-5040 7841 W. Sweetwater Peoria, AZ 85381-4994 9970 W. Beardsley Road

11200 N. 83rd Avenue Peoria, AZ 85345-5945

21200 N. 83rd Avenue Peoria, AZ 85382-2436 (623) 487-5125

30009 North Sunrise Point

Paseo Verde Elementary

12901 N. 63rd Avenue Glendale, AZ 85304-1702 (623) 412-4750

7880 W. Greenway Road Peoria, AZ 85381-3830 (623) 412-5075

Sun City, AZ 85373 (623) 412-5275

www.peoriaud.k12.az.us Facebook.com/peoriaschooldistrict Twi�er @peoriauniﬁed11

Youtube.com/pusdoﬃcialchannel Pinterest.com/peoriauniﬁed11

pusdpr@pusd11.org Peoria Uniﬁed School District Administra�on Center 6330 W. Thunderbird Road Glendale, Ariz. 85306 623-486-6100