April 2021

Governing Board Message

As many of you know, the Governing Board has been searching for the next superintendent of PVSchools, and we want to thank all of you who provided input throughout the process, particularly through the stakeholder interviews and community forum. We were truly fortunate to have three finalists with such incredible breadth and depth of experience and qualifications wanting to serve as our next superintendent. Read the entire letter.

Anne Greenberg Governing Board President

Spotlight: The Benefits of a Dual Language Immersion Program

Are you considering a well-rounded elementary school or middle school experience that includes a bilingual immersion program? Children attending Dual Language Immersion Programs learn to speak, write, read in two languages, ideally becoming bilingual in the process.

PVSchools Dual Language Immersion Programs Parents want their children academically prepared with the 21st-century skill set to compete and succeed in a global marketplace. PVSchools paves the pathway for students to achieve this goal at the elementary, middle, and high school levels by providing the opportunity to become fluent in either Mandarin or Spanish. Learn more about the benefits of a Dual Language Immersion Program.

District News

Honoring David Franks

At the end of the 2019-2020 school year, Sunset Canyon Elementary School was faced with the sudden loss of beloved Principal David Franks.

On March 5, the school community reflected on his legacy with a Dedication Ceremony of memorials around campus that celebrate the lasting impact he made, and the reminder to us all to “Be good, do good.” View the video.

A Message from Dr. Troy J. Bales, Superintendent-Elect

First and foremost, I am truly humbled and honored to be selected as the new superintendent of PVSchools. I would like to thank the PVSchools Governing Board for creating a comprehensive and thorough interview process that involved our stakeholders in the decision-making process, and most importantly, for entrusting me with the future success of PVSchools. Read the entire letter.

SEL Creating Safe and Supportive Learning Environments

Effective Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) requires that schools and parents work together to create safe and supportive learning environments that help children understand themselves, understand others and make responsible decisions. The videos below review the importance of SEL skills and outline some ways that schools and families can work together to help grow those skills.

View the English video. View the Spanish video.

PVSchools Hosts Virtual College & Career 101 – An Introduction of College & Career Basics Event

PVSchools Assessment Department will guide parents and students through the college and career planning process during a virtual presentation on College & Career 101 – An Introduction of College & Career Basics on April 28 from 6-7 p.m. Attend the virtual meeting by joining with the Google Meets link. Learn more about the event.

Registration Now Open for PVSchools Summer Programs

PVSchools offers a robust selection of programs that will keep curious children active, engaged, and safe all summer long. Registration is now open for Community Education's Summer Programs, including

Enrichment Summer Programs High School Summer School Mascot Summer Camp

Learn more about summer programs and the registration process.

PVSchools Offers Free PVOnline Summer Course for Currently Enrolled High School Students

This summer, currently enrolled PVSchools high school students have the opportunity to take one summer school class free of charge through PVOnline. Interest students should work with their high school counselors to enroll. Learn more about summer programs offered through PVOnline.

Child Identity Theft Information from the Federal Trade Commission

“A child's Social Security number can be used by identity thieves to apply for government benefits, open bank and credit card accounts, apply for a loan or utility service, or rent a place to live. Check for a credit report to see if your child’s information is being misused." Read the article provided by the IT Department.

PVSchools in the News

View the latest news articles that mention PVSchools.

Staff & Student Highlights

Paradise Valley High CREST Teacher Receives the 2021 NCWIT Arizona Affiliate Educator Award

Michelle Cannon, a computer science teacher in the Center for Research, Engineering, Science, and Technology program at Paradise Valley High School, is the 2021 National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) Arizona Affiliate Educator Award Winner. Learn more about the award.

Paradise Valley High Teacher Named as Arizona Thespians 2020 Arizona Theatre Teacher of the Year

Carina Stiles, the theatre director and a teacher at Paradise Valley High School, is the recipient of the Arizona Thespians 2020 Arizona Theatre Teacher of the Year Award. Learn more about the award.

Shadow Mountain High JROTC -

Air Force Student Receives J-100 Scholarship

Audra Lindquist, a student at Shadow Mountain High School, is the recipient of the Air Force Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps J-100 Character-in-Leadership Scholarship. The J-100 Scholarship provides 100 high school seniors the opportunity to pursue a commission in the United States Air or Space Forces while earning their college degree. View the video.

Paradise Valley High School Senior Wins AIA Division II Heavyweight Wrestling Championship

Cailor Benson, a senior at Paradise Valley High School, won the Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA) Division II State Wrestling Championship for the 285-pound weight class on March 19 that was held at Poston Butte High School. Learn more about Benson's win.

Audra Lindquist

Sunrise DLC Students Compete in iCivics State Civics E-Tournament

Having advanced from the Regional iCivics competition, Sunrise Middle School had seven students from the Digital Learning Center (DLC) program participate in the iCivics State Civics virtual competition.

First Place Winners: Sam Frutkin, Max Stephney, and Tyler Surguine

Learn more about the iCivics competition.

Pinnacle High School DECA Chapter Receives Arizona DECA Outstanding Chapter of the Year Award

Not only was the Pinnacle High School DECA Chapter the recipient of the Arizona DECA Outstanding Chapter of the Year Award at the virtual Arizona DECA Conference held in late February, but the DECA students also racked up numerous medals during the competition. Learn more about the DECA competition.

6 Paradise Valley High CREST Students Selected for BIO5 Institute's KEYS Research Internship Program

Six Paradise Valley High School Center for Research, Engineering, Science, and Technology (CREST) Bioscience students were selected to participate in the University of Arizona’s Keep Engaging Youth in Science (KEYS) Research Internship Program. Learn more about the internship.

Larkspur Elementary Receives Mask Donation

The Suns Organization and the Maricopa County School Superintendent's Office graciously donated more than 400 masks to Larkspur Elementary School students and staff. The masks were made by the Suns' Organization using multiple layers of jersey knit material. Larkspur students and staff were thrilled to receive the masks as a special surprise.

Paradise Valley High CREST Students Recognized by NCWIT

Several Paradise Valley High School CREST Computer Science students have been recognized by the National Center for Women and Information Technology Award for Aspirations in Computing for their accomplishments.

Aastha Mittal – AZ Rising Star Arushi Sharma – AZ Honorable Mention Chloe Rozalsky – AZ Honorable Mention Isabella Swanson – AZ Honorable Mention Shiza Naiyer – AZ Honorable Mention Megan Howell – AZ Honorable Mention, National Honorable Mention Lasya Sreenivasan – AZ Honorable Mention, National Honorable Mention Oceana Covington – AZ Winner, National Honorable Mention

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